Sioux County pioneer. (Fort Yates, Sioux County, N.D.) 1914-1929, 1919-10-02

heokuk could continue to control his
people no longer seemed probable to
me, for the Hawk was evidently the
stronger character Of the two, pos
sessed the larger following and made
no attempt to conceal the depth of his
hatred for all things American.
Down below where sat a little riy.
er steamboat was tied to the wharf. a
dingy stern-wheeler, with the word
warrior" painted across the pilot
house. My eyes and thoughts turned
that way. Standing alone together
near the stern were a heayily-built
man with white hair and beard. and a
younger. rather slender fellow, with
clipped, black mustache. Both were
unusually we'll dressed, the, latter ex-
ceedingly natty and fashionable in at
tire, rather overly so, l thought, while
the former wore long coat and high
white stock. Inyoluntarily had placed
them In my mind as river gamblers,
but was still observing their move
ments with some curiosity when Cap
tain ThrockmOrton crossed the gang
plank and began ascending the steep
bluff. The path to be followed led d.
rectly past where I was sitting and,
recognizing me, he stopped to ex-
change greetings.
"What! have you finished YOUR DAVIS
work already, lieutenant?" he ex-
claimed pleasantly. "Mine has only
just begun"
$50 observe. It was garrison talk
last night that the Warrior was to de-
part at daylight"
"That was the plan. However, the
Wanderer went north during the
night" he explained, land brought
mail from below, so we are being held
for the return letters. I am going up
to the Office now"
My eyes returned to the scene be-
low.
You have some passengers aboard"
"A few; picked up several at the
lead mines. besides those aboard from
Prairie du Chen"
Evidently all Of your passengers
are not miners, captain" ventured.
"rhose two standing there at the
stern, for instance"
He turned and looked. "No," he
said; shat big man is Judge Beau
caire, from Missouri. He has a plan
tation just above st. Louis. an old
French grant. OF course you know the
younger one"
"Never saw him BEFORE
"Then you have never travelled
much on the lower river. That's Joe
Kirby"
"Joe Kirby2"
Certainly; you must have heard Of
him. First time I ever knew Of his
drifting so far north, as there are not
many pickings up here. Have rather
suspected he might be laying for Beau
caire. but the two haven't touched a
card coming down."
He is a gambler, thenY'
"a thoroughbred; works between
St Louis and New Orleans. can't
just figure out yet what he is doing up
here. asked him fiat out, but he only
laughed. and he isn't the sort Of man
you get very friendly with. some say
he has Indian blood in him, so drop
ped it He and the Judge seem pretty
thick, and they may be playing in their
rooms. See you again before we
leave; am going up now to have talk
with the major"
My eyes followed as he disappeared
within the open gates, squatty,
strongly built figure. the blue smoke
from his pipe circling in a cloud above
his head. Then turned idly to gaze
once again down the river and observe
the groups lettering below.
Assuredly it was none Of my affair
and yet certain curiosity caused me
to observe the movements Of the two
so long as they remained on deck
However, it was but short while be
fore both retired to the cabi,A and
then my gaze returned once more to
the sullen sweep Of water, whale my
thoughts drifted far away.
A soldier was within few feet OF
me and had spoken before was even
aware Of his approach.
Lieutenant Knox"
I looked about quickly, recognising
the majors orderly.
Eyes. Sanders, what IL it9'
"Major Bliss requests. sir. that yor
report at his Office at once"
Wondering what might be desired O
me, yet with no conception Of til,
reality, followed after the orderl.
through the stockade gate, and acros
the small parade ground toward tn