Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 218 — page 18: what you’re looking at

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18 the rock, and without further inquiry, for the second time, telegraphed a miss. A third candidate appeared upon the stand, and my fears returned, as acure as ever. This fellow caused me to suffer nearly a dozen deaths. Either was his gun without a flint, or his powder damp; since after snapping nearly a dozen times, the piece still refused to go off. Had it been designed to give me a new horror, the thing could not have been better lanned, for each time that the savage essayed to re, I had to undergo the agony of a fresh appre- hension. The scene ended by another gun being placed in his hands that did go off; but with no advantage to the clumsy marksman, for his bullet, like that of the Red-Hand, whistled past, far wide of the mark. A fourth now took the ground. This was a tall, swarthy warrior, one of tho tallest of the tribe, and without the insignia of a chief. The cool and de- liberate manner in which he went about his work caused me to anticipate in him a better shot, and my ye age a were hightened to a degree of —_ intensity. I felt my whole frame shiver as is gun blazed forth, and fora time 1 believed my- self hit; The cheer ef his companions upon the plain announced the belief in the success of the shot; but he upon the summit soon undeceived them, just as became myself reassured.. The bullet had struck the wood-work of my crucifix—one of the cross-pieces to which my arms were attached. It was the shock of the timber that had deceived me into the belief that I had been struck. A fifth marksman followed, and then anot er and another, until more than a dozen had tried their hands. The guns were now all emptied, but this caused only a temporary cessation in the cruel sport. They were soon reloaded, and new candi- ates stepped forward to make trial of their skill. I had by this time discovered that they were not practicing for mere sport. It was a game, and bets were laid upon it. Apart upon the plain the stakes were placed, con- sisting of saddles, robes, weapons and the plunder of the emigrant wagon. Horses also were picketed near—surplus animals—that were betted ayainst one another, whether in “Fy nse ge wagers, or all forming a grand ‘‘ pool,’’ I could not determine. My own scalp—I was uncertain whether I still wore it— was no doubt the chief object of the contest. It was the “cup” to be given to him who should place his bullet in that white circle upon my breast and nearest the red spot in the center! The guns being once more reloaded, the firing re- commenced. I saw that only one shot was allowed to each, and this only to those who had entered a stake. The condition gave me an opportunity of experiencing my apprehensions in different degrees; since, according to the apparent adroitness or clum- siness of the marksman, my fears of being hit were ter or less. Strange to say, before a dozen shots had been fired, I no longer wished them to miss! The dread ordeal, so oft A eae apsie was too terrible to be borne. I was sustaine by no hope of ultimate escape. I knew that the flends would con- . tinue firing tillsome one of them should finish me ’ by a fatal shot, and I cared not how soon it should be sent. Nay, I even desired that it should come quickly. Death was preferable to the agony I was enduring. CHAPTER XLII. A HUNDRED DEATHS. For a full hour was the pitiless pastime continued, during which at least fifty shots had been fired at m rson, e truculent chieftain had threatened me with a hundred deaths. He was fullilling his threat to the letter; for, notwithstanding the unskillful practice, I felt on the eve of each discharge a certain creeping of the flesh and curdling of the blood, as if that mo- ment was to be my ] If I had not yet died a hundred times, for at least so many had 1 felt all the sensations that should precede actual death. truth, over a hundred times, for although but fifty shots had been fired, twice as often bad the old S snapped or flashed in the pan, and each of these was penne ay its especial pang. I not escaped altogether unscathed. I had been hit in two or three places—in my arms and limbs. Blood was running down my legs and creep- re over my feet. Icould feel it warm and wet as it ckled between my toes. The wounds could not be severe, since I scarcely felt them. Perhaps only the erease Of a bullet? A scratch would be sufficient to eause the effusion of the blood, copious though it ap to be; and I felt certain that no bone had et been broken, that no vital part of my body had