davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18
CHAPTER X.
By GEN CHARLES KING.

CHAPTER X.
a sharp AFFAIR indeed was that of this
September day!-a fight long talked OF on
the frontier, II soon forgotten In 1.-The
states" Obedient TO his orders to push to
the relief OF the imperiled party on the Dry
Fork. Ray had made good time to Moccasin
Ridge. even though saving horses and men
for the test of the later hours. Well he
knew his march would be watched by some
OF Stabber's band. but little did he dream
at starting that Indian strategy would
take the unusual form of dropping what
promised 10 be a sure thing, leaving the
people at the stage station to the guardian
ship of less than dozen braves. and
launching out with a big band to aid a little
one in attack on one lone deta chment that
might not come at all. But Lame Wolf
reasoned that the people penned at the
stage station were in no condition to at
tempt escape. They were safe whenever he
chose to return to them. and Lame Wolf
knew this OF Stabber-that he had long
been a hanger-on about the military reser-
yations. that he had made a study of the
able to almost accurately predict what
their course would be in such event as this.
and that Stabber had recently received
accessions whose boast II was that they
had information at first hand of the
white chiefs plans and intentions. Stab
Der had sent swift runners to Lame Wolf
urging him TO bring his warriors to aid him
In surrounding the first troops sent forth
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18

from Frayne. Stabber had noted, year
after year. that 1t was the almost invaria-
bic policy of our leaders to order a small
force at the start. and then, when that
was crushed. to follow 1t with the big one
that should have been sent in the first
place. Kennedy's successful coming was
known to Stabber quite as soon as 1t was
to Webb. 1t may well be that Sta.bber let
him through. feeling confident what the re-
suit would be. and then. despite a certain
jealousy not confined entirely to savage
rival leaders. Lame Wolf had confidence In
Stabber's Judgment Ray had expected long
range flank fire. and possibly occasional re-
sistance In front: but assured of Stabbers
paucity in numbers and Believing Lame
Wolf too busy to send Stabber substantial
aid, he thought a'sharp lesson or two would
clear his front of such Indians sought to
check him. and so rode sereneiy forward,
rejoicing IN his mission and in his game and
devoted little command.
Something beyond that second ridge" he
had said to Field. in sending him forward
with the bulk Of the platoon, and Field, who
had been silent and brooding. woke at the
summons and. all animation at the scent
of danger, spurred swiftly ahead to Join
the advance and see for himself what man.
ner of hindrance awaited them leaving the
bakers dozen of his platoon to trot steadily
on under lead of its sergeant, while Ray,
with his trumpeter followed midway be-
tween his advance and Clayton's platoon.
intact. moving quietly at the walk and held
in reserve.
Ordinarily Ray would himself have rid
den to the far front and personally investi-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18

gated the conditions but he was anxious
that Field should understand he held the
full confidence of his temporary commander.
He wished Field to realize that now he had
opportunity for honorable distinction, and
q chance to show what was in him, and,
having sent him forward, Ray meant to
rely on his reports ana be ready to back,
If possible, his dispositions. Nothing so
quickly demolishes prejudice in garrison as
prowess in the field. Not infrequently has
an officer gone forth under cloud and re-
turned under a crown 1t Is so much easier
to be hero in single fight than model
soldier through an entire seasonal least
It was SO in the old days.
But the moment Mr.. Field dismounted
and leaving his horse with the others along
the slope, had gone crouching to the crest
he leveled his glasses for one look. then
turned excitedly and began rapid signals
to his followers. Presently q young trooper
came charging down, making straight for
Ray. The lieutenant's compliments said
he but there's a dozen Sioux in sight, and
he wishes to know shall he charge"
A dozen Sioux in sight! That was I'M
usual. Ordinarily the Indian keeps In hid
ing. lurking behind sheltering crests and
ridges in the open country. or the trees and
underbrush where such cover is possible.
A dozen in sight?
tain. as he shook free his rein and started
forward at the gallop. Did you see them
yoursef?'
Eyes sir. Most of 'em were punched by
at something other. Two or three were
closer in. They must ha' been watching us,
for they only quit the ridge just before we
came up Then they skedaddled." The
vernacular Of the civil war days, long since
forgotten except about the few veteran Sol
diers Homes in the east, was still in use at
times in regiments like the til. which had
served the four years through with the
Army OF the Potomac. Old sergeants give
the tone to younger soldiers in all the Gus
toms Of the service. The captain and the
two men now with him had caught up with
Fields swift-trotting support by this time,
and the eyes of the men kindled instantly
at sight of their leader speeding easily by.
cool. confident and thoroughly at heme
| as though 1t were the most ordinary skir-
| mish drill. Those who have never tried 1t
do not quite realize what 1t means to ride
in closed ranks and compact column. silent
and unswerving, straight forward over
open fields toward some equally silent crest.
that gives no sign of hostile occupancy and
yet may suddenly blaze with vengeful fires
and spit Its kissing lead into the faces of
the advancing force. Even here, where the
ridge was already gained by two or three
of the advance, proving, therefore, that the
enemy could not be In possession. men saw
by the excitement manifest in the signals
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18

