initial commit of ebook 17614HEADmain

13 files changed, 36350 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/17614-8.txt b/17614-8.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e171956
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17614-8.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,10758 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Bob Hampton of Placer, by Randall Parrish,
+Illustrated by Arthur I. Keller
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Bob Hampton of Placer
+
+
+Author: Randall Parrish
+
+
+
+Release Date: January 27, 2006  [eBook #17614]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Al Haines
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 17614-h.htm or 17614-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/6/1/17614/17614-h/17614-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/6/1/17614/17614-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER
+
+by
+
+RANDALL PARRISH
+
+Author of "When Wilderness Was King," "My Lady of the North," "Historic
+Illinois," Etc.
+
+Illustrated by Arthur I. Keller
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Frontispiece: "I Read It in your Face," He Insisted.  "It Told of
+Love."]
+
+
+
+
+Eighth Edition
+Chicago
+A. C. McClurg & Co.
+1907
+Copyright
+A. C. McClurg & Co.
+1906
+Entered at Stationers' Hall, London
+All rights reserved
+Published, September 22, 1906
+  Second Edition October 1, 1906
+  Third Edition October 15, 1906
+  Fourth Edition November 1, 1906
+  Fifth Edition November 15, 1906
+  Sixth Edition December 1, 1906
+  Seventh Edition January 5, 1907
+  Eighth Edition January 9, 1907
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+PART I
+
+FROM OUT THE CANYON
+
+CHAPTER
+
+    I  HAMPTON, OF PLACER
+   II  OLD GILLIS'S GIRL
+  III  BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH
+   IV  ON THE NAKED PLAIN
+    V  A NEW PROPOSITION
+   VI  "TO BE OR NOT TO BE"
+  VII  "I'VE COME HERE TO LIVE"
+ VIII  A LAST REVOLT
+   IX  AT THE OCCIDENTAL
+
+
+PART II
+
+WHAT OCCURRED IN GLENCAID
+
+    I  THE ARRIVAL OF MISS SPENCER
+   II  BECOMING ACQUAINTED
+  III  UNDER ORDERS
+   IV  SILENT MURPHY
+    V  IN HONOR OF MISS SPENCER
+   VI  THE LIEUTENANT MEETS MISS SPENCER
+  VII  AN UNUSUAL GIRL
+ VIII  THE REAPPEARANCE OF AN OLD FRIEND
+   IX  THE VERGE OF A QUARREL
+    X  A SLIGHT INTERRUPTION
+   XI  THE DOOR OPENS, AND CLOSES AGAIN
+  XII  THE COHORTS OF JUDGE LYNCH
+ XIII  "SHE LOVES ME, SHE LOVES ME NOT"
+  XIV  PLUCKED FROM THE BURNING
+   XV  THE DOOR CLOSES
+  XVI  THE RESCUE OF MISS SPENCER
+ XVII  THE PARTING HOUR
+
+
+PART III
+
+ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN
+
+    I  MR. HAMPTON RESOLVES
+   II  THE TRAIL OF SILENT MURPHY
+  III  THE HAUNTING OF A CRIME
+   IV  THE VERGE OF CONFESSION
+    V  ALONE WITH THE INSANE
+   VI  ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN
+  VII  THE FIGHT IN THE VALLEY
+ VIII  THE OLD REGIMENT
+   IX  THE LAST STAND
+    X  THE CURTAIN FALLS
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+"I Read It in your Face," He Insisted.  "It Told of Love" . . . . . .
+_Frontispiece_
+
+They Advanced Slowly, the Supported Blankets Swaying Gently to the
+Measured Tread
+
+"Mr. Slavin Appears to have Lost his Previous Sense of Humor," He
+Remarked, Calmly
+
+Together They Bore Him, now Unconscious, Slowly down below the First
+Fire-Line
+
+
+
+
+BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER
+
+
+_PART I_
+
+FROM OUT THE CANYON
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+HAMPTON, OF PLACER
+
+It was not an uncommon tragedy of the West.  If slightest chronicle of
+it survive, it must be discovered among the musty and nearly forgotten
+records of the Eighteenth Regiment of Infantry, yet it is extremely
+probable that even there the details were never written down.
+Sufficient if, following certain names on that long regimental roll,
+there should be duly entered those cabalistic symbols signifying to the
+initiated, "Killed in action."  After all, that tells the story.  In
+those old-time Indian days of continuous foray and skirmish such brief
+returns, concise and unheroic, were commonplace enough.
+
+Yet the tale is worth telling now, when such days are past and gone.
+There were sixteen of them when, like so many hunted rabbits, they were
+first securely trapped among the frowning rocks, and forced
+relentlessly backward from off the narrow trail until the precipitous
+canyon walls finally halted their disorganized flight, and from sheer
+necessity compelled a rally in hopeless battle.  Sixteen,--ten
+infantrymen from old Fort Bethune, under command of Syd. Wyman, a
+gray-headed sergeant of thirty years' continuous service in the
+regulars, two cow-punchers from the "X L" ranch, a stranger who had
+joined them uninvited at the ford over the Bear Water, together with
+old Gillis the post-trader, and his silent chit of a girl.
+
+Sixteen--but that was three days before, and in the meanwhile not a few
+of those speeding Sioux bullets had found softer billet than the
+limestone rocks.  Six of the soldiers, four already dead, two dying,
+lay outstretched in ghastly silence where they fell.  "Red" Watt, of
+the "X L," would no more ride the range across the sun-kissed prairie,
+while the stern old sergeant, still grim of jaw but growing dim of eye,
+bore his right arm in a rudely improvised sling made from a
+cartridge-belt, and crept about sorely racked with pain, dragging a
+shattered limb behind him.  Then the taciturn Gillis gave sudden
+utterance to a sobbing cry, and a burst of red spurted across his white
+beard as he reeled backward, knocking the girl prostrate when he fell.
+Eight remained, one helpless, one a mere lass of fifteen.  It was the
+morning of the third day.
+
+The beginning of the affair had burst upon them so suddenly that no two
+in that stricken company would have told the same tale.  None among
+them had anticipated trouble; there were no rumors of Indian war along
+the border, while every recognized hostile within the territory had
+been duly reported as north of the Bear Water; not the vaguest
+complaint had drifted into military headquarters for a month or more.
+In all the fancied security of unquestioned peace these chance
+travellers had slowly toiled along the steep trail leading toward the
+foothills, beneath the hot rays of the afternoon sun, their thoughts
+afar, their steps lagging and careless.  Gillis and the girl, as well
+as the two cattle-herders, were on horseback; the remainder soberly
+trudged forward on foot, with guns slung to their shoulders.  Wyman was
+somewhat in advance, walking beside the stranger, the latter a man of
+uncertain age, smoothly shaven, quietly dressed in garments bespeaking
+an Eastern tailor, a bit grizzled of hair along the temples, and
+possessing a pair of cool gray eyes.  He had introduced himself by the
+name of Hampton, but had volunteered no further information, nor was it
+customary in that country to question impertinently.  The others of the
+little party straggled along as best suited themselves, all semblance
+to the ordinary discipline of the service having been abandoned.
+
+Hampton, through the medium of easy conversation, early discovered in
+the sergeant an intelligent mind, possessing some knowledge of
+literature.  They had been discussing books with rare enthusiasm, and
+the former had drawn from the concealment of an inner pocket a
+diminutive copy of "The Merchant of Venice," from which he was reading
+aloud a disputed passage, when the faint trail they followed suddenly
+dipped into the yawning mouth of a black canyon.  It was a narrow,
+gloomy, contracted gorge, a mere gash between those towering hills
+shadowing its depths on either hand.  A swift mountain stream, noisy
+and clear as crystal, dashed from rock to rock close beside the more
+northern wall, while the ill-defined pathway, strewn with bowlders and
+guarded by underbrush, clung to the opposite side, where low scrub
+trees partially obscured the view.
+
+All was silent as death when they entered.  Not so much as the flap of
+a wing or the stir of a leaf roused suspicion, yet they had barely
+advanced a short hundred paces when those apparently bare rocks in
+front flamed red, the narrow defile echoed to wild screeches and became
+instantly crowded with weird, leaping figures.  It was like a plunge
+from heaven into hell.  Blaine and Endicott sank at the first fire;
+Watt, his face picturing startled surprise, reeled from his saddle,
+clutching at the air, his horse dashing madly forward and dragging him,
+head downward, among the sharp rocks; while Wyman's stricken arm
+dripped blood.  Indeed, under that sudden shock, he fell, and was
+barely rescued by the prompt action of the man beside him.  Dropping
+the opened book, and firing madly to left and right with a revolver
+which appeared to spring into his hand as by magic, the latter coolly
+dragged the fainting soldier across the more exposed space, until the
+two found partial security among a mass of loosened rocks littering the
+base of the precipice.  The others who survived that first scorching
+discharge also raced toward this same shelter, impelled thereto by the
+unerring instinct of border fighting, and flinging themselves flat
+behind protecting bowlders, began responding to the hot fire rained
+upon them.
+
+Scattered and hurried as these first volleys were, they proved
+sufficient to check the howling demons in the open.  It has never been
+Indian nature to face unprotected the aim of the white men, and those
+dark figures, which only a moment before thronged the narrow gorge,
+leaping crazily in the riot of apparent victory, suddenly melted from
+sight, slinking down into leafy coverts beside the stream or into holes
+among the rocks, like so many vanishing prairie-dogs.  The fierce
+yelpings died faintly away in distant echoes, while the hideous roar of
+conflict diminished to the occasional sharp crackling of single rifles.
+Now and then a sinewy brown arm might incautiously project across the
+gleaming surface of a rock, or a mop of coarse black hair appear above
+the edge of a gully, either incident resulting in a quick interchange
+of fire.  That was all; yet the experienced frontiersmen knew that eyes
+as keen as those of any wild animal of the jungle were watching
+murderously their slightest movement.
+
+Wyman, now reclining in agony against the base of the overhanging
+cliff, directed the movements of his little command calmly and with
+sober military judgment.  Little by little, under protection of the
+rifles of the three civilians, the uninjured infantrymen crept
+cautiously about, rolling loosened bowlders forward into position,
+until they finally succeeded in thus erecting a rude barricade between
+them and the enemy.  The wounded who could be reached were laboriously
+drawn back within this improvised shelter, and when the black shadows
+of the night finally shut down, all remaining alive were once more
+clustered together, the injured lying moaning and ghastly beneath the
+overhanging shelf of rock, and the girl, who possessed all the patient
+stoicism of frontier training, resting in silence, her widely opened
+eyes on those far-off stars peeping above the brink of the chasm, her
+head pillowed on old Gillis's knee.
+
+Few details of those long hours of waiting ever came forth from that
+black canyon of death.  Many of the men sorely wounded, all wearied,
+powder-stained, faint with hunger, and parched with thirst, they simply
+fought out to the bitter ending their desperate struggle against
+despair.  The towering, overhanging wall at their back assured
+protection from above, but upon the opposite cliff summit, and easily
+within rifle range, the cunning foe early discovered lodgment, and from
+that safe vantage-point poured down a merciless fire, causing each man
+to crouch lower behind his protecting bowlder.  No motion could be
+ventured without its checking bullet, yet hour after hour the besieged
+held their ground, and with ever-ready rifles left more than one
+reckless brave dead among the rocks.  The longed-for night came dark
+and early at the bottom of that narrow cleft, while hardly so much as a
+faint star twinkled in the little slit of sky overhead.  The cunning
+besiegers crept closer through the enshrouding gloom, and taunted their
+entrapped victims with savage cries and threats of coming torture, but
+no warrior among them proved sufficiently bold to rush in and slay.
+Why should they?  Easier, safer far, to rest secure behind their
+shelters, and wait in patience until the little band had fired its last
+shot.  Now they skulked timorously, but then they might walk upright
+and glut their fiendish lust for blood.
+
+Twice during that long night volunteers sought vainly to pierce those
+lines of savage watchers.  A long wailing cry of agony from out the
+thick darkness told the fate of their first messenger, while Casey, of
+the "X L," crept slowly, painfully back, with an Indian bullet embedded
+deep in his shoulder.  Just before the coming of dawn, Hampton, without
+uttering a word, calmly turned up the collar of his tightly buttoned
+coat, so as better to conceal the white collar he wore, gripped his
+revolver between his teeth, and crept like some wriggling snake among
+the black rocks and through the dense underbrush in search after water.
+By some miracle of divine mercy he was permitted to pass unscathed, and
+came crawling back, a dozen hastily filled canteens dangling across his
+shoulders.  It was like nectar to those parched, feverish throats; but
+of food barely a mouthful apiece remained in the haversacks.
+
+The second day dragged onward, its hours bringing no change for the
+better, no relief, no slightest ray of hope.  The hot sun scorched them
+pitilessly, and two of the wounded died delirious.  From dawn to dark
+there came no slackening of the savage watchfulness which held the
+survivors helpless behind their coverts.  The merest uplifting of a
+head, the slightest movement of a hand, was sufficient to demonstrate
+how sharp were those savage eyes.  No white man in the short
+half-circle dared to waste a single shot now; all realized that their
+stock of ammunition was becoming fearfully scant, yet those scheming
+devils continually baited them to draw their fire.
+
+Another long black night followed, during which, for an hour or so in
+turn, the weary defenders slept, tossing uneasily, and disturbed by
+fearful dreams.  Then gray and solemn, amid the lingering shadows of
+darkness, dawned the third dread day of unequal conflict.  All
+understood that it was destined to be their last on this earth unless
+help came.  It seemed utterly hopeless to protract the struggle, yet
+they held on grimly, patiently, half-delirious from hunger and thirst,
+gazing into each other's haggard faces, almost without recognition,
+every man at his post.  Then it was that old Gillis received his
+death-wound, and the solemn, fateful whisper ran from lip to lip along
+the scattered line that only five cartridges remained.
+
+For two days Wyman had scarcely stirred from where he lay bolstered
+against the rock.  Sometimes he became delirious from fever, uttering
+incoherent phrases, or swearing in pitiful weakness.  Again he would
+partially arouse to his old sense of soldierly duty, and assume
+intelligent command.  Now he twisted painfully about upon his side,
+and, with clouded eyes, sought to discern what man was lying next him.
+The face was hidden so that all he could clearly distinguish was the
+fact that this man was not clothed as a soldier.
+
+"Is that you, Hampton?" he questioned, his voice barely audible.
+
+The person thus addressed, who was lying flat upon his back, gazing
+silently upward at the rocky front of the cliff, turned cautiously over
+upon his elbow before venturing reply.
+
+"Yes; what is it, sergeant?  It looks to be a beauty of a morning way
+up yonder."
+
+There was a hearty, cheery ring to his clear voice which left the
+pain-racked old soldier envious.
+
+"My God!" he growled savagely.  "'T is likely to be the last any of us
+will ever see.  Was n't it you I heard whistling just now?  One might
+imagine this was to be a wedding, rather than a funeral."
+
+"And why not, Wyman?  Did n't you know they employed music at both
+functions nowadays?  Besides, it is not every man who is permitted to
+assist at his own obsequies--the very uniqueness of such a situation
+rather appeals to my sense of humor.  Pretty tune, that one I was
+whistling, don't you think?  Picked it up on 'The Pike' in Cincinnati
+fifteen years ago.  Sorry I don't recall the words, or I'd sing them
+for you."
+
+The sergeant, his teeth clinched tightly to repress the pain racking
+him, stifled his resentment with an evident effort.  "You may be less
+light-hearted when you learn that the last of our ammunition is already
+in the guns," he remarked, stiffly.
+
+"I suspected as much."  And the speaker lifted himself on one elbow to
+peer down the line of recumbent figures.  "To be perfectly frank with
+you, sergeant, the stuff has held out considerably longer than I
+believed it would, judging from the way those 'dough boys' of yours
+kept popping at every shadow in front of them.  It 's a marvel to me,
+the mutton-heads they take into the army.  Oh, now, you need n't scowl
+at me like that, Wyman; I 've worn the blue, and seen some service
+where a fellow needed to be a man to sport the uniform.  Besides, I 'm
+not indifferent, old chap, and just so long as there remained any work
+worth attending to in this skirmishing affair, I did it, did n't I?
+But I tell you, man, there is mighty little good trying to buck against
+Fate, and when Luck once finally lets go of a victim, he's bound to
+drop straight to the bottom before he stops.  That's the sum and
+substance of all my philosophy, old fellow, consequently I never kick
+simply because things happen to go wrong.  What's the use?  They 'll go
+wrong just the same.  Then again, my life has never been so sweet as to
+cause any excessive grief over the prospect of losing it.  Possibly I
+might prefer to pass out from this world in some other manner, but
+that's merely a matter of individual taste, and just now there does n't
+seem to be very much choice left me.  Consequently, upheld by my
+acquired philosophy, and encouraged by the rectitude of my past
+conduct, I 'm merely holding back one shot for myself, as a sort of
+grand finale to this fandango, and another for that little girl out
+yonder."
+
+These words were uttered slowly, the least touch of a lazy drawl
+apparent in the low voice, yet there was an earnest simplicity
+pervading the speech which somehow gave it impressiveness.  The man
+meant exactly what he said, beyond the possibility of a doubt.  The old
+soldier, accustomed to every form of border eccentricity, gazed at him
+with disapproval.
+
+"Either you 're the coolest devil I 've met during thirty years of
+soldiering," he commented, doubtfully, "or else the craziest.  Who are
+you, anyhow?  I half believe you might be Bob Hampton, of Placer."
+
+The other smiled grimly.  "You have the name tolerably correct, old
+fellow; likewise that delightful spot so lately honored by my
+residence.  In brief, you have succeeded in calling the turn perfectly,
+so far as your limited information extends.  In strict confidence I
+propose now to impart to you what has hitherto remained a profound
+secret.  Upon special request of a number of influential citizens of
+Placer, including the city marshal and other officials, expressed in
+mass-meeting, I have decided upon deserting that sagebrush metropolis
+to its just fate, and plan to add the influence of my presence to the
+future development of Glencaid.  I learn that the climate there is more
+salubrious, more conducive to long living, the citizens of Placer being
+peculiarly excitable and careless with their fire-arms."
+
+The sergeant had been listening with open mouth.  "The hell you say!"
+he finally ejaculated.
+
+"The undented truth, every word of it.  No wonder you are shocked.  A
+fine state of affairs, isn't it, when a plain-spoken, pleasant-mannered
+gentleman, such as I surely am,--a university graduate, by all the
+gods, the nephew of a United States Senator, and acknowledged to be the
+greatest exponent of scientific poker in this territory,--should be
+obliged to hastily change his chosen place of abode because of the
+threat of an ignorant and depraved mob.  Ever have a rope dangled in
+front of your eyes, sergeant, and a gun-barrel biting into your cheek
+at the same time?  Accept my word for it, the experience is trying on
+the nerves.  Ran a perfectly square game too, and those ducks knew it;
+but there 's no true sporting spirit left in this territory any more.
+However, spilled milk is never worth sobbing over, and Fate always
+contrives to play the final hand in any game, and stocks the cards to
+win.  Quite probably you are familiar with Bobbie Burns, sergeant, and
+will recall easily these words, 'The best-laid schemes o' mice and men
+gang aft agley'?  Well, instead of proceeding, as originally intended,
+to the delightful environs of Glencaid, for a sort of a Summer
+vacation, I have, on the impulse of the moment, decided upon crossing
+the Styx.  Our somewhat impulsive red friends out yonder are kindly
+preparing to assist me in making a successful passage, and the citizens
+of Glencaid, when they learn the sorrowful news of my translation,
+ought to come nobly forward with some suitable memorial to my virtues.
+If, by any miracle of chance, you should pull through, Wyman, I would
+hold it a friendly act if you suggest the matter.  A neat monument, for
+instance, might suitably voice their grief; it would cost them far less
+than I should in the flesh, and would prove highly gratifying to me, as
+well as those mourners left behind in Placer."
+
+"A breath of good honest prayer would serve better than all your fun,"
+groaned the sergeant, soberly.
+
+The gray eyes resting thoughtfully on the old soldier's haggard face
+became instantly grave and earnest.
+
+"Sincerely I wish I might aid you with one," the man admitted, "but I
+fear, old fellow, any prayer coming from my lips would never ascend
+very far.  However, I might try the comfort of a hymn, and you will
+remember this one, which, no doubt, you have helped to sing back in
+God's country."
+
+There was a moment's hushed pause, during which a rifle cracked sharply
+out in the ravine; then the reckless fellow, his head partially
+supported against the protecting bowlder, lifted up a full, rich
+barytone in rendition of that hymn of Christian faith--
+
+  "Nearer, my God, to Thee!
+    Nearer to Thee!
+  E'en though it be a cross
+    That raiseth me,
+  Still all my song shall be,
+  Nearer, my God, to Thee!
+    Nearer to Thee."
+
+
+Glazed and wearied eyes glanced cautiously toward the singer around the
+edges of protecting rocks; fingers loosened their grasp upon the rifle
+barrels; smoke-begrimed cheeks became moist; while lips, a moment
+before profaned by oaths, grew silent and trembling.  Out in front a
+revengeful brave sent his bullet swirling just above the singer's head,
+the sharp fragments of rock dislodged falling in a shower upon his
+upturned face; but the fearless rascal sang serenely on to the end,
+without a quaver.
+
+"Mistake it for a death song likely," he remarked dryly, while the last
+clear, lingering note, reechoed by the cliff, died reluctantly away in
+softened cadence.  "Beautiful old song, sergeant, and I trust hearing
+it again has done you good.  Sang it once in a church way back in New
+England.  But what is the trouble?  Did you call me for some special
+reason?"
+
+"Yes," came the almost gruff response; for Wyman, the fever stealing
+back upon him, felt half ashamed of his unshed tears.  "That is,
+provided you retain sufficient sense to listen.  Old Gillis was shot
+over an hour ago, yonder behind that big bowlder, and his girl sits
+there still holding his head in her lap.  She'll get hit also unless
+somebody pulls her out of there, and she's doing no good to
+Gillis--he's dead."
+
+Hampton's clear-cut, expressive face became graver, all trace of
+recklessness gone from it.  He lifted his head cautiously, peering over
+his rock cover toward where he remembered earlier in the fight Gillis
+had sought refuge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+OLD GILLIS'S GIRL
+
+Excepting for a vague knowledge that Gillis had had a girl with him,
+together with the half-formed determination that if worse came to worst
+she must never be permitted to fall alive into the hands of the lustful
+Sioux, Mr. Hampton had scarcely so much as noted her presence.  Of late
+years he had not felt greatly interested in the sex, and his
+inclination, since uniting his shattered fortunes with this little
+company, had been to avoid coming into personal contact with this
+particular specimen.  Practically, therefore, he now observed her for
+the first time.  Previously she had passed within range of his vision
+simply as the merest shadow; now she began to appeal faintly to him as
+a personality, uninteresting enough, of course, yet a living human
+being, whom it had oddly become his manifest duty to succor and
+protect.  The never wholly eradicated instincts of one born and bred a
+gentleman, although heavily overlaid by the habits acquired in many a
+rough year passed along the border, brought vividly before him the
+requirements of the situation.  Undoubtedly death was destined to be
+the early portion of them all; nevertheless she deserved every
+opportunity for life that remained, and with the ending of hope--well,
+there are worse fates upon the frontier than the unexpected plunge of a
+bullet through a benumbed brain.
+
+Guided by the unerring instinct of an old Indian fighter, Gillis,
+during that first mad retreat, had discovered temporary shelter behind
+one of the largest bowlders.  It was a trifle in advance of those later
+rolled into position by the soldiers, but was of a size and shape which
+should have afforded ample protection for two, and doubtless would have
+done so had it not been for the firing from the cliff opposite.  Even
+then it was a deflected bullet, glancing from off the polished surface
+of the rock, which found lodgment in the sturdy old fighter's brain.
+The girl had caught him as he fell, had wasted all her treasured store
+of water in a vain effort to cleanse the blood from his features, and
+now sat there, pillowing his head upon her knee, although the old man
+was stone dead with the first touch of the ball.  That had occurred
+fully an hour before, but she continued in the same posture, a grave,
+pathetic figure, her face sobered and careworn beyond her years, her
+eyes dry and staring, one brown hand grasping unconsciously the old
+man's useless rifle.  She would scarcely have been esteemed attractive
+even under much happier circumstances and assisted by dress, yet there
+was something in the independent poise of her head, the steady
+fixedness of her posture, which served to interest Hampton as he now
+watched her curiously.
+
+"Fighting blood," he muttered admiringly to himself.  "Might fail to
+develop into very much of a society belle, but likely to prove valuable
+out here."
+
+She was rather a slender slip of a thing, a trifle too tall for her
+years, perhaps, yet with no lack of development apparent in the slim,
+rounded figure.  Her coarse home-made dress of dark calico fitted her
+sadly, while her rumpled hair, from which the broad-brimmed hat had
+fallen, possessed a reddish copper tinge where it was touched by the
+sun.  Mr. Hampton's survey did not increase his desire for more
+intimate acquaintanceship, yet he recognized anew her undoubted claim
+upon him.
+
+"Suppose I might just as well drop out that way as any other," he
+reflected, thoughtfully.  "It's all in the game."
+
+Lying flat upon his stomach, both arms extended, he slowly forced
+himself beyond his bowlder into the open.  There was no great distance
+to be traversed, and a considerable portion of the way was somewhat
+protected by low bushes.  Hampton took few chances of those spying eyes
+above, never uplifting his head the smallest fraction of an inch, but
+reaching forward with blindly groping hands, caught hold upon any
+projecting root or stone which enabled him to drag his body an inch
+farther.  Twice they fired directly down at him from the opposite
+summit, and once a fleck of sharp rock, chipped by a glancing bullet,
+embedded itself in his cheek, dyeing the whole side of his face
+crimson.  But not once did he pause or glance aside; nor did the girl
+look up from the imploring face of her dead.  As he crept silently in,
+sheltering himself next to the body of the dead man, she perceived his
+presence for the first time, and shrank back as if in dread.
+
+"What are you doing?  Why--why did you come here?" she questioned, a
+falter in her voice; and he noticed that her eyes were dark and large,
+yielding a marked impress of beauty to her face.
+
+"I was unwilling to leave you here alone," he answered, quietly, "and
+hope to discover some means for getting you safely back beside the
+others."
+
+"But I didn't want you," and there was a look of positive dislike in
+her widely opened eyes.
+
+"Did n't want me?"  He echoed these unexpected words in a tone of
+complete surprise.  "Surely you could not desire to be left here alone?
+Why didn't you want me?"
+
+"Because I know who you are!"  Her voice seemed to catch in her throat.
+"He told me.  You're the man who shot Jim Eberly."
+
+Mr. Hampton was never of a pronounced emotional nature, nor was he a
+person easily disconcerted, yet he flushed at the sound of these
+impulsive words, and the confident smile deserted his lips.  For a
+moment they sat thus, the dead body lying between, and looked at each
+other.  When the man finally broke the constrained silence a deeper
+intonation had crept into his voice.
+
+"My girl," he said gravely, and not without a suspicion of pleading,
+"this is no place for me to attempt any defence of a shooting affray in
+a gambling-house, although I might plead with some justice that Eberly
+enjoyed the honor of shooting first.  I was not aware of your personal
+feeling in the matter, or I might have permitted some one else to come
+here in my stead.  Now it is too late.  I have never spoken to you
+before, and do so at this time merely from a sincere desire to be of
+some assistance."
+
+There was that in his manner of grave courtesy which served to steady
+the girl.  Probably never before in all her rough frontier experience
+had she been addressed thus formally.  Her closely compressed lips
+twitched nervously, but her questioning eyes remained unlowered.
+
+"You may stay," she asserted, soberly.  "Only don't touch me."
+
+No one could ever realize how much those words hurt him.  He had been
+disciplined in far too severe a school ever to permit his face to index
+the feelings of his heart, yet the unconcealed shrinking of this
+uncouth child from slightest personal contact with him cut through his
+acquired reserve as perhaps nothing else could ever have done.  Not
+until he had completely conquered his first unwise impulse to retort
+angrily, did he venture again to speak.
+
+"I hope to aid you in getting back beside the others, where you will be
+less exposed."
+
+"Will you take him?"
+
+"He is dead," Hampton said, soberly, "and I can do nothing to aid him.
+But there remains a chance for you to escape."
+
+"Then I won't go," she declared, positively.
+
+Hampton's gray eyes looked for a long moment fixedly into her darker
+ones, while the two took mental stock of each other.  He realized the
+utter futility of any further argument, while she felt instinctively
+the cool, dominating strength of the man.  Neither was composed of that
+poor fibre which bends.
+
+"Very well, my young lady," he said, easily, stretching himself out
+more comfortably in the rock shadow.  "Then I will remain here with
+you; it makes small odds."
+
+Excepting for one hasty, puzzled glance, she did not deign to look
+again toward him, and the man rested motionless upon his back, staring
+up at the sky.  Finally, curiosity overmastered the actor in him, and
+he turned partially upon one side, so as to bring her profile within
+his range of vision.  The untamed, rebellious nature of the girl had
+touched a responsive chord; unseeking any such result she had directly
+appealed to his better judgment, and enabled him to perceive her from
+an entirely fresh view-point.  Her clearly expressed disdain, her
+sturdy independence both of word and action, coupled with her frankly
+voiced dislike, awoke within him an earnest desire to stand higher in
+her regard.  Her dark, glowing eyes were lowered upon the white face of
+the dead man, yet Hampton noted how clear, in spite of sun-tan, were
+those tints of health upon the rounded cheek, and how soft and glossy
+shone her wealth of rumpled hair.  Even the tinge of color, so
+distasteful in the full glare of the sun, appeared to have darkened
+under the shadow, its shade framing the downcast face into a pensive
+fairness.  Then he observed how dry and parched her lips were.
+
+"Take a drink of this," he insisted heartily, holding out toward her as
+he spoke his partially filled canteen.
+
+She started at the unexpected sound of his voice, yet uplifted the
+welcome water to her mouth, while Hampton, observing it all closely,
+could but remark the delicate shapeliness other hand.
+
+"If that old fellow was her father," he reflected soberly, "I should
+like to have seen her mother."
+
+"Thank you," she said simply, handing back the canteen, but without
+lifting her eyes again to his face.  "I was so thirsty."  Her low tone,
+endeavoring to be polite enough, contained no note of encouragement.
+
+"Was Gillis your father?" the man questioned, determined to make her
+recognize his presence.
+
+"I suppose so; I don't know."
+
+"You don't know?  Am I to understand you are actually uncertain whether
+this man was your father or not?"
+
+"That is about what I said, was n't it?  Not that it is any of your
+business, so far as I know, Mr. Bob Hampton, but I answered you all
+right.  He brought me up, and I called him 'dad' about as far back as I
+can remember, but I don't reckon as he ever told me he was my father.
+So you can understand just what you please."
+
+"His name was Gillis, was n't it?"
+
+The girl nodded wearily.
+
+"Post-trader at Fort Bethune?"
+
+Again the rumpled head silently acquiesced.
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+"He always called me 'kid,'" she admitted unwillingly, "but I reckon if
+you have any further occasion for addressing me, you'd better say,
+'Miss Gillis.'"
+
+Hampton laughed lightly, his reckless humor instantly restored by her
+perverse manner.
+
+"Heaven preserve me!" he exclaimed good naturedly, "but you are
+certainly laying it on thick, young lady!  However, I believe we might
+become good friends if we ever have sufficient luck to get out from
+this hole alive.  Darn if I don't sort of cotton to you, little
+girl--you've got some sand."
+
+For a brief space her truthful, angry eyes rested scornfully upon his
+face, her lips parted as though trembling with a sharp retort.  Then
+she deliberately turned her back upon him without uttering a word.
+
+For what may have been the first and only occasion in Mr. Hampton's
+audacious career, he realized his utter helplessness.  This mere slip
+of a red-headed girl, this little nameless waif of the frontier,
+condemned him so completely, and without waste of words, as to leave
+him weaponless.  Not that he greatly cared; oh, no! still, it was an
+entirely new experience; the arrow went deeper than he would have
+willingly admitted.  Men of middle age, gray hairs already commencing
+to shade their temples, are not apt to enjoy being openly despised by
+young women, not even by ordinary freckle-faced girls, clad in coarse
+short frocks.  Yet he could think of no fitting retort worth the
+speaking, and consequently he simply lay back, seeking to treat this
+disagreeable creature with that silent contempt which is the last
+resort of the vanquished.
+
+He was little inclined to admit, even to himself, that he had been
+fairly hit, yet the truth remained that this girl was beginning to
+interest him oddly.  He admired her sturdy independence, her audacity
+of speech, her unqualified frankness.  Mr. Hampton was a thoroughgoing
+sport, and no quality was quite so apt to appeal to him as dead
+gameness.  He glanced surreptitiously aside at her once more, but there
+was no sign of relenting in the averted face.  He rested lower against
+the rock, his face upturned toward the sky, and thought.  He was
+becoming vaguely aware that something entirely new, and rather
+unwelcome, had crept into his life during that last fateful half-hour.
+It could not be analyzed, nor even expressed definitely in words, but
+he comprehended this much--he would really enjoy rescuing this girl,
+and he should like to live long enough to discover into what sort of
+woman she would develop.
+
+It was no spirit of bravado that gave rise to his reckless speech of an
+hour previous.  It was simply a spontaneous outpouring of his real
+nature, an unpremeditated expression of that supreme carelessness with
+which he regarded the future, the small value he set on life.  He truly
+felt as utterly indifferent toward fate as his words signified.  Deeply
+conscious of a life long ago irretrievably wrecked, everything behind a
+chaos, everything before worthless,--for years he had been actually
+seeking death; a hundred times he had gladly marked its apparent
+approach, a smile of welcome upon his lips.  Yet it had never quite
+succeeded in reaching him, and nothing had been gained beyond a
+reputation for cool, reckless daring, which he did not in the least
+covet.  But now, miracle of all miracles, just as the end seemed
+actually attained, seemed beyond any possibility of being turned aside,
+he began to experience a desire to live--he wanted to save this girl.
+
+His keenly observant eyes, trained by the exigencies of his trade to
+take note of small things, and rendered eager by this newly awakened
+ambition, scanned the cliff towering above them.  He perceived the
+extreme irregularity of its front, and numerous peculiarities of
+formation which had escaped him hitherto.  Suddenly his puzzled face
+brightened to the birth of an idea.  By heavens! it might be done!
+Surely it might be done!  Inch by inch he traced the obscure passage,
+seeking to impress each faint detail upon his memory--that narrow ledge
+within easy reach of an upstretched arm, the sharp outcropping of
+rock-edges here and there, the deep gash as though some giant axe had
+cleaved the stone, those sturdy cedars growing straight out over the
+chasm like the bowsprits of ships, while all along the way, irregular
+and ragged, varied rifts not entirely unlike the steps of a crazy
+staircase.
+
+The very conception of such an exploit caused his flesh to creep.  But
+he was not of that class of men who fall back dazed before the face of
+danger.  Again and again, led by an impulse he was unable to resist, he
+studied that precipitous rock, every nerve tingling to the newborn
+hope.  God helping them, even so desperate a deed might be
+accomplished, although it would test the foot and nerve of a Swiss
+mountaineer.  He glanced again uneasily toward his companion, and saw
+the same motionless figure, the same sober face turned deliberately
+away.  Hampton did not smile, but his square jaw set, and he clinched
+his hands.  He had no fear that she might fall him, but for the first
+time in all his life he questioned his own courage.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH
+
+The remainder of that day, as well as much of the gloomy night
+following, composed a silent, lingering horror.  The fierce pangs of
+hunger no longer gnawed, but a dull apathy now held the helpless
+defenders.  One of the wounded died, a mere lad, sobbing pitifully for
+his mother; an infantryman, peering forth from his covert, had been
+shot in the face, and his scream echoed among the rocks in multiplied
+accents of agony; while Wyman lay tossing and moaning, mercifully
+unconscious.  The others rested in their places, scarcely venturing to
+stir a limb, their roving, wolfish eyes the only visible evidence of
+remaining life, every hope vanished, yet each man clinging to his
+assigned post of duty in desperation.  There was but little firing--the
+defenders nursing their slender stock, the savages biding their time.
+When night shut down the latter became bolder, and taunted cruelly
+those destined to become so soon their hapless victims.  Twice the
+maddened men fired recklessly at those dancing devils, and one pitched
+forward, emitting a howl of pain that caused his comrades to cower once
+again behind their covers.  One and all these frontiersmen recognized
+the inevitable--before dawn the end must come.  No useless words were
+spoken; the men merely clinched their teeth and waited.
+
+Hampton crept closer in beside the girl while the shadows deepened, and
+ventured to touch her hand.  Perhaps the severe strain of their
+situation, the intense loneliness of that Indian-haunted twilight, had
+somewhat softened her resentment, for she made no effort now to repulse
+him.
+
+"Kid," he said at last, "are you game for a try at getting out of this?"
+
+She appeared to hesitate over her answer, and he could feel her
+tumultuous breathing.  Some portion of her aversion had vanished.  His
+face was certainly not an unpleasant one to look upon, and there were
+others other sex who had discovered in it a covering for a multitude of
+sins.  Hampton smiled slightly while he waited; he possessed some
+knowledge of the nature feminine.
+
+"Come, Kid," he ventured finally, yet with new assurance vibrating in
+his low voice; "this is surely a poor time and place for any indulgence
+in tantrums, and you 've got more sense.  I 'm going to try to climb up
+the face of that cliff yonder,--it's the only possible way out from
+here,--and I propose to take you along with me."
+
+She snatched her hand roughly away, yet remained facing him.  "Who gave
+you any right to decide what I should do?"
+
+The man clasped his fingers tightly about her slender arm, advancing
+his face until he could look squarely into hers.  She read in the lines
+of that determined countenance an inflexible resolve which overmastered
+her.
+
+"The right given by Almighty God to protect any one of your sex in
+peril," he replied.  "Before dawn those savage fiends will be upon us.
+We are utterly helpless.  There remains only one possible path for
+escape, and I believe I have discovered it.  Now, my girl, you either
+climb those rocks with me, or I shall kill you where you are.  It is
+that, or the Sioux torture.  I have two shots left in this gun,--one
+for you, the other for myself.  The time has come for deciding which of
+these alternatives you prefer."
+
+The gleam of a star glittered along the steel of his revolver, and she
+realized that he meant what he threatened.
+
+"If I select your bullet rather than the rocks, what then?"
+
+"You will get it, but in that case you will die like a fool."
+
+"You have believed me to be one, all this afternoon."
+
+"Possibly," he admitted; "your words and actions certainly justified
+some such conclusion, but the opportunity has arrived for causing me to
+revise that suspicion."
+
+"I don't care to have you, revise it, Mr. Bob Hampton.  If I go, I
+shall hate you just the same."
+
+Hampton's teeth clicked like those of an angry dog.  "Hate and be
+damned," he exclaimed roughly.  "All I care about now is to drag you
+out of here alive."
+
+His unaffected sincerity impressed her more than any amount of
+pleading.  She was long accustomed to straight talk; it always meant
+business, and her untutored nature instantly responded with a throb of
+confidence.
+
+"Well, if you put it that way," she said, "I 'll go."
+
+For one breathless moment neither stirred.  Then a single wild yell
+rang sharply forth from the rocks in their front, and a rifle barked
+savagely, its red flame cleaving the darkness with tongue of fire.  An
+instant and the impenetrable gloom again surrounded them.
+
+"Come on, then," he whispered, his fingers grasping her sleeve.
+
+She shook off the restraining touch of his hand as if it were
+contamination, and sank down upon her knees beside the inert body.  He
+could barely perceive the dim outlines of her bowed figure, yet never
+moved, his breath perceptibly quickening, while he watched and waited.
