The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1875-12-02

waters Of the Platte, and on tie right
stretches the boundless green Of the prairie.
The rider sat firm as rock, his daantless
face looking straight ahead, and wearing
an are which seemed to say 1T was all Tor
the sake of Nelly johnson.
You may talk of the Mamelukes, the Tar
tar horseman, the savage Bodoulns, and all
the wild riders but what are they to com
pare with our American y-rlders-men
who were fearless, and braved every danger;
who ran the risk Of life in every mile they
dashed over; men who were expected to DO
fifty miles at top speed in daylight or dark,
rain or shine, hot or cold? But the railroad
has done away with the pony rider, and we
hear no more of snch exploits as that of the
renowned Jenny Moore.
Onward swept the brave little horse, and
at last the station came in view. moment
more and the horse and rider were at the
door. Not sign Of life was to be seen. but
there were hoof tracks to be seen IN every
direction, showing that the relief had fed
Giving his horse drink, the rider remount-
ed, and again they were on their way to
Kearney. Further on their way they came
upon large object in the center OF the
| trail. It was the Western bound stage with
horses gone, the driver between the fore
wheels with bullet in his head, the pas
senpers living about the road, and the con-
duct or in the boot wounded unto death. One
Mortified look, pause and faster led the
horse Mile after mile is left behind sta
ton after station was passed, and no relief
Will they ever get to Kearney!
On the prairie to the right OF them ap-
peared host Of mounted men. They are
the pets of the peace commission on theli
Ianpual maraud. Turning with trium-
plant yell they speed to head the rider OH
Narrower grows the space between them
and the gallant horse redoubles her exer
ton. In the van o. the savages rides tai
chief mounted upon a powerful horse, MI
plumes streaming in the wind as he urge!
the noble animal he bestrides. Young Essex
can escape if he turns back. But no: I'M
Isweet face of Nelly johnson and the shrink
ing from of defence'e ss little ones came be
fore his view, and dashing the presplratol
from his forehead the pursued dasheo on
ward. But four miles more and succor Is a
hand!
Nearer came the pursuers Now rid
yonng Essex, for it is three score lives Il
one Speed, brave little horse. STRAIN mus
Gle and nerve heart. for your work viii vel
be done. Ride young Essex, for everything
is at stake. Onward PUSHES the horse, he
hoofs beating time to the short quicl
breaths. The gap closes Twang I
sharp pain in the side, and the rider reele'
in the saddle, but for an instant only
BENDING low in the saddle, the whip /
raised for the first time, and faster He'd tn
horse.
And now the green ramparts AMI stock
ade gates of Fort kearney came IN view
The bafled savages turn and set out rap
idly up the trail, while the faintlng Eide
checks the faltering steps of his dyln
horse. One last look at the waving sea
green, and they enter the gates throw
open to receive them.
In the center Of the parade stands
proup of men about a horse and rider. In
horse is down now, and from her nostrll
gushes the life current beside her lies tn
rider.
Young Essex raised his head from tn
arm which supported it and said
"Pawnees off their reservation. Nc
Pherson's stations-cleaned out-out-het
4 quick My love to-to-Nelfy Johr
SON
And graspng the relns with stifenin
clutch, the barbed shaft eating out h
= soul, he sank upon the pony's neck his eye
speaking for q moment what his tongue r
fused.
Their brave hearts had ceased to beat