Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1896-12-24

Iu6y OelloVc every tiAuS ouu AAOW AoWA-
ing. 1t may be hours before we can get
details, for the Indians say the fight
took place away in among the hills
through Elk Springs canyon, over 80
miles north of us, and the telegraph
line from Laramie to the old post fol-
lows the stage road from Fetterman far
to the east. II any reports, however,
have got in by way Of Laramie, they
would surely have been repeated up
here for our benefit.
And just then q man came hurrying
to them from the line Of officers quar-
ters. It was Leale's attendant '"The
captain says, sir, that he thinks If you
w.e through Laramie they will be hav-
ing news by this time at Buffalo or Nc
Kinney stage stations.
"That was like Leale," thought the
doctor, "and he must have heard she
was here with me-" cts worth try.
ing" he said aloud. "Will you go with
me to the off1ce!"
II must. I cannot return to her with
such news as have heard" And SO to-
Rether they hastened over the snowy
parade, and Marjorie Farrar, watching
from the dormer window of Ellis little
room, saw them and read the motive
Of their going. ...E
Ten minutes later a dramatic scene
occurred in that shabby little Office, ono
that Frayne has not yet ceased to tell Of
and will long remember. Kurtz, the
operator. was clicking away at his in
strument as the doctor entered. "I've
got Laramie, sir, now," he answered IN
response to the first question asked him,
land he says Buffalo knows nothing yet.
The first news ought to come through
the stage station near Allison's ranch.
Colonel Fenton was over there last
night, but nothing has been heard this
morning. The operator is there now"
"Wire to him then. Urge him to find
out whether there was fight in the
hills, whether Colonel Fenton is still
at Allison's, and get any authentic
news he can and send 1t here at once. "
And even as Kurtz began clicking his
message there was some sudden check,
al eager light shot into his face, an ex-
preston Of keen, intense interest. He
let 60 his key and sat listening to the
quick beating Of the tiny hammer Of
the instrument, then seized q pencil and
began to write just as faltering step
was heard on the creaking woodwork OF
the piazza The door burst open, and in,
with wild eyes and disheveled hair, a
heavy cloak thrown about her, but with
out overshoes. without gloves all oblivi-
GUS to the bitter cold, Marjorie Farrar
rushed in upon them.
Tell me instantly" she began, but
the Doctor, an inspiration seizing him
as he read the operators face, turned
with uplifted hand. with reassoring
smile as Helen opened her arms to re-
ceive her friend There was a moment
more of breathless, narrowing suspense,
Of swift clicking at the table, Of swift
skimming pencil, and then Kurtz sprang
to his feet and placed In Mrs. Farrar 3
trembling hand the yellow brown sheet.
With eyes that seemed starting from
their sockets, she read. Then, with one
glad cry, '"Thank Godl Oh, thank
GodW threw herself on Helens breast.
The doctor seized the futtering paper
ere it it reached the floor and read aloud !:
My congratulations on Wills gallant bearing
in his maiden fight. He merits the name he
BEARS Expect us home tomorrow night, very
hungry. GEORGE FENToN.
But that was only part of the story.
What Leale said was true enough.
The Indians would not fight i'll the dark
except at long range, but that did not
prevent their taking advantage of the
dark for a sudden rush that would en-
able them to burst through what they
we'll knew could only be q thin and
widely dispersed line. Itwas easier to do
it in the dark, as the warriors we'll