The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1913-03-06
ward as he rode past, took his place
in advance beside Major Elliott.
CHAPTER xxxv.
The Indian Trail.

The Indian Trail.
The weather became colder as the
day advanced Scattered pellets OF
snow in the air dashed the faces OF
the troopers, who rode steadily for.
ward, the capes Of their overcoats
thrown over their heads for protec.
ton. The snow Of the late storm lay
in drifts along the banks Of the mar
row stream, and the horses picked
their passage higher up where the
wind had swept the brown earth clear.
at the same time keeping well below
the crest AS they thus toiied SLOW
iy forward. Hamlin related his story
to the Major in detail, carefully con-
cealing all suspicion Of McDonaid's
connection with the crime. 1t vas
growing dusk when the company
emerged into the Valley OF the Cana
dian. All about them was desolat!on
and silence, and as they ware still
miles away from the position assigned
for Black Kettles encampment, the
men were permitted to build fires and
prepare a warm meal under shelter OF
the bluffs. Two hours later the main
column arrived and also went into
camp. 1t was intensely cold but the
men were cheerful as they ate their
supper Of smoky and half-roasted buff
falo meat, bacon, bareback, aud cot
fee
In response to orders the Sergeant
-, 81 tN
port in person to Custer. He found
that commander ensconced in a small
tent, hastily erected in a little grove
OF cOttOnWoods, which afforded a
slight protection from the piercing
wind. Before him on the ground
from which the snow had been swept
lay map Of the region, while all
a bout, pressed tightly into the narrow
quarters, were his troop officers. AS
Hamlin was announced by the order
", conversation ceased, and Custer
surveyed the newcomer an instant in
silence.
Step forward, Sergeant" he said
quietly. "Ah, yes; l had forgotten
your name, but remember your face"
he smiled about on the group. Eve
have been so scattered since our or
ganization, gentlemen. that we are all
comparative strangers" He stood up,
lifting in one hand tin cup of coffee,
Gentlemen, all We of the Seventh re-
joice in the honor of the service.
whether it be upheld by officer or en-
listed man. I bid you drink toast
with me to Sergeant Hamlin."
"But, General, I have done nothing
to deserve"
"Observe the modesty of real
hero. Yet wait until | am through.
With due regard for his achievements
as a soldier, l propose this toast in
commemoration Of greater deed OF
gallantry than those of arms-the cap
ture of Miss Molly Mcdonald"
There was quick uplifting Of cups,
a burst Of laughter, and volley OF
questions, the Sergeant staring about
motionless, his face flushed.
What Is it, General?"
Tell US the story!"
"Give US the joke!"
But I assure you it is no joke. I
have it direct from the fair lips of the
lady. Brace yourselves, gentlemen.
for the shock. You young West Point
ers lose, and yet the honor remains
with the regiment. Miss Molly Nc
Donald, the toast Of old Fort Dodge,
whose bright eyes have won all your
hearts, has given hers to Sergeant
Hamlin Of the Seventh. And now
again, boys, to the honor Of the regi-
ment!"
Out of the buzz Of conversation and
the hearty words of congratulation,
Hamlin emerged bewildered. finding
himself again facing Custer, whose
manner had as swiftly changed into
the brusque note of command.
81 have met you before, Sergeant"
he said slowly, before your assign
ment to the Seventh, think I am
not sure where; were you in the Shen-
andoah?"
Il was, SIR
"At Winchester"
Il saw you first at Cedar Greek,
General Custer; brought flag"
That's it: l have the incident
clearly before me now. You were
Iieutenant-colCnel"
"Of the Fourth Texas, sir"
''Exactly; think l heard later-but
never mind that now. Sheridan re-
members you; he even mentioned
your name to me few weeks ago. No
doubt that was what caused me to
recognize your face again after all
these years. How long have you been
In our service2"
ever since the war closed"
For a moment the two men looked
into each others faces, the command
er smiling. the enlisted man at re-
spectful attention.
"I will talk with you at some future
time, Sergeant" Custer said at last,
resuming his seat on log. "Now we
shall have to consider tomorrow's