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Altsheler, Joseph A. (Joseph Alexander), 1862-1919

"The Scouts of the Valley"

They were introduced to the
colonel by the celebrated scout and hunter, Tini Murphy, whom
they had met several times in the woods, and they were received
warmly.
"I've heard of you," said Colonel Butler with much warmth," both
from hunters and scouts, and also from Adam Colfax. Two of you
were to have been tomahawked by Queen Esther at Wyoming."
Henry indicated the two.
"What you saw at Wyoming is not likely to decrease your zeal
against the Indians and their white allies," continued Colonel
Butler.
"Anyone who was there," said Henry, " would feel all his life,
the desire to punish those who did it."
"I think so, too, from all that I have heard," continued Colonel
Butler. "It is the business of you young men to keep ahead of
our column and warn us of what lies before us. I believe you
have volunteered for that duty."
The five looked over Colonel Butler's little army, which numbered
only two hundred and fifty men, but they were all strong and
brave, and it was the best force that could yet be sent to the
harassed border. It might, after all, strike a blow for Wyoming
if it marched into no ambush, and Henry and his comrades were
resolved to guard it from that greatest of all dangers.


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