Test Bank for Introduction to Critical Care Nursing, 8th Edition, Mary Lou Sole, Deborah Klein Marthe Moseley

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Test Bank for Introduction to Critical Care Nurs-
ing, 8th Edition, Mary Lou Sole, Deborah Klein
Marthe Moseley
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Chapter 01: Overview of Critical Care Nursing
Sole: Introduction to Critical Care Nursing, 8th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which of the following professional organizations best supports critical care nursing practice?
a. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
b. American Heart Association
c. American Nurses Association
d. Society of Critical Care Medicine
ANS: A
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is the specialty organization that supports
and represents critical care nurses. The American Heart Association supports cardiovascular
initiatives. The American Nurses Association supports all nurses. The Society of Critical Care
Medicine represents the multiprofessional critical care team under the direction of an
intensivist.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge
OBJ: Discuss the purposes and functions of the professional organizations that support critical care
practice. TOP: Nursing Process Step: N/A
MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. A nurse has been working as a staff nurse in the surgical intensive care unit for 2 years and is
interested in certification. Which credential would be most applicable for her to seek?
a. ACNPC
b. CCNS
c. CCRN
d. PCCN
ANS: C
The CCRN certification is appropriate for nurses in bedside practice who care for critically ill
patients. The ACNPC certification is for acute care nurse practitioners. The CCNS
certification is for critical care clinical nurse specialists. The PCCN certification is for staff
nurses working in progressive care, intermediate care, or step-down unit settings.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application
OBJ: Explain certification options for critical care nurses. TOP: Nursing Process Step: N/A

3. What is the main purpose of certification for critical care nursing?
a. To assure the consumer that critical nurses will not make a mistake.
b. To help prepare the critical care nurse for graduate school.
c. To assist in promoting magnet status for a facility.
d. To validate a nurse’s knowledge of critical care nursing.
ANS: D
Certification assists in validating knowledge of the field, promotes excellence in the
profession, and helps nurses to maintain their knowledge of critical care nursing. Certification
helps to assure the consumer that the nurse has a minimum level of knowledge; however, it
does not ensure that care will be mistake-free. Certification does not prepare one for graduate
school; however, achieving certification demonstrates motivation for achievement and
professionalism. Magnet facilities are rated on the number of certified nurses; however, that is
not the purpose of certification.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
OBJ: Explain certification options for critical care nurses. TOP: Nursing Process Step: N/A
4. What is the focus of the synergy model of practice?
a. Allowing unrestricted visiting for the patient 24 hours each day.
b. Providing holistic and alternative therapies.
c. Considering the needs of patients and their families, which drives nursing
competency.
d. Addressing the patients’ needs for energy and support.
ANS: C
The synergy model of practice states that the needs of patients and families influence and
drive competencies of nurses. Nursing practice based on the synergy model would involve
tailored visiting to meet the patient’s and family’s needs and application of alternative
therapies if desired by the patient, but that is not the primary focus of the model.
OBJ: Describe standards of professional practice for critical care nursing.
TOP: Nursing Process Step: N/A MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
5. The family of your critically ill patient tells you that they have not spoken with the physician
in over 24 hours and they have some questions that they want clarified. During morning
rounds, you convey this concern to the attending intensivist and arrange for her to meet with
the family at 4:00 PM in the conference room. Which competency of critical care nursing
does this represent?
a. Advocacy and moral agency in solving ethical issues
b. Clinical judgment and clinical reasoning skills
c. Collaboration with patients, families, and team members
d. Facilitation of learning for patients, families, and team members
ANS: C
Although one might consider that all of these competencies are being addressed,
communication and collaboration with the family and physician best exemplify the
competency of collaboration.

6. The AACN Standards for Acute and Critical Care Nursing Practice uses what framework to
guide critical care nursing practice?
a. Evidence-based practice
b. Healthy work environment
c. National Patient Safety Goals
d. Nursing process
ANS: D
The AACN Standards for Acute and Critical Care Nursing Practice delineate the nursing
process as applied to critically ill patients: collect data, determine diagnoses, identify expected
outcomes, develop a plan of care, implement interventions, and evaluate care. AACN
promotes a healthy work environment, but this is not included in the Standards. The Joint
Commission has established National Patient Safety Goals, but these are not the AACN
Standards.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand
7. The charge nurse is responsible for making the patient assignments on the critical care unit.
She assigns the experienced, certified nurse to care for the acutely ill patient diagnosed with
sepsis who also requires continuous renal replacement therapy and mechanical ventilation.
She assigns the nurse with less than 1 year of experience to two patients who are more stable.
This assignment reflects implementation of what guiding framework?
a. Crew resource management model
b. National Patient Safety Goals
c. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) model
d. Synergy model of practice
ANS: D
This assignment demonstrates nursing care to meet the needs of the patient. The synergy
model notes that the nurse competencies are matched to the patient characteristics. Crew
resource management concepts related to team training, National Patient Safety Goals are
specified by The Joint Commission to promote safe care but do not incorporate the synergy
model. The Quality and Safety Education for Nurses initiative involves targeted education to
undergraduate and graduate nursing students to learn quality and safety concepts.
8. The vision of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is a healthcare system driven
by achieving what goal?
a. Maintaining a healthy work environment.
b. Providing care from a multiprofessional team under the direction of a critical care
physician.
c. Effectively meeting the needs of critically ill patients and families.

d. Creating respectful, healing, and humane environments.
ANS: C
The AACN vision is a healthcare system driven by the needs of critically ill patients and
families where critical care nurses make their optimum contributions. AACN promotes
initiatives to support a healthy work environment as well as respectful and healing
environments, but that is not the organization’s vision. The SCCM promotes care from a
multiprofessional team under the direction of a critical care physician.
9. What is the most important outcome of effective communication?
a. Demonstrating caring practices to family members.
b. Ensuring that patient teaching is provided
c. Meeting the diversity needs of patients.
d. Reducing patient errors.
ANS: D
Many errors are directly attributed to faulty communication. Effective communication has
been identified as an essential strategy to reduce patient errors and resolve issues related to
patient care delivery. Communication may demonstrate caring practices, be used for
patient/family teaching, and address diversity needs; however, the main outcome of effective
communication is patient safety.
OBJ: Describe quality and safety initiatives related to critical care nursing.
10. The nurse is caring for a critically ill patient whose urine output has been low for 2
consecutive hours. After a thorough patient assessment, you call the primary care provider
with the following report.
Dr. Smith, I’m calling about Mrs. P., your 65-year-old patient in CCU 10. Her urine output
for the past 2 hours totaled only 40 mL. She arrived from surgery to repair an aortic
aneurysm 4 hours ago and remains on mechanical ventilation. In the past 2 hours, her heart
rate has increased from 80 to 100 beats per minute and her blood pressure has decreased
from 128/82 to 100/70 mm Hg. She is being given an infusion of normal saline at 100 mL per
hour. Her right atrial pressure through the subclavian central line is low at 3 mm Hg. Her
urine is concentrated. Her BUN and creatinine levels have been stable and in normal range.
Her abdominal dressing is dry with no indication of bleeding. My assessment suggests that
Mrs. P. is hypovolemic and I would like you to consider increasing her fluids or giving her a
fluid challenge. Using the SBAR model for communication, the information the nurse gives
about the patient’s history and vital signs is appropriate for what part of the model?
a. Situation
b. Background
c. Assessment
d. Recommendation
ANS: B

