Perhaps I can't get through
alone, but I 'll try. Better a court-martial than to fail those men
out there. Going? Of course I 'm going. Into line--take
intervals--forward!"
"Attention, D Troop!" It was Weir's voice, eager and determined now.
Like an undammed current his orders rang out above the uproar, and in a
moment the gallant troopers of N and D, some on foot, some in saddle,
were rushing up the face of the bluff, their officers leading, the
precious ammunition packs at the centre, all alike scrambling for the
summit, in spite of the crackling of Indian rifles from every side.
Foot by foot they fought their way forward, sliding and stumbling,
until the little blue wave burst out against the sky-line and sent an
exultant cheer back to those below. Panting, breathless from the hard
climb, their carbines spitting fire while the rapidly massing savages
began circling their exposed position, the little band fought their way
forward a hundred yards. Then they halted, blocked by the numbers
barring their path, glancing back anxiously in hope that their effort
would encourage others to join them. They could do it; they could do
it if only the rest of the boys would come.
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