The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-03-10

which had thwarted ali his plans, provided
better for the wounded Susie, aud at the same
time saved his honor il indeed il were at all iu-
volved, in breaking his word to the Colonel.
Both Of the Doctors patients in short time
received some excellent nourishment, prepared
By the Hospital Steward out Of the medical
stores, under the Surgeons direction. reviving
the wounded girl materially and putting Jack
fairly con his feet" again, for he was as
tough rs a nut"
About half-past two the column was ready
10 move out. Susie was made comfortable on
litter, fashioned after the Indian method OF
transporting their wounded, constructed Of sap
lings and blankets, which was carefully slung
between two pack. mules Of the supply-train,
respectively led by two troopers detailed for
that duty. This novel equipage the Colonel
ordered TO march in advance Of the column, so
that the dust raised by the complny's horses
should not annoy Susie, while Jack, who was
able TO mount TatoHka, though he was terribly
sore aud stiff, rode alongside Of her and piloted
tho command on the trail Before they LETT
the ruined rancho, however, the Colonel caused
the bodies Of the unfortunate Reaumes to DO
temporarily inferred and large rocks put over
their graves, To prevent the wolves from digging
up and eating tho flesh OF their bones, ~ it
was Harris intention To have them taken to the
post and decently buried in the little cemetery
there.
After an unevcntful march the command ar
rived at Fort Harker just as the sun was set
ting, where Susie was kindly cared for and
Jack went to his own quarters, TO be patched
up and plasterod by the Post Surgeon.
Hart was out and ready for duty inside OF
week; but Susie did not gain rapidly. She
seemed to be slowly wasting away with q fever,
though the wound in her side had closed, and
there was no longer any danger from that
source. It was the terrible agony Of her soul !;
she did not complain, and the Doctor was
puzzled. The awful mental strain incident TO
what she had passed through, coupled with the
morbid fear that the marriage with the man
she loved could not DO cOnsummated, was doing
/ its work. Only time, the great healer Of sor-
rows, could bring relief and both she and Jack
were inpatient
The weeks dragged their weary length along
and the golden October days came before she
was cOnvalcsCent; but with that subdivision Of
the year came also the Inauguration of that
/ celebrated Winter campaign against the allied
tribes, for which Gen. Sheridan had been max
| ing vigorous preparations all Summer OfcOurse
/ there could be no marriage now until the war
was over, aud it lasted officially for lG3 days,
counting from the 2lst Of October, but virtually
| ending with Gen. Clusters humiliation of
| Black Kettle and his band Of warriors in the
/ battle Of the Washita, in November.
! At last, in May, 1869, that month Of floral
beauty on the Central Plains, on delicious
/ Sabbdth morning Jack and susie were married
/ by the Post Chaplain in tho large unoccupied
ward Of the hospital at Fort Harker, which had
| been garlauded with wild flowers, roses pTedOm-
mating, and great lunches of the creamy
| petaled yucca, for the occasion.
! Gems. Sheridan, Custer, Sully, and all the
| officers, with their wives. who were part Of the
/ garrison stationed there. graced the ceremony
/ with their presence. Buffalo Bill Wild Bill.
/ and all the other famous scouts on duty 40 Fort
Harker were present, too; and many substan-
/ tial presents were received from all the dis
/ tinguished guests by the favored couple.
| Nearly quarter Of century has elapsed
| since then. All the famous Generals mentioned
/ are dead. Hart is now prosperous ranchman,
/ with large herds Of mild eyed Jerseys and
| broad backed Durhams peacefully grazing in
\ his extensive pastures On the porch of his
/ beautiful home, Susie, now a stately matron,
aud Jack, with his pipe in his mouth, may be
seen sitting in their large arm-Chairs at the
close Of day, resting from the labOrs the ranch
/ imposes. A bevy Of handsome children are
/ busy with hammock or swing under the great
I trees Of the lawn, and as the twilight gathers
the old folks relate 10 the little ones the story
OF those terrible hours on the Elkhorn so
many years ago-a picture on memory 3
I walls that time can never ehace.