The history and vital signs are part of the background. Information regarding the low urine
output is the situation. Information regarding possible hypovolemia is part of the nurse’s
assessment, and the suggestion for fluids is the recommendation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
11. The family members of a critically ill, 90-year-old patient bring in a copy of the patient’s
living will to the hospital, which identifies the patient’s wishes regarding health care. The
nurse discusses the contents of the living will with the patient’s physician. This is an example
of implementation of which of the AACN Standards of Professional Performance?
a. Acquires and maintains current knowledge of practice
b. Acts ethically on the behalf of the patient and family
c. Considers factors related to safe patient care
d. Uses clinical inquiry and integrates research findings in practice
ANS: B
Discussing end-of-life issues is an example of a nurse acting ethically on behalf of the patient
and family. The example does not relate to acquiring knowledge, promoting patient safety, or
using research in practice.
OBJ: Describe standards of care and performance for critical care nursing.
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Implementation
12. Which of the following assists the critical care nurse in ensuring that care is appropriate and
based on research?
a. Clinical practice guidelines
b. Computerized physician order entry
c. Consulting with advanced practice nurses
d. Implementing Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals
ANS: A
Clinical practice guidelines are being implemented to ensure that care is appropriate and based
on research. Some physician order entry pathways, but not all, are based on research
recommendations. Some advanced practice nurses, but not all, are well versed in evidence-
based practices. The National Patient Safety Goals are recommendations to reduce errors
using evidence-based practices.
13. Comparing the patient’s current (home) medications with those ordered during hospitalization
and communicating a complete list of medications to the next care provider when the patient
is transferred within an organization or to another setting are strategies toward best achieving
what patient related goal?
a. Improving accuracy of patient identification.
b. Preventing errors related to look-alike and sound-alike medications.

c. Reconciling medications across the continuum of care.
d. Reducing harms associated with administration of anticoagulants.
ANS: C
These are steps recommended in the National Patient Safety Goals to reconcile medications
across the continuum of care. Improving accuracy of patient identification is another National
Patient Safety Goal. Preventing errors related to look-alike and sound-alike medications is
done to improve medication safety, not medication reconciliation. Reducing harms associated
with administration of anticoagulants is another National Patient Safety Goal.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
14. As part of nursing management of a critically ill patient, orders are written to keep the head of
the bed elevated at 30 degrees, awaken the patient from sedation each morning to assess
readiness to wean from mechanical ventilation, and implement oral care protocols every 4
hours. These interventions are done as a group to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated
pneumonia. This group of evidence-based interventions is often referred to using what term?
a. Bundle of care.
b. Clinical practice guideline.
c. Patient safety goal.
d. Quality improvement initiative.
ANS: A
A group of evidence-based interventions done as a whole to improve outcomes is termed a
bundle of care. This is an example of the ventilator bundle. Oftentimes these bundles are
derived from clinical practice guidelines and are monitored for compliance as part of quality
improvement initiatives. At some point, these may become part of patient safety goals.
15. A nurse who works in an intermediate care unit has experienced high nursing turnover. The
nurse manager is often considered to be an autocratic leader by staff members and that
leadership style is contributing to turnover. The nurse asks to be involved in developing new
guidelines to prevent pressure ulcers in the patient population. The nurse manager suggests
that the nurse has not yet had enough experience to be on the prevention task force. This
situation and setting is an example of what form of ineffective leadership?
a. Creating a barrier to inter-staff communication.
b. Supporting a work environment that is unhealthy.
c. Displaying ineffective decision making.
d. Demonstrating nursing practice that is not evidence-based.
ANS: B

These are examples of an unhealthy work environment. A healthy work environment values
communication, collaboration, and effective decision making. It also has authentic leadership.
It is not an example of handoff communication, which is communication that occurs to
transition patient care from one staff member to another. Neither does it relate to ineffective
decision making. As a nurse, you can still implement evidence-based practice, but your
influence in the unit is limited by the unhealthy work environment.
16. Which of the following statements describes the core concept of the synergy model of
practice?
a. All nurses must be certified in order to have the synergy model implemented.
b. Family members must be included in daily interdisciplinary rounds.
c. Nurses and physicians must work collaboratively and synergistically to influence
care.
d. Unique needs of patients and their families influence nursing competencies.
ANS: D
The synergy model of practice is care based on the unique needs and characteristics of the
patient and family members. Although critical care certification is based on the synergy
model, the model does not specifically address certification. Inclusion of family members into
the daily rounds is an example of implementation of the synergy model. With the focus on
patients and family members with nurse interaction, the synergy model does not address
physician collaboration.
MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
17. A nurse who plans care based on the patient’s gender, ethnicity, spirituality, and lifestyle is
said to demonstrate what focus?
a. Becoming a moral advocate.
b. Facilitating all forms of learning.
c. Responding to diversity.
d. Using effective clinical judgment.
ANS: C
Response to diversity considers all of these aspects when planning and implementing care. A
moral agent helps resolve ethical and clinical concerns. Consideration of these factors does
not necessarily facilitate learning. Clinical judgment uses other factors as well.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension
TOP: Nursing Process Step: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. Which of the following is a National Patient Safety Goal? (Select all that apply.)

a. Accurately identify patients.
b. Eliminate use of patient restraints.
c. Reconcile medications across the continuum of care.
d. Reduce risks of healthcare-acquired infection.
ANS: A, C, D
All except for eliminating use of restraints are current National Patient Safety Goals.
Hospitals have policies regarding use of restraints and are attempting to reduce the use of
restraints; however, this is not a National Patient Safety Goal.
2. Which of the following is (are) official journal(s) of the American Association of Critical-
Care Nurses? (Select all that apply.)
a. American Journal of Critical Care
b. Critical Care Clinics of North America
c. Critical Care Nurse
d. Critical Care Nursing Quarterly
ANS: A, C
American Journal of Critical Care and Critical Care Nurse are two official AACN
publications. Critical Care Clinics and Critical Care Nursing Quarterly are not AACN
publications.
3. What were identified as the first critical care units? (Select all that apply.)
a. Burn units.
b. Coronary care units
c. Recovery rooms.
d. Neonatal intensive care units.
e. High-risk OB units.
ANS: B, C
Recovery rooms and coronary care units were the first units designated to care for critically ill
patients. Burn, high risk OB and neonatal intensive care units were established as specialty
units evolved.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge OBJ: Define critical care nursing.
4. Which of the following nursing activities demonstrates implementation of the AACN
Standards of Professional Performance? (Select all that apply.)
a. Attending a meeting of the local chapter of the American Association of Critical-
Care Nurses in which a continuing education program on sepsis is being taught
b. Collaborating with a pastoral services colleague to assist in meeting spiritual needs
of the patient and family

