The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1897-07-20
The Baby T~rumpeter.
By ELIZABETH R M


and bridled; the soldiers in their stout
uniforms and gray field hats, with
cartridge belts about their waists,
armed with pistols, carbines and ga
bers, stood waiting for the order to
mount.
Col. Warr;ck, equipped for field duty,
stood on his porch, pulling on his
gauntlets.
A young soldier with a bugle swung
across his shoulder was at the foot of
the steps. His hair was light brown;
his blue eyes had both a determined
and harum- scarum light in them; his
mouth was firm, his chin square, and
his figure was erect, slim and supple.
When Mrs. Warrick came out on the
porch and said: "Good morning,
Jeoffrys," pleasantly, he took off his
hat with an unembarrassed grace and
courtesy that one does not always see
in the private soldier.
"Jeoffrys," said the colonel, ''sound
Prepare to mount"
Yes, sir" said Jeofrys, saluting,
and going down the walk to the parade
ground, where he made his bugle cry
out with an almost human voice, full
of a mans glory in his strength, and
Of anticipation of stirring times to
come.
YOU'RE not going to take that child
with youY" said Mrs. Warrick.
"Ot course" said the colonel; 'he's
in the service and must take his chances
with the rest"
But you could have left him behind.
You are going to leave two trumpeters,
aren't you9"
Eyes, but the Baby Trumpeter would
die of chagrin if he were one of them.
He's so glad that he's going to see real
service that he wants to dance and
shout. Poor fellowp
The c~olonel's voice was kind and sad.
He was thinking of the little boy who
died II years ago.
TRY to take care of him. Think
how his mother would feet if he should
be killedp' said Mrs. Warrick.
"Oh, yes, i'll keep my eye on him."
said the colonel. 'Good-by, old lady"
Their hands met in a firm clasp of
real affection and good fellowship.
"Good by, dear" said Mrs, Warrick,
God bless you! Come back with
your scalp-or eve without it-only
! comet"
Two months had passed, and it was
now late in the summer. The regi.
ment-What was left of twas en-,
camped on the banks of a narrow
stream in Indian Territory. The faces
that the freight fickered On were
stern. In front of the coIonel's tent
the colonel and his staff were supping
together-supping on a small piece of
bacon and a half cup of coffee apiece.
When the meal was finished the colo,
mel told the Baby Trumpeter to sound
the officers call.
AS the officers assembled Jeoffrys
took his stand behind the ~colonel's
chair, and everyone waited to hear
what the colonel was going to say.
Gentleman" he began, 1--WE have
barely enough food left to last, with
the utmost care, two days longer. The
Seventeenth cavalry, that was to have
been sent to help US, and to bring pro-
visions, is doubtless now on the march,
but, owing to our unexpected change of
course, is marching in an exactly oppo-
site direction. Unless we a reach it
we must starve, and to attempt to
reach it is suicidal, for, as you know,
we are surrounded by more than
ten times our number of we'll armed
Indians, and our ammunition is pTRc
tically gone. want any of you, who
can suggest anything, to do it,"
For a few moments silence reigned.
Then the Baby Trumpeter stepped up
and saluted.
Colonel" he said, 'let me go and
bring the Seventh to you"
The colonel looked at him with a
growing n of surprise on his face.
"Why, Jeoffrys," he said, tits a
perfectly wild idea. And even if any
one should be reckless enough to un
dertake such a task, it should be an
old soldier-one who has had expe
rience with Indians"
81 have had experience with them
for two months, sir" said Jeoffrys with
a grin.
Yes, and you have done WELL" said
the colonel, and Jeoffrys drew a quick
breath of qualification. 80 we'll" the