ATTACKED BY NAVAJOS


The six Navajos made no attempt to shoot the herder, although for some
time he was within easy rifle range. They contented themselves with
driving the cattle towards the southern section of the valley.

At the first alarm Sergeant Cunningham got the men into line without a
moment's delay. He had hardly counted off when the report of the
sentinel's rifle was heard, followed by his shouting, excitedly,
"Indians! Indians! This way! This way!"

In the direction of the guard-house I saw the sentinel and guard
getting into line with great rapidity. They were gesticulating wildly
to us. Frank Burton, who was standing near me, shouted, "Henry, get
your carbine and fall in with me on the left!"

"Don't expose yourselves, boys," I said. "The colonel told me to keep
you out of danger."

"We are needed, sir," answered Frank, promptly, and the two youngsters
instantly placed themselves on the left of the line.

I broke the company to the rear through the intervals between the
cabins. The men had only the marching allowance of ten rounds of
ammunition, so I had a couple of boxes broken open with an axe, and
cartridges were distributed to them. The two Mexicans joined us, and
steadily and rapidly we advanced up the slope to unite with the guard.