The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1907-10-24
were already seated when the captse


"I think did much better" he cried,
taking a chair between his sisters, to
secure a good bed and such plentiful
breakfast, instead of trusting to the hos
pitaity of that renowned corps, the Cou
boys"
IF you could Sleep" said Sarah, ''yoJ
were more fortunate than Frances and
myself every murmur of the night ali
sounded to me like the approach of th|
rebel army"
"Why,' said the captain. laughing,
do acknowledge little inquietude mysel
but how was it with you!' turnin,
to his younger and evidently favorite sis :
ter, and tapping her check did you sed
banners in the clouds, and mistake Miss
Peyton's Aeoliap harp for rebellious mu-
sic!"
Nay, Henry" reioined the maid, look
ing at him affectionately, much as
love my own country. the approach of her
troops just now would give me great
pain
The brother made no reply. but return
ing the fondness expressed in her EYED by
a look of fraternal tenderness. be gently
pressed her hand in silence; when CesaF,
who had participated largely in the anx1
iety of the family and kept a vigilanIt
watch from one of the windows, exclaimss
cd, with face that approached to some
thing like the hues of a white man:
-Harry-run-if he lovel
old Caesar, run-here come a rebel horse n
Run" repeated the British officerl
gathering himself up in military pride 4
mo, Mr.. Cesar. running is not my
trade" While speaking, he walked des
liberately to the window, where the fam{
lily were already collected in the greatest
CONSERVATION.
At the distance of more than a milel
| about fifty Dragons were to be seen. IH
advance with an officer was man attired
in the dress of a countryman, who points
| ed in the direction of the cottage. n
small party now left the main body and
moved rapidly toward the object of thei
destination. The Whartons continued
| chained in breathless silence when thu
party, having reached the dwelling ol
| Birch, made a rapid circle around his,
grounds, and in an instant his house wa A
surrounded by a dozen sentinels.
Two or three of the dragons now disA
mounted and disappeared; in a few mira
| utcs, however they returned to the yarG,
followed by Katy, from whose violerS
! gesticulations it was evident that matterA
of no trihing concern were on the carpeN
4 short communication with the loquqi
cous housekeeper followed the arrival cl
the main body of the troop, and the a6S
vanced party remounting, the who'll
moved toward the Locusts with greag
| speed.
As yet none Of the family had sufT
| cent presence of mind to devise GnFI
| means of security for Captain WhartonA
| but the danger now became pressing. Zig
sisters. with trembling hands, replaced hT
original disguise. the Instruments ~
which had been carefully kept at hand bs
| Caesar, in expectation of some sEddel
| emergency. This arrangement was has
| lily completed, as the Dragons entered til
lawn, and in their turn the Wharton
were surrounded.
Nothing remained now but to meet til
| impending examination with as much IL
| difference as the family could assumk
| The leader of the horse dismounted, an
| followed by a couple of his men, he a /
| preached the outer door of the building
which was slowly and reluctantly open4I
for his admission by Caesar. The heaY
| tread of the trooper rang in the ears
the females and drove the blood from thes
| faces. N
| \ man, whose colossal stature manifeS
ed the possession OF vast strength, enter9
the room, and removing his cap he salus
Cd the family. His dark hair hung arouf'
his brow in prUfusion. and his face wA
nearly hid in the whiskers by which 1
was disfgured. Still, the expression
his eye, though piercing, was not baA
and his voice, though deep and powerfF
was far from unpleasant.
You have no cause for alarm, ladies'
said the officer my business will be com
fined to a few questions, which, if freq
answered, will instantly remove us frGl
your dwelling Has there been strapi
gentleman staying with you during Z
Storm
This gentleman-here-favored
with his company during the rain,
has not yet departed" answered \
| Wharton. V
This gcntleman!" repeated the oths
turning to Captain. Wharton. II am 81
ry for the severe cold you have in Sq
head, SIR fhI
-" exclaimed the captain, in s
prise Il have no cold in my head"
Il fancied it then, from seeing VI
had covered such handsome black lof}I
with that ugly old wig; it was my NJ
take, you will please to pardon it,"
Mr.. Wharton groaned aloud. The CT
tain moved his hand invOluntarily to
head, and discovered that the trepidat
of his sisters had left some of his natu
hair exposed. The dragoon watched
movement with a continued smile, wh
turning to the father, he proceeded:
''Then, sir, l am to understand tn N
has not been a Mr.. Harper here wit
the week"
Mr.. Harper" echoed the other, feel
load removed from his heart-"yes y
| had forgotten hut he is gone. 10 me