boys! come!” he cries. But suddenly the Lava Rocks in front belch forth Modoc bullets, and the gallant lieutenant drops. Then a soldier, and then another. Eagan shouts, “Fall back!” Pell-mell they go, stooping, jumping and shouting, leaving the brave fellow alone, while his men take a position where they can prevent the Modocs from capturing their leader.
Dr. Cabanis,—who seems to bear a charmed life, hearing of Eagan’s fall, goes to him. The Modocs open fire on him. Steadily the gallant doctor moves forward, sometimes taking cover as best he can, again moving, half bent, from rock to rock, and when he reaches the wounded man a shout goes up from the soldiers. The wound is dressed, and the doctor, unable to carry his patient, leaves him and returns again to the line.
While this battle is going on, two coaches of the Northwest Stage Company meet, one going north and the other south. Observing a custom common among western stage people, they halt and exchange news items. In the stage going north is the body of Gen. Canby, in charge of his adjutant, Anderson, and Orderly Scott. In the other stage is Mrs. Meacham, accompanied by a stranger. Indeed, she has found a new escort at almost every station, who would announce himself as “your husband’s brother.” Members of this brotherhood have been informed by telegraph all along the road that “A Brother’s Wife is en route for the Lava Beds. Look out for her wants. See that she is escorted and send the bills to No. 50, F. A. M., Salem.”
Anderson goes to the other coach. Mrs. Meacham
anxiously inquires, “Did you see my husband after he was wounded?”
“I sat beside him half an hour,” he replies. “He is doing well.”
“Will he recover?” questions Mrs. Meacham. “Is he mortally wounded?”
“We hope he will get well. His wounds are not necessarily fatal,” replies the adjutant. “A great deal,” he continues, “depends on good treatment. Your brother is with him. Everything that can be done is being done.”
Anderson walks sadly back to his charge of the lamented general.
The driver of the other stage dismounts and accosts Mr. Anderson as he resumes his seat.