from the street to the structure in full gaze
Of crowds Of curious people. In other cities
such exhibitions of trouble and depravity
are avoided, as will be done here when
Congress lappropriates sum OF money
sufficient to erect a suitable building. The
ground upon which the present structure
stands does not all belong to the District.
The use of a part of 1t is acquired at an
annual rental OF 5000.
In letter to the District Commissioners,
Judges Kimball and Scott set forth the
courts needs. and ask for an appropriation
for the purchase Of the additional ground
that Is needed and also for money with
which to meet the expense Of all the pre-
liminaries in the matter of preparing for
the construction of suitable temple OF
justice.
In submitting an estimate of 5000 for re-
building the cells the judges say that the
only remedy is the erection Of a new build
ing, but until such building can be OBJ
tanned provision should be made to cover
the urgent needs.
The Judges Appeal.
In calling this matter to the attention Of
the Commissioners the judges say:
I'm our judgment the present cells are
totally unfit for use, and 1t Is inhuman to
confine prisoners therein. They are i'm
properly ventilated overcrowded and in
sanitary. Frequently 100 prisoners are con-
fined in these three cells Those of them
strong enough to force their way to the
doors can obtain some kind Of air, while
the weaker. ones, compelled to remain in
the rear, must suffer. While 1t IS true the
cells are located upon rented ground and
the amount would be expended upon prop
erty owned by citizen, yet. humanity re-
quires that something should be done to
remedy the situation.
I'VE have also asked for an appropriation
Of $1,000 to provide public closet for men.
Every court day hundreds of citizens of the
District have business in the Police Court
building, which is without any conveniences
The fact Is that the building is in such an
unhealthy state, as whole, that the only
complete remedy is the erection Of an en-
tirely new Police Court building, but until
that can be done, provision should be made
to cover present needs.
I'VE therefore urge the honorable Com
missioners to present the matter of a new
building, through the committee on public
buildings and grounds, and at least go SO
far, at the next session of Congress. as to
secure legislation looking to the condemna-
ton of sufficient ground to the east and
north of the present site to provide suffi-
Gent room needed"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18

