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Show 162 PERSONAL ADVENTURES to make; " the fellow could never have got it honestly, and, if we didn't do it, somebody else wouldn't be long about it." This was correct enough as a prediction, and I afterwards discovered the utter uselessness of remonstrance against the practice of regarding the money that might be found on a fallen foe as so much lawful booty. In this instance, it only amounted to a few dollars. I said no more, and proceeded to assist O'Reilly to reload his rifle, the one I had being ready charged : it had been the last act of the Yakee. We again soon became entangled in the bushes, and separated from each other, both intent upon making the best of our way to our companions, whom we no longer heard in our vicinity. It was not long, however, before I heard three sharp reports, followed up by the shouts of O'Reilly, 'vhose where· a bouts I at last succeeded in discovering. He was engaged in a hand-to-hand fight with two Yakee Indians, the three having discharged their pieces without effect previously to en· IN CALIFO RNJ A. ] 63 gaging in this close and desperate conflict. I ought to observe, that, although O'Reilly had abandoned his musket, he had first removed the bayonet, and adjusted it to his rifle; an example I had likewise followed. He was thrusting desperately at the two Indians, who, on their side, parried every thrust with the greatest dexterity, using the butt-end of their pieces for this purpose. I levelled my rifle, intending to assist him ; but the curious manner in which the combatants dodged about rendered it a matter of uncertainty whether I might not shoot my comrade instead of either of his opponents. My n1omentary hesitation was not of much consequence, as it turned out; for, finding he could not get at them, he sprang aside, and, dexterously t\visting his rifle round so as to grasp the muzzle, he began whirling it about until he got the chance of bringing the buttend of it do,vn upon the head of the nearest Indian, who fell instantly; seeing which, the other leaped into the bush and disappeared. I fired at him as he fled but I believe with- ' ' ' |