Waterbury Democrat., 1900-10-24

l V .t-s se -.s -f z44t 5z4 about four o'clock, and there were enough around us to eat us alive, but we just threw out skirmish lines and marched steadily ahead, so they thought best not to bother us. They're shy of our brecch-ioadcrs, damn 'crn! | Thats all that kept them at respectful | distance" The major. face as he listcnedtook on 2 puzzled, perturbed look. He did not wish to gay anything that might reflect on ths opinions of so in1uan iAl a man ax the depot quartermaster sa Cato City, but it was plain that there was Q train of thought runLliny through his mind that would collide with Burlsigh's column Of events unless he were spared the need of answering questions. Let mo tell you briefly what's happened" he said. Red Cloud and his whole band are out on the warpath. They killed two couricrs, half-breeds, 1 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 sentrics 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 Raptiste. Folsom had a talk with Red Cloud md tried to in- duce him to turn back. He's beset with the idea that the old villain is plot ting general massacre along the Big Horn. He looks like a ghost. He says if we had 5,C00 soldiers up there there'd 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 ma jor within his darkened door. while other officers hospitably 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 telegraph communicatio with Omaha before he's four days older. My heaven, man, it was narrow squeak you had! It's Gods mercy Folsom saw Red Cloud be- fore he saw you."
 "Oh, pshaw!" said the quartermas- ter, turning over little packet of let ters awaiting him in the commanding officers sanctum. ''We could have given a good account of ourselves, l reckon. Brooks is down with fever, and young Dean got rattled, or something like it. He's new at the business and easily scared, you know; so practically had to take command. They'll be along in an hour or so, and-a word in your ear: If Brooks has to remain on sick re- port you'd better put somebody in command of that troop that's had-er 
 The post commander looked genuine ly troubled. Why, Burleigh, we've all taken quite shine to Dean. I know the officers in his regiment think heap of him; the seniors do, at least"
 But Burleigh, with big eyes, was glar- ing at letter he had selected opened and was hurriedly reading. His face was yellowing again, under the blister of sun and alkai.
 "What's amiss?" queried his friend. Nothing wrong, I hope. Why, Bur leigh, man! Here, let me help you!'' he cried, in alarm, for the quartermaster was sinking into chair.
 You can help mel" he gasped. "Gee me fresh mules and escort. My God! l must start for Frayne at once Some whisky, please" And the letter dropped from his trembling hands and lay there unnoticed on the floor.