OLD MODOC
("UKIAH, Cal, Aug. 20.—A fire occurred at the Yokayo Indian reservation last night which resulted in the death of two Indians and the practical destruction of the entire village. The rancheria is situated about six miles south of this city, and at the time the conflagration started the major portion of the population was at work in the various hopfields in this valley.
An old and infirm Indian was confined by illness in one of the straw-thatched huts, and in some manner a spark from a slumbering fire was blown to the roof of the cabin. In almost an instant the flimsy structure was in flames.
It chanced at this time that a Modoc Indian named Will-TiMo had returned to the village on an errand, and as soon as he discovered the cabin of the old Indian on fire he rushed to the rescue. The intense heat drove him back at first, but he no sooner recovered his breath than he rushed through the door and into the blazing cabin. He seized the old Indian by the hair and started to drag him out. By the time he reached the door his clothes were on fire and he fell back into the cabin. A moment later the roof of the hut fell in and the blazing mass covered the two Indians.
The flames by this time had practically destroyed the house and help came in time to remove the two dying men from the glowing embers. Will-Ti-Mo, the Modoc brave, was burned almost to a crisp, but he was still living when taken from the glowing building. The other Indian was dead. All night long the death song of the Indians could be heard. The hopfields were deserted and Yokayos, Sanels and a few Klamaths gathered around the charred bodies to mourn."—Ukiah Press.)
Old Modoc died like a hero to-day?
Strange, very strange, I remember him well
The tall, gaunt old Indian, tricky and queer
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