In Barracks and Wigwam — page 172: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

102 A Gallant Defense. the rest started to follow, and just at that instant the _ Sioux down in the open caught sight of them and saw what was intended. A score of rifles began to crack, and as the troopers swarmed nimbly up the face of the rock they found them- selves under a heavy fire. . But so quick were their move- ments, that all gained the ledge in safety except Private Wilson. He, poor fellow, was shot through the head and body just as he reached the top. With his death-cry on his lips he fell backward, landing heavily in the bushes below. , “He's past help,’ shouted Linn. “We’ve got enough to do to look out for ourselves now, men. Drop down and keep out of sight.” The panting and breathless troopers sank on their hands and knees, but not to remain long inactive. ‘The first — elance around showed them that they possessed: a most admirable place. of defense. They were on an oblong platform about twelve feet long by eight in width, which reached back like a cavern under the overhanging face of the cliff. The front of it was semi-circular in shape, and 2 was protected all along it’s open edge by a natural parapet of rock about a foot and half high. This parapet was broken in several places, and the first : Shing the men did was to stop. up the gaps with some loose slabs of stone that lay within reach. Then they loaded their carbines and crouched warily under cover, peeping down into the valley through what tiny crevices they could find. . _ ‘The firing had now ceased, and not an Indian was to be seen along the trough of the ravine—which was in ae plain view. Several of the horses were wandering aim- — ____ lessly about, and an incessant movement of the bushes on — ~ the further side of the stream told that the Sioux were a we _ creeping up the Halley. in force. Drew Eycomicbooks-com KO feet ote a oye rl ALP aL ha, ie GS we AY BE? Bre * Mee eto, My.