Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 144, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 June 1913 — Molly McDonald A TALE A. TALE OF THE FRONTIER [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Molly McDonald A TALE A. TALE OF THE FRONTIER

By RANDALL PARRISH

W/orc/ "Keith oMe -Border? Mv Lady o/ Doubt 7 My Lady | SoU “’ 7 I KL.Bamcs coeyaMMT mi by a.c.mkxurg a cq._ *

SYNOPSIS. Major McDonald, comnaandlng an army E«t near Fort Dodge, seeks a man to tercept his daughter, Molly, who is headed for the post An Indian outbreak is threatened. Sergeant “Brick" Hamlin meets the stage in which Molly is traveling. They are attacked by Indians, and Hamlin and Molly escape in the darkness. Hamlin tells Molly he was discharged from the Confederate service in disgrace and at the close of the war enlisted in the regular army. He suspects one Captain LeFevre of being responsible for his disgrace. Troops appear and under escort of Lieut. Gaskins Molly starts to Join her father. Hamlin leaves to rejoin his regiment. He returns to Fort Dodge after a summer of fighting Indians, and finds Molly there. Lieutenant Gaskins accuses Hamlin of shooting him. The sergeant is proven innocent. He sees Molly in company with Mrs. Dupont, whom he recognises as a former sweetheart, who threw him over for LeFfevre. Later he overhears Dupont and a soldier hatching up a money-making plot. Molly tells Hamlin her father seems to be in the power; of Mrs. Dupont, who claims to be a daughter of McDonald's sister. Molly disappears and Hamlin sets out to trace her. McDonald is ordered to Fort Ripley. Hamlin finds* McDonald's murdered body. He takes Wasson, a guide, and two troopers and goes in pursuit of the murderers, who had robbed McDonald of 130,000 paymaster’s mohey. He suspects Dupont. Conners, soldier accomfilice of Dupont, is found murdered. Hamin’s party is caught in a fierce blizzard while heading for the Clmmaron. One man dies from cold and another almost auccumbs. Wasson is shot as they come in sight of Clmmaron. Hamlin discovers a log cabin hidden under a bluff, occupied by Hughes, a cow thief, who is laying for LeFevre. who cheated him In a cattle deal. His description identifies LeFevre and Dupont as one and the same. Hughes ehot Wasson mistaking him for one of LeFevre’s party. Hamlin and Hughes take up the trail of LeFevre, who is carrying Molly to the Indian’s camp. Two days out they sight the fugitives. A figh’ ensues tn which Hughes is shot by an Indian. Dying, he makes a desperate attempt to shoot LeFevre. but hits Hamlin, while the latter is disarming Le Fevre. LeFevre escapes, believing Hamlin and Molly dead. Molly tells Hamlin that her father was Implicated in the plot to steal the paymaster’s money. Hamlin confesses his love for Molly and find that It Is reciprocated. Molly declares her father was forced into the robbers* plot

CHAPTER XXXlV.—Continued. 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 signal, and the two urged their ponies down the side of the hill. Three men spurred forth to rpeet 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 McDonald’s daughter.” “Yes, Major Elliott; I can repeat the story as we ride along, sir. You are the advance of Custer’s expedition, I presume?” “We are; the others are some miles behind, moving slowly so that the wagons can keep within touch. Wonderful 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 it was then we heard about your trip down here. What became of your men, Sergeant?” “Wasson and „ one private were killed, sir; the other private was frozen so badly I had to leave him in shelter on the Cimarron.” “By gad, 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, “I must congratulate Miss McDonald on her escaping without any serious injury.” “That is Hot all I should be congratulated upon. Major Elliott,” she said quietly.

“No—eh —perhaps I do not understand.” “I desire that yon shall; I refer to my engagement to Sergeant Hamlin." The officer glanced in some bewilderment from her face to that of the silent trooper. "You —you mean matrimonial T" he stammered, plainly embarrassed, unable so suddenly to grasp the peculiar situation. "Hamlin, what—what does this mean?" "Mias Molly and I hare 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 solxiler, and he drew off his glove, and held out his hand. “I can congratulate you. Miss Mc-

