Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1899-03-16
MR.. HARRY SOTHERN.

soNhy ulu uOl suit Ills
health because it was too hot, and you
might have suspected that the Colonel
was guying you, and you would prob
ABLY have been right. Nevertheless the
Colonel would have been telling you
the exact truth. Kentucky had be-
come too warm for him. The immedi-
ATE cause of this warmth in his old
nome was slight disagreement with
another gentleman during a game of
cards. in the course of which he had
been forced to use his pistol in order
that the other gentleman might not use
his. The other gentleman happened
to be an ExCOngressman, man of
National reputation, of one of the first
families or Kentucky. The Ex-Con-
gressman's son, received Sothern
bullet through his pistol arm. Mr..
Sothern felt that the people, with that
Imperfect reasoning for which he had
no use, blamed him for the occurrence.
and knowing people as well as he did,
he knew that their blame would take
the tangible form of a lynching. He
did not stop to argue the matter, but
left for parts unknown until the people
should have time to reflect
Mr.. Sothern had had the good luck to
NNAA1> Ou' III a Dt lllt
British Government for the transporta-
tion of supplies to Africa. On the way
out he had cultivated the acquaintance
of the officer in charge with an assidu-
ity that can be appreciated only by
those who have made long voyage in
a supply ship. At first the gentleman,
lieutenant in her Majesty's service,
did not respond cordially to these ad-
10
at his first appearance as a missionary.
He changed his mind a few days later.
He was practicing with his pistol at
the time with Indifferent success.
Harry Sothern, who had been watch.
ing him, suggested that his aim was
too deliberate. The lieutenant turned
quickly and handed the revolver to his
critic, who showed him how it ought
to be done. When they reached Natal
the lieutenant introduced him to the
people whom 1t was desirable for him
to know. Just at this time the Mat
tabele war was "on." After weeks OF
waiting he got his permit to Join n
bullock train which was on the way to
the front where the fighting was going
on.
The main division of the British
South African corps had just defeated
a division of the Matabele army at
kraal, and had set fire to the villages
around the place. Captain Williams,
with about thirty-five men, while pur-
suing the enemy, was led into an am
bush and found himself cut off from all
chances of escape in a small plain sur
rounded by foothills fairly swarming
with the enemy. There was absolutely
no chance for him. The pass by which
they had entered was already occupied
by the enemy There was nothing to
do. but wait for help or annhilation.
He dismounted his men in the middle
of the plain among clump of bushes
and small trees. The natives circled
around out of range, indulging in
what seemed to be war dance.
when | get out of this" began
Harry Sothern, Pm going into the un-
dertaking business. There seems to be
II good field for it here"
An old sergeant near by replied: "Oh.
no, you're not. When you get out of
this you're going to heaven, if you're
been a good boy. If these devils leave
enough of you, you'll be fit subject
for undertaking yourself"
Harry did not reply. He had taken
of his coat and was rolling 1t up to
put under the head of young ensign
who had been wounded as they entered
tire pass, and whom Sothern. amid a
shower of assegais and bullets. mad
thrown across his saddle and had then
galloped after the rest. He could see
now that the boy was dying and it
gave him a great throb of pity and of
rage against those who had done it.
He wondered if the boy knew his con.
dition.
A few minutes later the young sol
dier was dead. Harry gently laid the
boys head back upon the ground. and
then picked up his Winchester with an
oath. The natives We're advancing all
around them with continuous shout.
ing and beating of shields. The Brit
ish soldiers We're picking off the Mat
abele warriors with certainty and
precision that nothing could withstand.
The natives broke and fed. With
ringing cheer the men sprang to their
feet and fired and cheered together.
Harry Sothern staggered back with
a bullet in his thigh.
Captain Williams helped his men
move the wounded to more sheltered
spot, Dellliil trees. hurry ODltCIpu 10
the arrangement for himself saying:
Don't bother about moving me back.
Just turn me over so can shoot. I've
got an engagement to kill half a dozen
niggers yet"
The captain laughed Then turning
to his men, and for the first time in his
life speaking to them as equals, he
said: Gentlemen, let's sing God Save
the Queen
Harry leaned back on his elbow and
watched them with an amused smile.
He had seen good many men die in
one way and another. But he had
never seen men take it just like this
before.
Across the valley to the savages who
were waiting like vultures for their
prey there fioated the sound of the Ma
tional song from the throats of men
who knew they would never sing it
again. A Matabele chief. who was
captured few weeks later, says that
the G,000 savages stood awe bound for
Il moment before the handful of men
who were teaching them so easily how
not to be afraid of death. He says
a..