Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1898-10-22
THE TRENCHES WE'RE DUG.

When the American line had fought
its way to the top of the hills at Ell
Paso and San Juan and Caney, General
Wheeler issued an order that every
command should dig trenches in prep
aration for the conflict that he knew
would break out again in the morn
ing But the soldiers had thrown
away most of their trenching tools
during the fierce rifle charges, and as
darkness fell upon the scene of battle
they threw themselves upon the
ground and went TO sleep from sheer
exhaustion. Adjutant Hood of the
Rough Riders, noting this condition
of affairs, rode over to General Wheel
er's tent and Informed the good old
veteran that the men were played
out. Wheeler at the time was lying
upon the cot more dead than alive,
but there was smile upon his lips
and his never-failing good humor
twinkling in his eyes, when Adjutant
Hood said:
General, l am afraid the men
can't dig the trenches
'-What men?" asked the general.
THE cavalry DIVISION said the adj
jutant.
THE man who can't dig trenches"
But it is not one man; it is many
men, They are just played out"
But you can surely find one man
who says he can't dig the trench. l
only want one. Go get him and bring
him to me-"
But there are'-
Il don't care how many there are.
Go and get me one"
The Adjutant had never faced such
"a man as Wheeler before, and he did
not know Just what to make of the
conversation The little old general
was as smooth and suave and courte-
Gus as could be, and Hood had moth
ing to do but ride back to line In
some way he managed to round up a
colored trooper belonging to the
Ninth cavalry and brought him back
TO the division headquarters. He
stood looking sheepiShly at the
ground when Wheeler addressed him
Are you the man who says he can't
dig these trenches?" asked the gen
eral.
on the ground.
Use one of 'em, boss, but there's
The general stopped him. and walk
ed out of his tent.
''You can go to sleep now, my man,
and Ill go up and dig your trench for
you. When the sun comes up tomor-
row morning the SpaniardS are going
to open up on us, and every man who
isn't protected is not only in danger
of being killed, but will be unable to
help maintain our own position. The
trenches have to be dug, and if you
are unable to dig yours Ill just go out
and do it for you. Where's your pick?''
With the most business-like air in
the world Wheeler slid into his coat
and turned toward the big cavalry
man. The latter's eyes opened as he
saw the proceedings, and they began
to bulge out when the general mo-
toned to him to lead the way to his
camp. For half minute his voice
stuck in his throat. then he said:
BOSS, you amt fit to dig no
trenches. If they have got to be dug
I'll just naturally do it myself I'm
dog tired, but that amt work for
you"
Wheeler stopped and looked at the
man with d flicker of amusement in
his eyes.
Il know it isn't work for me to do. :
he said, .'but I'm going to need sol
diers in the morning. and I'm going
to save your life, if possible. Do you
think now that you can dig the
trench?"
The negro started up the hill with
out a word. Then the general turn
ed to Adjutant Hood with voice as
pleasant as sunshine in May.
HE seemed to have changed his
mind" he said. Now you go find me
another man who can't dig the
trenches.
The adjutant bowed and rode off
He never came back In the MORN
ing the trenches were dug.-Atlanta
Constitution.
Truth wears we'll Peonla have