Donald,” he exclaimed frankly. “I have known Sergeant Hamlin for two years; he is a soldier and a gentleman.” The red blood swept into her cheeks, her eyes brightening. “He is my soldier,” she replied softly, “and the man I love.” They rode together down the steep hillside covered with its mantle of snow to join the little body of troopers halted in the valley. Only once* did Elliott speak. “You know Black Kettle’s camp, Sergeant?" “We were almost within sight of it, sir. I 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 hjm?’\ “Nothing definite, but it is a large encampment, not all Cheyennes.” "So we heard, but were unable to discover the exact situation. We have been feeling otir way forward cautiously. 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 column. Indeed some of the empty wagons are to be sent back to Camp Supply tonight, and probably Cluster will deem Tt besf that she return with them. This winter campaigning is going to be rough work, outside of tfie fighting. You know Custer, and his Style; besides Sheridan is himself at Camp Supply in command.” "You hear, Molly?" "Yes; of course, I will do whatever General Custer deems best. Are there any women at Camp Supply, Major?” “Yes, a few; camp women mostly, although there may be also an officer’s wife or two-—lft th Kansas volunteers.” “Then it will be best for me to go there, if F can,” she smiled. “I am desperately in need of clothes." „

“I suspected as much. I will arrange to give you a guard at once And you. Sergeant? As you are still under special orders, I presume 1 have no authority to detain you in my command.” “I prefer to remain, sir,” grimly. “Dupont, Miss McDonald’s captor, is alive and in Black Kettle’s camp. We still have a feud to settle.” “Good; then that is arranged; ah. Miss McDonald, allow me to present Lieutenant Chambers. Lieutenant, detail three men to guard the lady back to the main column. Have her taken to General Custer at once.” > w “Very well, sir; and the command?” Elliott looked at the Sergeant Inquiringly.

“That is for Sergeant Hamlin to determine; he has just been scouting through that country, and will act as guide." The Sergeant stood for a 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 up this valley, sir,” he said at last. “It’s Wolf Creek, is it not? We shall be safer to keep out of sight today, and this depression must lead toward the Canadian. May I exchange mounts with one of those men going back. Major? I fear my pony is about done.” “Certainly." There was no opportunity for anything save a simple grasp of the Hjand, ere Molly rode away with her escort. Then the little column of troopers moved on, and Hamlin, glancing backward as he rode past, took his place in advance beside Major Elliott.

CHAPTER XXXV. The Indian Trail. The weather became colder as the day advanced. Scattered pellets of snow in the air lashed the faces of the troopers, who rode steadily forward, the capes of their overcoats thrown over their heads for protection. The snow of the late storm lay in drifts along the banks of the narrow stream, and the horses picked their passage higher up where the wind had swept the brown earth clear, at the same time keeping well below the crest As they thus toiled slowly forward, Hamlin related his story to the Major in detail, carefully concealing all suspicion of McDonald’s connection with the crime. It was growing dusk when the company emerged into the Valley of the Canadian. All about them was desolation

and silence, and as they were still miles away from "the position assigned for Black Kettle’s encampment, the men were permitted to, build fires and prepare a warm meal under shelter of the bluffs. Two hours later the main column arrived and also went into camp. It was intensely cold but the men were cheerful as they ate their supper of smoky and half-roasted buffalo meat, bacon, hard-tack, and coffee.

In response to orders the Sergeant went down the line of tiny fires to report in person to Custer. He found that commander ensconced in a small tent, hastily erected in a little grove of cottonwoods, which afforded a Slight protection from the . piercing wind. Before him on the ground from which the snow had been 6wept 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 orderly, conversation ceased, and Custer surveyed the newcomer an instant in silence.

"Step forward, Sergeant,” he said qulfetly. “Ah, yes; I had forgotten your name, but remember your face,” he smiled about on the group. “We have been so scattered since our organization, gentlemen, that we are all comparative strangers." He stood up, lifting in one hand a tin cup of coffee. “Gentlemen, all we of the Seventh rejoice in the honor of the service; whether it be upheld by officer or enlisted man. I bid you drink a toast with me to Sergeant Hamlin.” “But, General, I have done nothing to deserve— ’’

“Observe the modesty of a real hero. Yet wait until I am through. With due regard for his achievements as a soldier, I propose this toast in commemoration of a greater deed of gallantry than those of arms—the capture of Miss Molly McDonald!” There was a quick uplifting of cups, a burst of laughter, and a volley of questions, the Sergeant staring about motionless, his face flushed. “What is it, General?” "Tell us the story!” “Give us the joke!" "But I assure you it is no joke. I have it direct from the fair lips of the lady. Brace yourselves, gentlemen, for the shock. You young West Pointers lose, and yet the honor remains with the regiment. Miss Molly McDonald, 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 regiment!"