+Without word or moan she bent yet lower, and pressed her lips upon the
+cold, white face.  The man caught no more than the faintest echo of a
+murmured "Good-bye, old dad; I wish I could take you with me."  Then
+she stood stiffly upright, facing him.  "I'm ready now," she announced
+calmly.  "You can go on ahead."
+
+They crept among low shrubs and around the bowlders, carefully guarding
+every slightest movement lest some rustle of disturbed foliage, or
+sound of loosened stone, might draw the fire of those keen watchers.
+Nor dared they ignore the close proximity of their own little company,
+who, amid such darkness, might naturally suspect them for approaching
+savages.  Every inch of their progress was attained through tedious
+groping, yet the distance to be traversed was short, and Hampton soon
+found himself pressing against the uprising precipice.  Passing his
+fingers along the front, he finally found that narrow ledge which he
+had previously located with such patient care, and reaching back, drew
+the girl silently upon her feet beside him.  Against that background of
+dark cliff they might venture to stand erect, the faint glimmer of
+reflected light barely sufficient to reveal to each the shadowy outline
+of the other.
+
+"Don't move an inch from this spot," he whispered.  "It wouldn't be a
+square deal, Kid, to leave those poor fellows to their death without
+even telling them there's a chance to get out."
+
+She attempted no reply, as he glided noiselessly away, but her face,
+could he have seen it, was not devoid of expression.  This was an act
+of generosity and deliberate courage of the very kind most apt to
+appeal to her nature, and within her secret heart there was rapidly
+developing a respect for this man, who with such calm assurance won his
+own way.  He was strong, forceful, brave,--Homeric virtues of real
+worth in that hard life which she knew best.  All this swept across her
+mind in a flash of revelation while she stood alone, her eyes
+endeavoring vainly to peer into the gloom.  Then, suddenly, that black
+curtain was rent by jagged spurts of red and yellow flame.  Dazed for
+an instant, her heart throbbing wildly to the sharp reports of the
+rifles, she shrank cowering back, her fascinated gaze fixed on those
+imp-like figures leaping forward from rock to rock.  Almost with the
+flash and sound Hampton sprang hastily back and gathered her in his
+arms.
+
+"Catch hold, Kid, anywhere; only go up, and quick!"
+
+As he thus lifted her she felt the irregularities of rock beneath her
+clutching fingers, and scrambled instinctively forward along the narrow
+shelf, and then, reaching higher, her groping hands clasped the roots
+of a projecting cedar.  She retained no longer any memory for Hampton;
+her brain was completely terrorized.  Inch by inch, foot by foot,
+clinging to a fragment of rock here, grasping a slippery branch there,
+occasionally helped by encountering a deeper gash in the face of the
+precipice, her movements concealed by the scattered cedars, she toiled
+feverishly up, led by instinct, like any wild animal desperately driven
+by fear, and only partially conscious of the real dread of her terrible
+position.  The first time she became aware that Hampton was closely
+following was when her feet slipped along a naked root, and she would
+have plunged headlong into unknown depths had she not come into sudden
+contact with his supporting shoulder.  Faint and dizzy, and trembling
+like the leaf of an aspen, she crept forward onto a somewhat wider
+ledge of thin rock, and lay there quivering painfully from head to
+foot.  A moment of suspense, and he was outstretched beside her,
+resting at full length along the very outer edge, his hand closing
+tightly over her own.
+
+"Remain perfectly quiet," he whispered, panting heavily.  "We can be no
+safer anywhere else."
+
+She could distinguish the rapid pounding of his heart as well as her
+own, mingled with the sharp intake of their heavy breathing, but these
+sounds were soon overcome by that of the tumult below.  Shots and
+yells, the dull crash of blows, the shouts of men engaged in a death
+grapple, the sharp crackling of innumerable rifles, the inarticulate
+moans of pain, the piercing scream of sudden torture, were borne upward
+to them from out the blackness.  They did not venture to lift their
+heads from off the hard rock; the girl sobbed silently, her slender
+form trembling; the fingers of the man closed more tightly about her
+hand.  All at once the hideous uproar ceased with a final yelping of
+triumph, seemingly reechoed the entire length of the chasm, in the
+midst of which one single voice pleaded pitifully,--only to die away in
+a shriek.  The two agonized fugitives lay listening, their ears
+strained to catch the slightest sound from below.  The faint radiance
+of a single star glimmered along the bald front of the cliff, but
+Hampton, peering cautiously across the edge, could distinguish nothing.
+His ears could discern evidences of movement, and he heard guttural
+voices calling at a distance, but to the vision all was black.  The
+distance those faint sounds appeared away made his head reel, and he
+shrank cowering back against the girl's body, closing his eyes and
+sinking his head upon his arm.
+
+These uncertain sounds ceased, the strained ears of the fugitives heard
+the crashing of bodies through the thick shrubbery, and then even this
+noise died away in the distance.  Yet neither ventured to stir or
+speak.  It may be that the girl slept fitfully, worn out by long vigil
+and intense strain; but the man proved less fortunate, his eyes staring
+out continually into the black void, his thoughts upon other days long
+vanished but now brought back in all their bitterness by the mere
+proximity of this helpless waif who had fallen into his care.  His
+features were drawn and haggard when the first gray dawn found ghastly
+reflection along the opposite rock summit, and with blurred eyes he
+watched the faint tinge of returning light steal downward into the
+canyon.  At last it swept aside those lower clinging mists, as though
+some invisible hand had drawn back the night curtains, and he peered
+over the edge of his narrow resting-place, gazing directly down upon
+the scene of massacre.  With a quick gasp of unspeakable horror he
+shrank so sharply back as to cause the suddenly awakened girl to start
+and glance into his face.
+
+"What is it?" she questioned, with quick catching of breath, reading
+that which she could not clearly interpret in his shocked expression.
+
+"Nothing of consequence," and he faintly endeavored to smile.  "I
+suppose I must have been dreaming also, and most unpleasantly.  No;
+please do not look down; it would only cause your head to reel, and our
+upward climb is not yet completed.  Do you feel strong enough now to
+make another attempt to reach the top?"
+
+His quiet spirit of assured dominance seemed to command her obedience.
+With a slight shudder she glanced doubtfully up the seemingly
+inaccessible height.
+
+"Can we?" she questioned helplessly.
+
+"We can, simply because we must," and his white teeth shut together
+firmly.  "There is no possibility of retracing our steps downward, but
+with the help of this daylight we surely ought to be able to discover
+some path leading up."
+
+He rose cautiously to his feet, pressing her more closely against the
+face of the cliff, thus holding her in comparative safety while
+preventing her from glancing back into the dizzy chasm.  The most
+difficult portion of their journey was apparently just before them,
+consisting of a series of narrow ledges, so widely separated and
+irregular as to require each to assist the other while passing from
+point to point.  Beyond these a slender cleft, bordered by gnarled
+roots of low bushes, promised a somewhat easier and securer passage
+toward the summit.  Hampton's face became deathly white as they began
+the perilous climb, but his hand remained steady, his foot sure, while
+the girl moved forward as if remaining unconscious of the presence of
+danger, apparently swayed by his dominant will to do whatsoever he bade
+her.  More than once they tottered on the very brink, held to safety
+merely by desperate clutchings at rock or shrub, yet never once did the
+man loosen his guarding grasp of his companion.  Pressed tightly
+against the smooth rock, feeling for every crevice, every slightest
+irregularity of surface, making use of creeping tendril or dead branch,
+daring death along every inch of the way, these two creepers at last
+attained the opening to the little gulley, and sank down, faint and
+trembling, their hands bleeding, their clothing sadly torn by the sharp
+ledges across which they had pulled their bodies by the sheer strength
+of extended arms.  Hampton panted heavily from exertion, yet the old
+light of cool, resourceful daring had crept back into the gray eyes,
+while the stern lines about his lips assumed pleasanter curves.  The
+girl glanced furtively at him, the long lashes shadowing the expression
+of her lowered eyes.  In spite of deep prejudice she felt impelled to
+like this man; he accomplished things, and he didn't talk.
+
+It was nothing more serious than a hard and toilsome climb after that,
+a continuous struggle testing every muscle, straining every sinew,
+causing both to sink down again and again, panting and exhausted, no
+longer stimulated by imminent peril.  The narrow cleft they followed
+led somewhat away from the exposed front of the precipice, yet arose
+steep and jagged before them, a slender gash through the solid rock, up
+which they were often compelled to force their passage; again it became
+clogged with masses of debris, dead branches, and dislodged fragments
+of stone, across which they were obliged to struggle desperately, while
+once they completely halted before a sheer smoothness of rock wall that
+appeared impassable.  It was bridged finally by a cedar trunk, which
+Hampton wrenched from out its rocky foothold, and the two crept
+cautiously forward, to emerge where the sunlight rested golden at the
+summit.  They sank face downward in the short grass, barely conscious
+that they had finally won their desperate passage.
+
+Slowly Hampton succeeded in uplifting his tired body and his reeling
+head, until he could sit partially upright and gaze unsteadily about.
+The girl yet remained motionless at his feet, her thick hair, a mass of
+red gold in the sunshine, completely concealing her face, her slender
+figure quivering to sobs of utter exhaustion.  Before them stretched
+the barren plain, brown, desolate, drear, offering in all its wide
+expanse no hopeful promise of rescue, no slightest suggestion even of
+water, excepting a fringe of irregular trees, barely discernible
+against the horizon.  That lorn, deserted waste, shimmering beneath the
+sun-rays, the heat waves already becoming manifest above the
+rock-strewn surface, presented a most depressing spectacle.  With hand
+partially shading his aching eyes from the blinding glare, the man
+studied its every exposed feature, his face hardening again into lines
+of stern determination.  The girl stirred from her position, flinging
+back her heavy hair with one hand, and looking up into his face with
+eyes that read at once his disappointment.
+
+"Have--have you any water left?" she asked at last, her lips parched
+and burning as if from fever.
+
+He shook the canteen dangling forgotten at his side.  "There may be a
+few drops," he said, handing it to her, although scarcely removing his
+fixed gaze from off that dreary plain.  "We shall be obliged to make
+those trees yonder; there ought to be water there in plenty, and
+possibly we may strike a trail."
+
+She staggered to her feet, gripping his shoulder, and swaying a little
+from weakness, then, holding aside her hair, gazed long in the
+direction he pointed.
+
+"I fairly shake from hunger," she exclaimed, almost angrily, "and am
+terribly tired and sore, but I reckon I can make it if I 've got to."
+
+There was nothing more said between them.  Like two automatons, they
+started off across the parched grass, the heat waves rising and falling
+as they stumbled forward.  Neither realized until then how thoroughly
+that hard climb up the rocks, the strain of continued peril, and the
+long abstinence from food had sapped their strength, yet to remain
+where they were meant certain death; all hope found its centre amid
+those distant beckoning trees.  Mechanically the girl gathered back her
+straying tresses, and tied them with a rag torn from her frayed skirt.
+Hampton noted silently how heavy and sunken her eyes were; he felt a
+dull pity, yet could not sufficiently arouse himself from the lethargy
+of exhaustion to speak.  His body seemed a leaden weight, his brain a
+dull, inert mass; nothing was left him but an unreasoning purpose, the
+iron will to press on across that desolate plain, which already reeled
+and writhed before his aching eyes.
+
+No one can explain later how such deeds are ever accomplished; how the
+tortured soul controls physical weakness, and compels strained sinews
+to perform the miracle of action when all ambition has died.  Hampton
+surely must have both seen and known, for he kept his direction, yet
+never afterwards did he regain any clear memory of it.  Twice she fell
+heavily, and the last time she lay motionless, her face pressed against
+the short grass blades.  He stood looking down upon her, his head
+reeling beneath the hot rays of the sun, barely conscious of what had
+occurred, yet never becoming totally dead to his duty.  Painfully he
+stooped, lifted the limp, slender figure against his shoulder, and went
+straggling forward, as uncertain in steps as a blind man, all about him
+stretching the dull, dead desolation of the plain.  Again and again he
+sank down, pillowing his eyes from the pitiless sun glare; only to
+stagger upright once more, ever bending lower and lower beneath his
+unconscious burden.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+ON THE NAKED PLAIN
+
+It was two hundred and eighteen miles, as the crow flies, between old
+Fort Bethune and the rock ford crossing the Bear Water, every foot of
+that dreary, treeless distance Indian-haunted, the favorite
+skulking-place and hunting-ground of the restless Sioux.  Winter and
+summer this wide expanse had to be suspiciously patrolled by numerous
+military scouting parties, anxious to learn more regarding the
+uncertain whereabouts of wandering bands and the purposes of
+malecontents, or else drawn hither and thither by continually shifting
+rumors of hostile raids upon the camps of cattlemen.  All this involved
+rough, difficult service, with small meed of honor attached, while
+never had soldiers before found trickier foemen to contend against, or
+fighters more worthy of their steel.
+
+One such company, composed of a dozen mounted infantrymen, accompanied
+by three Cree trailers, rode slowly and wearily across the brown
+exposed uplands down into the longer, greener grass of the wide valley
+bottom, until they emerged upon a barely perceptible trail which wound
+away in snake-like twistings, toward those high, barren hills whose
+blue masses were darkly silhouetted against the western sky.  Upon
+every side of them extended the treeless wilderness, the desolate
+loneliness of bare, brown prairie, undulating just enough to be
+baffling to the eyes, yet so dull, barren, grim, silent, and colorless
+as to drive men mad.  The shimmering heat rose and fell in great
+pulsating waves, although no slightest breeze came to stir the stagnant
+air, while thick clouds of white dust, impregnated with poisonous
+alkali, rose from out the grass roots, stirred by the horses' feet, to
+powder the passers-by from head to foot.  The animals moved steadily
+forward, reluctant and weary, their heads drooping dejectedly, their
+distended nostrils red and quivering, the oily perspiration streaking
+their dusted sides.  The tired men, half blinded by the glare, lolled
+heavily in their deep cavalry saddles, with encrusted eyes staring
+moodily ahead.
+
+Riding alone, and slightly in advance of the main body, his mount a
+rangy, broad-chested roan, streaked with alkali dust, the drooping head
+telling plainly of wearied muscles, was the officer in command.  He was
+a pleasant-faced, stalwart young fellow, with the trim figure of a
+trained athlete, possessing a square chin smoothly shaven, his
+intelligent blue eyes half concealed beneath his hat brim, which had
+been drawn low to shade them from the glare, one hand pressing upon his
+saddle holster as he leaned over to rest.  No insignia of rank served
+to distinguish him from those equally dusty fellows plodding gloomily
+behind, but a broad stripe of yellow running down the seams of his
+trousers, together with his high boots, bespoke the cavalry service,
+while the front of his battered campaign hat bore the decorations of
+two crossed sabres, with a gilded "7" prominent between.  His attire
+was completed by a coarse blue shirt, unbuttoned at the throat, about
+which had been loosely knotted a darker colored silk handkerchief, and
+across the back of the saddle was fastened a uniform jacket, the single
+shoulder-strap revealed presenting the plain yellow of a second
+lieutenant.
+
+Attaining to the summit of a slight knoll, whence a somewhat wider
+vista lay outspread, he partially turned his face toward the men
+straggling along in the rear, while his hand swept across the dreary
+scene.
+
+"If that line of trees over yonder indicates the course of the Bear
+Water, Carson," he questioned quietly, "where are we expected to hit
+the trail leading down to the ford?"
+
+The sergeant, thus addressed, a little stocky fellow wearing a closely
+clipped gray moustache, spurred his exhausted horse into a brief trot,
+and drew up short by the officer's side, his heavy eyes scanning the
+vague distance, even while his right hand was uplifted in perfunctory
+salute.
+
+"There 's no trail I know about along this bank, sir," he replied
+respectfully, "but the big cottonwood with the dead branch forking out
+at the top is the ford guide."
+
+They rode down in moody silence into the next depression, and began
+wearily climbing the long hill opposite, apparently the last before
+coming directly down the banks of the stream.  As his barely moving
+horse topped the uneven summit, the lieutenant suddenly drew in his
+rein, and uttering an exclamation of surprise, bent forward, staring
+intently down in his immediate front.  For a single instant he appeared
+to doubt the evidence of his own eyes; then he swung hastily from out
+the saddle, all weariness forgotten.
+
+"My God!" he cried, sharply, his eyes suspiciously sweeping the bare
+slope.  "There are two bodies lying here--white people!"
+
+They lay all doubled up in the coarse grass, exactly as they had
+fallen, the man resting face downward, the slender figure of the girl
+clasped vice-like in his arms, with her tightly closed eyes upturned
+toward the glaring sun.  Their strange, strained, unnatural posture,
+the rigidity of their limbs, the ghastly pallor of the exposed young
+face accentuated by dark, dishevelled hair, all alike seemed to
+indicate death.  Never once questioning but that he was confronting the
+closing scene of a grewsome tragedy, the thoroughly aroused lieutenant
+dropped upon his knees beside them, his eyes already moist with
+sympathy, his anxious fingers feeling for a possible heart-beat.  A
+moment of hushed, breathless suspense followed, and then he began
+flinging terse, eager commands across his shoulder to where his men
+were clustered.
+
+"Here!  Carson, Perry, Ronk, lay hold quick, and break this fellow's
+clasp," he cried, briefly.  "The girl retains a spark of life yet, but
+the man's arms fairly crush her."
+
+With all the rigidity of actual death those clutching hands held their
+tenacious grip, but the aroused soldiers wrenched the interlaced
+fingers apart with every tenderness possible in such emergency, shocked
+at noting the expression of intense agony stamped upon the man's face
+when thus exposed to view.  The whole terrible story was engraven
+there--how he had toiled, agonized, suffered, before finally yielding
+to the inevitable and plunging forward in unconsciousness, written as
+legibly as though by a pen.  Every pang of mental torture had left
+plainest imprint across that haggard countenance.  He appeared old,
+pitiable, a wreck.  Carson, who in his long service had witnessed much
+of death and suffering, bent tenderly above him, seeking for some faint
+evidence of lingering life.  His fingers felt for no wound, for to his
+experienced eyes the sad tale was already sufficiently clear--hunger,
+exposure, the horrible heart-breaking strain of hopeless endeavor, had
+caused this ending, this unspeakable tragedy of the barren waterless
+plain.  He had witnessed it all before, and hoped now for little.  The
+anxious lieutenant, bareheaded under the hot sun-glare, strode hastily
+across from beside the unconscious but breathing girl, and stood gazing
+doubtfully down upon them.
+
+"Any life, sergeant?" he demanded, his voice rendered husky by sympathy.
+
+"He doesn't seem entirely gone, sir," and Carson glanced up into the
+officer's face, his own eyes filled with feeling.  "I can distinguish
+just a wee bit of breathing, but it's so weak the pulse hardly stirs."
+
+"What do you make of it?"
+
+"Starving at the bottom, sir.  The only thing I see now is to get them
+down to water and food."
+
+The young officer glanced swiftly about him across that dreary picture
+of sun-burnt, desolate prairie stretching in every direction, his eyes
+pausing slightly as they surveyed the tops of the distant cottonwoods.
+
+"Sling blankets between your horses," he commanded, decisively.  "Move
+quickly, lads, and we may save one of these lives yet."
+
+He led in the preparation himself, his cheeks flushed, his movements
+prompt, decisive.  As if by some magic discipline the rude, effective
+litters were rapidly made ready, and the two seemingly lifeless bodies
+gently lifted from off the ground and deposited carefully within.  Down
+the long, brown slope they advanced slowly, a soldier grasping the rein
+and walking at each horse's head, the supporting blankets, securely
+fastened about the saddle pommels, swaying gently to the measured tread
+of the trained animals.  The lieutenant directed every movement, while
+Carson rode ahead, picking out the safest route through the short
+grass.  Beneath the protecting shadows of the first group of
+cottonwoods, almost on the banks of the muddy Bear Water, the little
+party let down their senseless burdens, and began once more their
+seemingly hopeless efforts at resuscitation.  A fire was hastily
+kindled from dried and broken branches, and broth was made, which was
+forced through teeth that had to be pried open.  Water was used
+unsparingly, the soldiers working with feverish eagerness, inspired by
+the constant admonitions of their officer, as well as their own
+curiosity to learn the facts hidden behind this tragedy.
+
+[Illustration: They advanced slowly, the supporting blankets swaying
+gently to the measured tread.]
+
+It was the dark eyes of the girl which opened first, instantly closing
+again as the glaring light swept into them.  Then slowly, and with
+wonderment, she gazed up into those strange, rough faces surrounding
+her, pausing in her first survey to rest her glance on the sympathetic
+countenance of the young lieutenant, who held her half reclining upon
+his arm.
+
+"Here," he exclaimed, kindly, interpreting her glance as one of fear,
+"you are all right and perfectly safe now, with friends to care for
+you.  Peters, bring another cup of that broth.  Now, miss, just take a
+sup or two of this, and your strength will come back in a jiffy.  What
+was the trouble?  Starving?"
+
+She did exactly as he bade her, every movement mechanical, her eyes
+fastened upon his face.
+
+"I--I reckon that was partly it," she responded at last, her voice
+faint and husky.  Then her glance wandered away, and finally rested
+upon another little kneeling group a few yards farther down stream.  A
+look of fresh intelligence swept into her face.
+
+"Is that him?" she questioned, tremblingly.  "Is--is he dead?"
+
+"He was n't when we first got here, but mighty near gone, I'm afraid.
+I've been working over you ever since."
+
+She shook herself free and sat weakly up, her lips tight compressed,
+her eyes apparently blind to all save that motionless body she could
+barely distinguish.  "Let me tell you, that fellow's a man, just the
+same; the gamest, nerviest man I ever saw.  I reckon he got hit, too,
+though he never said nothing about it.  That's his style."
+
+The deeply interested lieutenant removed his watchful eyes from off his
+charge just long enough to glance inquiringly across his shoulder.
+"Has the man any signs of a wound, sergeant?" he asked, loudly.
+
+"A mighty ugly slug in the shoulder, sir; has bled scandalous, but I
+guess it 's the very luck that's goin' to save him; seems now to be
+comin' out all right."
+
+The officer's brows knitted savagely.  "It begins to look as if this
+might be some of our business.  What happened?  Indians?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How far away?"
+
+"I don't know.  They caught us in a canyon somewhere out yonder, maybe
+three or four days ago; there was a lot killed, some of them soldiers.
+My dad was shot, and then that night he--he got me out up the rocks,
+and he--he was carrying me in his arms when I--I fainted, I saw there
+was blood on his shirt, and it was dripping down on the grass as he
+walked.  That's about all I know."
+
+"Who is the man?  What's his name?"
+
+The girl looked squarely into the lieutenant's eyes, and, for some
+reason which she could never clearly explain even to herself, lied
+calmly.  "I don't know; I never asked."
+
+Sergeant Carson rose stiffly from his knees beside the extended figure
+and strode heavily across toward where they were sitting, lifting his
+hand in soldierly salute, his heels clicking as he brought them sharply
+together in military precision.
+
+"The fellow is getting his eyes open, sir," he reported, "and is
+breathing more regular.  Purty weak yit, but he'll come round in time."
+He stared curiously down at the girl now sitting up unsupported, while
+a sudden look of surprised recognition swept across his face.
+
+"Great guns!" he exclaimed, eagerly, "but I know you.  You're old man
+Gillis's gal from Bethune, ain't ye?"
+
+The quickly uplifted dark eyes seemed to lighten the ghastly pallor of
+her face, and her lips trembled.  "Yes," she acknowledged simply, "but
+he's dead."
+
+The lieutenant laid his ungloved hand softly on her shoulder, his blue
+eyes moist with aroused feeling.
+
+"Never mind, little girl," he said, with boyish sympathy.  "I knew
+Gillis, and, now the sergeant has spoken, I remember you quite well.
+Thought all the time your face was familiar, but could n't quite decide
+where I had seen you before.  So poor old Gillis has gone, and you are
+left all alone in the world!  Well, he was an old soldier, could not
+have hoped to live much longer anyway, and would rather go fighting at
+the end.  We 'll take you back with us to Bethune, and the ladies of
+the garrison will look after you."
+
+The recumbent figure lying a few yards away half lifted itself upon one
+elbow, and Hampton's face, white and haggard, stared uncertainly across
+the open space.  For an instant his gaze dwelt upon the crossed sabres
+shielding the gilded "7" on the front of the lieutenant's scouting hat,
+then settled upon the face of the girl.  With one hand pressed against
+the grass he pushed himself slowly up until he sat fronting them, his
+teeth clinched tight, his gray eyes gleaming feverishly in their sunken
+sockets.
+
+"I'll be damned if you will!" he said, hoarsely.  "She 's my girl now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+A NEW PROPOSITION
+
+To one in the least inclined toward fastidiousness, the Miners' Home at
+Glencaid would scarcely appeal as a desirable place for long-continued
+residence.  But such a one would have had small choice in the matter,
+as it chanced to be the only hotel there.  The Miners' Home was
+unquestionably unique as regards architectural details, having been
+constructed by sections, in accordance with the rapid development of
+the camp, and enjoyed the further distinction--there being only two
+others equally stylish in town--of being built of sawn plank, although,
+greatly to the regret of its unfortunate occupants, lack of seasoning
+had resulted in wide cracks in both walls and stairway.  These were
+numerous, and occasionally proved perilous pitfalls to unwary
+travellers through the ill-lighted hall, while strict privacy within
+the chambers was long ago a mere reminiscence.  However, these
+deficiencies were to be discovered only after entering.  Without, the
+Miners' Home put up a good front,--which along the border is considered
+the chief matter of importance,--and was in reality the most
+pretentious structure gracing the single cluttered street of Glencaid.
+Indeed, it was pointed at with much civic pride by those citizens never
+compelled to exist within its yawning walls, and, with its ornament of
+a wide commodious porch, appeared even palatial in comparison with the
+log stable upon its left flank, or the dingy tent whose worm-eaten
+canvas flapped dejectedly upon the right.  Directly across the street,
+its front a perfect blaze of glass, stood invitingly the Occidental
+saloon; but the Widow Guffy, who operated the Miners' Home with a
+strong hand, possessed an antipathy to strong liquor, which
+successfully kept all suspicion of intoxicating drink absent from those
+sacredly guarded precincts, except as her transient guests imported it
+internally, in the latter case she naturally remained quiescent, unless
+the offender became unduly boisterous.  On such rare occasions Mrs.
+Guffy had always proved equal to the emergency, possessing Irish
+facility with either tongue or club.
+
+Mr. Hampton during the course of his somewhat erratic career had
+previously passed several eventful weeks in Glencaid.  He was neither
+unknown nor unappreciated at the Miners' Home, and having on previous
+occasions established his reputation as a spender, experienced little
+difficulty now in procuring promptly the very best accommodation which
+the house afforded.  That this arrangement was accomplished somewhat to
+the present discomfort of two vociferous Eastern tourists did not
+greatly interfere with his pleasurable interest in the situation.
+
+"Send those two fellows in here to argue it out," he said, languidly,
+after listening disgustedly to their loud lamentations in the hallway,
+and addressing his remarks to Mrs. Guffy, who had glanced into the room
+to be again assured regarding his comfort, and to express her deep
+regret over the unseemly racket.  "The girl has fallen asleep, and I 'm
+getting tired of hearing so much noise."
+
+"No, be hivings, an' ye don't do nuthin' of thet sort, Bob," returned
+the widow, good-naturedly, busying herself with a dust-rag.  "This is
+me own house, an' Oi've tended ter the loikes of them sort er fellers
+afore.  There'll be no more bother this toime.  Besides, it's a paceful
+house Oi'm runnin', an' Oi know ye'r way of sittling them things.  It's
+too strenurous ye are, Misther Hampton.  And what did ye do wid the
+young lady, Oi make bould to ask?"
+
+Hampton carelessly waved his hand toward the rear room, the door of
+which stood ajar, and blew a thick cloud of smoke into the air, his
+eyes continuing to gaze dreamily through the open window toward the
+distant hills.
+
+"Who's running the game over at the Occidental?" he asked,
+professionally.
+
+"Red Slavin, bad cess to him!" and her eyes regarded her questioner
+with renewed anxiety.  "But sure now, Bob, ye mustn't think of playin'
+yit awhoile.  Yer narves are in no fit shape, an' won't be fer a wake
+yit."
+
+He made no direct reply, and she hung about, flapping the dust-rag
+uneasily.
+
+"An' what did ye mane ter be doin' wid the young gyurl?" she questioned
+at last, in womanly curiosity.
+
+Hampton wheeled about on the hard chair, and regarded her quizzingly.
+"Mrs. Guffy," he said, slowly, "you've been a mother to me, and it
+would certainly be unkind not to give you a straight tip.  Do?  Why,
+take care of her, of course.  What else would you expect of one
+possessing my kindly disposition and well-known motives of
+philanthropy?  Can it be that I have resided with you, off and on, for
+ten years past without your ever realizing the fond yearnings of my
+heart?  Mrs. Guffy, I shall make her the heiress to my millions; I
+shall marry her off to some Eastern nabob, and thus attain to that high
+position in society I am so well fitted to adorn--sure, and what else
+were you expecting, Mrs. Guffy?"
+
+"A loikely story," with a sniff of disbelief.  "They tell me she 's old
+Gillis's daughter over to Bethune."
+
+"They tell you, do they?" a sudden gleam of anger darkening his gray
+eyes.  "Who tell you?"
+
+"Sure, Bob, an' thet 's nuthin' ter git mad about, so fur as I kin see.
+The story is in iverybody's mouth.  It wus thim sojers what brought ye
+in thet tould most ov it, but the lieutenant,--Brant of the Seventh
+Cavalry, no less,--who took dinner here afore he wint back after the
+dead bodies, give me her name."
+
+"Brant of the Seventh?"  He faced her fairly now, his face again
+haggard and gray, all the slight gleam of fun gone out of it.  "Was
+that the lad's name?"
+
+"Sure, and didn't ye know him?"
+
+"No; I noticed the '7' on his hat, of course, but never asked any
+questions, for his face was strange.  I didn't know.  The name, when
+you just spoke it, struck me rather queer.  I--I used to know a Brant
+in the Seventh, but he was much older; it was not this man."
+
+She answered something, lingering for a moment at the door, but he made
+no response, and she passed out silently, leaving him staring moodily
+through the open window, his eyes appearing glazed and sightless.
+
+Glencaid, like most mining towns of its class, was dull and dead enough
+during the hours of daylight.  It was not until after darkness fell
+that it awoke from its somnolence, when the scattered miners came
+swarming down from out the surrounding hills and turned into a noisy,
+restless playground the single narrow, irregular street.  Then it
+suddenly became a mad commixture of Babel and hell.  At this hour
+nothing living moved within range of the watcher's vision except a
+vagrant dog; the heat haze hung along the near-by slopes, while a
+little spiral of dust rose lazily from the deserted road.  But Hampton
+had no eyes for this dreary prospect; with contracted brows he was
+viewing again that which he had confidently believed to have been
+buried long ago.  Finally, he stepped quickly across the little room,
+and, standing quietly within the open doorway, looked long at the young
+girl upon the bed.  She lay in sound, motionless sleep, one hand
+beneath her cheek, her heavy hair, scarcely revealing its auburn hue in
+the gloom of the interior, flowing in wild disorder across the crushed
+pillow.  He stepped to the single window and drew down the green shade,
+gazed at her again, a new look of tenderness softening his stern face,
+then went softly out and closed the door.
+
+An hour later he was still sitting on the hard chair by the window, a
+cigar between his teeth, thinking.  The lowering sun was pouring a
+perfect flood of gold across the rag carpet, but he remained utterly
+unconscious as to aught save the gloomy trend of his own awakened
+memories.  Some one rapped upon the outer door.
+
+"Come in," he exclaimed, carelessly, and barely glancing up.  "Well,
+what is it this time, Mrs. Guffy?"
+
+The landlady had never before seen this usually happy guest in his
+present mood, and she watched him curiously.
+
+"A man wants ter see ye," she announced, shortly, her hand on the knob.
+
+"Oh, I'm in no shape for play to-night; go back and tell him so."
+
+"Sure, an' it's aisy 'nough ter see thet wid half an eye.  But this un
+isn't thet koind of a man, an' he's so moighty perlite about it Oi jist
+cud n't sind the loikes of him away.  It's 'Missus Guffy, me dear
+madam, wud ye be koind enough to convey me complimints to Misther
+Robert Hampton, and requist him to grant me a few minutes of his toime
+on an important matter?'  Sure, an' what do ye think of thet?"
+
+"Huh! one of those fellows who had these rooms?" and Hampton rose to
+his feet with animation.
+
+The landlady lowered her voice to an almost inaudible whisper.
+
+"It's the Reverend Howard Wynkoop," she announced, impressively,
+dwelling upon the name.  "The Reverend Howard Wynkoop, the Prasbytarian
+Missionary--wouldn't thet cork ye?"
+
+It evidently did, for Mr. Hampton stared at her for fully a minute in
+an amazement too profound for fit expression in words.  Then he
+swallowed something in his throat.
+
+"Show the gentleman up," he said, shortly, and sat down to wait.
+
+The Rev. Howard Wynkoop was neither giant nor dwarf, but the very
+fortunate possessor of a countenance which at once awakened confidence
+in his character.  He entered the room quietly, rather dreading this
+interview with one of Mr. Hampton's well-known proclivities, yet in
+this case feeling abundantly fortified in the righteousness of his
+cause.  His brown eyes met the inquisitive gray ones frankly, and
+Hampton waved him silently toward a vacant chair.
+
+"Our lines of labor in this vineyard being so entirely opposite," the
+latter said, coldly, but with intended politeness, "the honor of your
+unexpected call quite overwhelms me.  I shall have to trouble you to
+speak somewhat softly in explanation of your present mission, so as not
+to disturb a young girl who chances to be sleeping in the room beyond."
+
+Wynkoop cleared his throat uneasily, his naturally pale cheeks flushed.
+
+"It was principally upon her account I ventured to call," he explained
+in sudden confidence.  "Might I see her?"
+
+Hampton's watchful eyes swept the others face suspiciously, and his
+hands clinched.
+
+"Relative?" he asked gravely.
+
+The preacher shook his head.
+
+"Friend of the family, perhaps?"
+
+"No, Mr. Hampton.  My purpose in coming here is perfectly proper, yet
+the request was not advanced as a right, but merely as a special
+privilege."
+
+A moment Hampton hesitated; then he arose and quietly crossed the room,
+holding open the door.  Without a word being spoken the minister
+followed, and stood beside him.  For several minutes the eyes of both
+men rested upon the girl's sleeping form and upturned face.  Then
+Wynkoop drew silently back, and Hampton closed the door noiselessly.
+
+"Well," he said, inquiringly, "what does all this mean?"
+
+The minister hesitated as if doubtful how best to explain the nature of
+his rather embarrassing mission, his gaze upon the strong face of the
+man fronting him so sternly.
+
+"Let us sit down again," he said at last, "and I will try to make my
+purpose sufficiently clear.  I am not here to mince words, nor do I
+believe you to be the kind of a man who would respect me if I did.  I
+may say something that will not sound pleasant, but in the cause of my
+Master I cannot hesitate.  You are an older man than I, Mr. Hampton;
+your experience in life has doubtless been much broader than mine, and
+it may even be that in point of education you are likewise my superior.
+Nevertheless, as the only minister of the Gospel residing in this
+community it is beyond question my plain duty to speak a few words to
+you in behalf of this young lady, and her probable future.  I trust not
+to be offensive, yet cannot shirk the requirements of my sacred office."
+
+The speaker paused, somewhat disconcerted perhaps by the hardening of
+the lines in Hampton's face.
+
+"Go on," commanded Hampton, tersely, "only let the preacher part slide,
+and say just what you have to say as man to man."
+
+Wynkoop stiffened perceptibly in his chair, his face paling somewhat,
+but his eyes unwavering.  Realizing the reckless nature before him, he
+was one whom opposition merely inspired.
+
+"I prefer to do so," he continued, more calmly.  "It will render my
+unpleasant task much easier, and yield us both a more direct road for
+travel.  I have been laboring on this field for nearly three years.
+When I first came here you were pointed out to me as a most dangerous
+man, and ever since then I have constantly been regaled by the stories
+of your exploits.  I have known you merely through such unfriendly
+reports, and came here strongly prejudiced against you as a
+representative of every evil I war against.  We have never met before,
+because there seemed to be nothing in common between us; because I had
+been led to suppose you to be an entirely different man from what I now
+believe you are."
+
+Hampton stirred uneasily in his chair.
+
+"Shall I paint in exceedingly plain words the picture given me of you?"
+
+There was no response, but the speaker moistened his lips and proceeded
+firmly.  "It was that of a professional gambler, utterly devoid of
+mercy toward his victims; a reckless fighter, who shot to kill upon the
+least provocation; a man without moral character, and from whom any
+good action was impossible.  That was what was said about you.  Is the
+tale true?"
+
+Hampton laughed unpleasantly, his eyes grown hard and ugly.
+
+"I presume it must be," he admitted, with a quick side glance toward
+the closed door, "for the girl out yonder thought about the same.  A
+most excellent reputation to establish with only ten years of strict
+attendance to business."
+
+Wynkoop's grave face expressed his disapproval.
+
+"Well, in my present judgment that report was not altogether true," he
+went on clearly and with greater confidence.  "I did suppose you
+exactly that sort of a man when I first came into this room.  I have
+not believed so, however, for a single moment since.  Nevertheless, the
+naked truth is certainly bad enough, without any necessity for our
+resorting to romance.  You may deceive others by an assumption of
+recklessness, but I feel convinced your true nature is not evil.  It
+has been warped through some cause which is none of my business.  Let
+us deal alone with facts.  You are a gambler, a professional gambler,
+with all that that implies; your life is, of necessity, passed among
+the most vicious and degrading elements of mining camps, and you do not
+hesitate even to take human life when in your judgment it seems
+necessary to preserve your own.  Under this veneer of lawlessness you
+may, indeed, possess a warm heart, Mr. Hampton; you may be a good
+fellow, but you are certainly not a model character, even according to
+the liberal code of the border."
+
+"Extremely kind of you to enter my rooms uninvited, and furnish me with
+this list of moral deficiencies," acknowledged the other with affected
+carelessness.  "But thus far you have failed to tell me anything
+strikingly new.  Am I to understand you have some particular object in
+this exchange of amenities?"
+
+"Most assuredly.  It is to ask if such a person as you practically
+confess yourself to be--homeless, associating only with the most
+despicable and vicious characters, and leading so uncertain and
+disreputable a life--can be fit to assume charge of a girl, almost a
+woman, and mould her future?"
+
+For a long, breathless moment Hampton stared incredulously at his
+questioner, crushing his cigar between his teeth.  Twice he started to
+speak, but literally choked back the bitter words burning his lips,
+while an uncontrollable admiration for the other's boldness began to
+overcome his first fierce anger.
+
+"By God!" he exclaimed at last, rising to his feet and pointing toward
+the door.  "I have shot men for less.  Go, before I forget your cloth.
+You little impudent fool!  See here--I saved that girl from death, or
+worse; I plucked her from the very mouth of hell; I like her; she 's
+got sand; so far as I know there is not a single soul for her to turn
+to for help in all this wide world.  And you, you miserable, snivelling
+hypocrite, you little creeping Presbyterian parson, you want me to
+shake her!  What sort of a wild beast do you suppose I am?"
+
+Wynkoop had taken one hasty step backward, impelled to it by the fierce
+anger blazing from those stern gray eyes.  But now he paused, and, for
+the only time on record, discovered the conventional language of polite
+society inadequate to express his needs.
+
+"I think," he said, scarcely realizing his own words, "you are a damned
+fool."
+
+Into Hampton's eyes there leaped a light upon which other men had
+looked before they died,--the strange mad gleam one sometimes sees in
+fighting animals, or amid the fierce charges of war.  His hand swept
+instinctively backward, closing upon the butt of a revolver beneath his
+coat, and for one second he who had dared such utterance looked on
+death.  Then the hard lines about the man's mouth softened, the fingers
+clutching the weapon relaxed, and Hampton laid one opened hand upon the
+minister's shrinking shoulder.
