year, that it was the almost invariable policy of our leaders to order a
small force at the start, and then, when that was crushed, to follow it
with the big one that should have been sent in the first place.
Kennedy's successful coming was known to Stabber quite as soon as it was
to Webb. It may well be that Stabber let him through, feeling confident
what the result would be, and then, despite a certain jealousy, not
confined entirely to savage rival leaders, Lame Wolf had confidence in
Stabber's judgment. Ray had expected long range flank fire, and possibly
occasional resistance in front; but, assured of Stabber's paucity in
numbers and believing Lame Wolf too busy to send Stabber substantial
aid, he thought a sharp lesson or two would clear his front of such
Indians as sought to check him, and so rode serenely forward, rejoicing
in his mission and in his game and devoted little command.

"Something beyond that second ridge," he had said to Field, in sending
him forward with the bulk of the platoon, and Field, who had been silent
and brooding, woke at the summons and, all animation at the scent of
danger, spurred swiftly ahead to join the advance and see for himself
what manner of hindrance awaited them, leaving the baker's dozen of his
platoon to trot steadily on under lead of its sergeant, while Ray, with
his trumpeter, followed mid way between his advance and Clayton's
platoon, intact, moving quietly at the walk and held in reserve.

Ordinarily Ray would himself have ridden to the far front and personally
investigated the conditions, but he was anxious that Field should
understand he held the full confidence of his temporary commander. He
wished Field to realize that now he had opportunity for honorable
distinction, and a chance to show what was in him and, having sent him
forward, Ray meant to rely on his reports and be ready to back, if
possible, his dispositions. Nothing so quickly demolishes prejudice in
garrison as prowess in the field. Not infrequently has an officer gone
forth under a cloud and returned under a crown. It is so much easier to
be a hero in a single fight than a model soldier through an entire
season--at least it was so in the old days.

But the moment Mr. Field dismounted and, leaving his horse with the
others along the slope, had gone crouching to the crest, he levelled his
glasses for one look, then turned excitedly and began rapid signals to
his followers. Presently a young trooper came