READY FOR THE FOE--DIO'S MASTER-STROKE--THE BATTLE--DEFEAT OF THE
REDSKINS--WATCHING THROUGH THE NIGHT--A RECONNOITRING PARTY--A PERILOUS
DUTY--THE COAST CLEAR--EXPLORING THE WOODS--THE RUSTLING IN THE LEAVES--
AN AMERICAN LION--FIGHT BETWEEN A PUMA AND BOAR--FRESH PROVISIONS--NO
ENEMY NEAR--TIM CASEY'S REDSKINS--THE START--SEEKING A FORD--CROSSING
DISCOVERED BY DIO--A CAVALRY ENGAGEMENT--DEATH OF AN INDIAN CHIEF--A
STRANGE COLONY--PRAIRIE DOGS--SCARCITY OF WATER--SUFFERINGS OF THE
PARTY--SET OUT TO PROCURE RELIEF--MAKE FOR FORT HAMILTON--HORSES BITTEN
BY RATTLE-SNAKE--A WELCOME SIGN--FRIENDS OR FOES--THE SERGEANT OF THE
GUARD--THE CHALLENGE AFTER THE SHOT--THE FORT REACHED--OUR RECEPTION--
THE DOCTOR'S TREATMENT OF MY HORSE--A VISIT TO THE FORTIFICATIONS.
Kept on the alert by Mr Tidey's warnings, I continued racing up and
down the portion of the camp which had been allotted to me to guard. It
was the north-west angle, contained by the line of breastwork which ran
along the edge of the ravine and half of that by the brink of the cliff.
I frequently stopped to listen, stretching over as far as I could to
look down into the depths of the gorge below, I had been on watch about
an hour and had just reached the eastern end of my beat, where it joined
that of Dio, who was posted at the northern angle, when I saw the black
come creeping towards me.
"Hist! Massa Mike," he whispered, "me tink me hear someting down below,
may be bear or painter, or may be red-skin comin' to try and cut our
t'roats. He no get in so easy 'dough. Jes' come an' say what you t'ink
it is, Massa Mike, but not show yourself, or if red-skin savage him
shoot his arrow."
Following Dio's example, I stooped down and crept cautiously on to the
point to which he conducted me. We listened attentively. The sound of
the cattle cropping the grass, or the cry of some night-bird, and now
and then the snore of a sleeper, alone broke the silence of night.
"I can hear no sounds, Dio," I whispered.
"Dat show me dat he no bear, painter, or wolf, for dey rush about de
brushwood. Red-skin too clever for dat."
"Keep watch then, Dio," I said, "while I call Mr Tidey. You very
likely are right; and if he thinks so, we must rouse up the rest of the
camp. You must keep an eye to my post, which I ought not to quit except
on an emergency."
I ran to the opposite angle, where the Dominie had stationed himself,
and told him that Dio had heard a movement below us.
"Just what I expected," he answered; "go back to your post, and I will
call up your father and uncle, and the rest of the men if necessary."
I hurried back and had scarcely got half-way across the camp, though it
was not many paces wide, when I saw Dio lift up his double-handed axe,
and strike a blow with it at some object which was to me invisible. The
Dominie, who had seen the occurrence, rushed back to the breastwork. We
were just in time to catch sight of the feather-bedecked heads of two
Indians rising above the bank, on which they were about to place their
knees. The next moment Dio's axe came down on one of them, while the
Dominie struck a blow at the other which hurled him backwards.
"Give a look to the side of the gully, they will be attempting to get in
there presently. The Indians expect to surprise us, but we will turn
the tables on them," whispered Mr Tidey.
I followed his directions, but on looking over the breastwork could see
no one. My father and the other men were on their feet in a moment.
Hitherto not a word had been spoken above a whisper, so that should any
redskins be making their way up the gully they would not discover that
we were on the alert, unless the sound of the falling bodies of those
who had been killed had reached their ears. I was quickly joined by
Uncle Denis and Dan, who had crept along so as not to show their heads
over the fortifications. We had thrown a quantity of brushwood on the
logs, which served more effectually to conceal us, with here and there
an opening through which we could look. We each of us stationed
ourselves at one of these loop-holes. Several minutes had passed, I
listened, expecting that some sound would indicate the approach of the
enemy, but I could neither hear nor see anything, and I began to fancy
that the three Indians we had disposed of were alone engaged in the
attempt to surprise us, or that their companions, if they had any, on
their being killed, had taken to flight. What was going on, on the
other side of the camp, I could not tell, but I felt very sure that my
father was keeping a vigilant watch, and was prepared for whatever might
occur. The camp was wrapped in as perfect silence as if we had all been
asleep. Presently it was broken by the reports of rifles fired almost
simultaneously, succeeded by a chorus of the most fearful yells and
whoops I had ever heard, proceeding from the throats it seemed of a
whole legion of savages. The horses and terrified cattle tugged at
their tether ropes, two or three breaking loose and rushing up to the
side I was on for protection, being the furthest from the dreaded
sounds. Others stood trembling, too paralysed with fear to move. Had
it not been for the breastwork, I suspect we should have lost many of
them over the cliff. My first impulse was to hasten to the side
attacked, but in the interval between the war-whoops, I heard my
father's voice shouting, "Stay all of you at your posts, we don't know
on which side we may next be attacked."
Our men continued firing as rapidly as they could load, and as far as I
could judge were successfully keeping the foe at bay; though showers of
arrows kept falling into the camp, and we on the opposite side ran no
slight risk of being wounded. I was looking through my loophole, when I
saw some dark objects creeping out from amid the brushwood on the
opposite side of the ravine. Under other circumstances I should have
supposed that they were four-footed animals, wolves, or wild hogs, but
as it was, I was very certain that they were men. They advanced but a
few paces, then stopped as if surveying the side of the fort in front of
them. Once more they began to creep on slowly. Hurrying up to Dan, I
despatched him to tell our father what I had seen, and that within a
minute probably we should be attacked.
"I see them," whispered Uncle Denis, "we must hold them in check until
assistance arrives."
