Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-06-04

the sojers, an we'll send the Reds to Cali
fofny! Nelly Johnsons yourn as soon as
you git back. Good by, boy, an God
speed ye.r
There was spring, rush of hoofs,
| and the ride to kearney had begun. Right
gallantly the little horse sprang away al
her riders bidding, and the eyes of sweet
Nelly johnson kept upon them until horse
aud rider faded away upon the horizon
Love was one Incentive for the pony
riders mission, and the desire to save the
people OF McPhersons from a bloody death
was the other. Did man ever risk life in a
better cause? Onward swept the little
horse. her flying heels throwing up a cloud
OF dust which lowered In the air for hun
dreds OF yards behind her. To the left of
them glided the still waters OF the Platte.
and on The right stretched the boundless
green OF the prairie. The rider sat rm As
rock, his dauntless face looking straight
ahead and wearing an air which seemed
to say 1t was all for the sake Of Nelly John
son.
You may talk of the Mamelukes, the Tar.
tar horsemen, the savage Bedouins, and
all the wild riders, but what are they to
compare with our American pony-riders-
men who were fearless, and brayed every
danger; who ran the risk Of life in every
mile they dashed over; men who were ex-
pected to do fifty miles at top speed in day
llSht or dark, rain or shine, hot or cold /?
But the railroad has done away with the
pony-rider. and we hear no more Of such
exploits As that OF the renowned Jimmy
Moore.
Onward swept the brave little horse. and
~ last the station came in view. A minute
more and horse and rider were at the door.
No relay was there to meet them. Not 4
sign of life was to be seen, but there were
hoof-tracks in every direction, showing
that the relief had fled. Giving the horse
drink, the rider mounted, and again they
were on the way to Kearney. Further on
they came upon large object in the cen
tire OF the trail. IL was the Western bound
stage with the horses gone, the driver be-
tween the forewheels with a bullet in his
head, the passengers lying about the road.
anu the conductor in the boot wounded un-
to death. One horitied look, II pause, and
faster fled the horses Mile after mile ia
left behind, station after station Is passed.
and no relief. VIII they ever get to
kearney?
On the prairie to the right of them ap-
pear host of mounted men. They are
the pets ofthe Peace Commission on their
annual maraud. Turning with a trium-
phant yell they speed to head the rider off,
Narrower grows the space between them
and the gallant horse redoubles his exer-
tons. In the van OF the savaocs rides a
tall chief mounted upon powerful horse.
his plumes streaming in the wind as he
urges the noble animal he bestrides.
ounS Essex can escape ii he turns back
But no. The sweet face of Nelly johnson
and the shrinking forms of deieuceless lit
tie ones come before his view, aud dashinp
ne r.. III
sued dash onward. But four mile, more
aud succor is at hand.
Nearer came the pursuers. Now ride.
young Essex. for ii is three-score lives to
one. Speed, brave little horse: strain mus
Gle ana nerve heart, tor your work will
wen be duhe Ride, young Essex for
everything Is at stake Onward rushed tn.
horse. his hoots beating time to the short
quick breaths. The gap closes Twany
y sharp pain IN the side and the rider reel
ed in the saddle. but for an instant only.
bending low in the saddle. the whip is
7t!ffsea tffsei tor the iirst time and faster hed the
And now the green ramparts and sock
AIDED gates OF Fort kearney came in view
The bailled saya.es turned and set out rap-
idly up the trail, while the faintiny rider
checks the faltering steps OF his diving
horse. One last look at the waving sea OF
green, and they enter the gates thrown
open 10 receive them.
In the center OF the parade stands
group OF men about horse and rider. The
horse IS down now, and from his nostrils
sushes the llfe-current, and beside her lies
the rider.
Young Essex raised his head from the
arm which supported it, and said:
'Pawnees on their reservation McPher-
sons stations cleaned out-help-quck
My love to-to-Nelly-Joh
And grasping the reins with stitfening
clutch, the birbed shaft eating out his soul,
he sank upon the pony's neck.
Their brave hearts had ceased to beat.
''BERMUSDAs."