Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1905-10-05

t." ". VIII H.
down and eat, mounted to the top OF
the tallest cottonwood and began a
vigilant lookout.
| fear there was some light chaff at
Denny's caution mingled with our ap-
probation Of his watchfulness; but l
knew Hogan for an old and experienced
plainsman and felt with a slight degree
Of %uneasiness that doubtless there was
some cause for his actions.
The meal, which was a long one, was
drawing to a close. Suddenly we heard
a ~scrambling above our heads, and
Private Hogan came slithering to the
lower branches from which he dropped
in a heap On the ground. Like a 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. 80
1t again!"
Hi, Hogan!" l called, where are you
going?"
Denny turned upon his heel and sa-
luted, stiff as a ramrod.
"I1l jist be afther hookin' up, sor-r!"
he responded, still standing at "atten-
ton
But you have had no dinner, Den.
ny!" said my wife.
Private Hogan saluted once more,
"Tll be atm me loonch in the wagon,
thin. av We place" he said.
| looked closely at the soldier. His
face was smiling broadly upon the
ladies'; but his eyes had a 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 1t, Hogan" l asked,
a%nxiously.
''Injuns!" 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, sor-r, a wee
dhrap av whisky and a sandwich, av We
place! An ould sojer do be likin' to ate
on the roon!"
| turned. Hurry, colonel, for the
love az Christi" groaned the brave fell
low. His yes wandered furtively over
the prairie; his hands worked at the har-
ness with frenzied haste and his face
was white as death-but his stiff lips
struggled bravely with Saint Patrick's
Day in the Morning." 8
| 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.. Gilmore
grumbled audibly about high-minded
privates. l 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 set in the wagon for your lives!
Elmore," | said, hurriedly, you and l
will take our positions in the back Of
tue wagon with the women and child
inthe bottom protected by the blankets.
We nave each a revolver and | have my
shotgun. Oh, God, for our ri1es!"
Elmore saluted, pale but steady as a
rock. Denny swung up with the wagon.
Before it stopped we had flung the ladies
In, bidding them lie flat upon the bottom
Of the box and hold the child low. go,
Denny!" shouted.
"Yis, sor-r!"
He leaned forward and dashed the
horses into a run. Gilmore and | swung
on behind and the wagon headed away
for the fort-which now looked farther
away than ever.
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
savage yell fioated family to our ears.
The race with death was on!
Hogan dashed and cursed the flying
horses. How far behind, ~colcnel?" he
hawled.
Half a mile, Denny! How far to
the ford?"
Wan mile, sor-ri"