New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-07-31

part of his lower jaw shot away where a Rem
ington slug had found its mark, stood upright,
staring, both hands held to his shattered face.
Then he, too, went down. 1t was A Companys
baptism of fire.
The sharp order to take cover was not
needed. Instinctively the seized their
arms and, crouching like animals, scrambled
for the doubtful protection of the scrub mark
ing the forests edge
STEADY, men," called Major Walkerson.
Don't throw away shot--fre when you see
something to shoot at-aim carefully" but the
surprised and worried rockies stook comfort in
the noise Of their own firing.
Bang, bang, bang!' went the dropping
shots. "Br-mp -brrrr-ump- brrr-mp." ratified
the volleys in a ragged fusillade that sent steel
jacketed bullets tearing the tops off trees half
a mile over the ridge
The bearers had carried nine men to the
log cabin, where Cawdon. the surgeon, worked
red-handed, surrounded by strips of bandage
and workman-like array If tools. Six lay
where they had fallen Major Walkerson,
limping from flesh wound in the calf of his
left leg, paced imperturbably behind the line.
Ted Brandon refused to take cover, and was
missing death twice a minute by a succession
of miracles. Then murnur ran down the
line
whats that, Mr.. Brandon?" inquired tie
major sharply.
Ammunition running low, SIR the
muttered reply; "two of my out now"
HIM. grunted the ma or, "if we run out
of gun fodder they've got US. Cease firing"
At the word A Company lay fiat in the
grass and awaited developments. A desultory
volley from the timber followed by one or two
scattering shots and the Indians also ceased
their fire.
Out in the lake, mile away, lay the Flora
and her barges beyond rifle range. Aboard
her were two extra cases of cartridges.
Louden, Santiago sergeant, had been trying
to signal her, but too late it was recognized
that not a man aboard could read wig-wag
order. So in spite of swinging arms and hats
the Flora lay off and on.
Hes Internally careful of his hide" growled
the major. We've got to have that ammuni-
ton, Brandon
There's an Indian canoe down on the beach.
SIR might detach a couple of men and bring
it in, suggested the lad.
Ever try to ride an Indian canoe?" in
CURED the major with a grin "There isn't
man in our lot that could handle the thing.
But those deputies down on the beach under
cover are half Indian. Suppose YOU call for
volunteers.'
There was shifting among the deputies
when they heard the call. They didn't relish
being under the fire of every Indian on the
ridge.
From the left of the line dragging long
barreled rifle and stumbling as he ran, came
a whlte-faced little man in a slouched hat.
whose large dark eyes shone like lamps and
whose right hand was held aloft like that of
an eager boy in spelling class
That's my job, major" he shouted. "1'm
used to them canoes-send me, sr-Il bring
them cases in or sink with 'em
The little mans voice shook with entreatv
as the majors eyes met his. There was blood
on the sand where the lame foot had trod. One
Of his CATERS was blood -soaked His thin
frame shook with suppressed anxiety.
The major and young Brandon weighed the
proposal of Timmns.
Hes fine barber said the major.
"And SLOUGH of a sharpshooter. sir ~