The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1913-03-27

Eyes; we fought them OF until
after dark, although the Mexican was
killed by the first fire. l don't know
when the other man got his"
Who were they?"
Gonzales ran a high-ball game a,
Santa Fe; the other. Moylan. was
post-sutler at Fort Mercy
How many Indians? Who were
theyT"
About thirty; we must have killed
five or six. 1t was hardly nor than
daylight when they left, and | could
not tell just how many bodies they
strapped on the ponies. They were q
mixed bunch Of young bucks, princi
pally Arapahoes. led by Roman Nose
Went west, hey?"
Eyes, sir"
The lieutenant turned his gaze uI
the river, and then looked at WATSON
who remained seated in the saddle.
Must be the same lot Maxwell told
us about up On Pawnee Fork. SAM
he said at last. HE will be likely to
cut their trail some time today. We
knew a bunch had headed south, but
didn't suppose they had got Is far as
this already. Better leave Maxwell to
run them in, I suppose? Our orders
are to return to Dodge"
They haven't three hours the
start" ventured Hamlin in surprise
land cannot travel fast with so many
OF their ponies doubly loaded"
THAT is for me to decide" staring
i~nsolently, "and I understand my duty
without any advice. Is there any dam
age done west Of here?"
"The station at the crossing is burn
ed; two dead men there; I don't know
what became Of the third"
Then 1t is just as l thought; those
fellows will turn north before they get
that far. and will run straight into
Maxwell. What do you say, Sam?"
The scout lolled carelessly In the
saddle, his eyes on the river, his lean,
brown face expressionless.
II reckon as how it don't make no
great difference what I say" he an.
swered soberly. yer amt taken no
advice frum me yit, fur as l remem.
Der. But If yer really want ter know,
this time, my notion Is them bucks
will most likely hide in the bluffs
till night, an then sneak past Max.
well after 1t gifts good an dark. II
this yere wus my outfit now, I'd just
naturally light on to the trail fast,
orders er no orders. l reckon it's In.
juns we cum out after, an 1 don't sup.
pose the war department would find
any fault IL we found a few"
The blood surged into the ~lieuten.
ants face, but opposition only served
to increase his obstinacy.
Il prefer to rely on my own judg.
ment," he said tartly. From what
this man reports they are in stronger
force than we are. Besides my in.
structions were not to provoke hostil.
tiles"
WATSON grinned. revealing his vel.
low teeth.
Sure not; they are so damned
peaceable themselves"
II prefer leaving Captain Maxwell
to deal with the situation" Gaskins
went on pompously, ignoring the
sneer, "as he outranks me, and I am
under strict instructions to return at
once to the fort. Two Of our horses
are disabled already, and Smiley is
too sick to be left alone. I'll not risk
It. WE'LL" he broke off suddenly, and
addressing a corporal who had just
ridden up and saluted. have you
buried the bodies?"
Eyes, sir; found these papers on
them"
The lieutenant thrust these into his
jacket pocket.
Very well, Hough. Form the men
into column. Miss Mcdonald. you
will retain the horse you have, and
/ should be very glad to have you
ride with me. Oh. corporal, was ev-
erything in the coach destroyed?
Nothing saved belonging to this
LADY,"
ouly LILO lTOuWOTh 10 lclI, BIZ.
$50 I thought; exceedingly sorry,
Miss Mcdonald. The ladies at Dodge
will fit you out when we get In. I
am a bachelor, you know" he added.
glancing aside into her face, 'but can
promise every attention"
Her eyes sought Hamlin where he
stood straight and motionless, re-
specially waiting an opportunity to
speak.
Isis this what I ought to do?"
she questioned, leaning toward him.
81 am 30 confused I hardly know what
Is best"
"Why, of course. broke in the
lieutenant hastily. you may trust
me to advise"
But my question was addressed to
Sergeant Hamlin," she interposed,
never glancing aside. HE under
stants the situation better than you"
The sergeant held his hat In his
hand, his eyes meeting her own frank
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