We were not long kept in a state of suspense. In a shorter space of
time than I had expected another fearful shriek rent the air, and a host
of dark forms sprang into view; at the same moment a flight of arrows
came whistling above our heads. The brushwood, however, deceived them,
and the missiles flew over us, though we feared that some of the cattle
would be wounded.
"Now give it them!" cried my uncle, and we both fired, bringing down two
of our assailants. For a moment they were checked, but once again
moving on, they began scrambling up the side of the breastwork, and
would in another instant have been over it, when we were joined by my
father, Mr Tidey, and most of the men, who, having poured a volley full
in the faces of the foe, seized their axes and soon cleared the
breastwork. We quickly reloaded again, and fired on our retreating
enemies, who sprang down the sides of the gully, to shelter themselves
in the brushwood from which I had seen them emerge. Scarcely was this
done, than a shout from Martin Prentis, who was in charge of the
opposite side, summoned back the party to defend it. They reloaded as
they went, and were just in time to fire a volley on the savages who had
rallied and charged almost close up to the waggons; but meeting
unexpectedly so determined a resistance, they once more scampered off,
much faster than they had approached.
We still kept, however, a vigilant watch on the cliff side, lest the
cunning savages, fancying that we should be off our guard, might again
attempt to surprise us. As may be supposed none of us turned in. Some
of the men were employed in examining the wounds the cattle had
received. Fortunately two of the people only had been slightly hurt by
the arrows, several of which, however, were found sticking in the
waggons, or had gone through the tilts.
Mr Tidey, Dio, and I continued pacing up and down above the cliff, over
which we constantly looked, our eyes endeavouring to detect any movement
in the bushes, which might indicate the presence of Indians.
As far as we could see through the gloom, all was perfectly quiet. At
length some bright streaks appeared in the eastern sky. Slowly the
light increased, and we could see and hear the water as it flowed far
down below us, the cliffs on the opposite side of the river coming into
view; still a part of the trees across the gully were shrouded in gloom,
and might, for what we could tell, conceal our foes.
It was with a feeling of thankfulness that I at length saw the sun
himself rising above the prairie, over which we had passed on the
previous day, and soon the whole country was lighted up by his bright
rays. From the elevated position of our camp, we could obtain an
extensive view to the eastward and south, though the rising ground
across the river to the north prevented us from seeing far in that
direction, while the wood which clothed the side of the ravine continued
on some way to the westward, and shut out the prospect.
"We must manage to ascertain whether any of the red-skins are lurking in
that wood," observed Mr Tidey; "they are very likely to have stowed
themselves away, ready to rush out upon us, while they fancy that most
of the men are engaged with the cattle outside, or have gone down to the
river to draw water. It won't do to trust those fellows,
notwithstanding the defeat they have received."
I agreed with him, and arranged, if my father did not object, to make an
excursion into the wood as soon as we had had breakfast, taking care not
to be surprised ourselves by those whose presence it was our object to
discover. As soon as I was off my watch, I went to ascertain how it
fared with my mother and her young charges. She had remained in her
tent, under the shelter of the waggons, during the whole time, and had
been less alarmed, she assured me, than I had expected. "I knew that
your father had taken all possible means to defend the camp, and that
the men would do their duty; and I trusted that God in His mercy would
protect us," she said. Kathleen and Lily, who were awakened by the
firing, threw their arms round my neck. Kathleen asked when the
redskins would be driven away, but poor Lily was naturally far more
frightened, believing that the savages would kill us all as they had
lately killed her friends. Rose was almost as much alarmed, but Biddy
was ready to stand up and fight with the men, had her services been
required.
My father, I found, had determined to remain a couple of days in our
present camp, for the purpose of resting the cattle, and in the hopes
that the Indians, finding that we were well prepared to resist their
attacks, would move to a distance, so that we might proceed without
further molestation to Fort Hamilton. My father, calling the men
together, praised them for their conduct.
"If you all are as watchful as heretofore, and behave with the same cool
courage, I feel very sure that we shall make our way through and defeat
the redskins, should any come near us," he observed: "we must now find
out whether any savages are lurking in yonder wood, that we may not run
the risk of being attacked while we are taking our cattle down to the
river."
On hearing this remark, I told him what Mr Tidey proposed, and begged
leave to accompany the Dominie.
"I cannot forbid my own son to perform a duty which I would impose on
others," he answered. "You may go, Mike, and I must charge you as I
should anybody else, to be cautious; you have a wily foe to deal with,
and you must take care not to let any of the Indians get between you and
the camp."
I of course promised to use all due precaution. Dio, who had been
attentively listening to what my father said, offered at once to go down
to the bottom of the cliff and ascertain if any of our enemies were
concealed in the brushwood which skirted the borders of the river.
"It still dark down dare, an' dey not see me," he observed. Though the
rays of the rising sun glanced across the higher ground, the light had
scarcely yet penetrated into the depths below; still it was doubtful if
even Dio would escape the sharp eyes of the Indians, should any be
concealed and lurking near. However, as it was important to ascertain
whether any remained, my father did not prohibit him from carrying out
his intention. Slipping over the breastwork, he disappeared among the
trees in the ravine. We listened somewhat anxiously for any sound which
might indicate that he had discovered a foe, or rather that a foe had
discovered him, but as we looked down over the cliff, we could neither
see nor hear anyone moving among the dense brushwood. In a few minutes,
greatly to our relief, he returned, reporting that although he had found
some marks of blood on the rocks where the Indians had fallen, that
their bodies had been removed, proving that a number of the enemy must
have collected there with the intention of climbing up the cliff, but
had been deterred by the death of their companions. We had now to
ascertain if the wood itself was clear of them.
As soon as we had taken a hasty breakfast, the Dominie and I set off;
Martin Prentis and Dio accompanying us a short distance. It was
intended that they should return if no enemies were discovered, so that
the horses and cattle might be led down to the river without delay. As
we made our way along, we examined every bush or rock which might
conceal a foe, but minute as was our search we could, discover no one.
We therefore sent back our companions, saying that we were sure there
could be no risk in letting the thirsty animals go down to the river.
As there were only two of us, we had now to proceed more cautiously. It
thus took us a considerable time to cover but a small space of ground.
