The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1903-02-20
By Frances Jerome

: prairie 10 VIAL seemed " DC Ciuhip "
trees.
In a few moments they had reached
the spot, an implanted cabin, with a
few cottonwood trees o 1t, a hall
dozen dogs barking madly, a few chick
ems, which fled cackling loudly at the
unusual sight, and they stopped.
Jim sprang from his seat and put
down the small trunk, which had its
place beside him, before he turned to
help the old lady out.
Here you are, ma'am," he said. and
long afterward she remembered a
strange look of pity. which was on his
face las he lifted her in his strong arms
and set her lightly down. e you'll
excuse me I must hurry back, I've got
to catch h next train; I reckon eft you
just step in the yard, some onell come
out. Them dam Iniun dogs don't do
nothing but bark; they won't hurt You,
ma'am," and before the woman had
time to collect her thoughts or offer
thanks for her ride, Timber Jim was
off in a cloud of dust which seemed to
fairly swallow him up.
TIL be dummed eff it isn't the a
est shame Lever heerd Of" he muttered
behind his yellow mustache. and he
o a long pull at the flask which, out
of respect to his late fare, he had kept
hidden in his pocket.
AS Madame Lorimer stepped toward
the closed door of the forlorn cabin it
opened, and a strange form met her
weary eyes.
A dark red face, with high cheek
bones and narrow black eyes; long
locks of coarse black hair, and gathered
close about her and held with a slender
brown hand d heavy red and black
shawl.
The older woman Strengthened herself
UP proudly. There must be some mis-
take" she said. Il am seeking my son,
George Lorimer, and 1 was told that he
lived here"
An expression of fright such as you
may surprise in the res OF Z dumb
animal came into the red woman's face,
then she too lifted her head proudly.
There is no mistake, madame" she
said, in a voice which, though low. was
soft and gentle. II am George Lori
mer's wife. viii you come in?"
Thank God the feelings of the aged
are a little dulled. Madame Lorimer
faltered, almost fell, and it was the
strong arm of the younger woman
supported her to a seat just in
side the door.
She closed her eyes and murmured a
silent prayer; then, raising her clear.
fearless yes to the compassionate
ly: Il do not believe you. Where is
my son?'
"He has gone out hunting and will
return" was the answer, and at
moment there was q patter Of lit
tie feet and a childish voice cried out,
Mamma, mamma"
A little boy of three or Jour years
am form the inner room, and there
before her affrighted eyes, stood a little
one in bronze.
A strange looking creature with a
beauty Of his own. The blue eyes of
shone from his face, and there
was in it that intangible something,
which shows US that certain blood runs
n the same veins. With a low cry
Nine. Lorimer reached out blindly, and |
ell forward to the ground.
For days she lay In blessed uncon-
on the hard bed in the India |
,abin; sometimes she reused a little,
1t seemed to her that a tender
orown face bent over her, and strong
brown arms changed her pillows, but 1t
vas November before she was able to
1T up in bed. and heal her son, her be- |
son even yet, make his strange
confession.
you do not know the wild life we
i've here, mother. I was among the
most reckless, and nee when fortune
eemed to frown more than usual and I
lad been drinking for days. in a mo-
nent Of despair h thought came to
why III A4laIIy LDIlSut Eyes,, Tie |
laughter OF a chief in the Cherokee
ribe. and get her rich inheritance it
means social ruin forever: I shall be
hat most hated Of creatures, a squaw
nan, but what do I care. When I get
start with her money, I can make
and go east and leave her. And I
i'd it."
"I was not unpleasing to her, and she
vas much superior to many Of the In
ian girls, as she had been educated at
school.
st was done. but I loathed myself
nd hated her, then mother, our boy,
George, was born, and things looked
cry differently to me. I began to love
and I adored my son. still I dared
lot tell you, and SO I lived a lie. But
he has won my confidence
ompletely by her loving care Of you.
he stands outside waiting for Just
ne loving word"
Can I come in now," said a soft
dice. and with a low cry for pardon,
he Indian daughter threw herself on
he others breast and was forgiven.