+
+"Sit down," he said, his voice unsteady from so sudden a reaction.
+"Perhaps--perhaps I don't exactly understand."
+
+For a full minute they sat thus looking at each other through the fast
+dimming light, like two prize-fighters meeting for the first time
+within the ring, and taking mental stock before beginning their
+physical argument.  Hampton, with a touch of his old audacity of
+manner, was first to break the silence.
+
+"So you think I am a damned fool.  Well, we are in pretty fair accord
+as to that fact, although no one before has ever ventured to state it
+quite so clearly in my presence.  Perhaps you will kindly explain?"
+
+The preacher wet his dry lips with his tongue, forgetting himself when
+his thoughts began to crystallize into expression.
+
+"I regret having spoken as I did," he began.  "Such language is not my
+custom.  I was irritated because of your haste in rejecting my advances
+before hearing the proposition I came to submit.  I certainly respect
+your evident desire to be of assistance to this young woman, nor have I
+the slightest intention of interfering between you.  Your act in
+preserving her life was a truly noble one, and your loyalty to her
+interests since is worthy of all Christian praise.  But I believe I
+have a right to ask, what do you intend for the future?  Keep her with
+you?  Drag her about from camp to camp?  Educate her among the
+contaminating poison of gambling-holes and dance-halls?  Is her home
+hereafter to be the saloon and the rough frontier hotel? her ideal of
+manhood the quarrelsome gambler, and of womanhood a painted harlot?
+Mr. Hampton, you are evidently a man of education, of early refinement;
+you have known better things; and I have come to you seeking merely to
+aid you in deciding this helpless young woman's destiny.  I thought, I
+prayed, you would be at once interested in that purpose, and would
+comprehend the reasonableness of my position."
+
+Hampton sat silent, gazing out of the window, his eyes apparently on
+the lights now becoming dimly visible in the saloon opposite.  For a
+considerable time he made no move, and the other straightened back in
+his chair watching him.
+
+"Well!" he ventured at last, "what is your proposition?"  The question
+was quietly asked, but a slight tremor in the low voice told of
+repressed feeling.
+
+"That, for the present at least, you confide this girl into the care of
+some worthy woman."
+
+"Have you any such in mind?"
+
+"I have already discussed the matter briefly with Mrs. Herndon, wife of
+the superintendent of the Golden Rule mines.  She is a refined
+Christian lady, beyond doubt the most proper person to assume such a
+charge in this camp.  There is very little in such a place as this to
+interest a woman of her capabilities, and I believe she would be
+delighted to have such an opportunity for doing good.  She has no
+children of her own."
+
+Hampton flung his sodden cigar butt out of the window.  "I'll talk it
+over to-morrow with--with Miss Gillis," he said, somewhat gruffly.  "It
+may be this means a good deal more to me than you suppose, parson, but
+I 'm bound to acknowledge there is considerable hard sense in what you
+have just said, and I 'll talk it over with the girl."
+
+Wynkoop held out his hand cordially, and the firm grasp of the other
+closed over his fingers.
+
+"I don't exactly know why I didn't kick you downstairs," the latter
+commented, as though still in wonder at himself.  "Never remember being
+quite so considerate before, but I reckon you must have come at me in
+about the right way."
+
+If Wynkoop answered, his words were indistinguishable, but Hampton
+remained standing in the open door watching the missionary go down the
+narrow stairs.
+
+"Nervy little devil," he acknowledged slowly to himself.  "And maybe,
+after all, that would be the best thing for the Kid."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+"TO BE OR NOT TO BE"
+
+They were seated rather close together upon the steep hillside, gazing
+silently down upon squalid Glencaid.  At such considerable distance all
+the dull shabbiness of the mining town had disappeared, and it seemed
+almost ideal, viewed against the natural background of brown rocks and
+green trees.  All about them was the clear, invigorating air of the
+uplands, through which the eyes might trace for miles the range of
+irregular rocky hills, while just above, seemingly almost within touch
+of the extended hand, drooped the blue circling sky, unflecked by
+cloud.  Everywhere was loneliness, no sound telling of the labor of man
+reached them, and the few scattered buildings far below resembling mere
+doll-houses.
+
+They had conversed only upon the constantly changing beauty of the
+scene, or of incidents connected with their upward climb, while moving
+slowly along the trail through the fresh morning sunshine.  Now they
+sat in silence, the young girl, with cheeks flushed and dreamy eyes
+aglow, gazing far off along the valley, the man watching her curiously,
+and wondering how best to approach his task.  For the first time he
+began to realize the truth, which had been partially borne in upon him
+the previous evening by Wynkoop, that this was no mere child with whom
+he dealt, but a young girl upon the verge of womanhood.  Such knowledge
+began to reveal much that came before him as new, changing the entire
+nature of their present relationship, as well as the scope of his own
+plain duty.  It was his wont to look things squarely in the face, and
+unpleasant and unwelcome as was the task now confronting him, during
+the long night hours he had settled it once for all--the preacher's
+words were just.
+
+Observing her now, sitting thus in total unconsciousness of his
+scrutiny, Hampton made no attempt to analyze the depth of his interest
+for this waif who had come drifting into his life.  He did not in the
+least comprehend why she should have touched his heart with generous
+impulses, nor did he greatly care.  The fact was far the more
+important, and that fact he no longer questioned.  He had been a
+lonely, unhappy, discontented man for many a long year, shunned by his
+own sex, who feared him, never long seeking the society of the other,
+and retaining little real respect for himself.  Under such conditions a
+reaction was not unnatural, and, short as the time had been since their
+first meeting, this odd, straightforward chit of a girl had found an
+abiding-place in his heart, had furnished him a distinct motive in life
+before unknown.
+
+Even to his somewhat prejudiced eyes she was not an attractive
+creature, for she possessed no clear conception of how to render
+apparent those few feminine charms she possessed.  Negligence and total
+unconsciousness of self, coupled with lack of womanly companionship and
+guidance, had left her altogether in the rough.  He marked now the
+coarse ragged shoes, the cheap patched skirt, the tousled auburn hair,
+the sunburnt cheeks with a suggestion of freckles plainly visible
+beneath the eyes, and some of the fastidiousness of earlier days caused
+him to shrug his shoulders.  Yet underneath the tan there was the glow
+of perfect young health; the eyes were frank, brave, unflinching; while
+the rounded chin held a world of character in its firm contour.
+Somehow the sight of this brought back to him that abiding faith in her
+"dead gameness" which had first awakened his admiration.  "She's got it
+in her," he thought, silently, "and, by thunder! I 'm here to help her
+get it out."
+
+"Kid," he ventured at last, turning over a broken fragment of rock
+between his restless fingers, but without lifting his eyes, "you were
+talking while we came up the trail about how we 'd do this and that
+after a while.  You don't suppose I 'm going to have any useless girl
+like you hanging around on to me, do you?"
+
+She glanced quickly about at him, as though such unexpected expressions
+startled her from a pleasant reverie.  "Why, I--I thought that was the
+way you planned it yesterday," she exclaimed, doubtfully.
+
+"Oh, yesterday!  Well, you see, yesterday I was sort of dreaming;
+to-day I am wide awake, and I 've about decided, Kid, that for your own
+good, and my comfort, I 've got to shake you."
+
+A sudden gleam of fierce resentment leaped into the dark eyes, the
+unrestrained glow of a passion which had never known control.  "Oh, you
+have, have you, Mister Bob Hampton?  You have about decided!  Well, why
+don't you altogether decide?  I don't think I'm down on my knees
+begging you for mercy.  Good Lord!  I reckon I can get along all right
+without you--I did before.  Just what happened to give you such a
+change of heart?"
+
+"I made the sudden discovery," he said, affecting a laziness he was
+very far from feeling, "that you were too near being a young woman to
+go traipsing around the country with me, living at shacks, and having
+no company but gambling sharks, and that class of cattle."
+
+"Oh, did you?  What else?"
+
+"Only that our tempers don't exactly seem to jibe, and the two of us
+can't be bosses in the same ranch."
+
+She looked at him contemptuously, swinging her body farther around on
+the rock, and sitting stiffly, the color on her cheeks deepening
+through the sunburn.  "Now see here, Mister Bob Hampton, you're a
+fraud, and you know it!  Did n't I understand exactly who you was, and
+what was your business?  Did n't I know you was a gambler, and a 'bad
+man'?  Didn't I tell you plain enough out yonder,"--and her voice
+faltered slightly,--"just what I thought about you?  Good Lord!  I have
+n't been begging to stick with you, have I?  I just didn't know which
+way to turn, or who to turn to, after dad was killed, and you sorter
+hung on to me, and I let it go the way I supposed you wanted it.  But I
+'m not particularly stuck on your style, let me tell you, and I reckon
+there 's plenty of ways for me to get along.  Only first, I propose to
+understand what your little game is.  You don't throw down your hand
+like that without some reason."
+
+Hampton sat up, spurred into instant admiration by such independence of
+spirit.  "You grow rather good-looking, Kid, when you get hot, but you
+go at things half-cocked, and you 've got to get over it.  That's the
+whole trouble--you 've never been trained, and I would n't make much of
+a trainer for a high-strung filly like you.  Ever remember your mother?"
+
+"Mighty little; reckon she must have died when I was about five years
+old.  That's her picture."
+
+Hampton took in his hand the old-fashioned locket she held out toward
+him, the long chain still clasped about her throat, and pried open the
+stiff catch with his knife blade.  She bent down to fasten her loosened
+shoe, and when her eyes were uplifted again his gaze was riveted upon
+the face in the picture.
+
+"Mighty pretty, wasn't she?" she asked with a sudden girlish interest,
+bending forward to look, regardless of his strained attitude.  "And she
+was prettier than that even, the way I remember her best, with her hair
+all hanging down, coming to tuck me into bed at night.  Someway that's
+how I always seem to see her."
+
+The man drew a deep breath, and snapped shut the locket, yet still
+retained it in his hand.  "Is--is she dead?" he questioned, and his
+voice trembled in spite of steel nerves.
+
+"Yes, in St. Louis; dad took me there with him two years ago, and I saw
+her grave."
+
+"Dad?  Do you mean old Gillis?"
+
+She nodded, beginning dimly to wonder why he should speak so fiercely
+and stare at her in that odd way.  He seemed to choke twice before he
+could ask the next question.
+
+"Did he--old Gillis, I mean--claim to be your father, or her husband?"
+
+"No, I don't reckon he ever did, but he gave me that picture, and told
+me she was my mother.  I always lived with him, and called him dad.  I
+reckon he liked it, and he was mighty good to me.  We were at Randolph
+a long time, and since then he's been post-trader at Bethune.  That's
+all I know about it, for dad never talked very much, and he used to get
+mad when I asked him questions."
+
+Hampton dropped the locket from his grasp, and arose to his feet.  For
+several minutes he stood with his back turned toward her, apparently
+gazing down the valley, his jaw set, his dimmed eyes seeing nothing.
+Slowly the color came creeping back into his face, and his hands
+unclinched.  Then he wheeled about, and looked down upon her,
+completely restored to his old nature.
+
+"Then it seems that it is just you and I, Kid, who have got to settle
+this little affair," he announced, firmly.  "I 'll have my say about
+it, and then you can uncork your feelings.  I rather imagine I have n't
+very much legal right in the premises, but I 've got a sort of moral
+grip on you by reason of having pulled you out alive from that canyon
+yonder, and I propose to play this game to the limit.  You say your
+mother is dead, and the man who raised you is dead, and, so far as
+either of us know, there is n't a soul anywhere on earth who possesses
+any claim over you, or any desire to have.  Then, naturally, the whole
+jack-pot is up to me, provided I 've got the cards.  Now, Kid, waving
+your prejudice aside, I ain't just exactly the best man in this world
+to bring up a girl like you and make a lady out of her.  I thought
+yesterday that maybe we might manage to hitch along together for a
+while, but I 've got a different think coming to-day.  There 's no use
+disfiguring the truth.  I 'm a gambler, something of a fighter on the
+side, and folks don't say anything too pleasant about my peaceful
+disposition around these settlements; I have n't any home, and mighty
+few friends, and the few I have got are nothing to boast about.  I
+reckon there 's a cause for it all.  So, considering everything, I 'm
+about the poorest proposition ever was heard of to start a young
+ladies' seminary.  The Lord knows old Gillis was bad enough, but I 'm a
+damned sight worse.  Now, some woman has got to take you in hand, and I
+reckon I 've found the right one."
+
+"Goin' to get married, Bob?"
+
+"Not this year; it's hardly become so serious as that, but I 'm going
+to find you a good home here, and I 'm going to put up plenty of stuff,
+so that they 'll take care of you all right and proper."
+
+The dark eyes never wavered as they looked steadily into the gray ones,
+but the chin quivered slightly.
+
+"I reckon I 'd rather try it alone," she announced stubbornly.  "Maybe
+I might have stood it with you, Bob Hampton, but a woman is the limit."
+
+Hampton in other and happier days had made something of a study of the
+feminine nature, and he realized now the utter impracticability of any
+attempt at driving.
+
+"I expect it will go rather hard at first, Kid," he admitted craftily,
+"but I think you might try it a while just to sort of please me."
+
+"Who--who is she?" doubtfully.
+
+"Mrs. Herndon, wife of the superintendent of the 'Golden Rule' mine";
+and he waved his hand toward the distant houses.  "They tell me she's a
+mighty fine woman."
+
+"Oh, they do?  Then somebody's been stirring you up about me, have
+they?  I thought that was about the way of it.  Somebody wants to
+reform me, I reckon.  Well, maybe I won't be reformed.  Who was it,
+Bob?"
+
+"The Presbyterian Missionary," he confessed reluctantly, "a nervy
+little chap named Wynkoop; he came in to see me last night while you
+were asleep." He faced her open scorn unshrinkingly, his mind fully
+decided, and clinging to one thought with all the tenacity of his
+nature.
+
+"A preacher!" her voice vibrant with derision, "a preacher!  Well, of
+all things, Bob Hampton!  You led around by the nose in that way!  Did
+he want you to bring me to Sunday school?  A preacher!  And I suppose
+the fellow expects to turn me over to one of his flock for religious
+instruction.  He'll have you studying theology inside of a year.  A
+preacher!  Oh, Lord, and you agreed!  Well, I won't go; so there!"
+
+"As I understand the affair," Hampton continued, as she paused for
+breath, "it was Lieutenant Brant who suggested the idea of his coming
+to me.  Brant knew Gillis, and remembered you, and realizing your
+unpleasant situation, thought such an arrangement would be for your
+benefit."
+
+"Brant!" she burst forth in renewed anger; "he did, did he!  The
+putty-faced dandy!  I used to see him at Bethune, and you can bet he
+never bothered his head about me then.  No, and he didn't even know me
+out yonder, until after the sergeant spoke up.  What business has that
+fellow got planning what I shall do?"
+
+Hampton made no attempt to answer.  It was better to let her
+indignation die out naturally, and so he asked a question.  "What is
+this Brant doing at Bethune?  There is no cavalry stationed there."
+
+She glanced up quickly, interested by the sudden change in his voice.
+"I heard dad say he was kept there on some special detail.  His
+regiment is stationed at Fort Lincoln, somewhere farther north.  He
+used to come down and talk with dad evenings, because daddy saw service
+in the Seventh when it was first organized after the war."
+
+"Did you--did you ever hear either of them say anything about Major
+Alfred Brant?  He must have been this lad's father."
+
+"No, I never heard much they said.  Did you know him?"
+
+"The father, yes, but that was years ago.  Come, Kid, all this is only
+ancient history, and just as well forgotten.  Now, you are a sensible
+girl, when your temper don't get away with you, and I am simply going
+to leave this matter to your better judgment.  Will you go to Mrs.
+Herndon's, and find out how you like it?  You need n't stop there an
+hour if she is n't good to you, but you ought not to want to remain
+with me, and grow up like a rough boy."
+
+"You--you really want me to go, don't you?"
+
+"Yes, I want you to go.  It's a chance for you, Kid, and there is n't a
+bit of a show in the kind of a life I lead.  I never have been in love
+with it myself, and only took to it in the first place because the
+devil happened to drive me that way.  The Lord knows I don't want to
+lead any one else through such a muck.  So it is a try?"
+
+The look of defiance faded slowly out of her face as she stood gravely
+regarding him.  The man was in deadly earnest, and she felt the quiet
+insistence of his manner.  He really desired it to be decided in this
+way, and somehow his will had become her law, although such a suspicion
+had never once entered her mind.
+
+"You bet, if you put it that way," she consented, simply, "but I reckon
+that Mrs. Herndon is likely to wish I hadn't."
+
+Together, yet scarcely exchanging another word, the two retraced their
+steps slowly down the steep trail leading toward the little town in the
+valley, walking unconsciously the pathway of fate, the way of all the
+world.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+"I'VE COME HERE TO LIVE"
+
+Widely as these two companions differed in temperament and experience,
+it would be impossible to decide which felt the greater uneasiness at
+the prospect immediately before them.  The girl openly rebellious, the
+man extremely doubtful, with reluctant steps they approached that tall,
+homely yellow house--outwardly the most pretentious in Glencaid--which
+stood well up in the valley, where the main road diverged into numerous
+winding trails leading toward the various mines among the foothills.
+
+They were so completely opposite, these two, that more than one chance
+passer-by glanced curiously toward them as they picked their way onward
+through the red dust.  Hampton, slender yet firmly knit, his movements
+quick like those of a watchful tiger, his shoulders set square, his
+body held erect as though trained to the profession of arms, his gray
+eyes marking every movement about him with a suspicion born of
+continual exposure to peril, his features finely chiselled, with
+threads of gray hair beginning to show conspicuously about the temples.
+One would glance twice at him anywhere, for in chin, mouth, and eyes
+were plainly pictured the signs of strength, evidences that he had
+fought stern battles, and was no craven.  For good or evil he might be
+trusted to act instantly, and, if need arose, to the very death.  His
+attire of fashionably cut black cloth, and his immaculate linen, while
+neat and unobtrusive, yet appeared extremely unusual in that careless
+land of clay-baked overalls and dingy woollens.  Beside him, in vivid
+contrast, the girl trudged in her heavy shoes and bedraggled skirts,
+her sullen eyes fastened doggedly on the road, her hair showing ragged
+and disreputable in the brilliant sunshine.  Hampton himself could not
+remain altogether indifferent to the contrast.
+
+"You look a little rough, Kid, for a society call," he said.  "If there
+was any shebang in this mud-hole of a town that kept any women's things
+on sale fit to look at, I 'd be tempted to fix you up a bit."
+
+"Well, I'm glad of it," she responded, grimly.  "I hope I look so blame
+tough that woman won't say a civil word to us.  You can bet I ain't
+going to strain myself to please the likes of her."
+
+"You certainly exhibit no symptoms of doing so," he admitted, frankly.
+"But you might, at least, have washed your face and fixed your hair."
+
+She flashed one angry glance at him, stopping in the middle of the
+road, her head flung back as though ready for battle.  Then, as if by
+some swift magic of emotion, her expression changed.  "And so you're
+ashamed of me, are you?" she asked, her voice sharp but unsteady.
+"Ashamed to be seen walking with me?  Darn it!  I know you are!  But I
+tell you, Mr. Bob Hampton, you won't be the next time.  And what's
+more, you just don't need to traipse along another step with me now.  I
+don't want you.  I reckon I ain't very much afraid of tackling this
+Presbyterian woman all alone."
+
+She swung off fiercely, and the man chuckled softly as he followed,
+watchfully, through the circling, red dust cloud created by her hasty
+feet.  The truth is, Mr. Hampton possessed troubles and scruples of his
+own in connection with this contemplated call.  He had never met the
+lady; indeed, he could recall very few of her sex, combining
+respectability and refinement, whom he had met during the past ten
+years.  But he retained some memory of the husband as having been
+associated with a strenuous poker game at Placer, in which he also held
+a prominent place, and it would seem scarcely possible that the wife
+did not know whose bullet had turned her for some weeks into a
+sick-nurse.  For Herndon he had not even a second thought, but the
+possible ordeal of a woman's tongue was another matter.  A cordial
+reception could hardly be anticipated, and Hampton mentally braced
+himself for the worst.
+
+There were some other things, also, but these he brushed aside for the
+present.  He was not the sort of man to wear his heart upon his sleeve,
+and all his life long he had fought out his more serious battles in
+loneliness and silence.  Now he had work to accomplish in the open; he
+was going to stay with the Kid--after that, _quien sabe_?  So he smiled
+somewhat soberly, swore softly to himself, and strode on.  He had never
+yet thrown down his cards merely because luck had taken a bad turn.
+
+It was a cheerless-looking house, painted a garish yellow, having
+staring windows, and devoid of a front porch, or slightest attempt at
+shade to render its uncomely front less unattractive.  Hampton could
+scarcely refrain from forming a mental picture of the woman who would
+most naturally preside within so unpolished an abode--an angular,
+hard-featured, vinegar-tempered  creature, firm settled in her
+prejudices and narrowed by her creed.  Had the matter been left at that
+moment to his own decision, this glimpse of the house would have turned
+them both back, but the girl unhesitatingly pressed forward and turned
+defiantly in through the gateless opening.  He followed in silence
+along the narrow foot-path bordered by weeds, and stood back while she
+stepped boldly up on the rude stone slab and rapped sharply against the
+warped and sagging door.  A moment they stood thus waiting with no
+response from within.  Once she glanced suspiciously around at him,
+only to wheel back instantly and once more apply her knuckles to the
+wood.  Before he had conjured up something worth saying the door was
+partially opened, and a rounded dumpling of a woman, having rosy
+cheeks, her hair iron-gray, her blue eyes half smiling in uncertain
+welcome, looked out upon them questioningly.
+
+"I 've come to live here," announced the girl, sullenly.  "That is, if
+I like it."
+
+The woman continued to gaze at her, as if tempted to laugh outright;
+then the pleasant blue eyes hardened as their vision swept beyond
+toward Hampton.
+
+"It is extremely kind of you, I 'm sure," she said at last.  "Why is it
+I am to be thus honored?"
+
+The girl backed partially off the doorstep, her hair flapping in the
+wind, her cheeks flushed.
+
+"Oh, you need n't put on so much style about it," she blurted out.
+"You 're Mrs. Herndon, ain't you?  Well, then, this is the place where
+I was sent; but I reckon you ain't no more particular about it than I
+am.  There's others."
+
+"Who sent you to me?" and Mrs. Herndon came forth into the sunshine.
+
+"The preacher."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Wynkoop; then you must be the homeless girl whom Lieutenant
+Brant brought in the other day.  Why did you not say so at first?  You
+may come in, my child."
+
+There was a sympathetic tenderness apparent now in the tones of her
+voice, which the girl was swift to perceive and respond to, yet she
+held back, her independence unshaken.  With the quick intuition of a
+woman, Mrs. Herndon bent down, placing one hand on the defiant shoulder.
+
+"I did not understand, at first, my dear," she said, soothingly, "or I
+should never have spoken as I did.  Some very strange callers come
+here.  But you are truly welcome.  I had a daughter once; she must have
+been nearly your age when God took her.  Won't you come in?"
+
+While thus speaking she never once glanced toward the man standing in
+silence beyond, yet as the two passed through the doorway together he
+followed, unasked.  Once within the plainly furnished room, and with
+her arm about the girl's waist, the lines about her mouth hardened.  "I
+do not recall extending my invitation to you," she said, coldly.
+
+He remained standing, hat in hand, his face shadowed, his eyes
+picturing deep perplexity.
+
+"For the intrusion I offer my apology," he replied, humbly; "but you
+see I--I feel responsible for this young woman.  She--sort of fell to
+my care when none of her own people were left to look after her.  I
+only came to show her the way, and to say that I stand ready to pay you
+well to see to her a bit, and show her how to get hold of the right
+things."
+
+"Indeed!" and Mrs. Herndon's voice was not altogether pleasant.  "I
+understood she was entirely alone and friendless.  Are you that man who
+brought her out of the canyon?"
+
+Hampton bowed as though half ashamed of acknowledging the act.
+
+"Oh! then I know who you are," she continued, unhesitatingly.  "You are
+a gambler and a bar-room rough.  I won't touch a penny of your money.
+I told Mr. Wynkoop that I shouldn't, but that I would endeavor to do my
+Christian duty by this poor girl.  He was to bring her here himself,
+and keep you away."
+
+The man smiled slightly, not in the least disconcerted by her plain
+speech.  The cutting words merely served to put him on his mettle.
+"Probably we departed from the hotel somewhat earlier than the minister
+anticipated," he explained, quietly, his old ease of manner returning
+in face of such open opposition.  "I greatly regret your evident
+prejudice, madam, and can only say that I have more confidence in you
+than you appear to have in me.  I shall certainly discover some means
+by which I may do my part in shaping this girl's future, but in the
+meanwhile will relieve you of my undesired presence."
+
+He stepped without into the glare of the sunlight, feeling utterly
+careless as to the woman who had affronted him, yet somewhat hurt on
+seeing that the girl had not once lifted her downcast eyes to his face.
+Yet he had scarcely taken three steps toward the road before she was
+beside him, her hand upon his sleeve.
+
+"I won't stay!" she exclaimed, fiercely, "I won't, Bob Hampton.  I 'd
+rather go with you than be good."
+
+His sensitive face flushed with delight, but he looked gravely down
+into her indignant eyes.  "Oh, yes, you will, Kid," and his hand
+touched her roughened hair caressingly.  "She's a good, kind woman, all
+right, and I don't blame her for not liking my style."
+
+"Do--do you really want me to stick it out here, Bob?"
+
+It was no small struggle for him to say so, for he was beginning to
+comprehend just what this separation meant.   She was more to him than
+he had ever supposed, more to him than she had been even an hour
+before; and now he understood clearly that from this moment they must
+ever run farther apart--her life tending upward, his down.  Yet there
+was but one decision possible.  A life which is lonely and
+dissatisfied, a wasted life, never fully realizes how lonely,
+dissatisfied, and wasted it is until some new life, beautiful in young
+hope and possibility, comes into contact with it.  For a single instant
+Hampton toyed with the temptation confronting him, this opportunity of
+brightening his own miserable future by means of her degradation.  Then
+he answered, his voice grown almost harsh.  "This is your best chance,
+little girl, and I want you to stay and fight it out."
+
+Their eyes met, each dimly realizing, although in a totally different
+way, that here was a moment of important decision.  Mrs. Herndon
+darkened the doorway, and stood looking out.
+
+"Well, Mr. Bob Hampton," she questioned, plainly, "what is this going
+to be?"
+
+He glanced toward her, slightly lifting his hat, and promptly releasing
+the girl's clinging hand.
+
+"Miss Gillis consents to remain," he announced shortly, and, denying
+himself so much as another glance at his companion, strode down the
+narrow path to the road.  A moment the girl's eyes followed him through
+the dust cloud, a single tear stealing down her cheek.  Only a short
+week ago she had utterly despised this man, now he had become truly
+more to her than any one else in the wide, wide world.  She did not in
+the least comprehend the mystery; indeed, it was no mystery, merely the
+simple trust of a child naturally responding to the first unselfish
+love given it.  Perhaps Mrs. Herndon dimly understood, for she came
+forth quietly, and led the girl, now sobbing bitterly, within the cool
+shadows of the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A LAST REVOLT
+
+It proved a restless day, and a sufficiently unpleasant one, for Mr.
+Hampton.  For a number of years he had been diligently training himself
+in the school of cynicism, endeavoring to persuade himself that he did
+not in the least care what others thought, nor how his own career
+ended; impelling himself to constant recklessness in life and thought.
+He had thus successfully built up a wall between the present and that
+past which long haunted his lonely moments, and had finally decided
+that it was hermetically sealed.  Yet now, this odd chit of a girl,
+this waif whom he had plucked from the jaws of death, had overturned
+this carefully constructed barrier as if it had been originally built
+of mere cardboard, and he was compelled again to see himself, loathe
+himself, just as he had in those past years.
+
+Everything had been changed by her sudden entrance into his life,
+everything except those unfortunate conditions which still bound him
+helpless.  He looked upon the world no longer through his cool, gray
+eyes, but out of her darker ones, and the prospect appeared gloomy
+enough.  He thought it all over again and again, dwelling in reawakened
+memory upon details long hidden within the secret recesses of his
+brain, yet so little came from this searching survey that the result
+left him no plan for the future.  He had wandered too far away from
+home; the path leading back was long ago overgrown with weeds, and
+could not now be retraced.  One thing he grasped clearly,--the girl
+should be given her chance; nothing in his life must ever again soil
+her or lower her ideals.  Mrs. Herndon was right, and he realized it;
+neither his presence nor his money were fit to influence her future.
+He swore between his clinched teeth, his face grown haggard.  The sun's
+rays bridged the slowly darkening valley with cords of red gold, and
+the man pulled himself to his feet by gripping the root of a tree.  He
+realized that he had been sitting there for hours, and that he was
+hungry.
+
+Down beneath, amid the fast awakening noise and bustle of early
+evening, the long discipline of the gambler reasserted itself--he got
+back his nerve.  It was Bob Hampton, cool, resourceful, sarcastic of
+speech, quick of temper, who greeted the loungers about the hotel, and
+who sat, with his back to the wall, in the little dining-room, watchful
+of all others present.  And it was Bob Hampton who strolled carelessly
+out upon the darkened porch an hour later, leaving a roar of laughter
+behind him, and an enemy as well.  Little he cared for that, however,
+in his present mood, and he stood there, amid the black shadows,
+looking contemptuously down upon the stream of coatless humanity
+trooping past on pleasure bent, the blue smoke circling his head, his
+gray eyes glowing half angrily.  Suddenly he leaned forward, clutching
+the rail in quick surprise.
+
+"Kid," he exclaimed, harshly, "what does this mean?  What are you doing
+alone here?"
+
+She stopped instantly and glanced up, her face flushing in the light
+streaming forth from the open door of the Occidental.
+
+"I reckon I 'm alone here because I want to be," she returned,
+defiantly.  "I ain't no slave.  How do you get up there?"
+
+He extended his hand, and drew her up beside him into the shaded
+corner.  "Well," he said, "tell me the truth."
+
+"I 've quit, that's all, Bob.  I just couldn't stand for reform any
+longer, and so I 've come back here to you."
+
+The man drew a deep breath.  "Did n't you like Mrs. Herndon?"
+
+"Oh, she 's all right enough, so far as that goes.  'T ain't that; only
+I just didn't like some things she said and did."
+
+"Kid," and Hampton straightened up, his voice growing stern.  "I 've
+got to know the straight of this.  You say you like Mrs. Herndon well
+enough, but not some other things.  What were they?"
+
+The girl hesitated, drawing back a little from him until the light from
+the saloon fell directly across her face.  "Well," she declared,
+slowly, "you see it had to be either her or--or you, Bob, and I 'd
+rather it would be you."
+
+"You mean she said you would have to cut me out entirely if you stayed
+there with her?"
+
+She nodded, her eyes filled with entreaty.  "Yes, that was about it.  I
+wasn't ever to have anything more to do with you, not even to speak to
+you if we met--and after you 'd saved my life, too."
+
+"Never mind about that little affair, Kid," and Hampton rested his hand
+gently on her shoulder.  "That was all in the day's work, and hardly
+counts for much anyhow.  Was that all she said?"
+
+"She called you a low-down gambler, a gun-fighter, a--a miserable
+bar-room thug, a--a murderer.  She--she said that if I ever dared to
+speak to you again, Bob Hampton; that I could leave her house.  I just
+could n't stand for that, so I came away."
+
+Hampton never stirred, his teeth set deep into his cigar, his hands
+clinched about the railing.  "The fool!" he muttered half aloud, then
+caught his breath quickly.  "Now see here, Kid," and he turned her
+about so that he might look down into her eyes, "I 'm mighty glad you
+like me well enough to put up a kick, but if all this is true about me,
+why should n't she say it?  Do you believe that sort of a fellow would
+prove a very good kind to look after a young lady?"
+
+"I ain't a young lady!"
+
+"No; well, you 're going to be if I have my way, and I don't believe
+the sort of a gent described would be very apt to help you much in
+getting there."
+
+"You ain't all that."
+
+"Well, perhaps not.  Like an amateur artist, madam may have laid the
+colors on a little thick.  But I am no winged angel, Kid, nor exactly a
+model for you to copy after.  I reckon you better stick to the woman,
+and cut me."
+
+She did not answer, yet he read an unchanged purpose in her eyes, and
+his own decision strengthened.  Some instinct led him to do the right
+thing; he drew forth the locket from beneath the folds of her dress,
+holding it open to the light.  He noticed now a name engraven on the
+gold case, and bent lower to decipher it.
+
+"Was her name Naida?  It is an uncommon word."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And yours also?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Their eyes met, and those of both had perceptibly softened.
+
+"Naida," his lips dwelt upon the peculiar name as though he loved the
+sound.  "I want you to listen to me, child.  I sincerely wish I might
+keep you here with me, but I can't.  You are more to me than you dream,
+but it would not be right for me thus deliberately to sacrifice your
+whole future to my pleasure.  I possess nothing to offer you,--no home,
+no friends, no reputation.  Practically I am an outlaw, existing by my
+wits, disreputable in the eyes of those who are worthy to live in the
+world.  She, who was your mother, would never wish you to remain with
+me.  She would say I did right in giving you up into the care of a good
+woman.  Naida, look on that face in the locket, your mother's face.  It
+is sweet, pure, beautiful, the face of a good, true woman.  Living or
+dead, it must be the prayer of those lips that you become a good woman
+also.  She should lead you, not I, for I am unworthy.  For her sake,
+and in her name, I ask you to go back to Mrs. Herndon."
+
+He could perceive the gathering tears in her eyes, and his hand closed
+tightly about her own.  It was not one soul alone that struggled.
+
+"You will go?"
+
+"O Bob, I wish you wasn't a gambler!"
+
+A moment he remained silent.  "But unfortunately I am," he admitted,
+soberly, "and it is best for you to go back.  Won't you?"
+
+Her gaze was fastened upon the open locket, the fair face pictured
+there smiling up at her as though in pleading also.
+
+"You truly think she would wish it?"
+
+"I know she would."
+
+The girl gave utterance to a quick, startled breath, as if the vision
+frightened her.  "Then I will go," she said, her voice a mere whisper,
+"I will go."
+
+He led her down the steps, out into the jostling crowd below, as if she
+had been some fairy princess.  Men occasionally spoke to him, but
+seemingly he heard nothing, pressing his way through the mass of moving
+figures in utter unconsciousness of their presence.  Her locket hung
+dangling, and he slipped it back into its place and drew her slender
+form yet closer against his own, as they stepped forth into the black,
+deserted road.  Once, in the last faint ray of light which gleamed from
+the windows of the Miners' Retreat, she glanced up shyly into his face.
+It was white and hard set, and she did not venture to break the
+silence.  Half-way up the gloomy ravine they met a man and woman coming
+along the narrow path.  Hampton drew her aside out of their way, then
+spoke coldly.
+
+"Mrs. Herndon, were you seeking your lost charge?  I have her here."
+
+The two passing figures halted, peering through the darkness.
+
+"Who are you?"  It was the gruff voice of the man.
+
+Hampton stepped out directly in his path.  "Herndon," he said, calmly,
+"you and I have clashed once before, and the less you have to say
+to-night the better.  I am in no mood for trifling, and this happens to
+be your wife's affair."
+
+"Madam," and he lifted his hat, holding it in his hand, "I am bringing
+back the runaway, and she has now pledged herself to remain with you."
+
+"I was not seeking her," she returned, icily.  "I have no desire to
+cultivate the particular friends of Mr. Hampton."
+
+"So I have understood, and consequently relinquish here and now all
+claims upon Miss Gillis.  She has informed me of your flattering
+opinion regarding me, and I have indorsed it as being mainly true to
+life.  Miss Gillis has been sufficiently shocked at thus discovering my
+real character, and now returns in penitence to be reared according to
+the admonitions of the Presbyterian faith.  Do I state this fairly,
+Naida?"
+
+"I have come back," she faltered, fingering the chain at her throat, "I
+have come back."
+
+"Without Bob Hampton?"
+
+The girl glanced uneasily toward him, but he stood motionless in the
+gloom.
+
+"Yes--I--I suppose I must."
+
+Hampton rested his hand softly upon her shoulder, his fingers
+trembling, although his voice remained coldly deliberate.
+
+"I trust this is entirely satisfactory, Mrs. Herndon," he said.  "I can
+assure you I know absolutely nothing regarding her purpose of coming to
+me tonight.  I realize quite clearly my own deficiencies, and pledge
+myself hereafter not to interfere with you in any way.  You accept the
+trust, I believe?"
+
+She gave utterance to a deep sigh of resignation.  "It comes to me
+clearly as a Christian duty," she acknowledged, doubtfully, "and I
+suppose I must take up my cross; but--"
+
+"But you have doubts," he interrupted.  "Well, I have none, for I have
+greater faith in the girl, and--perhaps in God.  Good-night, Naida."
+
+He bowed above the hand the girl gave him in the darkness, and ever
+after she believed he bent lower, and pressed his lips upon it.  The
+next moment the black night had closed him out, and she stood there,
+half frightened at she knew not what, on the threshold of her new life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+AT THE OCCIDENTAL
+
+Hampton slowly picked his way back through the darkness down the silent
+road, his only guide those dim yellow lights flickering in the
+distance.  He walked soberly, his head bent slightly forward, absorbed
+in thought.  Suddenly he paused, and swore savagely, his disgust at the
+situation bursting all bounds; yet when he arrived opposite the beam of
+light streaming invitingly forth from the windows of the first saloon,
+he was whistling softly, his head held erect, his cool eyes filled with
+reckless daring.
+
+It was Saturday night, and the mining town was already alive.  The one
+long, irregular street was jammed with constantly moving figures, the
+numerous saloons ablaze, the pianos sounding noisily, the shuffling of
+feet in the crowded dance-halls incessant.  Fakers were everywhere
+industriously hawking their useless wares and entertaining the
+loitering crowds, while the roar of voices was continuous.  Cowboys
+from the wide plains, miners from the hidden gulches, ragged, hopeful
+prospectors from the more distant mountains, teamsters, and half-naked
+Indians, commingled in the restless throng, passing and repassing from
+door to door, careless in dress, rough in manner, boisterous in
+language.  Here and there amid this heterogeneous population of toilers
+and adventurers, would appear those attired in the more conventional
+garb of the East,--capitalists hunting new investments, or chance
+travellers seeking to discover a new thrill amid this strange life of
+the frontier.  Everywhere, brazen and noisy, flitted women, bold of
+eye, painted of cheek, gaudy of raiment, making mock of their sacred
+womanhood.  Riot reigned unchecked, while the quiet, sleepy town of the
+afternoon blossomed under the flickering lights into a saturnalia of
+unlicensed pleasure, wherein the wages of sin were death.
+
+Hampton scarcely noted this marvellous change; to him it was no
+uncommon spectacle.  He pushed his way through the noisy throng with
+eyes ever watchful for the faces.  His every motion was that of a man
+who had fully decided upon his course.  Through the widely opened doors
+of the Occidental streams of blue and red shirted men were constantly
+flowing in and out; a band played strenuously on the wide balcony
+overhead, while beside the entrance a loud-voiced "barker" proclaimed
+the many attractions within.  Hampton swung up the broad wooden steps
+and entered the bar-room, which was crowded by jostling figures, the
+ever-moving mass as yet good-natured, for the night was young.  At the
+lower end of the long, sloppy bar he stopped for a moment to nod to the
+fellow behind.
+
+"Anything going on to-night worth while, Jim?" he questioned, quietly.
+
+"Rather stiff game, they tell me, just started in the back room," was
+the genial reply.  "Two Eastern suckers, with Red Slavin sitting in."