As the sun was still low, many parts of the forest were shrouded in
gloom, though here and there the light penetrated amid the trunks of the
trees and enabled us to see far ahead. We kept ourselves concealed as
we advanced, waiting occasionally to listen, but no sounds reached our
ears. If we spoke, it was in low whispers, when we were close together.
"I am pretty well satisfied that no Indians are here," observed Mr
Tidey, "still we must be prudent, and run no unnecessary risk."
Again we advanced, when suddenly he made a sign for me to stop. A
rustling in the brushwood had reached his ear. I heard it also; it came
from a spot some way ahead. Directly before us appeared a huge tree
which had been partially uprooted, the trunk being at a sharp angle with
the ground, while the boughs resting against those of its neighbours had
prevented it from falling prostrate. We crept towards it, and finding
that I could easily clamber up I did so, followed by Mr Tidey. We
could thus see much further ahead than from the ground below. We had
been there about a minute, the rustling sound still continuing.
"If the Indians are making their way through the wood, they cannot
suppose that anyone is near, or they would be more cautious," I
observed.
"No Indians would make a noise like that," whispered Mr Tidey; "see!"
Just then a wild boar broke through the brushwood, making its way among
the tall grass, which he dug up with his tusks as if in search of roots.
Presently he lay down to enjoy at his ease the repast he had thus
procured. Instinctively I raised my rifle to my shoulder, when my
companion made a sign.
"Don't fire," he said; "for should the Indians be in the neighbourhood,
the sound will attract them towards us."
"But the boar will escape, and we shall lose the pork, which will be so
acceptable in camp," I remarked.
"Better to lose the pork than be scalped," answered the Dominie, though
he gazed at the boar with a wistful eye.
We were still undecided what to do, when we caught sight of another
large animal creeping along from an opposite direction towards the boar.
So stealthily did it advance, that the boar appeared to be unconscious
of its approach.
The newcomer was the creature commonly known among the western settlers
as the "painter," but more properly called the puma or American lion.
It is a powerful animal with a tawny hide, larger than the largest dog,
and more like a tiger than a lion. It will seldom attack man, unless it
can take him at a disadvantage, and if boldly met will run off rather
than fight. When pressed by hunger, however, it is very savage, and
with its sharp claws and teeth proves a formidable antagonist. It was
not likely to attack us while expecting to enjoy a feast of pork. We
were both afraid of speaking, lest we should attract its attention, and
the boar, being alarmed, might effect its escape.
On crept the "painter" in the attitude of a cat about to seize some
helpless bird. The moment it came within a few paces it made a
tremendous spring and alighted with its four paws on the body of the
boar. Whether or not the latter had seen it coming out of the corner of
one of its eyes I could not tell, but as the "painter" made its bound,
it rose to its feet and with its sharp tusks inflicted a severe wound in
the breast of its antagonist. A fearful struggle now commenced between
the two animals, the "painter" endeavouring to seize the neck of the
boar with its teeth, while the boar drove its tusks again and again into
the breast and shoulders of the puma, giving vent, at the same time, to
its rage and fear in angry grunts, shrieks, and squeaks, sufficient to
attract the attention of any hungry redskins, who would guess what was
going forward, within a mile of us. Still, in spite of the wounds it
had received, there was every probability that the puma, from its
greater agility, would gain the victory. The boar's thick skin was torn
off in several places by the claws and teeth of its antagonist. Its
movements became slower and slower, till the puma, having learned to
avoid its tusks, sprang on its back, and then rolling it over with one
blow of its paw, tore out its inside. The "painter" having thus gained
the victory, began forthwith to feast on pork.
"Come, that's more than I bargained for," exclaimed Mr Tidey, and
forgetting the caution he had given me, he lifted his rifle and fired.
His bullet went through the head of the puma, which rolled over by the
side of its late antagonist.
"You told me not to fire for fear of attracting the Indians," I
observed.
"So I did, but I am satisfied that the uproar made by the boar would
have brought them to the spot had there been any in the neighbourhood,"
he answered. "I don't think we have cause to fear them. Keep watch,
however, where you are, while I go down and cut up the porker. Should
you hear or see any Indians coming this way give me timely notice, and I
will rejoin you. We shall be able to hold our own against them, but I
do not expect that we shall be interfered with."
Saying this, he scrambled down the trunk of the tree, and cautiously
approached the puma. His bullet, however, had effectually deprived it
of life. Accordingly, placing his rifle on the ground, so that he might
seize it in a moment, he began to cut up the boar. The operation did
not take his practised hand long to perform. I was too much occupied,
however, in watching the approaches from all directions to perceive what
he was about, for every instant I expected to see the painted face of an
Indian brave emerging from among the trees. No one appeared, and at
length I heard Mr Tidey shout out:--
"The pork is ready for transport, we will make the best of our way back
to camp, so come down and help me, Mike. We may report that there are
no Indians in the wood, or we should have made their acquaintance long
ago."
I found that Mr Tidey had not only cut up the boar, but had flayed the
puma, from the skin of which he had formed a number of thongs. Some of
them served to secure to our backs as much of the pork as we could
carry, while with others we fastened up the remainder of the boar to the
boughs of a tree, to prevent either wolves or other animals from
reaching it until we could return with one of the horses to carry it
into camp. Our task being completed, we set off, taking a direct line
back, keeping well in the centre of the wood, that we might run no risk
of being seen by any Indians outside it.
The pork we had brought was extremely welcome, as we had had no fresh
provisions for some days. Dio, with one of the other men immediately
volunteered to go out and bring in the remainder, our trail being
sufficiently distinct to enable them without difficulty to reach the
spot. As the Indians had not reappeared during our absence, it was
hoped that they would not incur any danger in the expedition. Mr
Tidey, however, though pretty well tired, insisted on accompanying them
as soon as he had taken some food. The two wounded men were going on
well, and the cattle which had been hurt by the Indians' arrows did not
appear to be much the worse from the injuries they had received. None
of the people were idle, those not on watch being employed in repairing
the waggons and harness, cleaning their arms, filling the water-skins,
mending their clothes, or in cutting wood for our fires or cooking.
