The Sully County watchman. (Clifton, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1894, 1893-01-13

AHu awaits my spirit too;
For the cause that lacks assistance,
Forthe wrong that needs resistance,
For the future in the distance
| And the good that can do.
Charles DIackay.
The Sod House On The Plains.
BY LOUIS DE LEsTRY.
(Copyright)
Hank was queer character. He
had come to the camp one night in
August, while terrific storm was
| raging over the prairies. 1t was one
| OF those nights that make men seek
gladly the shelter of the most hum
| BILE habitation. The wind was driy-
ing sheets OF rain, against which
| there was absolutely no protection.
And the heavens were aflame with an
awe inspiring display of lightning.
Those of the boys who had seen the
storm approach, rapidly secured the
restless herds of cattle and made their
way to the little sod house, that did
duty OF home for us, on this western
cattle ranch.
LII nad but two rooms. one in which
we slept and one in which we cooked
and partook of our frugal meals.
Luxuries were unknown quantities
then, where we Were.' Leisure we
had plenty and room the more.
There we sat by the light OF several
tallow candles looking from one to
| the other.
The fury of the elements made
speaking difficult. Through the one
little window of the room, the tre-
mendous, electric flames would throw
at times, brilliant blaze after which
our group would look almost spectral
by the dim, Pickering candle light.
There was nothing for us to do but
wait for the abating of the storm and
then to look after the cattle.
just after an awful peal of thunder
came knocking at the door, Who
could it be? We were in an isolated
section of country. Near us the old
Missouri rolled by and across it's chan
mel the Red man had undisputed
sway. Visitors were out OF the ques-
tion. But it was>nOt night to keep
anyone in waiting and one of the boys
quickly opened the door.
There stood the figure of a man,
drenched from head to foot. holding
horse by the bride. A sudden flash
of lightning revealed hina, appearing
almost ghost-like and everybody in
the room sprang to their feet. "Keep
coolr said he in deep voice. Can
| get shelter herey, Could he? Did
ever a Westerner refuse shelter to
any human being, rain or shine? One
of the boys looked after the strangers
horse, Others led him in.
Dry clothing was furnished at,Once
and the visitor made as comfortable
as the place permitted.
awful night" he said: then
lapsed into silence for q while. s'Quite
a snug place this, | tell you there is
nothing like dry roof in one Of these
howlers." to which remark we readily
assented and as the rain continued, all
sought such sleep as the storm king
was willing to grant.
~
The morning dawDed beautiful.
The rain drops fairly glistened ON the
grass blades in the rising sunoeams.
Not "a trace OF last nights storm re-
manned.
We were up betimes and breakfast
over, went out on the round up. We
left the stranger In the cabin. but
when we returned at noon still found
him there. contrary to expectations.
He was in no hurry to 20, but was
sitting on a rock, looking contentedly
about him.
Hello friend" said our foreman,
''still here?" YES" came the
answer. And if you don't mind, I'd
like to stay here, providing yon are
shorthanded." And he looked inquir-
ingly from one to the other of the
boys. Well we needed man and the
foreman hired him. 'SWhat's your
name?" ''IIarry sir, but you can call
me Hank. for short" And SO he was
called. while he remained at the YX
ranch.
Life on cattle ranch is not full OF
great adventures. just before the
annual round UP and shipping season
| it is all routine work.
The new man needed but little in
structing. He was il good horseman.
knew good deal about cattle and as
| the foreman said, was a useful hand
all round. Hank" was a rather
quiet sort OF a fellow. He could talk
| well and knew much that was new to
the boys, but it always took more or
less OF an effort To get him to say
something. He had travelled much
and his stories were interesting. But
OF himself or other people he had
nothing to say.
So time went on right merrily.
| None Of us were sorry that Hank"
had come. Everyone was his friend
and he in turn befriended all.
The roundup was over and we set
tied down again to our usual easy
ways. One evening, when it was
Hanks turn to get supper, we came to
the cabin and found him in a raging
fever. Here was a dilemma. ItWas
| impossible to geta doctor and in the
condition he was in, Hank could not
! be transported to some town. So we