Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1907-10-29

General Clusters Of the Seventh
Was Custer killed?"
All the soldiers leaned forward in in
tense anxiety for the answer.
The Indian bowed his head sadly.
Yes. He was among the last. HI
laughed as he fell"
The soldiers, wrought to the highes
pitch of excitement, for many Of then
had known the gallant fallen hero, ant
all Of them had loved him, began t.
murmur among themselves.
BE quiet, men!" commanded The
Gray Fox. And then turning again tc
Swiftwind, who was leaning agains
his horse as IL he needed the support
went on with his interrogatory. "HoW
many prisoners were taken?"
None"
"None!" exclaimed the general, real
lzing with horror all that this one WORD
meant.
Not a living thing except this
horse"
This horse?"
Captain Strong lifted the saddle.
There Is a name here" he said
1T is Miles Keogh. By Heaven, Miles
Keoghs horse Comanche!"
Both man and steed were we'll known
to every listener because Of the unit
ed deeds of valor they had performed
and a roar Of anger, a demand for i'm
mediate vengeance, went up in con-
fused deafening shouts. There was ar
object before them with which they
could quench their thirst for blood.
Kill him, boys! Remember Custer!
Tear him to pieces!"
They made a rush at him. but Swift
wind merely folded his arms and
calmly confronted them.
Before the infuriated soldiers could
reach their would-be victim. however
General Crook and Captain Strong
sprang between with drawn swords.
Stand back" commanded The Gray
Fox. "Tll cut down the first man who
lays a hand upon him!"
The soldiers who would one and al
have rather died than disobey theil
beloved commander. fell back in dis
order.
General Crook sheathed his sword.
II cannot blame you much, boys,
he said, and his whole attitude showed
how deeply he was moved. "Custel
and his gallant band gone! Wiped
out in the twinkling of an eye! But
there's an awful reckoning coming
and it shall be dealt with a heavy
hand. Meanwhile" pointing to Swift
wind, who seemed strangely indiffer-
ent, even languorous, this man must
not be harmed. I do not command
assassins?"
do you believe this mans story
general?" asked Captain Strong.
Yes. 1t agrees with Horizons In
every particular"
General Crook" said Swiftwind
rousing himself with difficulty, 81 did
not come to tell you of Clusters mas
sacre, but to prevent another"
Another"
The Gray Fox started, at once alert
and attentive.
When the Northern Lights appear
In the heavens tonight. it will be the
signal for the destruction of Colone
Gray and his whole command, unless
he racaiyac warming"
"a strong detachment has already
left for his relief" said Crook, his eyes
fixed keenly upon the Indians face.
Through the canon?"
mo. by the bluffs"
1T will be too late" was the instant
decided response. The Northern Lights
will shine by nine o'clock. The de-
tachment cannot reach there before
ten. General Crook" speaking nov
with impassioned appeal in striking
contrast to his former stolid manner
IF you wish to save Colonel Gray
write and sign the words l dictate"
As has been intimated before, among
the other strong qualities Of Genera
Crook was a wonderful insight into the
characters Of men. He was an excel
lent judge of human nature, and rare
~ made mistake. He was convinced
that Swiftwind was speaking the truth
and that it was his dearest wish tina
Colonel Gray and his command should
bC saved.
Orderly"
The man advanced.
General Crook motioned him to b.
seated just within the tent at table
upon which there were writing ma
terials.
Now. sir" to Swiftwind. Go on.
The Indian dictated while the order
ly wrote:
Recognize no flag of truce. 1t is
symbol of treachery and death. HolC
ut to the last Relief is coming"
What am I to understand by this?
asked Crook. as Swiftwind paused
That for four days the Ogallalla
have tried every means in their powe
10 ulSlOuSe SOlOuel bIdS, lllhl tOhiS -
his stronghold is to be entered unde
cover Of flag of truce, and every sou
massacred"
The treacherous hounds" crie'
Crook, in fury.
He turned and hurriedly signed tn
dispatch Then. holding up the paper
he asked:
How will this reach him."
Through the canon" replied Swift
wind promptly.
THAT is certain death. No whit
man could pass through there alive"
Il am not a white man." significantly
You will take it?"
Il will try"
This conference had been listened t
by the soldiers with the most absorbe
attention. and with varied emotions.
No one noticed that the convicte
deSerter had ceased from his worl
and. abandoning his cannon balls, ha
gradually approached nearer his eye
glowing and cleaning as he harkene
to Swiftwind'S words.
He knew that his old friend was
be trusted. but there were others VIII
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