The Princeton union., 1900-10-04
copyright. 1897. by F. Tennyson Nicely I

r. ennySOn NeeIv
, nut or the major commanding, Lnere
were tidings of such import to greet
them that Burleigh turned yellow
white again at thought of the perils
they had escaped.
my God, mani" cried the post com!
mander, as he came hurrying out to
meet the party, we've been in a blue
funk about you fellows for two whole
days. Did you see any Indiaps?"
"See any Indians!" said Burleigh, rail-
lying to the occasion, as became a
man who knew how to grasp an oppor-
tunity. 1--WE stood off the whole Sioux
nation over toward Crazy Woman's
fork. There were enough to cover the
country, red and black, for a dozen
miles. We sighted them yesterday
about four o'clock, and there were
enough around us to eat US alive, but
| we just threw out s1irnish lines and
marched steadily ahead, SO they
| thought best not to bother US. They're
shy of our breech-loaders, damn 'em!
Ihet'ss ~ that kept them at respectful
distance.'
The majors face as he listened took
on puzzled, perturbed look. He did
not wish to say anything that might
reflect on the opinions of so influential
a man as the depot quartermaster ait
Gate City, but it was plain that there
was a train of thought rumbing
through his mind that would collide
with Burleigh's column of events unless
he were spared the need of answering
questions. "Let me tell you briefly
what's happened" he said. Red
Cloud and his whole band are out on
the warpath. They killed two couriers,
half-breeds, sent out to find Thorn
tons troop that was scouting the Dry
| Fork. The man we sent to find you
and give you warning hasn't got back
at all. We've had double sentries for
three days and nights. The only souls
to get in from the northwest since our
fellows were run back last night are
old Folsom and Baptiste. Folsom had
a talk with Red Cloud and tried to in
duce him to turn back He's beset with
the idea that the old villain is plotting
a general massacre along the Big Horn.
He looks Like ghost. He says if we
had 5000 soldiers up there thered
hardly be enough. You know the Sioux
have sworn by him for years, and he
thought he could coax Red Cloud to
keep away, but all the old villain would
promise was to hold his young men
back ten days or so until Folsom could
get the general to order the Warrior
| Gap plan abandoned. If the troops are
there Folsom says it's all up with them.
Red Cloud can rally all the northern
tribes, and it's only because of Folsom S
influence, at least I fancy so-that-
that they didn't attack you"
"Where is Folsom?" growled Bur-
leigh, as he shook the powdery cloud
from his linen duster and followed the
major within his darkened door, while
other officers Hospitality led the aid
and engineer into an adjoining hut.
"Gone right on to Frayne. The old
fellow will wear himself out, I'm afraid
He says he must get in telegraphic
communication with Omaha before he's
four days older. Ny heaven, man, it
was narrow squeak you had! It's
Gods mercy Folsom saw Red Cloud be.
fore he saw yog.'
"Oh, pshaw!" said the quartermas.
ter, turning over little packet of let.
ters awaiting him in the commanding
officers sanctum. 1--WE could have giver
a good account of ourselves, reckon
Brooks is down with fever, and young
Dean got ratified, or something like it
He's new at the business and easily
scared, you know; so practically ha6
to take command. They'll be along il
an hour or so, and-a word in your ear
If Brooks has to remain on sick re
port you'd better put somebody il
command of that troop that's had-e7
-er-experience.
The post commander looked genuine
ly troubled. why, Burleigh, we've
all taken quite a shine to Dean.
know the officers in his regiment thinl
a heap of him; the seniors do, at least.
But Burleigho with big eyes, was glar
ing at letter he had selected, opened
and was hurriedly reading. His fac,
was yellowing again, under the bliste
of sun and alkali.
whats amiss?" queried his friend
Nothing wrong, I hope. Why, Bur
leigh, man! Here, let me help you'll" b
cried, in alarm, for the quartermaste
was sinking into chair.
You can help mel" he gasped. "Ge
, me fresh mules and escort. My God
I must start for Frayne at once. Som
, whisky, please" And the lette
:, dropped from his trembling hands an
. lay there unnoticed on the floor.
, CHAPTER v.
: Mid June had come, and there wa