+
+The gambler passed on, pushing rather unceremoniously through the
+throng of perspiring humanity.  He appeared out of place amid the rough
+element jostling him, and more than one glanced at him curiously, a few
+swearing as he elbowed them aside.  Scarcely noticing this, he drew a
+cigar from his pocket, and stuck it unlighted between his teeth.  The
+large front room upstairs was ablaze with lights, every game in full
+operation and surrounded by crowds of devotees.  Tobacco smoke in
+clouds circled to the low ceiling, and many of the players were noisy
+and profane, while the various calls of faro, roulette, keno, and
+high-ball added to the confusion and to the din of shuffling feet and
+excited exclamations.  Hampton glanced about superciliously, shrugging
+his shoulders in open contempt--all this was far too coarse, too small,
+to awaken his interest.  He observed the various faces at the tables--a
+habit one naturally forms who has desperate enemies in plenty--and then
+walked directly toward the rear of the room.  A thick, dingy red
+curtain hung there; he held back its heavy folds and stepped within the
+smaller apartment beyond.
+
+Three men sat at the single table, cards in hand, and Hampton
+involuntarily whistled softly behind his teeth at the first glimpse of
+the money openly displayed before them.  This was apparently not so bad
+for a starter, and his waning interest revived.  A red-bearded giant,
+sitting so as to face the doorway, glanced up quickly at his entrance,
+his coarse mouth instantly taking on the semblance of a smile.
+
+"Ah, Bob," he exclaimed, with an evident effort at cordiality; "been
+wondering if you wouldn't show up before the night was over.  You're
+the very fellow to make this a four-handed affair, provided you carry
+sufficient stuff."
+
+Hampton came easily forward into the full glow of the swinging oil
+lamp, his manner coolly deliberate, his face expressionless.  "I feel
+no desire to intrude," he explained, quietly, watching the uplifted
+faces.  "I believe I have never before met these gentlemen."
+
+Slavin laughed, his great white fingers drumming the table.
+
+"It is an acquaintance easily made," he said, "provided one can afford
+to trot in their class, for it is money that talks at this table
+to-night.  Mr. Hampton, permit me to present Judge Hawes, of Denver,
+and Mr. Edgar Willis, president of the T. P. & R.  I have no idea what
+they are doing in this hell-hole of a town, but they are dead-game
+sports, and I have been trying my best to amuse them while they're
+here."
+
+Hampton bowed, instantly recognizing the names.
+
+"Glad to assist," he murmured, sinking into a vacant chair.  "What
+limit?"
+
+"We have had no occasion to discuss that matter as yet," volunteered
+Hawes, sneeringly.  "However, if you have scruples we might settle upon
+something within reason."
+
+Hampton ran the undealt pack carelessly through his fingers, his lips
+smiling pleasantly.  "Oh, never mind, if it chances to go above my pile
+I 'll drop out.  Meanwhile, I hardly believe there is any cause for you
+to be modest on my account."
+
+The play opened quietly and with some restraint, the faces of the men
+remaining impassive, their watchful glances evidencing nothing either
+of success or failure.  Hampton played with extreme caution for some
+time, his eyes studying keenly the others about the table, seeking some
+deeper understanding of the nature of his opponents, their strong and
+weak points, and whether or not there existed any prior arrangement
+between them.  He was there for a purpose, a clearly defined purpose,
+and he felt no inclination to accept unnecessary chances with the
+fickle Goddess of Fortune.  To one trained in the calm observation of
+small things, and long accustomed to weigh his adversaries with care,
+it was not extremely difficult to class the two strangers, and Hampton
+smiled softly on observing the size of the rolls rather ostentatiously
+exhibited by them.  He felt that his lines had fallen in pleasant
+places, and looked forward with serene confidence to the enjoyment of a
+royal game, provided only he exercised sufficient patience and the
+other gentlemen possessed the requisite nerve.  His satisfaction was in
+noways lessened by the sound of their voices, when incautiously raised
+in anger over some unfortunate play.  He immediately recognized them as
+the identical individuals who had loudly and vainly protested over his
+occupancy of the best rooms at the hotel.  He chuckled grimly.
+
+But what bothered him particularly was Slavin.  The cool gray eyes,
+glancing with such apparent negligence across the cards in his hands,
+noted every slight movement of the red-bearded gambler, in expectation
+of detecting some sign of trickery, or some evidence that he had been
+selected by this precious trio for the purpose of easy plucking.
+Knavery was Slavin's style, but apparently he was now playing a
+straight game, no doubt realizing clearly, behind his impassive mask of
+a face, the utter futility of seeking to outwit one of Hampton's
+enviable reputation.
+
+It was, unquestionably, a fairly fought four-handed battle, and at
+last, thoroughly convinced of this, Hampton settled quietly down,
+prepared to play out his game.  The hours rolled on unnoted, the men
+tireless, their faces immovable, the cards dealt silently.  The stakes
+grew steadily larger, and curious visitors, hearing vague rumors
+without, ventured in, to stand behind the chairs of the absorbed
+players and look on.  Now and then a startled exclamation evidenced the
+depth of their interest and excitement, but at the table no one spoke
+above a strained whisper, and no eye ventured to wander from the board.
+Several times drinks were served, but Hampton contented himself with a
+gulp of water, always gripping an unlighted cigar between his teeth.
+He was playing now with apparent recklessness, never hesitating over a
+card, his eye as watchful as that of a hawk, his betting quick,
+confident, audacious.  The contagion of his spirit seemed to affect the
+others, to force them into desperate wagers, and thrill the lookers-on.
+The perspiration was beading Slavin's forehead, and now and then an
+oath burst unrestrained from his hairy lips.  Hawes and Willis sat
+white-faced, bent forward anxiously over the table, their fingers
+shaking as they handled the fateful cards, but Hampton played without
+perceptible tremor, his utterances few and monosyllabic, his calm face
+betraying not the faintest emotion.
+
+And he was steadily winning.  Occasionally some other hand drew in the
+growing stock of gold and bank notes, but not often enough to offset
+those continued gains that began to heap up in such an alluring pile
+upon his portion of the table.  The watchers began to observe this, and
+gathered more closely about his chair, fascinated by the luck with
+which the cards came floating into his hands, the cool judgment of his
+critical plays, the reckless abandon with which he forced success.  The
+little room was foul with tobacco smoke and electric with ill-repressed
+excitement, yet he played on imperturbably, apparently hearing nothing,
+seeing nothing, his entire personality concentrated on his play.
+Suddenly he forced the fight to a finish.  The opportunity came in a
+jack-pot which Hawes had opened.  The betting began with a cool
+thousand.  Then Hampton's turn came.  Without drawing, his cards yet
+lying face downward before him on the board, his calm features as
+immovable as the Sphinx, he quietly pushed his whole accumulated pile
+to the centre, named the sum, and leaned back in his chair, his eyes
+cold, impassive.  Hawes threw down his hand, wiping his streaming face
+with his handkerchief; Willis counted his remaining roll, hesitated,
+looked again at the faces of his cards, flung aside two, drawing to
+fill, and called loudly for a show-down, his eyes protruding.  Slavin,
+cursing fiercely under his red beard, having drawn one card, his
+perplexed face instantly brightening as he glanced at it, went back
+into his hip pocket for every cent he had, and added his profane demand
+for a chance at the money.
+
+A fortune rested on the table, a fortune the ownership of which was to
+be decided in a single moment, and by the movement of a hand.  The
+crowd swayed eagerly forward, their heads craned over to see more
+clearly, their breathing hushed.  Willis was gasping, his whole body
+quivering; Slavin was watching Hampton's hands as a cat does a mouse,
+his thick lips parted, his fingers twitching nervously.  The latter
+smiled grimly, his motions deliberate, his eyes never wavering.
+Slowly, one by one, he turned up his cards, never even deigning to
+glance downward, his entire manner that of unstudied indifference.
+One--two--three.  Willis uttered a snarl like a stricken wild beast,
+and sank back in his chair, his eyes closed, his cheeks ghastly.  Four.
+Slavin brought down his great clenched fist with a crash on the table,
+a string of oaths bursting unrestrained from his lips.  Five.  Hampton,
+never stirring a muscle, sat there like a statue, watching.  His right
+hand kept hidden beneath the table, with his left he quietly drew in
+the stack of bills and coin, pushing the stuff heedlessly into the side
+pocket of his coat, his gaze never once wandering from those stricken
+faces fronting him.  Then he softly pushed back his chair and stood
+erect.  Willis never moved, but Slavin rose unsteadily to his feet,
+gripping the table fiercely with both hands.
+
+"Gentlemen," said Hampton, gravely, his clear voice sounding like the
+sudden peal of a bell, "I can only thank you for your courtesy in this
+matter, and bid you all good-night.  However, before I go it may be of
+some interest for me to say that I have played my last game."
+
+Somebody laughed sarcastically, a harsh, hateful laugh.  The speaker
+whirled, took one step forward; there was the flash of an extended arm,
+a dull crunch, and Red Slavin went crashing backward against the wall.
+As he gazed up, dazed and bewildered, from the floor, the lights
+glimmered along a blue-steel barrel.
+
+"Not a move, you red brute," and Hampton spurned him contemptuously
+with his heel.  "This is no variety show, and your laughter was in poor
+taste.  However, if you feel particularly hilarious to-night I 'll give
+you another chance.  I said this was my last game; I'll repeat
+it--_this was my last game_!  Now, damn you! if you feel like it,
+laugh!"
+
+He swept the circle of excited faces, his eyes glowing like two
+diamonds, his thin lips compressed into a single straight line.
+
+"Mr. Slavin appears to have lost his previous sense of humor," he
+remarked, calmly.  "I will now make my statement for the third
+time--_this was my last game_.  Perhaps some of you gentlemen also may
+discover this to be amusing."
+
+[Illustration: "Mr. Slavin appears to have lost his previous sense of
+humor," he remarked, calmly.]
+
+The heavy, strained breathing of the motionless crowd was his only
+answer, and a half smile of bitter contempt curled Hampton's lips, as
+he swept over them a last defiant glance.
+
+"Not quite so humorous as it seemed to be at first, I reckon," he
+commented, dryly.  "Slavin," and he prodded the red giant once more
+with his foot, "I'm going out; if you make any attempt to leave this
+room within the next five minutes I 'll kill you in your tracks, as I
+would a mad dog.  You stacked cards twice to-night, but the last time I
+beat you fairly at your own game."
+
+He held aside the heavy curtains with his left hand and backed slowly
+out facing them, the deadly revolver shining ominously in the other.
+Not a man moved: Slavin glowered at him from the floor, an impotent
+curse upon his lips.  Then the red drapery fell.
+
+While the shadows of the long night still hung over the valley, Naida,
+tossing restlessly upon her strange bed within the humble yellow house
+at the fork of the trails, was aroused to wakefulness by the pounding
+of a horse's hoofs on the plank bridge spanning the creek.  She drew
+aside the curtain and looked out, shading her eyes to see clearer
+through the poor glass.  All she perceived was a somewhat deeper smudge
+when the rider swept rapidly past, horse and man a shapeless shadow.
+Three hours later she awoke again, this time to the full glare of day,
+and to the remembrance that she was now facing a new life.  As she lay
+there thinking, her eyes troubled but tearless, far away on the
+sun-kissed uplands Hampton was spurring forward his horse, already
+beginning to exhibit signs of weariness.  Bent slightly over the saddle
+pommel, his eyes upon these snow-capped peaks still showing blurred and
+distant, he rode steadily on, the only moving object amid all that
+wide, desolate landscape.
+
+
+
+
+_PART II_
+
+WHAT OCCURRED IN GLENCAID
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE ARRIVAL OF MISS SPENCER
+
+There was a considerable period when events of importance in Glencaid's
+history were viewed against the background of the opening of its first
+school.  This was not entirely on account of the deep interest
+manifested in the cause of higher education by the residents, but owing
+rather to the personality of the pioneer school-teacher, and the deep,
+abiding impress which she made upon the community.
+
+Miss Phoebe Spencer came direct to Glencaid from the far East, her
+starting-point some little junction place back in Vermont, although she
+proudly named Boston as her home, having once visited in that
+metropolis for three delicious weeks.  She was of an ardent,
+impressionable nature.  Her mind was nurtured upon Eastern conceptions
+of our common country, her imagination aglow with weird tales of the
+frontier, and her bright eyes perceived the vivid coloring of romance
+in each prosaic object west of the tawny Missouri.  All appeared so
+different from that established life to which she had grown
+accustomed,--the people, the country, the picturesque language,--while
+her brain so teemed with lurid pictures of border experiences and
+heroes as to reveal romantic possibilities everywhere.  The vast,
+mysterious West, with its seemingly boundless prairies, grand, solemn
+mountains, and frankly spoken men peculiarly attired and everywhere
+bearing the inevitable "gun," was to her a newly discovered world.  She
+could scarcely comprehend its reality.  As the apparently illimitable
+plains, barren, desolate, awe-inspiring, rolled away behind, mile after
+mile, like a vast sea, and left a measureless expanse of grim desert
+between her and the old life, her unfettered imagination seemed to
+expand with the fathomless blue of the Western sky.  As her eager eyes
+traced the serrated peaks of a snow-clad mountain range, her heart
+throbbed with anticipation of wonders yet to come.  Homesickness was a
+thing undreamed of; her active brain responded to each new impression.
+
+She sat comfortably ensconced in the back seat of the old, battered red
+coach, surrounded by cushions for protection from continual jouncing,
+as the Jehu in charge urged his restive mules down the desolate valley
+of the Bear Water.  Her cheeks were flushed, her wide-open eyes filled
+with questioning, her pale fluffy hair frolicking with the breeze, as
+pretty a picture of young womanhood as any one could wish to see.  Nor
+was she unaware of this fact.  During the final stage other long
+journey she had found two congenial souls, sufficiently picturesque to
+harmonize with her ideas of wild Western romance.
+
+These two men were lolling in the less comfortable seat opposite,
+secretly longing for a quiet smoke outside, yet neither willing to
+desert this Eastern divinity to his rival.  The big fellow, his arm run
+carelessly through the leather sling, his bare head projecting half out
+of the open window, was Jack Moffat, half-owner of the "Golden Rule,"
+and enjoying a well-earned reputation as the most ornate and artistic
+liar in the Territory.  For two hours he had been exercising his talent
+to the full, and merely paused now in search of some fresh inspiration,
+holding in supreme and silent contempt the rather feeble imitations of
+his less-gifted companion.  It is also just to add that Mr. Moffat
+personally formed an ideal accompaniment to his vivid narrations of
+adventure, and he was fully aware of the fact that Miss Spencer's
+appreciative eyes wandered frequently in his direction, noting his
+tanned cheeks, his long silky mustache, the somewhat melancholy gleam
+of his dark eyes--hiding beyond doubt some mystery of the past, the
+nature of which was yet to be revealed.  Mr. Moffat, always strong
+along this line of feminine sympathy, felt newly inspired by these
+evidences of interest in his tales, and by something in Miss Spencer's
+face which bespoke admiration.
+
+The fly in the ointment of this long day's ride, the third party, whose
+undesirable presence and personal knowledge of Mr. Moffat's past career
+rather seriously interfered with the latter's flights of imagination,
+was William McNeil, foreman of the "Bar V" ranch over on Sinsiniwa
+Creek.  McNeil was not much of a talker, having an impediment in his
+speech, and being a trifle bashful in the presence of a lady.  But he
+caught the eye,--a slenderly built, reckless fellow, smoothly shaven,
+with a strong chin and bright laughing eyes,--and as he lolled
+carelessly back in his bearskin "chaps" and wide-brimmed sombrero,
+occasionally throwing in some cool, insinuating comment regarding
+Moffat's recitals, the latter experienced a strong inclination to heave
+him overboard.  The slight hardening of McNeil's eyes at such moments
+had thus far served, however, as sufficient restraint, while the
+unobservant Miss Spencer, unaware of the silent duel thus being
+conducted in her very presence, divided her undisguised admiration,
+playing havoc with the susceptible heart of each, and all unconsciously
+laying the foundations for future trouble.
+
+"Why, how truly remarkable!" she exclaimed, her cheeks glowing.  "It's
+all so different from the East; heroism seems to be in the very air of
+this country, and your adventure was so very unusual.  Don't you think
+so, Mr. McNeil?"
+
+The silent foreman hitched himself suddenly upright, his face unusually
+solemn.  "Why--eh--yes, miss--you might--eh--say that.  He," with a
+flip of his hand toward the other, "eh--reminds me--of--eh--an old
+friend."
+
+"Indeed?  How extremely interesting!" eagerly scenting a new story.
+"Please tell me who it was, Mr. McNeil."
+
+"Oh--eh--knew him when I was a boy--eh--Munchausen."
+
+Mr. Moffat drew in his head violently, with an exclamation nearly
+profane, yet before he could speak Miss Spencer intervened.
+
+"Munchausen!  Why, Mr. McNeil, you surely do not intend to question the
+truth of Mr. Moffat's narrative?"
+
+The foreman's eyes twinkled humorously, but the lines of his face
+remained calmly impassive.  "My--eh--reference," he explained, gravely,
+"was--eh--entirely to the--eh--local color, the--eh--expert touches."
+
+"Oh!"
+
+"Yes, miss.  It's--eh--bad taste out here to--eh--doubt anybody's
+word--eh--publicly."
+
+Moffat stirred uneasily, his hand flung behind him, but McNeil was
+gazing into the lady's fair face, apparently unconscious of any other
+presence.
+
+"But all this time you have not favored me with any of your own
+adventures, Mr. McNeil.  I am very sure you must have had hundreds out
+on these wide plains."
+
+The somewhat embarrassed foreman shook his head discouragingly.
+
+"Oh, but I just know you have, only you are so modest about recounting
+them.  Now, that scar just under your hair--really it is not at all
+unbecoming--surely that reveals a story.  Was it caused by an Indian
+arrow?"
+
+McNeil crossed his legs, and wiped his damp forehead with the back of
+his hand.  "Hoof of a damn pack-mule," he explained, forgetting
+himself.  "The--eh--cuss lifted me ten feet."
+
+Moffat laughed hoarsely, but as the foreman straightened up quickly,
+the amazed girl joined happily in, and his own face instantly exhibited
+the contagion.
+
+"Ain't much--eh--ever happens out on a ranch," he said, doubtfully,
+"except dodgin' steers, and--eh--bustin' broncoes."
+
+"Your blame mule story," broke in Moffat, who had at last discovered
+his inspiration, "reminds me of a curious little incident occurring
+last year just across the divide.  I don't recall ever telling it
+before, but it may interest you, Miss Spencer, as illustrative of one
+phase of life in this country.  A party of us were out after bear, and
+one night when I chanced to be left all alone in camp, I did n't dare
+fall asleep and leave everything unguarded, as the Indians were all
+around as thick as leaves on a tree.  So I decided to sit up in front
+of the tent on watch.  Along about midnight, I suppose, I dropped off
+into a doze, for the first thing I heard was the hee-haw of a mule
+right in my ear.  It sounded like a clap of thunder, and I jumped up,
+coming slap-bang against the brute's nose so blamed hard it knocked me
+flat; and then, when I fairly got my eyes open, I saw five Sioux
+Indians creeping along through the moonlight, heading right toward our
+pony herd.  I tell you things looked mighty skittish for me just then,
+but what do you suppose I did with 'em?"
+
+"Eh--eat 'em, likely,"  suggested McNeil, thoughtfully, "fried with
+plenty of--eh--salt; heard they were--eh--good that way."
+
+Mr. Moffat half rose to his feet.
+
+"You damn--"
+
+"O Mr. McNeil, how perfectly ridiculous!" chimed in Miss Spencer.
+"Please do go on, Mr. Moffat; it is so exceedingly interesting."
+
+The incensed narrator sank reluctantly back into his seat, his eyes yet
+glowing angrily.  "Well, I crept carefully along a little gully until I
+got where them Indians were just exactly opposite me in a direct line.
+I had an awful heavy gun, carrying a slug of lead near as big as your
+fist.  Had it fixed up specially fer grizzlies.  The fellow creepin'
+along next me was a tremendous big buck; he looked like a plum giant in
+that moonlight, and I 'd just succeeded in drawin' a bead on him when a
+draught of air from up the gully strikin' across the back of my neck
+made me sneeze, and that buck turned round and saw me.  You wouldn't
+hardly believe what happened."
+
+"Whole--eh--bunch drop dead from fright?" asked McNeil, solicitously.
+
+Moffat glared at him savagely, his lips moving, but emitting no sound.
+
+"Oh, please don't mind," urged his fair listener, her flushed cheeks
+betraying her interest.  "He is so full of his fun.  What did follow?"
+
+The story-teller swallowed something in his throat, his gaze still on
+his persecutor.  "No, sir," he continued, hoarsely, "them bucks jumped
+to their feet with the most awful yells I ever heard, and made a rush
+toward where I was standing.  They was exactly in a line, and I let
+drive at that first buck, and blame me if that slug didn't go plum
+through three of 'em, and knock down the fourth.  You can roast me
+alive if that ain't a fact!  The fifth one got away, but I roped the
+wounded fellow, and was a-sittin' on him when the rest of the party got
+back to camp.  Jim Healy was along, and he'll tell you the same story."
+
+There was a breathless silence, during which McNeil spat meditatively
+out of the window.
+
+"Save any--eh--locks of their hair?" he questioned, anxiously.
+
+"Oh, please don't tell me anything about that!" interrupted Miss
+Spencer, nervously.  "The whites don't scalp, do they?"
+
+"Not generally, miss, but I--eh--didn't just know what Mr.
+Moffat's--eh--custom was."
+
+The latter gentleman had his head craned out of the window once more,
+in an apparent determination to ignore all such frivolous remarks.
+Suddenly he pointed directly ahead.
+
+"There's Glencaid now, Miss Spencer," he said, cheerfully, glad enough
+of an opportunity to change the topic of conversation.  "That's the
+spire of the new Presbyterian church sticking up above the ridge."
+
+"Oh, indeed!  How glad I am to be here safe at last!"
+
+"How--eh--did you happen to--eh--recognize the church?" asked McNeil
+with evident admiration.  "You--eh--can't see it from the saloon."
+
+Moffat disdained reply, and the lurching stage rolled rapidly down the
+valley, the mules now lashed into a wild gallop to the noisy
+accompaniment of the driver's whip.
+
+The hoofs clattered across the narrow bridge, and, with a sudden swing,
+all came to a sharp stand, amid a cloud of dust before a naked yellow
+house.
+
+"Here 's where you get out, miss," announced the Jehu, leaning down
+from his seat to peer within.  "This yere is the Herndon shebang."
+
+The gentlemen inside assisted Miss Spencer to descend in safety to the
+weed-bordered walk, where she stood shaking her ruffled plumage into
+shape, and giving directions regarding her luggage.  Then the two
+gentlemen emerged, Moffat bearing a grip-case, a bandbox, and a basket,
+while McNeil supported a shawl-strap and a small trunk.  Thus decorated
+they meekly followed her lead up the narrow path toward the front door.
+The latter opened suddenly, and Mrs. Herndon bounced forth with
+vociferous welcome.
+
+"Why, Phoebe Spencer, and have you really come!  I did n't expect you
+'d get along before next week.  Oh, this seems too nice to see you
+again; almost as good as going home to Vermont.  You must be completely
+tired out."
+
+"Dear Aunt Lydia; of course I 'm glad to be here.  But I 'm not in the
+least tired.  I 've had such a delightful trip."  She glanced around
+smilingly upon her perspiring cavaliers.  "Oh, put those things down,
+gentlemen--anywhere there on the grass; they can be carried in later.
+It was so kind of you both."
+
+"Hey, there!" sang out the driver, growing impatient, "if you two gents
+are aimin' to go down town with this outfit, you'd better be pilin' in
+lively, fer I can't stay here all day."
+
+Moffat glanced furtively aside at McNeil, only to discover that
+individual quietly seated on the trunk.  He promptly dropped his own
+grip.
+
+"Drive on with your butcher's cart," he called out spitefully.  "I
+reckon it's no special honor to ride to town."
+
+The pleasantly smiling young woman glanced from one to the other, her
+eyes fairly dancing, as the lumbering coach disappeared through the red
+dust.
+
+"How very nice of you to remain," she exclaimed.  "Aunt Lydia, I am so
+anxious for you to meet my friends, Mr. Moffat and Mr. McNeil.  They
+have been so thoughtful and entertaining all the way up the Bear Water,
+and they explained so many things that I did not understand."
+
+She swept impulsively down toward them, both hands extended, the bright
+glances of her eyes bestowed impartially.
+
+"I cannot invite you to come into the house now," she exclaimed,
+sweetly, "for I am almost like a stranger here myself, but I do hope
+you will both of you call.  I shall be so very lonely at first, and you
+are my earliest acquaintances.  You will promise, won't you?"
+
+McNeil bowed, painfully clearing his throat, but Moffat succeeded in
+expressing his pleasure with a well-rounded sentence.
+
+"I felt sure you would.  But now I must really say good-bye for this
+time, and go in with Aunt Lydia.  I know I must be getting horribly
+burned out here in this hot sun.  I shall always be so grateful to you
+both."
+
+The two radiant knights walked together toward the road, neither
+uttering a word.  McNeil whistled carelessly, and Moffat gazed intently
+at the distant hills.  Just beyond the gate, and without so much as
+glancing toward his companion, the latter turned and strode up one of
+the numerous diverging trails.  McNeil halted and stared after him in
+surprise.
+
+"Ain't you--eh--goin' on down town?"
+
+"I reckon not.  Take a look at my mine first."
+
+McNeil chuckled.  "You--eh--better be careful goin' up
+that--eh--gully," he volunteered, soberly, "the--eh--ghosts of them
+four--eh--Injuns might--eh--haunt ye!"
+
+Moffat wheeled about as if he had been shot in the back.  "You
+blathering, mutton-headed cowherd!" he yelled, savagely.
+
+But McNeil was already nearly out of hearing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+BECOMING ACQUAINTED
+
+Once within the cool shadows of the livingroom, Mrs. Herndon again
+bethought herself to kiss her niece in a fresh glow of welcome, while
+the latter sank into a convenient rocker and began enthusiastically
+expressing her unbounded enjoyment of the West, and of the impressions
+gathered during her journey.  Suddenly the elder woman glanced about
+and exclaimed, laughingly, "Why, I had completely forgotten.  You have
+not yet met your room-mate.  Come out here, Naida; this is my niece,
+Phoebe Spencer."
+
+The girl thus addressed advanced, a slender, graceful figure dressed in
+white, and extended her hand shyly.  Miss Spencer clasped it warmly,
+her eyes upon the flushed, winsome face.
+
+"And is this Naida Gillis!" she cried.  "I am so delighted that you are
+still here, and that we are to be together.  Aunt Lydia has written so
+much about you that I feel as If we must have known each other for
+years.  Why, how pretty you are!"
+
+Naida's cheeks were burning, and her eyes fell, but she had never yet
+succeeded in conquering the blunt independence of her speech.  "Nobody
+else ever says so," she said, uneasily.  "Perhaps it's the light."
+
+Miss Spencer turned her about so as to face the window.  "Well, you
+are," she announced, decisively.  "I guess I know; you 've got
+magnificent hair, and your eyes are perfectly wonderful.  You just
+don't fix yourself up right; Aunt Lydia never did have any taste in
+such things, but I 'll make a new girl out of you.  Let's go upstairs;
+I 'm simply dying to see our room, and get some of my dresses unpacked.
+They must look perfect frights by this time."
+
+They came down perhaps an hour later, hand in hand, and chattering like
+old friends.  The shades of early evening were already falling across
+the valley.  Herndon had returned home from his day's work, and had
+brought with him the Rev. Howard Wynkoop for supper.  Miss Spencer
+viewed the young man with approval, and immediately became more than
+usually vivacious in recounting the incidents of her long journey,
+together with her early impressions of the Western country.  Mr.
+Wynkoop responded with an interest far from being assumed.
+
+"I have found it all so strange, so unique, Mr. Wynkoop," she
+explained.  "The country is like a new world to me, and the people do
+not seem at all like those of the East.  They lead such a wild,
+untrammelled life.  Everything about seems to exhale the spirit of
+romance; don't you find it so?"
+
+He smiled at her enthusiasm, his glance of undisguised admiration on
+her face.  "I certainly recall some such earlier conception," he
+admitted.  "Those just arriving from the environment of an older
+civilization perceive merely the picturesque elements; but my later
+experiences have been decidedly prosaic."
+
+"Why, Mr. Wynkoop! how could they be?  Your work is heroic.  I cannot
+conceive how any minister of the Cross, having within him any of the
+old apostolic fervor, can consent to spend his days amid the dreary
+commonplaces of those old, dead Eastern churches.  You, nobly battling
+on the frontier, are the true modern Crusaders, the Knights of the
+Grail.  Here you are ever in the very forefront of the battle against
+sin, associated with the Argonauts, impressing your faith upon the
+bold, virile spirits of the age.  It is perfectly grand!  Why the very
+men I meet seem to yield me a broader conception of life and duty; they
+are so brave, so modest, so active.  Is--is Mr. Moffat a member of your
+church?"
+
+The minister cleared his throat, his cheeks reddening.  "Mr. Moffat?
+Ah, no; not exactly.  Do you mean the mine-owner, Jack Moffat?"
+
+"Yes, I think so; he told me he owned a mine--the Golden Rule the name
+was; the very choice in words would seem, to indicate his religious
+nature.  He 's such a pleasant, intelligent man.  There is a look in
+his eyes as though he sorrowed over something.  I was in hopes you knew
+what it was, and I am very sure he would welcome your ministrations.
+You have the only church in Glencaid, I understand, and I wonder
+greatly he has never joined you.  But perhaps he may be prejudiced
+against your denomination.  There is so much narrowness in religion.
+Now, I am an Episcopalian myself, but I do not mean to permit that to
+interfere in any way with my church work out here.  I wonder if Mr.
+Moffat can be an Episcopalian.  If he is, I am just going to show him
+that it is clearly his duty to assist in any Christian service.  Is n't
+that the true, liberal, Western spirit, Mr. Wynkoop?"
+
+"It most assuredly should be," said the young pastor.
+
+"I left every prejudice east of the Missouri," she declared,
+laughingly, "every one, social and religious.  I 'm going to be a true
+Westerner, from the top of my head to the toe of my shoe.  Is Mr.
+McNeil in your church?"
+
+The minister hesitated.  "I really do not recall the name," he
+confessed at last, reluctantly.  "I scarcely think I can have ever met
+the gentleman."
+
+"Oh, you ought to; he is so intensely original, and his face is full of
+character.  He reminds me of some old paladin of the Middle Ages.  You
+would be interested in him at once.  He is the foreman of the 'Bar V'
+ranch, somewhere near here."
+
+"Do you mean Billy McNeil, over on Sinsiniwa Creek?" broke in Herndon.
+
+"I think quite likely, uncle; would n't he make a splendid addition to
+Mr. Wynkoop's church?"
+
+Herndon choked, his entire body shaking with ill-suppressed enjoyment.
+"I should imagine yes," he admitted finally.  "Billy McNeil--oh, Lord!
+There 's certainly a fine opening for you to do some missionary work,
+Phoebe."
+
+"Well, and I 'm going to," announced the young lady, firmly.  "I guess
+I can read men's characters, and I know all Mr. McNeil needs is to have
+some one show an interest in him.  Have you a large church, Mr.
+Wynkoop?"
+
+"Not large if judged from an Eastern standpoint," he confessed, with
+some regret.  "Our present membership is composed of eight women and
+three men, but the congregational attendance is quite good, and
+constantly increasing."
+
+"Only eight women and three men!" breathlessly.  "And you have been
+laboring upon this field for five years!  How could it be so small?"
+
+Wynkoop pushed back his chair, anxious to redeem himself in the
+estimation of this fair stranger.
+
+"Miss Spencer," he explained, "it is perhaps hardly strange that you
+should misapprehend the peculiar conditions under which religious labor
+is conducted in the West.  You will undoubtedly understand all this
+better presently.  My parish comprises this entire mining region, and I
+am upon horseback among the foothills and up in the ranges for fully a
+third of my time.  The spirit of the mining population, as well as of
+the cattlemen, while not actually hostile, is one of indifference to
+religious thought.  They care nothing whatever for it in the abstract,
+and have no use for any minister, unless it may be to marry their
+children or bury their dead.  I am hence obliged to meet with them
+merely as man to man, and thus slowly win their confidence before I
+dare even approach a religious topic.  For three long years I worked
+here without even a church organization or a building; and apparently
+without the faintest encouragement.  Now that we have a nucleus
+gathered, a comfortable building erected and paid for, with an
+increasing congregation, I begin to feel that those seemingly barren
+five years were not without spiritual value."
+
+She quickly extended her hands.  "Oh, it is so heroic, so
+self-sacrificing!  No doubt I was hasty and wrong.  But I have always
+been accustomed to so much larger churches.  I am going to help you,
+Mr. Wynkoop, in every way I possibly can--I shall certainly speak to
+both Mr. Moffat and Mr. McNeil the very first opportunity.  I feel
+almost sure that they will join."
+
+The unavoidable exigencies of a choir practice compelled Mr. Wynkoop to
+retire early, nor was it yet late when the more intimate family circle
+also dissolved, and the two girls discovered themselves alone.  Naida
+drew down the shades and lit the lamp.  Miss Spencer slowly divested
+herself of her outer dress, replacing it with a light wrapper, encased
+her feet snugly in comfortable slippers, and proceeded to let down her
+flossy hair in gleaming waves across her shoulders.  Naida's dark eyes
+bespoke plainly her admiration, and Miss Spencer shook back her hair
+somewhat coquettishly.
+
+"Do you think I look nice?" she questioned, smilingly.
+
+"You bet I do.  Your hair is just beautiful, Miss Spencer."
+
+The other permitted the soft strands to slip slowly between her white
+fingers.  "You should never say 'you bet,' Naida.  Such language is not
+at all lady-like.  I am going to call you Naida, and you must call me
+Phoebe.  People use their given names almost entirely out here in the
+West, don't they?"
+
+"I never have had much training in being a lady," the young girl
+explained, reddening, "but I can learn.  Yes, I reckon they do mostly
+use the first names out here."
+
+"Please don't say 'I reckon,' either; it has such a vulgar sound.  What
+is his given name?"
+
+"Whose?"
+
+"Why, I was thinking of Mr. Wynkoop."
+
+"Howard; I saw it written in some books he loaned me.  But the people
+here never address him in that way."
+
+"No, I suppose not, only I thought I should like to know what it was."
+
+There was a considerable pause; then the speaker asked, calmly, "Is he
+married?"
+
+"Mr. Wynkoop?  Why, of course not; he does n't care for women in that
+way at all."
+
+Miss Spencer bound her hair carefully with a bright ribbon.  "Maybe he
+might, though, some time.  All men do."
+
+She sat down in the low rocker, her feet comfortably crossed.  "Do you
+know, Naida dear, it is simply wonderful to me just to remember what
+you have been through, and it was so beautifully romantic--everybody
+killed except you and that man, and then he saved your life.  It's such
+a pity he was so miserable a creature."
+
+"He was n't!" Naida exclaimed, in sudden, indignant passion.  "He was
+perfectly splendid."
+
+"Aunt Lydia did n't think so.  She wrote he was a common gambler,--a
+low, rough man."
+
+"Well, he did gamble; nearly everybody does out here.  And sometimes I
+suppose he had to fight, but he wasn't truly bad."
+
+Miss Spencer's eyes evinced a growing interest.
+
+"Was he real nice-looking?" she asked.
+
+Naida's voice faltered.  "Ye--es," she said.  "I thought so.  He--he
+looked like he was a man."
+
+"How old are you, Naida?"
+
+"Nearly eighteen."
+
+Miss Spencer leaned impulsively forward, and clasped the other's hands,
+her whole soul responding to this suggestion of a possible romance, a
+vision of blighted hearts.  "Why, it is perfectly delightful," she
+exclaimed.  "I had no idea it was so serious, and really I don't in the
+least blame you.  You love him, don't you, Naida?"
+
+The girl flashed a shy look into the beaming, inquisitive face.  "I
+don't know," she confessed, soberly.  "I have not even seen him for
+such a long time; but--but, I guess, he is more to me than any one
+else--"
+
+"Not seen him?  Do you mean to say Mr. Hampton is not here in Glencaid?
+Why, I am so sorry; I was hoping to meet him."
+
+"He went away the same night I came here to live."
+
+"And you never even hear from him?"
+
+Naida hesitated, but the frankly displayed interest of the other won
+her complete girlish confidence.  "Not directly, but Mr. Herndon
+receives money from him for me.  He does n't let your aunt know
+anything about it, because she got angry and refused to accept any pay
+from him.  He is somewhere over yonder in the Black Range."
+
+Miss Spencer shook back her hair with a merry laugh, and clasped her
+hands.  "Why, it is just the most delightful situation I ever heard
+about.  He is just certain to come back after you, Naida.  I wouldn't
+miss being here for anything."
+
+They were still sitting there, when the notes of a softly touched
+guitar stole in through the open window.  Both glanced about in
+surprise, but Miss Spencer was first to recover speech.
+
+"A serenade!  Did you ever!" she whispered.  "Do you suppose it can be
+he?"  She extinguished the lamp and knelt upon the floor, peering
+eagerly forth into the brilliant moonlight.  "Why, Naida, what do you
+think?  It's Mr. Moffat.  How beautifully he plays!"
+
+Naida, her face pressed against the other window, gave vent to a single
+note of half-suppressed laughter.  "There 's going to be something
+happening," she exclaimed.  "Oh, Miss Spencer, come here quick--some
+one is going to turn on the hydraulic."
+
+Miss Spencer knelt beside her.  Moffat was still plainly visible, his
+pale face upturned in the moonlight, his long silky mustaches slightly
+stirred by the soft air, his fingers touching the strings; but back in
+the shadows of the bushes was seen another figure, apparently engaged
+upon some task with feverish eagerness.  To Miss Spencer all was
+mystery.
+
+"What is it?" she anxiously questioned.
+
+"The hydraulic," whispered the other.  "There 's a big lake up in the
+hills, and they 've piped the water down here.  It 's got a force like
+a cannon, and that fellow--I don't know whether it is Herndon or
+not--is screwing on the hose connection.  I bet your Mr. Moffat gets a
+shock!"
+
+"It's a perfect shame, an outrage!  I 'm going to tell him."
+
+Naida caught her sleeve firmly, her eyes full of laughter.  "Oh, please
+don't, Miss Spencer.  It will be such fun.  Let's see where it hits
+him!"
+
+For one single instant the lady yielded, and in it all opportunity for
+warning fled.  There was a sharp sizzling, which caused Moffat to
+suspend his serenade; then something struck him,--it must have been
+fairly in the middle, for he shut up like a jack-knife, and went
+crashing backwards with an agonized howl.  There was a gleam of shining
+water, something black squirming among the weeds, a yell, a volley of
+half-choked profanity, and a fleeing figure, apparently pursued by a
+huge snake.  Naida shook with laughter, clinging with both hands to the
+sill, but Miss Spencer was plainly shocked.
+
+"Oh, did you hear what--what he said?" she asked.  "Was n't it awful?"
+
+The younger nodded, unable as yet to command her voice.   "I--I don't
+believe he is an Episcopalian; do you?"
+
+"I don't know.  I imagine that might have made even a Methodist swear."
+
+The puckers began to show about the disapproving mouth, under the
+contagion of the other's merriment.  "Wasn't it perfectly ridiculous?
+But he did play beautifully, and it was so very nice of him to come my
+first night here.  Do you suppose that was Mr. Herndon?"
+
+Naida shook her head doubtfully.  "He looked taller, but I could n't
+really tell.  He 's gone now, and the water is turned off."
