under their charge hampered their movements so much that they at last
found themselves completely cut off from their comrades.

As soon as the young officer realized what had happened to him, he
despatched one of his men for aid, and with the others formed a ring
around the wounded, preparing to defend them until help arrived.

The wounded men, on their part, behaved as nobly as the lieutenant
himself.

Realizing the situation, they begged the young officer to leave them to
their fate, and do what he could to save his own life and the lives of
his men.

Mr. McIntyre absolutely refused to abandon the wounded, and prepared to
defend them to the last.

When the messenger last saw the gallant little band, they were bravely
facing the enemy, waiting calmly for the death which was sure to follow
unless help reached them soon.

A party was immediately sent out from camp to their relief, but when the
spot was reached the brave fellows were beyond human aid.

Not a man remained alive to tell the tale of their noble struggle. The
bodies of the lieutenant and his men were found grouped about the
wounded comrades they had sacrificed their lives to save, and their
attitude in death showed that each man had died doing his duty, his face
to the foe.