Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1885-04-09
YIK KEE.

Alter 1atllef Uleu, some Ten years ago
l found that for three years we had beeI
living on credit. | was eighteen, stront
and well, but did not know how to work
In the little back room Of the New Park
tenement housed by the way, the landlady
seized my clothes for our remit L consid
cred my future. had inherited great
faith in relatives from my father, go
wrote to seven. | received six polite
notes, telling me to 90 to work, and the
following letter:
Jonesboro, Col, Jackson's Ranch-Dear Nell
I'm your Cousin Jack. Your father once gave
me money TO come West. I've took up land, gol
q comfortable home, no style or frills but good
folks to live with and healthy grub. I've got the
best wife you ever see and seven youngsters.
The city amt no place for a friend ess girl Wife
Come right Off. I'll meet you at Denver.
Inclosed was check sufficient TO de-
fray expenses; SO started. Denver was
then only large town, and the depot a
barn-like structure. l got ont of the cars
and stood bewildered among all the en-
igrants and their bundles. Some one
touched me on the shoulder roughly
dressed, broad shouldered man, with
ong blonde beard and big blue eyes.
"Are you Nell?" he said.
Eyes; and your Cousin Jack"
81 knew YOU" he said, as he led the
way, "by your black clothes an sorrerful
look, an them big, blue eyes, like yer
fathers as two peas. Wen git the shad-
der outer 'em when we git home. Yer
father was a mighty good man. Bless
yer dear heart, don't let them tears come.
This 'ere's dry country; We cont waste
water"
Comforting me in his kind, rough way,
he reached his team, a big green wagon,
drawn by two Withholding steeds, which
l afterward knew to be bronchos. A
fat, blonde boy, about twelve years old,
held the reins.
"That's Ted" said cousin Jack. "Ted,
this is Miss Nell, your cousin; give her a
hug" The fat boy solemnly obeyed.
Afterthis he seemed to have special
claim on my affections because met me
first. Jacks wife was jolly, plump
woman, with brown eyes and curly hair.
She always had baby in her arms and
another at her heels. She adored Jack.
l never knew them to have quarrel.
soon grew to love the life at the ranch.
1 liked the big, half, finished house, its
untidyness and comfort; its pleasant,
healthy atmosphere. loved the chill
dren, the household pets; shep, the sa-
gacious dog; Thad, the clever cat; the
hens and sheep; the horses, Dolly, Dot
and Daisy, that did the blowing and the
marketing at Denver, twelve miles away,
and were so gentle and kind we used to
ride them without saddle or bride. l
learned that cattle grew fat on the dry
looking grass, and gave the best of milk.
1 learned to love the broad plains and
the glorious sunsets, and to watch the
distant bands of Indians with half fear,
half interest. | helped cousin Mary,
sewed, cooked, kept the house and chill
dren neat, and lifted many burdens from
her weary shoulders. Wewere so happy.
The children and took long walks over
the plains, and Ted and took many
rides on Dolly and Dot, and in the long
winter evenings / told the children
stories. Occasionally Henry White came
over to visit us from his ranch, five miles
away. He lived with his old mother;
he and Jack were dear friends. Harry
needed a wife, Jack used to say, winking
at me.
One day Jack went to Denver for sup
plies. He went alone, and coming home
later than usual, Ted and l and baby
Name went out to meet him. Jack looked
sober and guilty, and seemed i'll at ease.
If he ever drank, should have thought
him intoxicated. In the wagon was a
queer shaped heap under horse
blanket. / was sure it moved. When
we got behind the barn Jack said
sheepishly, avoiding my eye:
swell, Ted, calkerlate I've got SUI
thing in that there Vaughn that'ul aston
ish yer marm."
Little Name pulled the blanket off the
heap; she had been peeping under it all
the while she was in the back of the
Wagon. There lay human being. Such
an object; short and squat, dressed in q
queer blue blouse with flowing sleeves,
wide trousers, and queer wooden shoes.
He had small black eyes, shoven poll,
from which depended long, thin cue.
His countenance was battered and
bruised, his clothes torn and bloody.
"There was q row down to Denver"
eaid Jack; "the Christian folk stove in
these ere heathen's winders, tore their
houses down, an killed half on 'em. l