Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1890-12-25
"Nother. shall / go?"

"Mother, shall 1 go?"
Mrs. Hardin looked into the up
turned face of her daughter and re-
piled. Eyes, Katie, father is too sick,
I.cannot leave him. There is no one
left but you. We must have food and
fathers medicine"
"And a Christmas gift for !au,"
laughed Katie as she went for the
pony.
''Sure enough tomorrow is Christ
mas. If Jamie were only here" sigh
ed Mrs. Hardin.
Soon Katie came leading Dick. ''Be
quick as possible" called Mrs. Hardin
as Katie started. "Oh, God, protect
my child from those hostile Indians, B"
she prayed as she entered the cabin.
The Hardins came to Dakota SIX
months before. Yes, they left The
plains of sunny Kansas for those of
bleak Dakota. Five years ago, Jamie,
their son, was the pride of the family,
which lived very comfortably until the
drouth destroyed their crops. Then he
left for Dakota, and secured a fine
ranch on the Cheyenne River. One
year ago he sent for his pareLts who
concluded to wait year. Upon receiv-
ing this answer Jamie joined his
brother Tanchmen to prepare for the
threatening strife.
But the family in Kansas was in sore
need and reversing their decision
wrote Jamie to meet them at Norton,
the terminus Of the route, which mes
sage never reached him. The Hardins
were, therefore, not greeted by Jamie
at Norton.
Sick with disappointment they
bought worn out team and pushed
on. After few days travel Mr.. Har-
din from anxiety and exposure fell
into a low fever. What could his wife
do? In despair she took possession of
deserted cabin, seven miles from
Pine Ridge.
For six months they searched for
their son, but no trace has been found.
Mr.. Hardin cannot shelter his family
from the cold or rayages of thieving
Indians.
Katie, now two miles from home,
while jogging along looked down into
the road aud seeing numerous nOof-
prints, exclaimed: "What can this
mean? Maybe it's Indians! Whoa,
Dick"
Do not think she was afraid. Katie
was a typical Kansas girl and they are
no towards. She thought of her pa
rents. but If they do not geL food
they'll starve. I'll Co." and away she
rode.
Not a mile had been gained when
Dick pricked up his ears and snortea.
"What ails you?," cried Katie, ''go
on" But Dick wouldn't go. Sic dis
mounted and was horrorstriclen to
find man lying by the roadside. He
moaned and opened his eyes and saw
Katie standing near.
"Are you hurt?" inquired she.
"Yes'm. I'm a messenger, and
some Indians caught me, leaving me
thus" he groaned.
"Can l do anything for you?" asked
Katie.
"Here is a message to be taken to
camp Will you take it?"
Eyes sir.''
"Read it, so you can give it orally"
he painted.
Katie sprang into the saddle and
Dick gaIloped off, the sound of his re-
ceding hoof-beats echoing far along the
trail.
"That face looked familiar" thought
the soldier. "Oh," as the pain in-
creased, ''if only mother were here!"
Katie dashed into camp and deliv-
cred the note which ran as follows:
GENERAL BRoOKE.-A band of
hostiles will attack you soon. Don't
pursue as they will lead you into a trap
and Braddock's Defeat will follow.
J. L. HARDIN"
Katie had read the note, the sigma
ture of which puzzled her. Hardin,
that's my name," thought Katie.
Then to the agent, 81 came for provis-
IONS"
"All right, and you can ride home
in the wagon sent for JIM"
"P'raps twould be better to take
him to my house," faltered Katie.
Every we'll, thank you," SAID Mr..
Roger. "Here comes the wagon now"
A soldier drove up and Katie clam
bered in, while Dick was tied behind.
They soon reached the place where
Jim lay and lifting him into the wagon
drove to Katie's home.
Mother" called Katie, there's a
wounded soldier 1 found by the road"
Mrs. Hardin asked no questions but
helped carry him in. Katie became
the strangers nurse, while Mrs. Har-
din watched by her husband.
Towards morning the soldier opened
his eyes, and Katie, seeing he was con-
sc!ous, whispered, "Please, what's your
name?"
flames Hardin"