+
+They lit the lamp once more, discussing the scene just witnessed, while
+Miss Spencer, standing before the narrow mirror, prepared her hair for
+the night.  Suddenly some object struck the lowered window shade and
+dropped upon the floor.  Naida picked it up.
+
+"A letter," she announced, "for Miss Phoebe Spencer."
+
+"For me?  What can it be?  Why, Naida, it is poetry!  Listen:
+
+  Sweetest flower from off the Eastern hills,
+    So lily-like and fair;
+  Your very presence stirs and thrills
+    Our buoyant Western air;
+  The plains grow lovelier in their span,
+    The skies above more blue,
+  While the heart of Nature and of man
+    Beats quick response for you.
+
+
+"Oh, isn't that simply beautiful?  And it is signed 'Willie'--why, that
+must be Mr. McNeil."
+
+"I reckon he copied it out of some book," said Naida.
+
+"Oh, I know he didn't.  It possesses such a touch of originality.  And
+his eyes, Naida!  They have that deep poetical glow!"
+
+The light was finally extinguished; the silvery moonlight streamed
+across the foot of the bed, and the regular breathing of the girls
+evidenced slumber.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+UNDER ORDERS
+
+Many an unexpected event has resulted from the formal, concise orders
+issued by the War Department.  Cupid in the disguise of Mars has thus
+frequently toyed with the fate of men, sending many a gallant soldier
+forward, all unsuspecting, into a battle of the heart.
+
+It was no pleasant assignment to duty which greeted First Lieutenant
+Donald Brant, commanding Troop N, Seventh Cavalry, when that regiment
+came once more within the environs of civilization, from its summer
+exercises in the field.  Bethune had developed into a somewhat
+important post, socially as well as from a strictly military
+standpoint, and numerous indeed were the attractions offered there to
+any young officer whose duty called him to serve the colors on those
+bleak Dakota prairies.  Brant frowned at the innocent words, reading
+them over again with gloomy eyes and an exclamation of unmitigated
+disgust, yet there was no escaping their plain meaning.  Trouble was
+undoubtedly brewing among the Sioux, trouble in which the Cheyennes,
+and probably others also, were becoming involved.  Every soldier
+patrolling that long northern border recognized the approach of some
+dire development, some early coup of savagery.  Restlessness pervaded
+the Indian country; recalcitrant bands roamed the "badlands";
+dissatisfied young warriors disappeared from the reservation limits and
+failed to return; while friendly scouts told strange tales of weird
+dances amid the brown Dakota hills.  Uneasiness, the spirit of
+suspected peril, hung like a pall over the plains; yet none could
+safely predict where the blow might first descend.
+
+Brant was not blind to all this, nor to the necessity of having in
+readiness selected bodies of seasoned troops, yet it was not in soldier
+nature to refrain from grumbling when the earliest detail chanced to
+fall to him.  But orders were orders in that country, and although he
+crushed the innocent paper passionately beneath his heel, five hours
+later he was in saddle, riding steadily westward, his depleted troop of
+horsemen clattering at his heels.  Up the valley of the Bear Water,
+slightly above Glencaid,--far enough beyond the saloon radius to
+protect his men from possible corruption, yet within easy reach of the
+military telegraph,--they made camp in the early morning upon a wooded
+terrace overlooking the stage road, and settled quietly down as one of
+those numerous posts with which the army chiefs sought to hem in the
+dissatisfied redmen, and learn early the extent of their hostile plans.
+
+Brant was now in a humor considerably happier than when he first rode
+forth from Bethune.  A natural soldier, sincerely ambitious in his
+profession, anything approximating to active service instantly aroused
+his interest, while his mind was ever inclined to respond with
+enthusiasm to the fascination of the plains and the hills across which
+their march had extended.  Somewhere along that journey he had dropped
+his earlier burden of regret, and the spirit of the service had left
+him cheerfully hopeful of some stern soldierly work.  He watched the
+men of his troop while with quip and song they made comfortable camp;
+he spoke a few brief words of instruction to the grave-faced first
+sergeant, and then strolled slowly up the valley, his own affairs soon
+completely forgotten in the beauty of near-by hills beneath the golden
+glory of the morning sun.  Once he paused and looked back upon ugly
+Glencaid, dingy and forlorn even at that distance; then he crossed the
+narrow stream by means of a convenient log, and clambered up the
+somewhat steep bank.  A heavy fringe of low bushes clung close along
+the edge of the summit, but a plainly defined path led among their
+intricacies.  He pressed his way through, coming into a glade where
+sunshine flickered through the overarching branches of great trees, and
+the grass was green and short, like that of a well-kept lawn.
+
+As Brant emerged from the underbrush he suddenly beheld a fair vision
+of young womanhood resting on the grassy bank just before him.  She was
+partially reclining, as if startled by his unannounced approach, her
+face turned toward him, one hand grasping an open book, the other
+shading her eyes from the glare of the sun.  Something in the graceful
+poise, the piquant, uplifted face, the dark gloss of heavy hair, and
+the unfrightened gaze held him speechless until the picture had been
+impressed forever upon his memory.  He beheld a girl on the verge of
+womanhood, fair of skin, the red glow of health flushing her cheeks,
+the lips parted in surprise, the sleeve fallen back from one white,
+rounded arm, the eyes honest, sincere, mysterious.  She recognized him
+with a glance, and her lips closed as she remembered how and when they
+had met before.  But there was no answering recollection within his
+eyes, only admiration--nothing clung about this Naiad to remind him of
+a neglected waif of the garrison.  She read all this in his face, and
+the lines about her mouth changed quickly into a slightly quizzical
+smile, her eyes brightening.
+
+"You should at least have knocked, sir," she ventured, sitting up on
+the grassy bank, the better to confront him, "before intruding thus
+uninvited."
+
+He lifted his somewhat dingy scouting hat and bowed humbly.
+
+"I perceived no door giving warning that I approached such presence,
+and the first shock of surprise was perhaps as great to me as to you.
+Yet, now that I have blundered thus far, I beseech that I be permitted
+to venture upon yet another step."
+
+She sat looking at him, a trim, soldierly figure, his face young and
+pleasant to gaze upon, and her dark eyes sensibly softened.
+
+"What step?"
+
+"To tarry for a moment beside the divinity of this wilderness."
+
+She laughed with open frankness, her white teeth sparkling behind the
+red, parted lips.
+
+"Perhaps you may, if you will first consent to be sensible," she said,
+with returning gravity; "and I reserve the right to turn you away
+whenever you begin to talk or act foolish.  If you accept these
+conditions, you may sit down."
+
+He seated himself upon the soft grass ledge, retaining the hat in his
+hands.  "You must be an odd sort of a girl," he commented, soberly,
+"not to welcome an honest expression of admiration."
+
+"Oh, was that it?  Then I duly bow my acknowledgment.  I took your
+words for one of those silly compliments by which men believe they
+honor women."
+
+He glanced curiously aside at her half-averted face.  "At first sight I
+had supposed you scarcely more than a mere girl, but now you speak like
+a woman wearied of the world, utterly condemning all complimentary
+phrases."
+
+"Indeed, no; not if they be sincerely expressed as between man and man."
+
+"How is it as between man and woman?"
+
+"Men generally address women as you started to address me, as if there
+existed no common ground of serious thought between them.  They
+condescend, they flatter, they indulge in fulsome compliment, they
+whisper soft nonsense which they would be sincerely ashamed to utter in
+the presence of their own sex, they act as if they were amusing babies,
+rather than conversing with intelligent human beings.  Their own notion
+seems to be to shake the rattle-box, and awaken a laugh.  I am not a
+baby, nor am I seeking amusement."
+
+He glanced curiously at her book.  "And yet you condescend to read love
+stories," he said, smiling.  "I expected to discover a treatise on
+philosophy."
+
+"I read whatever I chance to get my hands on, here in Glencaid," she
+retorted, "just as I converse with whoever comes along.  I am hopeful
+of some day discovering a rare gem hidden in the midst of the trash.  I
+am yet young."
+
+"You are indeed young," he said, quietly, "and with some of life's
+lessons still to learn.  One is that frankness is not necessarily
+flippancy, nor honesty harshness.  Beyond doubt much of what you said
+regarding ordinary social conversation is true, yet the man is no more
+to be blamed than the woman.  Both seek to be entertaining, and are to
+be praised for the effort rather than censured.  A stranger cannot
+instinctively know the likes and dislikes of one he has just met; he
+can feel his way only by commonplaces.  However, if you will offer me a
+topic worthy the occasion, in either philosophy, science, or
+literature, I will endeavor to feed your mind."
+
+She uplifted her innocent eyes demurely to his face.  "You are so kind.
+I am deeply interested just now In the Japanese conception of the
+transmigration of souls."
+
+"How extremely fortunate!  It chances to be my favorite theme, but my
+mental processes are peculiar, and you must permit me to work up toward
+it somewhat gradually.  For instance, as a question leading that way,
+how, in the incarnation of this world, do you manage to exist in such a
+hole of a place?--that is, provided you really reside here."
+
+"Why, I consider this a most delightful nook."
+
+"My reference was to Glencaid."
+
+"Oh!  Why, I live from within, not without.  Mind and heart, not
+environment, make life, and my time is occupied most congenially.  I am
+being faithfully nurtured on the Presbyterian catechism, and also
+trained in the graces of earthly society.  These alternate, thus
+preparing me for whatever may happen in this world or the next."
+
+His face pictured bewilderment, but also a determination to persevere.
+"An interesting combination, I admit.  But from your appearance this
+cannot always have been your home?"
+
+"Oh, thank you.  I believe not always; but I wonder at your being able
+to discern my superiority to these surroundings.  And do you know your
+questioning is becoming quite personal?  Does that yield me an equal
+privilege?"
+
+He bowed, perhaps relieved at thus permitting her to assume the
+initiative, and rested lazily back upon the grass, his eyes intently
+studying her face.
+
+"I suppose from your clothes you must be a soldier.  What is that
+figure 7 on your hat for?"
+
+"The number of my regiment, the Seventh Cavalry."
+
+Her glance was a bit disdainful as she coolly surveyed him from head to
+foot, "I should imagine that a strong, capable-appearing fellow like
+you might do much better than that.  There is so much work in the world
+worth doing, and so much better pay."
+
+"What do you mean?  Is n't a soldier's life a worthy one?"
+
+"Oh, yes, of course, in a way.  We have to have soldiers, I suppose;
+but if I were a man I 'd hate to waste all my life tramping around at
+sixteen dollars a month."
+
+He smothered what sounded like a rough ejaculation, gazing into her
+demure eyes as if she strongly suspected a joke hid in their depths.
+"Do--do you mistake me for an enlisted man?"
+
+"Oh, I did n't know; you said you were a soldier, and that's what I
+always heard they got.  I am so glad if they give you more.  I was only
+going to say that I believed I could get you a good place in McCarthy's
+store if you wanted it.  He pays sixty-five dollars, and his clerk has
+just left."
+
+Brant stared at her with open mooch, totally unable for the moment to
+decide whether or not that innocent, sympathetic face masked mischief.
+Before he succeeded in regaining confidence and speech, she had risen
+to her feet, holding back her skirt with one hand.
+
+"Really, I must go," she announced calmly, drawing back toward the
+slight opening between the rushes.  "No doubt YOU have done fully as
+well as you could considering your position in life; but this has
+proved another disappointment.  You have fallen, far, very far, below
+my ideal.  Good-bye."
+
+He sprang instantly erect, his cheeks flushed.  "Please don't go
+without a farther word.  We seem predestined to misunderstand.  I am
+even willing to confess myself a fool in the hope of some time being
+able to convince you otherwise.  You have not even told me that you
+live here; nor do I know your name."
+
+She shook her head positively, repressed merriment darkening her eyes
+and wrinkling the corners of her mouth.  "It would be highly improper
+to introduce myself to a stranger--we Presbyterians never do that."
+
+"But do you feel no curiosity as to who I may be?"
+
+"Why, not in the least; the thought is ridiculous.  How very conceited
+you must be to imagine such a thing!"
+
+He was not a man easily daunted, nor did he recall any previous
+embarrassment in the presence of a young woman.  But now he confronted
+something utterly unique; those quiet eyes seemed to look straight
+through him.  His voice faltered sadly, yet succeeded in asking: "Are
+we, then, never to meet again?  Am I to understand this to be your
+wish?"
+
+She laughed.  "Really, sir, I am not aware that I have the slightest
+desire in the matter.  I have given it no thought, but I presume the
+possibility of our meeting again depends largely upon yourself, and the
+sort of society you keep.  Surely you cannot expect that I would seek
+such an opportunity?"
+
+He bowed humbly.  "You mistake my purpose.  I merely meant to ask if
+there was not some possibility of our again coming together socially
+the presence of mutual friends."
+
+"Oh, I scarcely think so; I do not remember ever having met any
+soldiers at the social functions here--excepting officers.  We are
+extremely exclusive in Glencaid," she dropped him a mocking courtesy,
+"and I have always moved in the most exclusive set."
+
+Piqued by her tantalizing manner, he asked, "What particular social
+functions are about to occur that may possibly open a passage into your
+guarded presence?"
+
+She seemed immersed in thought, her face turned partially aside.
+"Unfortunately, I have not my list of engagements here," and she
+glanced about at him shyly.  "I can recall only one at present, and I
+am not even certain--that is, I do not promise--to attend that.
+However, I may do so.  The Miners' Bachelor Club gives a reception and
+ball to-morrow evening in honor of the new schoolmistress."
+
+"What is her name?" with responsive eagerness.
+
+She hesitated, as if doubtful of the strict propriety of mentioning it
+to a stranger.
+
+"Miss Phoebe Spencer," she said, her eyes cast demurely down.
+
+"Ah!" he exclaimed, in open triumph; "and have I, then, at last made
+fair capture of your secret?  You are Miss Phoebe Spencer."
+
+She drew back still farther within the recesses of the bushes, at his
+single victorious step forward.
+
+"I?  Why certainly not.  I am merely Miss Spencer's 'star' pupil, so
+you may easily judge something of what her superior attainments must
+necessarily be.  But I am really going now, and I sincerely trust you
+will be able to secure a ticket for to-morrow night; for if you once
+meet this Miss Spencer you will never yield another single thought to
+me, Mr.--Mr.--" her eyes dancing with laughter--"First Lieutenant
+Donald Brant."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+SILENT MURPHY
+
+Brant sprang forward, all doubt regarding this young woman instantly
+dissipated by those final words of mischievous mockery.  She had been
+playing with him as unconcernedly as if he were a mere toy sent for her
+amusement, and his pride was stung.
+
+But pursuit proved useless.  Like a phantom she had slipped away amid
+the underbrush, leaving him to flounder blindly in the labyrinth.  Once
+she laughed outright, a clear burst of girlish merriment ringing
+through the silence, and he leaped desperately forward, hoping to
+intercept her flight.  His incautious foot slipped along the steep edge
+of the shelving bank, and he went down, half stumbling, half sliding,
+until he came to a sudden pause on the brink of the little stream.  The
+chase was ended, and he sat up, confused for the moment, and half
+questioning the evidence of his own eyes.
+
+A small tent, dirty and patched, stood with its back against the slope
+of earth down which he had plunged.  Its flap flung aside revealed
+within a pile of disarranged blankets, together with some scattered
+articles of wearing apparel, while just before the opening, his back
+pressed against the supporting pole, an inverted pipe between his
+yellow, irregular teeth, sat a hideous looking man.  He was a withered,
+dried-up fellow, whose age was not to be guessed, having a skin as
+yellow as parchment, drawn in tight to the bones like that of a mummy,
+his eyes deep sunken like wells, and his head totally devoid of hair,
+although about his lean throat there was a copious fringe of iron-gray
+beard, untrimmed and scraggy.  Down the entire side of one cheek ran a
+livid scar, while his nose was turned awry.
+
+He sat staring at the newcomer, unwinking, his facial expression devoid
+of interest, but his fingers opening and closing in apparent
+nervousness.  Twice his lips opened, but nothing except a peculiar
+gurgling sound issued from the throat, and Brant, who by this time had
+attained his feet and his self-possession, ventured to address him.
+
+"Nice quiet spot for a camp," he remarked, pleasantly, "but a bad place
+for a tumble."
+
+The sunken eyes expressed nothing, but the throat gurgled again
+painfully, and finally the parted lips dropped a detached word or two.
+"Blame--pretty girl--that."
+
+The lieutenant wondered how much of their conversation this old mummy
+had overheard, but he hesitated to question him.  One inquiry, however,
+sprang to his surprised lips.  "Do you know her?"
+
+"Damn sight--better--than any one around here--know her--real name."
+
+Brant stared incredulously.  "Do you mean to insinuate that that young
+woman is living in this community under an assumed one?  Why, she is
+scarcely more than a child!  What do you mean, man?"
+
+The soldier's hat still rested on the grass where it had fallen, its
+military insignia hidden.
+
+"I guess--I know--what I--know," the fellow muttered.  "What
+'s--your--regiment?"
+
+"Seventh Cavalry."
+
+The man stiffened up as if an electric shock had swept through his limp
+frame.  "The hell!--and--did--she--call you--Brant?"
+
+The young officer's face exhibited his disgust.  Beyond doubt that
+sequestered nook was a favorite lounging spot for the girl, and this
+disreputable creature had been watching her for some sinister purpose.
+
+"So you have been eavesdropping, have you?" said Brant, gravely.  "And
+now you want to try a turn at defaming a woman?  Well, you have come to
+a poor market for the sale of such goods.  I am half inclined to throw
+you bodily into the creek.  I believe you are nothing but a common
+liar, but I 'll give you one chance--you say you know her real name.
+What is it?"
+
+The eyes of the mummy had become spiteful.
+
+"It's--none of--your damn--business.  I'm--not under--your orders."
+
+"Under my orders!  Of course not; but what do you mean by that?  Who
+and what are you?"
+
+The fellow stood up, slightly hump-backed but broad of shoulder, his
+arms long, his legs short and somewhat bowed, his chin protruding
+impudently, and Brant noticed an oddly shaped black scar, as if burned
+there by powder, on the back of his right hand.
+
+"Who--am I?" he said, angrily.  "I'm--Silent--Murphy."
+
+An expression of bewilderment swept across the lieutenant's face.
+"Silent Murphy!  Do you claim to be Custer's scout?"
+
+The fellow nodded.  "Heard--of me--maybe?"
+
+Brant stood staring at him, his mind occupied with vague garrison
+rumors connected with this odd personality.  The name had long been a
+familiar one, and he had often had the man pictured out before him,
+just such a wizened face and hunched-up figure, half crazed, at times
+malicious, yet keen and absolutely devoid of fear; acknowledged as the
+best scout in all the Indian country, a daring rider, an incomparable
+trailer, tireless, patient, and as tricky and treacherous as the wily
+savages he was employed to spy upon.  There could remain no reasonable
+doubt of his identity, but what was he doing there?  What purpose
+underlay his insinuations against that young girl?  If this was indeed
+Silent Murphy, he assuredly had some object in being there, and however
+hastily he may have spoken, it was not altogether probable that he
+deliberately lied.  All this flashed across his mind in that single
+instant of hesitation.
+
+"Yes, I've heard of you,"--and his crisp tone instinctively became that
+of terse military command,--"although we have never met, for I have
+been upon detached service ever since my assignment to the regiment.  I
+have a troop in camp below," he pointed down the stream, "and am in
+command here."
+
+The scout nodded carelessly.
+
+"Why did you not come down there, and report your presence in this
+neighborhood to me?"
+
+Murphy grinned unpleasantly.  "Rather be--alone--no report--been
+over--Black Range--telegraphed--wait orders."
+
+"Do you mean you are in direct communication with headquarters, with
+Custer?"
+
+The man answered, with a wide sweep of his long arm toward the
+northwest.  "Goin' to--be hell--out there--damn soon."
+
+"How?  Are things developing into a truly serious affair--a real
+campaign?"
+
+"Every buck--in the--Sioux nation--is makin'--fer the--bad lands," and
+he laughed noiselessly, his nervous fingers gesticulating.  "I--guess
+that--means--business."
+
+Brant hesitated.  Should he attempt to learn more about the young girl?
+Instinctively he appreciated the futility of endeavoring to extract
+information from Murphy, and he experienced a degree of shame at thus
+seeking to penetrate her secret.  Besides, it was none of his affair,
+and if ever it should chance to become so, surely there were more
+respectable means by which he could obtain information.  He glanced
+about, seeking some way of recrossing the stream.
+
+"If you require any new equipment," he said tersely, "we can probably
+supply you at the camp.  How do you manage to get across here?"
+
+Murphy, walking stiffly, led the way down the steep slope, and silently
+pointed out a log bridging the narrow stream.  He stood watching while
+the officer picked his steps across, but made no responsive motion when
+the other waved his hand from the opposite shore, his sallow face
+looking grim and unpleasant.
+
+"Damn--the luck!" he grumbled, shambling back up the bank.  "It
+don't--look--right.  Three of 'em--all here--at once--in this--cussed
+hole.  Seems if--this yere world--ought ter be--big 'nough--ter keep
+'em apart;--but hell--it ain't.  Might make--some trouble--if
+them--people--ever git--their heads--tergether talkin'.  Hell of a
+note--if the boy--falls in love with--her.  Likely to do it--too.
+Curse such--fool luck.  Maybe I--better talk--it over again--with
+Red--he's in it--damn near--as deep as--I am."  And he sank down again
+in his old position before the tent, continuing to mutter, his chin
+sunk into his chest, his whole appearance that of deep dejection,
+perhaps of dread.
+
+The young officer marched down the road, his heedless feet kicking up
+the red dust in clouds, his mind busied with the peculiar happenings of
+the morning, and that prospect for early active service hinted at in
+the brief utterances of the old scout.  Brant was a thorough soldier,
+born into the service and deeply enamored of its dangers; yet beyond
+this he remained a man, a young man, swayed by those emotions which
+when at full tide sweep aside all else appertaining to life.
+
+Just now the vision of that tantalizing girl continued to haunt his
+memory, and would not down even to the glorious hope of a coming
+campaign.  The mystery surrounding her, her reticence, the muttered
+insinuation dropping from the unguarded lips of Murphy, merely served
+to render her the more attractive, while her own naive witchery of
+manner, and her seemingly unconscious coquetry, had wound about him a
+magic spell, the full power of which as yet remained but dimly
+appreciated.  His mind lingered longingly upon the marvel of the dark
+eyes, while the cheery sound of that last rippling outburst of laughter
+reëchoed in his ears like music.
+
+His had been a lonely life since leaving West Point and joining his
+regiment--a life passed largely among rough men and upon the desolate
+plains.  For months at a time he had known nothing of refinement, nor
+enjoyed social intercourse with the opposite sex; life had thus grown
+as barren and bleak as those desert wastes across which he rode at the
+command of his superiors.  For years the routine of his military duties
+had held him prisoner, crushing out the dreams of youth.  Yet, beneath
+his mask of impassibility, the heart continued to beat with fierce
+desire, biding the time when it should enjoy its own sweet way.
+Perhaps that hour had already dawned; certainly something new,
+something inspiring, had now come to awaken an interest unfelt before,
+and leave him idly dreaming of shadowed eyes and flushed, rounded
+cheeks.
+
+He was in this mood when he overtook the Rev. Howard Wynkoop and marked
+the thoughtful look upon his pale face.
+
+"I called at your camp," explained Wynkoop, after the first words of
+greeting had been exchanged, "as soon as I learned you were here in
+command, but only to discover your absence.  The sergeant, however, was
+very courteous, and assured me there would be no difficulty in
+arranging a religious service for the men, unless sudden orders should
+arrive.  No doubt I may rely on your coöperation."
+
+"Most certainly," was the cordial response, "and I shall also permit
+those desiring to attend your regular Sunday services so long as we are
+stationed here.  How is your work prospering?"
+
+"There is much to encourage me, but spiritual progress is slow, and
+there are times when my faith falters and I feel unworthy of the
+service in which I am engaged.  Doubtless this is true of all labor,
+yet the minister is particularly susceptible to these influences
+surrounding him."
+
+"A mining camp is so intensely material seven days of the week that it
+must present a difficult field for the awakening of any religious
+sentiment," confessed Brant sympathetically, feeling not a little
+interested in the clear-cut, intellectual countenance of the other.  "I
+have often wondered how you consented to bury your talents in such a
+place."
+
+The other smiled, but with a trace of sadness in his eyes.  "I firmly
+believe that every minister should devote a portion of his life to the
+doing of such a work as this.  It is both a religious and a patriotic
+duty, and there is a rare joy connected with it."
+
+"Yet it was surely not joy I saw pictured within your face when we met;
+you were certainly troubled over some problem."
+
+Wynkoop glanced up quickly, a slight flush rising in his pale cheeks.
+"Perplexing questions which must be decided off-hand are constantly
+arising.  I have no one near to whom I can turn for advice in unusual
+situations, and just now I scarcely know what action to take regarding
+certain applications for church membership."
+
+Brant laughed.  "I hardly consider myself a competent adviser in
+matters of church polity," he admitted, "yet I have always been
+informed that all so desiring are to be made welcome in religious
+fellowship."
+
+"Theoretically, yes."  And the minister stopped still in the road,
+facing his companion.  "But this special case presents certain
+peculiarities.  The applicants, as I learn from others, are not leading
+lives above reproach.  So far as I know, they have never even attended
+church service until last Sunday, and I have some reason to suspect an
+ulterior motive.  I am anxious to put nothing in the way of any
+honestly seeking soul, yet I confess that in these cases I hesitate."
+
+"But your elders?  Do not they share the responsibility of passing upon
+such applications?"
+
+The flush on Mr. Wynkoop's cheeks deepened, and his eyes fell.
+"Ordinarily, yes; but in this case I fear they may prove unduly harsh.
+I--I feel--that these applications came through the special
+intercession of a certain young lady, and I am anxious not to hurt her
+feelings in any way, or to discourage her enthusiasm."
+
+"Oh, I see!  Would you mind telling me the names of the two gentlemen?"
+
+"Mr. John Moffat and Mr. William McNeil.  Unfortunately, I know neither
+personally."
+
+"And the young lady?"
+
+"A Miss Phoebe Spencer; she has but lately arrived from the East to
+take charge of our new school--a most interesting and charming young
+woman, and she is proving of great assistance to me in church work."
+
+The lieutenant cleared his throat, and emitted a sigh of suddenly
+awakened memory.  "I fear I can offer you no advice, for if, as I begin
+to suspect,--though she sought most bravely to avoid the issue and
+despatch me upon a false trail,--she prove to be that same fascinating
+young person I met this morning, my entire sympathies are with the
+gentlemen concerned.  I might even be strongly tempted to do likewise
+at her solicitation."
+
+"You?  Why, you arrived only this morning, and do you mean to say you
+have met already?"
+
+"I at least suspect as much, for there can scarcely exist two in this
+town who will fill the description.  My memory holds the vision of a
+fair young face, vivacious, ever changing in its expression, yet
+constantly both piquant and innocent; a perfect wealth of hair, a pair
+of serious eyes hiding mysteries within their depths, and lips which
+seem made to kiss.  Tell me, is not this a fairly drawn portrait of
+your Miss Spencer?"
+
+The minister gripped his hands nervously together.  "Your description
+is not unjust; indeed, it is quite accurate from a mere outer point of
+view; yet beneath her vivacious manner I have found her thoughtful, and
+possessed of deep spiritual yearnings.  In the East she was a
+communicant of the Episcopal Church."
+
+Brant did not answer him at once.  He was studying the minister's
+downcast face; but when the latter finally turned to depart, he
+inquired, "Do you expect to attend the reception to-morrow evening?"
+
+Wynkoop stammered slightly.  "I--I could hardly refuse under the
+circumstances; the committee sent me an especially urgent invitation,
+and I understand there is to be no dancing until late.  One cannot be
+too straight-laced out here."
+
+"Oh, never mind apologizing.  I see no reason why you need hesitate to
+attend.  I merely wondered if you could procure me an invitation."
+
+"Did she tell you about it?"
+
+"Well, she delicately hinted at it, and, you know, things are pretty
+slow here in a social way.  She merely suggested that I might possibly
+meet her again there."
+
+"Of course; it is given in her honor."
+
+"So I understood, although she sought to deceive me into the belief
+that she was not the lady.  We met purely by accident, you understand,
+and I am desirous of a more formal presentation."
+
+The minister drew in his breath sharply, but the clasp of his extended
+hand was not devoid of warmth.  "I will have a card of invitation sent
+you at the camp.  The committee will be very glad of your presence;
+only I warn you frankly regarding the lady, that competition will be
+strong."
+
+"Oh, so far as that is concerned I have not yet entered the running,"
+laughed Brant, in affected carelessness, "although I must confess my
+sporting proclivities are somewhat aroused."
+
+He watched the minister walking rapidly away, a short, erect figure,
+appearing slender in his severely cut black cloth.  "Poor little chap,"
+he muttered, regretfully.  "He's hard hit.  Still, they say all's fair
+in love and war."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+IN HONOR OF MISS SPENCER
+
+Mr. Jack Moffat, president of the Bachelor Miners' Pleasure Club, had
+embraced the idea of a reception for Miss Spencer with unbounded
+enthusiasm.  Indeed, the earliest conception of such an event found
+birth within his fertile brain, and from the first he determined upon
+making it the most notable social function ever known in that portion
+of the Territory.
+
+Heretofore the pastime of the Bachelors' Club had been largely
+bibulous, and the members thereof had exhibited small inclination to
+seek the ordinary methods of social relaxation as practised in
+Glencaid.  Pink teas, or indeed teas of any conceivable color, had
+never proved sufficiently attractive to wean the members from the
+chaste precincts of the Occidental or the Miners' Retreat, while the
+mysterious pleasure of "Hunt the Slipper" and "Spat in and Spat out"
+had likewise utterly failed to inveigle them from retirement.  But Mr.
+Moffat's example wrought an immediate miracle, so that, long before the
+fateful hour arrived, every registered bachelor was laboring
+industriously to make good the proud boast of their enthusiastic
+president, that this was going to be "the swellest affair ever pulled
+off west of the Missouri."
+
+The large space above the Occidental was secured for the occasion, the
+obstructing subdivisions knocked away, an entrance constructed with an
+outside stairway leading up from a vacant lot, and the passage
+connecting the saloon boarded up.  Incidentally, Mr. Moffat took
+occasion to announce that if "any snoozer got drunk and came up them
+stairs" he would be thrown bodily out of a window.  Mr. McNeil, who was
+observing the preliminary proceedings with deep interest from a pile of
+lumber opposite, sarcastically intimated that under such circumstances
+the attendance of club members would be necessarily limited.  Mr.
+Moffat's reply it is manifestly impossible to quote literally.  Mrs.
+Guffy was employed to provide the requisite refreshments in the
+palatial dining-hall of the hotel, while Buck Mason, the vigilant town
+marshal, popularly supposed to know intimately the face of every
+"rounder" in the Territory, agreed to collect the cards of invitation
+at the door, and bar out obnoxious visitors.
+
+These preliminaries having been duly attended to, Mr. Moffat and his
+indefatigable committee of arrangements proceeded to master the details
+of decoration and entertainment, drawing heavily upon the limited
+resources of the local merchants, and even invading private homes in
+search after beautifying material.  Jim Lane drove his buckboard one
+hundred and sixty miles to Cheyenne to gather up certain needed
+articles of adornment, the selection of which could not be safely
+confided to the inartistic taste of the stage-driver.  Upon his rapid
+return journey loaded down with spoils, Peg Brace, a cow-puncher in the
+"Bar O" gang, rode recklessly alongside his speeding wheels for the
+greater portion of the distance, apparently in most jovial humor, and
+so unusually inquisitive as to make Mr. Lane, as he later expressed it,
+"plum tired."  The persistent rider finally deserted him, however, at
+the ford over the Sinsiniwa, shouting derisively back from a safe
+distance that the Miners' Club was a lot of chumps, and promising them
+a severe "jolt" in the near future.
+
+Indeed, it was becoming more and more apparent that a decided feeling
+of hostility was fast developing between the respective partisans of
+Moffat and McNeil.  Thus far the feud merely smouldered, finding
+occasional expression in sarcastic speech, and the severance of former
+friendly relations, but it boded more serious trouble for the near
+future.  To a loyal henchman, Moffat merely condescended to remark,
+glancing disdainfully at a knot of hard riders disconsolately sitting
+their ponies in front of the saloon door, "We 've got them fellers
+roped and tied, gents, and they simply won't be ace-high with the
+ladies of this camp after our fandango is over with.  We're a holdin'
+the hand this game, an' it simply sweeps the board clean.  That duffer
+McNeil's the sickest looking duck I 've seen in a year, an' the whole
+blame bunch of cow-punchers is corralled so tight there can't a steer
+among 'em get a nose over the pickets."
+
+He glanced over the waiting scene of festivities with intense
+satisfaction.  From bare squalor the spacious apartment had been
+converted into a scene of almost gorgeous splendor.  The waxed floor
+was a perfect marvel of smoothness; the numerous windows had been
+heavily draped in red, white, and blue hangings; festoons of the same
+rich hues hung gracefully suspended from the ceiling, trembling to the
+least current of air; oil lamps, upheld by almost invisible wires,
+dangled in profusion; while within the far corner, occupying a slightly
+raised platform later to be utilized by the orchestra, was an imposing
+pulpit chair lent by the Presbyterian Church, resting upon a rug of
+skins, and destined as the seat of honor for the fair guest of the
+evening.  Moffat surveyed all this thoughtfully, and proceeded proudly
+to the hotel to don a "boiled" shirt, and in other ways prepare himself
+to do honor to his exalted office.  Much to the surprise of McNeil,
+lounging with some cronies on the shaded porch, he nodded to him
+genially, adding a hearty, "Hello there, Bill," as he passed carelessly
+by.
+
+The invited guests arrived from the sparsely settled regions round
+about, not a few riding for a hundred miles over the hard trails.  The
+majority came early, arrayed in whatsoever apparel their limited
+wardrobes could supply, but ready for any wild frolic.  The men
+outnumbered the gentler sex five to one, but every feminine
+representative within a radius of about fifty miles, whose
+respectability could possibly pass muster before the investigations of
+a not too critical invitation committee, was present amid the throng,
+attired in all the finery procurable, and supremely and serenely happy
+in the assured consciousness that she would not lack partners whenever
+the enticing music began.
+
+The gratified president of the Pleasure Club had occasion to expand his
+chest with just pride.  Jauntily twirling his silky mustaches, he
+pushed his way through the jostling, good-natured crowd already surging
+toward the entrance of the hall, and stepped briskly forth along the
+moonlit road toward the Herndon home, where the fair queen of the
+revels awaited his promised escort.  It was his hour of supreme
+triumph, and his head swam with the delicious intoxication of
+well-earned success, the plaudits of his admirers, and the fond
+anticipation of Miss Spencer's undoubted surprise and gratitude.  His,
+therefore, was the step and bearing of a conqueror, of one whose cup
+was already filled to the brim, and running over with the joy of life.
+
+The delay incident to the completion of an elaborate toilet, together
+with the seductive charms of a stroll through the moon-haunted night
+beneath the spell of bright eyes and whispered words, resulted in a
+later arrival at the scene of festivities than had been intended.  The
+great majority of the expected guests had already assembled, and were
+becoming somewhat restless.  No favored courtier ever escorted beloved
+queen with greater pride or ceremony than that with which Mr. Moffat
+led his blushing charge through the throng toward her chair of state.
+The murmuring voices, the admiring eyes, the hush of expectancy, all
+contributed to warm the cockles of his heart and to color his face with
+the glow of victory.  Glancing at his companion, he saw her cheeks
+flushed, her head held proudly poised, her countenance evidencing the
+enjoyment of the moment, and he felt amply rewarded for the work which
+had produced so glorious a result.  A moment he bent above her chair,
+whispering one last word of compliment into the little ear which
+reddened at his bold speech, and feasting his ardent eyes upon the
+flushed and animated countenance.  The impatient crowd wondered at the
+nature of the coming ceremony, and Mr. Moffat strove to recall the
+opening words of his introductory address.
+
+Suddenly his gaze settled upon one face amid the throng.  A moment of
+hesitation followed; then a quick whisper of excuse to the waiting
+divinity in the chair, and the perturbed president pressed his way
+toward the door.  Buck Mason stood there on guard, carelessly leaning
+against the post, his star of office gleaming beneath the light.
+
+"Buck," exclaimed Moffat, "how did that feller McNeil, and those other
+cow-punchers, get in here?  You had your orders."
+
+Mason turned his quid deliberately and spat at the open door.  "You bet
+I did, Jack," he responded cheerfully, yet with a trifle of
+exasperation evident in his eyes.  "And what's more, I reckon they was
+obeyed.  There ain't nobody got in yere ternight without they had a
+cyard."
+
+"Well, there has"; and Moffat forgot his natural caution in a sudden
+excess of anger.  "No invitations was sent them fellers.  Do you mean
+to say they come in through the roof?"
+
+Mason straightened up, his face darkening, his clinched fist thrashing
+the air just in front of Moffat's nose.
+
+"I say they come in yere, right through this door!  An' every mother's
+son of 'em, hed a cyard.  I know what I 'm a-talkin' about, you
+miserable third-class idiot, an' if you give me any more of your lip I
+'ll paste you good an' proper.  Go back thar whar you belong, an' tind
+to your part of this fandango; I'm a runnin' mine."
+
+Moffat hesitated, his brow black as a thunder cloud, but the crowd was
+manifestly growing restless over the delay, calling "Time!" and "Play
+ball!" and stamping their feet.  Besides, Buck was never known to be
+averse to a quarrel, and Moffat's bump of caution was well developed.
+He went back, nursing his wrath and cursing silently.  The crowd
+greeted his reappearance with prolonged applause, and some of the
+former consciousness of victory returned.  He glanced down into the
+questioning eyes of Miss Spencer, cleared his throat, then grasped her
+hand, and, as they stood there together, all his confidence came
+surging back.
+
+"Ladies and Gentlemen of Glencaid," he began gracefully, "as president
+of the Bachelor Miners' Pleasure Club, it affords me extreme
+gratification to welcome you to this the most important social event
+ever pulled off in this Territory.  It's going to be a swell affair
+from the crack of the starter's pistol to the last post, and you can
+bet on getting your money's worth every time.  That's the sort of
+hairpins we are--all wool and a yard wide.  Now, ladies and gents,
+while it is not designed that the pleasure of this evening be marred by
+any special formalities, any such unnatural restrictions as disfigure
+such functions in the effete East [applause], and while I am only too
+anxious to exclaim with the poet, 'On with the dance, let joy be
+unconfined' [great applause], yet it must be remembered that this
+high-toned outfit has been got up for a special, definite purpose, as a
+fit welcome to one who has come among us with the high and holy object
+of instructing our offspring and elevating the educational ideals of
+this community.  We, of this Bachelors' Club, may possess no offspring
+to instruct, but we sympathize with them others who have, and desire to
+show our interest in the work.  We have here with us to-night one of
+the loveliest of her sex, a flower of refinement and culture plucked
+from the Eastern hills, who, at the stern call of duty, has left her
+home and friends to devote her talents to this labor of love.  In her
+honor we meet, in her honor this room has been decorated with the
+colors of our beloved country, and to her honor we now dedicate the
+fleeting hours of this festal night.  It is impossible for her to greet
+you all personally, much as she wishes to do so, but as president of
+the Bachelor Miners' Pleasure Club, and also," with a deep bow to his
+blushing and embarrassed companion, "I may venture to add, as an
+intimate friend of our fair guest, I now introduce to you Glencaid's
+new schoolmistress--Miss Phoebe Spencer.  Hip!  Hip!  _Hurrah_!"
