HEROES OF THE LONE STAR STATE.

863

the little party of spies remained a respectful distance and shadowed their movements. The Hangers were compelled to behold from afar the sack and burning of the village of Lindville. Meanwhile a call had been sent for re-enforcements, and the scouts, who never let the enemy get out of their sight, were joined by recruits, the fighting force numbering three hundred

THE RANGERS PURSUING THE COMANCHES.

men. The object of an attack was not merely to punish the Indians, but to rescue seven white women, who had been taken captive. These latter were rightly conjectured to be in the rear of the camp with the old men. One detachment was to move around to the rear and release the women if possible, while the men fought from the front.

The first company arrived within view of their victims. The Indians observed them at the same instant.   In a moment the