Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-01-23
"eut My Question Was Addressed to
Sergeant Hamlin," She Lnterposed.

Sergeant Hamlin," She Lnterposed.
ly, but with new light in them. She
had not forgotten now the danger was
Aver; she meant him to realize her
friendship.
''It seems to me the only safe
course for you to take, Miss McDon-
ald,' he said slowly. endeavoring to
keep the note of triumph out of his
voice. Your father is perfectly safe,
and will join you within few days.
would not dare attempt your protec-
ton farther west
You are not going with us then?-
she questioned in surprise.
mot if Lieutenant Gaskins will
furnish me with horse and rifle. I
must report at Union, and, on the
way. tell your father where you are"
But the danger! oh, you mustn't
attempt such a ride alone!"
THAT is nothing; the valley is
swept clean, and l shall do most of
my riding at night. Any plainsman
: could do the trick-hey, SAM"
WATSON nodded. chewing solemnly
on the tobacco in his cheek.
He'll make the trip all right, MISS .
he drawled lazily. wish / was goin'
long. I'm sure tired O. this sorter
scoutin am. Down below the
Cimarron is the only place yell have
ter watch out close, Brick Them
Comanches an Apaches are the worst
lot"
II know-night riders themselves,
but l know the trail. Can you outfit
me, lieutenant"
Gaskins smiled grimly, but with no
trace of humor. His eyes were upon
the girl, still leaning over her POM
mel
"I'll outfit you all right" he said
brusquely, land with no great regret,
either. And l shall report finding
you here in disobedience to orders"
very well. sir
Mollys brown eyes swept to the
lieutenant's face, her form straighten-
ing in the saddle. her lips pressed
tightly together. Gaskins fronted the
sergeant, stung into anger by the
mans quiet response
Il shall prefer charges, you under
& stand" almost savagely Helm, give
this fellow that extra rife, and am
munition belt. McMasters, you will
let him have your horse"
WATSON rolled out Of his saddle,
muttering something indistinctly.
which might have been an oath
II amt goin' ter stand fer that,
leftenant." he said defiantly. "Bein'
as amt no enlisted man, an this
yere is my boss. Brick Hamlin don't
start on no such ride ON that lame
brute O. McMasters'. Here, you
Brick take this critter. OH shut
up! I'll git to Dodge sll right Won't
hurt me none to walk"
The eyes of the two men met under
standinsly. and Hamhnntook the rein
In his hand Gaskins started to speak,
but thought better OF 1t. A moment
he stood. irresolute, and then swung
up into saddle. his glance ignoring the
Attention! company" he command
ed sharply. by column four
march," otsi
The girl spurred her horse forward.
and held out her hand
"Good-by," she said, falteringly,
''you-will be careful"
"Of course" and he smiled up into
her eyes. Don't worry about mel
am an old hand"
':And I am to see you again?"
Il shall never run away, surely, and
I hope for the best
Miss Mcdonald" broke in Gaskins
impatiently. "the men are already
moving"
eyes," her eyes still upon the ser
geant's uncovered face, Il am coming.
Don't imagine l shall ever forget" she
murmured hastily, "or that I will
not be glad to meet you anywhere"
Some time l may put you to the
test" he answered. soberlX IT any
4 ~ " " Bill