They saw with astonishment the cattle running in every direction, they having been stampeded by the Indians, who had shot and killed the three men who were on day-herd duty, and the red devils were now charging down upon the rest of us.
I then thought of mother's fears of my falling into the hands of the Indians, and I had about made up my mind that such was to be my fate; but when I saw how coolly and determinedly the McCarthy brothers were conducting themselves and giving orders to the little band, I became convinced that we would "stand the Indians off," as the saying is.

Our men were all well armed with Colt's revolvers and Mississippi yagers, which last, carried a bullet, and two buckshots.
The McCarthy boys, at the proper moment, gave orders to fire upon the advancing enemy.

The volley checked them, although they returned the compliment, and shot one of our party through the leg.

Frank McCarthy then sang out, "Boys, make a break for the slough yonder, and we can then have the bank for a breast-work." [Illustration: KILLING MY FIRST INDIAN.] We made a run for the slough which was only a short distance off, and succeeded in safely reaching it, bringing with us the wounded man.

The bank proved to be a very effective breast-work, affording us good protection.