The citizen., 1913-10-10

ride up ther valley we'll hit their trail
an it'll lead straight down to them
Cheyennes."
Custer took time to consider this
explanation, spreading the field map
out on his knees. and measuring the
distance between the streams. No
one in the little group spoke, although
several leaned forward eagerly. The
chief was not man to ask advice; he
preferred to decide for himself. Sud
denly he Strengthened up and threw
back his head to look about.
In my judgment Corbin is right.
gentlemen" he said impetuously. Il
had intended crossing here. but in
stead we will go further up stream.
There is doubtless a ford near Buffalo
Creek, and If we can strike an Indian
trail leading to the Washita, we can
follow easily by night. or day. and 1t
ties camp. Return to your troops,
and be ready to march at daybreak.
Major Elliott, you will take the ad-
vance again, at least three hours
ahead Of the main column. Move with
caution. your flankers we'll out; both
Hamlin and Corbin will go with you.
Are there any questions?"
Full field equipment" asked a
voice.
Certainly, although in case of 60
ing into action the overcoats will be
discarded Look over your ammuni-
tion carefully tonight"
They filed out OF the tent one by
one. some OF the older officers paus-
ing moment to speak with Hamlin.
his own captain extending his hand
cordially, with a warm word Of COM
mendation. The Sergeant and Major
Elliott alone remained.
IF l strike fresh trail, General"
asked the latter, "am | to press for
ward or wait for the main body?"
Send back courier at once, but
advance cautiously, careful not to ex-
pose yourselves. There is to be no
attack except in surprise and with
full force. This is important. Major
as we are doubtless outnumbered, ten
to one Was there something else
Sergeant"
Il was going to ask about Miss Nc
Donald. sir?"
"Oh. yes; she is safely on her way
to Camp Supply. under ample guard
The convoy was to stop on the Cim
arron, and pick up the frozen sol.
dier you left there. and II possible,
find the bodies of the two dead men &"
Long before daylight Elliott's ad
vance camp was under arms, the
chilled and sleepy troopers moving
forward through the drifted snow OF
the north bank; the wintry wind.
sweeping down the valley, stung their
faces and benumbed their bodies. The
night had been cold and blustery, pro.
ductiYe Of little comfort to either man
or beast, but hope of early action ami.
mated the troopers and made them OBJ
livious to hardship. There was little
grumbling in the ranks, and by day
break the head of the long column
came opposite the opening into the
valley wherein Hamlin had overtaken
the fugitives. With Corbin beside
him. the Sergeant spurred his pony
aside. but there was little to see; the
bodies of the dead lay as they had
fallen, black blotches on the snow.
but there were no fresh trails to
show that either Dupont. or any Indi
an ally, had returned to the spot.
That's evidence enough, Brick"
commented the scout. staring about
warily, that thar wus no permanent
camp over thar" waving his hand to-
ward the crest OF the ridge. Them
redskins was on the march, an that
geezer had ter follow EN-. er else
starve to death. He'd bin back afore
this, an on yer trail with bunch O.
young bucks"
(TO BE CONTINUED