Chapter Five
When Bold Fox reached the Army camped a little
bit above Rail, they received more good news. Little Blossom and Red Serpent had driven the enemy out of Tr down into
the desert, and out of the fortresses below that country.
2 A few barrels of Yellow Thunder rolling down the sand hills and
exploding in their earthworks, had sent them fleeing, especially when
added to this, rockets had made clouds over their heads.
3 Unfortunately the enemy had fled fast enough to escape. They had
managed to keep their withdraw an orderly retreat. But still many more
cannon and shot were captured.
4 "If the enemy keeps losing so many damned weapons to us," boasted
Bold Fox, "we won't have to do anything but make ammunition. Our
problem right now is to break through and get some help south, before
summer comes, and we don't have much time.
5 How are we going to take Rail without losing too many people? They've
got earthworks three deep, cannon completely around the place,
barricades across the river; we could lose half our Army trying to get
them out of there."
6 "I've got an idea," interrupted one of the men, "they haven't torn up the railroad tracks, they still run right by
the city, and are well within range of even our small guns. We could
load our pieces on flatcars, with fighting people on cars in between,
roll right down in front of them, and be firing before they have time
to get many volleys off."
7 "It's good," agreed Bold Fox, "but that train's got a long way to go
to get into position.