The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-12-19

fore the enemy's camp would be
fraught with risk for the defenseless
two and that an attempt TO take them
by force would be their death signal.
Colonel Cummings was narrowed by
Jamieson's months of anguish and Ill
ness and angered by the Indifference
and dawdling Of the captors In the
face of his demand and threat His
heart was set upon punishment now,
not treaty. He felt that he was being
played with, and he lOnged to find the
red Sioux and thrash them soundly.
A word about the evangelistS trip put
him out OF patience. He regarded it
as futile and rash. Yet he did not for
bid 1t. He dared not, for there was
Jamieson's old-young face and whiter-
ing head and a hidden spark of hope
that would not die.
He owed 1t to his conscience and po-
sition, however, to discourage David
Bond. There will be sharp fighting
this summer" he told him. "a hun
dred good men like you couldn't stop
it. The cause lies too deep, and it is
too well founded. In the matter of
did not come as the price of four
chiefs. VIII they come because you
ask for them politely? They won't,
And you will be slaughtered"
Then l shall die in a noble cause"
answered the preacher simply. The
Indians know me. l am their friend.
l have spent my life with them, taught
them, advised, converted. What is all
my labor worth, colonel, If l cannot go
among them In times Of distress?"
Worth this" said the colonel, that
you should know when to use your
common sense. I tell you, you will
meet with treachery. Friend or no
friend, this year the Indians are hunt
ing scalps."
Il put my trust in God" murmured
David Bond.
Don't put your trust in redskins"
retorted Cummings GROSSLY. Whereupon
he tramped away
Waste of breath-nothing else" he
declared to his wife. I'm clean put
out with the old fellow. He's daft on
going. Now, why doesn't he stay here
instead of sticking his throat to the
knife? There's plenty to do; but, no,
off he must rush on a wild goose chase.
Well, he'll have one, mark that! He's
either ripe for an insane asylum or he's
a religious northumberland I'm hanged
If know which,
1t was the buster that covers an
aching wound; that is a vent for out
ragged helplessness. And David Bond
understood.
When he asked leave to address the
stockade the commanding officer will
ingly consented. The attitude of the
hostages on that occasion startled and
disturbed the whole post for the evan
geliSt might as well have harangued
the cottonwood grove across the river.
He asked the braves for messages to
their brothers By way OF reply they
got up one after the other from where
he had found them grouped in the sun
| before the council tent and strolled in
solently to their lodges Soon he was
/ diScoursing to empty space and to a
/ line Of squaws who threw him malig
nant glances and jeered at him. He
left, surprised, saddened. but mistaken.
Impudence bold hatred and defiance
these were following the smoke from
Medicine mountain. They formed &
! cue that pointed to one fact-the pris-
oners were disappointed. They had
been expecting not peace and reserva-
ton life, but freedom and battle.
David Bond felt a double need for
his quick departure and his services
among the gathering war bands. He
FASTENED. his few remaining tasks and
/ set the day for the start Now the
/ day was come. His farewells had been
said 1T the shack and at headquarters.
Breakfast over and Shadrach put to
| the shafts, he would take his way up
the river. But first there must be laid
upon Squaw Charley a final and sol
emn charge.
Phe prayer finished. he put out hand
and touched the Indian. Then he
opened his tear blurred eyes and look
ed auhim, his face softening and work
ing. Squaw Charley did not bulge His
palms were still pressed tight. He
blinked at the wagon bed.
Charles" said the evangelist ear
nestly. you and love the little family
over yonder. They have been good
and kind. I want you to watch over
them while am gone and be faithful
/ to them. The father is crippled and
weak. and he has no friends. Charles
/ YOU must be friend to him and to the
1 girls. No matter what happens, do moi
/ fail them. There VIII be another guard
inc. Guard with him. Something may
call him away. Some one may XII
him. Take his place. If danger comes
tell Of it at the fort Do you promise
Charles? Do you promise?' He lean
ed forward. entreating.
The outcast moved from side TO side
/ uneasily.
Promise. promiser' said Davie
/ Bond. You must give up anything
for them, even your life. Remember