ing down to surround, overwhelm and
butcher the luckless few then be off to safe
distance long before the mass of the troop
could possibly reach the scene.
NO. you don't, Stabber!" laughed Ray. as
Field, not little chagrined. and the dozen
at his back, came trotting within hearing
distance. THAT dodge was bald-headed
when was baby. Look. Field" he con-
tinued. "They were jabbing at nothing
there on the prairie. That was fake cap
tive they were stabbing to death. See them
all scooting away now. They'll rally be-
yond that next ridge, and We'll do little
fooling Of our own"
And so with occasional peep at feathered
warriors on the far left flank, and frequent
coverings of small parties on the distant
front, Rays nervy half hundred pushed
steadily on. Two experiments had satisfied
the Sioux that the captain himself was in
command and they had long since recog-
was not to be caught by time-worn tricks.
They had failed to pick off the advance, or
the officers. as the troop approached the
second ridge. Lame VOLTS big band was
coming fast but only dozen of his war
riors, sent flashing forward, had as yet
reached Stabber. The latter was too weak
in numbers to think of fighting on even
terms, and as Ray seemed determined to
sent to Wolf not to risk showing south OF
the Elk Tooth spur. There In the breaks
and ravines would be famous place to lie
in ambush leaving to Stabber the duty of
drawing the soldiers into the net. So there
in the breaks they waited while Rays long
skirmish line easily Unanswered the red
sharpshooters out of their lair on the mid
die divide. Then. reforming column. the
little command bore straight away for the
Elk.
But all these diversions took time. Tween
ty miles to the north of Frayne stretched
the bold divide between the Elk Fork, dry
as dead tooth much of The year, and the
sandy bottom Of the Box Elder. Here and
there along the ridge were sudden mound
like upheavals' that gave It picturesque.
castellated effect for, unlike the general
run of the country. the Elk Tooth seemed
to have backbone Of rock that shot forth
southeastward from the southern limit of
the beautiful Big Horn range, and, in two
or three places. during some prehistoric con-
vulsion- of nature 1t had crushed itself out
of shape and forced upward a mass of
cleaning rock that even in the course OF
centuries had not been overgrown with
grass Elk teeth" the Indians had called
these odd projections. and one of them, the
middle one of the three most prominent,
was landmark seen for many mile ex-
cept to the south and west. Eagle Butte
was the only point south of the Big Horn
and in the valley Of the Platte from which
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18

and experienced soldier shone kindly into
the face of the younger man.
I'm glad to be with you, Captain Ray"
was the prompt answer. 1T isn't-fny be-
ing sent but the way l was sent or the
cause for which 1 sent that stings me.
1 thought then. and l think now, that il you
had been post commander 1t wouldn't have
been done. / don't know yet what charge
has been laid at my door"
There was no time to talk of reasons,
Field" interposed Ray though his keen
eyes were fixed on the distant ridge ahead.
beyond which the last of the Indians had
now disappeared The outermost troopers.
with Sergeant Scott. were within a few
hundred yards of the little clump of cotton
woods that marked the site of water hole.
To the right and loft of 1t curved and
twisted the dry water course between its
low. jagged, precipitous banks. Behind the
advance. full four hundred yards rode the
s<irmish line from the first platoon, dozen
strong.
Far out to the east and west the fankers
moved steadily northward. keenly watching
the slopes beyond them and scanning the
crooked line of the arroyo ahead. Not a
sign at the moment could be seen Of the
painted foe. yet every man in the troop
well knew they swarmed by dozens behind
the buttes and ridges ahead. Ray and
Field, riding easily along In rear of the
line, with only the trumpeter within ear
shot, relaxed In no measure the vigilance
demanded by the situation. yet each was
deeply concerned in the subject of the
talk.
There was no time. We had to start at
once" continued Ray. wait until you are
back at the old desk. Field. and you'll find
the major is, and was, your stanch friend
in this matter
I'm never go back to it. captain" broke
in Field, impetuously. "If ordered to re-
sumo duty as adjutant. come what may, I
shall refuse"
But before Ray could interpose again
there came sudden and stirring Interruption.
From point far down the "swale.' from
behind the low bank of the stream bed,
three rife shots rang out the crisp
morning air. The horse OF the leading
TANKER away out to the right, reared and
plunged violently. the rider eeem'ng vainly
to strive to check him. Almost instantly
three mounted warriors were seen tearing
madly away northeastward out of the
gully. their feathers streaming in the wind.
Field spurred away to join his men. Ray
whirled about In saddle. and swung his
broad brimmed scouting hat high above his
head. In gnal to Clayton: then shouted to
Field: Forward to the cottonwoods. CAL
lopy he cried. 1--WE need them first OF ALP
Go be continued tomorrow.)
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18
TO KEEP TOUCH WITH CABLE.
Small Naval Vessel to Be at Ministe.
Rowen's Command.

