Argosy, Volume XXIII — Index Page, 1897 — page 12: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

582 A CAMPAIGN OF STRATEGY. ations when there was. a chance of shooting a lonely traveler without risk to themselves. It isn’t likely that we shall hear any more of thenx.’’ ‘“We won’t, eh! It seems hard work to get an idea into that thick skull of yourn.’’ = There was no mirth in the expression on Atwood’s face, as he looked into the countenance of-his friend, who rose to his feet. Standing thus before him, the cowman spoke slowly, accentuating each word by a movement of his forefinger. ‘‘Geronimo and.a band of the worst Apaches that ever cursed God’s earth have made a break and are off their reservation. They are out to steal, burn, and kill, for that is their business; no doubt the United States cavalry aré after ’em, but it is like a man of war trying to run down a lot of loons; they are here today ; tomorrow they’ll be burning ranches along the San Carlos; and by the time the cavalry arrive there, the devils will be well on their way to the Gila, leaving the dead and mutilated for our soldiers to bury, while Geronimo. and his band will be scurrying across the country like the wind after more victims.’’ Austin Gannet thumped his forefinger upon the plate which. he still held in his left hand, and announced the climax : ‘“That’s what them seven humps of sand meant !”’ Instinctively both glanced across the country in the direction of the flam- ing waste where the piles of dirt had been, if they were not still present. They could. see nothing, however, from where they stood. The building stood among the stunted cedars, rocks and boulders, and when approached from certain. directions, it could not be seen until a person was: within two or three hundred yards of the place. But. in erecting his flat, wooden dwelling in that part of the world, Austin Gannet was not forgetful of the perils to which he was liable to be exposed. A little way from the structure, somewhat further among the foothills and more elevated, was an immense brown rock, from whose summit an extended view was had of the desert to the north, west, and south. Like most of his profession, the cowman kept a fine binocular in: his home, and when there was danger in the air, he spent many an hour upon this rock, carefully studying the country spread before him. By this simple but wise precaution, he saved the lives of himself and friends more than once. But, after having recourse to this aid, the two men sat down on: the shaded steps for a brief, earnest talk. ‘‘Gannet, what is the meaning of all this?’’ asked Atwodd in a hushed voice, looking earnestly into the face of his friend; ‘‘it seems to me they are after us.’’ ‘We ain’t too small game for ’em, when there isn’t any bigger within reach; when Bumble Bee comes back, there’ll be three of us; Geronimo will reason that there’s three too many white men in this part of the world, — and he’ll try to wipe us out, but he’ll give his first attention to bigger game that.ain’t far off.’’ ‘“ Where is that ?’’ ‘* At Bozeman’s.’’ Ccomicoooks _ =) (S@)