Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1894-07-20

moon had been shining brightly, and there
was no cover behind which an Indian
could conceal himself.
IT, r-a~~''"g PARTIES came in after
tiri.lcs. huat:
The corral was in an exposed place, but
TIC annals nae to be guarded.
Nj, ut caI.ic. Ih,,c would be no lack
Of vigilance on the part of the sentinel on
post No. 3. The moon was even brighter
than ON the preceding night, and the OBJ
iocts on the plain could be seen almost as
distinctly rs in the daytime.
Each half hour the call of No. l was
promptly answered by the other sentinels.
Few expected "A repetition Of the prcced-
ing nights ~cowardly attack. Gradually
the garrison became silent, and one by
one the lights went out.
Some of the more nervous awoke every
half hour, listened until all the senti2els
had responded to the call, then dropped
asleep again.
Morning came, and nothing had hapren-
cd to disturb the peace of the little fort.
Several days passed, and the post settled
down into its Old ways, and the memory
of the dreadful event was beginning to
fade.
The officer of the day was making the
inspection of the soEtinels after midnight,
and was approaching post No. 3, when the
moon, which had been hidden behind a
cloud, suddenly burst forth, revealing at
the very feet of the officer the body of the
sentinel, as before, completely pierced by
an Indian arrow.
The alarm was quickly given, but in
spite of the most careful search no trace of
the assassin could be found.
IAurar, -Att1,I 1v-,, A., 1909 NJ Ana
dreaded an enemy they knew and could
fight openly, but against such ghostly at
tacks nc one could defend himself.
At officers call the next morning the
affair was earnestly discussed. 1t was evil
IDENTIFY wrong to require "a sentinel to walk
post in such an exposed and dangerous
place, and yet, with the corral where it
was, no one could see how 1t could be
avoided.
While discussing the problem an orderly
appeared and reported;
Private Rogers would like to speak t.
the commanding officer"
The commanding officer went into his
private Office, and after the interview re
turned to the room where the officers were
assembled and announced:
Young Rogers has asked permission t
take charge OF post No 3 at night until hC
solves the mystery, and l have granted his
request"
The faces O. the officers showed plainly
the anxiety they felt.
Young Rogers was the son of a brother
captain in their regiment, who, at tina
time, was stationed in an eastern city OF
recruiting service.
The young man had enlisted six months
previously with the object of obtaining al
officers commission, which may be wor
by a worthy and capable man.
The young fellow had gained the esteem
and respect Of every one by his mani!
|, qualities and strict obedience to orders
Many of the officers had known him from
his childhood. He had been the playmat,
of their children and a great favorite witt
all.
Later on many tried to persuade him Il
/, withdraw his request.
b Take the post if it falls to your lot, blu
don't volunteer, " they pleaded.
/, 1t was no use. The young man had
theory, and If he proved it and discovere,
J the assassin he knew that he would ge
his coveted commission.
/, He was excused from all duties durinl