This one is on the tape my dad did of "cow songs of the Old West." I didn't find it in a super search, nor in the DT. It has a really pretty tune.

If anyone knows it and what "dakota cross" it refers to, please let me know. Dad always thought it was a constellation, but I can't find anything by that name. Thanks!

DAKOTA'S CROSS

Under the light of the Western sky
After a dreary day
Lost on their broncos two cowboys clung
Lost on the plains were they.

Hunger and sickness had been their lot
Filled with the endless gray
Searching for water they knew not where
One to the other one said:

Far in the east where both we grew
Happily, side by side
There is a lassie so good and true
She is my promised bride.

When you return, go and comfort her
Don't let her mourn my loss
Tell her my last words were of her
Under Dakota's Cross

After the dreary night was gone
After a weary day
Out of the east there came a storm
Claiming them for its own.

Far in the east where both we grew
Happily side by side,
There is a lassie so good and true
She is my promised bride.

When you return, go and comfort her
Don't let her mourn my loss
Tell her my last words were of her
Under Dakota's Cross