In Barracks and Wigwam — page 190: what you’re looking at

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

130) < A Perilous Climb, — | | “It’s the best and only plan, sir,” replied Reily, “so here goes.” | With their pistols held in readiness for instant use, the two crept forward in a southeasterly direction along _the edge of the timbered foothills that bordered the plain, intending to go at least a mile before striking to the south. But they had traveled no more than fifty yards when, on circling around a spur of rock, they made a dis- covery that was both pleasing and alarming. So near that they could almost be touched, stood two Indian ponies, picketed amid the low grass. Not a Sioux was in sight, and the nearest bushes were twenty feet away. Private Reily’s hair almost stood on end. | “Back, back, sir,’ he whispered. “Get behind the rock, and then cut for the timber. It'll take scratchin’ to save our scalps.” “No—hold on,” muttered Linn. “It’s too late to do that, for we’re likely in a nest of-Indians. There’s only one thing to do—we must mount the ponies and make a dash for life.” ; “Corporal, you’re either the bravest man that ever — lived, or the most foolhardy,” said Reily, in a husky tone, and with that he whipped out a knife and severed the j lariats that fastened the steeds. He leaped astride the largest pony, and Linn hastily mounted the other. Just at that instant three dusky figures rose in view from the bushes to one side. Crack! a bullet whistled overhead. Crack! crack! down went Linn’s pony with a whinny Of pain. Another report—this time from Reily’s revolver—and then the trooper was galloping like mad over the dusky plain, believing his comrade to be dead, and thinking only of the duty he must perform. _ where the dying pony had pitched him—rose to see i aa 4 As Lee Sint | peAvEN parting, nia on three s “com miebuek ete