Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1907-10-29
"One moment, general" he said, thu

will you be quiet, men? ordered
the general, sternly.
Il would suggest" proceeded Cap
tain Strong, that the message be sent
by a swift courier over the bluffs,
and this man detained in camp
until determined whether he Is
speaking the truth or not. The fact
remains that he first deserted us, and
then the reds. He is false both to his
country and his people,"
Swiftwind's dark eyes flashed with
a sombre light, his thin nostrils dilat-
ed, and his whole face became con-
vulsed with a scorn in which there
was mingled something Of hopeless
ness.
Country! People!" he cried, the
words cutting the air. II have no
country! 1 have no people! Look at
these arms: they are bleeding where
the rawhide bound them. Look at
this!" Tearing open his shirt, and
pointing to a ghastly, jagged wound
upon his breast from which the blood
was slowly oozing "That was caused
by a red mans knife. told you was
on the Little Big Horn this morning
was bound hand and foot, a prison.
err"
There was a general movement
among the crowd at this. Were this
true, it placed a different complexion
upon everything.
Wallace had gradually approached
nearer and nearer, and he was now
standing only a few feet away from
his former friend.
II left the whites" went on Swift
wind, every word evincing the inten-
sity of his emotion, because 1 could
not believe in them. I sought the red
man, and he would not believe in me.
Am l an outcast from the faith Of
man? Merciful Heaven!" lifting his
arms above his head appealingly, Twill
no man believe in me?"
"Yes, John Swiftwind!" cried The
Gray Fox. 81 will"
With cry of joy, Swiftwind, who
had at this supreme moment dropped
the mask of imperturbability, caught
the generals hands.
| Crook returned his pressure with
equal warmth.
| Captain" he said, turning to his
subordinate, "see that he has every
thing for his perilous ride. Good-by,
sir. You are brave mani"
I'd nnfc nd
he did so Swiftwind staggered and
seemed about to fall The general and
Strong started forward and caught
| him.
"You are weak from loss Of blood"
said Crook, pityingly. you are in no
condition for such an adventure"
| With an effort, Swiftwind drew
himself away from their support. His
eyes were dull and CLASSY. The cor
ners of his mouth twitched spasmodi-
cally, and he clenched his teeth to stop
the nervous muscular contraction.
mo, no." he protested feebly. Il
shall live to reach him, to save him!"
He grasped the saddle and tried to
mount. The general motioned two OF
the soldiers to assist. and, with their
aid, the Indian slowly and painfully
managed to reach the back Of the
horse. He turned upon the general
look of mournful gratitude, and then
essayed to pick up the reins, but his
nervless hands refused to perform the
office demanded of them. With long,
shuddering sigh, he slowly sank for
ward upon the pommel Of the saddle.
He is too ILL, sir" said Strong to
the general; che will never make it."
You are right" assented Crook, ad-
vancing to the horses side. do you
hear, Swiftwind? You had better not
attempt it,"
The Indian made no response, and
the general reached up, grasped his
arm and shook him gently.
Swiftwind lurched forward and al
most fell from the saddle.
"He has faintedl" cried Crook. Lift
him down, men!"
| The soldiers crowded round, and the
unconscious form was lifted from the
saddle and laid gently upon a grassy
bank close by.
| Crook approached and raised the in
ert hand. Then a look of horror over
spread his rugged face.
Strong came up with a canteen which
he was about to put to the Indians
lips but the general checked him with
an expressive gesture.
1T is useless" he said in a choked
voice HE has made his last ride"
Dead"
The general bowed solemnly.
A shudder ran through all those who
heard and involuntarily each and ev-
cry head was barred.
General" said Strong. softly that
man was a hero, and l would give my
shoulder straps to recall my words"
But painful and tragic though this
death was. the living must be thought
lof And General Crook was not the
imam to shrink before the emergency.
He turned toward his awed men,
land addressed them, speaking in a
huShed but earnest voice:
MY men, you have heard the story
Of Clusters massacre. Another fright
full slaughter awaits the command OF
Colonel Gray. The man who might
have saved him is dead. Some man
must take his place. 1t is through a
pathway lined with Satan's imps.
There is one chance in fifty for his
life. But. men, this carnage must not
be- if to prevent it, I must go myself
call for volunteer! Is there a man
here who will ride through hell to save
Colonel Gray?"
As he paused. there was deadly ST.
Hence. Each man knew that it would
be To condemn himself to almost GER