c. Participating on the unit’s nurse practice council
d. Posting an article from Critical Care Nurse on management of venous
thromboembolism for your colleagues to read
e. Using evidence-based strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia
ANS: A, B, C, D, E
All answers are correct. Attending a program to learn about sepsis—Acquires and maintains
current knowledge and competency in patient care. Collaborating with pastoral services—
Collaborates with the healthcare team to provide care in a healing, humane, and caring
environment. Posting information for others—Contributes to the professional development of
peers and other healthcare providers. Nurse practice council—Provides leadership in the
practice setting. Evidence-based practices—Uses clinical inquiry in practice.
5. Which scenarios contribute to effective handoff communication at change of shift? (Select all
that apply.)
a. The nephrology consultant physician is making rounds and asks the nurse to
provide an update on the patient’s status and assist in placing a central line for
hemodialysis.
b. The noise level is high because twice as many staff members are present and
everyone is giving report in the nurse’s station.
c. The unit has decided to use a standardized checklist/tool for change-of-shift reports
and patient transfers.
d. Both the off-going and the oncoming nurses conduct a standardized report at the
patient’s bedside and review key assessment findings.
e. The off-going nurse is giving the patient medications at the same time as giving
handoff report to the oncoming nurse.
ANS: C, D
A reporting tool and bedside report improve handoff communication by ensuring standardized
communication and review of assessment findings. Conducting report at the bedside also
reduces noise that commonly occurs at the nurse’s station during a change of shift. The
nephrologist has created an interruption that can impede handoff with the next nurse.
Likewise, noise in the nurse’s station can cause distractions that can impair concentration and
listening. Giving medications at the same time as handoff report could lead to serious errors
both in medication administration and in the report itself.
6. Which strategy is important to addressing issues associated with the aging workforce? (Select
all that apply.)
a. Allowing nurses to work flexible shift durations
b. Encouraging older nurses to transfer to an outpatient setting that is less stressful
c. Hiring nurse technicians that are available to assist with patient care, such as
turning the patient
d. Developing a staffing model that accurately reflects the unit’s needs.

e. Remodeling patient care rooms to include devices to assist in patient lifting
ANS: A, C, D
Modifying the work environment to reduce physical demands is one strategy to assist the
aging workforce. Examples include overhead lifts to prevent back injuries. Twelve-hour shifts
can be quite demanding; therefore, allowing nurses flexibility in choosing shifts of shorter
duration is a good option as well. Adequate staffing, including non-licensed assistive
personnel, to help with nursing and non-nursing tasks is helpful. Encouraging experienced,
knowledgeable critical care nurses to leave the critical care unit is not wise as the unit loses
the expertise of this group.
OBJ: Identify current trends and issues in critical care nursing. TOP: Nursing Process Step: N/A
7. Which of the following strategies will assist in creating a healthy work environment for the
critical care nurse? (Select all that apply.)
a. Celebrating improved outcomes from a nurse-driven protocol with a pizza party
b. Implementing a medication safety program designed by pharmacists
c. Modifying the staffing pattern to ensure a 1:1 nurse/patient ratio
d. Offering quarterly joint nurse-physician workshops to discuss unit issues
e. Using the Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation (SBAR) technique
for handoff communication
ANS: A, D, E
Meaningful recognition, true collaboration, and skilled communication are elements of a
healthy work environment. Implementing a medication safety program enhances patient
safety, and if done without nursing input, could have negative outcomes. Staffing should be
adjusted to meet patient needs and nurse competencies, not have predetermined ratios that are
unrealistic and possibly not needed.

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“Bring in those stray animals! Have those horses secured, major.
One platoon of each company with the horses. The other platoons
fall in. Sound the assembly, trumpeter.”
A heavy mist hung low along the horizon; but through it could be
descried, dimly, almost a mile away, a group of moving horsemen.
They seemed to be riding rapidly for the camp. Wild Bill had
reported at once to headquarters, and peering through field-glasses,
to him the general spoke.
“What do you think of them, Bill?”
“They’re up to mischief, I should think,” coolly replied Wild Bill,
whose eyes were as good as the general’s glass. “Act as if they
meant to ride us down.”
“Line of skirmishers ahead; main body in reserve,” murmured the
general, studying them. “By Jove! They’re as well disciplined as
regular troops! Let ’em come. All we want is a fair fight.” These
words, “a fair fight,” were among General Custer’s favorites. “Form
line of platoons, adjutant. Have the men take intervals, and lie
down, enclosing the camp.”
Captain Robbins had been posted upon the knoll whence the
sentry had given the alarm. From him came reports that the enemy
seemed to number about eighty; presently he reported that the
enemy had halted; and next, the enemy had turned and were
making off.
“Pshaw!” exclaimed the general, in that brisk voice of his.
“Confound them! I was hoping they’d try closer quarters. Look into
this, Moylan. Send out a small detail, for a better view of those
fellows. Not too far, remember.”
Gladly into the saddle sprang the young Captain Hamilton and
Lieutenant Tom Custer, and leading their detail raced out at a gallop.
The mists were breaking under the rising sun; and it could be seen
that the detail were galloping on and on, right into the waiting
company before.

“Hamilton must intend to settle the war,” quoth Adjutant Moylan.
However, here galloped back again the detail. Pulling up short,
Captain Hamilton saluted the general.
“Colonel West’s company, sir, confused in the mist. They mistook
our Sibley tents for Indian tipis, and were about to charge us.”
“Plucky enough!” commented the general. “But West won’t hear
the last of this, for some time.”
When, toward evening, Colonel West returned, with his weary
company, he reported that there was no hope. The Indians had
struck the stage line, and raiding right and left had crossed it.
Probably all the bands and tribes to the north would be aroused.
This was war.
Now the wagons had rolled in. To the bugles the Seventh Cavalry
grimly buckled on its sabres, and bridled and saddled.
“Prepare to mount! Mount!”
They mounted.
“By fours, right! For-r-r’d—march!”
Across the valley of the Smoky Hill they soberly jogged, their
wagons lumbering in their rear, for the stage route, and the
frightened stations. Presently they might turn east, upon the well-
worn wagon-trail, to follow it to Fort Hays.
The first two stage stations were silent and abandoned. Along the
route was not a sign of life. The advance of the fleeing Cheyennes
and Sioux seemed to have swept the country clean. About the
deserted appearance of the valley was something ominously quiet.
But the third station was occupied.
A little cheer arose from it as the column rode in; and a group of
stablemen and drivers stood out, to welcome. They were heavily
armed, and log stables and station house, under their sod roofs,
were tightly closed as if for a siege. At this point four stations had
gathered in mutual protection.

“What’s the matter here?” demanded the general.
“Matter enough!” spoke one in the group. “Hello, Bill. The Injuns
are out. They’ve crossed the line, goin’ north. Several parties of ’em,
both Sioux an’ Cheyennes. Yes, sir. The lid’s off an’ the pot’s bubblin’.
One party had women an’ children, but the bucks are in their war
paint, an’ they’re raidin’ right an’ left. The stages have quit, till things
simmer down agin, an’ the settlers ought to be warned.”
With parting word, and with grave face, issuing his crisp “For-r-r’d
—march!” repeated by the bugles, the general pressed on.
On the second day they approached a station which, alas,
presented a different aspect. From afar it showed, beside the trail,
blackened and smoking and partially razed to the ground.
“Lookout Station,” informed Wild Bill.
“Bad work there,” quoth the general, abruptly, spurring Custis Lee.
The Delawares arrived first, to nose about, and to stand
surveying.
“They’ve found something,” declared Wild Bill.
He, and the general, and Adjutant Moylan galloped forward; Ned
plugged after; the column followed at a trot.
Bad work, indeed. Much of the buildings was in ashes, still
smouldering. A portion of the heavy chinked log walls jutted up
charred and ugly. The Delawares were clustered, at one side, on the
plain, examining a mass difficult to determine, at a little distance.
But a nearer view told. The litter once had been human beings.
“Scalped and burned,” said Wild Bill.
Nobody else spoke a word. He and the general and the lieutenant
sombrely gazed. The doctor joined, horrified. The Delawares looked
from face to face, and waited. Ned stared, and choked.
“The station gang, three of ’em,” announced Wild Bill. “Delawares
say they were staked down, alive. You can guess the rest.”

