The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1900-09-29

he was coward, and spoke low. for
it was not pleasant subject. They
whispered that he was all right when
behind a stockade. but no earthly use
in a good-going tussle.
The parasite of malaria, the
stealthy plasmodium, knew better.
1t alone could tell what become Of
the boy. No coward chooses to die
as the lieutenant chose within n year
of the relieving of Fort Mutt.
Since early morn the laundering
roar of cannon had echoed from
kopje to kopje, mingling with the
shrek of flying shells and the heavy
rumble of field artillery and am
munition wagons. The naval brigade
had shelled the Boer position and
been shelled in its turn. The deep
Tugela, where of yore the river-horse
had gamboled in ungainly play, on
whose banks vast herds of antelope
had roamed, in whose rapid waters
the lion had ofttimes quenched his
thirst, now swept as a dividing-line
between the invader and the adyanc-
ing force.
The low hills were full of armed
Beers, the intersecting valleys pa
trolled by their horse, every point
of vantage crowned by their heavy
Krupps and far-reaching Creusots.
Thousands of Mauser rifemen lay
biding their time-rude, rough dwell
ers on the veldt, but stubborn foes
and deadly marksmen. With keen
eyes they watched the preparations
for the British infantry attack, and
marveled at the courageous folly Of
the hated "rooineks."
To the south of the river the brown
battalions were mastering, every
man keen to get to close quarters
with an enemy which loved cover as
the proving beast of prey loves the
shade of rock and bush and scrub.
Bugles and cavalry trumpets sound
ed loud and mellow, company after
company stood to arms, troop after
troop clattered joyfully to their APP
pointed posts; while the eager artil-
lerymen, brave to rashness, whirled,
bounding and humping, to the front,
their teams straining at the harness,
the white dust whirling from beneath
the wheels of the gun-cariages.
A mounted officer spurred quickly
to where the imperial scouts were
drawn up in a long double line, two
lines of steel and khaki upon two
other lines of restless horses which
| smelt the battle from afar. He was
met by their commander; n few brief
words passed between them, and the
cavalry were at once put in motion
and trotted towards the rivers brink.
Hating where they escaped the
fire, they learned that chance had
| been vouchsafed to them. The ford
had to be tested, for the gallant
Irish brigade had been ordered to
cross the Tugela and storm the
kopjes. There was call for vol
unteers; but every man was willing
A half-dozen, envied by their com
rades, received the order, and
amongst them was young trooper
who had found it hard to pass the
doctors, and yet had managed to en-
list, for men were wanted who could
ride well and shoot straight, and he
had given ample evidence that he pos
sessed both accomplishments. Hi.
sallow face was lined and weary
trouble was marked upon his brow
he was old for his years; but in hi.
| erlt fnr
were set. This time he would not
fail his country.
"You are to search the ford, cross
if possible, and return and report,
was the command, with an addition
al: Good luck to you, my lads"
1t had to be a dash. and n dash il
was. Into the level raced the troop
and a hail of bullets came swishinf
past their ears, furrowed the eartl
about them, scattering the dust
which rose like water-jets on a pont
when thundershower pits its sur
face.
Thud! crash! One was down; bu
on they galloped. 1t was marve
they were not swept away by sucl
storm of lead. Another hors,
plunged and shrieked in agony; an
other man pitched backwards ant
trailed one foot in stirrup upon tn,
ground.
1t could not be done; every mar
of them was wounded, and ever,
horse but one. It's rider, n mere boy
shot in the shoulder, with useless
left arm, careered forward alone. I'll,
reached the water; with reddenet
spurs he forced his maddened steet
into the stream. On and on they
pressed; the river swirled abou
them. 1t was the ford, but nov
could scarce be so called, for the vii,
foe had damned back the waters
which rose to the horses withers an,
threatened to sweep the hoofs from un
der him. The drift deepened-ther
was desperate struggle; then i
shoaled.
Those who watched shouted aloud il
admiration. Although they knew h
could not hear, they now cried upol
the venturesome trooper to return
He had crossed-the first man to eros
and the brigade was to follow hin
to the death if need be; but il wer
| a pity If he should now fall