Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1908-02-14

extended hne II horsemen, riding IN
columns Of four, came to q sudden
halt, and he iced on. A little squad
OF officers. Sc 'eral Of their number
dismounted. ere out in front, stand
ing grouped Just beyond the summit
Of slight ele Sation, apparently look.
ing of into the valley through some
cleft in the bluff beyond. Standing
among these, Hampton perceived the
long fair hair, and the erect figure
clad in the well-known frontier cos.
tune, Of the man he sought-ths
proud. dashing leader of light cav.
airy, that beau ideal of the sabreur,
the one he dreaded most, the one he
loved best-Custer. The commander
stood, field-glasses IN hand. pointing
down into the valley. al the dispatch
bearer. reigning in his hnrsn his lips
white but resolute, trottc ! straight m
the slope toward him. Custe' wheel.
ed, annoyed at the interruption, and
Hampton swung down from the sad.
die, his rein flung across his arm, took
q single step forward, lifting his hand
in salute, and held forth the sealed
packet.
Dispatches, sir" he said, simply,
standing motionless as a statue.
The commander, barely glancing
toward him, instantly tore open the
long official envelope and ran his eyes
over the dispatch amid a hush in the
conversation.
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 the 18th, and
forced to retire. That will &C.
count for the unexpected number Of
hostiles fronting US up here, Cook;
but the greater the task, the greater
the glory. All, thought as much. I
am advised by the department to
keep in close touch with Terry and
Gibbons, and to hold of from making
q direct attack until infantry can
arrive In support. Rather late in the
day, l take 1t, when we are already
within easy rife-shot. l see nothing
IN these orders to interfere with our
present plans, nor any military neces-
sity for playing hide and seek all
summer In these hills That looks
like a big village down yonder, but I
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 1t as far az
the Powder river. He went crazy
there, and was compelled to strap
him. / brought 1t the rest Of the
way"
Where is Murphy"
Back with the pack train, sir. I
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 / 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.
1recognize you now" Custer said,
quietly. Am l to understand you
are again in the service?"
my presence here is purely acci.
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 brave deed, well performed"
he said at last, with soldierly cordial.
ity, although l can hardly offer you
q fitting reward"
There ID little desire" hs 70
piled, slowly, and that ID to Do Der.
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 true soldier" he q.
claimed, new warmth in hts voice.
"You shall have your wish. Take DO
sition in Calhoun's troop yonder."
Hampton turned quietly away, lead.
ing his horse, yet had scarcely ad.
vanced three yards before Custer
halted 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. q thank you sincerely"
The perplexed commander stood
motionless, gazing after the receding
figure, his face grown grave and
thoughtful. Then he turned to the