Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1913-11-14
CHAPTER xxxiv.-contInued.

They could perceive the blue OF the
o]yercoats as they rode over the ridge
and at their sudden appearance the
little column of horsemen came to a
halt. Hamlin flung up one hand In sig
nal, and the two urged their ponies
down the side of the hill. Three men
spurred forth to meet them. spreading
out slightly as though still suspicious
OF some trick, but, as they drew near.
the leader suddenly waved his hand.
and they dashed forward.
"Hamlinl Glad to see you again."
the first rider greeted the Sergeant
cordially. Can this be Major Melon
AIDS daughter"
YES, Major Elliott; I car repeat
the story as we ride along, sir. You
are the advance Of Clusters expedi-
ton, l presumed"
I'VE are: the others are some miles
behind, moving slowly SO that the
wagons can keep within touch. Won
derful the way those wagons have
rushed ahead over the rough country.
Have only missed camp twice since
we left Fort Dodge"
when was that, sir?"
Before the blizzard all except your
troop we're at Camp Supply; they had
Joined since. and 1t was then we heard
about your trip down here. What be-
came Of your Q Sergeant"
WATSON and one private we're
killed, sir; the other private was
frozen SO badly I had to leave him in
shelter on the Cimarron."
~ - r1,,-lo f~tnrNo<tn-, --A
so you tackled the villains alone, and
rad some fight at that before rescuing
Miss Mcdonald. Well. the story will
keen until We make camp again.
However" and he bent low over the
lady,s hand, II must congratulate Miss
Mcdonald on her escaping without
any serious injury"
'That il not all I should be con
graduated upon, Major Elliott" she
said quietly.
"No-eh-perhaps l do not under
stand"
II desire hat you shall; I refer to
The officer glanced In soma Devil
derment from her face to that Of the
silent trooper.
'You-you mean matrimonial he
stammered, plainly embarrassed, un-
able 20 suddenly to grasp the peculiar
situation. "Hamlin. what-what does
this mean?"
Miss Molly and / have known each
other for some time" explained the
Sergeant bluntly. "Out here alone we
discovered re were moro than friends.
That is all, sir"
For an instant Elliott hesitated,
held by the strange etiquette Of rank.
then the gentleman conquered the sol.
held out his hand.
Il can congratulate you, Miss Mo
Donald" he exclaimed frankly. q"
have known Sergeant Hamiin for two
years: he Is a soldier and a gentle
man."
The red blood swept into har
cheeks, her eyes Frightening.
HE is my soldier" she replied soft
ly, and the man l love-"
They rode together down the steep
hillside covered with its mantle Of
snow to Join h little body OF troop
ers halted in the valley. Only once
did Elliott speak.
You know Black Kettles camp.
Sergeant ?"
I'VE we're almost within sight Of it,
mir. / saw his pony herd distinctly"
Where was that?"
"On the Canadian, close to the
mouth Of Buffalo Creek"
Did you learn anything az to the
number of Indians with himf"
Nothing definite, but 1t Is . large
encampment, not all C~heyennes."
"So We heard, but were unable to
esoovsr the exact situation. We have
bssn feeling q way forward eau
1ously. 1 fear It II going to be my
pnplsasant duty to separate you and
1lee Mcdonald. We shall need your
0rvioes ~ guide, ana the lady WIN
- fAf better OF Witt the main COL