Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-12-17

Nearing the top, our practised ears
we're simultaneously startled by the sharp
clatter of a horse hoofs on the rocky
path before us. The sound, at first faint
apd distant, drew rapidly nearer and
became more distinct.
Look sharpi" exclaimed Armstrong.
"A Greaser, by Jossy
Rifles and carbines we're brought to
front in an instant, as forward to the top
of the hill we fairly few in. the wake Of
/ Dick Armstrong, who, at the first alarm,
had spurred his horse to the front. The
crest was reached, and we dashed on
down the slope. There was an abrupt
curve in the road few rods in advance
of us. The strange horsemas was just
coming into view around this bend. Dick,
keen for adventure, uttered two sharp
yelps, "yei. yei the usual war cry Of
the wild Greaser," and discharged his
carbine at the supposed Mexican, who,
anticipating his design, dropped Hat ON
his horses neck, and in the same instant
returned the compliment in like manner.
Bang! Whiz The bullet whistlsd by,
and Dicks olster belt fell clattering to
the ground with his pistols, severed at
his back by the grazing ball az he lay
PROSTATE over the pommel of the saddle
II was close call on Dicks ba .ckbone.
In an instant the stranger had wheeled
bis horse sharply about-hs scarcely
seemed to diminish his speed in tn e act
and was spurring away ip the Opposite
direction.
Dillon, who was now in front, was in
the act of sending q second ball aft er the
retr eating horseman, when Dick sud-
denly raised in his stirrups, spurred for
we I'd, and shouted, Hold Stop In
it, don't you see he's soldier {" He
was not second too soon. Charley
10 wered his rife, and glanced over his
shoulder with look of amazement, but
still dashed on. We were at once con-
viuced of the fellows identity as a
United. States soldier. He evidently took
us for quartette of Mexican Rangers
from our appearance at a distance.
Dick raised short brass bugle to his
lips, and blew shrill blsst-a familiar
military call, the notes of which rang
laud and clear along the canyon, ECHOED
and re-echoed from its rocky walls. The
fleeing horseman heard and recognized
the sound. He drew rein ano faced
about, holding his csrbine in instant
readiness. His hat was gone, mis- hair
flying loosely about his face, matted with
blood, which slowly oozed from a slight
flesh wound below the right eye. itlii
"Hello, comrade!" exclaimed Dick,
as we drew near and halted before the
stranger, who watched our movements
suspiciously.
'fWell, I'll be- d-dl" was the profane
salutation of the latter. Who are you !
and where are You bound ?"
'fTravelers to the States" we replied.
"What command do you belong to,
soldier9'
Company L. Fourth Infantry" was
the reply.
whats up down below p Charley in
quired.
"Ipjens, by the holy r as the laconic
answer. y.re.s ana. !
"Did they give you that2'' Dick asked.
pointing to the soldiers cheek, " or did 1
do il Just now p
You'll" with another oath, and a
shrug ot the shoulders. Not much.
That's Ipjen sign-'Rspaho."
Where did yeu find the Indians 2" we
asked eagerly. .rf.- ....t.
"Jest you go down onto Blue Smoke,
aud you'll find out before sundown," said
the soldier, with self confident air.
Iu the course of some farther conver-
sstion, the fellow informed us that he had,
on the afternoon of the preceding day,
been despatched by the officer in COM
msnd of the force eucarined on Hsrper's
Fork, after endorsements from the
vicinity of the Rapids en- the GREEN
that be bad been disco vered and pursued
by the Indians on the way, q nn-
merous band Of wnom we're lurking
in the valley of Blue Smoke Branch.
aud from whom he nsd made his escape
only through the heetness and endursuce
of his horse. The savages had put bull
let and several arrows through his clothes
in various places, and ir fiicted painful
aesh wound on mis- cheek with another
arrow; but, be added, with an ever
ready oath, I" made closer call on two
Of the red devils than did on that fel-
low there, just O little while ago -indi-
eating Dick Armstrong, who was that
instant returning with DIS pistols and |
belt, which be had ridden back after.
Dick listened with deep interest TO the |
conclusion of The soldiers statement
and became very anxious to accompany |
the latter to the military camp on the |
Green, and join the command in pursuit |
of the Indians. The distasce 10 the
Rapids, where the troops we're encsmped,
was about twenty miles. so the soldier
averred, and the expedition would return
By this very route. on the following day,
at the farthest, ss the order was 10 move
Immediately to the assistance Of the lit
tie force on Hsrper'E Fork.
We endesvored to dissuade Dick from
going, bat found it quite useless, for he
seemed set in his pu.pose--an inherent
love Of adventure, amounting almost 70
. passion, spurred him on, and the sol
dier encouraged hin hy the assurance
that there would certainly be famous
sport The fellow evidently desired com
pany, for his own greater security.
There was no use Of arguing With Dick;
his determination was fully made-the
prospect Of lively brush with the In
disns, and the probability Of au exciting !