Farmers' champion. (Elgin, Okla.) 1912-1922, 1913-06-12
CHAPTER xi.

A Remsmtranee Of the Past.
Moylan must have had Miss McDon-
aid In mind when he had stocked up
with food 1t Fort Dodge. and had
therefore chosen all the delicacies 70
be found at that frontier post. These
we're not extensive. consisting largely
OF canned goods. which, nevertheless.
made Q brave show. and were clearly
enough not the ordinary fare Of the
border. Hamlin had to smile at the
array. but Molly handled each article
almost with reverence. tears dimming
her eyes In memory.
"He-he bought tAeoe for me-" shs
said softly. and looking across r.
proachfully 1t the sergeant "lt was
the best he could d."
Il was not laughing at poor Moylan;
only. fear. no had . wrong oonoep-
ton Of girls needs on the trail. But
reckon our combined appstitss ars
equal to t."
II do not fssl ~ though I could
swallow Q mouthfSal"
Under orders goa Win ". We
have hard day before ~. young Lady,
and some tramping TO DO afoot.
wish know whore that horse ! turn
cd loose last night hac driftsd to: In
to the bluffs. probably. whsrs the
gpass u green. He would be Of some
help just TOW. Try this. Miss NcDon-
aid. for lack Of somsthing better. l
yearn for ham and coffee. but hardly
dare build . flre yet. The smoke
would be seen for miles away"
III We were across the river W
could use the stage fire."
"Yes. but there II wide river dow.
ing between. Don't be afraid Of that
trip" noting the expression Of her
face. 1T will be easy enough to cross
back By daylight. now that I know
where the danger spots are"
II was not 20 terribly afraid last
night: hardly had time 70 realise
what was being done. did your"
well. yes; II was risky business.
Awfully treacherous bottom and was
trusting to good luck"
The sergeant ate heartily. speaking
occasionally SO AZ to divert her mind.
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 probably
q 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. Tho 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 a.
they might those two fleeing towards
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 q
hard tramp back over the trail. Well.
the girl looked Ht. and he glanced To-
ward her appreciatively.
In spite Of the sad experiences Of
the past night she was q pleasant
spectacle. her eyes bright with ex-
citement, her cheeks flushed under
the morning sun which hecked her
dark. disordered hair with odd color
Hers was a winsome face. with smil-
ing lips. and frank good nature In 1ts
contour. He was surprised to note
how fresh and we'll she looked.
Are you tired?''
mot very. II seems more ~ though
had dreamed ell this than actually
passed through the experience. Per.
haps when !. do realize. the reaction
viii set In. But now am strong. and
--and not at all frightened"
"N0r hungry"
IT 70 hard to eat. but I am often
ehAt vay." Her hand stsaye1 % the