Late in the day Mr Tidey and his companions appeared with the remainder
of the boar's flesh, which they had found untouched, though the carcase
of the puma had been eaten up by a pack of coyotes, the traces of whose
feet they discovered under the bough to which the meat had been
suspended.
We now prepared for another night, every one being aware that before it
was over we might be engaged in a deadly struggle for our lives, for it
was more than probable that the Indians, though defeated, might make
another attempt to surprise us. As all the grass within the camp had
been consumed, it was necessary to allow the cattle and horses to remain
outside, three men being stationed to watch them. I felt very thankful
when I was able to wrap myself up in my buffalo robe, and go to sleep,
and so I am sure were all hands to lie down and rest. Some time after
midnight my ears caught the sound of firing. I started to my feet, and
seized my rifle, expecting to find that the camp was attacked, every one
else also was aroused. The reports had come from the direction where
the cattle we feeding, and presently Uncle Denis and I, who hurried out
to ascertain the cause of the alarm, met them, urged on by the voices of
their drovers, moving leisurely towards the camp. On coming up to one
of the men, Tim Casey by name, we inquired where the enemy had been
seen, for we could perceive no objects moving anywhere.
"Sure, didn't I catch sight of a whole tribe of the murtherin' villins
creepin' up on all fours, loike so minny big rats towards us, and didn't
they turn tail an' scamper off when I fired at thim."
The other men had not even seen the enemy.
"Depend on it, Tim, that your tribe of redskins were a tribe of coyotes,
who might, however, have pulled down one of the oxen had you not driven
them off," said Uncle Denis. "You may let the cattle rest without any
fear of an attack for the present, for the appearance of the wolves is a
pretty sure sign that no redskins are in the neighbourhood."
Uncle Denis was right in his conjectures, the night passed away without
any further alarm. We had hopes of enjoying a complete rest during the
day, but the forest to the westward and the dense wood below us, caused
my father some anxiety, as they might afford concealment to an
approaching enemy, and we were compelled therefore to keep a constant
watch against surprise. As evening approached and it was necessary
again to water the cattle, two parties were sent out, one along the bank
of the river, and the other to examine the forest some distance from the
camp. Both returned reporting that they had met with neither human
beings nor animals, and the cattle were accordingly led down as before
to the river side. It was somewhat difficult to account for our being
allowed to remain in quiet. The only way we could do so was from
supposing that the Indians had lost so many men that they thought it
prudent not to molest us while we remained in camp. The question was
whether they would venture to attack the train when we were once more
moving on. Still, move we must, and preparations were made for starting
at daybreak the following morning.
The weather was beautifully fine, and we were all in good health and in
excellent spirits, considering the dangers by which we were surrounded.
Another night went tranquilly by, and the instant the first faint
streaks of light appeared in the eastern sky my father roused up all
hands. In an instant we were engaged in our respective duties,
reloading the waggons, harnessing the cattle, and saddling the horses.
We were quickly in order, the word was given to move on. My father, on
his stout horse, led the way, keeping at some distance from the wood, on
which he directed us to maintain a vigilant watch lest a party of
Indians, expecting to find us off our guard, might be in ambush beneath
its shelter, and pounce out upon us. Mr Tidey and I rode one on either
flank, sometimes pushing on ahead, with our rifles ready to fire at any
foe who might appear, and to retreat to the main body according to my
father's directions. The wood was at length passed, and we obtained an
extensive view over the country, on every side. Our object was now to
find a ford by which we might cross the river. In case of not
discovering one, we intended to form rafts to ferry over the waggons,
while the horses and oxen would have to swim across. To do this;
however, would be a work of great labour and involve the loss of much
time, besides the risk of having the waggons upset. They would have, we
foresaw, to be floated down to a convenient landing-place, should one
not be found opposite to the spot where we might embark. Above the
river rose a number of high bluffs one beyond the other. While Dio, who
now accompanied Mr Tidey and me, held our horses, we climbed to the
summits of several of them, hoping to discover the anxiously desired
ford.
Time after time we had been disappointed as we had seen the river still
flowing on through a narrow and deep channel, across which it would have
been impossible for our waggons to pass.
The day was drawing to a close.
"If we do not discover the ford soon, we shall have to camp again on
this side," observed my companion. "There is another height, perhaps we
shall be more fortunate this time!"
We dismounted, and Dio took our reins, while we made our way to the top
of the bluff. Looking back we could see the train about half a mile
off, slowly following in our tracks. Beyond us, to the southward, the
country appeared much more level than that we had lately passed over,
while, greatly to our satisfaction, the river widened out considerably,
the ground sloping down gradually on both sides to the water.
"That part looks fordable at all events," said the Dominie, pointing it
out to me. "If we cannot get across in any other way, we must make
rafts of the waggons and send a small part of their cargoes over at a
time. The undertaking can be easily performed, provided the Indians
keep at a distance, but it would be awkward to be attacked while engaged
in the operation."
"We will hope for the best," I answered; "but we will take a look round
the country, and we may perhaps discover them, should any be moving
about in the distance."
We swept our glasses round and round the horizon several times. Once I
thought that I caught sight of a party of Indians moving rapidly over
the ground, but what I saw proved to be a herd of antelopes. We
observed also several buffaloes, which made us wish that we had time to
go and hunt them, for a fat cow would have been welcome. The idea
however of going in chase of them was not to be thought of, considering
the risk we should run of falling in with Indians who might be on the
watch for us. Still tolerably satisfied that no enemies were within a
distance of several miles, we descended the hill and pushed on to that
part of the river which appeared likely to afford us a passage. On
reaching it, Dio exclaimed--
"Me tink me get 'cross, me go in an' try; if too deep, me swim like one
fish!"
