Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1891-05-14
.awson whispered hoarsely to Frank

brace up. mani" was the reply, ut
tered with a cheerfulness not altogether
natural.
But say, Frank, I can't brace up.
I've got a secret on my mind that won't
let me brace up, just as I'm on the GER
tain road to death. Hold hard min
ute and I'll make clean breast of it.
But the confession never came.
"Skirmishers-by the right flank
take intervals-march!'' rang out the
command, and the men of Franks
company were deployed over the rising
ground.
Every crash of broken twig, every
sound Of moving bird or squirrel, nay,
every stirring leaf made some face light
with apprehension. ''If I see an enemy"
thought Frank, ''can I deliberately
point my weapon at him and pull the
trigger?'' eff the enemy sees me-
thought James Lawson, Twill he send
bullet through me without a qualm
of conscience?" If they could only see
to be crawling at snail's pace through
pecting the thin puff of smoke and
crack of rife that shall speed the mes
senger of death, is indeed trying to
so different from rushing with blood
at fever heat in the wild delirium of
battle on a foe you can see. Thus,
with hearts beating and nerves
strained these embryo warriors reached
valley below them.
Yes, there lay the enemy right in
front Of them-a small family of Ger
NJ trio
schooner.
The bugle sounded a recall, the men
fell back in column, and the march was
resumed.
That night over the blazing campfire
song and jest and story passed the hours
away-rations were p1enty-discipline
not half as strict as in the barrack-
yard-why, war after all was but big
picnic, paid for by a grateful country.
But Frank Besant was not fated to
enjoy much of this al frescO revelry, in
fact he had hardly stretched himself on
the turf after hearty meal and really
began to enjoy his rest, than he heard
voice behind him say:
''Just the very man, sir, for the job;
we need not go any farther, think
He inStinctively knew that they were
abiding to him, and turning his head
saw Major Hopkins and Colonel Fulton
in earnest consultation. For the present
nothing came of the remark, and the Of
Ii sers went away, but when half an
hour later Frank was summoned to the
Colonel's presence, he was not a whit
surprised, though he was considerably
astonished when the object of the inter-
view was explained to him.
''Besant,'' the Colonel said, 81 am
obliged to detach man on special and
am afraid dangerous duty, and Major
Hopkins agrees with me that no one is
more fitted for our purpose than your
self l would not voluntarily place you
in peril, but the exigencies of the serv-
ice are such that have no alternative
nevertheless, you shall have the OPP
portunity of refusing, if you think the
mission too difficult for you to accom-
plish.'
The Colonel, who was evidently i'll at
case, paused for his reply.
"Wen, SIR" Frank said, thoroughly
mystifed, II don't suppose am more
ready Of comprehension than my COM
rades, but could perhaps give you an
intelligent answer, if you would kindly
explain to me the nature of the under
taking
''Just SO, boy. Really, Hopkins,
think my wits have gone wool-gather-
ing tonight. Well, the fact is, young
man, I've got to send a message in hot
haste to General Lyon. The trouble is
that most of our young officers are poor
horsemen, and this duty includes long
and brcakneck ride over rough cOun-
try. Now man from your county
Lawson, think they call the fellow
says you ride like centaur, so this,
with your other qualities we are more
familiar with, has driven us to offer you
the post of danger"
''And of honor Major Hopkins add
ed solemnly. ''There will be quick pro-
motion for you, lad, if you are success
full"
Both officers looked wistfully for his
reply.
CURLY. ''When do you wish me to
start?'
spoken like the brave boy I knew you
were!' the Major said, with enthusiasm.
''Why, do you know, Besant, have had
the greatest difficulty in persuading the
Colonel to give you this chance. He was
so afraid of seeming ungrateful for the
services you have rendered his sOn-just
as if the highest prize to lad of your
mettle was not the post of danger"
Frank did not, it must be confessed.
keeenly appreciate the Majors logic;
but while he had no fooihardiness in
his disposition, he was resolved that he
would at all hazards do his duty, for his
was not one of those dashing spirits that
loved danger for dangers sake, though
when ne ,essitous peril came he would
no ho los fO Shrinlr from II
''You must be ready to start at the
first glimmer of dawn" the Colonel
continued. ''You will carry no arms
but these revolvers." He laid his hand
as he spoke on two heavy pistols, which
were on his camp-table. you will
bear no written message, which might
get you into trouble if you were caught
by the enemy. And you will ride the
best part of the journey in company
with a young farmer, who has promised
to be your guide-at any rate as far as
the Springfield pike, which will lead
you to General Lyons headquarters.
AS for money, you had better go well
heeled, for a silver shield is often a
mans best protection"
He pulled out his purse as he spoke.