Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-03-10

'And Tn Iury Fat had seized tho others rein, and, spurring savagaly at Kilmaine--both horses instantly waking, as though responsive to the wrath and fervor of their little mas ter-he fairly whirled the big troop CT around and, despite fsarsome pro- tests, bore him onward toward tho ridge, swift questioning as they rode. How came they to send a raw rookie on such g quest? Why, the rookie gasped in explanation that he was on stable guard, and the captain took the first six men in sight. How hap pened it that the captain got so far ahead of him? There was no keepin' up with the captain. He was on his big, raw-boned race horse, chasin' three Indians that was firin', and had hit Meisner, but there was still three of the troop to follow him, and the captain ordered 'come ahead" until ! all of sudden, as they filed round little knoll the three Indians they'd been chasin' turned about and let 'em have it, and down went another horse, and Corporal Feeney was killed sure, and he, poor young rookie, saw Indians in every direction, 'comin' straight at 'em," and what else could he do but gallop for home-and help? All this, told with much gasping on his part, and heard with much blas- phemy by Kennedy, brought the strangely assorted pair at @ swift gallop over the springy turf back along the line of that panicky, yet most natural retreat. Twice would the big fellow have broken away and again spurred for home, but the little gamecock held him savagely to his work, and so, together, at last they neared the curtaining ridge. Now, damn you!" howled Kennedy, Whip out your carbine and play you're a man till we see what's in front! an if ye play false, the first shot from this barker" with a slap at the butt of his Springfield, "goes through your heart"
 And this was what they saw as, to- gether, they rounded the hillock and came in view of the low ground be- beyond.
 Halfway down the long, gradual slope, in shallow little dip, possibly an old buffalo wallow, two or three horses were sprawled and a tiny tongue of flame Sand blue smoke, splitting over the broad, brown backs, told that some one, at least, was on the alert and defensive. Out on the prairie, 300 yards beyond, a spotted Indian pony, heels up, was rolling on the turf, evidently sorely wounded. Behind this rolling parapet crouched a feathered warrior, and farther still away, sweeping and circling on their mettlesome steeds, three more savage braves were darting at speed. AL ready they had sighted the coming re inforcements, and while two seemed frantically signalling toward the northwest, the third whirled his horse and sped madly away in that direction.
 Millions, be damned!" yelled Ken nedy., There's only three. Come on, ye scut!" And down they went, full tilt, at the Sioux, yet heading to cover and reach the beleaguered party in the hollow. Some one of the besieged waved a hat on high, Two more car pines parked their defiance at the feathered foe, and then came pretty exhibit of savage daring and devotion. Disdainful of the coming troopers and of the swift fire blazing at them from the pit, the two mounted warriors lashed their ponies to mad gallop and bore down straight for their inn periled brother, crouching behind the stricken "pinto." Never swerving, never halting, hardly checking speed, but bending low over and behind their chargers necks, the two young braves swept onward, and with wild whoop of triumph, challenge and hatred, gathered up and slung behind the rider of the heavier pony the agile and bedizened form on the turf; then circled away, de- liant, taunting, gleeful, yes and even more:- With raging eyes Kennedy sprang from saddle and, kneeling, drove shot after shot at the scurrying pair. Two of the troopers at the hol- low followed suit. Even the big, blubbering lad so lately crazed with fear, unslung his weapon and fired thrice into empty space, and shout of wrath and renewed challenge to l ''come back and fight 1t out" rang out after the Sioux, for to the amaze of the lately besieged, to the impo- tent fury of the Irishman, in unmis- taksble, yet mostly unquotable, Eng fish, the crippled warrior was yelling mingled threat and imprecation.
 "Who was it Kennedy?-and where did you ever see him before?" a mo- ment later, demanded Capt. Blake. almost before he could grasp the Irishman's hands and shower his thanks, and even while stanching the flow of blood from furrow along his sun-burnt cheek. What's that he said about eating your heart?"
 And Kennedy, his head cleared now through the rapture of battle, mind ed him of his promise to Field. and 1 lied like a hero. Sure, how should I know, SOFT? They're all of the same spit"
 But he called you by name. I heard him plainly. So did Meisner. here,- protested Blake. Hello, what have you there. corporal?" he added. as young Feeney. the ''surely killed" came running back, bearing in his