“Are there any signs who did it—what Indians?” demanded
General Custer, sternly.
Fall Leaf, who spoke English, shook his head.
“No arrow, no moccasin, nothin’,” he grunted. “Come quick;
capture men; scalp, burn, go. Mebbe Cheyenne, mebbe Sioux. Make
trail,” and he pointed northward.
There was nothing to do but to bury by the stage road the poor
mangled fragments. And at dusk the command rode into Fort Hays,
fifteen miles.

VIII
PAWNEE KILLER PLAYS TRICKS
Fort Hays was eighty miles west from Fort Harker, and Fort Harker
was ninety miles west from Fort Riley; so that now Fort Riley was
one hundred and seventy miles distant. Not much of a fort was Hays
either, composed, like Harker, of quarters and stables built of logs
roughly faced. It was located on the south side of the crooked Big
Creek, which between high clay banks flowed down to the Smoky
Hill Fork River, fifteen miles south. On the north side of the creek,
and up stream a little way, was the new town of Hays City, waiting
for the railroad.
Fort Hays was glad to see the column ride down, and pitch its
tents nearby. Back from its first campaign was the Seventh Cavalry,
and although it had not fired a shot, save the one by the picket, it
had many tales to tell to the Fort Hays garrison.
Speedily up sprang like mushrooms the lines of dingy white army
canvas. There was a great letter writing spell. Couriers were about
to dash away with dispatches for General Hancock, and (what was of
more importance) with word to Fort Riley. The general, as usual, had
a regular journal to send. General Gibbs also hastened off; for in the
accumulation of mail awaiting at Fort Hays were letters from Mrs.
Custer and Mrs. Gibbs and other women left behind, stating that the
negro infantry there had mutinied and were behaving badly.
However, General Gibbs was the man to discipline them, and he
really ought not to attempt field service, anyway.
Shortly after the Seventh had reared its tents, Scout Bill Cody
came riding in, and dismounted at headquarters. The orderly

ushered him into the tent, to see the general. When the general and
Bill emerged together, the general beckoned to Ned.
“Mr. Cody has brought word, we think, of your sister. Cut Nose the
Cheyenne chief is reported to be west of here, with a little white girl
he has adopted. He took her with him into Monument Station, and
calls her Silver Hair, the station men say.”
“Did they keep her, sir?” asked Ned, eagerly. Oh, what if——!
General Custer smiled only sadly, and shook his head.
“No, my boy. The station men could not do that.”
“Was your sister a small gal, not more than a child; right pretty,
with flax hair?” demanded Scout Bill Cody, searching Ned out of wide
steady eyes as piercing as Wild Bill’s themselves.
“Yes!” said Ned. “Her name is Mary. She’s eight years old.”
“Well,” remarked Scout Cody, preparing to mount his horse, “her
name is Silver Hair now. Cut Nose has her. At least, he did have her.
But she was being well treated, they say. He’d made a sort o’ pet of
her, the old rascal. The station men tried to buy her from him; but
he said no. I’ll keep on the lookout for her. Maybe we can get her.”
And dignified of face, jaunty of poise, off rode Pony Bill Cody, on
errand bound. Thereafter Ned saw him frequently. He seemed to
rank with Wild Bill Hickok as an important figure at Fort Hays and
Hays City.
“Then she’s gone again, is she?” faltered Ned, to the general. “Cut
Nose still has her, has he, sir?”
“Very likely. Yes, he took her, my lad,” answered General Custer,
gently. “But here,” he added, in abrupt fashion. “She’s being well
treated, didn’t Cody say? She was dressed like an Indian princess.
What do you think of that? That’s something for which to be
thankful. Think of other captive girls and women—how they’ve
suffered. And we’ll get her, if it requires all the Seventh Cavalry and
the United States treasury. Brace up, boy.”

For Ned was crying.
In due time dispatches arrived from General Hancock, who was
still on the Arkansas, trying to bring the principal chiefs in to council.
When, at dress parade, Lieutenant Moylan as adjutant read to the
assembled troops the announcements or orders of the day, “by
direction of the commanding general” he included among them this
special field order, issued from camp near the Arkansas:
II. As a punishment for the bad faith practised by
the Cheyennes and Sioux who occupied the Indian
village at this place, and as a chastisement for murders
and depredations committed since the arrival of the
command at this point, by the people of these tribes,
the village recently occupied by them, which is now in
our hands, will be utterly destroyed.
At that, delivered in Adjutant Moylan’s loud voice, from the troops
arose a cheer.
“Well, ’tis war now, if ’twasn’t before,” declared Sergeant
Henderson, that evening, within hearing of Ned.
“Why so, Pete?” asked one of the other soldiers.
“’Cordin’ to Wild Bill, that village had $150,000 worth of stuff in it;
an’ d’ye suppose the Injuns’ll stand for the destruction of it all? Now
they’ll claim we started the war, an’ we claim they started it, an’
what the end’ll be, nobody can say.”
“In my opinion,” said Sergeant Kennedy, “General Hancock ought
never to have let that village-full get away from him. They played
with him, and held him off, and then they gave him the slip.”
“You’re right,” agreed Henderson. “An’ now we’re up agin it, with
the Injuns loose in three hundred miles square o’ territory, an’ we
chasin’ ’em. An’ won’t there be a great howl, from the agents an’ the
traders an’ the contractors, because the war is spoilin’ their
business.”

“Those traders and contractors are responsible for much of this
trouble, just the same,” asserted the lawyer “rooky” (who now was a
veteran). “They do not deliver the agency goods in quality and
quantity up to grade.”
“That’s true,” nodded Odell. “Yez ought to see some o’ the stuff
that gets through to the Injuns. Shoddy cotton for wool; shirts ye
can stick your finger through, an’ suits o’ clothes that won’t hang
together while the Injun puts ’em on an’ that the Government pays
the contractor thirteen dollars for!”
“Yes,” said Sergeant Henderson. “An’ the first thing the Injun does
with the pants is to cut out the seat. What do they want o’ suits o’
clothes, anyway—one suit a year! An’ the government thinks to
trade ’em this way for their lands an’ game an’ all that, an’ lets ’em
get cheated into the bargain.”
“Huh!” grunted another member of the circle. “They don’t fare any
worse’n us fellows. Did you notice that bread served out to us to-
night? Talk about hard-tack! Cook says the boxes show it was baked
in ’61—six years ago! Even a mule won’t eat it.”
“Sure,” answered Odell. “And didn’t wan o’ the boxes o’ salt beef
opened at the commissary contain a big stone, to make it weigh
more!”
General Hancock passed through back from the south. Then
followed another event. This was the arrival of the great General
Sherman, who was commander of the whole Military Division of the
Missouri, whereas General Hancock was commander only of the
Department of the Missouri, in it. Of course everybody knew of
General William Tecumseh Sherman, the man who had “marched to
the sea.” And with General Sherman came, in the same ambulance
from Fort Harker, the end of the railroad, Mrs. Custer and Miss
Diana!
General Sherman proved to be just like his picture, which Ned had
seen several times: a tall spare man, slightly stooped, with high
forehead, and long severe face, crisp full beard of russet color, and

