The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-03-15
THE OFFICERS STORY.

One night recently, while temporarily
Within the kh,its of one of our military
posts on the northwestern frontier,
sought, at the same time, diversion of
mind and shelter from the raging storm
in the officers club room. AS l closed
the door, and pulled the visor of my
fur cap from over my eyes, could see
indistinctly through the tobacco smoke
with which the room was filled, little
group of officers seated around the al
most rcd-hot stove.
"Did ever serve against the Co.
man chest Well, somewhat. was a pris-
oncr of theirs for five days" one Of tho
older officers was replying to question
asked by one of the youngsters, as l ac-
ccptcd an invitation to draw up chair
and JOIN the circle around the stove.
His reply was followed by silence that
plainly indicated that the others awaited
the story that they knew must follow.
Tho speaker was midd!e-aged man,
remarkably well preserved for his years,
and so graphic was his narrative that
one could almost bclicvo himself an eve
witness of the scenes that he described.
"Yes," continued he, 'Iwas stationed
down in Indian territory at the time,
and we were literally surrounded by
Indians, whom our presence alono pro-
vented from going upon the warpath.
Tho Kiowas and Comanchcs had been
for many years the bittcrcst enemies, but
early in the spring rumors of pro-
spcctive trouble from both of them were
very prevalent. According to these
rumors, the two formerly antagonistic
tribes contemplated uniting against
their common enemies, tho whites.
Those repeated rumors were promptly
reported to department headquarters,
but as in every case nothing came of
them, an order was issued to tho effect
that the next officer making any such
report should be sent to investigate it
AID ascertain the facts before tho report
was forwarded to the general command
ing the department.
II was stationed with my company in
camp some little distance from the
post with instructions to watch the
Comanches and Kiowas, whose camps
were a few miles further on. Attached
to my company were two Indian scouts,
both of them faithful fellows, in whom
could trust, and when one morning
one of them came to my tent and re-
ported that there was certainly going
to be trouble, as The Conan ches were
donning their war paint and feathers
and cndcavoring to induce the Kiowas
to follow their exampl,, I could do
nothing less than order around my
horse aad ride up to the post to report
tho matter.
'That very morning tho order of
which Twas just speaking had been re-
ceived, and when reported what my
scout had told me received orders to
bring my company into tho post, and,
accompanied by only one scout, to act
as interpreter, to visit the Iniian camps
and find out what could about the
projected outbreak, and, if possible,
prevent it by moral suasion.
ut was perilous undertaking, l
very well knew; for if my scout had
spoken truly, there was little probability
of either of us coming back with our
hair on. But orders had to be obeycd;
SO, early in the afternoon, we set out.
"The Indian was very dubious about
the result OF our trip, assuring me that
what he had said was true, and that
he best fate that we could hope for
was to be taken as prisoners, and held
until peace was once again declared.
Late in the evening We drew near to
the Comanchc camp, and long before
we came in sight of it, the sound of
tom-toms and savage yells reached our
ears.
"Tho scout here stopped and urged
our going back, saying that it was all
our lives were worth to enter the camp
at such time, but I told him
that | must obey my orders and go
ahead, and that if he SO desired he
could 60 and tell his comrades that he
was afraid to follow the white chief,
and had run away. can sec the fellow
yet, as he Strengthened up on his pony
and replied:
"'Spotted Dog would lie if he said that
he was afraid. He only wanted to save
the white chiefs scalp, and will follow
him wherever he darcs to lead
''For few moments we rode along in
silence, until, upon coming suddenly
around the base of low hill, our eyes
Tell upon sight that l shall remember
rs long as l live. On the side of the
camp towards us a huge fire had been
built, near which post was planted in
.he ground. Dancing around both was
horde of yelling, howiing demons,
heir barbarous arms and ornaments
shining, aud the hidcous outlines of their
painted faces showing clearly in the
ruddy freight. They were having their
amous war dance, and gong through
he ceremony of striking the post in
which each warrior able to bear arms
Ind willing to go on the warpath strikes
MS tomahawk against the post to illus
ra;e the marne- in which he will clcave
be skulls of IL snfortunate enemies.
As soon as we were discovered by