Sane touched. After about an hour had been spent by the savages in their fiendish eee the firing became suddenly nded. Icould not tell why, and sought for an nation by watching the movements of the marksmen. The chiefs had turned face to face, and were again engaged in some earnest deliberation. The subject ‘of their talk was made known by their gesticula- tions. wey were. pointing toward Sure-shot, who still lay, as I have descri flat upon his face. wee was no longer there; nor yet Su-wa- nee! Where could they have gone? I had seen both but the moment before! Had she unbound, and res- cued him? Wasit about them that thesavages were in consultation? No; the result proved not. It was the deserter who was the object of their attention— as was soon made manifest by their movements. Half a dozen warriors were scen separating from the group and running up to the spot where Sure- shot lay. Stooping around him, they undid his fas- ; and then, having raised him to his feet commenced dragging him toward the crowd of marksmen. The terrified man made no resistance. It would have been idle. There was a brawny savage on each side, grasping him by the wrist; and three or four behind pushing him forward at a run. His long hair streaming loosely, strengthened the expression of despair that was depicted upon his countenance. No doubt he deemed it his last hour. Whither could they be him? Whither but to death? This was my own belief—at first; but in a few minutes I ‘had reason to change it. For a short while, Sure-shot was encircled by the dusky forms, and I saw him notor only the crown ef his head—conspicuous by its yellow hue among the darker «hévelures of the Indians. What were they doing to him? I could not guess; but they ap- peared to Le offering him no further violence. After a time, the group scattered from around him, and the ex-rifleman was again uncovered to my view. With some surprise, I perceived that the expres- sion of his countenance had undergone a total change. of despair. On the contrary, there was a certain air of confidence visible both in his look and man- ner —as if something had been said, or ‘done to him, that had given him satisfaction! lL was further surprised at perceiving that he had a gun in his | The Wild Huntress ' ; i It was no longer that of terror—much less | | out! ; hands—his own rifle—a’id that he was in the act of | loading the piece! My surprise changed ‘o indignation as I saw him step forward to the line, and stand facing me—evi- dently with the intention to fire! Cowardly traitor! he has accepted life upon some base condition. Jeph Bigelow! Sure-shot! whom I thought true as steel! I would not have believed it.”’ Such was the reflection, to which my gag prevented me from giving utterance. In reality, I felt astonished at the behavior of the old ranger. I believed him a better man; but the dread of deathis a powerful test to apply to the human soul; and hard must be the conditions of life when, under such circumstances, they are re- fused. Sure-shot had succumbed to the temptation. Such was my belief, as I saw him raise his piece, and stand confronting me—in an altitude that tou plainly bespoke his intention. ; Another surprise awaited me—another stimulus to my indignation. Instesd of looking ashamed of his work, and cowering under my glance, he ap- peared eager and determined to execute the das- tardly design. There was even an expression of fierceness, ill becoming his countenance habitually meek. Under other circumstances, it would have been ludicrous enough. * Bravado,” thought I, “‘assumed, no doubt, to give satisfaction to his new allies?” I had not recovered from the confusion of my sur- rise, when his voice fell upon my ear—uttered in a one of anger, and accompanied with corresponding gestures. But the words that reached me explained all. On hearing them,I no longer suspected the loyalty of my old comrade. The angry expression was assumed; butthe counterfeit had a design, far different from that which I had attributed to it. It was Sure-shot himself—still tricky as true. “Capting!” cried he, speaking quickly, and rais- ing his gun with a gesture of menace, “‘ pay ‘tention to whet I'm “beout to say. Look savagerous at me, an’make these yeer verming b’lieve you an’ me’s que’lling. Fo’most tell me, ef they’ve krippled ye ‘bout the legs? I know ye can't speak; but shet yeer eyes, an’ thet says ‘ No.’”’ I was for the moment puzzled, b well as manner of his speech, whic responded. In an instant, however, I perceived that he had some design; and I hastened to obey his hurried instructions. Asto the first, 1 needed to make no alteration in my demeanor. Under the belief that he was disloyal, I had been eee him with a glance sufficiently scowling. I preserve tbe expression—at the same time closing my eyes, as a negative answer to his query. Although I be- lieved myself to be hit somewhere about the legs, I felt confident that I was not crippled. ‘“*So fur good!’’ continued he, still speaking loud- ly and angrily. ‘“‘Neow! slew yeer right elbow down a leetle, an’ gi’ me a better chance at thet eer strip o’ hide, I kinder guess as heowI kin cut the thing. It ‘peers to be allo’ one piece, an’ "ll peel off yeer body like a rope o’ rushes. if I cut it, the matter as in no way cor- theer’ll bea chance for ye. Theer’s only one o’ the | verming ahint the mound. Yeer hoss air theer; make for the anymal—mount ’im, an’ put off like a streak o’ gre lightnin’! Neow!” As he finished speaking, he pee ne nearer to the line, and placed himself in an attitude to fire. I now fully comprehended his design. I saw, as he said, that the cord which bound me to the crucifix was all of one a thin thong of raw hide— lap not very tightly around my arms, legs and body. If cut through at any point, it could easily be detached; and, true enough, my horse must be be- hind the butte, for I could not see him in front. By a quick rush I might sueceed in reaching him, be- fore the Indians could intercept me. If so, then in- deed might there be a chance for escaping! CHAPTER XLIV. A SHARP SHOT. SLENDER as appeared the prospect of my bates freed from my fastenings, by the method proposed, I was not without some faithin Sure-shot being able to cut the thong. His skill in the use of the ;ifle was notorious even among good marksmen—and his aim believed to be unerring. I had known him to bring down with his bullet a bird upon the wing; and heard him declare that it was not by the we but by the mind that he did it. In other words, he meant that his skill was not mechanical, but that he was ey in the act by some mental operation which he himself but imperfectly understood. I could believe this the more readily, since Sure-shot was not the only marksman I had known possessed of this peculiar power. A something inexplicable, which may be classed with the mysterious phe- nomena of clairvoyance and ‘“‘ horse-whispering.”’ With such belief in his skill, therefore, I was not without some hope that he might succeed in his design; and, to give him the chance he desired, I made a violent effort,and wrenched my arm down- ward. It was, to all appearance, a demonstration of my wrath, at what the pseudo-renegade had been saying to me; and it seemed to be thus inter- reted by most of the savages who stood around im. The words of Sure-shot, spoken in English, were of course unintelligible to them; but, notwith- standing the inappropriate gestures which he had made use of, the suspicions of one were aroused. This was Red-Hand elf. “What says he of the yellow scalp-lock to the ‘captive?’ inquired the chief, in Spanish. ‘ Let him take heed, or he too shall become a shooting-mark for the Arapaho warriors!” Sure-shot’s reply was characteristic. It was also in broken Spanish, which the ranger had picked up during our campaign on the Rio Grande. Trans- lated, it ran thus: ; _-— “I’m only telling him how I’m about to get square with him. Carrambo! great chief! when I was a soldier inthe army, yon fellow was my capi- tano, and gave me a flogging. Believe me, chief! I'm right glad of this opportunity to have revenge on him, That’s what I have been saying to him.” ‘*Ugh!” grunted the savage, apparently satisfied with the explanation. ‘*Neow, capting!’’ angrily shouted the rifleman, once more raising his piece to the level, “*look’e Don’t be skeert abeout my hittin’ o’ ye! The whang lies wellageen the bit o’ timber. The ball’sa big ‘un. I recking I kin bark it anyheow. Heer’sto try! | A tall, yellow-haired man standing with a rifle to his shoulder, his sallow cheek resting against the stock, the barrel apparently aligned upon my body, the quick detonation of a percussion-cap, a stream of red fire and smoke from the muzzle: a shock followed by the quivering of the timbers to which I was tied, were perceptions and sensations of almost simultaneous occurrence. Twisting my head, and turning my eyes almost out of their sockets, 1 was able to note the effect of the shot. The thong had been hit, just at the point where it doubled over the edge of the wood It was cut more than half through! By raising my elbow to its original - tion, and using it as a lever, I could tear cubes crushed fibers. Isaw this; but in the anticipation of a visit from the marker, 1 prudently preserved my attitude of immobility. In a moment after, the giinning savage came prtivg in front of me; and, perceiving the track of the bullet, pointed it out to those upon the plain. 