The Forrest City times., 1891-01-03

X: :: ]; = ::: $; 7: ; :: 5: :;: :: ]: ;'; : 5; N hot on the 17th of Au-
 N gust, 1S7-, that the AVJ leaves of the trees fol ded
 0 the m selves in humble
 @ protest and the birds crept pantingly under the shade of the brushwood which lined the banks oi Otter creek in their endeavor to screen themselves from the fiery orb But the heat seemingly had no effect upon man who stood upon an over turned wagon which formed part Of some breastwork that had been up. reared upon knoll about five hun dred yards from the creek. He was shading his weary eyes with his hand as he looked earnestly along trail which ran away to the southeast.
 No signs of the troops yet" he muttered, as he rubbed his weary eyes; good heavens! another like this and them
 Bandl zip! rang out the report of n rife, md n bullet buried itself in the wagon bed.
 "A miss is as good as n mile, my beauties" said the soldier, for such his dress showed him to be, though" headded after moments Consideration, "Fd prefer the milel"
 Instantly from the hills that lay about halt mile to westward of the creek came the report of many rifles, and n shower of bullets whis- tied unpleasantly close to the fool hardy soldier, who now, yielding to the entreaties of his comrades. slowly descended from the breastwork and entered the corral. Inside the corral n narrowing sight met his eyes. In n pit behind the hastily thrown up parapet lay a number of wounded men vainly calling for water. water" the murmuring of which they could almost hear as they lay there suffer ing from the agony ot thirst aug mented by the pain of their wounds Their faces were pale and wan their lips were cracked and dry. and as the sweltering sun beat upon their dying forms they moved their heads uneasily from side to side, moaning feebly, "water, watcr!" 1t was truly heart-rending scene.
 So thought old Jones. the soldicf who had just descended from the lookout; for striding over to where the commanding officer stood lSre- quested Col Mack to allow him to 20 to the creek and obtain some water for the wounded.
 Do you know that you will al- most certainly snrcitice your lite in 50 duing?" said the colonel, for the approach to the creek was swept by the enemy's fire.
 "Whv. sir, l allow that thar is n s.risk: but, sir, they Ire suiierin' awful" jones returned, jerking his thumb sover his shoulder to indicate what hs meant by they"
 "Well, then since you will go, my brave fellow, may God protect you" the stern old soldier returned, his gray eyes sntiused with tears as he witnessed this touching trait oi true heroism in the private
 Catching up couple oi buckets ; Jones sclnmberedo over the breastwork md walked toward the creek as co ol and self possessed as it he were crossing n parade ground. As the encmy's bullets plowed up thu ground in front and rear oi him the hearts of his comrades stood still. They held their breatl, and urasped more tightly their carbines as they watched the progress of this daring soldier who was willing to lay down his lie fl by so doing tt lew wounded comradesmight he benefited. Reach ing the creek he filled his buckets and returned. When about half way to the camp he stopped and rested him. sell, calmly directing his gaze toward the enemy'a lines. who, seemingly astonishe by his coolness, withheld their fire and allowed him to pass unmolestcd.
 So the day wore on. Twice the ln- dlans had striven to carry the camp nnd twice had they been repulsed. Hut Col. Mack knew full well that he could not possibly hold out another day; his garrison was becoming weaker. his ammunition and rations were running low. and the Indians, having received n reinforcement, were becoming bolder. Tho latter. also, taking advantage of the many washuuts which lay between the hills and the camp. had approached to within 400 yards and were subject. ing 1t to n most galling fire, some of tho bullets even finding their way in- tO tho pit where lay the wounded.
 Some one must TO and find the general" he muttered. And yet 1o not care to detail q man upon thfs dangerous service. I'll ask for N volunteer, and then 1t will be hard 1o decide among 90 gallant com SAnnd,' and q smile of pride curled pp tho cCrners oi hie mouth for tho