Beadle's Half Dime Library, No. 85 — page 7: what you’re looking at

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

with the red-skins themselves; but if, as there was every reason to suspect, Velasquies was among the party, it was not im ible, although it was improbable, that he might be induced to make terms other than those of ‘‘ unconditional surrender.” ; However, this at the most, was a very dubi- ous hope to depend upon. The great point,after all, was for them to think over some plan— if possible, some other besides the one which made it necessary to dash out among the ram- pant Apaches, and fight their way through. Still Bess slept as sweetly and soundly as if she were lying in the arms of her mother, who, no doubt, was grieving her heart, and shedding many a bitter tear at her long absence. ‘** Let her be,” was the moody remark of Buck. ‘‘ She’s better off sleeping than waking.” As the night grew on, the darkness within the cavern deepened until it was all absolute blackness, no one being able to distinguish the outlines of the others’ forms, The faint silvery light of the moon’s rays could be dimly discerned on the outside, but it could not penetrate within. The trappers talked in low tones, the hollow cave giving a singular resounding or igpereany ig to their tones, and making them soun ou Even the gentle respiration of Bess had a strange, loud character, such as would be made by a large animal when at rest. Buck was fearful that if she awoke she would ask for something to eat, and he was reluctant to kindle a fire, e ially during the night. There being no draft to carry away the smoke and vapor, it would be sure to accumulate and increase their discomfort. At the same time the light would reveal their “presence to the red miscreants without, and compel the greater caution to avoid being tar- ts for the rifles; and’ yet, in the face of all is danger, if Bess should wake up and ask them to cook her some of the antelope meat, neither of the trappers would have hesitated to O so. The bowlder which the trappers had found convenient, and had made answer the Pears of a door, was of such size, that when placed at tho entrance, it was impossible for the smallest child to enter or pass out. Moving with great difficulty, the resistance of one man from within was sufficient to keep out any living animal or any body of men. The danger, therefore, was as what was to be the end of the siege, Buck Buckram was sitting with his back ape the bowlder, when he felt it sway gen- Sage and forth. It was only for an instant, when it stopped. Thinking it only accidental, he did not rise to his feet; but, when it was repeated a few min- utes later, he uttered a slight ‘‘’sh/” and came silently to the standing position. Being in utter darkness himself, he was invis- ible; but the bright moonlight upon the outside gave him a distinct view, as far as his vision was not limited by the solid wall. For a few moments he could see nothing to account for this slight swaying motion, al- though from the first he did not doubtthat the Apaches were at the bottom of it. A careful scrutiny of all that could be seen satisfied him that there was either one Or more red-skins behind it, seeking to gain enough mo- mentum to force it inward, nie thus open the bee for the whole horde to swarm in. e debated with himself a few moments whether to allow them to do this and thus pre- cipitate the crisis, which must come sooner or r, or whether to nipit ‘‘? the bud.” few seconds’ deliberation, and he decided upon the latter course. autiously forcing his head as far forward as he dared, he finally gained a view of the head and shoulders of a brawny Apache, in a crouching» posture, with both hands pressed against the rock, There were one or two others, but they were too far removed to be seer by the trappers. Buck Buckram sprung lightly back again, and muffled the lock of his rifle, as he raised the hammer. His *‘’Sh/” was repeated just loud enough for his companion’s ear, and then he stealthily took his position again, where he could gain a view of the Apache, — The latter had slightly shifted his place, and changed: his attitude so that he was resting upon one knee, but enough of his person was still visi- ble to answer the purpose of Buck. Bringing his gun up beside him, he found that the opening was so narrow, and irregular, that he could not deflect the piece enough to bring it to bear upon his enemy. f ee: Buck Buckram Se — _— — This was a sore disappointment, as neither of them had pistols, having lost their revol- by which they generally carried some time be- ore, He saw, however, that if the rock could be made to incline inward a few inches, it would be sufficient. Once more he sprung back, and, in a few seconds explained the situation to his comrade, A moment later, at a signal from Buckram, the bowlder was suddenly drawn inward six inches or so; and, at the same instant, the gun of the former was discharged. Immediately several Apaches sprung to their feet and has- tened away. But one didn’t. CHAPTER XIII. THE AIR HOLE. “HARK!” The exclamation was uttered by Dick Ha- vens about an hour after the occurrence nar- rated in the last chapter, and it was caused not by the sound of anything, but by the absence of sound |” Both listened, but all was as still as the grave. ‘*I hear nothin’,” said Dick Havens, after a few minutes spent in listening. ‘*'That’s just the trouble!” ‘* What do you mean?” ‘* Don’t it sound a little too still in here?” **'You don’t mean?