The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1906-07-26
CHAPTER xxi.

CHAPTER XXI.
When near the Neck, Forstall, Daw-
son, Henderson and Adair were sent for
ward by Capt. Hawcs to see If the enemy
could be discovered, learn his exact po-
sition, and the best point of attack. They
galloped of to perform this duty with
right good will, and it was remarked thst
even the quiet and impassive Job Dawson
appeared to shake of his usual apathy,
and feel the deepest interest in what was
transpiring. He was the first to discover
Gainey and his Dragons they were NOV
ing up the hill toward Strickland's, and
soon halted within few hundred yards
of the house. Fastening their horses,
they advanced on foot until they were
near enough for all practical purposes.
They have not yet divided their men,
believe" said Dawson.
Perhaps they have changed their
minds" returned Forstall, "and intend
to do their villainous work here first,
and then move on TO Adair's."
1 They retraced their steps to the spot
where they had left their horses, and,
mounting, returned to the detachment
and related what they mad seen to Capt.
Hawes.
DO you think there'll be time to make
an oration?' he asked, anxiously.
4 1T must be pretty short, captain, for
you see these young fellows are impa-
.ient because fair ladies are concerned" /"
replied Henderson, in jocular tone.
Independent Fire Eaters and feller-
countrymen! Uncommon speciments of
female beauty are in danger. We 60 to
the tented field and the listed plain to
do our devoirs for the sweetest Of crea-
ton, Jones, what in thunder are you
about? Restrain the ardor of that colt
Who isn't ready to break lance and his
neck, too, for lovely woman up to her
teyes in trouble There isn't one among us
so base; il there is, he'll sell his birth
right for q mess Of potash. Demean your
selves gloriously, and your name will
make heavenly appearance on the
scrawl of futurity."
i The Fire Eaters moved on slowly and
cautiously. until the enemy were distinct
lily seen.
! Swing your war scythes-bust on
EN- J" shouted Capt. Nick, and the detach-
ment swep toward them with uplifted
sabers.
The jest about Marion died away on
Gainey's lips, and Bill Cunningham's ruff
ianly face grew pale. They drew their
swords from their sheaths; but the star.
beams had scarcely kissed their polished
surface before Capt. Hawes had hurled
his dragons against them.
"Some of Marion's fellows!" cried
Cunningham; and while he was utteriAe
the words q dozen of his horsemen were
overturned and rolled in the dust, with
the beasts that had borne them to many
a scene of murder and riot. Not one ol
them tried to stem the terrible tide Of de
struction that was sweeping them away
Those that had not already felt the saber,
of the Dragons had been overwhelmed
by the shock of their fiery charge, reinet
their horses from the encounter and fec
for life; for they had heard the name O.
Marion shouted in stentorian voices b,
the men of Rocky Greek.
As on similar occasions Frank Forstal
watched the bearing Of Job Dawson. TIL,
result was much the same; the Quake
was foremost in the melee; his mammotl
horse ''snuffed the battle afar off," an,
worked himself into fury, and Forstal
saw him dash among the enemy like
thunderbolt, rearing, plunging and strik
, ing with his feet; and then our hero saw
with an involuntary shudder, Jobs grea
! saber flashing like meteor in the fain
moonlight.
do you see that, Ben RowanT erie
Frank.
"He hath devil" said Ben.
IT'S fighting devil, at any rate.
9 returned Forstall. 'See-his might
! horse outstrips ALL!
"Both hdmbugsw cried Rowan.
Before ten minutes had expired III
enemy was nowhere to be seen and th
shouting and firing and clashing of arm
I had nearly ceased. although the pursul
= was still kept up by few Of the detacl
ment. Frank embraced the first opportl
y nifty to hasten to Mr.. Stricklands.
"Oh, Frank. what has happened?' e,
e claimed Ruth, when Forstall entered pr,
d cipitately and Without ceremony, his ga
e ments stained with sanguinary mements
4 Of the fight
d "Good news, Ruth, good newsi" erie
: Frank, joyfully. "Mr. Strickland is /,
, liberty"
Inanks Ue 10 tne prOtecting Qanu
o careful Providence r. calculated Mr.
o Strickland.
"And this brave young man." said Jc
. Dawson. who had followed Frank In
I the house.
!" "But what means this recent ttmult-
d the bloody scene we have just witness,
from the windowsT asked Ruth.
IS 1T means that villainy Is defeate