Without waiting for permission, he dashed forward. We watched him
anxiously: at first the water reached scarcely above his horse's knees,
but as he advanced it grew deeper and deeper, and presently, to our
disappointment, we saw the animal swimming, while Dio, who threw himself
from its back, struck out with one hand, while he guided it across with
the other. The horse quickly regained its feet, and after wading for
forty or fifty yards, stepped again on dry ground. Dio immediately
mounted, and pointing down the stream, made signs to us that he would
recross in that direction; we rode along the bank, very doubtful,
however, whether a fordable spot could be found. Once more Dio rode
into the stream, and we watched him anxiously as the water rose higher
and higher up his horse's legs. Still the animal walked on, though in
the centre the water reached nearly to the girths, soon after however
gradually diminishing in depth. There could be no doubt, if the ground
was hard, that the waggons could be got over. On this point Dio gave a
favourable report, and we, both riding in, crossed at some distance from
each other over even ground. Mr Tidey sent Dio back to report our
discovery to my father, while we rode backwards and forwards several
times to assure ourselves that the ford was of ample width to allow not
only one waggon but two or three to cross abreast if necessary; by the
time the leading waggon arrived we had thoroughly surveyed the ford, and
it at once began to descend the slope to the water's edge. Scarcely had
the oxens' feet entered the stream, when Tim Casey came riding up, sent
by Uncle Denis from the rear, to say that he made out some horsemen in
the far distance, who, he much feared, were Indians.
"We shall have time to cross and form our camp on the opposite side,
before they can reach us," answered my father. "Tell Mr O'Dwyer to
hurry on the rearmost waggons; but keep cool, my lads; there is no cause
for alarm; for should there be no other ford in the neighbourhood, the
savages cannot cross to attack us on the other side, and we can easily
defend ourselves against any number of assailants."
While Mr Tidey and Dio forded the river, to form the waggons as they
got over, my father and I remained to direct the passage. As they
arrived one after the other, he ordered them to push across without a
moment's delay. I saw that he frequently cast a glance in the direction
in which, from the report sent by Uncle Denis, we expected the Indians
to appear. He retained several of the men not absolutely required to
attend the waggons. The two last had got down to the brink of the
river, when Uncle Denis, who had remained some distance in the rear,
came galloping up.
"The Indians are approaching," he exclaimed; "they will be here before
the waggons are across."
"Push on then, my lads," said my father to the drivers; "we are ready
for them, and if they venture near, they will have to mourn the loss of
some of their braves."
The waggon wheels were in the water, the oxen tugged away, urged on by
their drivers. My father, Uncle Denis and I, with Martin and two other
men, remained behind to protect them until they were safe across. A
little on one side, the bank was somewhat of a cliff-like form of
sufficient height to conceal us when we stooped down from the foe. We
could hear the tramp of the Indians' horses as they galloped on,
doubtlessly supposing that they should soon come on the unprotected rear
of the train, and easily carry off two or three waggons.
We remained motionless until we caught sight of the heads of the leading
horses of the enemy, the chiefs shouting and shrieking as they were
about to dash forward into the stream.
"Now, fire!" cried my father, and half a dozen redskins toppled over
from their saddles.
"Wallop, a-hoo, a-boo, Erin-go-bragh!" shouted Uncle Denis.
We echoed his cries, as, digging spurs into our steeds without stopping
to reload, we threw ourselves on the advancing foe, pistolling some and
cutting down others.
Those who were still on the level ground, and had command of their
horses, seeing the fall of their companions, wheeled round and retreated
to a distance, while some, who had got too far to stop themselves, leapt
into the river beyond the ford where their small steeds were soon
carried off their legs and together with their riders swept down the
current.
"Now let us cross while we can, before those fellows charge again,"
cried my father, and urging our horses into the water we followed the
waggons, the rearmost of which were by this time more than half-way
over.
What I have described occupied scarcely a minute. Our chief object was
now to get the waggons across, and to place them in position, before the
Indians, recovering from the panic, should perceive the smallness of our
covering party and again swoop down upon us. To be prepared for them,
we reloaded as we crossed the stream, trusting to the sure-footedness of
our horses not to stumble.
The drivers exerted themselves to the utmost, encouraged by Dio, who
rushed again and again into the water to urge on the oxen, most of whom
tried to drink as they found their noses close to the refreshing liquid.
There was just time for the waggons to reach the bank, and to be placed
with their broadsides towards the ford, when we saw the enemy again
approaching.
"Let no one fire until they are half-way across, and then don't throw a
shot away," cried my father, as the rest of the men joined us.
The leading waggons formed in line along the bank. The savages,
unwilling to lose so rich a prize as they hoped to obtain by the capture
of our train, came galloping forward, shouting and shrieking as before.
"Let them whoop again as loud as they like, but they'll not frighten
us," cried Martin Prentis; "we'll give them a British cheer in return,"
and raising his voice, every person joining, a cheer was uttered which
must have astonished the redskins: their pace slackened, but still they
advanced, encouraged by a chief, who, waving a spear, rode on ahead. He
was not aware how far our bullets could reach.
Uncle Denis, raising his rifle, took a steady aim. The steed galloped
on a few yards, when the chief, waving his spear and shouting to the
last, fell dead to the ground. His followers, coming up, reined in
their horses, uttering loud wails, and then, wheeling round, bore him
away with them, nor stopped until they were out of sight. As they made
no further attempt to recover the bodies of those who had before fallen,
it was an acknowledgment of their complete defeat, and we had reason to
hope that we should not be further molested. We now set busily to work
to form our camp, to cut wood for our fire, keeping, notwithstanding our
success, a vigilant watch on all sides. It was possible that other
bands of Indians might be on the western bank of the river and that we
should still have to fight our way to the fort.
The night passed tranquilly by, and the next morning we proceeded as
before. The apparently boundless prairie stretched out ahead, covered
chiefly with long grass and here and there small bushes, which the
buffalo and deer had allowed to struggle into existence. We advanced as
rapidly as we could, steering by the compass, the scenery monotonous in
the extreme, not a hill to be seen to break the wide circle of the
horizon. One advantage was that we could not be taken by surprise, as
we could see for a long distance any enemy which might approach us. We
found numberless skeletons of buffaloes as well as their wallows, though
we had not hitherto fallen in with any to which we might give chase.
