Black Jack

Along a strip of frosty marshland at Red Deer Ranch, Cherry County, Neb., Gen. John Joseph Pershing prowled with a gun. Two companions crouched beside him. On a nearby pool they espied a flock of wild ducks cutting the water zigzag. General Pershing approached.

A voice, menacing, came from the woods behind him. General Pershing turned, heard gruff phrases from the lips of a distraught plainsman, obviously the owner of the land on which he, General Pershing, hunted.

Spoke one of the General's companions: "We just wanted a couple. This is General Pershing with us."

Excitedly the figure in the rawhide boots advanced: "You mean Black Jack* Pershing. Well, shake hands with your old private that used to peel potatoes for you. Yes, Sir, General--in the Sioux Indian campaign, buck private in Seventh Cavalry at Fort Niobrara. Black Jack himself! Yes, sir, all the ducks you want. I'll be danged."

-Nickname given him because he led the exceptionally brave blackmen of the 10th U. S. Cavalry at Santiago.