The following 'cablegram has been sent
by the Navy Department to Admiral Dew
ey, in command Of the combined fleets, adj
dressed to San Juan:
Send competent officer with dispatch or
torpedo boat destroyer or other vessel to
Caracas, as assistant to American minis
ter"
The following cablegram also was sent to
Commander Dfehl Of the Marietta, now ly-
ing at La Guaira:
Send Van Duzen executive officer of the
Maiietta) as assistant to the American
minister temporarily.
The officer from Deweys fleet will relieve
Lieutenant Commander Van DuZen who
is only an hour distant from Caracas, when
he arrives upon the scene. While no ex-
PLANTATION is given for the above order, 1t
is believed that these measures are being
taken to guard against an interruption in
the cable connecting Mr.. Bowen with his
home government.
1t was stated at the Navy Department
that one reason for sending the officers to
Caracas was the fact that Mr.. Bowen is al
most overwhelmed with the amount Of
work imposed upon him by his many
charges. He has nearly all OF the English
residents in Caracas doniciled In the Amer
lean legation and is feeding them from his
own table. AS for the torpedo boat de-
stroyer it is pointed out that it will serve
as a dispatch boat to keep Mr.. Bowen In
touch with the nearest cable station to La
Guaria which can be relied upon to trans
nit messages to Washington In case the
La Guara cable is cut as an Incident to
the blockade.
No comment is made at the department
upon the detention of the big battleshfp
Wisconsin at San Francisco after 1t had
been planned to send her to the Puget
sound dry dock to be extensively repaired.
1t is stated, however, that orders have been
given to the ship to proceed to the isthmus,
from which she only recently returned.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18

1t could be seen, and famous were these
two points In the old days of the frontier
for the beacon fires that burned or the mir
ror signals that flashed on the, SUBMITS
when the war parties of the Sioux were
afield.
1t was the sight of puffs of smoke sailing
skyward from the crest of the middle tooth
that caught Rays attention the moment be
reached the second ridge. A moment more
had been degoted to recalling some of his
eager men who, from the extreme right of
the swinging skirmish line, had broken
away in pursuit of certain intentional lag
CARDS. Then dozen of the Indians, finding
themselves no longer followed, gathered at
comparatively safe distance across the
prairie, and, while in eager consultation
found time for haunting, challenging and
occasionally firing at the distant and an
gering troopers, whom Sergeant Scott had
sharply ordered back, and Ray, after calm
survey Of these fellows through his glass,
had then leveled 1t at the trio Of buttes
along the distant ridge and turned to Field
sitting silent and disappointed by his side
There. Field" said the captain. Take
this glass and look at those signal smokes
Stabber has more men now at his call than
he had when he started, and more Yet are
coming. They were just praying you would
charge with handful Of men They would
have let you through. then closed around
Field touched his hat brim. You know
them best, SIR was the brief answer
What wanted was chance at those fell
lows hanging about our front and calling US
names
You'll get it. TIM thinking. before we're
an hour older. They know whittier we're
bound and mean to delay us all they can.
All, Clayton" ne added. as the Junior lieu
tenant rode up to join them, while his pla-
screen of the skirmish line. Men look full
Of fight, don't they? There, If anywhere, Is
where we'll get 1t. I've just been showing
Field those signal smokes. Mount and fol-
Ioxx xuha WE IA
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18
Floods in the South.

A dispatch from Memphis, Tenn, yester-
day says: The railroads are still badly
crippled because of the serious flood condi-
lions that have prevailed in Western Ter
nessee for three days. More trains, how
ever. arrived this morning than at any
time since Sunday. Between Paducah juno
ton and Martin Tenn, much distress pre-
walls. The water has partially inundated
many cabins and outhouses, and in some
instances the negro occupants are appeal
ing for assistance. Much livestock is re-
ported destroyed.
Conditions are steadily improving in Ar
kansas.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18
Evidence Too Conflicting.

