The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1912-12-19
VOLUME L1X, NO. IS.

II was not 30 terribly afraid last
night; l hardly had time to realize
what was being done, did your"
well, yes; it was risky business.
Awfully treacherous bottom and l was
trusting to good luck"
The sergeant ats heartily, speaking
occasionally so as to divert her mlnd'
but for the most part, busily thinking
and endeavoring to decide his next
move. He sat facing the river, con-
tinually lifting his head to scan the
opposite shore. There was probaDly
scouting detail somewhere near at
hand, either approaching from the
east, alarmed by the report OF the
fleeing stage crew, or else detach-
ment tracking Roman Noses war
riors across those plains extending
into the north. The latter contin-
gency was the more probable, judg-
ing from the Indians flight, and his
own knowledge of the small reserve
force left at Dodge. Besides, ride as
they might those two fleeing cowards
of yesterday could hardly have yet
reached that shelter of safety and
might not confess the truth Of their
desertion even when they did arrive
A pursuing force was the only real
hope for escaping the necessity of a
hard tramp back over the trail. Well,
the girl looked fit, and he glanced to-
award her approximately
In spite of the sad experiences OF
the past night she was a pleasant
spectacle, her eyes bright with ex-
element, her cheeks flushed under
the morning sun which flecked her
dark, disordered hair with odd color.
| Hers was a winsome face, with smll-
ing lips, and frank good nature in It's
contour. He was surprised to note
how fresh and well she looked.
Are you tired?"
mot very. 1t seems more as though
had dreamed all this than actually
passed through the experience. Per-
haps when l do realize, the reaction
will set in But now am strong, and
and not at all frightened
Nor hungry"
1T is hard to eat, but am often
that way" Her hand strayed to the
emptied haversack, and she turned 1t
carelessly over, where it lay beside
her on the sand. why, this is ali
old Confederate sack, isn't it? hadn't
noticed before; see, C. S. A. is ON
the flap"
$50 it is; perhaps Moylan served in
the SOUTH
II think not. l am sure this was
never his, for he bought it at Dodge.
1 remember he told me he would have
to find something to carry our lunch
in She pushed the flap farther back,
then held it up to the sunlight. There
, are some other letters, but they are
hardly decipherable. I cannot read
the first line at all, but the second 10
somewhat plainer-'Fourth Texas In
fantry." ..-. 49, =.
Hamlin reached out his hand swift
ly. and grasped the haversack, forget
ting everything else in suddenly
aroused interest. The girl, surprised,
stared up into his face, as he closely
studied the faded inscription, his face
expressing unconcealed amazement.
Good God!' he calculated breath
lessly. 1T was Genes. What can this
mean?'
"You-you knew the soldier?"
knew him? Yes" speaking almost
unconsciously, his incredulous eyes
still on the inscription, as though fear
full it might vanish. That man was
either my best friend, or my worst
enemy; under heaven, l know not
which, Why, it is like miracle, the
finding of this bag out here in the des-
ert. 1t is the clue have been search
ing after for nearly five years" He
seemed to pull himself together with
an effort, realizing her presence. Eek
! cuse me, Miss Mcdonald, but this
thing knocked me silly hardly kAsS
what was saying ~
: 1T means much to you? TO I'LL
life?" -
Everything, if I can only tEace it
back, and thus discover the -YH9H
whereabouts of the original k8a3/
WAS that your regiment. H$Q1
> Fourth Texas 1nfantry?" N1 I'm
He bowed his head, no
frankly at her.
would you mind telli1 =
rank?' a.,~
Il became Captain Of bGny
after the fight at Chanq IL; we
served in Virginia 7ndel Massa
). Robert, and lost every commissioned
officer in that affair." He hesitate
to go on, but she prompted him bS2
; question: /,9aA
!. "And then what2 What M4aeef II
that happened? Don't be 1fEsM to
tell me-" lux "a
Nothing until the day sftopeAtaa{
Fishers HILL" heepaid 69Nt. $I&en
I was dismissA ton ot44 .segTfee =
for cowardice. ~, ens 3 q
!, "Cowardice. <zrefsfel1t t&e Ropdn
quick protest. WIFI foE q0u14 Fat
be-? surelysy6sz l1pf@E4 k14 BeeH
sufficiently zstsd tetbp8 .. e 81 g,