There looks to be considerable
level land out yonder, and that _coulee_ ought to lead us into it
without peril of observation from below. Return to your commands,
gentlemen, and with the order of march see personally that your men
move quietly. We must strike quick and hard, driving the wedge home
with a single blow."
His inquiring gaze swept thoughtfully over the expectant faces of his
troop commanders. "That will be all at present, gentlemen; you will
require no further instructions until we deploy. Captain Calhoun, just
a word, please."
The officer thus directly addressed, a handsome, stalwart man of middle
age, reined in his mettlesome horse and waited.
"Captain, the messenger who has just brought us despatches from
Cheyenne is a civilian, but has requested permission to have a share in
this coming fight. I have assigned him to your troop."
Calhoun bowed.
"I thought it best to spare you any possible embarrassment by saying
that the man is not entirely unknown to you."
"May I ask his name?"
"Robert Nolan."
The strong, lion-like face flushed under its tan, then quickly lit up
with a smile.
Pages:
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422