blue eyes. “Brass mounted,” some of the soldiers called him; and the
veterans referred to him affectionately as “Old Bill.” When he smiled
he was very pleasant.
The post and the camp turned out in a review to do him honor.
However, the best sight, to Ned, was the way in which, when the
ambulance stopped at the tent and Eliza’s black face peered out all
agrin, with a whoop the general rushed up and swung the happy
Mrs. Custer to him. How they chattered!
The general busied himself making Mrs. Custer and the rest of the
household comfortable in special new tents, on Big Creek, nearer the
fort. For the Seventh Cavalry was ordered out again. Two companies
were left at Hays; the six others, 350 men and twenty wagons,
marched forth, into the north.
Wild Bill remained behind to carry forward dispatches when some
were ready. Young Bill Cody was held to serve as scout for other
cavalry. But when the Seventh started Ned witnessed riding ahead
as guide, another young man, of fair complexion and handsome
features and easy seat. His name was Comstock—Will Comstock. Ah,
yes; and a splendid young scout he was, too, equal to the best;
could speak Sioux and Cheyenne and some Arapaho, and talk the
sign language, and knew every trail and water course. See that
revolver he wears? Pearl-handled and silver-mounted! One of the
finest revolvers on the plains. He thinks a heap of it, too, does Will
Comstock.
Thus by ears and by eyes did Ned learn the character of the new
guide.
The march was to be from Fort Hays and the valley of the Smoky
Hill in central Kansas north across the broad plains country 250 miles
to Fort McPherson on the Platte River in southwestern Nebraska. But
although through the center of this country flowed down the
Republican River, on whose upper waters 1000 hostile Sioux and
Cheyennes were rumored to be lurking, without a fight the Seventh

Cavalry arrived at Fort McPherson, named for General John
McPherson, once commander of the Army of Tennessee.
Fort McPherson, in the Department of the Platte, was only a
handful of cedar-log cabins, helping to guard the Overland Trail and
the new Union Pacific Railroad, as in the south Fort Harker, Hays,
and all guarded the Smoky Hill trail and the new Kansas Pacific
Railroad. It was garrisoned by two troops of the Second Cavalry.
Ahead of the Seventh Cavalry had arrived, by railroad as far as
McPherson, and thence by stage, General Sherman. He now was at
Fort Sedgwick, west, near to Julesberg of northeastern Colorado
Territory.
General Custer sent Lieutenant Moylan ahead into the post, with
dispatches for General Sherman, and to get any dispatches that
might be waiting. Lieutenant Moylan returned, meeting the column
as it prepared to make temporary camp. The adjutant had word.
“Pawnee Killer and some of his Sioux are encamped about ten
miles out, general,” he announced. “A post scout just brought in the
news.”
“What are they doing?”
“Nothing, I understand. They arrived about the same time we did.
They pretend to be peaceful.”
“We’d better find out, then,” declared the general. “What do you
think, Comstock? Shall we try a conference?”
“Corral the whole outfit, gentlemen, while you have the chance, is
my guess,” answered Scout Will Comstock.
“Well, I can’t adopt any harsh measures without orders,” replied
the general. “We’ve got to encourage the Indians to be friendly.”
“All right,” said Comstock, rather gloomily. “I s’pose ’cordin’ to
those thar peace people out East, soldiers an’ everybody ought to
wait an’ let the Injuns shoot fust; an’ then if they miss, give ’em
another try, so as to keep ’em amused!”

General Custer made no answer; but by the little smile under his
tawny moustache he seemed to agree with Comstock’s disgusted
opinion.
Word was sent to Pawnee Killer to come into camp, for a talk; and
that afternoon in he came. But the talk amounted to nothing. Soon
was it seen that the suave and crafty Sioux intended to find out
what the soldiers were up to, and not to tell what he was up to.
General Custer said to him that he must move his people in near to
the forts, so that they would not be mistaken for hostiles. Pawnee
Killer blandly replied that he would, as fast as he could. In order to
please the visitors the general directed that they be given sugar and
coffee; and they rode away again.
None of the men believed what Pawnee Killer had said; and some
rather thought that the general had been foolish to treat him so well,
and let him think that he was hoodwinking the white chief. Upon the
arrival, again, of General Sherman, from Sedgwick, the Seventh was
ordered south to the Forks of the Republican, to find Pawnee Killer’s
village.
General Sherman rode with General Custer for fifteen miles,
talking matters over with him. Ned, behind, could hear much of the
conversation, and it showed matters to be considered serious. The
Sioux of the north were sending warriors down to join with the Sioux
and Cheyennes of the south; the Arapahos were uneasy, although
Little Raven and Black Kettle were promising to hold them steady; a
friendly band of Brulé or Burnt Thigh Sioux under Chief Spotted Tail
had been forced to move from the Republican Forks north across the
Platte at Julesberg—because, said Spotted Tail, his young warriors
were getting excited; and down on the Arkansas, Satanta, wearing
the major-general uniform that had been given him, had driven off
the horse-herd from Fort Dodge itself! Stage stations had been
burned on the Platte River route—yes, not far from Fort McPherson;
and on the Smoky Hill route. Union Pacific and Kansas Pacific
Railroad surveying parties had been attacked. On the Republican and

other settled streams ranches had been pillaged. It looked as though
a real Indian war was brewing.
By Eastern people the army on the plains was being much
criticized. Some of these people depended upon the Indian trade for
business; but some thought that the Indian was abused. It did not
seem right to them that General Hancock had destroyed the village
on Pawnee Fork. The Indians, said these people through the
newspapers and in speeches, should be left to the control of the
agencies. The soldiers wished only fighting.
However, General Sherman appeared to be little influenced by the
criticisms of the Eastern peace party; although he did say, rather
angrily:
“I tell you, Custer, there’ll be no peace on the plains until the
Indians are so subdued that they can be controlled by constables
instead of soldiers. Meantime the War Department ought to have
complete charge of the tribes. Now while we’re doing the fighting at
one end of the line to enforce our terms, the civil agents make a
treaty at the other end, on different terms. Then the treaty is broken
and the work must be done all over again. And if the agents and the
traders are to be permitted to supply the savages with arms, in
defiance of the orders of the military, I believe in withdrawing every
soldier from the district and letting the civil authorities settle affairs.
We have a hard enough task, without being called upon to face
weapons furnished by our own government.”
All peaceful was that rolling plains country, during the four days’
march of seventy-five miles down to the Forks of the Republican.
From the crest of each rise was to be seen the same vista before as
behind: the grasses, the June flowers, the willows and cottonwoods,
the sandstone uplifts, the long swells, with the only moving
creatures the elk, the antelope, the buffalo, the black-tail deer, the
wolf, rabbit and prairie dog.
The Forks of the Republican also seemed deserted; but who might
tell here, as on the march, what Indian heads were peering from

