River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1902-04-10

land jutted out into the river, which
protected it on three sides. In front
Of it was a slight swell of grount
strewn with half-buried rocks, form
ing natural breast-work.
The horses were hurried to ths
sandy ledge under the river bank, anC
the men flung themselves behind tn,
rocks. The Indians came on without
slackening their speed up to the YER
stones; then a volley 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 a 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.
SEIInsc 4o11rsNOr oh tho 1xar nj xx-f
passed." the colonel groaned. "This
is going to be our last fight, my lads
Young Kenny was staring through
the rocks. Give seen that fellow some
where before" he said. "That cut OF
his lip
The trooper near him turned his
head. Don't you recognize him, sir?'
he asked, shortly. IT'S that chap we
left for dead after the fight last sum
mer. [ saw him starin' at you wher
they climbed up on the rocks just now
L told you they was red devils, every
mothers son of 'em!"
The colonel had helped the wound
ed man into more comfortable posi-
ton. ''Well, we've got five rounds OF
ammunition left to welcome then
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 off
awaiting reenforcements, and the in
creasing darkness hid them entirely
Inside the rocks there was but little
talking. The colonels 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 a long time gettin' here,
Barnes said about midnight, with 3
faint hope in his tone. Maybe they've
broke camp"
The other trooper gave harsh
laugh. "What's the difference? Then
fellows out there can finish US in hall
an hour when daylight gets here" he
said.
And silence fell again.
At last the stars began TO set. The
men were perhaps q little drowsy-
the night had been so long-wher
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
colonels quiet voice behind them;
''and don't fire till they're close. We
can give them a warm five minutes
anyhow"
Kenny raised his rifle. '.Leave the
leader to me-" he said through his
teeth. 'I've got little mistake tc
correct"
Three seconds, and a naked figure
sprang upright on the rock. There was
the crack of rifle, and heavy thud.
Don't fire, colonel! It's your men. >
a voice outside exclaimed. And half z
score of soldiers leaped over the rocks
The little garrison stared at then
through the dim light.
"Who brought you here?" the
colonel gasped.
1.-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 him!" he cried in 9
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 a quivering sigh, died.
The little colonel raised his cap
reyerently.
Eve 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:
Here come the savages, siri"-Bal
timore News.
clear understanding of that odd state.