Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-01-16

Eyes; we Fought them Of until
after dark, although the Mexican was
killed by the first fire. / don't know
when the other man got his"
'sWho were they?"
Gonzales ran high-ban game at
Santa Fe; the other, Moylan, was
post-sutler at Fort Mercy
"How many Indians? Who were
they?"
about thirty; we must have Killed
five OF six. It was hardly more than
daylight when they left, and could
not tell just how many bodies they
strapped on the ponies. They were
mixed bunch Of young bucks, princi-
pally Arapahoes, led by Roman Nose"
went west. hey?"
Eyes, sir"
the river, and then looked at WATSON,
who remained seated in the saddle.
+ Must be the same lot Maxwell told
us about up on Pawnee Fork, SAM"
he said at last. "He will be likely to
cut their trail some time today. We
knew bunch had headed south, but
didn't suppose they had got as far as
this already. Better leave Maxwell to
run them in, 1 suppose? Our orders
are to return to Dodge"
"They haven't three hours the
start" ventured Hamlin in surprise,
"and cannot travel fast with so many
of their ponies doubly loaded"
'That is for me to decide" staring
insolently, land understand my duty
without any advice. Is there any dam
age done west Of here?"
"The station at the crossing is burn
ed; two dead men there; don't know
what became Of the third"
"Then it is just as thought; those
fellows will turn north before they get
that far. and will run straight into
Maxwell What do you say, Sam?"
The scout lolled carelessly in the
saddle. his eyes on the river, his lean.
brown face expressionless.
Il reckon as how it don't make no
great difference what say" he an
swered soberly. Yer amt taken no
advice frum me yit, fur as 1 remem-
Der. But II yer really want ter know.
this time. my notion is them bucks
will most likely hide in the bluffs
till night, an then sneak past Max
we'll after it gifts good an dark. II
this yere wus my outfit now. I'd just
naturally light on to the trail fast,
orders or no orders. reckon it's In
juns we cum out after, an I don't sup
pose the war department would find
any fault If we found few
The blood surged into the lieuten.
ants face. but opposition only served
to increase his obstinacy
Il prefer to rely on my own judg-
ment," he said tartly. From what
this man reports they are in stronger
force than we are. Besides my in
structions were not to provoke hostil-
ties
| WATSON grinned, revealing his yell
low teeth.
Sure not; they are so damned
peaceable themselves
II prefer leaving Captain Maxwell
to deal with the situation Gaskins
went on pompously, ignoring the
sheer, as he outranks me, and I am
under strict instructions to return at
once to the fort Two of our horses
are disabled already, and Smiley is
too sick to be left alone. I'll not risk
it. Well,' he broke off suddenly, and
addressing a corporal who had just
ridden up and saluted, have you
buried the bodies?"
Eyes, sir; found these papers on
them aasasEs' sssasasz.sssxT
The lieutenant thrust these into his
jacket pocket
Very well, Hough. Form the men
into column. Miss Mcdonald, you
will retain the horse you have, and
should be very glad to have you
ride with me. oh. corporal, was ev-
erything in the coach destroyed?
Nothing saved belonging to this
LADY,"
Only the ironwork is left. sir"
$50 l thought; exceedingly sorry,
Miss Mcdonald. The ladies at Dodge
will At you out when we get in. I
am bachelor. you know" he added.
glancing aside into her face, but can
promise every attention
Her eyes sought Hamlin where he
stood straight and motionless, re-
specially waiting an opportunity to
speak
Isis this what l ought to do?"
she questioned, leaning toward him.
Il am 80 confused hardly know what
is best
why, of COURSE" broke in the
lieutenant hastily. "You may trust
me 70 advise"
| To be Continued