1 waSin a feverish state of suspense lest he might suspect design; but was re- lieved on seeing him step aside, while the shuffling, grating noise from behind admonished me that he was once more letting himself down over the edge of the platform. The crowd had already closed around Sure-shot, who 2 tent to be expostulating with the chief, as if offering some explanation of his failure. I did not wait to witness the dé«now ment. Raising my elbow, and giving my arm a quick jerk, I heard the thong snapping asunder; and saw the broken ends spring out from their folds. An- other wrench set my right arm free; and then, clutching the loosened coils, l unwound them with as much rapidity as if I had been freeing myself from the embrace of aserpent! Not one of the In- dians saw what 1 was about till after I had undone my fastenings. Their eyes had been turned upon | Sure-shot—with whom they — to be a, 9 "ae iad _in some angry altercation | ’ | | was only after sprung to one side, and stood clear of the crucifix, that I heard their ejaculations of astonishment, fol- lowed by a wild, continuous yelling. I stayed not to note what they were doing. I merely glanced toward them as I turned away, and perceived that they were still fixed to their places, as if petrified by surprise. The moments were pre- cious; and, bounding across the platform, I leaped down upon the Cage side. , There was a litile shelf about six feet below the summit. I found it oceupied by the indigenous artist. He was seated upon the edge, with his legs hanging over. His back was toward me; and he was only apprised of what had transpired by seeing me as I sprung to his side. He had already heard the yells from the other side, and was about te get to his feet at the moment I dropped down behind him. He was too late for the accomplishment of his pur- “mgs Rushing forward, I planted my foot against is shoulder, and giving his body a violent impul- sion, projected it clear over the edge. I saw it ay upon the angular prisms, and bounding from block to block, till it sunk out of sight amidst the tortuous branches of the cedars. I ran down the sloping path, taking many yards at a step. Not far off was my horse, with that of Wingrove, and the mules. They formed a little up, but no longer under charge of a guard; for the latter had just left them, was running forward to intercept me. 1 I saw that he had a weapon in his hand. It was a gun. He was pointing it upon me as he ran, pn- eavoring to take aim before firing. I heeded not the threatening attitude, but rushed straight toward him. Icould not go round him, since he was between me and the horses. We both ran, as if to meet one another. When less than five paces ted us, the Indian stopped, sighted me, and pulled trigger. His gun snap Before he could lower the piece, I had clutched the barrel, and with a desperate effort, wrenched the weapon from his geanp. I made a feint to.strike him over the head. He threw up his arms to ward off the blow. Instead of using the gun as a club, I ai tage _— =, butt “eo un oe oy? _— stretc m gasping upon the grass. He fell as if shot through the bend: Still holding on to the gun, which, by strange acci- dent, proved to be my own rifle, I ran up to my eae me — —— sige _ - noeneet to draw e n, gather u é lariat, an r to his back. Once there, I felt that I was rth ne The Indians came screaming round the butte, most of them afoot, and with no other weapons than the empty muckets, A few, more prudent than their fellows, had made toward their arms and horses; but both being at a distance, they had not yet reached them, and the advantage was mine, I was no longer hurried in my actions, not even afraid. [had no apprehcnsion of being retaken. I felt confident that from my pursuers I could gallop away at will, and after ta ie time to adjust my lariat as a halter, I gave the head to my horse, and rode or, My Arab needed no urging. UP the valley went he like a bird upon the wing. could laugh te scorn the savage pack that came hallooing behind me, CHAPTER XLV. THE CHASE AND THE SYNCOPE. I mapE direct for the canyon whence issued the stream. Its gap grew wider as I approached it— | though still appearing only a dark cleft between the rocks, like the entrance to some subterranean sage, I looked forward to it. with satisfaction. Its shedowy chasm promised shelter and conceal- ment. When near the entrance of the gorge, I passed the IOO EGomice ‘Ss GO a ~ a —EE