—No; I hear her breath- ing!” replied the hunter, in some excitement. ‘ Not that—not that,” was the somewhat im- tient reply, ‘‘ but thar’s something else that ’d like to hear and don’t.” **Shoot me! can it be?” The hunter understood him now. They no longer heard the trickling of the water ! Buck hastened to the rear of the cavern, and in a few minutes returned. ‘““Is it so?” inquired Havens, ‘*'Yas; the varmints have shut it off.” The two uttered rather forcible exclamations, as they realized the rather dlarming fact that the Apaches had cut off their supply of water, by turning aside the tiny stream, which had hitherto forced its way through the rear of the cave. A careful examination was now made, and it was found not quite so bad as it might have been; for the water had collected to a consider- able extent, and formed a pool containing a gallon or so on the other side of the cavern. Both the hunters felt somewhat thirsty, but neither would touch it until Bess had awaked and had her fill. It was now beyond midnight, and nares 6 af- ter the nigh we have mentioned, the little girl awoke, and asked, with a bewildered air, where she was. A few words reassured her, and then she ask- ed for water. She was conducted through the darkness to the little pool, where she knelt down and slaked her thirst. The trappers were fearful that she would ask for something to eat, but, after a few artless inquiries, she lay down upon the furs again, and went to sleep. Now and then indications of the Apaches were heard, and unremitting watch was kept to prevent any sudden surprise upon their part— a favorite mode of attack among the Indians of the West. As there was a probability that there would be a great demand upon their time and endur- ance, Buck Buckram lay down for a few hours’ rest, while his companion kept watch. The hours wore away without further dis- turbance, and Buck opened his eyes just as the misty light of morning was stealing into the cave. ‘*‘ Anything?’ was the comprehensive inquiry. ‘* Nothin’,” was the equally definite reply. ‘**Good—so fur.” ; Even with the full glare of the day, the bow]- der so nearly closed the mouth of the cave, that it was gloomy and dark within, so that the in- mates could ely discern each other’s forms. Shortly after the awaking of Buck, Bess did } the same. She chattered awhile, and then, as — be expected, she asked for something to eat. . — you any of the antelope left?’ she in- ired. ‘Plenty, and we shall soon cook you some.” But at this po an unthought-of difficulty resented itself. There was no material within he cave with which to build a fire. So that matter was settled. The trapper now resorted to the harmless de- ception of allowing the girl to eat the meat raw, trusting that in the darkness she would not observe its condition. 7 —_-- aes So, after some "es inary flourish, he cut off a tender piece and handed it to her. ‘We hain’t found time to cook it very well,” said he, by way of apology; *‘ but that won’t make any difference, in course, to you.” Luttle Bess ate a mouthful or two, when she discovered the artifice, and laughe: at it. She, however, had been taught in the hard school of adversity and experience, and when it was ex- plained to her, she accepted the ‘“ situation” with a good-nature that both surprised and de- lighted the ee wr ‘*T ain’t very y now and won’t eat an more, but when I do get hungry I will eat it just like you do.” ‘‘You’re a number one little beaver!” ex- claimed Buck, enthusiastically, ‘‘and ef the life of this yar good-fur-nothin’ dog is eed an- other year, you'll be out of danger of Velasquies and the red-skins.” ° “T want to go live with you,” said she, nest- ling her soft cheek against the scarred face of the old hunter. ‘*So you shall—so you shall—and I'll kee you thar till I find yer own home, and then IP give yer to yer folks again.” ‘* But,” said she, ‘how are you going to get out of here?” “'That’s a hard question, I allow, but I hope the Lord will tell us a way.” **So he will, and I know what it is.” ** You do, eh? Wal, what is it?” ‘You two, maybe, can get out, but J can’t;. and you can’t take me with you. So, do you go without taking me.” “* And leave you behind?” “Yes; Velasquies and the Indians will kill yon, if they can get a chance, but they won’t urt me, “But what will become of you?” “They will think you stole me away, and Velasquies will take me again. He says when 1 grow up, I am to be his wife—” ‘ ‘“The scamp! he has got a wife and a whole kit of young ones.” ‘*He doesn’t care for that. Then when he ik me, you can follow and watch, and I will look for you and sometime,” she said, with the most childish faith and eagerness, “ he chance Will come for us; and then I will go and live with you till I find where father and mother and my sisters are. That is the plan.” , ‘*Tt may be, but we won’t talk about it now!” replied Buck Buckram, wiping a tear from his eye. CHAPTER XIV. SMOKING OUT. LITTLE BgEss had revealed the true plan of ac- tion, and unpleasant as it was, Buck Buckram. could not but admit it to himself. But he was resolved to defer it until the last moment, and then adopt it simply because there was nothing else he could do, and it gave him the hope of saving both himself and his precious charge. The day had scarcely begun, when the sound of voices was heard on the outside, and it in- stantly occurred to Buck Buckram that now ib the time to hold his parley, if he wished to O sO. ; He acted upon the thought at once. Not be- ing blessed with such a thing as a pocket hand- kerchief, he tore a piece from his hunting-shirt and fastening it to the end of his ramrod, thrust it out of the mouth of the cavern. For a time it seemed to attract no attention, but after awhile it was evident that it was seen and understood. Some one approached close to the cave and asked: ‘* What you wantin there??? _ Buck Buckram turned to his companion and whispered. “'That’s Velasquies, I know his voice.” Then turning his head so as to face the open- ing, he replied by asking the question: ‘We want to know what_ you want.” ‘We want you,” was the unequivocal an- swer. ‘* What for?’ 1 ‘“You are our enemies; you are trapping in our territory, you have killed a number of our warriors, you have run away with the daughter of Velasquies.” ‘‘We have ‘ig te, a little girl that Velas- quies stole from her parents, and we war on our way to take her home, when you have followed us to this cave. — ‘“Them warriors we have slain, have been sent under in the squar’ style of fightin’, and we wouldn’t ’ve growled ef you’d ’ve sarved us ip the same way.” ‘Then you’re ready to surrender, be you?’ eagerly asked Velasquies. Eomichboo <S (E()