ravines, over hillocks, or through bushes, spying upon the horses,
the wagons and the blue-bloused men.
North to Fort Sedgwick, seventy-five miles, were sent with
dispatches for General Sherman, Major Joel Elliot and picked escort
of ten men. South to Fort Wallace, eighty miles, was sent for
supplies a wagon-train under command of Lieutenant (colonel, they
called him) William Cook and Lieutenant Samuel Robbins. Major
West was escort. By Colonel Cook went a letter to Mrs. Custer, telling
her that she might come back with him, by way of Fort Wallace, to
the camp.
Some of the men criticised this as not wise in the general, not safe
for Mrs. Custer. Indians surely were about, and they would take big
chances to make a white woman captive. Anybody who knew Mrs.
Custer, also knew that she would come. Fire, water or savages would
not stop her from trying to join the general. So there was dubious
shaking of heads, when the news leaked out.
Yes, the Indians were watching. That was soon to be shown.
However, calm and sweet was the twilight. Gradually the western
glow faded, while busily grazed the horses and mules. The men
lounged about, and contentedly smoked and chatted. To and fro
paced the sentries. The stream rippled. Over it and over the wide
prairie swooped low the night-hawks. Scarcely a coyote barked. Even
the general’s dogs found nothing to do.
At dusk the animals were brought in close and tethered along the
picket ropes. Stable guards were stationed for them. At half-past
eight Ned blew the long sweet call of “Taps.” The notes floated
musically over the wide expanse. Every light was extinguished; and
amidst the loneliness the camp of the Seventh Cavalry, United States
Army, lay down to sleep. The white tents glimmered; the horses and
mules snorted; the sentinels paced their beats.
In his tent beside the adjutant’s Ned was wakened in a jump. It
seemed that he had just fallen asleep—but the interior of the tent

was gray; dawn was at hand. The smart crack of a carbine was
echoing in his ears—and now he heard a sharp, excited voice:
“They’re here!” That was Lieutenant Custer, the general’s brother,
rushing past, warning the general. He was officer of the day. And out
rang a perfect volley of shots, and a great peal of shrill, savage
whoops.
Grabbing bugle and belt Ned dived from his tent. He was in time
to witness the front of the general’s tent burst open, like a paper
bag, and General Custer come bolting through. The general wore a
bright red flannel night-gown—but he carried in his hand his Spencer
rifle. He was ready for business.
On ran the general, toward the spot of the firing and the shouting.
He was no quicker than his men; they streamed from their tents,
and clad in shirts and drawers, but bearing cartridge-belts and
carbines, they rallied to the defence. Scarcely any orders were
necessary, although Lieutenant Tom Custer and all the officers were
there to give them. The voice of the general rose high, urging,
commanding, cheering. His red flannel night-shirt flamed hither and
thither; his long bright locks tossed like a mane; he wore no shoes
or stockings. Ned saw him in a new guise: Old Curly, the fighting
Chief with the Yellow Hair.
The carbines crackled, as in irregular line the troopers, lying or
kneeling, rapidly fired. Beyond, in the thin morning, the Indians
dashed swiftly back and forth. From the soldiers issued jeers and
threats and challenges, as well as lead.
“I got one! I got one!” yelped the lawyer recruit. “No; I got two!
There goes another off his horse!”
“Shut up!” growled Sergeant Henderson. “Do you think that every
time you fire you knock over an Injun? They only hang on the far
side of their horses, lad!”
That was so. At the discharges from the carbines whole squads of
the scampering reds seemed to be swept from their saddles; when,
no, there they were, again, upright, and gesturing derision! It was

enough to fool any white man, fighting them for his first time. But
many were the jokes leveled at the recruits, by the veterans in the
firing-line.
However, the Indians didn’t succeed. There must have been two
or three hundred of them, attacking, while about fifty tried for the
camp horses. They had shot the picket. He was lying wounded. He
would have been scalped if his comrades had not run out and
dragged him in. After a few volleys from the Spencers of the soldiers
the red enemy retreated. They could be seen gathered about a mile
away, in council.

IX
DANGER ON EVERY SIDE
It could be seen that General Custer was thoroughly indignant.
But first he must ask about the wounded picket, who proved to be
badly hurt, not fatally. Then he must change his night-gown for a
more practical field costume. When he emerged from his tent, he
was again ready for business.
“I’d like to know who those fellows are, and what they mean,” he
denounced, furiously, among his officers. “We’ve done nothing, to
make them attack us. Send out an interpreter, Moylan, and ask for a
parley.”
The Indians were still collected, upon their ponies, about a mile
distant. Their figures showed black in the dawn brightening across
the vast, boundless prairie. Where in the far east prairie met sky was
a strip of glowing pink.
The interpreter, a squaw-man from Fort McPherson, with a Sioux
wife, rode out and on the river bank made circles with his horse.
This signalled: “We want to talk.” One of the Indians answered with
the same sign, and a part of them came forward.
“Tell them that seven of us will meet seven of them, at the river,
for a talk,” directed the general to the interpreter.
Riding forward again the interpreter cried across the space to the
Indians, and the matter was quickly arranged.
“Captain Hamilton, you will assume command here,” directed the
general. “Keep the men under arms, and be ready to move forward
to us at the first signal by the trumpeter. Dr. Coates, you’d better
come along with the rest of us; you’re anxious to know the Indians.

Moylan, Thompson, Tom Custer, Yates, Johnson. Change your
revolvers from your holsters to your belts, gentlemen. Then you can
get at them, in case of need. Those fellows (and he jerked his head
toward the Indians) are not to be trusted, evidently.”
They rode away, Ned of course accompanying. From the opposite
direction were approaching to meet them the seven chiefs. The river
was the conference point, for it lay about in the middle between the
two parties. Just before reaching it the general halted, and
dismounted. Dismounted all except Ned.
“Hold these horses, orderly,” instructed the general, to Ned; “and
watch sharp. Watch the Indians, especially, and at the least trouble
or any sign of treachery you blow the ‘advance.’”
“Yes, sir,” replied Ned.
Surrounded by the seven horses he sat, their lines in his hands,
while the general and the other officers proceeded on, down to the
edge of the water.
The banks on this side were smooth and grassy; on the other they
were cut by arroyos or ravines and grown with willows. So the
officers waited, for the Indians to cross to the open side. The chiefs
also dismounted, and began to take off their leggins, to wade.
Through the shallow current they boldly splashed, holding high their
moccasins and guns, out of the wet.
“Huh!” from his horse suddenly ejaculated Ned, scarce believing
his eyes. For the leading chief was Pawnee Killer himself!
But Pawnee Killer did not appear at all abashed, nor confused by
the fact that after having visited the general in camp at Fort
McPherson and having promised to be peaceable, he had tried here
to steal the column’s horses and to rush the camp.
“How?” he grunted, shaking hands with the officers. And “How?”
grunted in turn all his squad.
They were well armed. Usually in a conference weapons are left
behind; but this was a conference with the weapons ready. Ned sat

