The Lieutenant's Last Fight

The story opens with an Indian village, the home of Big Bear, the son of the Sioux chief. The government agent, impressed with the brightness of the lad, persuades his father to permit him to be sent to a military school. The cadets, perfectly disciplined, are shown in their trim uniforms, drilling on the parade grounds and the young savage is introduced into their midst. Ten years serve to convert the slender boy into a stalwart man, who graduates with the rank of lieutenant, and is assigned to Fort Reno. He arrives in a stagecoach and reports for duty to Col. Garvin. The officers and their families are at dinner when the colonel introduces the new officer. Lieutenant Big Bear is made to keenly feel barrier of race, as his pleasant acknowledgment of the introduction is met with coolness. Soft-hearted Ethel, the colonel's daughter, noting the man's mental anguish, impulsively comes forward and gives the lieutenant her hand, with a gracious word of welcome. The old Indian chief is advised of his son's coming, and attired in all the glory of paint and feathers, so dear to the Indian heart, visits Big Bear. An affecting scene takes place as the father and son meet again, and the old chief fondly caresses the gold trappings of his son's uniform, and proudly admires the shining brass buttons. The actions of the chief are the source of much amusement to the other officers and the women of the post, who watch the pair from a window and mimic the actions of the chief. Indignant at their narrowness, Ethel runs out and asks Big Bear for an introduction to his father. Capt. Haines has been an ardent wooer of Ethel, and he resents the friendly interest she has taken in the Indian. He is infuriated when he sees Big Bear in pleasant conversation with the girl while the lieutenant is waiting to speak to the colonel at his quarters. Haines waits for Big Bear and warns him from speaking to Ethel. The Indian resents the insult, the men engage in a terrific struggle. Haines is being badly thrashed by the powerful Indian when he draws the revolver from Big Bear's holster and attempts to shoot him. The weapon is knocked from his hand, but the shot attracts other officers who pull the contestants apart. Haines dramatically accuses Big Bear of having attempted to kill him, and points to the Indian's revolver with one cartridge exploded. Big Bear is court-martialed and found guilty of assaulting a brother officer, and is ordered publicly disgraced and dismissed from the service. The ceremony is most impressive, as the shoulder straps and side arms of the lieutenant are torn from him, in the presence of the whole regiment. Big Bear packs his belongings into his trunk, including his saber and uniform, and departs. With tears in her eyes and quivering lips, Ethel alone bids the lieutenant good-bye, and as he clasps the hand of the girl and sees the sympathy and friendship in her face, his whole heart goes out to her. With the taciturnity of his race, however, he does not betray his feelings, and with a hand clasp he bids her adieu forever. Big Bear is given a warm welcome by the tribe, and his father and mother. His civilian's attire is noted, and when the Indians hear the story of his disgrace they are filled with rage. The government has been negotiating with the Indians for their lands, and, a few days later, at a meeting with the colonel at the fort, the old chief denounces the pale-faces and their methods, and threatens trouble. After his departure, the colonel, knowing that a terrible Indian war is inevitable, sends a courier to Ft. Custer, apprising the commander of the situation, and telling him that the women of Ft. Reno would be sent to Ft. Custer via stage coach, under escort, for safety. The courier is shot from his horse by the Indians, who find the letter but are unable to read it. Big Bear has been persuaded by his father to don the war paint, and to join in the fight against the whites, when the letter is brought into camp. He interprets