Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-12-14

lines Of savage watchers A long.
wailing cry OF agony from out the
thick darkness told the fate OF their
FIRST messenger. while Casey. OF the
XII" crept slowly, painfully back.
with an Indian bullet embedded deep
IN his shoulder Just before the com
ing Of dawn. Hampton. without utter
ing a word. calmly turned up the collar
Of his tightly buttoued coat. so as
better 20 conceal the white collar be
wore. gripped his revolver between his
teeth. and crept like some wriggling
snake among the black rocks and
through the dense underbrush 10
search after water. BY some miracle
OF divine mercy he was permitted to
pass unscathed. and came crawling
back. a dozen hastily filled canteens
dangling across his shoulders. II was
like nectar 20 those parched. feverish
throats but OF food barely a mouth
ful a piece remained IN the hayer-
sacks
The second day dragged onward. its
hours bringing no change for the bet
ter. no relief. no slightest ray OF hope
The hot sun scorched them pitilessly.
and two OF the wounded died delirious
From dawn 10 dark there came no
slackening OF the savage watchfulness
which held the survivors helpless be-
hind their coverts. The merest up
lifting OF a head. the slightest move
nent OF a hand. was sufficient 10 dem
onstrate how sharp were those savage
eyes.
Another long. black night followed.
during which, for an hour or so In
turn, the weary defenders slept. toss
ing uneasily. and disturbed by fearful
dreams. Then gray and solemn, amid
the lingering shadows OF darkness.
dawned the third dread day OF IN
equal conflict. All understood that II
was destined 10 be their last on this
earth unless help came.
For two days Wyman had scarcely
stirred from where he lay bolstered
against the rock. Sometimes he be-
came deiirious from fever, uttering In
coherent phrases. or swearing In pitt
full weakness. Again he would par
TALLY arouse TO his old sense Of sol
command. Now he twisted painfully
about upon his side. and. with clouded
eyes. sought 70 discern what man was
lying next him. The face was hidden
so that all he could clearly distinguish
was the fact that this man was not
clothed as a soldier.
"Is that you. Hampton?" he ques-
toned, his voice barely audible.
The person thus addressed, who was
lying fat upon his back. gazing ST.
lently upward at the rocky front Of
the cliff. turned cautiously over upon
his elbow before venturins reply.
Yes; what is It. sergeant? It looks
to be a beauty OF a morning way up
yonder."
There was q hearty. CHEEKY ring 10
his clear voice which left the pain
racked old soldier envious
my 0odl" he growled savagely.
"'Tis likely to be the last any OF US
will ever see. Wasn't It you 1 heard
whistling Just now? One might i'm
agine this was TO be a wedding, rather
than a funeral"
And why not, Wyman? Didn't you
know they employed music at both
functions nowadays2 Besides, Il is not
every man who is permitted to assist
at his own obseQuies-the very unique
ness Of such situation rather appeals
70 my sense of humor."
The sergeant. his teeth ciinched
tightly to repress the pain racking
him, stifed his resentment with an
evident effort. ''You may be less
hght-hearted when you learn that the
last Of our ammunition is already In
the guns" he remarked. stifay.
Il suspected as much" And the
speaker lifted himself on one elbow to