Like every other herdsman, he carried his trusty rifle with him. s As he
reached the summit of a little hill he saw a band of Indians encamped in the
vale below him. Lawrence thought it would be great fun to send a rifle ball
over their heads and terrify them. He did not think of the danger there would:
be in such a course for himself, so, raising his rifle to his shoulder, he fired in
the direction of the encampment. No sooner was the gun discharged than
the Indians sprang to their feet in great commotion. They ran hither and.
thither, gathered their arms together, and hastily mounted their ponies. Then
_ Lawrence realized what he had done. Hisown horse was some distance away,
and the Indians were coming in the direction from which the gun had been
fired. Lawrence ran rapidly to the spot where he had left his horse, and
reached him none too soon. As he was mounting, the Indians appeared on the
summit of the hill, and seeing him, at once gave chase. Then began a race
for life. Lawrence knew that if he fell into the hands of the Indians there was
little hope forhim. He had had no time to reload his gun, and so was unable
to defend himself. He urged his gallant steed to the utmost, and started off
across the plains, hoping that he might escape them. But the ponies of the
Indians were fresh, and although Lawrence had some rods the start, yet he felt
that there was but little hope of escape. Knowing that his gun was of no use
to him, and that it added so much weight to his horse, he threw it away.
Then he threw away his coat and hat, and sped onward.

For miles and miles they raced. At one time the Indians were close upon
him, but his horse seemed to know that life depended on his efforts, and that
another mile would bring him within reach of assistance. So springing for-
ward with renewed vigor, he soon placed a safe distance between him and his
pursuers. Lawrence reached his companions badly frightened, and it was with
difficulty that he could tell them of his escape. Although they rejoiced that
Lawrence had gotten off unharmed, yet none of them felt like blaming the
Indians for chasing a man who, without any cause whatever, had fired upon
them.

 

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