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. "I have met you before, Sergeant,” he said slowly, “before your assignment to the Seventh, I think. I am not sure where; were you in the Shenandoah ?” “I was, sir." “At Winchester?" • “I saw you first at Cedar Creek, General Custer; I brought a flag.” “That’s it; I have the incident

clearly before me now. You were a lieutenant-colonel T‘ "Of the Fourth Texas, sir." "Exactly; I think I heard later —but never mind that now. Sheridan remembers you; he even mentioned your name to me a few weeks ago. No doubt that was what caused me to recognise your face again after all these years. How long have you been in our service?” "Ever since the war closed.” For a moment the two men looked into each others* faces, the commander smiling, the enlisted man at respectful attention. "I will talk with you at some future time, Sergeant," Custer said pt last, resuming his seat on a log. “Now we shall have to consider tomorrow’s march. Wfere you within sight of Black Kettle's camp?” “No, 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 Cfeefc*' Custer drew the map toward him, scrutinizing it carefully. “Your may be right, of course," he commented, bis glance on the faces of the officers, "but this does not agree’ with the understanding at Camp Supply, nor the report of our Indian scouts. We supposed Black Kettle to be farther south on the Washita. How large was the pony herd?” “We were not near enough to count the animals, air, but there must have been two hundred bead." “A large party then, £t least What do you say, Corbin?” The scout addressed, conspicuous in his buffalo skin coat, leaned against the tent-pole, his black whiskers mov-, ing industriously as he chewed. “Wai, Gineral,” he said slowly, "I know this yere ‘Brick’ Hamlin, an’ he's a right smart plainsman, sojer ’er no sojer. If he says he saw thet pony herd, then he sure, did. Thdt means a considerable bunch o’ Injuns thar, er tharabouts. Now I know Black Kettle’s outfit is down on the Washita, so the only conclusion' is that this yere band thet the Sergeant stirred up is some new tribe er other, a-driftln’ down frum the north. I reckon if we ride up ther valley we’ll Jiit their trail, an’ it’ll lead straight down to them Cheyennes.”

Custer took time to consider this explanation, spreading the field map out on his knees, and measuring the distance between the streams. No one in the little group spoke, although several leaned forward eagerly. The chief was not a man to ask advice; he preferred to decide for himself. Suddenly he straightened up and threw back his head to look about.

“In my judgment Corbin is right, gentlemen,” he said impetuously. “I had intended crossing here, but instead we will go further up stream. There is doubtless a ford near Buffalo Creek, and if we can strike an Indian trail -leading to the Washita, we can follow easily by night, or day, and it is bound to terminate at Black Kettle’s camp. Return to your troops, and be ready to march at daybreak. Major Elliott, you will take the ad--vance again, at least three hours ahead of the main column. Move with caution, your flankers Well out; froth Haffilin and Corbin will go with you. Are there any .questions?” "Full field equipment?” asked a voice.

“Certainly, although in case of going into action the overcoats will be discarded. Look over your ammunitlon carefully tonight” They filed out of the tent one by one, some of die older officers pausing a moment to speak with Hamlin, his own captain extending his hand cordially, with a warm word of commendation. The Sergeant and Major Elliott alone remained. “If I Strike a fresh trail, General," asked the latter, "am I to press forward or wait for the main body?” “Send back a courier at once, but advance cautiously, careful not to expose yourselves. There is to be no attack except in surprise, and with full force. This is important, Major, as we are doubtless outnumbered, ten to one. Was there something else. Sergeant?” “I was going to ask about Miss McDonald, sir?” “Oh, yes; she is safely on her way to Camp Supply, under ample guard The convoy was to stop on the Clm arron, and pick up the frozen soldier you left there, and if possible, find the bodies of the two dead men ”

Long before daylight Elliott’s advance camp was under arms, the chilled and sleepy troopers moving forward through the drifted snow of the north bank; the wintry wind, sweeping down the valley, stung their faces and benumbed their bodies. The night had been cold and blustery, pro ductive of little comfort to either man or beast, but hope of early action animated the troopers and made them oblivious to hardship. There was little grumbling in the ranks, and by daybreak the head of the long column came opposite the opening into the valley wherein Hamlin had overtaken the fugitives. With Corbin beside him, the Sergeant spurred his pony aside, but there was little to see; the bodies of the dead lay as they had fallen,, black blotches on the snow but there were no fresh trails to show that either Dupont, or .any Indian ally, had returned to the spot "That’s evidence enough, 'Brick,'" commented the scout, staring about warily, “that thar wus no permanent camp over thar,” waving his hand toward the crest of the ridge. “Them redskins was on the march, an* that geezer had ter follow ’em, er else starve to death. He’d a bin back afore this, an' on yer trail with a bunch o* young bucks.” (TO BE CONTINUED.)

"He Is My Soldier and the Man I Love.”