Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1891-08-29

oi It's own accord as he neared the ap
proachiug riders The Sowar saluted
and remained stolidly immovable IN
the background. Both men and horses
we're caked with dust, and wore a
weary. detected AIR.
We're bringing in James all right,
sir, answered Billy in response to the
coloneIs questioning gesture. But we
had a flght--Ghazis, this side Khunaz.
Hamerton's badly wounded. I've come
on for doctor; his only chance. The
black fellow bolted who was looking
after James. Can the doctor go at
once, sirf This Sowar wants a fresh
horse, that's all. "
After a word OF two with the com
mandant the doctor sped toward camp
with the Sowar at his heels. He
paused for a moment by the side of
Billy and looked him in the face
IL shall be under way in ten min
utes." he said. Look here, old fel-
low. you've had about enough; go
home and turn in" He was struck by
the look of agony and mental strain on
the boys face.
After that the colonel got very few
words out of him. He saw that the
young fellow was done up, and ques-
toned him little. His mouth was
parched 50 that he could with diff
Guilty articuIate. His strong young fig
ure was bowed over the horses neck
As they we're nearing camp the doctor
with his escort rode out, and called
back some cheering words to him.
Five minutes later they were out OF
sight.
Once within camp limits the colonel
dismounted, and, giving his horse over
TO a syce, walked beside the young Off
GERS horse with his hand on his neck.
Several fellows came up with greetings
and congratulations
"Come straight to mess and have
something to drink before you tell us
anything, said the colonel, taking hold
of the horses bride as he spoke. At
the same moment he felt it slacken
within his grasp and looking up he
saw that Billy was reeling in his saddle,
and that his lips were bloodless.
IL think I'm done" he muttered
feebly and fell sideways off his horse
into the colonel's arms.
They carried him over to the mess
and began taking off his military great
coat. Then something made him open
his eyes, and his face took a little
brave distorted smile.
'Hold hard" he gasped. 81 think
I've got bullet somewhere, and-and
my arms smashed"
"Why, damn it'll" groaned the col
onel, laying him gently down, and look
ing around upon the circle of horror
stricken faces, "he knew this, and he
has sent away the doctorl"
1t was some weeks before Major
HaInerton was able to tell the story of
Lieutenant Thompson's heroic conduct;
how when he himself was wounded and
at the mercy of the murderers the
young officer defended him single
handed; how afterward he pushed on
into Khunaz and brought out James OF
the police more dead than alive, and
how finally, while concealing the fact
that he had been shot in the right arm,
he rode forty miles in to get the doctor,
and thus for the second time saved the
majors life.
1t was longer still though before Billy
was out Of danger. The wound had
set up inflammation and fever from
overexertion and the long time that
had of necessity elapsed before skilled
care could be bestowed upon it, and
for weeks it was feared it would go
hard with Billy.
But in the end the ''harum -scarum
young devil" got well, and the colonel
had the pleasure of sending up Con
fidential Report" of a very superior
kind, together with brilliant pendant,
which has resulted in the bestowal OF
the much coveted Victoria Cross upon
Lieutenant William Thompson, of Ours.
Vanity Fair.