i;o WAITING IN THE WILDERNESS 



sounds of cautious footfalls. Thinking that the 

 lone Indian was at last approaching, he clutched 

 a stone, ready, though blind, for a desperate de- 

 fence. Instead of an expected kick, a voice 

 with an Emerald Isle accent asked, "What's 

 the matter wid ye ?" 



A picket from a soldier camp near by had seen 

 Crandall stumbling and had come to his rescue. 

 Crandall was taken charge of, bathed, and his 

 eyes dressed. By morning he was easier, but 

 it was important that his eyes have early medical 

 attention. 



But the soldiers were lost. For three days 

 they had been on half rations. Crandall volun- 

 teered to take command and lead the company 

 on to Fort Lapway. Off all started with Cran- 

 dall in the lead, lying upon a stretcher that was 

 swung between two mules. The lieutenant was 

 close behind. On each side of Crandall rode a 

 soldier who from time to time described to him 

 the topography on the right and on the left. 

 With this information, Crandall unhesitatingly 

 directed the way. 



After three hours of advance the soldier on his 

 left asked, "Shall I turn to the right or the left 

 of the round grassy hills ahead?" 



"How far away are the hills?" sharply asked 

 Crandall. 



"About one mile," answered the soldier. 



