Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1897-07-22
:. THE BABY TRUMPETER. Z.
ELIZABETH HARTMAN.


The Fourteenth regiment of cavalry
was about to start on an Indian cam
paign. The baggage wagons were
loaded; the horses saddled and bridled:
the soldiers, in their stout uniforms
and gray field hats, with cartridge belts
about their waists, armed with pistols
carbines and sabers, stood waiting for
the order to mount.
Col. Warrick, equipped for field duty,
stood on his porch, pulling on his
gauntlets.
A young soldier with 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.
Warriek came out on the porch and
said: Good morning, Jeoifrys," pleas
antly. he took off his hat with an un-
embarrassed grace and courtesy that
one does not always see in the private
soldier.
'Jeoffrys," said the colonel, sound
Prepare 20 mount
Yes, sir" said Jeoffrys, saluting, and
going down the walk 10 the parade
ground, where he made his bugle cry
out with an almost human voice, full of
a man S glory in his strength, and Of an
ticipation Of stirring times TO come.
You're not going to take that child
with you?" said Mrs. Warrick.
"Of course" said the colonel; hes
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 your"
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 fellow!"
The colonel's voice was kind and sad
He was thinking of the little boy who
died 10 years ago.
TRY to take care of him. Think how
his mother would feel If he should be
killed." 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 goodfellowship.
"Good-by, dear" said Mrs. Warrick.
God bless you! Come back with your
scalp-or even without it-only come!
Two months had passed, and it was
now late in the summer. The regiment
what was left of twas encamped
On the banks of narrow stream in In
dian Territory. The faces that the fire
light hickered on were stern. In front
of the colonel'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 colonel told the Baby Trum-
peter TO sound the officers call.
AS the officers assembled Jeoffrys
took his stand behind the colonels chair,
and everyone waited to hear what the
colonel was going to say.
Gentlemen he began, I'VE have
barely enough food left to last, with the
utmost care, two days longer. The Seven
teenth cavalry, that was to have been
sent to help us, and to bring provisions,
is doubtless now on the march, but, ow-
ing to our unexpected change of course,
is marching in an exactly opposite direc-
ton. Unless we can reach it we must
starve, and to attempt to reach it Is
suicidal. for. as you know, we are sur
rounded by more thap ten times our
number of well-srmed Indians, and our
ammunition is practically gone. Iwant
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, '1et me go and
bring the Seventeenth to you"
The colonel looked at him with a
growing sense of surprise on his face.
why, Jeoffrys." he said, ''it's per-
rectly wild idea. And even if anyone
should be reckless enough to undertake
such task, it should be an old soldier
one who has had experience with In
dians."
II Fave had experience with them for
two months, sir" said Jeoffrys, with
grin.
Yes, and you have done we'll" said
The colonel. and Jeoffrys drew quick
breath of qualification. 80 WELL" the
colonel went on, that don't want to
throw you away uselessly."
Butt believed could make it, colonel,
said Jeoffrys. Let me go!"
You don't realize the danger"
"Yes, sir, do, but nothing venture,
nothing win,'" and again Jeoffrys
grinned.
Very well, Jeoffrys, you may try it, y
said the colonel. Il don't know that it
any pleasanter to be butchered in COM
pany than alone, and as butchery is APP
parently what awaits us all, you may
take the lonely death if you choose"
Thank you, sir" said Jeoffrys, as if
1 great favor had been conferred upon
aim.
In half an hour he was back again at
ihe colonels tent ready to start.
What are your orders, sir?" said
eoffrys.
II have none," said the colonel. Then,