Show I WHEJV GEff ClSTER SWERVED I 1111 r Word was given the buglo blow Boots nerd saddles It signaled shrill Up and mount and each horseman How Astride his steed with a right goodwill Hoofs woro pawing and necks were arched Forth from the camp tho troopers marched In the plains they rodo whoro dread Lurked with doom in tho pampas Many n serpent raised Its hondo Rattling death from the tangled mass Many nn Indian skulked unseen Spying from thorn cruol keen Not tor these would tho bravo ranks swerve Straight In the lino of march they rode Ho who would soldier must needs pro son Heart that harbors no ciavon bode Into tire nralrlo pressed tho band General Ouster command Noons sum down from tho zenith beat Scorching tho earth with ruthless rays Over tho Ground the quivering heal Hose and danced In a blinding maze Never a brook ot tico wns there Serving cool tho fevered air Every soUnd to licartword went Click of hoof or tho ring of stool Sudden clank of accoutrement Never a soldier failed to feel AYhllo ono step from tho beaten course Roused to alertness man and horse Gallant Custer rode ahead JiiUlo and chief of a bravo 1 command Arrow ° etmlgltt his Bond charger sped Never swerving to althea hand ftlln touch I had tho faithful stc > ° d f Veered aside In his headlong lead f Whnt had happened to forco their chief Out of his pathway What dread fool Ho a coward Twas past belief Htlll his way roust troopers go It tho Genoml made detour rhoy must follow him that Is aura So each rider as up ho drew To the placo where his chief had veered Slackened his paco and detour made too Whilst below In tho grass ho peered Wondering what ho there should BOO That might balllo tho cavalry Thoro docphld Iii tho prnirlo grass Lay tho nest of a meadowlark Blrdllngs woo In a Huffy mass Hid neatly her wings so warm and dark Itlght In tho lino of march they stood Little mother and tiny brood That was all but oon rough heart heod Gentle acts nnd these softllor beat For their Generals simple deed Done for lovo In UN dim retreat That wns all but In dusters wake Ilodo mock men for a mother birds HHko + Julio M Llppman In Boston Pilot s |