The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1902-05-17

iaHd Jutted out into the river, winch
protected it on three sides. In front
of it was a slight swell of ground
strewn with half-buried rocks, form
ing natural breast-work.
The horses were hurried to the
sandy ledge under the river bank, and
the men flung themselves behind the
rocks. The Indians came on without
slackening their speed up to the yer
stones; then voiley met them. Two
of them fell; the rest wheeled about
and rode back to the plain. Only one
of the troopers had been hit.
A little distance away the Sioux
drew together again, and held pro-
tracted council of war, which seemed
to reveal some differences of opinion.
At length young buck rode out from
the rest and began harangue, clear
ly audible, and for the most part in
telligible to the men behind the rocks.
"The pale-face dogs shall not es-
cape!" he cried. HAS not the Sioux
nation sworn to scalp every white man
who has come into their country?
Back yonder on the river the warriors
of whole village have built their fires
for the night; /, Black Smoke, parted
from them but few hours ago. Let
the braves wait while Black Smoke
goes and brings them; and before an
other sun five more scalps of white
men will be hanging at our belts:"
And the Sioux applauded.
Hes talking about the band we
passed." the colonel groaned. "This
is going to be.our last fight, my lads"
Young Kenny was staring through
the rocks. 1--WE seen that fellow some
where before" he said. THAT cut on
his lip"
The trooper near him turned his
head. Don't you recognize him, sir?"
he asked, shortly. Its that chap we
left for dead after the fight last sum-
mer. / saw him starin' at yon when
they climbed up on the rocks just now.
told you they was red devils, every
mothers SON of 'em,"
The colonel had helped the wound
ed man into a more comfortable posi-
ton. SWELL, we've got five rounds of
ammunition left to welcome them
with whenever they get here" he said.
I'm the meantime Horn and are going
to Sleep" And he stretched himself
along the stones.
The savages had drawn farther on.
awaiting reenforcements, and the in
creasing darkness hid them entirely.
Inside the rocks there was but little
talking. The colonel's peaceful breath
ing, the uneasy moaning of the wound
ed man, the rush of the river, were the
only sounds that broke the stiffness.
And SO the early hours of the night
dragged by.
They're long time gettin' here"
Barnes said about midnight, with a
faint hope in his tone. Maybe they've
broke camp"
The other trooper gave harsh
laugh. whats the difference? Them
fellows out there can finish us in half
an hour when daylight gets here" he
said.
And silence fell again.
At last the stars began to set. The
men were perhaps little drowsy-
the night had been so long-when
Barnes started up.
Look" he whispered. -
Along the ledge of sand an indis-
tinct line of figures was creeping and
more were scrambling down the bank.
keep under cover, men," said the
colonel's quiet voice behind them;
"and don't fire till they're close. We
can give them a warm five minutes,
anyhow"
Kenny raised his rife. leave the
leader to me-" he said through his
teeth. "I've got little mistake to
correct"
Three seconds, and a naked figure
sprang upright on the rock. There was
the crack Of rifle, and heavy thud.
Don't fire, coloneli It's your men."
a voice outside exclaimed. And half
score. of soldiers leaped over the rocks.
/ The little garrison stared at them
through the dim light.
"Who brought you here?" the
colonel gasped.
"The Cheyenne" answered the IA
miliar voice of the adjutant, putting.
HE says one of you saved his life last
year. He got us here on the double.
quick"
Kenny bent hastily over the pros
trate Indian.
( "And shot at hint" he cried in
low voice. "I--I'm afraid he's hurt!
And he was coming to our rescue
wasn't it horrible? Get some water
some of you"
Two of the men had raised the
young brave in their arms. He opened
his eyes slowly, meeting the boys
anxious, remorseful gaze with an odd
smile.
"Us--brudders," he muttered in his
deep cultural, as their hands clasped;
and, with quivering sigh, died.
The little colonel raised his cap
I'VE believe in one God, the Father
Almighty" he murmured. And every
head was uncovered as they laid the
Indian back upon the grass.
The silence was broken by the cry
of the sentry:
s'Here come the savages, sir!"-Bal-
timore News.
clear understanding of that odd state.