The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-03-27

were swiftly and silently forming a
circle inclosing the spot where the
three white men, who had covered
themselves as best they could with
trees, waited in grim steadiness for
the worst.
Quite beyond gunshot range, but
near enough for Oncle Jazon to rec.
ognize LOng-Hair as their leader, the
Indians halted and began making
signs to one another all round the
line. Evidently they dreaded to test
the craftsmanship of such rifiemen
as they knew most border men to be.
Indeed, Long-Hair had personal
knowledge of what might certainly be
expected from both kenton and OncIe
Jazon: they were terrible when out
for fight; the red warriors from Geor-
gia to the great lakes had heard Of
them; their names smacled of tragedy.
Nor was Beverly without fame among
Long Hairs followers. who had lis
tened to the story of his fighting quat
ties. brought 20 Vincennes by the two
survivors of the scouting party so
CIeverly defeated by him.
THE hver-colored towards" said
Kent0n. ARE afeard of us in a shootin'-
match; they know that a lot Of 'em
would have to die if they should I'M
dertake an open fight with US. It's
some sort Of a sneakin' game they
are studyin about just now
I'm a gittin' mos too ole to shoot
vo'th cent" said Oncle Jazon. but
I'd give half O. my scalp eff tibet Long
Hair would come clost enough TO- me
TO git a bead onto his lef eye. It's
tol-ble plain at were gone soslins
this time, I'm thinkin'; still it'd be
mighty satisfyin' If l could plug out
a LET eye or two fore I go"
Beverly was silent; the words Of his
companions were heard by him. but
not noticed. Nothing interested him
save the thought OF escaping and
making his way TO Clark. To fail
meant infinitely more than death, Of
which he had as small fear as most
brave men, and to succeed meant ev-
erything that life could offer. So, in
the unlimited selfishness of love, he
did not take his companions into ac-
count.
The three stood in a close set clump
of four or FIVE scrub oaks at the high
est point of thinIy wooded knoll
that sloped down in all directions 10
the prairie Their view was wide, but
/. in places obstructed by the trees.
Men" said Kenton, after a
thoughtful and watchful silence, the
thing looks kind O squally for us. 1
don't see much Of a glance to get out
Of this alive; but we've got to try
He showed by the density Of his
voice and q certain gray finn In his
face that he felt the awful gravity
Of the situation, but he was calm
ard net il muscle quivered.
"They's jes' two chances for US, "
said Oncle Jazou, AN them's as
SLIM as a broom straw. Wc'ge got to
stan here an fight it out, or wait till
night an sneak through atween EN-
an run for it,
Il don't see any hope o sneahn'
through The line" observed Kenton-
Its not go.n' TO be dark tonight"
..Na-aI." Oncle Jazon drawle1
uonchalau-ly while he took in a quid
/ Of tobacco. I've been into tighter
soueezes an this. many a time, an l
got out, too"
Likely enough" said Kenton, still
/ rejecting while his eyes roamed
around the circle OF savages.
Il TT the skunks in Ferginny fore
y0us thought Of. 81 Kenont, an down
in Caruna in them hills. II ye think
I'm a goin' TO be scalped where they
amt no scalp, ithout tryin, a few
lodges, yer a dad dasteder fool an /
used to think ye was, an that >
maxim a big compliment to ye.
well. we don't have to argy this
question, Oncle Jazon; they're a gitun'
ready TO. run in upon Us, and we've
got to fight. I say, Beverley, are ye
ready for fast sh0otjn'? Have ye got
a plenty Of bullets?"
Yes, RoussilIou gave, me a hun
Ered- Do you thiuk-"
He was Interrupted by yell that
leaped from savage mouth to mouth
ali around the circle, and then the
charge began.
Steady. now grOwled KentOn,
Tets not be in a hurry. Wait till
they come nigh enough to hit EN- DO
+ fore we shoot"
ne JlllE WIS snort IoI lIAB AHl4ail5
came on at almost race-horse speed.
Oncle Jazon fired first. the long,
/ keen crack OF his small-bOre rife split
/ ting the air with a suggestion Of
vicious energy. and a 1.-the young
warrior, who was outstripping all his
/ fellows, Ieaped high and fell par
/ aIyzed.
Cant shoot wo'th n cent" muttered
/ the old man, deity beginning to reload
/ his gun the while, but I jes' hap
/ pened to hit that buck. Hen never
/ git my scalp. thet's sartin an sure"
/ Beverley and Kenton each likewise
/ dropped an Indian, but the shots did
not even check the rush. LongHair
had planned to capture his prey. not
kill It, Every savage had his orders
to take the white men alive; Hamil
/ tons larger reward depended on this
/ Right on they came, as fast as their