When at last Mr. Morrison said he would go, woman's strongest weapon
came to my help; my tears prevailed, and he too turned back, and we
were not again disturbed.
Our oldest boy, Adelbert, then 13 years old, was started to Keya Paha
for a physician, and at night our three other little boys, the youngest
but two years old, were tucked away in the wagon, a little way from the
tent, and left in the care of the Lord, while Mr. S. and I watched the
long dark night through, with guns and revolvers ready for instant
action.
Twice only, when we thought the man was dying, did we use a light, for
fear it would make a mark at long range. We had brought a good supply
of medicine with us, and knowing well its use, we administered to the
man, and morning came and found him still living.
Once only did I creep out through the darkness to assure myself that
our children were safe.
Monday I went to see Middleton, and carried him some medicine which he
very badly needed.
After night-fall, Adelbert and the doctor came, and with them, two men,
friends of Hazen, whom they met, and who inquired of the doctor of
Hazen's whereabouts. The doctor after assuring himself that they were
his friends, told them his mission, and brought them along, and with
their help Hazen was taken away that night in a wagon; they acting as
guards, the doctor as nurse, and Mr. S. as driver.
Hazen's home was in the south-east part of the state; and they took him
to Columbus, then the nearest railway point. It was a great relief when
they were safely started, but I was not sure they would be allowed to
land in safety. Mr. S. would not be back until Thursday, and there I
was, all alone with the children, my own strength nothing to depend on
to defend myself against the many who felt indignant at the course we
had pursued.
The nearest neighbor that we knew was truly loyal, lived fifteen miles
away. Of course I knew the use of firearms, but that was not much to
depend upon, and suffering from heart disease I was almost prostrated
through the trouble. Threats were sent to me by the children that if
Mr. S. dared to return, he would be shot down without mercy, and
warning us all to leave as quickly as possible if we would save
ourselves. I was helpless to do any thing but just stay and take
whatever the Lord would allow to befall us. I expected every night that
our cattle would be run off, and we would be robbed of everything we
had. One dear old lady, who lived near, stayed a couple of nights with
us, but at last told me, for the safety of her life she could not come
again, and urged me to go with her to her home.
"Oh, Sister Robinson," I cried, "you _must not_ leave me!" and then the
thought came, how very selfish of me to ask her to risk her own life
for my sake, and I told her I could stay alone.
When we were coming here, I felt the Lord was leading us, and I could
not refrain from singing,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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