Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1886-09-04

Aiilith0H AHHUS ndu SpuTTfU HIS
horse almost franticallv, it took him
some little time to reach the head of
the column. tor all the partisans were
pushing their faded steeds to the ut
most. BY the time he caught up with
the most advanced the wall on the left
Of the road ended. and there was open
to the pursued Il rough broken field
with clumps of trees, which thickened
until they formed q part of an extend
ell forest. Into this the partisans
streamed, each one striking out for
himself and scattering as far as posi-
BILE.
Angus hesitated a moment. What
should he doP As the majors aid. was
it not his duty to return to himP He
felt that it was: He had merely been
sent forward TO give IN order. and
nothing had been said about his flu
ture action. He was not sure that the
order was meant to apply to him also,
and he had the impression that it was
always the duty of an aid to return to
his chief. Moreover, Butron and
George were still with Graham. as he
believed. and it would be disgraceful
TO ride away and leave them. He felt
that he must go back and share the
fate of those to whom he was bound by
every tie the battlefield permits; but
God only knew what the effort
costhim. These thoughts passed through
his mind in one terrible momen..
His brave, faithful will could again
control his action, but not his young,
unburdened nature, and, crying bitter
ly. he turned his horse to report to the
Major, who now lay bleeding and help
less by the roadside. His tears and the
dust blinded him rs he rode slowly
backward, every instant expecting that
Graham would appear among flying
partisans. Bullets were whizzing
about him. The yells of the British
troopers sounded like the cries of de-
mons. Suddenly his horse was struck
by a furiously galloping steed coming
from the opposite direction. He had
only time to feel that his animal had
lost his footing on the ditch side and
take to his feet from the stirrups when
he fell and lost consciousness. His
horse struggled mp again and gallopcd
away without him. His head had
struck against "A stone, and had it not
been for his coOn-skin cap the blow
might have been fatal.
When at last he revived the pursuit
had passed. He sat up and looked
around, greatly confused and Devil
dered. Two men down the road were
lifting "A body over the fence. They
appeared familiar. An instant later he
sprang mp and ran toward them cry
ing. Burton, George"
''Bv the blessed powers of heaven,
if there amt GUS said Burton.
Thank God, we're together again and
the Major isn't dead, either, though he
seems all cut to pieces"
Fortunately, there was n little pool
near, which had been left from "A recent
rain. Although it was hot and almost
stagnant, it was sweet to the parched
lips of the wounded man. aud also
quenchcd the intolerable thirst of the
others.
Now. boys" George began. 1--WE
must talk in whispers. We shall have
to lie close until dark. There ought to
be a house somewhere of here To the
right beyond that piece Of woods"
There is said Angus. Il know it
well; and it isn't more'n four miles
from u place. Oh, dear! to think
we're so ncar home and yet can't get
thcre!"
..WelI, Gus" remarked Burton, with
"a grim laugh, .'our chances are amaz-
ingly better than they were a little
while ago. There was a time when l
said goodbye to everyone"
How did you escapc?" asked the
boy.
..Horse shot, thrown over his head
and stunned. That's all my story.
AS it has turned out, the poor brute
couldn't have done me better service.
The first one | saw on his feet was
George trying TO lift the major. Now
for our yarn. George"
He explained what the reader already
knows, adding: II played 'possum to
{ such good purpose that | was left for
dead" Meanwhile he was examining
and bathing his brothers wounds.
Good God!' he exclaimed. II believe
we could save Joe if wo could only get
him 10 q house"
'.Do YOU think we could venture out
before dark?:' asked Angus wistfnlly.
II feel rs if | could take almost any
risk to get away
The CHARGES are that we wouldn't
get away George began.
NO. Boys" said the major, feebly.
~ ~ must stay in cover. I'm in cnni-
mand yet, and / order You not to take
one risk on my account
shat up, doe, I'D save your
strength said his brother You may
give ali the orders YOU please, but we
shall do what We believe is best for
YOU. You're going to get well and
make the red coats pay for this day
las God wills" said the young Oil,
Ger. quietly.
well" replied George, brusqucly,
Il reckon God often wills what we do
If we set our teeth and do our best.
Come. Gus, tell Us how You appeared
on the scene so op%portunely.'
Il made n baby of myself again
began the boy hanging his head. 81