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

EASl - ,.- - born SO perfect ID re-
~ semblance as these dual
masses Of disrupted rock
Under their conical shadow runs the trall OF
the Mormon Hegira 10 far-of Deseret, when
that sect was driven out of illinois, and also
that of Gen John c. Fremont, on hls memora-
bic Exploring Expedition across the CONT
neut ia 1913 Until last Spring, when u was
ruthlessly cut down, there stood in the valley,
on the bank Of the Elkhorn, Immediately be-
low the Mounds, large oak tree, at the 1907 OF
which the General caused that mutlneer 10 De
shot. the circumstances Of which are related IN
HE itinerary Of that wonderful march.
But that was nearly quarter OF century
before the occurrence of the events TO be related
in this story, aud they date back nearly the
same length Of time from the present. Both
trails may still be seen IN places where the land
has not yet been subordinated to the pillow; al
most obiterated wagOn-tracks in the short
buflalo-grass covering that portion OF the
prairie through which the expedition passed
each recurring season grow DINNER, and IN
few more wears will have vanished forever.
The valleys Of the Elkhorn and Saline were
heavily timbercd, are to-day relatively. They
were d favOTite haunt Of the Indians, and elk,
buffalo. bear, and an occasional panther sought
the rocky aud vine-inyolFed recesses OF the
primitive forest.
But the savage and his wild congeners have
passed away. Now the land is full Of harvests
and green mebds. Yet the Indian Summer
now as then wraps the hills IN Its mellow
tnts; the grass grows brown and rusty az each
Autumn fills its measure, and the days as in
the long ago, as grand as the golden sunshine
OF that Incompatible season on the great plains
ever lighted mp; the mirage, as OF old, weaves
its fantastic forms out Of the charming land
Gcape, aud under certain atmospheric condi-
tious, q man on top of one Of the Twin Mounds
or In the immediate vicinity, will appear, as
FFarg Ia .anHa gff HFF hon
giant IN mid-air.
When Fort Harller, on the Smoky Hill, about
Us miles south Of the Twin Mounds, was
tablishcd as @ military post by Gen. Hancock in
the Fall Of 1866 the whole vast area Of central
Kansas was the hunting-ground Of the cruel
and blOOdtbirsty Cheyennes ArapahOes, and
kiOWas. Their opposition 70 the intrusion OF
the whites manifested itself at every opportu-
nifty where Il was possible 10 murder OF carry
into captivity. The empire Of the plow had
Just then dawned, aud the march Of the home
Eteader but fairly begun. The satanic genius
OF Indian hatred bTooded over the beautiful
landscape. aud the harvest OF the unlaboTed
fields was blood.
few hardy trappeH had for years roamed
over the praries and camped temporarily on
the banks Of the wooded streams il is true
but there was no attempt at permanent settle
mcnt except in the immediate vicinity Of the
several forts, but they were established only
from time 20 time at remote distances from
each other, generally on the line Of the Oregon
Gnd Santa Fe trails under the protection Of
which 1t was alone safe to remain in the cOuD-
Try.
About the time the site for the new post Of
Fort HarzCr on the Smoky Hill, had been de-
termined upon, and troops-the 9Th Inf and
Gen. Clusters 7th Cay.-were camped on the
grassy bottoms Of the river aud creeks IN the
vicinity waiting for their permanent quarters
20 be erected. bold, persistent frontersman
named Paul Reaume, who had been pioneer
in the Wilds OF Wisconsin 20 years before, emil
grated from that State into Kansas.
After looking around for some time visiting
al the inviting localities OF the new Common
wealth IN decided opposition 30 tire advice Of
the military authorities al Fort Harker and the
Commanding General Of the Department he
took up claim aud established a ranch al
q magnificent spring a few hundred rods north
OF the base OF the Twin Mounds
keaume was WidoWeT but bis eldest dauph-
Cor, Susie. dark haired, rather handsome aud
Withal modest, gentle girl Of ID, kept house
and acted the role Of mother 10 her four vounp
sisters aud brothers, who loved aud obeyed her
with al the intensity Of their warm natures
heaume was French but one generation re-
moved, which she reciprOcated Iu an equal de-
gree. They were a charming little family, Of
more means and greater refinement than is
usually found in the average pioneer immi-
grant
Tho fertile valley stretching many miles
north and south afforded a rich pasturage and
the relatively deep woods on the margin of the
Eikhorn a splendid shelter ia Winter for the
herd OF cattle that Reaume had driven from
Lls old home. 80 be built as bis needs re-
CURED comfortable lighthouse aud spacious
cOuas, where with ara abundance of game all
around Ain, from the trim -feathuIed quail 10
tic huge shaggy coated buffalo he settled down
~ "a 4Ltu " rude CUuLCutmuut.
Dl Tic many Government scouts sc Fort Har-
ker, among whom were NliInm j. Cody UBuf.
is0 Bib William HIckOk wild Bill and
Others, was Jack Hart Hart was a young.
llPHJ-Laired boy, not more than - years old.
41C was i.lIiy well educated, Mother slangv nor
clalectlc lu expression Of thought; courageous
a. lion, aud endowed with degree OF en-
curanco under haFdshipE incident 10 his v0ra-
lion that was marvellous ID It's contemplation
By novice. Jack was q remarkably luc shot
with either DC or revolver. llcc0uld tOssupau
empty oyster can and pat every bail out OF biz
two Cot's into ID before ID fell 10 the grouud
aud either crease or center tie heart OF au
antelope az 800 yards as be m glt elect
JIG was as keen on the trail az amy Indian.
whose original astutCncss and strategy he lad
mastered, and was the superior 81 Tic sa wage as
De- any white man when once thoroughly IA
miliaf with their cunning Besides, in that
quick perception aud determination So csscntial
~ success In the moment OF danger. when deal.
lng with TIC willy nOmad Of tie plaius. Hart
was unequaicd by auy other scout ever knew.
aud have intimately known all who have
Inquired al all cousplcuously during the past IS
years
Jack was a great favorite with all the officers
Ht iue military posts Ia the whole Department
Of The Missouri; had their entire Confidence
aud when any duty in his line became uoccs
taIy requiring exceptional bravery, judgment
aud promPtness IN It's execution, Hart was in,
FafiaDiy detailed itproseut, Go perform ID.
Que day in April l-G7, as he was returning
from the Platte River 10 Fort Harker with \
company 0i the 9th Cavalry ho Was guiding Il
tie post, they halted at the spring yLor,
Reaume had established his ranch 10 feed an,
horses rest and water Then for tie first tim,
in bis life Jack saw Susie Reaumc who wa
eheeriuly preparing an excellent dinner In he
iGthcr's modest cabin for the officers OF IA,
command, vino had politely requested her fol
something 10 eat
40 "ae tIe same old story OF mutual love On,
moment their eyes met and ever after tina
memorable noon-halt when Hart had day Of
~ would mount lis own roam bronclio Taton
"a ilae across the country 10 the Twii
Mounds, aud pour bis hearts thoughts 10 m,