Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1905-10-11


down and eat, mounted to the top of
the tallest cottonwood and began a
yigilant lookout.
fear there was some light chat at
Denny's caution mingled with our ap-
probation Of his watchfulness; but
knew Hogan for an old and experienced
plainsman and felt with slight degree
of uneasiness that doubtless there was
some cause for his actions.
The meal, which was long one, was
drawing to close. Suddenly We heard
a scrambling above our heads, and
Private Hogan came slithering to the
lower branches from which he dropped
in heap on the ground. Like flash,
however, he was up and walking rapid
ly toward the wagon. Little Madge
clapped her tiny hands and laughed a
gleeful appreciation Of the soldiers
feat.
DO it again, Denny!" she cried. DO
1t ,again!"
Hi, Hogan!" called, where are you
going?"
Denny turned upon his heel and sa-
luted, stir as a ramrod.
III jist be afther hookin' up, sor-r!"
he responded, still standing at "atten-
tion."
But you have had no dinner. Den
N.Y." said my wife.
Private Hogan saluted once more.
:1'll be atm me loonch in the wagon.
thin. av We place" he said,
l looked closely at the soldier. His
face was smiling broadly upon the
ladies'; but his eyes had far different
expression as he turned them to me,
saluted once more and turned upon his
heel.
sprang up and followed him to the
wagon. What is it, Hogan?" asked,
anxiously.
''1njuns!" he whispered without turn
ing his head. my God, colonel! the
women and the little blue-eyed collen!
Get thin in the wagon, sor.r." he con.
tinued, IAN be the love av God and the
help av the Vargin Mary we'll do what
men can to save thim!" He threw a
broad grin over his shoulder for the
benefit OF the rest of the party. "Ha,
ha! Yis sor-r, thank We, SOFT, a wee
dhrap av whisky and sandwich, av ye
PLACE! An oul6 sojer do be likin' to ate
on the roon!"
turned. Hurry, colonel, for the
love av Christi" groaned the brave fell
low. His eyes wandered furtiyely over
the prairie; his hands worked at the har-
ness with frenzied haste and his face
was white az death-but his stin lips
struggled bravely with Saint Patrick's
Day in the Morning!"
fastened back and informed the par
ty that Hogan had found it necessary to
return at once to the fort. The news,
however, failed to meet a favorable re-
ception. The ladies went reluctantly
about their packing and Lieut.. Elmore
grumbled audibly about high-minded
privates. glanced out upon the prairie.
A little cloud Of dust decided me.
DO not be startled pleaded, but
the seconds are as precious as the drops
of our life blood! Leave everything
and get in the wagon for your lives!
Elmore," said, hurriedly, you and I
will take our positions in the back of
the wagon with the women and child
in the bottom protected by the blankets.
We have each a revolver and have my
shotgun. Oh, God, for our rides!''
q Elmore saluted, pale but steady as q
rock. Denny swung up with the wagon.
Before it stopped we had flung the ladies
in, bidding them lie fiat upon the bottom
%3of the box and hold the child low. Go,
DENNY shouted. -. r. .t>-#s>
5z#5 ''Yis, sor-r!" Bill.
.555<H He leaned forward and dashed the
horses into run. Gilmore and swung
on behind and the wagon headed away
for the forr-which now looked farther
away than ever. Isl ID r F
> For half a mile we kept the clump of
cottonwoods between US and the dust
cloud. Then we were obliged to swerve
In order to avoid a buffalo Wallow. A
f savage yell fioa.ad family to our ears.
The race with deatL was on!
. Hogan dashed and cursed the flying
horses. How far behind, cDlonel2'' he
4 bawled.
':Half mile, Denny! How far to
q the ford?" 81 ..s@.s E #.5
.5. Wan mile. sor-r! !" Il. !.