"COMMANDING OFFICER,
"Fort Scott, Montana.
"29th Infantry surrounded by large body hostile Sioux just north
of junction of the forks of the Red Bud. Colonel Clarke asks for
immediate re-enforcements; ammunition almost gone; situation
desperate. I left the command at three o'clock this morning.
(Signed.) DENNIS HO----."
Then blank, the sounder was still and the line remained open. The
sending had been weak and shaky, just as if the sender had been out all
night, but there was no mistaking the purport of the message.
Dunn didn't wait to pick up his hat but fairly flew down the line to the
commanding officer's quarters. The colonel was not up yet, but the sound
of animated voices in the hallway caused him to appear at the head of
the stairs in his dressing gown.
"What is it, Dunn," he asked.
"A message from the 29th Infantry, sir, saying they are surrounded by
the Sioux Indians and want help."
Colonel Foster read the message, and exclaimed,
"My God! Charlie Clarke stuck out there and wants help! Dunn, have the
trumpeter sound 'Boots and Saddles.
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