The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-12-09
A DUMB HERO.
Gallant Steed Saves the Life OF HI,
Master.


A Gallant steed Saves the Life OF His
Master.
GEORGETOWN Md, Nov. 15.-Adorning
the private office OF Major A. 0. BeaH OF
this city is novel and beautiful specimen
of the taxidermist's art in the shaps of the
upthrown, graceful head Of a bay horse.
The story attached 10 this relic is favorite
one of the Majors, aud is a touching nara
tive of San animals devotion and intelli-
gence.
His name was Hero, and he was hero"
continued the Major, 'if ever one lived. Nv
father gave him to me at the breaking out
of the war, when he was just years old.
de had, of course, never been in battle be-
fore, and / had considerable trouble with
him the first time we were under fire-whch
was at Bull Run-but l managed to keep
my seat until piece of exploded shell
struck me IN the leg, infictng at the same
time slight wound in Hero's side, when he
threw me and broke away. l was SO badly
hilrt myself that l tainted and lay for hours
unconscious, but was aroused at last by
warm caressing tongue, like a dogs, gently
licking my face, and, opening my eyes,
saw Hero standing over me. When / put
up my hand and stroked him he bent his
head down to mine, whinneying softly, and
saying, as well as he could with his fine
dark eyes, Forgive me, master, for running
away
"Well, after that Hero and were the best
OF friends, but it was not until the next wear
that he proved his devotion. 1t was dark.
rainy night, and my command was execut-
ing hurried march to take possession of
the village of Clover Lea, near Winchester.
Va, and owing to the darkness and some
misunderstanding l got separated fir ON the
rest, and In short while was at complete
loss, not only as to my Whereabouts, but as
10 even the points of the compass. There
was nothing Tor It, however, but to ride on,
SO for the next half hour Hero stumbled on
over the Doggy road, until all at once we ran
l.to line OF cavalry plunging along in the
gloom. which was too great for me to dis
ungulsh their uniforms. 1t never entered
my head to doubt that | had succeeded in
shouted out, Well, boys, pretty chase
you have given me!' The man nearest me
wheeled In his saddle like a flash, and |
heard the click of a revolver as he cues
toned. Who are you?'
Il saw my folly then, but knowing a
prompt reply was necessary, and that the
chances still were that they were NV own
men, 1 gave my name and regiment.
Throw up your hands, was the command
my revolver covers YOU Two OF them
spurs into Hero, ! caused him to rear up,
and as they fell back out of reach of his
plunging fore feet, gained the moment |
wanted, and, as he righted himself we
dashed away, followed by dozen shots. A
singing sensation in my shoulder told me
was hit, and the blood began to pour from
my back; but my gallant steed bore on. and.
ciinging 10 him, / encouraged him with
every fond name l could think of, For some
minutes could hear shouts and firing be-
hind me. but thanks to my Hero's unfiag-
ging galloD we Were soon out OF reach Of
our pursuers By this time, however. I
could no longer sit erect, for the loss of
blood had weakened me SO that was well
nigh fainting"
Lights appeared to be just ahead of me.
but fancied these were caused by INV reel.
ing brain, and in despair slipped out Of INV
saddle and swooncd upon the ground. When
opened my. eyes was surrounded by nv
own men, who, to my amaZement, had tears
in their ewes. They told me that I lind
tainted on the outskirts of Glover Lea. Int
would probably have bled to death had not
my clever horse, my brave Hero. taken NV
inanimate form by the clothing and dragged
II until stopped by oae of tho soldiers. Nnd
Hero L said, where is hep They turin d
away at first, but On my insisting INV friend.
Captain Willis, answered me. with tears
running down his cheeks: Hero has made
his last charge, old fellow! When Won were
wounded, ut the same time a ball in the
neck gave him his death, but he held ont tn
carry you to friends. At every inmp the
blood must have spurted from his wound
and as Mason stopped him as he dragged
you he fell dead Yes, he was dead INV
noble Hero! He had given in truth HE life
for his friend. Globe Democrat, -S