The Roswell daily record. [volume] (Roswell, N.M.) 1903-current, 1907-09-04
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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 b 18th. and
forced to retire. That will dc
count for the unexpected number of
hostiles fronting US up here, Cook;
but the greater the task, the greater
the glory. All, l thought as muck. 1
am advised by the department to
keep in close touch with Terry and
Gibbons, and to hold of from making
a direct attack until infantry can
arrive in support. Rather late in the
day, l take it, when we are already
within easy ri1e-shot. l see nothing
in these orders to interfere with our
present plans, nor any military zee
sity for playing hide n seek all
summer in these hills. That looks
like a big village down yonder, but |
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 1 was compelled to strap
him. 1 brought it the rest of the
way"
Where is Murphy"
aD-@Jx --;%A ~ -44lr 4--s- -s- 4
got hin through alive, but entirely
gon in the head"
Run across many hostfles in that
region?"
They were thick his side the Rose
bud; all bucks and travelling north"
"Sioux?"
MOSTLY, sir; but l saw one band
wearing Cheyenne war bonnets."
A puzzled look slowly erept 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.
Il 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.
It's a brave deed, well performed"
he said at last, with soldierly cordial
ity, although l can hardly offer you
a fitting reward"
There is little 1 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 s~oftening.
Spoken like a true soldier" he TX
claimed, a new warmth in his voice.
.You shall have your wish. Take po-
sition in CaIhoun's troop yonder."
Hampton turned quietly away. lead
Ing his horse, yet had scarcely adj
vanced three yards before Custer
halted him.
"I shall be pleased to talk with you
again after the fight" he said, briefly,
rs though half doubling the propriety
of such words.
The other bowed, his face instantly
Frightening. 81 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.
Cook?"
IT think not, sir; h is he?"
Capt Nolan-you have heard the
story"
rs that so?" he exclaimed. in evil
dent surprise. He has a manly face"
cay, and he was as fine a soldier as
ever fought under a flag" declared
Custer, frankly. Poor devil. The
hardest service 1 was ever called upon
to perform was the day we broke him.
/ wonder IL Calhoun will recognize
the face; they were good friends
once"
He stopped speaking. and for n
time his field-glasses were fastened
upon a small section of the Indian vii
lage nestled in the green valley.
81 doubt lie many warriors are
there" he commented at last. They
may have gone up the river to inter
cept Reno's advance, and il so, this
should be our time to strike. Return
to your commands, gentlemen, and
with h order of march see person
ally that You men move quietly. We
must strike quick and hard, driving
the wedge home with a single blow.
That viii be all at present. gentle
men; you will require no further in
structions until we deploy. Capt. Cal
houn. just q word.
The captain thus directly address,
ed. a handsome. stalwart man of mid
die age. refined IA his horse and
waited.
Captain, the messenger who has