+
+Swinging his hand high above his head, the enthusiastic orator led the
+noisy cheers which instantly burst forth in unrestrained volume; and
+before which Miss Spencer shrank back into her chair, trembling, yet
+strangely happy.  Good humor swayed that crowd, laughter rippled from
+parted lips, while voices here and there began a spontaneous demand for
+a speech.  Miss Spencer shook her flossy head helplessly, feeling too
+deeply agitated to utter a word; and Moffat, now oblivious to
+everything but the important part he was playing in the brilliant
+spectacle, stepped before her, waving the clamorous assembly into
+temporary and expectant silence.
+
+"Our charming guest," he announced, in tones vibrant with authority,
+"is so deeply affected by this spontaneous outpouring of your good-will
+as to be unable to respond in words.  Let us respect her natural
+embarrassment; let us now exhibit that proud Western chivalry which
+will cause her to feel perfectly at home in our midst.  The orchestra
+will strike up, and amid the mazy whirling of the dance we will at once
+sink all formality, as becomes citizens of this free and boundless
+West, this land of gold, of sterling manhood, and womanly beauty.  To
+slightly change the poet's lines, written of a similar occasion:
+
+  "There was a sound of revelry by night,
+    And proud Glencaid had gathered then
+  Her beauty and her chivalry, and bright
+    The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men.
+
+"So, scatter out, gents, and pick up your partners for the first whirl.
+This is our turn to treat, and our motto is 'Darn the expense.'"
+
+He bent over, purposing to lead the lady of his heart forth to the
+earliest strains of the violins, his genial smile evidencing his
+satisfaction.
+
+"Say,--eh--just hold on--eh--a minute!"
+
+Moffat wheeled about, a look of amazement replacing his previous jovial
+smile.  His eyes hardened dangerously as they encountered the face of
+McNeil.  The latter was white about the lips, but primed for action,
+and not inclined to waste time in preliminaries.
+
+"Look here, this ain't your time to butt in--" began Moffat, angrily,
+but the other waved his hand.
+
+"Say, gents,--eh--that feller had his spiel all right--eh--ain't he?
+He wants to be--eh--the whole hog, but--eh,--I reckon this is
+a--eh--free country, ain't it?  Don't I have--eh--no show?"
+
+"Go on, Bill!"
+
+"Of course you do."
+
+"Make Jack Moffat shut up!"
+
+The justly indignant president of the Bachelors' Club remained
+motionless, his mouth still open, struggling to restrain those caustic
+and profane remarks which, in that presence, he dare not utter.  He
+instinctively flung one hand back to his hip, only to remember that all
+guns had been left at the door.  McNeil eyed him calmly, as he might
+eye a chained bear, his lips parted in a genial smile.
+
+"I--eh--ain't no great shakes of an--eh--orator," he began,
+apologetically, waving one hand toward his gasping rival, "like
+Mr.--eh--Moffat.  I can't sling words round--eh--reckless, like
+the--eh--gent what just had the floor, ner--eh--spout poetry, but I
+reckon--eh--I kin git out--eh--'bout what I got to say.  Mr. Moffat
+has--eh--told you what the--eh--Bachelor Miners' Club--eh--has been
+a-doin'.  He--eh--spread it on pretty blame thick, but--eh--I reckon
+they ain't--eh--all of 'em miners round this yere--eh--camp.  As
+the--eh--president of the--eh--Cattlemen's Shakespearian--eh--Reading
+Circle, I am asked to present to--eh--Miss Spencer a slight
+token--eh--of our esteem, and--eh--to express our pleasure
+at--eh--being permitted," he bowed to the choking Mr. Moffat, "eh--to
+participate in this--eh--most glorious occasion."
+
+He stepped forward, and dropped into Miss Spencer's lap a small
+plush-covered box.  Her fingers pressed the spring, and, as the lid
+flew open, the brilliant flash of a diamond dazzled her eyes.  She sat
+staring at it, unable for the moment to find speech.  Then the
+assemblage burst into an unrestrained murmur of admiration, and the
+sound served to arouse her.
+
+"Oh, how beautiful it all is!" she exclaimed, rapturously.  "I hardly
+know what to say, or whom to thank.  I never heard of anything so
+perfectly splendid before.  It makes me cry just to remember that it is
+all done for me.  Oh, Mr. Moffat, I want to thank, through you, the
+gentlemen of the Bachelors' Club for this magnificent reception.  I
+know I do not deserve it, but it makes me so proud to realize the
+interest you all take in my work.  And, Mr. McNeil, I beg you to return
+my gratitude to the gentlemen of the--the (oh, thank you)--the
+Cattlemen's Shakespearian Reading Circle (how very nice of you to have
+such an organization for the study of higher literature!) for this
+superb gift.  I shall never forget this night, or what it has brought
+me, and I simply cannot express my real feelings at all; I--I don't
+know what to say, or--or what to do."
+
+She paused, burying her face in her hands, her body shaken with sobs.
+Moffat, scarcely knowing whether to swear or smile, hastily signalled
+for the waiting musicians to begin.  As they swung merrily into waltz
+measure he stepped forward, fully confident of his first claim for that
+opening dance, and vaguely conscious that, once upon the floor with
+her, he might thus regain his old leadership.  Miss Spencer glanced up
+at him through her tears.
+
+"I--I really feel scarcely equal to the attempt," she murmured
+nervously, yet rising to her feet.  Then a new thought seemed suddenly
+to occur to her.  "Oh, Mr. Moffat, I have been so highly favored, and I
+am so extremely anxious to do everything I can to show my gratitude.  I
+know it is requesting so much of you to ask your relinquishment of this
+first dance with me to-night.  As president of the Bachelors' Club it
+is your right, of course, but don't you truly think I ought to give it
+to Mr. McNeil?  We were together all the way from the house, you know,
+and we had such a delightful walk.  You wouldn't truly mind yielding up
+your claim for just this once, would you?"
+
+Moffat did not reply, simply because he could not; he was struck dumb,
+gasping for breath, the room whirling around before him, while he
+stared at her with dazed, unseeing eyes.  His very helplessness to
+respond she naturally interpreted as acquiescence.
+
+"It is so good of you, Mr. Moffat, for I realize how you were counting
+upon this first dance, were n't you?  But Mr. McNeil being here as the
+guest of your club, I think it is perfectly beautiful of you to waive
+your own rights as president, so as to acknowledge his unexpected
+contribution to the joy of our evening."  She touched him playfully
+with her hand, the other resting lightly upon McNeil's sleeve, her
+innocent, happy face upturned to his dazed eyes.  "But remember, the
+next turn is to be yours, and I shall never forget this act of
+chivalry."
+
+It is doubtful if he saw her depart, for the entire room was merely an
+indistinct blur.  He was too desperately angry even to swear.  In this
+emergency, Mr. Wynkoop, dimly realizing that something unpleasant had
+occurred, sought to attract the attention of his new parishioner along
+happier lines.
+
+"How exceedingly strange it is, Mr. Moffat," he ventured, "that beings
+otherwise rational, and possessing souls destined for eternity, can
+actually appear to extract pleasure from such senseless exercises?  I
+do not in the least blame Miss Spencer, for she is yet young, and
+probably thoughtless about such matters, as the youthful are wont to
+be, but I am, indeed, rejoiced to note that you do not dance."
+
+Moffat wheeled upon him, his teeth grinding savagely together.  "Shut
+up!" he snapped, fiercely, and shaking off the pastor's gently
+restraining fingers, shouldered his passage through the crowd toward
+the door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THE LIEUTENANT MEETS MISS SPENCER
+
+Lieutenant Brant was somewhat delayed in reaching the scene of Miss
+Spencer's social triumph.  Certain military requirements were largely
+responsible for this delay, and he had patiently wrestled with an
+unsatisfactory toilet, mentally excoriating a service which would not
+permit the transportation of dress uniforms while on scouting detail.
+Nevertheless, when he finally stepped forth into the brilliant
+moonlight, he presented an interesting, soldierly figure, his face
+still retaining a bit of the boy about it, his blue eyes bright with
+expectancy.  That afternoon he had half decided not to go at all, the
+glamour of such events having long before grown dim, but the peculiar
+attraction of this night proved too strong; not thus easily could he
+erase from memory the haunting witchery of a face.  Beyond doubt, when
+again viewed amid the conventionalities, much of its imagined charm
+would vanish; yet he would see her once more, although no longer
+looking forward to drawing a prize.
+
+The dance was already in full swing, the exciting preliminaries having
+been largely forgotten in the exuberance of motion, when he finally
+pushed his way through the idle loungers gathered about the door, and
+gained entrance to the hall.  Many glanced curiously at him, attracted
+by the glitter of his uniform, but he recognized none among them, and
+therefore passed steadily toward the musicians' stand, where there
+appeared to be a few unoccupied chairs.
+
+The scene was one of color and action.  The rapid, pulsating music, the
+swiftly whirling figures, the quivering drapery overhead, the bright
+youthful faces, the glow of numerous lamps, together with the ceaseless
+voices and merry shuffling of feet, all combined to create a scene
+sufficiently picturesque.  It was altogether different from what he had
+anticipated.  He watched the speeding figures, striving in vain to
+distinguish the particular one whose charms had lured him thither.  He
+looked upon fair faces in plenty, flushed cheeks and glowing eyes
+skurried past him, with swirling skirts and flashes of neatly turned
+ankles, as these enthusiastic maids and matrons from hill and prairie
+strove to make amends for long abstinence.  But among them all he was
+unable to distinguish the wood-nymph whose girlish frankness and grace
+had left so deep an impression on his memory.  Yet surely she must be
+present, for, to his understanding, this whole gay festival was in her
+honor.  Directly across the room he caught sight of the Reverend Mr.
+Wynkoop conversing with a lady of somewhat rounded charms, and picked
+his way in their direction.
+
+The missionary, who had yet scarcely recovered from the shock of
+Moffat's impulsive speech, and who, in truth, had been hiding an
+agonized heart behind a smiling face, was only too delighted at any
+excuse which would enable him to approach Miss Spencer, and press aside
+those cavaliers who were monopolizing her attention.  The handicap of
+not being able to dance he felt to be heavy, and he greeted the
+lieutenant with unusual heartiness of manner.
+
+"Why, most assuredly, my dear sir, most assuredly," he said.  "Mrs.
+Herndon, permit me to make you acquainted with Lieutenant Brant, of the
+Seventh Cavalry."
+
+The two, thus introduced, bowed, and exchanged a few words, while Mr.
+Wynkoop busied himself in peering about the room, making a great
+pretence at searching out the lady guest, who, in very truth, had
+scarcely been absent from his sight during the entire evening.
+
+"Ah!" he ejaculated, "at last I locate her, and, fortunately, at this
+moment she is not upon the floor, although positively hidden by the men
+clustering about her chair.  You will excuse us, Mrs. Herndon, but I
+have promised Lieutenant Brant a presentation to your niece."
+
+They slipped past the musicians' stand, and the missionary pressed in
+through the ring of admirers.
+
+"Why, Mr. Wynkoop!" and she extended both hands impulsively.  "And only
+to think, you have never once been near me all this evening; you have
+not congratulated me on my good fortune, nor exhibited the slightest
+interest!  You don't know how much I have missed you.  I was just
+saying to Mr. Moffat--or it might have been Mr. McNeil--that I was
+completely tired out and wished you were here to sit out this dance
+with me."
+
+Wynkoop blushed and forgot the errand which had brought him there, but
+she remained sufficiently cool and observant.  She touched him gently
+with her hand.
+
+"Who is that fine-looking young officer?" she questioned softly, yet
+without venturing to remove her glance from his face.
+
+Mr. Wynkoop started.  "Oh, exactly; I had forgotten my mission.  He has
+requested an introduction."  He drew the lieutenant forward.
+"Lieutenant Brant, Miss Spencer."
+
+The officer bowed, a slight shadow of disappointment in his eyes.  The
+lady was unquestionably attractive, her face animated, her reception
+most cordial, yet she was not the maiden of the dark, fathomless eyes
+and the wealth of auburn hair.
+
+"Such a pleasure to meet you," exclaimed Miss Spencer, her eyes
+uplifted shyly, only to become at once modestly shaded behind their
+long lashes.  "Do you know, Lieutenant, that actually I have never
+before had the privilege of meeting an officer of the army.  Why, we in
+the East scarcely realize that we possess such a body of brave men.
+But I have read much regarding the border, and all the dreams of my
+girlhood seem on the point of realization since I came here and began
+mingling in its free, wild life.  Your appearance supplies the one
+touch of color that was lacking to make the picture complete.  Mr.
+Moffat has done so much to make me realize the breadth of Western
+experience, and now, I do so hope, you will some time find opportunity
+to recount to me some of your army exploits."
+
+The lieutenant smiled.  "Most gladly; yet just now, I confess, the
+music invites me, and I am sufficiently bold to request your company
+upon the floor."
+
+Miss Spencer sighed regretfully, her eyes sweeping across those
+numerous manly faces surrounding them.  "Why, really, Lieutenant Brant,
+I scarcely see how I possibly can.  I have already refused so many this
+evening, and even now I almost believe I must be under direct
+obligation to some one of those gentlemen.  Still," hesitatingly, "your
+being a total stranger here must be taken into consideration.  Mr.
+Moffat, Mr. McNeil, Mr. Mason, surely you will grant me release this
+once?"
+
+There was no verbal response to the appeal, only an uneasy movement;
+but her period of waiting was extremely brief.
+
+"Oh, I knew you would; you have all been so kind and considerate."  She
+arose, resting her daintily gloved hand upon Brant's blue sleeve, her
+pleased eyes smiling up confidingly into his.  Then with a charming
+smile, "Oh, Mr. Wynkoop, I have decided to claim your escort to supper.
+You do not care?"
+
+Wynkoop bowed, his face like a poppy.
+
+"I thought you would not mind obliging me in this.  Come, Lieutenant."
+
+Miss Spencer, when she desired to be, was a most vivacious companion,
+and always an excellent dancer.  Brant easily succumbed to her sway,
+and became, for the time being, a victim to her charms.  They circled
+the long room twice, weaving their way skilfully among the numerous
+couples, forgetful of everything but the subtile intoxication of that
+swinging cadence to which their feet kept such perfect time,
+occasionally exchanging brief sentences in which compliment played no
+insignificant part.  To Brant, as he marked the heightened color
+flushing her fair cheeks, the experience brought back fond memories of
+his last cadet ball at the Point, and he hesitated to break the mystic
+spell with abrupt questioning.  Curiosity, however, finally mastered
+his reticence.
+
+"Miss Spencer," he asked, "may I inquire if you possess such a
+phenomenon as a 'star' pupil?"
+
+The lady laughed merrily, but her expression became somewhat puzzled.
+"Really, what a very strange question!  Why, not unless it might be
+little Sammy Worrell; he can certainly use the longest words I ever
+heard of outside a dictionary.  Why, may I ask?  Are you especially
+interested in prodigies?"
+
+"Oh, not in the least; certainly not in little Sammy Worrell.  The
+person I had reference to chances to be a young woman, having dark
+eyes, and a wealth of auburn hair.  We met quite by accident, and the
+sole clew I now possess to her identity is a claim she advanced to
+being your 'star' pupil."
+
+Miss Spencer sighed somewhat regretfully, and her eyes fell.  "I fear
+it must have been Naida, from your description.  But she is scarcely
+more than a child.  Surely, Lieutenant, it cannot be possible that you
+have become interested in her?"
+
+He smiled pleasantly.  "At least eighteen, is she not?  I was somewhat
+impressed with her evident originality, and hoped to renew our slight
+acquaintanceship here in more formal manner.  She is your 'star' pupil,
+then?"
+
+"Why, she is not really in my school at all, but I outline the studies
+she pursues at home, and lend her such books as I consider best adapted
+for her reading.  She is such a strange girl!"
+
+"Indeed?  She appeared to me to be extremely unconventional, with a
+decided tendency for mischief.  Is that your meaning?"
+
+"Partially.  She manages to do everything in a different way from other
+people.  Her mind seems peculiarly independent, and she is so
+unreservedly Western in her ways and language.  But I was referring
+rather to her taste in books--she devours everything."
+
+"You mean as a student?"
+
+"Well, yes, I suppose so; at least she appears to possess the faculty
+of absorbing every bit of information, like a sponge.  Sometimes she
+actually startles me with her odd questions; they are so unexpected and
+abstruse, falling from the lips of so young a girl.  Then her ideas are
+so crude and uncommon, and she is so frankly outspoken, that I become
+actually nervous when I am with her.  I really believe Mr. Wynkoop
+seeks to avoid meeting her, she has shocked him so frequently in
+religious matters."
+
+"Does she make light of his faith?"
+
+"Oh, no, not that exactly, at least it is not her intention.  But she
+wants to know everything--why we believe this and why we believe that,
+doctrines which no one else ever dreams of questioning, and he cannot
+seem to make them clear to her mind.  Some of her questions are so
+irreverent as to be positively shocking to a spiritually minded person."
+
+They lapsed into silence, swinging easily to the guidance of the music.
+His face was grave and thoughtful.  This picture just drawn of the
+perverse Naida had not greatly lowered her in his estimation, although
+he felt instinctively that Miss Spencer was not altogether pleased with
+his evident interest in another.  It was hardly in her nature patiently
+to brook a rival, but she dissembled with all the art of a clever
+woman, smiling happily up into his face as their eyes again met.
+
+"It is very interesting to know that you two met in so unconventional a
+way," she ventured, softly, "and so sly of her not even to mention it
+to me.  We are room-mates, you know, and consequently quite intimate,
+although she possesses many peculiar characteristics which I cannot in
+the least approve.  But after all, Naida is really a good-hearted girl
+enough, and she will probably outgrow her present irregular ways, for,
+indeed, she is scarcely more than a child.  I shall certainly do my
+best to guide her aright.  Would you mind giving me some details of
+your meeting?"
+
+For a moment he hesitated, feeling that if the girl had not seen fit to
+confide her adventure to this particular friend, it was hardly his
+place to do so.  Then, remembering that he had already said enough to
+arouse curiosity, which might easily be developed into suspicion, he
+determined his course.  In a few words the brief story was frankly
+told, and apparently proved quite amusing to Miss Spencer.
+
+"Oh, that was Naida, beyond a doubt," she exclaimed, with a laugh of
+satisfaction.  "It is all so characteristic of her.  I only wonder how
+she chanced to guess your name; but really the girl appears to possess
+some peculiar gift in thus discerning facts hidden from others.  Her
+instincts seem so finely developed that at times she reminds me of a
+wild animal."
+
+This caustic inference did not please him, but he said nothing, and the
+music coming to a pause, they slowly traversed the room.
+
+"I presume, then, she is not present?" he said, quietly.
+
+Miss Spencer glanced into his face, the grave tone making her
+apprehensive that she might have gone too far.
+
+"She was here earlier in the evening, but now that you remind me of it,
+I do not recall having noticed her of late.  But, really, Lieutenant,
+it is no part of my duty to chaperon the young girl.  Mrs. Herndon
+could probably inform you of her present whereabouts."
+
+Miss Spencer was conscious of the sting of failure, and her face
+flushed with vexation.  "It is extremely close in here, don't you
+think?" she complained.  "And I was so careless as to mislay my fan.  I
+feel almost suffocated."
+
+"Did you leave it at home?" he questioned.  "Possibly I might discover
+a substitute somewhere in the room."
+
+"Oh, no; I would never think of troubling you to such an extent.  No
+doubt this feeling of lassitude will pass away shortly.  It was very
+foolish of me, but I left the fan with my wraps at the hotel.  It can
+be recovered when we go across to supper."
+
+In spite of Miss Spencer's quiet words of renunciation, there was a
+look of pleading in her shyly uplifted eyes impossible to resist.
+Brant promptly surrendered before this masked battery.
+
+"It will be no more than a pleasure to recover it for you," he
+protested, gallantly.
+
+The stairs leading down from the hall entrance were shrouded in
+darkness, the street below nearly deserted of loiterers, although
+lights streamed forth resplendently from the undraped windows of the
+Occidental and the hotel opposite.  Assisted in his search by Mrs.
+Guffy, the officer succeeded in recovering the lost fan, and started to
+return.  Just without the hotel door, under the confusing shadows of
+the wide porch, he came suddenly face to face with a young woman, the
+unexpected encounter a mutual and embarrassing surprise.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+AN UNUSUAL GIRL
+
+The girl was without wraps, her dress of some light, fleecy material
+fitting her slender figure exquisitely, her head uncovered; within her
+eyes Brant imagined he could detect the glint of tears.  She spoke
+first, her voice faltering slightly.
+
+"Will you kindly permit me to pass?"
+
+He stepped instantly to one side, bowing as he did so.
+
+"I beg your pardon for such seeming rudeness," he said, gravely.  "I
+have been seeking you all the evening, yet this unexpected meeting
+caught me quite unawares."
+
+"You have been seeking me?  That is strange.  For what reason, pray?"
+
+"To achieve what you were once kind enough to suggest as possible--the
+formality of an introduction.  It would seem, however, that fate makes
+our meetings informal."
+
+"That is your fault, not mine."
+
+"I gladly assume all responsibility, if you will only waive the
+formality and accept my friendship."
+
+Her face seemed to lighten, while her lips twitched as if suppressing a
+smile.  "You are very forgetful.  Did I not tell you that we
+Presbyterians are never guilty of such indiscretions?"
+
+"I believe you did, but I doubt your complete surrender to the creed."
+
+"Doubt!  Only our second time of meeting, and you already venture to
+doubt!  This can scarcely be construed into a compliment, I fear."
+
+"Yet to my mind it may prove the very highest type of compliment," he
+returned, reassured by her manner.  "For a certain degree of
+independence in both thought and action is highly commendable.  Indeed,
+I am going to be bold enough to add that it was these very attributes
+that awakened my interest in you."
+
+"Oh, indeed; you cause me to blush already.  My frankness, I fear, bids
+fair to cost me all my friends, and I may even go beyond your pardon,
+if the perverse spirit of my nature so move me."
+
+"The risk of such a catastrophe is mine, and I would gladly dare that
+much to get away from conventional commonplace.  One advantage of such
+meetings as ours is an immediate insight into each other's deeper
+nature.  For one I shall sincerely rejoice if you will permit the good
+fortune of our chance meeting to be alone sponsor for our future
+friendship.  Will you not say yes?"
+
+She looked at him with greater earnestness, her young face sobered by
+the words spoken.  Whatever else she may have seen revealed there, the
+countenance bending slightly toward her was a serious, manly one,
+inspiring respect, awakening confidence.
+
+"And I do agree," she said, extending her hand in a girlish impulse.
+"It will, at least, be a new experience and therefore worth the trial.
+I will even endeavor to restrain my rebellious spirit, so that you will
+not be unduly shocked."
+
+He laughed, now placed entirely at his ease.  "Your need of mercy is
+appreciated, fair lady.  Is it your desire to return to the hall?"
+
+She shook her head positively.  "A cheap, gaudy show, all bluster and
+vulgarity.  Even the dancing is a mere parody.  I early tired of it."
+
+"Then let us choose the better part, and sit here on the bench, the
+night our own."
+
+He conducted her across the porch to the darkest corner, where only
+rifts of light stole trembling in between the shadowing vines, and
+there found convenient seats.  A moment they remained in silence, and
+he could hear her breathing.
+
+"Have you truly been at the hall," she questioned, "or were you merely
+fibbing to awaken my interest?"
+
+"I truly have been," he answered, "and actually have danced a measure
+with the fair guest of the evening."
+
+"With Phoebe Spencer!  And yet you dare pretend now to retain an
+interest in me?  Lieutenant Brant, you must be a most talented
+deceiver, or else the strangest person I ever met.  Such a miracle has
+never occurred before!"
+
+"Well, it has certainly occurred now; nor am I in this any vain
+deceiver.  I truly met Miss Spencer.  I was the recipient of her most
+entrancing smiles; I listened to her modulated voice; I bore her off, a
+willing captive, from a throng of despairing admirers; I danced with
+her, gazing down into her eyes, with her fluffy hair brushing my cheek,
+yet resisted all her charms and came forth thinking only of you."
+
+"Indeed?  Your proof?"
+
+He drew the white satin fan forth from his pocket, and held it out
+toward her with mock humility.  "This, unbelieving princess.
+Despatched by the fair lady in question to fetch this bauble from the
+dressing-room, I forgot my urgent errand in the sudden delight of
+finding you."
+
+"The case seems fully proved," she confessed, laughingly, "and it is
+surely not my duty to punish the culprit.  What did you talk about?
+But, pshaw, I know well enough without asking--she told you how greatly
+she admired the romance of the West, and begged you to call upon her
+with a recital of your own exploits.  Have I not guessed aright?"
+
+"Partially, at least; some such expressions were used."
+
+"Of course, they always are.  I do not know whether they form merely a
+part of her stock in trade, or are spoken earnestly.  You would laugh
+to hear the tales of wild and thrilling adventure which she picks up,
+and actually believes.  That Jack Moffat possesses the most marvellous
+imagination for such things, and if I make fun of his impossible
+stories she becomes angry in an instant."
+
+"I am afraid you do not greatly admire this Miss Spencer?"
+
+"Oh, but I do; truly I do.  You must not think me ungrateful.  No one
+has ever helped me more, and beneath this mask of artificiality she is
+really a noble-hearted woman.  I do not understand the necessity for
+people to lead false lives.  Is it this way in all society--Eastern
+society, I mean?  Do men and women there continually scheme and flirt,
+smile and stab, forever assuming parts like so many play-actors?"
+
+"It is far too common," he admitted, touched by her naive questioning.
+"What is known as fashionable social life has become an almost pitiful
+sham, and you can scarcely conceive the relief it is to meet with one
+utterly uncontaminated by its miserable deceits, its shallow
+make-believes.  It is no wonder you shock the nerves of such people;
+the deed is easily accomplished."
+
+"But I do not mean to."  And she looked at him gravely, striving to
+make him comprehend.  "I try so hard to be--be commonplace, and--and
+satisfied.  Only there is so much that seems silly, useless, pitifully
+contemptible that I lose all patience.  Perhaps I need proper training
+in what Miss Spencer calls refinement; but why should I pretend to like
+what I don't like, and to believe what I don't believe?  Cannot one act
+a lie as well as speak one?  And is it no longer right to search after
+the truth?"
+
+"I have always felt it was our duty to discover the truth wherever
+possible," he said, thoughtfully; "yet, I confess, the search is not
+fashionable, nor the earnest seeker popular."
+
+A little trill of laughter flowed from between her parted lips, but the
+sound was not altogether merry.
+
+"Most certainly I am not.  They all scold me, and repeat with manifest
+horror the terrible things I say, being unconscious that they are evil.
+Why should I suspect thoughts that come to me naturally?  I want to
+know, to understand.  I grope about in the dark.  It seems to me
+sometimes that this whole world is a mystery.  I go to Mr. Wynkoop with
+my questions, and they only seem to shock him.  Why should they?  God
+must have put all these doubts and wonderings into my mind, and there
+must be an answer for them somewhere.  Mr. Wynkoop is a good man, I
+truly respect him.  I want to please him, and I admire his intellectual
+attainments; but how can he accept so much on faith, and be content?
+Do you really suppose he is content?  Don't you think he ever questions
+as I do? or has he actually succeeded in smothering every doubt?  He
+cannot answer what I ask him; he cannot make things clear.  He just
+pulls up a few, cheap, homely weeds,--useless common things,--when I
+beg for flowers; he hands them to me, and bids me seek greater faith
+through prayer.  I know I am a perfect heathen,--Miss Spencer says I
+am,--but do you think it is so awful for me to want to know these
+things?"
+
+He permitted his hand to drop upon hers, and she made no motion of
+displeasure.
+
+"You merely express clearly what thousands feel without the moral
+courage to utter it.  The saddest part of it all is, the deeper we
+delve the less we are satisfied in our intellectual natures.  We merely
+succeed in learning that we are the veriest pygmies.  Men like Mr.
+Wynkoop are simply driven back upon faith as a last resort, absolutely
+baffled by an inpenetrable wall, against which they batter mentally in
+vain.  They have striven with mystery, only to meet with ignominious
+defeat.  Faith alone remains, and I dare not deny that such faith is
+above all knowledge.  The pity of it is, there are some minds to whom
+this refuge is impossible.  They are forever doomed to be hungry and
+remain unfed; thirsty, yet unable to quench their thirst."
+
+"Are you a church member?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Do you believe those things you do not understand?"
+
+He drew a deep breath, scarcely knowing at that moment how best to
+answer, yet sincerely anxious to lead this girl toward the light.
+
+"The majority of men do not talk much about such matters.  They hold
+them sacred.  Yet I will speak frankly with you.  I could not state in
+words my faith so that it would be clearly apprehended by the mind of
+another.  I am in the church because I believe its efforts are toward
+righteousness, because I believe the teachings of Christ are perfect.
+His life the highest possible type of living, and because through Him
+we receive all the information regarding a future existence which we
+possess.  That my mind rests satisfied I do not say; I simply accept
+what is given, preferring a little light to total darkness."
+
+"But here they refuse to accept any one like that.  They say I am not
+yet in a fit state of mind."
+
+"Such a judgment would seem to me narrow.  I was fortunate in coming
+under the influence of a broad-minded religious teacher.  To my
+statement of doubts he simply said: 'Believe what you can; live the
+very best you can, and keep your mind open toward the light.'  It seems
+to me now this is all that anyone can do whose nature will not permit
+of blind, unquestioning faith.  To require more of ordinary human
+beings is unreasonable, for God gave us mind and ability to think."
+
+There was a pause, so breathless they could hear the rustle of the
+leaves in the almost motionless air, while the strains of gay music
+floating from the open windows sounded loud and strident.
+
+"I am so glad you have spoken in that way," she confessed.  "I shall
+never feel quite so much alone in the world again, and I shall see
+these matters from a different viewpoint.  Is it wrong--unwomanly, I
+mean--for me to question spiritual things?"
+
+"I am unable to conceive why it should be.  Surely woman ought to be as
+deeply concerned in things spiritual as man."
+
+"How very strange it is that we should thus drift into such an intimate
+talk at our second meeting!" she exclaimed.  "But it seems so easy, so
+natural, to converse frankly with some people--they appear to draw out
+all that is best in one's heart.  Then there are others who seem to
+parch and wither up every germ of spiritual life."
+
+"There are those in the world who truly belong together," he urged,
+daringly.  "They belong to each other by some divine law.  They may
+never be privileged to meet; but if they do, the commingling of their
+minds and souls is natural.  This talk of ours to-night has, perhaps,
+done me as much good as you."
+
+"Oh, I am so glad if it has!  I--I do not believe you and Miss Spencer
+conversed in this way?"
+
+"Heaven forbid!  And yet it might puzzle you to guess what was the main
+topic of our conversation."
+
+"Did it interest you?"
+
+"Deeply."
+
+"Well, then, it could not be dress, or men, or Western romance, or
+society in Boston, or the beautiful weather.  I guess it was books."
+
+"Wrong; they were never mentioned."
+
+"Then I shall have to give up, for I do not remember any other subjects
+she talks about."
+
+"Yet it was the most natural topic imaginable--yourself."
+
+"You were discussing me?  Why, how did that happen?"
+
+"Very simply, and I was wholly to blame.  To be perfectly honest, Miss
+Naida, I attended the dance to-night for no other object than to meet
+you again.  But I had argued myself into the belief that you were Miss
+Spencer.  The discovery of my mistake merely intensified my
+determination to learn who you really were.  With this purpose, I
+interviewed Miss Spencer, and during the course of our conversation the
+facts of my first meeting with you became known."
+
+"You told her how very foolish I acted?"
+
+"I told her how deeply interested I had become in your outspoken
+manner."
+
+"Oh! And she exclaimed, 'How romantic!'"
+
+"Possibly; she likewise took occasion to suggest that you were merely a
+child, and seemed astonished that I should have given you a second
+thought."
+
+"Why, I am eighteen."
+
+"I told her I believed you to be of that age, and she ignored my
+remark.  But what truly surprised both of us was, how you happened to
+know my name."
+
+The girl did not attempt to answer, and she was thankful enough that
+there was not sufficient light to betray the reddening of her cheeks.
+
+"And you do not mean, even now, to make clear the mystery?" he asked.
+
+"Not--now," she answered, almost timidly.  "It is nothing much, only I
+would rather not now."
+
+The sudden sound of voices and laughter in the street beneath brought
+them both to their feet.
+
+"Why, they are coming across to supper," she exclaimed, in surprise.
+"How long we have been here, and it has seemed scarcely a moment!  I
+shall certainly be in for a scolding, Lieutenant Brant; and I fear your
+only means of saving me from being promptly sent home in disgrace will
+be to escort me in to supper."
+
+"A delightful punishment!"  He drew her hand through his arm, and said:
+"And then you will pledge me the first dance following?"
+
+"Oh, you must n't ask me.  Really, I have not been on the floor
+to-night; I am not in the mood."
+
+"Do you yield to moods?"
+
+"Why, of course I do.  Is it not a woman's privilege?  If you know me
+long it will be to find me all moods."
+
+"If they only prove as attractive as the particular one swaying you
+to-night, I shall certainly have no cause for complaint.  Come, Miss
+Naida, please cultivate the mood to say yes, before those others
+arrive."
+
+She glanced up at him, shaking her dark hair, her lips smiling.  "My
+present mood is certainly a good-natured one," she confessed, softly,
+"and consequently it is impossible to say no."
+
+His hand pressed hers, as the thronging couples came merrily up the
+steps.
+
+"Why, Naida, is this you, child?  Where have you been all this time?"
+It was Miss Spencer, clinging to Mr. Wynkoop's arm.
+
+"Merely sitting out a dance," was the seemingly indifferent answer;
+then she added sweetly, "Have you ever met my friend, Lieutenant Brant,
+of the Seventh Cavalry, Phoebe?  We were just going in to supper."
+
+Miss Spencer's glance swept over the silent young officer.  "I believe
+I have had the honor.  It was my privilege to be introduced to the
+gentleman by a mutual friend."
+
+The inward rush of hungry guests swept them all forward in laughing,
+jostling confusion; but Naida's cheeks burned with indignation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE REAPPEARANCE OF AN OLD FRIEND
+
+After supper the Lieutenant and Naida danced twice together, the young
+girl's mood having apparently changed to one of buoyant, careless
+happiness, her dark eyes smiling, her lips uttering freely whatever
+thought came uppermost.  Outwardly she pictured the gay and merry
+spirit of the night, yet to Brant, already observing her with the
+jealousy of a lover, she appeared distrait and restless, her
+affectation of abandon a mere mask to her true feelings.  There was a
+peculiar watchfulness in her glances about the crowded room, while her
+flushed cheeks, and the distinctly false note in her laughter, began to
+trouble him not a little.  Perhaps these things might have passed
+unnoted but for their contrast with the late confidential chat.
+
+He could not reconcile this sudden change with what he believed of her.
+It was not carried out with the practised art of one accustomed to
+deceit.  There must be something real influencing her action.  These
+misgivings burdened his mind even as he swung lightly with her to the
+music, and they talked together in little snatches.
+
+He had forgotten Miss Spencer, forgotten everything else about him,
+permitting himself to become enthralled by this strange girl whose name
+even he did not know.  In every way she had appealed to his
+imagination, awakening his interest, his curiosity, his respect, and
+even now, when some secret seemed to sway her conduct, it merely served
+to strengthen his resolve to advance still farther in her regard.
+There are natures which welcome strife; they require opposition,
+difficulty, to develop their real strength.  Brant was of this breed.
+The very conception that some person, even some inanimate thing, might
+stand between him and the heart of this fair woman acted upon him like
+a stimulant.
+
+The last of the two waltzes ended, they walked slowly through the
+scattering throng, he striving vainly to arouse her to the former
+independence and intimacy of speech.  While endeavoring bravely to
+exhibit interest, her mind too clearly wandered, and there was borne in
+slowly upon him the distasteful idea that she would prefer being left
+alone.  Brant had been secretly hoping it might become his privilege to
+escort her home, but now he durst not breathe the words of such a
+request.  Something indefinable had arisen between them which held the
+man dumb and nerveless.  Suddenly they came face to face with Mrs.
+Herndon, and Brant felt the girl's arm twitch.
+
+"I have been looking everywhere for you, Naida," Mrs. Herndon said, a
+slight complaint in her voice.  "We were going home."
+
+Naida's cheeks reddened painfully.
+
+"I am so sorry if I have kept you waiting," her words spoken with a
+rush, "but--but, Lieutenant Brant was intending to accompany me.  We
+were just starting for the cloak-room."
+
+"Oh, indeed!"  Mrs. Herndon's expression was noncommittal, while her
+eyes surveyed the lieutenant.
+
+"With your permission, of course," he said.
+
+"I hardly think I have any need to interfere."
+
+They separated, the younger people walking slowly, silently toward the
+door.  He held her arm, assisting her to descend the stairway, his lips
+murmuring a few commonplaces, to which she scarcely returned even
+monosyllabic replies, although she frequently flashed shy glances at
+his grave face.  Both realized that some explanation was forthcoming,
+yet neither was quite prepared to force the issue.
+
+"I have no wraps at the hotel," she said, as he attempted to turn that
+way.  "That was a lie also; let us walk directly down the road."
+
+He indulged in no comment, his eyes perceiving a pathetic pleading in
+her upturned face.  Suddenly there came to him a belief that the girl
+was crying; he could feel the slight tremor of her form against his
+own.  He glanced furtively at her, only to catch the glitter of a
+falling tear.  To her evident distress, his heart made instant and
+sympathetic response.  With all respect influencing the action, his
+hand closed warmly over the smaller one on his sleeve.
+
+"Little girl," he said, forgetting the shortness of their acquaintance
+in the deep feeling of the moment, "tell me what the trouble is."
+
+"I suppose you think me an awful creature for saying that," she blurted
+out, without looking up.  "It wasn't ladylike or nice, but--but I
+simply could n't help it, Lieutenant Brant."
+
+"You mean your sudden determination to carry me home with you?" he
+asked, relieved to think this might prove the entire difficulty.
+"Don't let that worry you.  Why, I am simply rejoiced at being
+permitted to go.  Do you know, I wanted to request the privilege all
+the time we were dancing together.  But you acted so differently from
+when we were beneath the vines that I actually lost my nerve."
+
+She looked up, and he caught a fleeting glimpse into her unveiled eyes.
+
+"I did not wish you to ask me."
+
+"What?"  He stopped suddenly.  "Why then did you make such an
+announcement to Mrs. Herndon?"
+
+"Oh, that was different," she explained, uneasily.  "I had to do that;
+I had to trust you to help me out, but--but I really wanted to go home
+alone."
+
+He swept his unbelieving eyes around over the deserted night scene, not
+knowing what answer to return to so strange an avowal.  "Was that what
+caused you to appear so distant to me in the hall, so vastly different
+from what you had been before?"
+
+She nodded, but with her gaze still upon the ground.
+
+"Miss Naida," he said, "it would be cowardly for me to attempt to dodge
+this issue between us.  Is it because you do not like me?"
+
+She looked up quickly, the moonlight revealing her flushed face.
+
+"Oh, no, no! you must never think that.  I told you I was a girl of
+moods; under those vines I had one mood, in the hall another.  Cannot
+you understand?"
+
+"Very little," he admitted, "for I am more inclined to believe you are
+the possessor of a strong will than that you are swayed by moods.
+Listen.  If I thought that a mere senseless mood had caused your
+peculiar treatment of me to-night, I should feel justified in yielding
+to a mood also.  But I will not lower you to that extent in my
+estimation; I prefer to believe that you are the true-hearted, frankly
+spoken girl of the vine shadow.  It is this abiding conviction as to
+your true nature which holds me loyal to a test.  Miss Naida, is it now
+your desire that I leave you?"
+
+He stepped aside, relinquishing her arm, his hat in hand, but she did
+not move from where he left her.
+
+"It--it hurts me," she faltered, "for I truly desire you to think in
+that way of me, and I--I don't know what is best to do.  If I tell you
+why I wished to come alone, you might misunderstand; and if I refuse,
+then you will suspect wrong, and go away despising me."
