The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1870-03-25
SMistfllanrous.
THE RENEGADE'S DOOM,
A Story of Colorado.

A storm had ragged all day; the bel
lowing blast carrying with it dirt and
fine particles of sand, until the cloud
was not only binding, but till it was
next to impossible for a human being
to venture from under cover without
having the very flesh lacerated or peel
cd from his bones. Tents lay scattered
and rent in every direction, and even
some of the "dobie" quarters had been
leveled with their mother earth. In
deed, Fort Sedgwick presented much
such an appearance as might have been
expected had band of Sioux Indians
made successful assault upon the
place.
AS the darkness came on the wind
ceased to some extent land then steady
storm set in, almost as terrible as was
the sand-tempest of the day. 1t was
densely dark, and this darkness was
favorable to the movements ofa savage
band, who had lurked in a shallow ra-
vine behind the bluffs, back about two
miles from the Platte river.
The bugles at the fort had lust sound
ed the tattoo and taps, when one of the
band referred to arose from his pros
trate position; and as he did SO, gave
vent to coarse and mocking laugh.
Immediately after, small light shot
up. He had ignited match for the
purpose of lighting his pipe; and the
brief flame, as he protected it from the
wind with his fur cap, revealed his fea-
lures. He was hideOus in the extreme;
and, although painted like savage, it
was easy for an experienced eye to de-
tect the fact that he was not one. Then
his voice and words wereanother proof;
for turning around he spoke thus:
"Men, You will understand that our
work must be quickly performed. AT
the first alarm those whom have des-
ignated will dash into the quarter mas.
ter's, the suffers and the commissary's
l have business at the commanders
quarters; and this shall perform alone.
1 shall be successful; and if you are not
equally so, the fault will be your own
not mine. In all cases of this kind you
must resolve that you will succeed or
die, and then you will never know the
meaning of failure. Come, and be eau
tious!"
Some twenty or thirty dark forms
were seen to arise as if out of the ground
and then they silently took their way
down the bluffs toward the fort. Soon,
however, the band separated, and every
one of the number proceeded onward
singly. Those who had received their
instructions from the master spirit sim
ply contented themselves with gaining
certain positions, and avoiding every
sentinel. Not so with the leader.
When this person had arrived with
in hundred yards of the hospital he
paused and stood silently surveying the
camp. Here and there were dim lights,
but barracks and tents generally were
wrapped in gloom. After time the
man muttered:
Everything favors me to night, and
1 feel like tiger. Oh, shall succeed?
If do not, death will be the only
thing which will prevent me. Do /
love that girl? / scarcely know. 1 have
strange feelings when in her presence.
Something of the past comes up before
me; but the recollection is like a dim
dream. am puzzled. Many is the
time l have felt an inclination to spring
upon her, even as the tiger would upon
the young fawn, and rend her into
pieces; and then l have felt again as
though must hold her to my breast,
and weep. Curses upon it,-what is
this? Hang me If l don't think that a
tear drop has already started from my
eyes and dampened my cheek. Pshaw!
Mad Leon the Renegade weep! Pre-
posterOus. 1t is only melted jce-drop
melted by its contact with my warm
cheek. But never shall my heart be
melted"
Slowly did the renegade now advance,
and as he approached the hospital he
crouched lower and lower, until he ac-
tually crawled upon his belly like a,ser-
pent. Now he reached the building,
and then he clung closely to its walls,
still retaining his PROSTATE position.
IL was but moment after that a
football was heard, and guard passed
the villain, who was not discovered.
The soldier was closely wrapped in his
great coat, while he carried his carbine