Eastern Colorado times., 1912-11-01

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. ! 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. Az they
came into the sandy plain below and
skirted the morass. recognized Leo
in advance. mounted on black horse
hecked 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
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 enemy7"
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 leaping 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 Lee7 My God. sir. how
do you account for such disorder and
confusion?" he exclaimed. his voice
ringing above the uproar. his angry,
eyes blazing into Lees face. Answer,
me-"
The other muttered some reply I
failed to catch.
That's not true" returned Wash,
ington. every word stinging like .
whip. 1T was merely a covering party
which attacked you. Why did you ao-
cept command. sir, unless you intend
ed to fight?"
Il 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. Seel
They are coming nowi"
He wheeled his horse about, point
ing with one hand across the valley.
Major Cain. have Oswald bring up
his guns at once; Lieutenant McNein,
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 10 equal to me where I com.
mand."
Then expect you will take proper
means for checking the enemy"
Il shall not be the first to leave tho
ground; your orders shall be obeyed.".
What followed was but a medley Of
sight and sound. saw Washington
ride to the left; heard Lee give a hur.
ried order. or two: then was at the
rear Of our own line strengthening It.
for assault There was little enough
time left
Under the smoke Of several batter
les. whose shells were ripping open
the side Of the hill, the British were
In double line, the sum
cleaning on their bayonets, and re-
vealing the uniforms. Of different
corps.
STEADY. men! steady!" voice after,
voice caught up the command. Hold
your fire!"
"Wait until they reach that fallen
tree!" I added.
(TO BE CoNTINUED)
al Cforv