intent, gazing hard, to catch every movement of the seven chiefs
and also of the main party, at the distance. He could not hear much
of what was being said. He learned afterward that the general did
not say anything about the attack on the camp, but wanted to know
about the village; and that Pawnee Killer did not say anything about
the village, but wanted to know where the cavalry were going. And
neither side found out much about the other!
While Ned was peering, and waiting, alert, he saw another Indian
suddenly step forth from among the willows, and cross as had the
chiefs. This was a younger Indian, fully armed. He shook hands all
around, saying “How?” Scarcely had he finished, and the talk was
continuing, when yet another Indian crossed, in exactly the same
manner.
Ned fidgeted. That was a great scheme: for the Sioux warriors to
steal up, through the ravines and the willows, and one by one cross.
Pawnee Killer could not think very highly of General Custer’s
smartness, if he supposed that these additions, one at a time, were
not noticed. Because the general was young and new to Indian
fighting, and had been lied to, and still was being deceived,
apparently, Pawnee Killer must consider that he did not amount to
much.
Presently two more Indians had crossed, so that now there were
eleven, to the seven whites. Ned’s heart beat rapidly. The situation
was getting serious. He shifted the lines of the horses, so as to use
his right hand to raise the bugle to his lips. The “Advance” repeated
itself over and over in his brain. But listen! General Custer’s voice
rose emphatic.
“Tell this chief that if another man of his crosses the river, my men
will all advance ready to fight. Tell him that bugler is watching, ready
to blow the signal.”

“TELL THIS CHIEF THAT IF ANOTHER MAN OF HIS
CROSSES THE RIVER MY MEN WILL ADVANCE”
When this was translated to Pawnee Killer (who had understood
by the tone) he made some sort of a reply, but he waved his hand at
his party, signing them to stay back. He had found out that the
young white chief with the yellow hair was not such a fool, after all.
Then the conference broke up. As the general and the other
officers started away, Pawnee Killer stretched out his hand,
demanding something. The general spoke abruptly:

“No. I should say not. Not until he moves his village in close to a
post, as he promised.” And returned to mount his horse, the general
still was grumbling, half enraged, half amused. “Sugar, coffee and
ammunition! He’s the most consummate rascal I ever met. He wants
us to feed him so that he can follow us, and equip him so that he
can kill us. He ought to have saved some of the ammunition that he
used on us so recklessly this morning!”
Pawnee Killer and his chiefs and warriors had gone galloping off,
and soon the whole party were retreating across the plains. General
Custer angrily ordered “Boots and Saddles,” for a pursuit, to see
where the village lay. But Pawnee Killer was again too cunning for
the yellow haired general. Away went the Sioux, racing freely; after
them pressed the cavalry, the general in the lead. Had all the cavalry
horses been like Phil Sheridan the troops might at least have kept
the Indians in sight; as it was, the lightly laden ponies and their easy
riders dwindled and dwindled, and soon disappeared in the horizon.
So the cavalry must quit, before getting too far from camp.
Now more Indians were sighted, in another direction.
“My compliments to Captain Hamilton, and tell him to take his
troop and see what those other fellows are up to,” ordered the
general, promptly, to Adjutant Moylan.
Away gladly trotted the troop of young Captain Hamilton, whose
first lieutenant was Colonel Tom Custer. With two such officers, this
was a crack troop of fighters. Besides, there went the active Doctor
Coates, also. The general smiled.
“The doctor’s bound to get as close to the Indians as he can. First
thing we know he’ll join a tribe! Now,” he added, gravely, his face
showing anxious lines, “I wish we knew that Elliot was all right, and
was getting through to Sedgwick. There’s the chance that the
Indians don’t know he’s gone. His escort is so small he can travel
fast. That’s one comfort. Cook and Robbins can take care of
themselves, pretty well, as long as their escort stays together.”

Captain Hamilton’s troop had been swallowed up among the
swales to the north; and while the general and his staff discussed
ways and means, many eyes were directed northward, and many
ears were strained, to catch any token of a fight or of further
pursuit.
Nothing came back, drifting in from the northward. The general
and the adjutant and other officers talked, and the men sat more at
ease, and the minutes passed. The sun was high in the east; a
strong breeze blew across the plains, waving the longer grasses.
Then, on a sudden, there was thud of rapid hoofs, a panting and a
snorting, and almost before anybody could turn about, into the camp
had rushed, at top speed of his horse, Doctor Coates. Scarcely
drawing rein he fell off, rather than dismounted, and lay gasping,
trying to speak.
To him rushed officers and men.
“What’s the matter, doctor?”
“Hurt?”
“Speak, man!”
“Can’t you talk?”
“Where’s Hamilton?”
“Attacked?”
The doctor nodded violently.
“Boots and saddles, there!” ordered the general, sharply. “Hurry,
men!”
Smartly Ned blew the call. The men ran hither, thither, tugging
their horses into line. Now the doctor was able to speak.
“Indians! Over yonder! Got him—surrounded. Almost got me—
too.”
“How far?”
“About five miles.”

The general’s voice pealed louder than Ned’s trumpet.
“Prepare to mount—mount! Fours right, trot—march!”
Out from camp sallied, at brisk trot, the remnants of the
squadrons, to the rescue of Captain Hamilton and Lieutenant Tom
Custer and their troop. The doctor, on his blown horse, acted as
guide.
There was no sound of firing; but as the column pushed on, trying
to make best speed and yet save strength for the fight, the doctor
explained.
“Indians tolled us on, then separated. Hamilton took after one
party, Tom after other. I went with Tom, until I dropped out at one
side, somehow, while I was looking about. Next thing I knew I was
lost. Pretty soon I heard a lot of firing, and when I reconnoitered I
saw Hamilton’s detachment, only half a mile away, with Indians all
around them. Thought I’d ride right through and help him; but the
Indians saw me first, and away they came, six or eight of ’em,
making for me. Almost got me, too, I tell you! Closed up within
arrow range, and if my horse hadn’t been as frightened as I was,
and if camp hadn’t appeared just when it did, my scalp would have
been gone. I’m afraid Hamilton is in a bad box. They out-numbered
him, and had plenty of ammunition.”
“Tom may join him.”
“Yes, if Tom isn’t in the same fix. Country is full of Indians, I
believe.”
Two of the five miles had been put behind. It was scarce to be
expected that carbine shots could yet be heard; but nevertheless the
silence seemed ominous, as if the battle might be over; and with
victory to which side?
Trot, trot; jingle, jingle; across the grassy plain, with every man
leaning forward in his saddle, as if to get there sooner. Then Fall
Leaf, the Delaware, signaled back, from a little rise: “People in sight.”
The general and Adjutant Moylan clapped their glasses to their eyes,

and forthwith the general threw up his gauntleted hand in gesture of
relief.
“There they come,” he said. “Good! I see the troop guidon.”
Captain Hamilton’s troop it was, with all the men uninjured, and
with only one horse wounded. Captain Hamilton reported that he
had killed two warriors and had driven the other Indians away,
without any assistance from Lieutenant Tom Custer. Lieutenant Tom
had pursued the second knot of Indians, until after they had drawn
him far enough they had given him the slip. These Sioux were clever.
Blood had been shed. This was war. The Indians now would be
hot for revenge. And Major Elliot was still out, and so was the wagon
train for Fort Wallace. Returning with the wagon-train would come
Mrs. Custer. That was now the main thought in the camp. The
Indians surely would not miss a chance at such a prize as wagons of
supplies. Why had the general been so foolish as to send for Mrs.
Custer, when it was well known that Indians were abroad?
The general grew haggard all in an hour. Before night he had sent
a squadron under command of Major (who was a lieutenant-colonel)
Myers, to push right through and meet the train.
Then there was nothing to do but to wait. Three days passed, and
in rode the little party of Major Elliot, with the dispatches from Fort
Sedgwick. On the next day, hurrah! Here approached, weaving
across the plain like a huge snake, the white-topped army wagons
and the escort troops.
Out rode the general, to meet them; and particularly to meet Mrs.
Custer. The wagons all were there—twenty of them; the column of
troops looked intact; but from the wagons or from horse no
handkerchief waved greeting, and Ned, on Buckie thudding along
behind the general, felt a sudden cold chill. What if anything had
happened to the sweet Mrs. Custer, or to Diana of the dancing curls?
Major (who was also colonel) West was in command of the
column, for he was the senior officer.

