Page:American Boy's Life of William McKinley.djvu/105

Rh has sounded," said General Hayes, and turned to see who could be sent upon that dangerous mission. McKinley was passing, and he halted the young man.

"Lieutenant, do you see yonder regiment?" he asked.

The young officer saluted. "I do, general," he answered.

"Evidently the colonel has not heard the retreat,—does not know that he is alone fighting a force ten times superior to his own. He must be given an order to withdraw. Will you carry that order to him?"

"I will, general."

"It is a dangerous mission."

"I know it, but I will go."

No more was said, and almost as soon as he had spoken McKinley had wheeled around on his bobtailed horse and was dashing down a slight hill and across an open field in the direction of the imperilled regiment, that was fighting desperately, in utter ignorance of its helplessness.

As some of the men saw the young staff officer depart, they gave a faint cheer, but this was hushed when they beheld the grave