Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-05-22

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 tae brown earth claar,
at the same time keeping weN below
the crest. AS trey thus toilet SLOW
ly forward, Hamlin. related his ST Dry
to the Major in detail, carefully con
aealing all suspicion OF McDonsld's
connection with the crime. 1t was
growing dusk when the company
emerged Into the Valley of the Cana
dian. All about them was desolation
and silence, and as they were still
miles away from the position assigned
for Black Kettles encampment, the
men were permitted to build fires and
prepare 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, and cot.
fee.
In response to orders the Sergeant
went down the line of tiny fires to re.
port in person to Custer. He found
that commander ensconced in small
tent, hastily erected in 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 a map Of the region, while all
about, pressed tightly into the narrow
quarters, were his troop officers. As
Hamlin was announced by the order.
ly, conversation ceased, and Custer
surveyed the newcomer an instant in
silence.
"Step forward, Sergeant" he said
quietly. "Ah, yes; had forgotten
your name, but remember your face"
he smiled about on the group. 1--WE
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, have done nothing
to deserve" s'4a. ..,,,s..
observe the modesty Of a real
hero. Yet wait until I am through.
With due regard for his achievements
as a soldier, propose this toast in
commemoratlon Of a greater deed Of
gallantry than those of arms-the cap
ture Of Miss Molly Mcdonald"
There was a QUICK uplifting Of cups,
q burst Of laughter, and volley OF
questions. the Sergeant staring about
motionless. his face flushed.
What Is 1t. General?"
Tell us the story!"
Give US the joke!"
But I assure you 1t is no 4oke,
have 1t 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.
II have met you before, Sergeant"
he said slowly, before your assign.
ment to the Seventh, think. 1 am
not sure where; were you in the Shen.
andoah?"
II was, SIR"
cat Winchester"
Il saw you first at Cedar Creek.
General Custer; brought flag"
That's it; have the incident
clearly before me now. You were a
lieutenant colonel?"
"Of the Fourth Texas, sir"
41AaSChy ACdlO ldLSl-Uul
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 service?"
ever since the war closed"
For moment the two men looked
into each others faces, the command.
er smiling. the enlisted man at re.
spectful attention.
81 will talk with you at some future
time, Sergeant" Custer said at last,
resuming his seat on a log. "Now we
shall have to consider tomorrow's
march. Were you within sight OF
Black Kettles camp"
mo. sir; only of his pony herd
out in the valley of the Canadian"
Where would you suppose the
camp situated?"
above, behind the bluffs, about
the mouth of Buffalo Creek"