“All right, colonel?” demanded the general, his eyes roving
anxiously along the winding line.
“All right, general. But we had quite a brush. That is, Cook and
Robbins did. Myers and I arrived just in time to see the enemy
disappear.”
“Mrs. Custer here?” queried the general, sharply.
“No, general. She didn’t leave Hays, fortunately. Cook can tell you
about it.”
Didn’t leave Hays! The general seemed to heave a great sigh of
relief. Camp and trail were no places for a white woman, even so
plucky a one as Mrs. Custer, or as pretty Diana. He dashed along the
column, seeking Lieutenant Cook.
“Well, Cook! Had a fight, I hear.”
“Yes, sir. They attacked us pretty severely, on our way out from
Wallace, before West and Myers joined us. We saw them coming,
and formed with the men on foot and the wagons and horses in the
middle. Then we kept right on moving forward, but they circled us
savagely. There were between six and seven hundred of them,
weren’t there, Comstock?”
“Fully so,” agreed Scout Will Comstock, who was riding near. “But
there ain’t as many now, gen’ral. We toppled five of ’em for keeps,
an’ there’s more red hides that’s got troublesome holes in ’em. But it
looked for a time as though our scalps was goin’ to pay. Six or seven
hundred Injuns warn’t goin’ to let fifty men stop ’em from gettin’ at
the sugar an’ coffee in those wagons.”
“Mrs. Custer didn’t start, then?” asked the general, of Lieutenant
Cook.
“No, sir. Thank God she didn’t. She was ready to, had her baggage
tied up, and General Hancock forbade. I don’t think she liked that
very well. I have a letter for you from her.”
General Custer took the letter, and read it in the saddle.

From the talk it appeared that the wagon-train had fought hard
and well, for three hours. The wagons were scarred with bullets; in
them were several wounded men; and throughout the column were
a number of wounded horses and mules. Ned heard a conversation
between Lieutenant Cook and another officer, that showed how
serious had been the situation.
“Would you have done it, Cook?” asked the officer, keenly.
Lieutenant Cook firmly nodded.
“I should. When the attack developed I said to myself, at once: ‘If
Mrs. Custer were here, in my charge, the first thing I must do would
be to ride to her ambulance and mercifully shoot her. That is my
solemn promise to the general.’”
“Whew!” sighed the other officer, gravely. “That would be horrible.
But not so horrible,” he added, “as to let her or any other white
woman fall alive into the hands of the Indians.”
“We promised the general, in regard to Mrs. Custer,” said the
lieutenant. “He made us promise, and he knows that we intended to
keep our word.”
“You’d have waited, a little?” pursued the officer.
Lieutenant Cook shook his head.
“No, sir. Not a moment. I love Mrs. Custer like a sister; and the
thought that she was dependent on me, and helpless in the
ambulance, would have driven me distracted. I should have obeyed
orders—and you know what they are. Then I should have fought to
the last, and should not have expected to face the general. My
course, first and last, was clear. But it didn’t come necessary.”
A Canadian was Lieutenant William Cook, with long black side-
whiskers and handsome kindly face. He had served through the Civil
War, and was accounted one of the best officers in the Seventh. By
reason of his birth they called him “Queen’s Own” Cook.

Test Bank for Introduction to Critical Care Nursing, 8th Edition, Mary Lou Sole, Deborah Klein Marthe Moseley

X
SAD NEWS FOR THE ARMY BLUE
The soldiers who had fought in the wagon-train swaggered
through the camp, and talked much like veterans. The camp, also,
had its tales to tell, of attack and scalps and victory. So that the
Seventh Cavalry had made a start on the battle-roll to be
emblazoned on their standards.
Major Elliot had brought orders from General Sherman to march
north again, toward the Platte. The Platte was struck near Riverside
stage station, in Colorado fifty miles west from Fort Sedgwick. No
Indians had been sighted; but Indians were still around, for the very
evening before the arrival of the Seventh at Riverside the hostiles
had attacked the next station west, and had killed three men.
But this was not all. Evidently something else had occurred. Upon
reading his dispatches from General Sherman, General Custer
immediately had sent out for his officers, and was holding a
consultation, at his tent. The discussion easily reached the ears of
Ned, standing at his post, ready for orders from the general or
Adjutant Moylan.
Kidder—a Lieutenant Lyman S. Kidder, Second Cavalry, had been
sent out from Fort Sedgwick, with dispatches for the Seventh Cavalry
camp at the Forks of the Republican. He had only ten men, he ought
to have arrived there or else have overtaken the column before it
reached the Platte. But he had not been sighted. He was a young
officer, this was his first scout. What had happened to him?
Red Bead, a friendly Sioux chief, was his guide, so he could not
have lost his way; but upon such a long ride ten men were

altogether too few, when Indians by the hundreds infested the
whole district.
Speedily the news spread through the ranks. There was shaking of
heads. In the opinion of the older sergeants, a great error had been
committed.
“My idea is,” voiced Henderson, who was as level-headed as
anybody, “that this young left’nant may have struck our camp; but if
he did, like as not he took the wagon trail on south’rd, thinkin’ it was
our trail. In that case, he’ll run into that same gang o’ reds who
attacked the train ’twixt the Republican and Wallace, an’ they’ll wipe
him out; they’ll wipe him out. It was a crime to send him on the
scout with scarce a dozen, all told, in his party. An’ him new to the
business, too. The time has come when the Army ought to know it
can’t fight Injuns that way. They’re better armed than we are, an’
they’re mighty smart, boys.”
The suggestion put forth by Henderson seemed to be that of the
council of officers also.
More bad news was received. Cholera had broken out at Forts
Wallace and Hays, and scurvy on account of the bad rations.
Therefore when over the wire the Kidder dispatches were
repeated, ordering the column to return to Wallace, very ready was
the general to go. Lieutenant Kidder might be found, and Mrs.
Custer might be removed to safer quarters. So camp was broken at
daylight.
During the march a sharp lookout was maintained for sign of the
missing Second Cavalry detachment; but none appeared.
“What’s your opinion now, Comstock?” queried again the general,
anxiously, as at the head of the column, where rode he and Adjutant
Moylan and Will Comstock, he scanned the ground and the horizon.
Will Comstock only shook his head.
“I’m not sayin’, gen’ral,” finally he replied. “It’s ’arly yet to make a
guess. He may be all right—an’ agin he may not.”

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Test Bank for Introduction to Critical Care Nursing, 8th Edition, Mary Lou Sole, Deborah Klein Marthe Moseley

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