The thirst that follows a fight had exhausted the scanty supply of our canteens, and the heat was excessive.
As I was running over in my mind the perils of our position, my eye rested upon Lincoln, who stood with his piece at a carry, his left hand crossed over his breast, in the attitude of a soldier waiting to receive orders.
"Well, Sergeant, what is it ?" I inquired.
"Will yer allow me, Cap'n, ter take a couple o' files, and fetch in the Dutchman?
The men 'ud like ter put a sod upon him afore them thievin' robbers kin git at him." "Certainly.

But will you be safe?
He's at some distance from the stockade." "I don't think them fellers 'll kum down--they've had enuf o' it just now.

We'll run out quick, and the boys kin kiver us with their fire." "Very well, then; set about it." Lincoln returned to the company and selected four of the most active of his men, with whom he proceeded towards the entrance.

I ordered the soldiers to throw themselves on that side of the inclosure, and cover the party in case of an attack; but none was made.

A movement was visible among the Mexicans, as they perceived Lincoln and his party rush out towards the body; but, seeing they would be too late to prevent them from carrying it off, they wisely kept beyond the reach of the American rifles.
The body of the German was brought into the inclosure and buried with due ceremony, although his comrades believed that before many hours it would be torn from its "warrior grave", dragged forth to feed the coyote and vulture, and his bones left to whiten upon the naked prairie.