The Irish standard., 1907-11-16

Gentlemen" he commented to the
little group gathered about him, yet
without glancing up from the paper in
his hand. Crook was defeated over
on the Rosebud the 18th, and
forced to retire. That will &C.
count for the unexpected number of
hostiles fronting us up here. Cook;
but the greater the task, the greater
the glory. All, thought as much
am advised by the department to
keep in close touch with Terfy and
Gibbons. and to hold off from making
a direct attack until infantry can
arrive in support. Rather late in the
day, take it. when we are already
within easy rifle-shot. see nothing
in these orders to interfere with our
present plans. nor any military necest
sity for playing hide and seek all
summer in these hills. That looks
like big village down yonder, but I
have led the dandy Seventh into 9th.
ers just as large"
He stopped speaking, and glanced
up inquiringly into the face of the
silent messenger. apparently mistak-
ing him for one of his own men.
Where did you get this?"
Cheyenne, sir"
"What! Do you mean to say you
brought it through from there?"
Silent Murphy carried it as far as
the Powder river. He went crazy
there, and was compelled to strap
him. / brought it the rest of the
way"
Where is Murphy?''
"Back with the pack train, sir I
got him through alive, but entirely
gone in the head"
Run across many hostiles in that
region?"
They were thick this side the Rose
bud; all bucks and travelling north.'
Sioux"
MOSTLY. sir; but I saw one band
wearing Cheyenne war bonnets.'
A puzzled look slowly crept into
the strong face of the abrupt ques-
toner, his stern, commanding eyes
studying the man standing motionless
before him. with freshly awakened in
terest: The gaze of the other falter.
ed, then came back courageously.
II recognize you now" Custer said,
quietly. Am l to understand you
are again in the service?"
my presence here is purely acct
dental, Gen. Custer. The opportu-
nifty came to me to do this work, and
! very gladly accepted the priv.
ilege."
The commander hesitated, scarcely
knowing what he might be justified in
saying to this man.
'tIt's a brave deed. we'll performed"
he said at last. with soldierly cordial
ity. although I can hardly offer you
q fitting reward
There is little I DESIRE he re-
piled, slowly, land that is to be per-
mitted to ride once more into action
in the ranks Of the Seventh"
The true-hearted, impulsive, manly
soldier fronting him REDEEMED to
the roots of his fair hair, his proud
eyes softening.
Spoken like true soldier" he ex.
claimed, a new warmth in his voice.
"You shall have your wish. Take po-
sition in Calhoun's troop yonder.'
Hampton turned quietly away, lead
ing his horse, yet had scarcely ad-
RANGED three yards before Custer
halted him.
"I shall be pleased to talk with you
.lgain after the fight" he said, briefly,
rs though half doubling the propriety
Df such words.
The other bowed. his face instantly
Frightening. Il thank you sincerely"
The perplexed commander stood
motionless, gazing after the receding
figure, his face grown grave and
thoughtful. Then he turned to the
wondering adjutant beside him.
you never knew him, did you,
Cook?"
81 think not. sir; who is he?"
Capt Nolan-you have heard the
storyl"
"Is that so?" he exclaimed, in evi.
dent surprise. "He has manly face"
"Ay and he was as fine soldier as
ever fought under flag" declared
Custer, frankly. "Poor devil. The
hardest service was ever called upon
10 perform was the day we broke him.
wonder II Calhoun will recognize
The face; they were good friends
snce.'
He stopped speaking. and for
time his fleld-glasses were fastened
upon a small section of the Indian vii
lage nestled in the green valley.
II doubt il many warriors are
there" he commented at last They
may have gone up the river to inter.
rept Reno's advance. and If so. this
should be our time to strike. Return
to your commands. gentlemen. and
with the order Of march see person
ally that your men move quietly. We
must strike quick and hard, driving
the wedge home with single blow.
That will be all at present, gentle
men: you will require no further In
structions until we deploy. Capt. Cal