In the case of b. F. De Baum, store
keeper ard gauger in the office Of the coll
lector of internal revenue at Terre Haute.
Ind. charged with making collections for
political purposes, the solicitor of the treas
ury finds that the evidence is too conflicting
to warrant dismissal. and he will be allowed
to continue in his present employment. The
Secretary of the Treasury. however. will
caution the collector at Terre Haute not to
allow even the slightest infraction of the
civil service law or regulations by employees
in his office.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18
Pensioners Outside the Country.

The President has issued an order direct
ing that beginning January 1 all pensioners
of the United States residing in Hawaii. the
Philippine Islands, Guam, Samoa and other
islands in the Pacific ocean belonging to the
United States shall be paid from the United
States pension agency at San Francisco. and
that those residing in Porto Rico shall be
paid from the United States pension agency
at New York. Pensioners residing In the
insular possessions of the United States
formerly were paid from the agency at
Washington.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18

"These figures, it is understood, are based
upon the Official Register Of the United
States. July 1, 1901. Volume I. Since that
date there have been great many hun
dreds Of new appointees OF both sexes in
all of the respective departments and bu-
reaus above enumerated, and the accurate
figures down to the present time will show
an increase accordingly"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18
Mrs. George Routt-Johnson,
PIANO.

CLASSES RESUMED OCTOBER l.
se3O-tu th&s-tf-I 1908 Rhode Island ave.
81. ROSES INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL. DRl:SSMAK-
tng-A rev department has been opened In which
ladies' AM young girls will be taught cutting
hitting and all kinds OF sewing. For particulars
Ton, u. Z. oc2-6
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18

Publicity is best bought .
through the recognized family
newspaper. And-the best news
paper offers the cheapest and
most widespread publicity.
Such is The Evening Star.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18
Sites for Federal Buildings.

Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Tay-
Tor has selected sites for federal buildings
as follows:
Allentown, Pa, southwest corner Turner
and 9th streets; price, S20,500.
Fresno, Cal, Cowan House site, Corner K
and Tuare streets; price, $4,000.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18

cause for criticism on the score that the
ladies are not getting their just share of
the positions.
II have obtained some further official
figures of interest upon the subject, as 1t is
one of undoubted general interest. They
are furnished by the division Of population
of the census Office, are official, and are
approximately correct up to the 1st of July,
1901 have been unable to obtain official
figures UP to July I, 1902, and If the infor-
nation given me be correct they have not
yet been compiled. In any event. even II
such later figures were at hand showing a
division Of the sexes, they would merely
change a few of the totals and not the
comparative results to an appreciable de-
)
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18

Baltimore syndicate has secured fran
chse for the installation of a trolley sys-
tenn at Monterey, Mexico.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18
Ordered to Mare Island

Pay Director William T. Thomson. United
States navy, has been ordered to Mare
Island California. for examination for re-
tirement.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-18
Division by Departments.

THAT the division of the sexes In the re-
spective departments may be shown at a
glance, on the date mentioned, the follow
ing table will prove Of interest:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-11-20
NEARLY So, 900, 600.
Estimate of French Investments in
Foreign Countries.

Reporting to the State Department from
Lyons, France, United States Consul Covert
gives the amount Of French capital invested
in foreign countries, as estimated by the
French consuls in various parts of the
world. These figures are questioned by the
political economist, M. Leroy Beauleu in
certain cases, though he regards the total
estimate as reliable. Always by reputation
an investing country, Consul Covert states
that the consular investigations fully sus-
tain that reputation and show that foreign
investments Of France aggregate nearly
Sc, 600 100000.
Continentally French capital invested in
foreign countries is distributed as follows:
Europe 81, O55 BIG, O00 Asia, S214, SIG 600; Al
RIGA, $712 749, COO; North America, $500, 1874,
600; South America, $500, 432, GOO; Oceania
and the Philippines, 81, 100000. Giving a
grand total of IS, 760 S7S, 600.
Great Britain and the United States do
not figure very largely among the nations
possessing investments of French capital"
says the report, they being among the
strongest capitalistic countries of the world.
The first is set down for nearly 5000, 600 600
and the second for $116,O00,000, in round
numbers. French investments are greater
in Russia than In any other foreign coun-
try, 'aggregating 81, 344, 43s, CO.,