The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1896-10-08
The relaxation of relief went Though

Inc relaxation Of relief went Though
the wrought and waiting camp. The
soldiers were not seeking them. Ready
as these desperate men had been TO do
their leaders bidding, they were well
aware that a momentary victory over
the troopers would not pass unpublished
ana meant the ultimate dispersion Of
the camp, and quiet as these innocent
invaders seemed to be they would no
aouot sell their lives dearly. The EN-.
oattled desperadoes glanced anxiously
at their leader. The soldiers, on the
contrary, looked straight before them.
Process or no process, said Major
overstone, with sheer. you've come
70 the last place to recover your deserters.
We don't give up men in Wynyard's
Bar. And they didn't teach you at the
academy, sir, to stop to take prisoners
when you were outflanked and outnum-
bered."
Bedad, they didn't teach you, Cap
tain Overstone, to engage a battery at
Cerro Gordo with half company, but
you did it More shame to YOU now.
sir, commandin the thaves and ruffians
you do"
Sllence!' said the young officer.
The sleeve Of the sergeant who had
spoken-with the chevrons of long serv.
ice upon it-went up to salute and
dropped again over his carbine as he
stared stolidly before him. But his shot
had told. A flush of mingled pride and
shame passed over Overstone's face.
"Oh, it's you, Murphyr' he said,
with an affected laugh, land You
haven't improved in discipline with
your stripes. -
The young officer turned his head
slightly
Attention."
Zone moment more said Oyerstone
coming forward. Il have told you that
we don't give up any man who seeks
our protection. But" he added, with a
half careless, half contemptuous wave
OF his hand and a significant glance at his
followers, 1--WE don't prevent you from
seeking him. The road is clear. The
camp is before you. :"
The young officer continued without
looking at him: "Forward-in two files
open order archp'
The little troop moved forward, pass
ed Major Oyerstone at the head of the
gully and spread out on the hillside.
The assembled camp, still armed, loung.
ing out of ambush here and there, iron
ically made way for them to pass. A
few moments of this farcical quest and
q glance at the impenetrably wooded
heights around apparently satisfied the
young officer, and he turned his files
again into the gully. Major Overstone
was still lingering there.
II hope you are satisfied, he said
grimly. He then paused and in a
changed and more hesitating voice add
ed, II am an older soldier than you,
sir, but l am always glad to make the
acquaintance of West Point" He
paused and held out his hand.
West Point, still red and rigid,
glanced at him with bright, clear eyes
under light lashes and the peak of a
smartly cooked cap, looked coolly at the
proffered hand, raised his own to stiff
salute, said, Good afternoon, sir, !" ard
rode away.
Major Overstone wheeled angrily, but
in doing so came sharply upon his CO.
adjutor, the leader of the ambushed
party.
We'll, Dawson" he said impatient
ly, who was it?"
"Only one of them id half breed
Injin agents. He's just over there in
the brush with Simpson, lying low till
the soldiers cl'ar out. :"
"Did you talk to him?''
"Not muoh" returned Dawson scorn-
fully, He amt my style.
Fetch him up to my cabin. He may
be of some use to us. !"
Dawson looked skeptical. 81 reckon
he amt no more gain here than he was
over there" he said and turned away.