The Charles Mix new era. (Wagner, Charles Mix County, S.D.) 1???-1911, 1907-10-11
VI.

CHAPTER VI.
Dunwoodie's men had often tried their
prowess against the enemy, and they now
sat painting to be led once more against
foes who they seldom charged in vain.
Their wishes were t2 be gratifed: for a
body Of the enemy soon came sweeping
round the base Of the hill which intersect-
ed the view to the south. a few minutes
enabled the major to distinguish their
character. In one troop he saw the green
coats Of the Cowboys, and in the other
the leathcrn helmets and wooden saddles
OF the yagers. Their numbers were about
equal to the body under his immediate
orders. On reaching the open space near
thcs cottage of Harvey Birch, the enemy
halted and drew up his men In line. At
this moment q column Of foot appeared in
the vale, and pressed forward.
Major Dunwoodie at once saw his adj
vantage. The column he led began slowly
to retire from the field, when the youth
fui German, who commanded the enemy's
horse, fearful OF missing an easy con-
quest, gave the word to charge. Few
troopers were more hardy than the Cow
boys they sprang eagerly forward in the
pursuit. With a confidence created by the
retiring foe and the column In their rear /:
the Hessians followed more slowly. but
in better order. The trumpets Of the Vir-
ginians now sounded long and lively /;
they were answered by a strain from a
party In ambush that went to the hearts
oE their enemies. The column OF Dun
wcodie wheeled in perfect order, opened,
and, as the word charge was given, the
troops of Lawton emerged from their
cover.
Tho charge threatened too much for
the refugee troop. They scattered in ey-
cry direction, flying from the field as fast
rs their horses could carry them. Only
q few were hurt but such as did meet
the, arms of their ~avenging countrymen
never survived the blow. 1t was upon
the poor vassals Of the German tyrant
that the shock fell. Disciplined to the
most exact obedience, these Inflated men
met the charge bravcly. but they were
swept before the mettled horss and nerv-
GUS arms Of their antagonists like chaff
before the wind. Many of them were lit
orally ridden down, and Dunwoodie soon
saw the field without IN opposing foe.
The lawn in front of the Locusts WIS
hidden from the view Of the road by a
close line of ~shrabbery. and the horses Of
the two dragons had been left. lin
together. under its shelter. Two Cow
boys, who had been cut off from a retreat
to their " party, rode ~furiously through
the gate. with IN intention OF escaping TO
the open wood in the rear of the cottage.
The victorious Americans pressed the
retreating Germans until they had driven
them under the protection of the fire Of
the infantry; and feeling themselves. in
the privacy Of the lawn, relieved from
my immediate danger. the predatory war
riors made toward their intended prizes.
by an almost spontaneous movement.
They were bnsily engaged in separating
the i~astenings of the horses when the
trooper on the piazza discharged his pis-
tol. and rushed. sword in hand, TO the
rescue.
The entrance OF CAESAR into the parlor
had induced the wary Dragon within TO
turn his attention more closely on his
prisoner but this new interruption drew
him again TO the window. lie threw his
body out Of the building. and endeavored
BY Ills threats and appearance to brighten
the marauders from their prey. The mo-
| iEent was enticing. Three hundred Of his
comrades were within a mile OF the cot
tgge. unriddcn horses were running nj
large la every direct III. aud Henry Whar.
ton seized tho uncof scious sentinel hy the
legs and threw him headlong into the
lawn. Cesar vanished from the room
and drew a bolt OF tho outer door.
The fail OF the soldier was not great
and recovering his feet. he turned his fury
for a moment on Ills prisoner. To scale
the window in tho face OF such an enemy
was. however. impossible. aud Oh trial hs
found the main entrance barred.
Ills coanrade now called loudly on hin
for aid, and forgetful OF everything else
the discounted trooper rushed to his as
s~istance. One horse was instantly lib
Grated. but tho other was already fastened
to the saddle of Il Cowboy. and the fonl
retired behind the building. cutting frri
onxIy at each other with their sanres
Cnsar threw the outer door open. al
pointing to the remaining horse. exclaim
i ed:
"Run--now-run-Massa Henry. run.
Yes cried the youth. rs he yanites
into the saddle. nov. indeed. my homes
fellow, is the tinsr TO rum lie beckone,