Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-01-08

And Luce had note, which he HANDED
to Lieut. Mason; but that gentleman shook
his head and indicated Noel. The captain
took it in silence, opened it, glanced over
the contents, changed color. as all could
see and then inquired;
"How far is it, sergeant -.
at must be fifteen miles from here, SIT
came slowly, because my horse was worn
out, and because Capt. Lane Thought that
would meet the troop very much nearer
the pass It's more than fifteen miles,
reckon"
'Had the attack begun before you left'''
"Yes. sir: and | could hear the shots as
| came ont of the pass-hear them ols
tinctly."
MAY inquire what the news Is, cap
tainf" snid Mr. Mason. riding up to ms
side.
"Well, was the reply, Lane writes that
he has headed the Apaches and that ne Is
! Just moving in to the attack
xviii yoa permit me to see the note. sirf"
said Mason. trembling with evaporation
at the Indifferent manner in which It was
received
Noel hesitated: sPresently-presently,
Mr.. Mason. Wen move forward at trot
now"
Sergt. Luce refined about, and riding be
side the first sergeant Of X troop. told him
in low tones OF the adventures of the pre-
| yiolls day and night, and the fact that the
Apachcs were there just north of the pass
and in complete force. The result seemed
| TO be- MS the word was passed among the
| men, to increase the gait to such AN extent
| that tley crowded upon the leaders, and
Noel. time and again, threw up his hand
| and ,vnrned 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. aud then, far 30 tse front,
their eager ears could catch the sound OF
very sharp and rapid firing
..Aiy Godl' said Mason. with irrepressible
excitement. there's no question about it,
captain. Lanes surrounded therel For
heavens sake. sir. let's get ahead to his
support.
"2ide forward. sergeant said Noel 10
Luce. "and show us the shortest way you
know TO where Capt. Lame has corraled his
horses-I don't like the idea OF entering
that pass in column, Mr.. Mason. The only
safe way TO do It will be TO dismount and
throw u line OF sSiFmishers ahead. II Lane
is surrounded the Apaches undoubtedly
win open fire on ms MS we pass through"
Suppose they do, sir. we've got men
enough 20 drive them back What we
want Is to get through there as quickly as
possible
4 fo.- f,,.,
lire to the front at trot moved forward
few hundred yards. and chen, 10 the in
tense disgust of Mr. Mason, ordered the
first platoon dismounted and pushed ahead
as skirmishers Compelled to leave their
horses with number four OF each set, the
other troopers. sullenly, but in disciplined
silence, advanced afoot up the gentle slope
which led to the heights on the right Of
the gorge
Not a shot impeded their advance, not
sound told them that they were even
watched f3ut far up through the pass it.
self the sound Of sharp firing continued,
and every now and then shrill yell indi
Gated that the Apaches were evidently
having the best Of it.
Again Mason rode TO his captain. Il
beg you, sir" he said, ITO let me take my
platoon. or the other one, and charge
through there 1t isn't possible that they
can knock more than one or two OF us out
Of the saddle, and if you follow with the
rest OF the men they can easily be taken
care Of But Noel this time rebuked him
MIR Mason / have had too much of
your interference" he said. land | viii
tolerate no more | am in command of
this troop, sir, and am responsible for its
proper conduct.
And Mason rebutfed. fell back without
further word
The pass was reached. and still not a shot
had been fired Over the low ridge the dis
mounted troopers went, and not an Apache
was in sight Then at last 1t became evi.
dent that to cross the stream they would
have 10 ford. and then the recall was
sounded. the horses svere run rapidly for
ward to the sAirmlsh line. the men
swung into saddle, the rear platoon closed
on the one in front, and cautiously, with
Mason leading and Noel hanging back
little rs though 20 direct the march Of his
column. the troop passed through the river
and came out on the other side. Toe mo
meut they reached the bank Mason struck
trot without any orders and the men fol
lowed him.
Noel FASTENED forward, shouting out,
walk, walk But finding that they
either did not or would not hear him he
galloped in front of the troop aud sternly
ordered the leaders TO decrease their gait
and not again TO take the trot unless he
gave the command.
Just at this minute, from the heights to
the right and left. half dozen shots were
fired in quick succession; trooper riding
beside the first sergeant threw up his arms
with the sudden cry; My God, I've got
iti' and fell back from the saddle Noel
1t the same instant felt a twinge along
his left arm. and. wheeling his horse
about. shouted: ITO the rearl to the rearl
We're ambushedr' And despite the rally
ing cry Of Mason and the entrcaties of the
guide the men, taking the cue from their
leader. refined to the right and left about
and went Gathering out OF the pass.
More SLOTS came from the Apaches, some
aimed NJ the fleeing troop and others at
the litti. group Of men that remained be
hind. for the poor fellow who had been
shot through the breast lay insensible by
the side of the stream. and would have Leen
.. f.s.. H..