Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-10-16

Just suit him. Things seemed to have a
different color, however, as he watched
the going down of the sun behind the
distant Peloncillos. The words Of the
young infantry adjutant kept recurring
to him, and he knew Of old that when
Lane started after Indians he was "dead
sure to get EN-" as Mr.. Mason was good
enough to remind him.
Twice before sunset the guide had
ventured to suggest a quicker gait, but
Noel refused, saying that he did not
mean to get his horses to the scene worn
out and unfit for pursuit. Mr.. Mason,
who heard this, begged to remind the
captain that pursuit was not the object;
they were expected TO get there IN time
TO help Lane head off the attempt at fur
her fight, and to hold the Apaches,
wherever met, until the pursuing force
could reach them from the north and
hem them in. Noel ranked Mason only
a few files, and knew well that all the
regiment would side with his subaltern;
80 be was forced to show Of cordiahty
and consideration He rode by the lieu
tenants side, assuring him of the sense
Of strength it gave him to have with him
man of such experience. "For your
sake, Mason, wish had been twelve
hours later, so that you could have had
the glory of this thing to yourself; bat
you know l couldn't stand it. had to
pull wires like sin to get relieved, as it
was Old Hudson, the head of the re-
cruiting service. just swore he wouldn't
let me go, because l had had good luck
in the class and number of the recruits
sent him. Personally, too, I'm in no
shape to ride. See how fat I've grown?
Mason saw, but said a fifty mile ride
ought not to stagger any cavalryman,
hard or soft, and made no reply what
ever to the captains account of how he
succeeded in getting relieved. He didn't
believe a word of it.
Night came on and found them still
marching at a steady walk. HaltS for
rest, too, had been frequently ordered,
and at last Mason could stand it no lon
ger. After repeated looks at his watch
he had burst out with an earnest appeal:
Capt. Noel, We'll never get there in
time at this rate. Surely, sir, the orders
you got from the general must be differ
ent from those that came to the post.
They said make all speed, lose not a mo-
ment. Did not yours say so, tool?
''The general knew very well that l
had marched cavalry too often not to
understand just how to get there in
time" was Noel's stately reply; and,
though chatting inwardly, Mason was
compelled to silence. Ten o'clock came,
and still it was no better. Then both the
lieutenant and the guide, after a mo-
ment's consultation during a rest, ap-
preached the captain and begged him to
increase the gait; and when they mount
ed, the command did, for while, more
on at IA jog, which Mason would faip
have increased to the lope, bat Noel in
terpOsed. Midnight, and more rests,
found them fully ten miles behind the
point where the guide and lieutenant
had planned to be- Even the men had
begun to murmur among themselves.
and to contrast the captains spiritless
advance with Mr.. Mason's lively meth
DDS. Two o'clock, and the Pyramid
came, and Mason was nearly mad with
misery, the guide sullen and disguised.
Broad daylight-6 oclocls-and here at
last were the Pyramid buttes at their
right front, and, coming toward them
on the trail, single horseman. at Is
Sergt. Luce" said some of the foremost
troopers.
And Luce had note, which he handed
to LieGt. Mason; but that gentleman
shook his head and indicated Noel. The
captain took 1t in silence, opened it,
glanced over the contents, changed
caler. as al could see, and then inquired:
'fIoY far is 1t, sergeant
ut must be fifteen miles from here,
sH. came slowly, because my horse
was worn out, and because Capt. Lane
Thought that I would meet the troop
very much nearer the pass. It's more
than fifteen miles, reckon"
Had the attack begun before you
Left"
Eyes, sir; and could hear the shots
as came out of the pass-hear them dis
tinctly."
''May Inquire what the news is, cap
tain?" said Mr.. Mason, riding up to his
side.
"Well," was the reply, "Lane writes
that he has headed the Apaches, and that
he is just moving in to the attack"
"ETill you permit me to see the note,
sirF' said Mason, trembling with exas-
peration at the Indifferent manner in
which it was received.
Noel hesitated: Presently-presently
Mr.. Mason Well move forward at
trot, now"
Sergt. Luce refined about, and, riding
beside the first sergeant of K troop, told
him in low tones of the adventures of
the previous day and night, and the fact
that the Apaches were there just north
of the pass and in complete force. The
result seemed to be, as the word was
passed among the men, to increase the
gait to such an extent that they crowded
upon the leaders, and Noel, time and
again, threw up his hand and warned
the men not to ride over the heels of his
horse.
Seven o'clock came, and still they had
not got beyond the Pyramids. Eight
o'clock, and they were not in sight Of
the pass. Nine o'clock, and still the
gorge was not in view. 1t was not until
nearly ten that the massive gateway
seemed to open before them, and then,
far to the front, their eager ears could
catch the sound of very sharp and rapid
firing.
'My GodT' said Mason, with irrepres-
sible excitement, there's no question