The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-12-19

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 10 say you
brought it through from there?"
Silent Murphy carried it as far as
the Powder river. He went crazy
there, and l was compelled to strap
him. l brought it the rest of the
way"
Where is Murphy"
Back with the pack train. sir.
got him through alive but entirely
gone in the head"
Run across many hostiles in that
region?"
They were thick this 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 crept 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 'erstand you
are again in the service"
Ny presence here is purely acct
dental. Gen. Custer che 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 brave deed, well performed"
he said at last, with soldierly cordial
ity, although l can hardly offer you
fitting reward"
There is little | desire" he re-
piled slowly, and 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 softening.
Spoken like a true soldier" he eX-
claimed, a new warmth in his voice.
You shall have your wish. Take po-
sition in Calhoun's troop yonder"
Hampton turned quietly away, lead
ing his horse, yet had scarcely ad-
vanced three yards before Custer
hslted him.
Il shall be pleased to talk with you
again after the fight" he said, briefly,
as though half doubling the propriety
of such words.
The other bowed, his face instantly
Frightening. Il 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.
You never knew him. did you,
Cook?"
Il think not, sir; who is he?"
Capt Nolan-you have heard the
story"
is that so?" he exclaimed, in evil
dent surprise. He has manly face"
''Ay, and he was as fine soldier as
ever fought under a flag" declared
Custer, frankly. Poor devil The
hardest service was ever called upon
to perform was the day we broke him
wonder if Calhoun will recognize
the face; they were good friends
once"
He stopped speaking, and for
time his field-glasses were fastened
upon a small section of the Indian viii
lage nestled in the green valley.
Il doubt if many warriors are
there" he commented at last They
may have gone up the river to inter
cept Reno's advance, and If so, this
should be our time to strike. Return
TO your commands, gentlemen, and
with the order of march see person
ally that your men move quietly. We
must strike quick and hard, driving
the wedge home with a single blow.
That will be all at present, gentle
men; you will require no further in
structions until We deploy. Capt. Cal
houn, just word
The captain thus directly address
ed, handsome, stalwart man of mid
die age, refined In his horse and
waited.
Captain, the messenger who has
Just brought us dispatches from Chey-
enne is civilian, but has requested
permission to have a share in this
coming fight. l have assigned him to
your troop"
Calhoun bowed.
Il thought to spare you any pos
aible embarrassment by saying that
the man is not entirely unknown to
you" ..
May l ask his name?"
Robert Nolan"
The strong, Ion-like face flushed
under its tan, then quickly lit up with
q smile. II thank you. Capt Nolan
will not suffer at my hands"
He rode straight toward his troop,
his eyes searching the ranks until
they rested upon the averted face Of
Hampton. He pressed forward, and
leaned from the saddle, extending
gauntleted hand. Nolan, old man