The Lamar register., 1918-01-16

and orders were given to a group of
80 to stealthily gain its shelter
amid the gathering gloom and mists
of dusk and make sallies to where the
telephone lines of the enemy ran, and
cut them, If possible.
Ray was one of the venturesome
contingent. He was In the lead when
the word was given and the ascent of
the friendly slant was made. Then
"Over the topi" ran the whisper
ing. repeated order, and the descent
was made. The shelter of the old
building was nearly gained when q
great gun doomed. There was q
frightful explosion, and what was left
of the lettering structure was sent
flying in every direction, and rain
of bullets came from the dugout with
in the enemy's lines. There was moth
ing left but retreat for the gallant, i'm
periled cOtcrie. y second fusillade
followed. There was u scramble to
regain the apex OF the rise. Out Of
the thirty only eight returned-and
Ray Borden was not among the num-
Der.
forth. mt first half-stunned and blind
ed. The exploding shell had driven u
great timber. wedge-shaped. deep Into
the earth, showerlng him with sand
and completely enveloping him. Only
where the timber ran up out of the
ground was there free space. Ray could
breathe freely and see. With sorrow
and grief he noted the motlonless
forms of the heroes of the little group,
more than decimatcd through the dead
ly fire of the enemy. Wreaths of mist
were floating over the landscape and
dusk was fading into night. but he
dared not yet venture to attempt to re-
gain the camp.
He lay perfectly still, as he caught
the sound Of voices. Two men ap-
preached the ruins. They halted not
20 feet away from him. He made out
one 10 be a general, the other colo
mel. The latter held rolled-up
chart in his hand.
"They will not try second sortie."
spoke the commanding officer. You
are sure of the cut in the hills to the
south?"
at is here on the chart" replied the
other.
every well. we will venture that far
to make sure OF our ground. Then
post half of your men at the c'W The
orders to the north are to get int1 the
ravlne at midnight. fire balloon
will give the signal. Our friends over
yonder will be Melted in an impossible
triangle. We shall cut them to pieces
and"
The voices died out as the men
passed south. Stealthlly. silently. Ray
crept from his covert. He followed
them at distance. They reached the
cut and stood surveying II. From
either holster Ray drew revolver. He
faced the two surprised men SC sud-
denly and boldly that they were petri-
fed.
about face. hands locked behind,
or I'll fire." he said. Into the cut
climb to the NORTH
Silently, sullenly, the captives obey
ed. Five fest to their rear Ray
sturdIly followed them. Once upon
the plateau sentry challenged.
"Who goes there?'
Friend"
"Advance-the countersignT
Prisoners and the whispered pass
word, and into the camp in triumph.
Ray Borden conducted his famous
catch.
He was one of the appointed leaders
in the sortie that anticipated the clos
ing in of the enemy at the north ra-
vine. utterly routing the foe, their
scheme to surround the division set ut
naught.
He was the idol Of the loyal COM
rades with whom he shared the signal
victory. and week later received Off.
cial orders to report for regimental
command.
A slight wound won him a weeks
furlough. Again at Paris, Col. Ray
Borden was sufficiently magnlfied as
to military Importance in the estima-
ton of Mrs. General Porter to an
nounce his engagement to pretty, loyal
Helen.