The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1914-12-03

| 1t was raw November morning that
we came Unexpectedly upon st. Clairs
outposts. The ground was covered
with snow. and the little pools were
skinned over with thin ice. It had
been too cold to rest, and we had
walked much Of the night, afraid to
build fire. Chilled to the marrow
by the icy wind that swept through
the trees and buffeted us, l had
wrapped the girl in our only blanket,
fastening it about her head and face,
hurt as I did so by the dumb, pa.
tient, bewildered look in her eyes. She
tried to protest, yet at my first stern
word ceased and wrapped herself
closely in the folds. was in front,
breaking the t. IL that she might have
easier marching, when suddenly a
man stepped out Of thicket, and with
gun at my breast roughly commanded
halt. paused instantly. uncertain
as to which side the challenger was
on. yet glance at his face and dress
treasured me.
who are yer, an what do yer
want?" he asked suspiciously.
Il am an officer of the Fort Harmar
garrison" answered, with news
from the north. To what command
do you belong?"
THE Kentucky militia" he acknowl.
edged sullenly. Colonel Oldham"
where is your colonel?"
Back yonder on that rise O. ground;
you kin go on, but I'll keep an eye
on yer"
We left him, following the direction
pointed out, hearing him call to some
one in our rear, yet paying no heed
The very ease with which he had
passed us on was evidence enough OF
lax discipline, and small conception
of the danger of the command There
was plain track through the snow
which led to a camp fire blazing cheer
lily in a grove of trees, with maybe a
dozen men clustered about it. No one
appeared to notice us as we drew near
(which is Colonel oldham" ]
asked, glancing about the group. One
stood up. smooth-faced, rudy.
checked man of fifty, with iron-gray
hair, and eyes that looked as if they
laughed easily. liked him at first
glance.
That is my name," he said shortly.
What is it? ST. Denis, mani" as his
glance swept over me, you look as
If you had been far from the settle.
ments and had hard trip"
Il have, sir; l come from the Mau.
NEE. | am an officer of regulars with
news Of Importance for St. Clair"
Every eye was on me now and Old
ham took step nearer
THE Maumee!" he exclaimed. cay,
that Is journey. News for st, Clair.
you say-what news? There was a
rumor down below that the Indians
of the northwest were mastering,
Know you anything of that?"
They have already mustered, sir.
was at their rendezvous. Even now
they are at my heels-the whole Of
them, Shawnees, Miamis, Delawares.
Wyandots and, for all know, as many
more. There are white renegades with
them, and English officers I suspect
saw Hamilton myself on the Maui
nee. and he evidently was managing
Affairs"
There was muttering of voices,
and Oldham let out an oath.
well. sir. believe 1t, but I'll be
hanged If you can make st. Clair The
arrogant old fool may listen to you,
out l doubt even that. He thinks this
8 pleasure party we are on. What
10 you think he did week ago?"
looked at him accomplishing.
tunned by such mutinous words open.
y spoken.
Sent back whole regiment of reg
liars on wild-goose chase after de-
erters, and we within fifty miles Of
he Miami towns"
What force have you here?
LESS than fourteen hundred-all
iilitia but one regiment. From the
laumee. ensign? And did you come
trough alone with that squaw?"
l glanced back at her, standing ST.
'ntly behind me. the blanket drawn
yer her head and face.
Take it of. Rene" said quietly.
Eyes, monsieur"
Her hands obediently threw the
rapping aside. permitting it to drape
yer her shoulders. She lifted her
cad. and stood facing them. with ewes