Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1901-06-27

w.
was mater of indifference. but, as
the friend of his mother and sister
! every polite attention and service
in his power was due. Therefore, on
| the day of her arrival he rode out
several miles TO meet the ambulance
| that was bringing her under Ltcutcn-
! ant ThUrstOn $ escort,
She was evidently pleased to see
him, and, Notwithstanding her long
| Journey, presented a charming ap-
pcaranco, talking cleverly AS he rode
by the side of the vehicle to the
| Thurston's door
When Marjory called upon Miss
Kingston she was charmed with her
expressing her admiration frankly,
for she was a girl of character, in
capable Of petty jealousy. \ mutual
friendship sprang up between them,
each finding much in the other to like,
Miss Kingston was also an accom-
! plished hOrsewoman; riding parties
were much in vogue and greatly en-
ioyed by that young lady, to whom life
on the frontier had the charm of eX-
IRENE novelty. Yet, oftcner. Captain
Lansing, Miss Kingston, and Marjory,
duly chapcroned by Captain Trayers,
rode out long distances into the noun
tains.
one day, in late September, they
had purposod visiting wild spot in
the heart of the mountains, often
described by Marjory, that Miss
Kingston greatly desired to see. At
the moment of departure unexpected
duty detained TraVers.
The day was unCOmmonly fine, all
arrangements were complete, and
Travers was unwilling to disappont
Miss Kingston, so he said: Lansing,
! I'll trust the young ladies in your keep
ing, their hearts are set on this eX-
cursion; only, don't linger too long in
the woods
And thus it happened that the three
rode out gayly, apprehending no evil.
AS they climbed the foothills the air
freshened, ascending the higher noun
tains they admired the gorgeous
autumn foliage, laughing from pure
eXhilaration of spirit, singing snatches
of song or uttering bright nothings all
the way. At last after some steep
climbing they began to descend till
they found themselves in a broad ra-
vine, green with grass and MOSES
where a volume of water fell sheer
| i pf gnla & n In q
a veil of fleecy foam over rocks black
with age. Here they dismounted
Lansing picketed the horses, who
devoured the short grass, while the
party lunched The day passed mer-
rily, ana it was o'clock when they
were again in their saddles on their
homeward way. Riding single file,
following the Indian trail that wound
round the sides Of the precipitous
mountains, where ore false step would
hurl them down hundreds of feet into
the rocky ravines that yawned be
meath, they picked their way carefully
in silence till they reached the foot
hills, when their pace became brisker.
They were about three miles and a
half from the fort when Miss King
ston, pointing with her whip, asked :
What is that body Of men in the dis
tance?"
Lansing leyeld mis- field glass, and
presently replied: "A band of In
diaus,"
"Shoshones, doubtless"
I'm not sure" he answered, with
studied carelessness.
Mariory, who had been watching
them for some moments before Miss
Kingston spoke, said quietly They
are not Shoshones! think they arc
Sioux"
But, friendly" asked Miss King
ston, with ill-concealed anxiety.
At this moment the band, not more
than a mile distant. began to file to
right and left, spreading out into q
haIf-circle, through which they must
pass to reach the post
u don't like that" said Marjory.
Nor l." burst from Lansing. who
had grown pale with sudden fear; for
mis- position was one to try a mans
soul, two helpless girls upon his hands
and no way out Of it that he could see.
Are they hostile. Is there danger?"
questioned Miss Kingston, excitedIy.
Il fear So" replied Nariory, finding