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 dauntiess
face looking straight ahead, and wearing
an are which seemed to say it was all for
the sake Of Nelly johnson.
You may talk of the Mamelukes, the Tar
tar horseman, the savage Bodoulns, ana all
the wild riders; but what are they to COM
pare with our American pony-riders-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 fled.
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, q pause and faster bed 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 their
ANIMAL maraud. Turning with trium-
phant veil they speed to head the rider off
Narrower grows the space between them,
and the gallant horse redoubles her exer
ton. In the van o: the savages rides tall
chief mounted upon q powerful horse, his
plumes streaming in the wind as he urges
the noble animal he bestrides. Young ESSEX
can escape if he turns back. But no! The
sweet face of Nelly johnson and the shrink
ing from of defence ess little ones came be-
fore his view, and dashing the presplraton
from his forehead, the pursued dashed on
ward. But four miles more and succor is al
hand
Nearer came the pursuers. Now ride
yonnp Essex, for it is three score lives tt
one! Speed, brave little horse. strain mus
Gle and nerve heart, for your work Will wei
be done. Ride young Essex, for everything
ia at stake! Onward rushes the horse, bel
hoofs beating time to the short qulcl
breaths. The gap closes Twang
sharp pain in the side, and the rider reeiee
in the saddle, but for an instant only
Bending low in the saddle, the whip II
raised for the first time, and faster fed tn
horse.
And now the green ramparts ana stock
ade gates of Fort Kearney came IN view
The bafaed savages turn and set out rap
idly up the trail, while the fainting tide
checks the faltering steps Of his dying
horse. One last look at the waving sea 0
green, and they enter the gates throw
open to receive them.
In the center Of the parade stands
group Of men about horse and rider. Tn
horse is down now, and from her nostril
eushes the life current, beside her lies tn
rider.
Young Essex raised his head from tn
arm which supported it and said:
"Pawnees of their reservation. Nc
Phersou's stations-cleaned out-out-hell
quick Ny love to-to-Nelfy John
son"
And grasping the reins with stifienin
clutch, the barbed shaft eating out hi
soul, he sank upon the ponys neck his eye
speaking for q moment what his tongue r.
, fused.
Their brave hearts had ceased to beat.