Adventure Magazine Cover — page 39: what you’re looking at

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

The Fresh Yank The enemy were nearer. He could see their frogged tunics and the cold glimmer of their swords. Their horses cantered, rising and falling like the wooden steeds of a merry-go-round, the ranks rippling like the waves of the sea. ‘“‘A saber charge,” said the Yank. “It’s a good way to go.” On the right, where the British scampered to the attack at a dead run, the Yank could hear cheering. The fight would be short, but it certainly would be sweet. The heaving squadron was very near now; the Yank could see them settling in their saddles, and their swords turning at him like so many tongues of flame. “What luck!” cried the Yank. He laughed happily. “To —— with the Kaiser!” he cried. He settled himself a little firmer. An officer had appeared in the range of the Yank’s vision, bareheaded, erect, riding with a firm seat and a free hand. This officer, however, wore a tunic that was blackened and dirty, as if it had been through much smoke and fire. He was near enough, also, for the Yank to see his features. It was the German of the magnificent horse, the prisoner of the wagon-park, and he who had smitten his rescuer with the boot heel. The Yank laughed again, and at that moment the officer recognized him, for he also laughed. The Yank stretched out on the horse’s neck, out so that his whole arm was beyond his steed, and aimed his sword for the middle of that gorgeous tunic. _ The two horses rushed at each other, but each shied violently from the extended sword of the other’s rider. Omer VOU soul!’ shrieked the Yank, trying to pull his horse around. The German swept by, slashing ineffec- tually at the Yank, and cursing himself purple. Then the Yank arrived in the German ranks, amidst shouting, stamping, clashing of swords and rearing horses. He had his sword into one man, out and into the rear rank man, and ducked a hungry blade that zipped across the back of his tunic. Then he was clear, marveling that he lived, sawing at the reins to get his horse under control, and back into the fight. He heard the shock of the British meeting the German squadron. A horse that has been spurred to a dead 29 run is rather difficult to pull down. The Yank was very near the tree-lined road, where he could see the last of the German main body hurrying away, herded by shrapnel, before he got his horse turned. A cloud of dust marked the position of the mélée. The Yank went back, spurring and cursing alternately, and looking about for the officer. He could have wept with rage. To have his crazy horse act that way! “My enemy!” cried the Yank. “My dearest enemy! I'll find him yet.” The sudden appearance of a German with an upraised sword, brought the Yank back toearth. He parried the blow, made a half- hearted thrust in return, and went on. He pulled his horse to a walk. Clouds of dust swirled, black figures rushed about, loose horses tore by, frequently a rearing horse raised head and forefeet above the crowd. The Yank noticed that there were no prolonged duels. Friend and foe were closely mingled; each took one thrust at the other and rode by, to thrust again at the next one. The Yank avoided all, for he was searching for one man alone. There were innumerable Germans, seem- ingly four or five to every Britisher that the Yank saw. At one time three of the enemy set upon him and drove him igno- miniously for quite a way, until they met some of the Yank’s comrades. The Yank was careful of his skin. He feared lest he be disabled before he could meet with his officer. He must cross swords with him. If only he killed that gorgeous hussar, he cared not the slightest what happened to himself. a) THERE was a rumbling roar, like aa a cartload of bricks sliding out of a cart, then a tremendous shock. Swearing, stabbing combatants seemed to be moved bodily to one side. A German went by the Yank, but even though he saw the Yank plainly, he made no effort to attack. It seemed that his mind was on other things. He spurred his horse and beat him on the haunches with his sword. Another appeared suddenly and _ his sword licked at the Yank, who threw him- self backward just in time to avoid it. The sword severed his curb rein, but the Yank had swung under that thrusting arm, and reaching so far that his right leg stood out Go DOOK 1 O)