+
+"I sincerely wish you might repose sufficient confidence in me as a
+gentleman to believe I never betray a trust, never pry into a lady's
+secret."
+
+"Oh, I do, Lieutenant Brant.  It is not doubt of you at all; but I am
+not sure, even within my own heart, that I am doing just what is right.
+Besides, it will be so difficult to make you, almost a stranger,
+comprehend the peculiar conditions which influence my action.  Even now
+you suspect that I am deceitful--a masked sham like those others we
+discussed to-night; but I have never played a part before, never
+skulked in the dark.  To-night I simply had to do it."
+
+Her voice was low and pleading, her eyes an appeal; and Brant could not
+resist the impulse to comfort.
+
+"Then attempt no explanation," he said, gently, "and believe me, I
+shall continue to trust you.  To-night, whatever your wish may be, I
+will abide by it.  Shall I go, or stay?  In either case you have
+nothing to fear."
+
+She drew a deep breath, these open words of faith touching her more
+strongly than would any selfish fault-finding.
+
+"Trust begets trust," she replied, with new firmness, and now gazing
+frankly into his face.  "You can walk with me a portion of the way if
+you wish, but I am going to tell you the truth,--I have an appointment
+with a man."
+
+"I naturally regret to learn this," he said, with assumed calmness.
+"But the way is so lonely I prefer walking with you until you have some
+other protector."
+
+She accepted his proffered arm, feeling the constraint in his tone, the
+formality in his manner, most keenly.  An older woman might have
+resented it, but it only served to sadden and embarrass her.  He began
+speaking of the quiet beauty of the night, but she had no thought of
+what he was saying.
+
+"Lieutenant Brant," she said, at last, "you do not ask me who the man
+is."
+
+"Certainly not, Miss Naida; it is none of my business."
+
+"I think, perhaps, it might be; the knowledge might help you to
+understand.  It is Bob Hampton."
+
+He stared at her.  "The gambler?  No wonder, then, your meeting is
+clandestine."
+
+She replied indignantly, her lips trembling.  "He is not a gambler; he
+is a miner, over in the Black Range.  He has not touched a card in two
+years."
+
+"Oh, reformed has he?  And are you the instrument that has worked such
+a miracle?"
+
+Her eyes fell.  "I don't know, but I hope so."  Then she glanced up
+again, wondering at his continued silence.  "Don't you understand yet?"
+
+"Only that you are secretly meeting a man of the worst reputation, one
+known the length and breadth of this border as a gambler and fighter."
+
+"Yes; but--but don't you know who I am?"
+
+He smiled grimly, wondering what possible difference that could make.
+"Certainly; you are Miss Naida Herndon."
+
+"I?  You have not known?  Lieutenant Brant, I am Naida Gillis."
+
+He stopped still, again facing her.  "Naida Gillis?  Do you mean old
+Gillis's girl?  Is it possible you are the same we rescued on the
+prairie two years ago?"
+
+She bowed her head.  "Yes; do you understand now why I trust this Bob
+Hampton?"
+
+"I perhaps might comprehend why you should feel grateful to him, but
+not why you should thus consent to meet with him clandestinely."
+
+He could not see the deep flush upon her cheeks, but he was not deaf to
+the pitiful falter in her voice.
+
+"Because he has been good and true to me," she explained, frankly,
+"better than anybody else in all the world.  I don't care what you say,
+you and those others who do not know him, but I believe in him; I think
+he is a man.  They won't let me see him, the Herndons, nor permit him
+to come to the house.  He has not been in Glencaid for two years, until
+yesterday.  The Indian rising has driven all the miners out from the
+Black Range, and he came down here for no other purpose than to get a
+glimpse of me, and learn how I was getting on.  I--I saw him over at
+the hotel just for a moment--Mrs. Guffy handed me a note--and I--I had
+only just left him when I encountered you at the door.  I wanted to see
+him again, to talk with him longer, but I couldn't manage to get away
+from you, and I didn't know what to do.  There, I've told it all; do
+you really think I am so very bad, because--because I like Bob Hampton?"
+
+He stood a moment completely nonplussed, yet compelled to answer.
+
+"I certainly have no right to question your motives," he said, at last,
+"and I believe your purposes to be above reproach.  I wish I might give
+the same credit to this man Hampton.  But, Miss Naida, the world does
+not often consent to judge us by our own estimation of right and wrong;
+it prefers to place its own interpretation on acts, and thus often
+condemns the innocent.  Others might not see this as I do, nor have
+such unquestioning faith in you."
+
+"I know," she admitted, stubbornly, "but I wanted to see him; I have
+been so lonely for him, and this was the only possible way."
+
+Brant felt a wave of uncontrollable sympathy sweep across him, even
+while he was beginning to hate this man, who, he felt, had stolen a
+passage into the innocent heart of a girl not half his age, one knowing
+little of the ways of the world.  He saw again that bare desert, with
+those two half-dead figures clasped in each other's arms, and felt that
+he understood the whole miserable story of a girl's trust, a man's
+perfidy.
+
+"May I walk beside you until you meet him?" he asked.
+
+"You will not quarrel?"
+
+"No; at least not through any fault of mine."
+
+A few steps in the moonlight and she again took his arm, although they
+scarcely spoke.  At the bridge she withdrew her hand and uttered a
+peculiar call, and Hampton stepped forth from the concealing bushes,
+his head bare, his hat in his hand.
+
+"I scarcely thought it could be you," he said, seemingly not altogether
+satisfied, "as you were accompanied by another."
+
+The younger man took a single step forward, his uniform showing in the
+moonlight.  "Miss Gillis will inform you later why I am here," he said,
+striving to speak civilly.  "You and I, however, have met before--I am
+Lieutenant Brant, of the Seventh Cavalry."
+
+Hampton bowed, his manner somewhat stiff and formal, his face
+inpenetrable.
+
+"I should have left Miss Gillis previous to her meeting with you,"
+Brant continued, "but I desired to request the privilege of calling
+upon you to-morrow for a brief interview."
+
+"With pleasure."
+
+"Shall it be at ten?"
+
+"The hour is perfectly satisfactory.  You will find me at the hotel."
+
+"You place me under obligations," said Brant, and turned toward the
+wondering girl.  "I will now say good-night, Miss Gillis, and I promise
+to remember only the pleasant events of this evening."
+
+Their hands met for an instant of warm pressure, and then the two left
+behind stood motionless and watched him striding along the moonlit road.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE VERGE OF A QUARREL
+
+Brant's mind was a chaos of conflicting emotions, but a single abiding
+conviction never once left him--he retained implicit faith in her, and
+he purposed to fight this matter out with Hampton.  Even in that
+crucial hour, had any one ventured to suggest that he was in love with
+Naida, he would merely have laughed, serenely confident that nothing
+more than gentlemanly interest swayed his conduct.  It was true, he
+greatly admired the girl, recalled to memory her every movement, her
+slightest glance, her most insignificant word, while her marvellous
+eyes constantly haunted him, yet the dawn of love was not even faintly
+acknowledged.
+
+Nevertheless, he manifested an unreasonable dislike for Hampton.  He
+had never before felt thus toward this person; indeed, he had possessed
+a strong man's natural admiration for the other's physical power and
+cool, determined courage.  He now sincerely feared Hampton's power over
+the innocent mind of the girl, imagining his influence to be much
+stronger than it really was, and he sought after some suitable means
+for overcoming it.  He had no faith in this man's professed reform, no
+abiding confidence in his word of honor; and it seemed to him then that
+the entire future of the young woman's life rested upon his deliverance
+of her from the toils of the gambler.  He alone, among those who might
+be considered as her true friends, knew the secret of her infatuation,
+and upon him alone, therefore, rested the burden of her release.  It
+was his heart that drove him into such a decision, although he
+conceived it then to be the reasoning of the brain.
+
+And so she was Naida Gillis, poor old Gillis's little girl!  He stopped
+suddenly in the road, striving to realize the thought.  He had never
+once dreamed of such a consummation, and it staggered him.  His thought
+drifted back to that pale-faced, red-haired, poorly dressed slip of a
+girl whom he had occasionally viewed with disapproval about the
+post-trader's store at Bethune, and it seemed simply an impossibility.
+He recalled the unconscious, dust-covered, nameless waif he had once
+held on his lap beside the Bear Water.  What was there in common
+between that outcast, and this well-groomed, frankly spoken young
+woman?  Yet, whoever she was or had been, the remembrance of her could
+not be conjured out of his brain.  He might look back with repugnance
+upon those others, those misty phantoms of the past, but the vision of
+his mind, his ever-changeable divinity of the vine shadows, would not
+become obscured, nor grow less fascinating.  Let her be whom she might,
+no other could ever win that place she occupied in his heart.  His mind
+dwelt upon her flushed cheeks, her earnest face, her wealth of glossy
+hair, her dark eyes filled with mingled roguery and thoughtfulness,--in
+utter unconsciousness that he was already her humble slave.  Suddenly
+there occurred to him a recollection of Silent Murphy, and his strange,
+unguarded remark.  What could the fellow have meant?  Was there,
+indeed, some secret in the life history of this young girl?--some story
+of shame, perhaps?  If so, did Hampton know about it?
+
+Already daylight rested white and solemn over the silent valley, and
+only a short distance away lay the spot where the crippled scout had
+made his solitary camp.  Almost without volition the young officer
+turned that way, crossed the stream by means of the log, and clambered
+up the bank.  But it was clear at a glance that Murphy had deserted the
+spot.  Convinced of this, Brant retraced his steps toward the camp of
+his own troop, now already astir with the duties of early morning.
+Just in front of his tent he encountered his first sergeant.
+
+"Watson," he questioned, as the latter saluted and stood at attention,
+"do you know a man called Silent Murphy?"
+
+"The scout?  Yes, sir; knew him as long ago as when he was corporal in
+your father's troop.  He was reduced to the ranks for striking an
+officer."
+
+Brant wheeled in astonishment.  "Was he ever a soldier in the Seventh?"
+
+"He was that, for two enlistments, and a mighty tough one; but he was
+always quick enough for a fight in field or garrison."
+
+"Has he shown himself here at the camp?"
+
+"No, sir; didn't know he was anywhere around.  He and I were never very
+good friends, sir."
+
+The lieutenant remained silent for several moments, endeavoring to
+perfect some feasible plan.
+
+"Despatch an orderly to the telegraph-office," he finally commanded,
+"to inquire if this man Murphy receives any messages there, and if they
+know where he is stopping.  Send an intelligent man, and have him
+discover all the facts he can.  When he returns bring him in to me."
+
+He had enjoyed a bath and a shave, and was yet lingering over his
+coffee, when the two soldiers entered with their report.  The sergeant
+stepped aside, and the orderly, a tall, boyish-looking fellow with a
+pugnacious chin, saluted stiffly.
+
+"Well, Bane," and the officer eyed his trim appearance with manifest
+approval, "what did you succeed in learning?"
+
+"The operator said this yere Murphy hed never bin thar himself, sir,
+but there wus several messages come fer him.  One got here this
+mornin'."
+
+"What becomes of them?"
+
+"They're called fer by another feller, sir."
+
+"Oh, they are!  Who?"
+
+"Red Slavin wus the name he give me of thet other buck."
+
+When the two had disappeared, Brant sat back thinking rapidly.  There
+was a mystery here, and such actions must have a cause.  Something
+either in or about Glencaid was compelling Murphy to keep out of
+sight--but what?  Who?  Brant was unable to get it out of his head that
+all this secrecy centred around Naida.  With those incautiously spoken
+words as a clew, he suspected that Murphy knew something about her, and
+that knowledge was the cause for his present erratic actions.  Perhaps
+Hampton knew; at least he might possess some additional scrap of
+information which would help to solve the problem.  He looked at his
+watch, and ordered his horse to be saddled.
+
+It did not seem quite so simple now, this projected interview with
+Hampton, as it had appeared the night before.  In the clear light of
+day, he began to realize the weakness of his position, the fact that he
+possessed not the smallest right to speak on behalf of Naida Gillis.
+He held no relationship whatsoever to her, and should he venture to
+assume any, it was highly probable the older man would laugh
+contemptuously in his face.  Brant knew better than to believe Hampton
+would ever let go unless he was obliged to do so; he comprehended the
+impotence of threats on such a character, as well as his probable
+indifference to moral obligations.  Nevertheless, the die was cast, and
+perhaps, provided an open quarrel could be avoided, the meeting might
+result in good to all concerned.
+
+Hampton welcomed him with distant but marked courtesy, having evidently
+thought out his own immediate plan of action, and schooled himself
+accordingly.  Standing there, the bright light streaming over them from
+the open windows, they presented two widely contrasting personalities,
+yet each exhibiting in figure and face the evidences of hard training
+and iron discipline.  Hampton was clothed in black, standing straight
+as an arrow, his shoulders squared, his head held proudly erect, while
+his cool gray eyes studied the face of the other as he had been
+accustomed to survey his opponents at the card-table.  Brant looked the
+picture of a soldier on duty, trim, well built, erect, his resolute
+blue eyes never flinching from the steady gaze bent upon ham, his
+bronzed young face grave from the seriousness of his mission.  Neither
+was a man to temporize, to mince words, or to withhold blows; yet each
+instinctively felt that this was an occasion rather for self-restraint.
+In both minds the same thought lingered--the vague wonder how much the
+other knew.  The elder man, however, retained the better self-control,
+and was first to break the silence.
+
+"Miss Gillis informed me of your kindness to her last evening," he
+said, quietly, "and in her behalf I sincerely thank you.  Permit me to
+offer you a chair."
+
+Brant accepted it, and sat down, feeling the calm tone of
+proprietorship in the words of the other as if they had been a blow.
+His face flushed, yet he spoke firmly.  "Possibly I misconstrue your
+meaning," he said, with some bluntness, determined to reach the gist of
+the matter at once.  "Did Miss Gillis authorize you to thank me for
+these courtesies?"
+
+Hampton smiled with provoking calmness, holding an unlighted cigar
+between his fingers.  "Why, really, as to that I do not remember.  I
+merely mentioned it as expressing the natural gratitude of us both."
+
+"You speak as if you possessed full authority to express her mind as
+well as your own."
+
+The other bowed gravely, his face impassive.  "My words would quite
+naturally bear some such construction."
+
+The officer hesitated, feeling more doubtful than ever regarding his
+own position.  Chagrined, disarmed, he felt like a prisoner standing
+bound before his mocking captor.  "Then I fear my mission here is
+useless."
+
+"Entirely so, if you come for the purpose I suspect," said Hampton,
+sitting erect in his chair, and speaking with more rapid utterance.
+"To lecture me on morality, and demand my yielding up all influence
+over this girl,--such a mission is assured of failure.  I have listened
+with some degree of calmness in this room already to one such address,
+and surrendered to its reasoning.  But permit me to say quite plainly,
+Lieutenant Brant, that you are not the person from whom I will quietly
+listen to another."
+
+"I had very little expectation that you would."
+
+"You should have had still less, and remained away entirely.  However,
+now that you are here, and the subject broached, it becomes my turn to
+say something, and to say it clearly.  It seems to me you would exhibit
+far better taste and discrimination if from now on you would cease
+forcing your attentions upon Miss Gillis."
+
+Brant leaped to his feet, but the other never deigned to alter his
+position.
+
+"Forcing my attentions!" exclaimed the officer.  "God's mercy, man! do
+you realize what you are saying?  I have forced no attentions upon Miss
+Gillis."
+
+"My reference was rather to future possibilities.  Young blood is
+proverbially hot, and I thought it wise to warn you in time."
+
+Brant stared into that imperturbable face, and somehow the very sight
+of its calm, inflexible resolve served to clear his own brain.  He felt
+that this cool, self-controlled man was speaking with authority.
+
+"Wait just a moment," he said, at last.  "I wish this made perfectly
+clear, and for all time.  I met Miss Gillis first through pure
+accident.  She impressed me strongly then, and I confess I have since
+grown more deeply interested in her personality.  I have reasons to
+suppose my presence not altogether distasteful to her, and she has
+certainly shown that she reposed confidence in me.  Not until late last
+night did I even suspect she was the same girl whom we picked up with
+you out on the desert.  It came to me from her own lips and was a total
+surprise.  She revealed her identity in order to justify her proposed
+clandestine meeting with you."
+
+"And hence you requested this pleasant conference," broke in Hampton,
+coolly, "to inform me, from your calm eminence of respectability, that
+I was no fit companion for such a young and innocent person, and to
+warn me that you were prepared to act as her protector."
+
+Brant slightly inclined his head.
+
+"I may have had something of that nature in my mind."
+
+"Well, Lieutenant Brant," and the older man rose to his feet, his eyes
+still smiling, "some might be impolite enough to say that it was the
+conception of a cad, but whatever it was, the tables have unexpectedly
+turned.  Without further reference to my own personal interests in the
+young lady, which are, however, considerable, there remain other
+weighty reasons, that I am not at liberty to discuss, which make it
+simply impossible for you to sustain any relationship to Miss Gillis
+other than that of ordinary social friendship."
+
+"You--you claim the right--"
+
+"I distinctly claim the right, for the reason that I possess the right,
+and no one has ever yet known me to relinquish a hold once fairly
+gained.  Lieutenant Brant, if I am any judge of faces you are a
+fighting man by nature as well as profession, but there is no
+opportunity for your doing any fighting here.  This matter is
+irrevocably settled--Naida Gillis is not for you."
+
+Brant was breathing hard.  "Do you mean to insinuate that there is an
+understanding, an engagement between you?" he faltered, scarcely
+knowing how best to resent such utterance.
+
+"You may place your own construction upon what I have said," was the
+quiet answer.  "The special relations existing between Miss Gillis and
+myself chance to be no business of yours.  However, I will consent to
+say this--I do enjoy a relationship to her that gives me complete
+authority to say what I have said to you.  I regret having been obliged
+by your persistency to speak with such plainness, but this knowledge
+should prove sufficient to control the actions of a gentleman."
+
+For a moment the soldier did not answer, his emotions far too strong to
+permit of calm utterance, his lips tightly shut.  He felt utterly
+defeated.  "Your language is sufficiently explicit," he acknowledged,
+at last.  "I ask pardon for my unwarranted intrusion."
+
+At the door he paused and glanced back toward that motionless figure
+yet standing with one hand grasping the back of the chair.
+
+"Before I go, permit me to ask a single question," he said, frankly.
+"I was a friend of old Ben Gillis, and he was a friend to my father
+before me.  Have you any reason to suspect that he was not Naida
+Gillis's father?"
+
+Hampton took one hasty step forward.  "What do you mean?" he exclaimed,
+fiercely, his eyes two coals of fire.
+
+Brant felt that the other's display of irritation gave him an
+unexpected advantage.
+
+"Nothing that need awaken anger, I am sure.  Something caused me to
+harbor the suspicion, and I naturally supposed you would know about it.
+Indeed, I wondered if some such knowledge might not account for your
+very deep interest in keeping her so entirely to yourself."
+
+Hampton's fingers twitched in a nervousness altogether unusual to the
+man, yet when he spoke his voice was like steel.  "Your suspicions are
+highly interesting, and your cowardly insinuations base.  However, if,
+as I suppose, your purpose is to provoke a quarrel, you will find me
+quite ready to accommodate you."
+
+An instant they stood thus, eye to eye.  Suddenly Brant's memory veered
+to the girl whose name would be smirched by any blow struck between
+them, and he forced back the hasty retort burning upon his lips.
+
+"You may be, Mr. Hampton," he said, standing like a statue, his back to
+the door, "but I am not.  As you say, fighting is my trade, yet I have
+never sought a personal quarrel.  Nor is there any cause here, as my
+only purpose in asking the question was to forewarn you, and her
+through you, that such a suggestion had been openly made in my hearing.
+I presume it was a lie, and wished to be able to brand it so."
+
+"By whom?"
+
+"A fellow known as Silent Murphy, a government scout."
+
+"I have heard of him.  Where is he?"
+
+"He claimed to be here waiting orders from Custer.  He had camp up the
+Creek two days ago, but is keeping well out of sight for some reason.
+Telegrams have been received for him at the office but another man has
+called for them."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Red Slavin."
+
+"The cur!" said Hampton.  "I reckon there is a bad half-hour waiting
+for those two fellows.  What was it that Murphy said?"
+
+"That he knew the girl's real name."
+
+"Was that all?"
+
+"Yes; I tried to discover his meaning, but the fellow became suspicious
+and shut up like a clam.  Is there anything in it?"
+
+Hampton ignored the question.  "Lieutenant Brant," he said, "I am glad
+we have had this talk together, and exceedingly sorry that my duty has
+compelled me to say what I have said.  Some time, however, you will
+sincerely thank me for it, and rejoice that you escaped so easily.  I
+knew your father once, and I should like now to part on friendly
+relations with his son."
+
+He held out his hand, and, scarcely knowing why he did so, Brant placed
+his own within its grasp, and as the eyes of the two men met, there was
+a consciousness of sympathy between them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+A SLIGHT INTERRUPTION
+
+The young officer passed slowly down the dark staircase, his mind still
+bewildered by the result of the interview.  His feelings toward Hampton
+had been materially changed.  He found it impossible to nurse a dislike
+which seemingly had no real cause for existence.  He began besides to
+comprehend something of the secret of his influence over Naida; even to
+experience himself the power of that dominating spirit.  Out of
+controversy a feeling of respect had been born.
+
+Yet Brant was far from being satisfied.  Little by little he realized
+that he had gained nothing, learned nothing.  Hampton had not even
+advanced a direct claim; he had dodged the real issue, leaving the
+soldier in the dark regarding his relationship to Naida, and erecting a
+barrier between the other two.  It was a masterpiece of defence,
+puzzling, irritating, seemingly impassable.  From the consideration of
+it all, Brant emerged with but one thought clearly defined--whoever she
+might prove to be, whatever was her present connection with Hampton, he
+loved this dark-eyed, auburn-haired waif.  He knew it now, and never
+again could he doubt it.  The very coming of this man into the field of
+contest, and his calm assumption of proprietorship and authority, had
+combined to awaken the slumbering heart of the young officer.  From
+that instant Naida Gillis became to him the one and only woman in all
+this world.  Ay, and he would fight to win her; never confessing defeat
+until final decision came from her own lips.  He paused, half inclined
+to retrace his steps and have the matter out.  He turned just in time
+to face a dazzling vision of fluffy lace and flossy hair beside him in
+the dimly lighted hall.
+
+"Oh, Lieutenant Brant!" and the vision clung to his arm tenderly.  "It
+is such a relief to find that you are unhurt.  Did--did you kill him?"
+
+Brant stared.  "I--I fear I scarcely comprehend, Miss Spencer.  I have
+certainly taken no one's life.  What can you mean?"
+
+"Oh, I am so glad; and Naida will be, too.  I must go right back and
+tell the poor girl, for she is nearly distracted.  Oh, Lieutenant, is
+n't it the most romantic situation that ever was?  And he is such a
+mysterious character!"
+
+"To whom do you refer?  Really, I am quite in the dark."
+
+"Why, Mr. Hampton, of course.  Oh, I know all about it.  Naida felt so
+badly over your meeting this morning that I just compelled her to
+confide her whole story to me.  And didn't you fight at all?"
+
+"Most assuredly not," and Brant's eyes began to exhibit amusement;
+"indeed, we parted quite friendly."
+
+"I told Naida I thought you would.  People don't take such things so
+seriously nowadays, do they?  But Naida is such a child and so full of
+romantic notions, that she worried terribly about it.  Is n't it
+perfectly delightful what he is going to do for her?"
+
+"I am sure I do not know."
+
+"Why, had n't you heard?  He wants to send her East to a
+boarding-school and give her a fine education.  Do you know,
+Lieutenant, I am simply dying to see him; he is such a perfectly
+splendid Western character."
+
+"It would afford me pleasure to present you," and the soldier's
+downcast face brightened with anticipation.
+
+"Do--do you really think it would be proper?  But they do things so
+differently out here, don't they?  Oh, I wish you would."
+
+Feeling somewhat doubtful as to what might be the result, Brant knocked
+upon the door he had just closed, and, in response to the voice within,
+opened it.  Hampton sat upon the chair by the window, but as his eyes
+caught a glimpse of the returned soldier with a woman standing beside
+him, he instantly rose to his feet.
+
+"Mr. Hampton," said Brant, "I trust I may be pardoned for again
+troubling you, but this is Miss Spencer, a great admirer of Western
+life, who is desirous of making your acquaintance."
+
+Miss Spencer swept gracefully forward, her cheeks flushed, her hand
+extended.  "Oh, Mr. Hampton, I have so wished to meet with you ever
+since I first read your name in Aunt Lydia's letters--Mrs. Herndon is
+my aunt, you know,--and all about that awful time you had with those
+Indians.  You see, I am Naida Gillis's most particular friend, and she
+tells me so much about you.  She is such a dear, sweet girl!  She felt
+so badly this morning over your meeting with Lieutenant Brant, fearing
+you might quarrel!  It was such a relief to find him unhurt, but I felt
+that I must see you also, so as to relieve Naida's mind entirely.  I
+have two special friends, Mr. Moffat and Mr. McNeil,--perhaps you know
+them?--who have told me so much about these things.  But I do think the
+story of your acquaintance with Naida is the most romantic I ever heard
+of,--exactly like a play on the stage, and I could never forgive myself
+if I failed to meet the leading actor.  I do not wonder Naida fairly
+worships you."
+
+"I most certainly appreciate your frankly expressed interest, Miss
+Spencer," he said, standing with her hand still retained in his, "and
+am exceedingly glad there is one residing in this community to whom my
+peculiar merits are apparent.  So many are misjudged in this world,
+that it is quite a relief to realize that even one is appreciative, and
+the blessing becomes doubled when that one chances to be so very
+charming a young woman."
+
+Miss Spencer sparkled instantly, her cheeks rosy.  "Oh, how very
+gracefully you said that!  I do wish you would some time tell me about
+your exploits.  Why, Mr. Hampton, perhaps if you were to call upon me,
+you might see Naida, too.  I wish you knew Mr. Moffat, but as you
+don't, perhaps you might come with Lieutenant Brant."
+
+Hampton bowed.  "I would hardly venture thus to place myself under the
+protection of Lieutenant Brant, although I must confess the former
+attractions of the Herndon home are now greatly increased.  From my
+slight knowledge of Mr. Moffat's capabilities, I fear I should be found
+a rather indifferent entertainer; yet I sincerely hope we shall meet
+again at a time when I can 'a tale unfold.'"
+
+"How nice that will be, and I am so grateful to you for the promise.
+By-the-bye, only this very morning a man stopped me on the street,
+actually mistaking me for Naida."
+
+"What sort of a looking man, Miss Spencer?"
+
+"Large, and heavily set, with a red beard.  He was exceedingly polite
+when informed of his mistake, and said he merely had a message to
+deliver to Miss Gillis.  But he refused to tell it to me."
+
+The glances of the two men met, but Brant was unable to decipher the
+meaning hidden within the gray eyes.  Neither spoke, and Miss Spencer,
+never realizing what her chatter meant, rattled merrily on.
+
+"You see there are so many who speak to me now, because of my public
+position here.  So I thought nothing strange at first, until I
+discovered his mistake, and then it seemed so absurd that I nearly
+laughed outright.  Isn't it odd what such a man could possibly want
+with her?  But really, gentlemen, I must return with my news; Naida
+will be so anxious.  I am so glad to have met you both."
+
+Hampton bowed politely, and Brant conducted her silently down the
+stairway.  "I greatly regret not being able to accompany you home," he
+explained, "but I came down on horseback, and my duty requires that I
+return at once to the camp."
+
+"Oh, indeed! how very unfortunate for me!"  Even as she said so, some
+unexpected vision beyond flushed her cheeks prettily.  "Why, Mr.
+Wynkoop," she exclaimed, "I am so glad you happened along, and going my
+way too, I am sure.  Good morning, Lieutenant; I shall feel perfectly
+safe with Mr. Wynkoop."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE DOOR OPENS, AND CLOSES AGAIN
+
+In one sense Hampton had greatly enjoyed Miss Spencer's call.  Her
+bright, fresh face, her impulsive speech, her unquestioned beauty, had
+had their effect upon him, changing for the time being the gloomy trend
+of his thoughts.  She was like a draught of pure Spring air, and he had
+gratefully breathed it in, and even longed for more.
+
+But gradually the slight smile of amusement faded from his eyes.
+Something, which he had supposed lay securely hidden behind years and
+distance, had all at once come back to haunt him,--the unhappy ghost of
+an expiated crime, to do evil to this girl Naida.  Two men, at least,
+knew sufficient of the past to cause serious trouble.  This effort by
+Slavin to hold personal communication with the girl was evidently made
+for some definite purpose.  Hampton was unable to decide what that
+purpose could be.  He entertained no doubt regarding the enmity of the
+big gambler, or his desire to "get even" for all past injuries; but how
+much did he know?  What special benefit did he hope to gain from
+conferring with Naida Gillis?  Hampton decided to have a face-to-face
+interview with the man himself; he was accustomed to fight his battles
+in the open, and to a finish.  A faint hope, which had been growing
+dimmer and dimmer with every passing year, began to flicker once again
+within his heart.  He desired to see this man Murphy, and to learn
+exactly what he knew.
+
+
+He had planned his work, and was perfectly prepared to meet its
+dangers.  He entered the almost deserted saloon opposite the hotel,
+across the threshold of which he had not stepped for two years, and the
+man behind the bar glanced up apprehensively.
+
+"Red Slavin?" he said.  "Well, now see here, Hampton, we don't want no
+trouble in this shebang."
+
+"I 'm not here seeking a fight, Jim," returned the inquirer, genially.
+"I merely wish to ask 'Red' an unimportant question or two."
+
+"He's there in the back room, I reckon, but he's damn liable to take a
+pot shot at you when you go in."
+
+Hampton's genial smile only broadened, as he carelessly rolled an
+unlighted cigar between his lips.
+
+"It seems to me you are becoming rather nervous for this line of
+business, Jim.  You should take a good walk in the fresh air every
+morning, and let up on the liquor.  I assure you, Mr. Slavin is one of
+my most devoted friends, and is of that tender disposition he would not
+willingly injure a fly."
+
+He walked to the door, flung it swiftly and silently open, and stepping
+within, closed it behind him with his left hand.  In the other
+glittered the steel-blue barrel of a drawn revolver.
+
+"Slavin, sit down!"
+
+The terse, imperative words seemed fairly to cut the air, and the
+red-bearded gambler, who had half risen to his feet, an oath upon his
+lips, sank back into his seat, staring at the apparition confronting
+him as if fascinated.  Hampton jerked a chair up to the opposite side
+of the small table, and planted himself on it, his eyes never once
+deserting the big gambler's face.
+
+"Put your hands on the table, and keep them there!" he said.  "Now, my
+dear friend, I have come here in peace, not war, and take these slight
+precautions merely because I have heard a rumor that you have indulged
+in a threat or two since we last parted, and I know something of your
+impetuous disposition.  No doubt this was exaggerated, but I am a
+careful man, and prefer to have the 'drop,' and so I sincerely hope you
+will pardon my keeping you covered during what is really intended as a
+friendly call.  I regret the necessity, but trust you are resting
+comfortably."
+
+"Oh, go to hell!"
+
+"We will consider that proposition somewhat later."  Hampton laid his
+hat with calm deliberation on the table.  "No doubt, Mr. Slavin,--if
+you move that hand again I 'll fill your system with lead,--you
+experience some very natural curiosity regarding the object of my
+unanticipated, yet I hope no less welcome, visit."
+
+Slavin's only reply was a curse, his bloodshot eyes roaming the room
+furtively.
+
+"I suspected as much," Hampton went on, coolly.  "Indeed, I should have
+felt hurt had you been indifferent upon such an occasion.  It does
+credit to your heart, Slavin.  Come now, keep your eyes on me!  I was
+about to gratify your curiosity, and, in the first place, I came to
+inquire solicitously regarding the state of your health during my
+absence, and incidentally to ask why you are exhibiting so great an
+interest in Miss Naida Gillis."
+
+Slavin straightened up, his great hands clinching nervously, drops of
+perspiration appearing on his red forehead.  "I don't understand your
+damned fun."
+
+Hampton's lips smiled unpleasantly.  "Slavin, you greatly discourage
+me.  The last time I was here you exhibited so fine a sense of humor
+that I was really quite proud of you.  Yet, truly, I think you do
+understand this joke.  Your memory can scarcely be failing at your
+age.--Make another motion like that and you die right there!  You know
+me.--However, as you seem to shy over my first question, I 'll honor
+you with a second,--Where's Silent Murphy?"
+
+Slavin's great square jaws set, a froth oozing from between his thick
+lips, and for an instant the other man believed that in his paroxysm of
+rage he would hurl himself across the table.  Then suddenly the
+ungainly brute went limp, his face grown haggard.
+
+"You devil!" he roared, "what do you mean?"
+
+Surprised as Hampton was by this complete breaking down, he knew his
+man far too well to yield him the slightest opportunity for treachery.
+With revolver hand resting on the table, the muzzle pointing at the
+giant's heart, he leaned forward, utterly remorseless now, and keen as
+an Indian on the trail.
+
+"Do you know who I am?"
+
+The horror in Slavin's eyes had changed to sullenness, but he nodded
+silently.
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+There was no reply, although the thick lips appeared to move.
+
+"Answer me, you red sneak!  Do you think I am here to be played with?
+Answer!"
+
+Slavin gulped down something which seemed threatening to choke him, but
+he durst not lift a hand to wipe the sweat from his face.  "If--if I
+didn't have this beard on you might guess.  I thought you knew me all
+the time."
+
+Hampton stared at him, still puzzled.  "I have certainly seen you
+somewhere.  I thought that from the first.  Where was it?"
+
+"I was in D Troop, Seventh Cavalry."
+
+"D Troop?  Brant's troop?"
+
+The big gambler nodded.  "That's how I knew you, Captain," he said,
+speaking with greater ease, "but I never had no reason to say anything
+about it round here.  You was allers decent 'nough ter me."
+
+"Possibly,"--and it was plainly evident from his quiet tone Hampton had
+steadied from his first surprise,--"the boot was on the other leg, and
+you had some good reason not to say anything."
+
+Slavin did not answer, but he wet his lips with his tongue, his eyes on
+the window.
+
+"Who is this fellow Murphy?"
+
+"He was corporal in that same troop, sir."  The ex-cavalryman dropped
+insensibly into his old form of speech.  "He knew you too, and we
+talked it over, and decided to keep still, because it was none of our
+affair anyhow."
+
+"Where is he now?"
+
+"He left last night with army despatches for Cheyenne."
+
+Hampton's eyes hardened perceptibly, and his fingers closed more
+tightly about the butt of his revolver.  "You lie, Slavin!  The last
+message did not reach here until this morning.  That fellow is hiding
+somewhere in this camp, and the two of you have been trying to get at
+the girl.  Now, damn you, what is your little game?"
+
+The big gambler was thinking harder then, perhaps, than he had ever
+thought in his life before.  He was no coward, although there was a
+yellow, wolfish streak of treachery in him, and he read clearly enough
+in the watchful eyes glowing behind that blue steel barrel a merciless
+determination which left him nerveless.  He knew Hampton would kill him
+if he needed to do so, but he likewise realized that he was not likely
+to fire until he had gained the information he was seeking.  Cunning
+pointed the only safe way out from this difficulty.  Lies had served
+his turn well before, and he hoped much from them now.  If he only knew
+how much information the other possessed, it would be easy enough.  As
+he did not, he must wield his weapon blindly.
+
+"You 're makin' a devil of a fuss over little or nuthin'," he growled,
+simulating a tone of disgust.  "I never ain't hed no quarrel with ye,
+exceptin' fer the way ye managed ter skin me at the table bout two
+years ago.  I don't give two screeches in hell for who you are; an'
+besides, I reckon you ain't the only ex-convict a-ranging Dakota either
+fer the matter o' that.  No more does Murphy.  We ain't no bloomin'
+detectives, an' we ain't buckin' in on no business o' yourn; ye kin
+just bet your sweet life on thet."
+
+"Where is Murphy, then?  I wish to see the fellow."
+
+"I told you he'd gone.  Maybe he didn't git away till this mornin', but
+he's gone now all right.  What in thunder do ye want o' him?  I reckon
+I kin tell ye all thet Murphy knows."
+
+For a breathless moment neither spoke, Hampton fingering his gun
+nervously, his eyes lingering on that brutal face.
+
+"Slavin," he said at last, his voice hard, metallic, "I 've figured it
+out, and I do know you now, you lying brute.  You are the fellow who
+swore you saw me throw away the gun that did the shooting, and that
+afterwards you picked it up."
+
+There was the spirit of murder in his eyes, and the gambler cowered
+back before them, trembling like a child.
+
+"I--I only swore to the last part, Captain," he muttered, his voice
+scarcely audible.  "I--I never said I saw you throw---"
+
+"And I swore," went on Hampton, "that I would kill you on sight.  You
+lying whelp, are you ready to die?"
+
+Slavin's face was drawn and gray, the perspiration standing in beads
+upon his forehead, but he could neither speak nor think, fascinated by
+those remorseless eyes, which seemed to burn their way down into his
+very soul.
+
+"No?  Well, then, I will give you, to-day, just one chance to
+live--one, you dog--one.  Don't move an eyelash!  Tell me honestly why
+you have been trying to get word with the girl, and you shall go out
+from here living.  Lie to me about it, and I am going to kill you where
+you sit, as I would a mad dog.  You know me, Slavin--now speak!"
+
+So intensely still was it, Hampton could distinguish the faint ticking
+of the watch in his pocket, the hiss of the breath between the giant's
+clinched teeth.  Twice the fellow tried to utter something, his lips
+shaking as with the palsy, his ashen face the picture of terror.  No
+wretch dragged shrieking to the scaffold could have formed a more
+pitiful sight, but there was no mercy in the eyes of the man watching
+him.
+
+"Speak, you cringing hound!"
+
+Slavin gripped his great hands together convulsively, his throat
+swelling beneath its red beard.  He knew there was no way of escape.
+"I--I had to do it!  My God, Captain, I had to do it!"
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I had to, I tell you.  Oh, you devil, you fiend!  I 'm not the one you
+'re after--it's Murphy!"
+
+For a single moment Hampton stared at the cringing figure.  Then
+suddenly he rose to his feet in decision.  "Stand up!  Lift your hands
+first, you fool.  Now unbuckle your gun-belt with your left hand--your
+left, I said!  Drop it on the floor."
+
+There was an unusual sound behind, such as a rat might have made, and
+Hampton glanced aside apprehensively.  In that single second Slavin was
+upon him, grasping his pistol-arm at the wrist, and striving with hairy
+hand to get a death-grip about his throat.  Twice Hampton's left drove
+straight out into that red, gloating face, and then the giant's
+crushing weight bore him backward.  He fought savagely, silently, his
+slender figure like steel, but Slavin got his grip at last, and with
+giant strength began to crunch his victim within his vise-like arms.
+There was a moment of superhuman strain, their breathing mere sobs of
+exhaustion.  Then Slavin slipped, and Hampton succeeded in wriggling
+partially free from his death-grip.  It was for scarcely an instant,
+yet it served; for as he bent aside, swinging his burly opponent with
+him, some one struck a vicious blow at his back; but the descending
+knife, missing its mark, sunk instead deep into Slavin's breast.
+
+Hampton saw the flash of a blade, a hand, a portion of an arm, and then
+the clutching fingers of Slavin swept him down.  He reached out blindly
+as he fell, his hand closing about the deserted knife-hilt.  The two
+crashed down together upon the floor, the force of the fall driving the
+blade home to the gambler's heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE COHORTS OF JUDGE LYNCH
+
+Hampton staggered blindly to his feet, looking down on the motionless
+body.  He was yet dazed from the sudden cessation of struggle, dazed
+still more by something he had seen in the instant that deadly knife
+flashed past him.  For a moment the room appeared to swim before his
+eyes, and he clutched at the overturned table for support, Then, as his
+senses returned, he perceived the figures of a number of men jamming
+the narrow doorway, and became aware of their loud, excited voices.
