Page 195 (1/2)

The other bowed, his face instantly brightening "I thank you

sincerely"

The perplexed coure, his face grown grave and thoughtful Then he turned to the

wondering adjutant beside him

"You never knew him, did you, Cook?"

"I think not, sir; who is he?"

"Captain Nolan--you have heard the story"

The younger officer wheeled about, staring, but the despatch bearer had

already beco the troopers

"Is that so?" he exclaimed, in evident surprise "He has a ht under the flag,"

declared Custer, frankly "Poor devil! The hardest service I was ever

called upon to perfornize the face; they were good friends once"

He stopped speaking, and for a tilasses were fastened

upon a sreen valley

Its full extent was concealed by the hills, yet from what the watchers