Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1913-11-06
CHAPTER xxxlv.-cou.lnued.

They could perceive the blue OF the
overcoats 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.
"Hamlin! Glad to see you again,
the first rider greeted the Sergeant
cordially. Can this be Major Melon
AIDS daughter"
Yes, Major Elliott; can repeat
the story as we ride along, sir. You
are the advance of Clusters expedi-
ton, / presumeT
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
pushed 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 were at Camp Supply; they had
Joined since, and 1t was then we heard
about your trip down here. What be-
came of your men, Sergeant"
WATSON and one private were
killed, sir; the other private was
frozen SO badly I had to leave him In
shelter on the Cimarron."
sBy CAD, It sounds interesting; and
SO you tackled the villains alone. and
had some fight at that before rescuing
Miss Mcdonald. Well. the story will
keep until we make camp again.
However" and he bent low over the
lady's hand. Il 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 ! do not under,
stand"
II desire that you shall: refer to
my engagement to Sergeant Hamlin. "
The officer glanced In some Devil
derment from her face to that of the
silent trooper.
"You--you mean matrimonial?" he
stammered. plainly embarrassed. un-
able 30 suddenly to grasp the peculiar
situation. "Hamlin, what-what does
this meanf"
Miss Molly and have known each
other for some time" explained the
Sergeant bluntly. "Out here alone we
discovered we were more than friends.
That Is all, sir"
For an instant Elliott hesitated,
held by the strange etiquette of rank
then the gentleman conquered the sol.
der, and he drew off his glove. and
held out his hand.
II can congratulate you. Miss Nc
Donald" he exclaimed frankly. 81
have known Sergeant Hamlin for two
years; he is a soldier and gentle
man"
The red blood swept into her
cheeks. her eyes Frightening.
He is my soldier" she replied soft
ly, 'and the man love"
They rode together down the steep
hillside covered with its mantle of
snow TO Join the little body OF troop
ers halted in the valley. Only once
did Elliott speak.
you know Black Kettles camp.
Sergeant"
We were almost within sight of It,
sir. ! saw his pony herd distinctly"
Where was that?"
"On the Canadian. close to the
mouth of Buffalo Creek"
Did you learn anything as to the
number OF Indians with him2"
Nothing definite, but II is large
encampment. not all Cheyennes."
so we heard. but were unable to
discover the exact situation. We have
been feeling our way forward eau
tiously. fear Il 10 going to be my
unpleasant duty to separate you and
Miss Mcdonald. We shall need your
services ~ guide. and the lady win
be far better OF with the main col.