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


derment from her face to that Of the
silent trooper
"You-you mean c,atrimonial?" he
stammered, plainly embarrassed, un.
able so suddenly to grasp the peculiar
situation. "Hamlin, what-what does
this mean?"
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 10 all, SIR"
For an instant Elliott hesitated.
held by the strange etiquette Of rank.
then the gentleman conquered the SOL
der, and he drew of his glove, and
held out his hand.
II can congratulate you, Miss Mo
Donald" he exclaimed frankly. II
have known Sergeant Hamlin for two
years; he is 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 it's 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?"
I'VE were almost within sight of it,
sir. / saw his pony herd distinctly"
Where was that?"
ION the Canadian, close to the
mouth of Buffalo Creek"
did you learn anything as to the
number of Indians with him?"
Nothing definite, but it is large
encampment, not all Cheyennes."
$50 we heard, but were unable to
discover the exact situation. We have
been feeling our way forward eau
tiously. I fear it is going to be my
unpleasant duty to separate you and
Miss Mcdonald. We shall need your
services as guide, and the lady will
be far better off with the main col
umn. Indeed some of the empty wag
ons are to be sent back to Camp Sup
ply tonight, and probably Custer will
deem it best that she return with
them. This winter campaigning is
going to be rough work, outside Of
the fighting. You know Custer, and
his style; besides Sheridan is him
self at Camp Supply in command"
"You hear. Molly?"
Eyes; of course, will do whatever
General Custer deems best. Are there
any women at Camp Supply, Major?'
Eyes. a few; camp women mostly
although there may be also an officers
wife or two-19th Kansas volunteers
Then 1t will be best for me to 60
there. If can." she smiled. II am
desperately in need Of clothes"
Il suspected as much. will ar
range to give you a guard at once
And you, Sergeant? AS you are still
under special orders, presume have
no authority to detain you in my com
mand."
Il prefer to remain, sir" grimly
dupont, Miss McDonald's captor, ii
alive and in Black Kettles camp. We
still have feud to SETTLE"
Good; then that is arranged; all
Miss Mcdonald, allow me to present
Lieutenant Chambers. Lieutenant, de
tail three men to guard the lady back
to the main column. Have her taken
to General Custer at once"
very we'll, sir: and the command %
Elliott looked at the Sergeant in.
quiringly.
"That is for Sergeant Hamlin to de
termine; he has just been scouting
through that country. and will act az
guide"
The Sergeant stood for moment
motionless beside his horse studying
the vista of snow-draped hillside. The
region beyond the crest of the ridge
unrolled before his memory.
"Then we will keep directly on UT
this valley, sir" he said at last. cts
Wolf Creek, is 1t not? We shall be
safer to keep out of sight today, and
this depression must lead toward the
Canadian. May l exchange mounts
with one of those men going back
Major? l fear my pony is about
done.'
Certainly"
There was no opportunity for any
thing save simple grasp of the hand
ere Molly rode away with her escort
Then the little column Of troopers
MA