Mr Tidey and I were, as usual, leading ahead, taking care always to
keep the train in view. Every now and then he stood up in his stirrups,
in the hopes of seeing buffalo, but no buffalo appeared. We, however,
after proceeding about a dozen miles from the river, saw away to the
left, over a wide extent of ground, a number of small hillocks, which,
had I been on foot, I might have mistaken for a range of hills in the
distance. As it would not take us much out of our way, we rode towards
them, when, as we approached we saw to our surprise that the top of
every mound was occupied either by a small animal or a bird of an
owl-like appearance, which appeared to be watching the rest of the
community, employed in cropping the grass or running about in the
immediate neighbourhood.
As the little creatures perceived us, they rushed to their look-out
station at the top of the mounds, while at the same moment a number of
small heads popped up from holes in the ground, and we were saluted by a
chorus of sharp, angry barks, while the animals shook their sides and
wagged their tails at every bark, as if they would wag them off; then,
having thus exhibited either their pleasure or fear--it was difficult to
say which--uttering a fresh volley of barks, they rushed headlong into
their burrows, wagging their tails to the last as they disappeared
beneath the surface. The little owls, however, kept their posts and
regarded us with their round eyes, utterly destitute of fear.
I burst into a fit of laughter. "What are these funny creatures, I
wonder?" I asked.
"They are prairie dogs, and we have fallen in with a prairie dog town,
though I little expected to find one so far north," answered the
Dominie; "we should farther away find them covering acres of ground. It
is said that an owl and a rattle-snake are invariably to be found in
each hole, living in perfect amity with its inmates, but I suspect that
although rattlesnakes are often to be found in the abodes of the small
rodents, their object in going there is rather to devour the young
prairie dogs than for any friendly purpose, though it is possible that
the owls take up their residence among them for the sake of society."
The animals we were watching were of the size of a rabbit, with hair
like that of a rat, the colour being of a light red, resembling the
squirrel. Their tails, however, instead of curling over, stood straight
up over their backs and seemed formed for the express purpose of
wagging, which they did to a prodigious amount. They are of the most
sociable disposition, and are generally found living in large colonies
on the prairies. We watched for a minute or two, but they did not again
show their noses above the ground. No sooner, however, had we turned
our horses' heads, and begun to ride off, than we were saluted by a
chorus of barks, which was kept up until we were out of hearing.
We should have halted at noon, but as no water could be found, we pushed
on, in the hopes of coming to a pool at which the cattle could drink.
We carried, however, enough in our water-bottles to slake our own
thirst. The sun beat down on our heads with greater force than we had
yet experienced, and compelled us frequently to apply to them. The poor
animals, we knew, must be suffering greatly, but the small portion of
the precious liquid we could have spared would have afforded them no
relief. In vain we rode sometimes to the north, sometimes to the south,
in the hopes of discovering the smallest puddle. At last we had to halt
to rest the weary cattle, though we could find no water, and without it
they showed no inclination to crop the hard, wiry grass. We therefore
remained but a short time, and once more pushed forward. As evening
approached we began to feel very anxious, for without water the oxen
ould scarcely perform their next day's journey. The sun, verging
towards the west, was shining in our eyes and prevented us from
discerning objects in that direction. At length Mr Tidey, who was on
ahead, shouted to me that he saw a hollow, with shrubs growing round it,
and that in all probability water would be found at the bottom; I got up
alongside him, and we rode forward together. As we drew nearer the
hollow appeared to increase in size, but still we could see no water.
"Surely there must be some there!" exclaimed Mr Tidey; "it cannot all
have dried up."
I felt rather doubtful about that, but when we reached the brink of the
hollow our anxiety was relieved by seeing a pool, though of small
dimensions and covered over with a thick coat of green, broken here and
there by some water-fowl which had dipped into it. Such as it was, it
was better than no water, and we rode back to guide the waggons to it.
As we drew up on the bank we could scarcely restrain the oxen from
rushing down quench their burning thirst. It was necessary, however, to
water the horses first, though we could not allow them to take their
fill, for fear of exhausting the supply. As soon as the oxen were
unyoked, some nearly rolled over on their noses in their eagerness to
drink the stagnant water. After they had been led back it was with
difficulty we could prevent their returning, but it was necessary to
preserve some of the water for the following morning. Though we kept a
watch as usual all night, we had not much fear of being attacked, as the
want of water, would, we hoped, prevent the Indians from approaching us.
Some time before the streak of pink and gold which announces the coming
dawn appeared in the sky, we were all on foot and the horses were led
down to be watered, but instead of the liquid we expected to find, a
mass of soft mud, through which it had sunk, was alone to be discovered.
Without stopping therefore for breakfast, we immediately yoked in the
oxen and pushed forward, hoping that before noon we might reach some
stream or another water-hole. Our own supply of the necessary liquid
was almost exhausted, and we ourselves might suffer severely if none
could be found. Usually the men, as they trudged forward, amused
themselves by singing songs or cutting jokes, but even the merriest were
now silent and their countenances grew longer and longer as the day
advanced and no water appeared. My father and uncle held a
consultation. We might have to travel on, not only for one day, but for
two or three days, without finding water, and the fort, from whence
alone we were certain of obtaining relief, was still far distant. To
turn back, however, and afterwards take a different route, would be as
dangerous as to advance, as we should probably have to encounter the
band of Indians with whom we had had the fight, and who would be certain
to try and revenge the death of their warriors. At last it was decided
that the train should continue to advance, and that Mr Tidey, Dio, and
I should push forward on horseback to the fort. We there hoped to
obtain a guide who would conduct us to where water was to be found. Our
horses were in better condition than the rest of the animals with the
exception of those my father and Uncle Denis usually rode. They however
considered it necessary to remain with the train, and to keep their
horses in case of requiring them on an emergency.
Carrying such provisions as we might require on our backs, with a good
store of ammunition and our rifles slung across our shoulders, we set
out, Mr Tidey having a pocket compass by which we could direct our
course. We hoped to reach the fort in two or three days at furthest,
and we might do so sooner could we find water to refresh our steeds.
Our own water-bottles contained but a small supply, but it was all that
could be spared. My father charged us to keep a watchful look-out for
Indians, and should we see any in the distance, either to hide ourselves
or to trust to the fleetness of our steeds, rather than risk an
encounter. Having bid farewell to my mother, Kathleen, Lily, and Dan,
who was disappointed at not being allowed to accompany us, I joined Mr
Tidey and Dio, and we pushed on ahead of the train.
