The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1912-11-09

"'Tis not like General Lee" I
broke in. He has ever been a reck-
less fighter Has the man lost his
| wits?"
Maxwell leaned over. so his words
should not carry beyond my ear.
'Tis envy Of Washington. to my
mind" he said soberly. He has op-
posed every plan In council, imagin-
ing, no doubt, failure Of campaign
may make him the n-chief.
There comes courier now"
| The fellow was so streaked with
dust as to be scarcely recognizable.
and he wiped the perspiration from
his eyes to stare into our faces.
General MAXWELL"
Yes; what is it?'
Compliments of General Lee, sir.
and you will retire your troops toward
the Freehold Meeting House. forming
connection there with General Scott"
Retreat! Good God. mani we
haven't fired a shot"
Those were the orders. sir. 1t that
Scott. over yonder?'
Maxwell nodded, too angered for
words. Then. as the courier galloped
away. turned in his saddle.
BY heaven! l suppose we must do
1t, Lawrence. But what folly! What
asininity! We've got the Redcoats
hemmed in. and did you ever see a
better field? Pray God I may hear
Washington when he comes up. I'd
rather be dead then. than Charles
Lee"
| orIo ha
fell back sullenly, swearing fiercely
as they caught the rebellious spirit Of
their officers. Scarcely able to breathe
IN the hot. stagnant air. caked with
foul mud to the waist. We attained the
higher ground, and dropped helpless.
Even from here the enemy were In
visible. although We could see the
smoke OF their guns, and hear distant
| crackle of musketry. l sat up, star
ing through the heat waves toward
| the eminence on the left where
Wayne's men remained, showing dim
ly against the trees. A group of horse
men were riding down the slope.
heading toward our line. AS they
came into the sandy plain below and
skirted the morass, | recognized Lee
in advance, mounted on black horse
flecked with foam. Twice he paused,
gazing across the hills through leveled
| field glasses, and then rode up the
steep ascent to our rear. Maxwell
met him not twenty feet from where
l lay.
What does this mean. sir?" Lee
thundered hoarsely. "Why are your
men lying strewn about In this unsol-
dierly manner. General MAXWELL"
Are you unaware, sir, that we are in
the presence of the enemy?"
Maxwell's face fairly blazed, as he
Strengthened In the saddle, but before
his lips could form an answer, sud
den cheer burst out from the crest Of
the hill, and | saw men leapng to
their feet, and waving their hats The
next instant across the summit came
Washington, dozen officers clatter-
ing behind. his face stern-set and
white, as he rode straight toward Lee
What Is the meaning Of this re-
treat, General Lee? My God, sir, how
do you account for such disorder and
confusion?" he exclaimed, his voice
ringing above the uproar, his angry
| .
me-"
The other muttered some reply
failed to catch.
That's not true" returned Wash
ington, every werd stinging like a
whip. 1T was merely a covering party
which attacked you. Why did you ac-
cept command, sir. unless you intend
ed to fght?"
81 did not deem 1t prudent, General
Washington, to bring on general en-
gagement."
you were to obey my orders, sir,
and you know what they were. See!
They are coming now!"
He wheeled his horse about, point
ing with one hand across the valley
Major Cain, have Oswald bring up
his guns at once; Lieutenant Mcneil,
ride to Ramsey and Stewart; have
their troops on the ridge within ten
minutes-General Maxwell, these are
your men,"
They are, sir"
Hold this line at any cost, the re-
serves will be up presently"
AS he drew his horse about he again
came face to face with Lee. who sat
his saddle sullenly, his gaze on the
ground. Washington looked at him
a moment, evidently not knowing what
to say. Then he asked quietly:
"Will you retain command on this
height, or not, sir?"
1T Is equal to me where l com
mand"
Then l expect you will take proper
means for checking the enemy"
'I shall not be the first to leave the
ground; your orders shall be obeyed."
What followed was but medley Of
sight and sound. I saw Washington
ride to the left; heard Lee give hur-
ried order, or two; then | was at the
rear Of our own line Strengthening 1t