Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-10-21
TEN YEARS TRIAL
The Story of a Soldiers Struggle
BY Brigadier General Charles King
Copyright 1901 by Charles King
CHAPTER VII.-(Continued.

CHAPTER Continued
Listen to sae' carefully, now, men,
he spoke in his clear animated tone
every word cutting through the clamor
SO as 10 be distinctly heard by these
his young soldiers standing grave fac.
ed and some of them, it was evident
quivering before him, while, on the
other hand, at his back and beyond the
fence the uproar among the rioters
made his voice naudible. 81 shall
lace you to the right, march opposite
the gate, then face you to the front
again. Now, watch me well. l shall
go to the gates, say few words to
those fellows, then step back and order
you to load. and that means load with
cartridges. Obey coolly. Take your
time, but keep your hammers down
at half cock and don't let finger touch
the trigger! Quietly now" he added.
Then, according to the tactics of the
day, Langdon gave the order to carry
arms, paused TO see it thoroughly I'M
derstood, then Right face" which was
done to man without flaw: then
Forward, march, at which, to the ac-
compartment of redoubled yells and
some few hall bricks that came hur-
tllng over the fence, but fell short, the
company moved off. "Short step in
front" he warned the guide, so that his
men should not become spread out or,
like novices, trip over one another's
heels. And so in very commendable
order and in another moment he had
his men opposite the point of danger.
linen rang out the order, Company,
haiti! faced them to the front once
more, and there they stood at carry
arms, silent, awed, but utterly subordi-
nate, and. despite the fury of abuse
and denunc;ation which greeted their
move, looking straight into the faces
OF the raging mob, but with both ears
attent and one eye ON their cool headed
commander He smiled at them mo-
ment. why, you fellows are steady
enough for veterans" he said. And,
with his own heart humping fast, he
placidly turned again and with one
calm glance at the surging scene be-
fore him and purposely leaving his
men at the carry he walked quietly for
ward, Charming and the sheriff away
to the rear, looking breathlessly on.
Barely GO feet interposed between
his men and the mob as. all alone, he
sauntered down to the gates. In spite
OF themselves the cursing ringleaders,
the brawny wielders of sledge and
crow. dropped blasphemy and bars to
listen 1,a l,a1
say, and curiosity prevailed. That
white faced, gray eyed "cuss' lad
nerve and grit certainly and seemed
profoundly unmovel by their uEroar.
What they heard was not to their lik-
Ing. but hear it they had to, for he lift
ed M his voice so that 1t reached some
hundred ears. and yet his words were
as ct,illl deliberate. rassionIess, as he
himself might prove merciless. He
sp@!it' - Though 1t were matter of
III Indifference to him whether they
bus; l9rprgh and got it, or staid
without and We're spared.
atli seem bent on breaking in" the
clear tones rang out over the murmur
anG i:.uttrr close at hand-the tumult
ut Che distance. Now. understand
IL tapse gates fly open, the instant YOU
attempt to enter you get volley in,
the face"
Then slowly. calmly. plaeidly as be-
fore. he turned about. walked back
half way, only ten steps or so. and
there. first glancing along his waiting
line TO insure its readiness and close at
tention, in clear, sharp, commanding
tone, with distinct pause after every
word, so that even the mob could hear,
gave the order:
with ball cartridges-load"
Zen seconds more, and the silent 70
stood in the position preliminary to
ready, the brown barrels sloping to the
front the muzzles chin high, every eye
fixed upon the gate In stern, calm de-
termination. the ranks inspired by the
soldier commanders intrepid and reso-
lutte bealing-T0 men in uniform obey |
ing to the letter the will Of that one
soldier in civilian dress-and then. once
more in front of the center, Lanpdon
calmly faced the hard breathing, half
paralyzed mob without and dropped !
on his right knee. The act spoke for /
Itself. From that position, instead of /
In rear of the line. he meant to give !
the word. and the death dealing volley |
would fash into their faces over his .
head
.