The heat was as great as on the previous day, but, as the Dominie
observed, "We must not care for a slight inconvenience of that sort." I
however twisted a white handkerchief round my hat, to keep off the rays
of the sun, and he followed my example. Dio seemed very indifferent to
them, his woolly pate protecting him better than all the artificial
contrivances we could adopt. The only living creatures we saw were
several deer passing in the far distance to the westward. Of course we
could not venture out of our course to chase them. Neither streams nor
water-holes could we discover, and we were obliged at length to encamp
on the open prairie. Having tethered our horses a short distance from
us, where they could crop the grass, wet with the dew of night, and
having eaten our scanty supper, we lay down with our saddles for
pillows, taking it by turns to keep watch. The stars shone brightly out
overhead, enabling us to see a considerable way from our camp, but as I
walked up and down during my watch, I could discern no objects besides
our three horses, though I continually cast my eyes round the horizon.
I occasionally heard the distant yelp of a pack of coyotes, though they
were too far off to be perceived and did not come near enough otherwise
to annoy us.
I was thankful when Mr Tidey roused me up. Without waiting for
daylight, as we could see our way without difficulty over the prairie
and guide ourselves by the stars, having strapped on our packs and slung
our rifles over our shoulders, we mounted and rode forward, our animals
going much more briskly than they had done on the previous evening.
When the sun rose the heat became as great as ever and the poor beasts
began to slacken their speed, but eager to get on, we urged them forward
with spur and rein until we began to fear that they would break down
altogether. Suddenly, however, pricking up their ears and stretching
out their necks, they broke into a gallop.
"They smell water, though we can see no signs of it," observed Mr
Tidey.
"Yes! dare, dare some trees!" cried Dio.
In a short time we perceived what his sharp sight had previously
discovered. It was the bed of a stream. The horses, turning on one
side, made their way down the bank to a small hole which as yet
contained water, though had we gone straight forward we should not have
discovered it, for the greater portion of the bed was perfectly dry.
Almost stagnant as the water was, we thankfully quenched our thirst with
it, and the horses having drank their fill, we led them again up the
bank, where some coarse herbage grew, sufficient to satisfy their
hunger. Having tethered them, we sat down to eat the first food we had
taken that day. As it was important that the train should obtain water,
long before they could reach this supply, we settled to continue our
course to the fort.
We had just risen to our feet and were lifting up our saddles to put on
our horses' backs, when we saw Dio's animal give a start and almost
break its tether; directly afterwards mine, which was feeding near, also
started back, and I caught a glimpse of the head and neck of a snake.
At the same moment the peculiar sound caused by the tail of the
rattle-snake reached our ears. We ran forward, fearing that Mr Tidey's
horse might also be bitten, and holding our rifles ready to shoot the
creature, but it glided away through the grass, and though we heard its
rattle, we could not catch sight of it. We anxiously examined the
horses' heads, and found that they had both been bitten on the lip; as,
however, they did not appear to suffer, we mounted, hoping that no evil
consequences would ensue.
"At all events we must gallop on and get to the fort as soon as
possible," said Mr Tidey, "and if we reach it soon, we may be able to
apply some remedies to counteract the poison."
For some time our spirited little animals went willingly enough, but at
length they both began to flag, and on looking down I saw that their
heads and necks had begun to swell. The swelling increased until they
were fearfully disfigured, while their nostrils and gums became swollen,
and discharged a clear mucus. Still on they went, though their pace
became slower and slower, and it was evident that they could only walk
with the greatest difficulty. At last we were obliged to dismount, lest
they should roll over with us on the ground. On looking at them we
found that their eyes were glassy, the pupils greatly dilated, while the
hair on their backs seemed literally to stand on end. To mount again
would have been useless, but unwilling to abandon them, we led them
forward as fast as they could move. Mr Tidey constantly stood up
looking out more anxiously than ever for the fort, but no object broke
the line of the horizon to the westward. Sometimes we thought that we
might possibly have passed it, and then we hoped against hope that we
should reach it even now before dark. Still the day wore on, and our
poor horses followed us with feeble steps, and it was pitiable to look
at them, so swollen and disfigured had they become, their faces
resembling hippopotami rather than terrestrial steeds. At last Dio's
stumbled and fell; nothing which we could do would induce the poor
creature to rise, so we were obliged to leave him to become ere long the
prey of the coyotes, should they venture to devour a poisoned animal.
Mine, which had perhaps not received so much of the venom in its system
as the other, still followed me, but it moved so slowly that I was
compelled to lag behind my companions. The sun set and still nowhere
could we discover the fort; there seemed every probability that we
should have to spend another night on the open prairie, without fire,
food, or shelter, or a drop of water to quench our thirst. That my poor
animal could survive appeared impossible, and even Mr Tidey's horse
suffered greatly.
"It seems doubtful whether my poor brute will be able to move a leg
to-morrow, and if so, we shall all three have to trudge forward on
foot," he observed.
"Then I would advise you to gallop on at once while there is any
daylight, and perhaps you may reach the fort and be able to send us
help," I answered.
"No, no, I cannot leave you and Dio alone on the prairie. Should any
harm happen to you I should never forgive myself," he answered.
"But by going on alone you may obtain assistance, and in reality serve
us more than by remaining behind," I replied. Still I could not
persuade the Dominie to desert us, and we trudged on as before.
Mr Tidey had called Dio to his side and they were some way before me,
when I saw them both stop. Dio pointed ahead, while Mr Tidey leaned
eagerly forward. Presently a large animal came out of a hollow in which
it had previously been concealed. Moving on I saw to my satisfaction
that it was one of a herd of tame cattle feeding at the bottom of the
hollow. Instead of running away when we approached, they came lowing
up, as if well accustomed to the sight of white men.
"Hurrah! the fort cannot be far off unless the herd has strayed away
from it," exclaimed Mr Tidey; "at all events it is some encouragement
to move forward, and perhaps before long we shall find ourselves among
friends."
