Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1913-06-26
CHAPTER xl.

aid in mind when he had stocked up
with food at Fort Dodge, and had
therefore chosen all the delicacies to
be found at that frontier post. These
were not extensive, consisting largely
OF canned goods. which. nevertheless.
made 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 these for me-" she
said softly, and looking across re-
proachfully at the sergeant. 1T was
the best he could do"
Il was not laughing at poor Moylan:
only. fear, he had a wrong concep-
ton Of girls needs on the trail But
! reckon our combined appetites are
equal to It,"
Il do not feel as though could
swallow a mouthful"
Under orders you will try. We
have hard day before Us. young lady.
and some tramping to do afoot. /
wish knew where that horse turn
ed loose last night has drifted to; in
TO the bluffs, probably. where the
grass is green. He would be OF some
help Just now. Try this. Miss McDon-
aid. for lack of something better.
yearn for ham and coffee. but hardly
dare build a fire yet. The smoke
would be seen for miles away"
IF we we're across the river we
could use the stage fire.
Yes. but there is wide river flow
ing between. Don't be afraid of that
trip" noting the expression OF her
face. ut will be easy enough to cross
back by daylight. now that / know
where the danger spots are"
Il was not so terribly afraid last
night; hardly had time to realize
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 as to divert her mind.
hut 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
a scouting detail somewhere near at
hand, either approaching from the
east. alarmed by the report OF the
fleeing stage crew, or else a detach-
ment tracking Roman Noses war
riors across those plains extending
into the north. The 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 as
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
hard tramp back over the trail Well.
the girl looked fit. and he glanced to-
ward her Approximately.
In spite of the sad experiences OF
the past night she was a pleasant
spectacle. her eyes bright with ex-
element, her cheeks flushed under
the morning sun which fiecked her
dark. disordered hair with odd color
Hers was winsome face. with smil-
ing lips, and frank good nature In its
contour He was surprised to note
how fresh and well she looked
Are you tired?"
Not very. II seems more as though
| had dreamed all this than actually
passed through the experience. Per-
. haps when | do realize. the reaction
win set in. But now | am strong. and
and not at all frightened"
Nor hungry"
ut is hard to eat. but am often
that way" Her hand strayed to the
emptied haversack, and she turned It
carelessly over. where 1t lay beside
her on the sand why. this is an
old Confederate sack. isn't It? hadn't
noticed before; see. C. s. A. is on
the flap"
so 1t Is; perhaps Moylan served in
the south"
y think not. ] am sure this was
never his. for he bought it at Dodge
I remember he told me he would have
to find something to carry our lunch
in" She pushed the Zap farther back.
then held it up to the sunlight There
are some other letters. but they are
hardly decipherable, cannot read
the first line at all. but the second is
somewhat plainer-'Fourth Texas In
fantry.'"
Hamlin reached out his hand swift
ly, and grasped the haversack. forget
ting everything else in suddenly
aroused interest. The girl. surprised.
stared up into his face. ac he closely
studied the faded inscription. his face
expressing unconcealed Amusement
Good Cod" he calculated breath
lessly. 1T was Genes. What can this
mean?"
"You-you knew the SOLDIER"
"Knew him? Yes" speaking almost
unconsciously. his incredulous eyes
ati1l On the inacrfnffnn as though faar. :