The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1894-04-26
FOES IN AMBUSH.
From first page

rul year tor the cavalry-'lS77; tor Ue-
fore the close of the summer even the
troops so far to the southeast are destined
to be summoned to the chase and capture
of wary old Chief Joseph-the greatest
Indian general ever reared upon the
Pacific slope-and even now, on this
July day. here are cavalrymen at their
accustomed task, and though it is five
years since we saw them under the
heat and glare of the Arizona sun there
are familiar faces among these that
greet us.
All along under the cottonwoods be-
low the crossing the bivouac extends.
Long before sunrise these hardy fellows
were in saddle, and in long column
have come marching down from the
north-four strong troops-a typical
battalion of regular cavalry as they
looked and rode in those stirring days
that brought about the subjugation of
the Sioux. Out on the prairie the four
herds of the four different troops are
quietly grazing, each herd watched by
it's trio of alert, though often apparent
ly doing. guards. One troop is made
up entirely OF black horses. another of
sorrels-two are of bays. Another
herd is grazing close to the stream
the mules of the wagon train-and the
white tops of these cumbrous vehicles
are dotting the left bank of the winding
water for 900 or 800 yards. Cook fires
are smoldering in little pits dug in
the yielding soil, but the cooking is
over for the present. The men have had
their substantial dinner and are now
smoking or sleeping or chatting in
groups in the shade-all but a squad
of dozen, commanded by grizzled
veteran on whose worn blouse the chev-
rons of first sergeant are stitched.
Booted and spurred. with carbines slung
and saddles packed. these sun tanned
fellows are standing or sitting at ease.
holding the reins of their sleepy charg-
ers and waiting apparently for the pas
sengers who are to start in the stout
built Concord drawn by four sleek,
strong looking mules, now standing in
the shade near the canvas homestead
of the commanding officer.
Presently two soldiers following a
young man in civilian dress come for
ward Juggling little green painted iron
safe, and this, with a swing and thud.
they deposit in the wagon.
You've seen that before, sergeant, ;"
laughs the civilian.
II have, begad, an when it had a
heap mole green inside an less outside
than it has now. Faith, never ex-
pected to see it again, nor the paymaster
either. We were both bored through
an through. Twas our good habits
that saved us. Sure your predecessor
was game fighter, Mr.. Barnes. if he
was tenderfoot.
"Yes, the major often tells me he
wishes he had him back, and me in the
place he has instead of the one he had, -
answers the clerk whimsically. docs
he know you re to command the escort
in? You got him into such a scrape
then that he's never tired of telling of
it,
Then he may feel gratifed at the
honor l am doing him now. Sure it's
beneath the dignity of a first sergeant
to command squad like this except
on an extraordinary occasion, an it's to
take the taste of the last time out of his
mouth | volunteered to escort the ma
jor now. Twas strong taste to last
five years, though my reminder will go
with me many year longer. Here
they come now
AS the sergeant speaks little group
of officers issues from the battalion
commanders tent. Foremost among
them, in loose Tapping raiment and
broad brimmed hat and green goggles,
is the rotund and portly shape of Major
Plummer, the paymaster.
We'll, old man. says the cavalry
leader. you can hardly get into a
scrape 'twixt here and Sidney. We've
seen you through all right so far; now
We'll go on about our scouting. Your
old friend Feeny asked permission to
see you safely to the railway
What, Feeny, and a first sergeant
too? I'm honored indeed! Well,
sergeant, he adds, catching sight of
the grizzled red face under the old
scouting hat, iii promise to let you
run the machine this time and not in
terfere, no matter what stories come to
us Of beauty in distress. All ready?"
'All ready, sir, if the major is. F"
He wasn't that civil to me in Ari-
zona," laughs the paymaster as he
turns to shake hands with the officers
about him.
You see you were new to the bust
ness them explains tall captain.
"Feeny considers you war veteran
now, after your experience at Moreno's.
We all had to serve our apprenticeship
as sucking ieutenants before he would
show us anything but semblance OF
respect. Goodby, major; good luck to
you. -
"Goodby all. Goodby, Drummond.
Goodby, Wing. Here! I must shake
hands with you two again." And shake
he does; then is slowly boosted into
his wagon, where, as the whip cracks
and the mules plunge at their collars
and tilt him backward, the majors jol-
| ly red face beams on all around, and