Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1907-10-25

his saddle and looked back. A ctouo
of smoke hung over the village through
which flashed the glittering sabres and
the darting CLINT of steel. Riderless
horses galloped about in frenzy.
Then came a lull in the firing. Then
there was one more volley, few SCAT
tering shots, one wild, exultant yell
from six thousand savages, and then
silence.
Horton paused. His terrible story
was finished. The generals rugged
face had become more and more set
more and more stern, as he listened.
Were you close enough to see what
regiment they belonged to-" he asked.
mo, general"
."Stop!" with a sudden suspicion
which was very close indeed to the
truth. you spoke of hearing an Irish
song, as they made the charge. Did
you recognize the air?"
Yes, general, it was Garry Owen
Custer" cried Crook, rage and
sorrow filling his heart at the massacre
Of this. the bravest and most dashing
officer in the frontier service. But 1t
was not the time for mourning. That
would come later Now all must be
action.
Captain Strong, let every man be
in his saddle in fifteen minutes. Let
the men know what has occurred.
Tell them our destination Is the Big
Horn Valley; tell them our battle cry
is Remember Custer!'"
Strong started off on a run, and the
general turned again to the scout.
Horton, how long will it take to
reach Colonel Gray?'
We'll have to approach over the
bluffs, sir, but. by hard riding we can
make it by 10 o'clock tonight"
'Ts there no nearer way?'
Yes. through the canon, but there
are reds behind every ledge Of rock.
1t would be a miracle for white man
to pass over that gulch alive"
Can Colonel Gray hold out until aid
can reach him."
Horton shook his head doubtfully.
II cannot say. He is wounded and
growing worse for want Of attention"
Have you no surgeon?" inquired
the general, in surprise.
mo. The chief surgeon died sud-
denly lust before the attack was made
upon the fort. His wife was very Ill
at the time and continued so for some
days after we were encamped upon the
bluffs. AS soon as she was out OF dam
ger, the assistant surgeon, John Swift
wind, an educated Indian, disappear
ed"
1.-The scoundrel!" cried the general,
angrily. But you can't change an
Indian"
At this moment the bugle call
Mount" was heard, and almost in
stantly the orderly appeared with the
announcement that the men for Col
onel Gray's relief were in their saddles.
Horton started to CO. but the general
stopped him.
Here" he said, with that thought
fulness and generosity which ever dis
tinguished him. you say you lost
your revolver; take mine. Now, go,
Horton. and God grant we meet
again"
Again Horton turned, but as he did
so he caught sight Of the prisoner,
whose hollow, sorrowful eyes were
fixed upon him. This brought to his
recollection something which In the
excitement Of the moment he had al
most forgotten.
General" he said, will you allow
me to speak to the prisoner? l have
2 message for him."
Yes, yes" replied Crook, shortly
but be quick. Lose no time"
Horton crossed over to where Wal
lace was standing.
Gray" he asked, gently, do you
know me?"
up erect and saluted.
"Will you not shake hands with
me?"
The poor fellow looked at him. as If
he could not believe the evidence OF
his ears.
You would take my hand? Mine?'
"Try me-" replied Horton, with a
smile.
In silence Wallace took the proffered
hand and pressed it. There was no
need for words.
Gray, I have a message for you,
continued the scout.
Wallace's eyes kindled.
"Ah!" he cried. eagerly. From my
father?"
mo. From a woman. Can't you
guess?"
Wallace's lips formed rather than
pronounced the name-Florence.
YES" assented Horton. Listen
closely, for l must be off. These were
her words: "Tell him to be brave, to
be strong for my sake"
Brave for her sake!" repeated Wal
lace, with a bitter, hopeless laugh
my God! the mockery in that word
brave"
NO" replied Horton, earnestly
"She meant it, for she believes in you
The bugle call sounded March!
I'VE all believe in you." he added
hurriedly, but impressively. GOOD
by, and remember her words"
He strode rapidly away, leaving
Wallace with a dawning hope in his
heart which had been absent from D
for many a day.
BE brave. be strong for my sake.
he murmured Florence, with Gods
help, will"
(To be Continued.
THE Book FOR HIM.-"Here, clerk