Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-11

Carmody,' said Blakely, under his breath,
as he backed on hands and knees, a painful
process when one is sore wounded. TreM-
bling, whmpering like a whipped child. the
poor, spiritless lad sent to the aid of the
stricken and heroic, crouched by the ser
geants side. vainly striving to pour water
from clumsy canteen between the suffer-
er's pallid lips. Carmody presently sucked
eagerly at the cooling water. and even in
his hour of dissolution seemed far the
stronger. sturdier of the two-seemed to feel
so infinite pity for his shaken comrade.
Bleeding, internally, as was evident, trans
fixed by the cruel shaft they did not dare
to attempt to withdraw, even If the barbed
steel would permit and dropping fainter
with each swift moment, he was still con-
sclous, still brave and accomplishing. His
dimlned and mournful eyes looked up in
mute appeal to his younger commander He
knew that he was going fast, and that
whatever rescue might come to these his
surviving fellow soldiers, there would be
none for him; and yet in his supreme mo-
ment he seemed to read the question on
Blakely's lips. and his words, feeble and
broken. were framed to answer
'Couldn't-you hear en- lieutenant he
sasped Il can't be-niStaken. / know-the
oid-Springfield sure, heard 'em way Off
south-a dozen Shots" and then spasm of
agony choked him. and he turned writhing,
ito hide the anguish on his face RlakeIy
grasped the dying soldiers hand, already
cold and limp and nerveless. and then his
own voice seemed too to break and falter.
con try to talk, Carmody; don't t:y!
OF course you are right 1t mus. be som.
of our people. They'll reach us soon. Then
well nave the doctor and can help you
Those saddle5ags.'' he said turning sharply
to the whimpering creature kneeling by
them, and the lad drew hand across his
streaming eyes and passed the worn leather
pouches From one of them BlakeIy drew
fourth a flask. poured some brandy into
It's cup and held it to the soldiers lips
Carmody swallowed almost eagerly He
seemed lQac of
There was something Juggling at h s heart
strings, and presently he turned slowly
painfully again. Lieutenant" he gasped
i m not scared to die-this way ANYHOW
There's no one TO care-but the boys-bu,.
there's one thing''-and now the stiInuIan.
seemed to reach the failing heart and give
him faint. futtering strength-"there's one
thlng ought ought to tell. You've heen
solid with the boys-you're square and I'm
not-I haven't always been. Lieutenant-I
was on guard-the night of the fire-and
Elise, you know-the French girl-she-she's
got most all l saved-most all I-won but
she was trickin' me-all the time lieutenant
me and Downs that's gone-and others
She didn't care. You-you amt the only
one Il"
Lieutenant, came in excited whisper.
the voice of Stern, and there at his post
In front of the cave he knelt, signaling ur-
gently. Lieutenant. quickv'
Ohe minute, Carmody! I've got to go.
Tell me a little LATER But with dying
strength Carmody chung to his hand
Il must tell you, lieutenant-now. 1t
wasn't Downs fault. She-she made
Lieutenant, quick, for Gods sakei
They're coming!' cried the voice of the
German soldier at the wall. and wrenching
his wrist from the clasp of the dying man.
Blakely sprang recklessly to his feet and
to the mouth of the cave just as Storms
carbine broke the stiffness with resound-
ing roar. Half dozen rifles barked their
instant echo among the rocks From up the
hillside rose q yell of savage hate and an
other OF warning. Then from behind their
curtaining rocks half dozen dusky forms.
their dirty white breechclouts streaming
behind them, sprang suddenly into view