formulating another fervid appeal to that impassive
functionary, the adjutant general at Omaha, when toward evening word
came whistling down the line in the person of Master Sanford Ray, that
two couriers were in sight "scooting" in from Moccasin Ridge, and Flint
and fully half the soldier strength of Fort Frayne gathered on the
northward bluff like the "wan burghers" of ancient Rome, to watch and
speed their coming. Who could tell what the day might yet bring forth?

It was well nigh dark before the foremost reached the ford--a scout in
worn and tawdry buckskin, wearied and impassive. He gave his despatch to
the care of the first officer to accost him and took the way to the
store, briefly saying in reply to questions, that he was "too dry to
speak the truth." So they flocked, at respectful distance, about the
major as he read the hurried lines. The general bade the post commander
wire the entire message to Washington, and to take all precautions for
the protection of the few settlers about him. The columns under Colonel
Henry and Major Webb had united near the head waters of the Clear Fork
of the Powder; had had a rattling running fight with Lame Wolf's people;
had driven them into the mountains and were following hot on the trail,
but that Stabber's band and certain disaffected Sioux had cut loose from
the main body and gone south. Whistling Elk, a young chief of much
ambition had quarrelled with certain of the Red Cloud element, and
joined Stabber, with his entire band. "Look out for them and watch for
signals any day or night from Eagle Butte."

Flint read with sinking heart. Indian fighting was something far too
scientific for his martial education and too much for his skeleton
command. In the gathering dusk his face looked white and drawn, and old
Wilkins, breasting his way up the slope, puffed hard, as he begged for
news. There was still another despatch, however, which was evidently
adding to the major's perturbation, for it concerned him personally and
for the moment Wilkins went unheard.

The general desires that you send the couriers back within
twenty-four hours of their arrival, after you have had time to
scout the line of the Platte say twenty miles each way, giving full
report of every Indian seen or heard of. He enjoins vigilance and
hopes to keep the Sioux so busy that they can send no more in your
direction. Should they do so, however, he will pursue at once. He
tr