Browning chief. [volume] (Browning, Mont.) 1941-1953, 1941-07-11

dertakings, stood silent as Captain
Thompson made the announcement
that the lives of the detachment de-
pended on the skill and daring of some
comrade who would undertake to break
through the Gordon of red fiends who
were remorselessly set on annihilating
the command. 1T would be suicide,
captain" said Canadian Jack as Cap
tain Thompson repeated his appeal
Driscoll Volunteers
From the ranks stepped lad, the
down still fresh on his cheeks, but
a light of high adventure in his eye.
I'll try it, captain" he said modest
ly The speaker was young Driscoll.
do you think you can make it?
Do you feel that you will not become
frightened and turn back?'
The boyish chin came forward and
the jaws frightened with determination.
I'll make the trip or die on the
IF they run into me. we will have
the devils own time of it," and he
patted the butt of his rifle.
Canadian Jack rushed forward and
presented the volunteer with a brace
of Colt revolvers and fieldglass. The
gods watch over the brave. AS nightfall
approached, the time at which Dris-
coll was to make his forlorn attempt
to secure help a heavy storm broke
and the air was rent by the thunder
of the elements. Silence was not
requisite under the conditions. Speed
was essential. Although the fort was
40 miles away by wagon road it would
be folly to attempt that route. The
way across the hills was much longer
so Driscoll put his dispatches in his
bosom, mounted the blind army mule
and made a break for the open.
Dodges Sentries
The Indians have a superstition that
a man killed in the darkness of night
must spend eternity in darkness. This
belief does not prevent them from
cunning for victims by moonlight. The
belief. the darkness, the crashing OF
the thunder and the Indians feeling
that it would be impossible for anyone
to pass their lines all played into the
hands of the young soldier. He man
aged to evade their sentries and tray
eled all night without being seen. This
was effected only through stealthy
progress, nerve-wracking waits, and
passage over rough and dangerous
ground. When morning dawned. the
exhausted young soldier YEARLY made
his way to high point Of ground to
take his bearings.
Sweeping the plain with his field
glasses he espied what appeared to be
a herd of buffalo and with a sigh of
relief he decided to lie down for a
short rest. Something prompted him
to have another look at the buffalo
herd. With amazement he discovered
that the supposed buffalo were really
a war party of Indians. They had
seen him before he had recognized
their character and were coming for
him hot foot.
To flee was impossible. The blind
mule was no match for an Indian
pony. He determined to sell his life as
dearly as possible. He rode the mule to
the highest accessible point of ground
and took refuge among the rocks.
Around him on every side were swarms
Of shouting, shooting tomahawk way
ing painted savages and every moment
brought them nearer to his place Of
retreat.
Could Never Forget
IF should live to be 100 years old
never will forget the sensations of
that moment" said Driscoll in one of |
those rare instances in which he was |
induced to discuss the matter, las one
BY one those Indians approached my