Oxford Democrat., 1904-02-02

81 can SnOOt WO III cent, He
whinnd as they took their places in the
cranky pirogue, 'but l might jes' hap
pen to kill squirt or elephant or
somepin' mother"
Every wellv shouted Clark in loud.
cheerful voice. when they had padded
away to Il considerable distance. Bring
the meat to the woods on the hill yon-
der" pointing to a distant island-like
ridge far beyond the creeping flood.
"Well he there ready to eat it,
He said this for the ears of his men.
They heard and answered with strag-
Cling but determined chorus Of ap-
proval. They crossed the rolling cur
rent of the Wabash by tedious proc
ess of ferrying and at last found
themselves once more wading in back
water up to their armpits, breaking ice
an inch thick as they went. 1t was
the closing struggle to reach the high
wooded lands. Many of them fell OK
hausted. but their stronger comrades
lifted them. holding their heads above
water, and dragged them on.
Clark, always leading, always inspir-
ing. was first to set foot on dry land
He shouted triumphantly, waved his
sword and then fell to helping the men
out of the freezing food. This accom-
plsled. he ordered fires built, but
there WIS not soldier of them all
whose hands could clasp an AK handle,
so weak and numbed with cold were
they. He was not to be baflled. how
ever. II fire could not be had. exercise
n.uSt serve its purpose. Hastily pour
Ing some powder into his hand, he
dampcnCd il and backed his face.
Victory. men. victory he shouted.
taking off his hat and beginning to
leap and dance Come on. Well
have Il war dance and then Il feast rs
soon as the meat arrives that | have
sent for Dance, YOU brave lads dance.
Victory. Victory
The strong men. understanding their
colonel's purpose. took hold of the deli
cate ones, and the leaping. the caper-
ing, the tumult of voices and the
stamping of slushy moccasins with
which they assaulted that stately for
est must have frightened every wild
thing thereabOut into n deadly risor.
Clark's irrepressible energy and OPP
timiSm worked n vcritable charm upon
his faithful but almost dying compan-
Ions in arms Their trust in him made
them feel sure that food would soon
be forthcoming. The thought afforded
Il stimulus more potent than wine. III
drove them into an ecstasy of frantic
motion and shouting which soon warm
ed them thoroughly.
1t is said that fortuns favors the
brave. The larger meaning of the
sentence may be given thus: God
guards those who deserve his protec-
ton. History tells Us that just Shen
Clark halted his command almost in
sight of Vincenncs-just when hunger
was abou: to prevent the victory so
close 10 his grasp-a party OF Ii )
scouts brought in the haunch OF buf-
falo captured from some Indians. The
scouts were Beverley and Onclc JaZon.
And with the meat they brought In.
dian kettles in which TO cook it.
With consunlmate forethought Clark
arranged To prevent his men doing
themselves injury by bolting their food
or eating il half cooked. Broth was
first made and served hot; then small
bits of well broiled steak were doIed
out. until 10y degrees the fine effect of
uourslment set in. and all the com
mand felt the fresh courage of healthy
reaction.
II amt no gn'ral, nor corp'ral, nor
uothin'," remarked Oncle JaZon to
Colonel Clark, but t Is you Id hist
up every dad dinged ole ilag III the
rig'ment, wen got ready 10 show my
self TO 'em. an Id make 'em think.
over yander at the fort, at had Dout
ninety thousan men. Hit ii skccr that
sandy faced goy'nor over there till hed
think his backbone was a-comin' out
i'm 10y the roots"
Clark laughed, but his face showed
that the old mans suggestion struck
him forcibly and Seriously.
Well see about that presently.
Oncle .Iazom. Wait till we reach III"
hill yondcr, from which the whole town
can observe our mancuvcrs: then we'll
try it, maybe
Once more the men were lined ny.
the roll call gone through with satlS
factorily and the question put:
Are we ready for another plunge
through the mud and wafer!
The answer came in the affirmative
with Il unanimity not TO be- mistaken.
The weakest heart OF them all beat
TO the time of the charge step. Again
Clark and Beverley clasped hands ana
took the lead.
When they reached the next hl2h