San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1892-11-21


its mission accomplished, the column
had started on return march, and up to
this time no casualty had occurred. So
long as the isolated battalion was NOV
ing toward the hostile camp, nearing
every hour the overwhelming array OF
the enemy and separating itself farther
and farther from friendly supports, no
bar had been put to its progress. But
now the Indian scouts could see that it
was turning back, probably in the hope
of regaining the cantonment unmo-
Tested.
1t was sunshiny December after
noon; the air was as clear as bell, the
clouds that obscured the eastern sky at
dawn had long since drifted out of sight,
and in all its broad expanse the pale
blue vault of the heavens wore not so
much as a feather of vapor. Who that
rode in the laughing, chatting, jaunty
column that sparkling day could realize
the change few hours might effect on
the silent, breezeless solitudes around
them? At noon the sun was so warm
that many trooper had stripped off
his heavy overcoat and turned up the
flaps of the rough fur cap. Except in
deep ravines hardly any snow was to
be seen. The dull gray surface of the
rolling prairie, wave after wave, lay
basking, and the leafiess branches of the
cottonwoods overhanging the frozen
pools were glistening, sparkling in the
lifegiving rays. The advance guard,
after breaking the ice and treating their
horses to a mouthful of water at the
stream, had moved on at brisk trot, and
now the stalwart riders were spreading
out in extended order as they breasted
the slope. Out to the west, full five hun
dred yards, the wary fankers could be
seen, some crossing the stream farther
down the valley, while other comrades
appeared over the barren ridge behind
that no sneaking foe might crawl up III
observed and send long range bullel
from its shelter down into the swarm of
troopers at the ford. So, too, the flank
ers to the east and the sturdy little knot
of rear guardsmen just popping up over
the divide so recently crossed, all told of
ceaseless vigilance ON every side. Ber-
rien has not ridden the Sioux trail a
score of years for nothing. He takes no
chances where the security of his. COM
mand is concerned, and has small opin-
ion of the leader who subjects them to
needless risk.
And now one after another the four
troops ride into close column on the
northward bank; the men dismount, I'M
saddle, and presently, with side lines in
hand, each trooper leading his faithful
steed, the four herds are guided to the
grazing grounds already chosen
and ''pre-empted" by wide awake subal-
terms or sergeants. There the side lines
are carefully adjusted, the brides slipped
off, three or four men remain in sad
die as herdguard and the horses are
left to Craze. Rich with nutriment is
that crisp, dry bunch grasp-rich and
plentiful. The mules of the pack train
bray with Impotence to shed their loads
and join their envied four footed COM
rades, but presently they, too, follow
ing the bell, are streaming out upon
the guarded prairie, rolling in luxury
upon the frosty earth and kicking their
legs in air in genuine delight. From a
dozen little fires among the bare limbed
cottonwoods the thin smoke is curling
aloft, and the rattle of tin cup and plate
and the jovial voices of the men seem
to clamor for their soldier rations In
long rows the saddles and equipments
were aligned upon the turf, each mans
carbine and belt at his saddle. Huge
rolls of robes and blankets are unstrap-
ped and spread to air, and all this time,
while the troop officers are looking to
the comfort and security of their horses,
Major Berrien, followed by a single Or
derby, is riding about from point to
point to satisfy himself that the guards
are stationed where best they can Sc
cure the bivouac against surprise.
The ridge to the southwest'is higher
than those which limit the view at other
points, and thither Berrien is now riding
at easy lope. Rolfe and Hazlett, watch
ing him for moment, exchange an APP
preciative nod as they hear from the
group of soldiers at the nearest camp
fire some brawny son of the old sod re-
mark, Just luck at the ould man now;
sure it's a smart redskin that will ever
get through the pickets he posts" Not
since the days of old Major Slowtrot,"
old Pap" Thomas, has there been a
battalion commander better loved by
the rank and file. They know nothing
will ever induce him to forget one pre-
caution for their safety, and reward his
care with a loyalty of devotion good to
see. Watching him still further, Haz-
lett notes that distant vedette has sig
nailed, and that Berrien, slowly now, is
riding up the slope to join him. A SER
geant has some question to ask at the