"It is not likely that we should be able to distinguish the fort at any
great distance, but I see a hill rising up against the sky, and perhaps
we shall find it in that direction," I observed.
While I was speaking, Mr Tidey's horse made a bolt down the slope, and
presently, as the cattle moved aside, I saw a pool of water which,
though muddy from the animals having trod in it, afforded a refreshing
draught to his poor steed. Mine was too weak even to drink, and I
feared that if it once got into the pool it would not have strength to
get out again. We now advanced in somewhat better spirits than before.
The condition of my horse, however, delayed me; but, in the hopes of
obtaining some remedies to save its life, I still led it on. We had not
got far when Mr Tidey, who, as usual, was looking about in every
direction, exclaimed--
"I see a party of horsemen in the distance. If they are Indians and
come near us, we must stop and drive them off. I can count but six; two
a-piece, and we each of us must settle one of those as soon as they come
within range of our bullets. In the meantime we will keep on as we are
going, and if the fort is at hand, it may be that they will think it
wise to keep at a distance."
Looking steadily in the direction the Dominie pointed, I could but just
discern some figures appearing against the sky above the horizon, but
whether Indians or white men I was unable to determine. I kept watching
them anxiously. In a short time Dio cried out--
"Dey come dis way! dey come dis way!"
"Never mind, if they come nearer than we like, we must send them to the
right-about," observed Mr Tidey calmly.
I could, however, see that the strangers were approaching at a rapid
rate, and it would soon be necessary for us to get ready to receive
them.
Mr Tidey frequently turned his head over his left shoulder, but still
rode on.
"Had we not better stop?" I asked, "they will be down upon us
presently."
The Dominie pulled up, and attentively regarded the approaching
strangers. "All right!" he exclaimed, "they are friends; I see their
uniforms, we shall not have to fight for our lives this time."
In a few minutes the strangers were up to us. They proved to be a
scouting party led by a sergeant, and had come out from the fort on
learning that a band of Indians on the war-path had been seen in the
neighbourhood, but on discovering us they had ridden up to ascertain who
we were. The sergeant gave us the satisfactory intelligence that the
fort was not half a mile ahead. "You cannot miss it," he observed, "if
you keep straight on as you are going, but we must ride round and drive
in some cattle which have strayed away, or we shall have them carried
off by those thieves of redskins."
We followed the advice of the sergeant; still, though according to our
calculation we had gone the distance he had mentioned, we could not in
the gloom distinguish the fort. Presently, however, a shot whistled
past Mr Tidey's ears, which made him suddenly bob his head, and a voice
was heard crying out in an Irish accent--
"Who goes there?"
"Friends, who would be obliged to you to challenge first and shoot if
they prove to be enemies," answered the Dominie.
The next instant we found ourselves in front of a stockade above which
appeared the roofs of some low buildings, while in front we could
distinguish some mounds only a few feet above the level of the plain.
On reaching a gate between the mounds, guarded by two stone towers of
little more elevation than the stockades, it was opened, and on entering
we found several soldiers.
One of them took Mr Tidey's horse, and another was about to take the
rein of mine, when he exclaimed--
"What creature have we here? never saw an animal with such a face as
this!"
I was explaining what had happened, when a sergeant appeared from the
guard-room.
"We will get the doctor to have a look at him, and see if anything can
be done for the poor brute," he said in a compassionate tone.
I thanked him. Mr Tidey gave the message from my father, entreating
that assistance might be sent to the relief of our train.
"You had better see the commandant, who will judge what is best to be
done," was the answer; and leaving our sorry steeds in charge of the
soldiers, we accompanied the sergeant. The commanding officer received
us kindly, and told us that if the report of Indians being in the
neighbourhood should prove true, it was too probable that our train
would be attacked.
"I will, however, at dawn to-morrow, send out a party to their
assistance," he added, "and I hope that they may arrive in time to drive
off the redskins, should any have fallen in with your friends."
We both urged that they might be sent off at once, but the commandant
replied that it would be impossible to do so until the party we had met
returned with the cattle, as he could not weaken the garrison, already
scarcely sufficient for the defence of the place.
With this promise we were obliged to be content, he offering also to
supply Dio and me with horses that we might accompany the party, which I
hoped to be able to do after some rest, though just then, overcome by
hunger and fatigue, I was scarcely able to move. I felt much revived by
the supper which the commandant ordered at once to be placed on the
table. He afterwards accompanied us out to see how it fared with my
poor horse. I found that the doctor had been fomenting its wounded lip
with a strong infusion of tobacco, and afterwards poulticing it with the
chopped leaves of the same plant. He had also given the animal half a
pint of whisky slightly diluted, and half an ounce of ammonia.
"If that doesn't cure it, I don't know what will," he remarked.
I regretted that Dio's horse was too far off to receive assistance--
indeed, probably by that time the poor animal was dead. The commandant
afterwards took us round the fort, remarking--
"Perhaps before the night is over we may be attacked, and it is as well
that you should know the localities."
In the centre were the barracks with the officers' quarters' on one
side, the stables on the other, and a barn for the stowage of hay and
other stores. Behind us was a yard in which the horses could be turned
loose.
From these buildings, four subterranean passages, about three feet wide
and five high, led each to a rifle-pit beyond the stockades, about
twelve feet long and ten wide, roofed over with stone supported by
wood-work.
Just on a level with the ground, below the roof, were loop-holes opening
on all sides. In racks round the walls of these pits were placed a
number of rifles, all loaded and ready for immediate use; so that, as
the commandant explained, should a whole army of redskins approach, the
garrison would be at once prepared to give them a warm reception.
The account he gave us of trains stopped and emigrants massacred
increased my eagerness to set out to the assistance of our friends. By
his advice, therefore, we turned in to try and get some rest. I could
not sleep, however, but lay awake listening for the return of the
soldiers who had been sent to bring in the cattle; for as the distance
was not great, I calculated that they ought to have arrived not long
after us, and I began to fear that they must have encountered the
Indians, and perhaps themselves have been cut off. Overcome, however,
with fatigue, I at length dropped off into a troubled slumber.