Duncan, tell Captain Bayard the Indians have attacked Mr.
Arnold's ranch, and that Mrs. Arnold is dead!"
"Indians attacked the ranch! When?"
"About four o'clock."
"How many?"
"Don't know. Seemed as if there were over a hundred. And don't stop to
worry over me. Don't stop an instant--these scratches are nothing--but
send the soldiers, quick, or Brenda and all will be killed!"
"How did you get away from the ranch? But you are right, this is no
time for talk."
I aroused the other officers instantly, and sent Frank to his brother.
All assembled in my quarters, and, while the surgeon dressed the
wounds in cheek and neck and set a fractured radius, orders for an
expedition to Skull Valley were issued, and Henry told his story.
At the time this incident occurred the Californians had been mustered
out of service and returned to their distant homes, and the garrison
at Fort Whipple consisted of infantry only. But there were many
"dough-boys" who were good riders, and a number of excellent horses
were kept by the quartermaster for emergencies which required speed
and short service.
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