Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1897-08-30


Apache arrows through him. 1t is
feared that the boy has been killed or
run off by the Indians, who are report
ed to have fed into the Businesses of
the Socorro, to the north of us. If SO,
between Capt. Fosters troop, already
in the field. and those here at hand, |
hope to make short work OF them.
And here Maj Thornton was inter
rupted by the entrance of the ordnance
sergeant It must be remembered now
that old Kelly had served in Arizona in
his dragon days, before the war, and
had just completed another period of
five long years with the Eleventh cav
airy, the predecessors of Thorntons
regiment. Like every other old sol
der, he was inclined to the belief that
newcomers had very much to learn,
and, as we have seen, the Indians them
selves were taking advantage Of this
inexperienoe Kelly couldn't be dis
respectful to an officer, but he had
much to say, and there was no time to
be lost.
''May speak to the major?" was his
abrupt request, as he stood erect at the
doorway, his hand raised in salute.
Thornton wheeled round in his chair
and looked up in quick interest.
Certainly, sergeant. Go ahead!"
''As l understand it, sir, Lieut..
Cranes party followed the trail into the
canyon, and would go on through in
pursuit.
THAT'S my understanding also" said
the major.
'sAnd did the major order the de-
tachment that followed Lieu5. Crane to
go on till they came up with him?"
eyes. He couldn't go very far, you
know; he took no rations."
'Ilnow, sir; but from what l hear
the lieutenant rode str. light into the
canyon and expected to find the raiders
there somewhere. Once into it, sir,
there's no way out but through it. =
Very true"
ssWell, what I'm afraid Of, sir, is this
the Indians who have run that stock
into the canyon SO as to make trail to
draw the troops in pursuit are only two
OR three in number, but if there are
more Indians in those hills-and the
chances are there are" and Kelly
pointed significantly to the rugged
heights so nearly overshadowing them
1.-THE most Of them will be found lying
on their bellies up the cliffs and ready
to heave down whole tons of rock on
our fellows in the gorge"
Thornton started to his feet and
stared eagerly out of the north window
in front of him. That's very serious
natter he said, 'but wouldn't we have
heard of it by this time? The cliffs are
nearly all down at this end, are they
not?"
Most of 'em are, sir; but there's
bad slit within a mile Of the north gate,
nearly twelve miles from here, and
another about midway. If they jump
the troops at this end they'd know the
reserves here would be galloping up
the game trails east or west of the cam
yon III no time, whereas if they wait
and let the lieutenant and his party
grope along to that narrow part of the
canyon, just below where old Sanchez
and his people were drowned out, why,
they've got 'em, sir; got 'em where they
can't hit back or help themselves in
any way"
The major fastened out into theopen
sunshine, now beating hot and dry
upon the adobe wells. Bring my
horse, orderly" he called, as he slowed
away his unfinished report, and boy
trumpeter with his slouched hat pulled
down to keep the sun from his eyes,
turned away from where q little knot
of men had just buried the body OF the
hapless Mexican herdcr and darted
into the corral, presently reappcaring
with the majors reluctant charger
towing at the end of taut bride rein.
Nov let Sergt. Kelly have your
horse" said Thornton, land give my
compliments to Capt. Turner and ask
him to join us. Come, sergeant, show
me the trails"
Old Kelly was already in saddle be-
side the commander, and, never waio