, Columbia freshman, spending a fortnight
with father and mother at the Point, had gone with them and Colonel
Hazzard to Grant Hall one starlit evening. Orders were to be published
to the corps of cadets at supper, and the commandant wished them to
hear. They ascended the broad stone steps, Mrs. Graham on the arm of
the colonel, Mrs. Hazzard escorted by grim "Dr. Sawney," who was
wondering not a little what might be coming. Two or three officers from
the mess joined the little family party, and they all clustered at the
big folding-doors--Bud breathless with anticipation and excitement. The
cadet corporal of the guard saluted at sight of the distinguished
arrivals, and, at a sign from the colonel, held open the portal on one
side so that, without being seen, the visitors could distinctly hear
what might be read within.

And presently it came. In ringing tones the adjutant ordered attention.
The chatter and clamor instantly ceased. Briefly the young officer
rattled off the details for the morrow, and then announced:

"The following communication is published for the information of the
battalion of cadets:

"FIELD HEADQUARTERS,
"FORT NIOBRARA, NEB., _December_ --, 1890.
"COMMANDING OFFICER, --TH CAVALRY,
"_In the Field, near Wounded Knee._

"SIR,--The general commanding the military division directs me
to notify you of the return of the detachment under Major
Berry, --d Cavalry, after a thorough scout of some three weeks'
duration, resulting in the breaking up and scattering of
several of the bands of 'ghost-dancers,' and the capture of at
least one large party now being sent under escort to Pine Ridge
Agency.

"One most important result of the scout was the discovery and
arrest of certain white men engaged in selling arms and
ammunition to the Indians, the capture of much of their
'outfit,' and the rescue, under circumstances of imminent
peril, of two of the party whom the Indians were in the very
act of putting to death by torture.

"The entire credit for this exploit, which was conducted with
excellent judgment and most commendable dash and daring, is
given by Major Berry to Lieutenant George Montrose Graham, of
your regiment, and the division commander--

But he could be heard no further. The iron discipline of West Point was
powerless to stem the torrent of cad