The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1889-09-21
CHAPTER VIII.

NEW THERMOPYLAE.
The topography Of the Little Blue Pass
and its vicinity We have heard described
in a few expressive words by Captain
Smedley. Daylight still prevailed among
these heights when the moUntaineers and
their leader marched down the road to
this point, climbed the detached rocks
that had during centuries past been fall
ing from above, and then tediOusly scaled
the steep face of the thirty-foot rampant.
holding on by bushes and vines, and at
last gained the summit.
Captain Smedleys orders were quickly
issued
Rest yourselves, he said, "but do not
leave this place without permission.
Hankins, 90 down to the bend of the
road and watch for the approach of the
enemy. You can see them a mile off as
they come up Come back and report at
once when they appear"
The man obeyed. He was but just ont
ofsight when another man appeared COM
ing up the road, followed by a woman
and several children. Each carried
some article of household furniture or
bedding, and COW was driven
at the head of the procession.
It's Baird, said one ofthe men. Hes
coming in with his folks and things they
can bring along"
As the melancholy party passed below
the rocks, the Captain leaned over and
hailed them.
I'm sorry [ can't seEd the men down
and get everything away for YOU. We
must stay here and be ready; l don't dare
let the men go"
An right, Captain. I'm taking them
back here half-a-mile, and then I'll join
you"
m cOmino foo said Dan
No. no. exclaimed the mother
You're only fourteen; you're not old
enough for such dreadful work"
i can load and shoot the gun Just as
good as father, the boy sturdily re-
piled
1t won't do, Dan" said the father.
You've got to 60 long with your mother
and the children, and take care of EN-
till the fights over"
The Captain and Graham Brandon
leaned over the natural rampant. AS far
as they could hear the voices of the fam
lily, the boy protested that it was not fair
to send him away when there was a fight
coming on.
Some revelation comes to me each dav
of the unconquerable spirit of this peo-
pie, Smedley remarked. No holder
more Independent souls animated William
Tell and his followers than dwell among
these Businesses. | have learned much
since | left the Mississippi and its low
lying lands. The mountain regions are
the strongholds of the Union. The cause
could survive here if crushed everywhere
else.
True; and you have only begun to learn
what these simple people are prepared to
suffer for that cause
Wallace Baird presently returned and
climbed the height His comrades greeted
him, but he drew aside by himself, moody
and silent, and carefully examined his
gun.
The men lay at ease, mos. of them look
ing lutently down the road. silent and pre-
pared. Only the thin voice OF Ithuriel
Nancy broke the silence.
We are perfectly safe here, he re-
marked.
%. no, returned one of the men. will
ing to excite his fears. Bullets search
out people anywhere. Besides. YOU are so
Ia that none of these rocks viii entirely
cover You.
Dear, dear-is that so? Perhaps the
enemy won't advance tonight"
es, they will. \ scout came in while
ago with the report that there were fifteen
thousand of them.
Nancy was speeches.. His great bulk
trembled and his fat cheeks hung livid.
Hankins was now seen coming in. He
climbed mp and reported that the cavalry
We're IN sight
A good lot of EN-, he added
The sun was but now set; there would
still be almost an hours strong twilight
save where the shadows fell. Quietly the
Captain ranged his men along the edge of
the rampant, bidding each one shelter him
self as much as possible.
Whatever happens, he said, "let no
man fire shot till l give the word Then
let each fire, and load and fire again as
fast as he can. But be cool-aim we'll
and don't throw away your bullets"
Silence again, and suspense. Soon.
faint IN the distance, but sounding nearer
and nearer, the thump of boots on the
hard road was heard
Brandon was strangely excited. He
turned to the Captain, who lay with his
eyes fixed upon the bend of the highway.
Captain Smedley," he said. would
you object to flag of truce. to warn them
away?"
The Captain looked surprised. His lips
slightly curled.
of what use would it be? They are
not coming up here for child's play"
1t might be of use
| thought you were eager to fight.
For Gods sake, Captain, don't misun-