+Back to his benumbed brain there came with a rush the whole scene, the
+desperation of his present situation.  He had been found alone with the
+dead man.  Those men, when they came surging in attracted by the noise
+of strife, had found him lying on Slavin, his hand clutching the
+knife-hilt.  He ran his eyes over their horrified faces, and knew
+instantly they held him the murderer.
+
+The shock of this discovery steadied him.  He realized the meaning, the
+dread, terrible meaning, for he knew the West, its fierce, implacable
+spirit of vengeance, its merciless code of lynch-law.  The vigilantes
+of the mining camps were to him an old story; more than once he had
+witnessed their work, been cognizant of their power.  This was no time
+to parley or to hesitate.  He had seen and heard in that room that
+which left him eager to live, to be free, to open a long-closed door
+hiding the mystery of years.  The key, at last, had fallen almost
+within reach of his fingers, and he would never consent to be robbed of
+it by the wild rage of a mob.  He grabbed the loaded revolver lying
+upon the floor, and swung Slavin's discarded belt across his shoulder.
+If it was to be a fight, he would be found there to the death, and God
+have mercy on the man who stopped him!
+
+"Stand aside, gentlemen," he commanded.  "Step back, and let me pass!"
+
+They obeyed.  He swept them with watchful eyes, stepped past, and
+slammed the door behind him.  In his heart he held them as curs, but
+curs could snap, and enough of them might dare to pull him down.  Men
+were already beginning to pour into the saloon, uncertain yet of the
+facts, and shouting questions to each other.  Totally ignoring these,
+Hampton thrust himself recklessly through the crowd.  Half-way down the
+broad steps Buck Mason faced him, in shirt sleeves, his head uncovered,
+an ugly "45" in his up-lifted hand.  Just an instant the eyes of the
+two men met, and neither doubted the grim purpose of the other.
+
+"You've got ter do it, Bob," announced the marshal, shortly, "dead er
+alive."
+
+Hampton never hesitated.  "I 'm sorry I met you.  I don't want to get
+anybody else mixed up in this fuss.  If you'll promise me a chance for
+my life, Buck, I 'll throw up my hands.  But I prefer a bullet to a
+mob."
+
+The little marshal was sandy-haired, freckle-faced, and all nerve.  He
+cast one quick glance to left and right.  The crowd jammed within the
+Occidental had already turned and were surging toward the door; the
+hotel opposite was beginning to swarm; down the street a throng of men
+was pouring forth from the Miners' Retreat, yelling fiercely, while
+hurrying figures could be distinguished here and there among the
+scattered buildings, all headed in their direction.  Hampton knew from
+long experience what this meant; these were the quickly inflamed
+cohorts of Judge Lynch--they would act first, and reflect later.  His
+square jaws set like a trap.
+
+"All right, Bob," said the marshal.  "You're my prisoner, and there 'll
+be one hell of a fight afore them lads git ye.  There's a chance
+left--leg it after me."
+
+Just as the mob surged out of the Occidental, cursing and struggling,
+the two sprang forward and dashed into the narrow space between the
+livery-stable and the hotel.  Moffat chanced to be in the passage-way,
+and pausing to ask no questions, Mason promptly landed that gentleman
+on the back of his head in a pile of discarded tin cans, and kicked
+viciously at a yellow dog which ventured to snap at them as they swept
+past.  Behind arose a volley of curses, the thud of feet, an occasional
+voice roaring out orders, and a sharp spat of revolver shots.  One ball
+plugged into the siding of the hotel, and a second threw a spit of sand
+into their lowered faces, but neither man glanced back.  They were
+running for their lives now, racing for a fair chance to turn at bay
+and fight, their sole hope the steep, rugged hill in their front.
+Hampton began to understand the purpose of his companion, the quick,
+unerring instinct which had led him to select the one suitable spot
+where the successful waging of battle against such odds was
+possible--the deserted dump of the old Shasta mine.
+
+With every nerve strained to the uttermost, the two men raced side by
+side down the steep slope, ploughed through the tangled underbrush, and
+toiled up the sharp ascent beyond.  Already their pursuers were
+crowding the more open spaces below, incited by that fierce craze for
+swift vengeance which at times sweeps even the law-abiding off their
+feet.  Little better than brutes they came howling on, caring only in
+this moment to strike and slay.  The whole affair had been like a flash
+of fire, neither pursuers nor pursued realizing the half of the story
+in those first rapid seconds of breathless action.  But back yonder lay
+a dead man, and every instinct of the border demanded a victim in
+return.
+
+At the summit of the ore dump the two men flung themselves panting
+down, for the first time able now to realize what it all meant.  They
+could perceive the figures of their pursuers among the shadows of the
+bushes below, but these were not venturing out into the open--the first
+mad, heedless rush had evidently ended.  There were some cool heads
+among the mob leaders, and it was highly probable that negotiations
+would be tried before that crowd hurled itself against two desperate
+men, armed and entrenched.  Both fugitives realized this, and lay there
+coolly watchful, their breath growing more regular, their eyes
+softening.
+
+"Whut is all this fuss about, anyhow?" questioned the marshal,
+evidently somewhat aggrieved.  "I wus just eatin' dinner when a feller
+stuck his head in an' yelled ye'd killed somebody over at the
+Occidental."
+
+Hampton turned his face gravely toward him.  "Buck, I don't know
+whether you'll believe me or not, but I guess you never heard me tell a
+lie, or knew of my trying to dodge out of a bad scrape.  Besides, I
+have n't anything to gain now, for I reckon you 're planning to stay
+with me, guilty or not guilty, but I did not kill that fellow.  I don't
+exactly see how I can prove it, the way it all happened, but I give you
+my word as a man, I did not kill him."
+
+Mason looked him squarely in the eyes, his teeth showing behind his
+stiff, closely clipped mustache.  Then he deliberately extended his
+hand, and gripped Hampton's.  "Of course I believe ye.  Not that you
+'re any too blame good, Bob, but you ain't the kind what pleads the
+baby act.  Who was the feller?"
+
+"Red Slavin."
+
+"No!" and the hand grip perceptibly tightened.  "Holy Moses, what
+ingratitude!  Why, the camp ought to get together and give ye a vote of
+thanks, and instead, here they are trying their level best to hang you.
+Cussedest sorter thing a mob is, anyhow; goes like a flock o' sheep
+after a leader, an' I bet I could name the fellers who are a-runnin'
+that crowd.  How did the thing happen?"
+
+Both men were intently observing the ingathering of their scattered
+pursuers, but Hampton answered gravely, telling his brief story with
+careful detail, appreciating the importance of reposing full confidence
+in this quiet, resourceful companion.  The little marshal was all grit,
+nerve, faithfulness to duty, from his head to his heels.
+
+"All I really saw of the fellow," he concluded, "was a hand and arm as
+they drove in the knife.  You can see there where it ripped me, and the
+unexpected blow of the man's body knocked me forward, and of course I
+fell on Slavin.  It may be I drove the point farther in when I came
+down, but that was an accident.  The fact is, Buck, I had every reason
+to wish Slavin to live.  I was just getting out of him some information
+I needed."
+
+Mason nodded, his eyes wandering from Hampton's expressive face to the
+crowd beginning to collect beneath the shade of a huge oak a hundred
+yards below.
+
+"Never carry a knife, do ye?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Thought not; always heard you fought with a gun.  Caught no sight of
+the feller after ye got up?"
+
+"All I saw then was the crowd blocking the door-way.  I knew they had
+caught me lying on Slavin, with my hand grasping the knife-hilt, and,
+someway, I couldn't think of anything just then but how to get out of
+there into the open.  I 've seen vigilantes turn loose before, and knew
+what was likely to happen!"
+
+"Sure.  Recognize anybody in that first bunch?"
+
+"Big Jim, the bartender, was the only one I knew; he had a bung-starter
+in his hand."
+
+Mason nodded thoughtfully, his mouth puckered.  "It's him, and half a
+dozen other fellers of the same stripe, who are kickin' up all this
+fracas.  The most of 'em are yonder now, an' if it wus n't fer leavin'
+a prisoner unprotected, darn me if I wud n't like to mosey right down
+thar an' pound a little hoss sense into thet bunch o' cattle.  Thet's
+'bout the only thing ye kin do fer a plum fool, so long as the law
+won't let ye kill him."
+
+They lapsed into contemplative silence, each man busied with his own
+thought, and neither perceiving clearly any probable way out of the
+difficulty.  Hampton spoke first.
+
+"I 'm really sorry that you got mixed up in this, Buck, for it looks to
+me about nine chances out of ten against either of us getting away from
+here unhurt."
+
+"Oh, I don't know.  It's bin my experience thet there's allers chances
+if you only keep yer eyes skinned.  Of course them fellers has got the
+bulge; they kin starve us out, maybe they kin smoke us out, and they
+kin sure make things onpleasant whenever they git their long-range guns
+to throwin' lead permiscous.  Thet's their side of the fun.  Then, on
+the other hand, if we kin only manage to hold 'em back till after dark
+we maybe might creep away through the bush to take a hand in this
+little game.  Anyhow, it 's up to us to play it out to the limit.
+Bless my eyes, if those lads ain't a-comin' up right now!"
+
+A half-dozen men were starting to climb the hillside, following a dim
+trail through the tangled underbrush.  Looking down upon them, it was
+impossible to distinguish their faces, but two among them, at least,
+carried firearms.  Mason stepped up on to the ore-dump where he could
+see better, and watched their movements closely.
+
+"Hi, there!" he called, his voice harsh and strident.  "You fellers are
+not invited to this picnic, an' there'll be somethin' doin' if you push
+along any higher."
+
+The little bunch halted instantly just without the edge of the heavy
+timber, turning their faces up toward the speaker.  Evidently they
+expected to be hailed, but not quite so soon.
+
+"Now, see here, Buck," answered one, taking a single step ahead of the
+others, and hollowing his hand as a trumpet to speak through, "it don't
+look to us fellers as if this affair was any of your funeral, nohow,
+and we 've come 'long ahead of the others just on purpose to give you a
+fair show to pull out of it afore the real trouble begins.  _Sabe_?"
+
+"Is thet so?"
+
+The little marshal was too far away for them to perceive how his teeth
+set beneath the bristly mustache.
+
+"You bet!  The boys don't consider thet it's hardly the square deal
+your takin' up agin 'em in this way.  They 'lected you marshal of this
+yere camp, but it war n't expected you'd ever take no sides 'long with
+murderers.  Thet's too stiff fer us to abide by.  So come on down,
+Buck, an' leave us to attend to the cuss."
+
+"If you mean Hampton, he's my prisoner.  Will you promise to let me
+take him down to Cheyenne fer trial?"
+
+"Wal, I reckon not, old man.  We kin give him a trial well 'nough right
+here in Glencaid," roared another voice from out the group, which was
+apparently growing restless over the delay.  "But we ain't inclined to
+do you no harm onless ye ram in too far.  So come on down, Buck, throw
+up yer cards; we've got all the aces, an' ye can't bluff this whole
+darn camp."
+
+Mason spat into the dump contemptuously, his hands thrust into his
+pockets.  "You 're a fine-lookin' lot o' law-abidin' citizens, you are!
+Blamed if you ain't.  Why, I wouldn't give a snap of my fingers fer the
+whole kit and caboodle of ye, you low-down, sneakin' parcel o' thieves.
+Ye say it wus yer votes whut made me marshal o' this camp.  Well, I
+reckon they did, an' I reckon likewise I know 'bout whut my duty under
+the law is, an' I'm a-goin' to do it.  If you fellers thought ye
+'lected a chump, this is the time you git left.  This yere man, Bob
+Hampton, is my prisoner, an' I'll take him to Cheyenne, if I have ter
+brain every tough in Glencaid to do it.  Thet's me, gents."
+
+"Oh, come off; you can't run your notions agin the whole blame moral
+sentiment of this camp."
+
+"Moral sentiment!  I 'm backin' up the law, not moral sentiment, ye
+cross-eyed beer-slinger, an' if ye try edgin' up ther another step I
+'ll plug you with this '45.'"
+
+There was a minute of hesitancy while the men below conferred, the
+marshal looking contemptuously down upon them, his revolver gleaming
+ominously in the light.  Evidently the group hated to go back without
+the prisoner.
+
+"Oh, come on, Buck, show a little hoss sense," the leader sang out.
+"We 've got every feller in camp along with us, an' there ain't no show
+fer the two o' ye to hold out against that sort of an outfit."
+
+Mason smiled and patted the barrel of his Colt.
+
+"Oh, go to blazes!  When I want any advice, Jimmie, I'll send fer ye."
+
+Some one fired, the ball digging up the soft earth at the marshal's
+feet, and flinging it in a blinding cloud into Hampton's eyes.  Mason's
+answer was a sudden fusilade, which sent the crowd flying
+helter-skelter into the underbrush.  One among them staggered and half
+fell, yet succeeded in dragging himself out of sight.
+
+"Great Scott, if I don't believe I winged James!" the shooter remarked
+cheerfully, reaching back into his pocket for more cartridges.  "Maybe
+them boys will be a bit more keerful if they once onderstand they 're
+up agin the real thing.  Well, perhaps I better skin down, fer I reckon
+it's liable ter be rifles next."
+
+It was rifles next, and the "winging" of Big Jim, however it may have
+inspired caution, also developed fresh animosity in the hearts of his
+followers, and brought forth evidences of discipline in their approach.
+Peering across the sheltering dump pile, the besieged were able to
+perceive the dark figures cautiously advancing through the protecting
+brush; they spread out widely until their two flanks were close in
+against the wall of rock, and then the deadly rifles began to spit
+spitefully, the balls casting up the soft dirt in clouds or flattening
+against the stones.  The two men crouched lower, hugging their pile of
+slag, unable to perceive even a stray assailant within range of their
+ready revolvers.  Hampton remained cool, alert, and motionless,
+striving in vain to discover some means of escape, but the little
+marshal kept grimly cheerful, creeping constantly from point to point
+in the endeavor to get a return shot at his tormentors.
+
+"This whole blame country is full of discharged sojers," he growled,
+"an' they know their biz all right.  I reckon them fellers is pretty
+sure to git one of us yit; anyhow, they 've got us cooped.  Say, Bob,
+thet lad crawling yonder ought to be in reach, an' it's our bounden
+duty not to let the boys git too gay."
+
+Hampton tried the shot suggested, elevating considerable to overcome
+distance.  There was a yell, and a swift skurrying backward which
+caused Mason to laugh, although neither knew whether this result arose
+from fright or wound.
+
+"'Bliged ter teach 'em manners onct in a while, or they 'll imbibe a
+fool notion they kin come right 'long up yere without no invite.  'T
+ain't fer long, no how, 'less all them guys are ijuts."
+
+Hampton turned his head and looked soberly into the freckled face,
+impressed by the speaker's grave tone.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Fire, my boy, fire.  The wind's dead right fer it; thet brush will
+burn like so much tinder, an' with this big wall o' rock back of us, it
+will be hell here, all right.  Some of 'em are bound to think of it
+pretty blame soon, an' then, Bob, I reckon you an' I will hev' to take
+to the open on the jump."
+
+Hampton's eyes hardened.  God, how he desired to live just then, to
+uncover that fleeing Murphy and wring from him the whole truth which
+had been eluding him all these years!  Surely it was not justice that
+all should be lost now.  The smoke puffs rose from the encircling
+rifles, and the hunted men cowered still lower, the whistling of the
+bullets in their ears.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+"SHE LOVES ME; SHE LOVES ME NOT"
+
+Unkind as the Fates had proved to Brant earlier in the day, they
+relented somewhat as the sun rose higher, and consented to lead him to
+far happier scenes.  There is a rare fortune which seems to pilot
+lovers aright, even when they are most blind to the road, and the young
+soldier was now most truly a lover groping through the mists of doubt
+and despair.
+
+It was no claim of military duty which compelled him to relinquish Miss
+Spencer so promptly at the hotel door, but rather a desire to escape
+her ceaseless chatter and gain retirement where he could reflect in
+quiet over the revelations of Hampton.  In this quest he rode slowly up
+the valley of the Bear Water, through the bright sunshine, the rare
+beauty of the scene scarcely leaving the slightest impress on his mind,
+so busy was it, and so preoccupied.  He no longer had any doubt that
+Hampton had utilized his advantageous position, as well as his
+remarkable powers of pleasing, to ensnare the susceptible heart of this
+young, confiding girl.  While the man had advanced no direct claim, he
+had said enough to make perfectly clear the close intimacy of their
+relation and the existence of a definite understanding between them.
+With this recognized as a fact, was he justified in endeavoring to win
+Naida Gillis for himself?  That the girl would find continued happiness
+with such a man as Hampton he did not for a moment believe possible;
+that she had been deliberately deceived regarding his true character he
+felt no doubt.  The fellow had impressed her by means of his
+picturesque personality, his cool, dominating manner, his veneer of
+refinement; he had presumed on her natural gratitude, her girlish
+susceptibility, her slight knowledge of the world, to worm his way into
+her confidence, perhaps even to inspire love.  These probabilities, as
+Brant understood them, only served to render him more ardent in his
+quest, more eager to test his strength in the contest for a prize so
+well worth the winning.  He acknowledged no right that such a man as
+Hampton could justly hold over so innocent and trustful a heart.  The
+girl was morally so far above him as to make his very touch a
+profanation, and at the unbidden thought of it, the soldier vowed to
+oppose such an unholy consummation.  Nor did he, even then, utterly
+despair of winning, for he recalled afresh the intimacy of their few
+past meetings, his face brightening in memory of this and that brief
+word or shy glance.  There is a voiceless language of love which a
+lover alone can interpret, and Brant rode on slowly, deciphering its
+messages, and attaining new courage with every step of his horse.
+
+All the world loves a lover, and all the fairies guide him.  As the
+officer's eyes, already smiling in anticipated victory, glanced up from
+the dusty road, he perceived just ahead the same steep bank down which
+he had plunged in his effort at capturing his fleeing tormentor.  With
+the sight there came upon him a desire to loiter again in the little
+glen where they had first met, and dream once more of her who had given
+to the shaded nook both life and beauty.  Amid the sunshine and the
+shadow he could picture afresh that happy, piquant face, the dark coils
+of hair, those tantalizing eyes.  He swung himself from the saddle,
+tied a loose rein to a scrub oak, and clambered up the bank.
+
+With the noiseless step of a plainsman he pushed in through the
+labyrinths of bush, only to halt petrified upon the very edge of that
+inner barrier.  No figment of imagination, but the glowing reality of
+flesh and blood, awaited him.  She had neither seen nor heard his
+approach, and he stopped in perplexity.  He had framed a dozen speeches
+for her ears, yet now he could do no more than stand and gaze, his
+heart in his eyes.  And it was a vision to enchain, to hold lips
+speechless.  She was seated with unstudied grace on the edge of the
+bank, her hands clasped about one knee, her sweet face sobered by
+thought, her eyes downcast, the long lashes plainly outlined against
+the clear cheeks.  He marked the graceful sweep of her dark,
+close-fitting dress, the white fringe of dainty underskirt, the small
+foot, neatly booted, peeping from beneath, and the glimpse of round,
+white throat, rendered even fairer by the creamy lace encircling it.
+Against the darker background of green shrubs she resembled a picture
+entitled "Dreaming," which he dimly recalled lingering before in some
+famous Eastern gallery, and his heart beat faster in wonderment at what
+the mystic dream might be.  To draw back unobserved was impossible,
+even had he possessed strength of will sufficient to make the attempt,
+nor would words of easy greeting come to his relief.  He could merely
+worship silently as before a sacred shrine.  It was thus she glanced up
+and saw him with startled eyes, her hands unclasping, her cheeks
+rose-colored.
+
+"Lieutenant Brant, you here?" she exclaimed, speaking as if his
+presence seemed unreal.  "What strange miracles an idle thought can
+work!"
+
+"Thoughts, I have heard," he replied, coming toward her with head
+uncovered, "will sometimes awaken answers through vast distances of
+time and space.  As my thought was with you I may be altogether to
+blame for thus arousing your own.  From the expression of your face I
+supposed you dreaming."
+
+She smiled, her eyes uplifted for a single instant to his own.  "It was
+rather thought just merging into dream, and there are few things in
+life more sweet.  I know not whether it is the common gift of all
+minds, but my day-dreams are almost more to me than my realities."
+
+"First it was moods, and now dreams."  He seated himself comfortably at
+her feet.  "You would cause me to believe you a most impractical
+person, Miss Naida."
+
+She laughed frankly, that rippling peal of unaffected merriment which
+sounded so like music to his ears.  "If that were only true, I am sure
+I should be most happy, for it has been my fortune so far to conjure up
+only pleasure through day-dreaming--the things I like and long for
+become my very own then.  But if you mean, as I suspect, that I do not
+enjoy the dirt and drudgery of life, then my plea will have to be
+guilty.  I, of course, grant their necessity, yet apparently there are
+plenty who find them well worth while, and there should be other work
+for those who aspire.  Back of what you term practical some one has
+said there is always a dream, a first conception.  In that sense I
+choose to be a dreamer."
+
+"And not so unwise a choice, if your dreams only tend toward results."
+He sat looking into her animated face, deeply puzzled by both words and
+actions.  "I cannot help noticing that you avoid all reference to my
+meeting with Mr. Hampton.  Is this another sign of your impractical
+mind?"
+
+"I should say rather the opposite, for I had not even supposed it
+concerned me."
+
+"Indeed!  That presents a vastly different view from the one given us
+an hour since.  The distinct impression was then conveyed to both our
+minds that you were greatly distressed regarding the matter.  Is it
+possible you can have been acting again?"
+
+"I?  Certainly not!" and she made no attempt to hide her indignation.
+"What can you mean?"
+
+He hesitated an instant in his reply, feeling that possibly he was
+treading upon thin ice.  But her eyes commanded a direct answer, and he
+yielded to them.
+
+"We were informed that you experienced great anxiety for fear we might
+quarrel,--so great, indeed, that you had confided your troubles to
+another."
+
+"To whom?"
+
+"Miss Spencer.  She came to us ostensibly in your name, and as a
+peacemaker."
+
+A moment she sat gazing directly at him, then she laughed softly.
+
+"Why, how supremely ridiculous; I can hardly believe it true, only your
+face tells me you certainly are not in play.  Lieutenant Brant, I have
+never even dreamed of such a thing.  You had informed me that your
+mission was one of peace, and he pledged me his word not to permit any
+quarrel.  I had the utmost confidence in you both."
+
+"How, then, did she even know of our meeting?"
+
+"I am entirely in the dark, as mystified as you," she acknowledged,
+frankly, "for it has certainly never been a habit with me to betray the
+confidence of my friends, and I learned long since not to confide
+secrets to Miss Spencer."
+
+Apparently neither cared to discuss the problem longer, yet he remained
+silent considering whether to venture the asking of those questions
+which might decide his fate.  He was uncertain of the ground he
+occupied, while Miss Naida, with all her frankness, was not one to
+approach thoughtlessly, nor was the sword of her tongue without sharp
+point.
+
+"You speak of your confidence in us both," he said, slowly.  "To me the
+complete trust you repose in Mr. Hampton is scarcely comprehensible.
+Do you truly believe in his reform?"
+
+"Certainly.  Don't you?"
+
+The direct return question served to nettle and confuse him.  "It is,
+perhaps, not my place to say, as my future happiness does not directly
+depend on the permanence of his reformation.  But if his word can be
+depended upon, your happiness to a very large extent does."
+
+She bowed.  "I have no doubt you can safely repose confidence in
+whatever he may have told you regarding me."
+
+"You indorse, then, the claims he advances?"
+
+"You are very insistent; yet I know of no good reason why I should not
+answer.  Without at all knowing the nature of those claims to which you
+refer, I have no hesitancy in saying that I possess such complete
+confidence in Bob Hampton as to reply unreservedly yes.  But really,
+Lieutenant Brant, I should prefer talking upon some other topic.  It is
+evident that you two gentlemen are not friendly, yet there is no reason
+why any misunderstanding between you should interfere with our
+friendship, is there?"
+
+She asked this question with such perfect innocence that Brant believed
+she failed to comprehend Hampton's claims.
+
+"I have been informed that it must," he explained.  "I have been told
+that I was no longer to force my attentions upon Miss Gillis."
+
+"By Bob Hampton?"
+
+"Yes.  Those were, I believe, his exact words.  Can you wonder that I
+hardly know how I stand in your sight?"
+
+"I do not at all understand," she faltered.  "Truly, Lieutenant Brant,
+I do not.  I feel that Mr. Hampton would not say that without a good
+and sufficient reason.  He is not a man to be swayed by prejudice; yet,
+whatever the reason may be, I know nothing about it."
+
+"But you do not answer my last query."
+
+"Perhaps I did not hear it."
+
+"It was, How do I stand in your sight?  That is of far more importance
+to me now than any unauthorized command from Mr. Hampton."
+
+She glanced up into his serious face shyly, with a little dimple of
+returning laughter.  "Indeed; but perhaps he might not care to have me
+say.  However, as I once informed you that you were very far from being
+my ideal, possibly it may now be my duty to qualify that harsh
+statement somewhat."
+
+"By confessing that I am your ideal?"
+
+"Oh, indeed, no!  We never realize our ideals, you know, or else they
+would entirely cease to be ideals.  My confession is limited to a mere
+admission that I now consider you a very pleasant young man."
+
+"You offer me a stone when I cry unto you for bread," he exclaimed.
+"The world is filled with pleasant young men.  They are a drug on the
+market.  I beg some special distinction, some different classification
+in your eyes."
+
+"You are becoming quite hard to please," her face turned partially
+away, her look meditative, "and--and dictatorial; but I will try.  You
+are intelligent, a splendid dancer, fairly good-looking, rather bright
+at times, and, no doubt, would prove venturesome if not held strictly
+to your proper place.  Take it all in all, you are even interesting,
+and--I admit--I am inclined to like you."
+
+The tantalizing tone and manner nerved him; he grasped the white hand
+resting invitingly on the grass, and held it firmly within his own.
+"You only make sport as you did once before.  I must have the whole
+truth."
+
+"Oh, no; to make sport at such a time would be sheerest mockery, and I
+would never dare to be so free.  Why, remember we are scarcely more
+than strangers.  How rude you are! only our third time of meeting, and
+you will not release my hand."
+
+"Not unless I must, Naida," and the deep ringing soberness of his voice
+startled the girl into suddenly uplifting her eyes to his face.  What
+she read there instantly changed her mood from playfulness to earnest
+gravity.
+
+"Oh, please do not--do not say what you are tempted to," her voice
+almost pleading.  "I cannot listen; truly I cannot; I must not.  It
+would make us both very unhappy, and you would be sure to regret such
+hasty words."
+
+"Regret!" and he yet clung to the hand which she scarcely endeavored to
+release, bending forward, hoping to read in her hidden eyes the secret
+her lips guarded.  "Am I, then, not old enough to know my own mind?"
+
+"Yes--yes; I hope so, yes; but it is not for me; it can never be for
+me--I am no more than a child, a homeless waif, a nobody.  You forget
+that I do not even know who I am, or the name I ought rightfully to
+bear.  I will not have it so."
+
+"Naida, sweetheart!" and he burst impetuously through all bonds of
+restraint, her flushed cheeks the inspiration to his daring.  "I will
+speak, for I care nothing for all this.  It is you I love--love
+forever.  Do you understand me, darling?  I love you!  I love you!"
+
+For an instant,--one glad, weak, helpless, forgetful instant,--she did
+not see him, did not even know herself; the very world was lost.  Then
+she awoke as if from a dream, his strong arms clasped about her, his
+lips upon hers.
+
+"You must not," she sobbed.  "I tell you no!  I will not consent; I
+will not be false to myself.  You have no right; I gave you no right."
+
+He permitted her to draw away, and they stood facing each other, he
+eager, mystified, thrilling with passion almost beyond mastery, she
+trembling and unstrung, her cheeks crimson, her eyes filled with mute
+appeal.
+
+"I read it in your face," he insisted.  "It told of love."
+
+"Then my face must have lied," she answered, her soft voice tremulous,
+"or else you read the message wrongly.  It is from my lips you must
+take the answer."
+
+"And they kissed me."
+
+"If so, I knew it not.  It was by no volition of mine.  Lieutenant
+Brant, I have trusted you so completely; that was not right."
+
+"My heart exonerates me."
+
+"I cannot accept that guidance."
+
+"Then you do not love me."
+
+She paused, afraid of the impulse that swept her on.  "Perhaps," the
+low voice scarcely audible, "I may love you too well."
+
+"You mean there is something--some person, perhaps--standing between?"
+
+She looked frankly at him.  "I do mean just that.  I am not heartless,
+and I sincerely wish we had never met; but this must be the end."
+
+"The end?  And with no explanation?"
+
+"There is no other way."  He could perceive tears in her eyes, although
+she spoke bravely.  "Nor can I explain, for all is not clear even to
+me.  But this I know, there is a barrier between us insurmountable; not
+even the power of love can overcome it; and I appeal to you to ask me
+no more."
+
+It was impossible for him to doubt her sober earnestness, or the depth
+of her feelings; the full truth in her words was pictured upon her
+face, and in the pathetic appeal of her eyes.  She extended both hands.
+
+"You will forgive me?  Truly, this barrier has not been raised by me."
+
+He bowed low, until his lips pressed the white fingers, but before he
+could master himself to utter a word in reply, a distant voice called
+his name, and both glanced hastily around.
+
+"That cry came from the valley," he said.  "I left my horse tied there.
+I will go and learn what it means."
+
+She followed him part of the way through the labyrinth of underbrush,
+hardly knowing why she did so.  He stood alone upon the summit of the
+high bluff whence he could look across the stream.  Miss Spencer stood
+below waving her parasol frantically, and even as he gazed at her, his
+ears caught the sound of heavy firing down the valley.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+PLUCKED FROM THE BURNING
+
+That Miss Spencer was deeply agitated was evident at a glance, while
+the nervous manner in which she glanced in the direction of those
+distant gun shots, led Brant to jump to the conclusion that they were
+in some way connected with her appearance.
+
+"Oh, Lieutenant Brant," she cried, excitedly, "they are going to kill
+him down there, and he never did it at all.  I know he didn't, and so
+does Mr. Wynkoop.  Oh, please hurry!  Nobody knew where you were, until
+I saw your horse tied here, and Mr. Wynkoop has been hunting for you
+everywhere.  He is nearly frantic, poor man, and I cannot learn where
+either Mr. Moffat or Mr. McNeil is, and I just know those dreadful
+creatures will kill him before we can get help."
+
+"Kill whom?" burst in Brant, springing down the bank fully awakened to
+the realization of some unknown emergency.  "My dear Miss Spencer, tell
+me your story quickly if you wish me to act.  Who is in danger, and
+from what?"
+
+The girl burst into tears, but struggled bravely through with her
+message.
+
+"It's those awful men, the roughs and rowdies down in Glencaid.  They
+say he murdered Red Slavin, that big gambler who spoke to me this
+morning, but he did n't, for I saw the man who did, and so did Mr.
+Wynkoop.  He jumped out of the saloon window, his hand all bloody, and
+ran away.  But they 've got him and the town marshal up behind the
+Shasta dump, and swear they're going to hang him if they can only take
+him alive.  Oh, just hear those awful guns!"
+
+"Yes, but who is it?"
+
+"Bob Hampton, and--and he never did it at all."
+
+Before Brant could either move or speak, Naida swept past him, down the
+steep bank, and her voice rang out clear, insistent.  "Bob Hampton
+attacked by a mob?  Is that true, Phoebe?  They are fighting at the
+Shasta dump, you say?  Lieutenant Brant, you must act--you must act
+now, for my sake!"
+
+She sprang toward the horse, nerved by Brant's apparent slowness to
+respond, and loosened the rein from the scrub oak.  "Then I will myself
+go to him, even if they kill me also, the cowards!"
+
+But Brant had got his head now.  Grasping her arm and the rein of the
+plunging horse, "You will go home," he commanded, with the tone of
+military authority.  "Go home with Miss Spencer.  All that can possibly
+be done to aid Hampton I shall do--will you go?"
+
+She looked helplessly into his face.  "You--you don't like him," she
+faltered; "I know you don't.  But--but you will help him, won't you,
+for my sake?"
+
+He crushed back an oath.  "Like him or not like him, I will save him if
+it be in the power of man.  Now will you go?"
+
+"Yes," she answered, and suddenly extended her arms.  "Kiss me first."
+
+With the magical pressure of her lips upon his, he swung into the
+saddle and spurred down the road.  It was a principle of his military
+training never to temporize with a mob--he would strike hard, but he
+must have sufficient force behind him.  He reined up before the
+seemingly deserted camp, his horse flung back upon its haunches, white
+foam necking its quivering flanks.
+
+"Sergeant!"  The sharp snap of his voice brought that officer forward
+on the run.  "Where are the men?"
+
+"Playin' ball, most of 'em, sir, just beyond the ridge."
+
+"Are the horses out in herd?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Sound the recall; arm and mount every man; bring them into Glencaid on
+the gallop.  Do you know the old Shasta mine?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Half-way up the hill back of the hotel.  You 'll find me somewhere in
+front of it.  This is a matter of life or death, so jump lively now!"
+
+He drove in his spurs, and was off like the wind.  A number of men were
+in the street, all hurrying forward in the same direction, but he
+dashed past them.  These were miners mostly, eager to have a hand in
+the man-hunt.  Here and there a rider skurried along and joined in the
+chase.  Just beyond the hotel, half-way up the hill, rifles were
+speaking irregularly, the white puffs of smoke blown quickly away by
+the stiff breeze.  Near the centre of this line of skirmishers a denser
+cloud was beginning to rise in spirals.  Brant, perceiving the largest
+group of men gathered just before him, rode straight toward them.  The
+crowd scattered slightly at his rapid approach, but promptly closed in
+again as he drew up his horse with taut rein.  He looked down into
+rough, bearded faces.  Clearly enough these men were in no fit spirit
+for peace-making.
+
+"You damn fool!" roared one, hoarsely, his gun poised as if in threat,
+"what do you mean by riding us down like that?  Do you own this
+country?"
+
+Brant flung himself from the saddle and strode in front of the fellow.
+"I mean business.  You see this uniform?  Strike that, my man, and you
+strike the United States.  Who is leading this outfit?"
+
+"I don't know as it's your affair," the man returned, sullenly.  "We
+ain't takin' no army orders at present, mister.  We 're free-born
+American citizens, an' ye better let us alone."
+
+"That is not what I asked you," and Brant squared his shoulders, his
+hands clinched.  "My question was, Who is at the head of this outfit?
+and I want an answer."
+
+The spokesman looked around upon the others near him with a grin of
+derision.  "Oh, ye do, hey?  Well, I reckon we are, if you must know.
+Since Big Jim Larson got it in the shoulder this outfit right yere hes
+bin doin' most of the brain work.  So, if ye 've got anythin' ter say,
+mister officer man, I reckon ye better spit it out yere ter me, an'
+sorter relieve yer mind."
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+The fellow expectorated vigorously into the leaves under foot, and
+drawing one hairy hand across his lips, flushed angrily to the
+unexpected inquiry.
+
+"Oh, tell him, Ben.  What's the blame odds?  He can't do ye no hurt."
+
+The man's look became dogged.  "I 'm Ben Colton, if it 'll do ye any
+good to know."
+
+"I thought I had seen you somewhere before," said Brant,
+contemptuously, and then swept his glance about the circle.  "A nice
+leader of vigilantes you are, a fine representative of law and order, a
+lovely specimen of the free-born American citizen!  Men, do you happen
+to know what sort of a cur you are following in this affair?"
+
+"Oh, Ben's all right."
+
+"What ye got against him, young feller?"
+
+"Just this," and Brant squarely fronted the man, his voice ringing like
+steel.  "I 've seen mobs before to-day, and I 've dealt with them.  I
+'m not afraid of you or your whole outfit, and I 've got fighting men
+to back me up.  I never yet saw any mob which was n't led and incited
+by some cowardly, revengeful rascal.  Honest men get mixed up in such
+affairs, but they are invariably inflamed by some low-down sneak with
+an axe to grind.  I confess I don't know all about this Colton, but I
+know enough to say he is an army deserter, a liar, a dive-keeper, a
+gambler, and, to my certain knowledge, the direct cause of the death of
+three men, one a soldier of my troop.  Now isn't he a sweet specimen to
+lead in the avenging of a supposed crime?"
+
+Whatever else Colton might have failed in, he was a man of action.
+Like a flash his gun flew to the level, but was instantly knocked aside
+by the grizzled old miner standing next him.
+
+"None o' that, Ben," he growled, warningly.  "It don't never pay to
+shoot holes in Uncle Sam."
+
+Brant smiled.  He was not there just then to fight, but to secure delay
+until his own men could arrive, and to turn aside the fierce mob spirit
+if such a result was found possible.  He knew thoroughly the class of
+men with whom he dealt, and he understood likewise the wholesome power
+of his uniform.
+
+"I really would enjoy accommodating you, Colton," he said, coolly,
+feeling much more at ease, "but I never fight personal battles with
+such fellows as you.  And now, you other men, it is about time you woke
+up to the facts of this matter.  A couple of hundred of you chasing
+after two men, one an officer of the law doing his sworn duty, and the
+other innocent of any crime.  I should imagine you would feel proud of
+your job."
+
+"Innocent?  Hell!"
+
+"That is what I said.  You fellows have gone off half-cocked--a mob
+generally does.  Both Miss Spencer and Mr. Wynkoop state positively
+that they saw the real murderer of Red Slavin, and it was not Bob
+Hampton."
+
+The men were impressed by his evident earnestness, his unquestioned
+courage.  Colton laughed sneeringly, but Brant gave him no heed beyond
+a quick, warning glance.  Several voices spoke almost at once.
+
+"Is that right?"
+
+"Oh, say, I saw the fellow with his hand on the knife."
+
+"After we git the chap, we 'll give them people a chance to tell what
+they know."
+
+Brant's keenly attentive ears heard the far-off chug of numerous
+horses' feet.
+
+"I rather think you will," he said, confidently, his voice ringing out
+with sudden authority.
+
+He stepped back, lifted a silver whistle to his lips, and sounded one
+sharp, clear note.  There was a growing thunder of hoofs, a quick,
+manly cheer, a crashing through the underbrush, and a squad of eager
+troopers, half-dressed but with faces glowing in anticipation of
+trouble, came galloping up the slope, swinging out into line as they
+advanced, their carbines gleaming in the sunlight.  It was prettily,
+sharply performed, and their officer's face brightened.
+
+"Very nicely done, Watson," he said to the expectant sergeant.  "Deploy
+your men to left and right, and clear out those shooters.  Make a good
+job of it, but no firing unless you have to."
+
+The troopers went at it as if they enjoyed the task, forcing their
+restive horses through the thickets, and roughly handling more than one
+who ventured to question their authority.  Yet the work was over in
+less time than it takes to tell, the discomfited regulators driven
+pell-mell down the hill and back into the town, the eager cavalrymen
+halting only at the command of the bugle.  Brant, confident of his
+first sergeant in such emergency, merely paused long enough to watch
+the men deploy, and then pressed straight up the hill, alone and on
+foot.  That danger to the besieged was yet imminent was very evident.
+The black spiral of smoke had become an enveloping cloud, spreading
+rapidly in both directions from its original starting-point, and
+already he could distinguish the red glare of angry flames leaping
+beneath, fanned by the wind into great sheets of fire, and sweeping
+forward with incredible swiftness.  These might not succeed in reaching
+the imprisoned men, but the stifling vapor, the suffocating smoke held
+captive by that overhanging rock, would prove a most serious menace.
+
+He encountered a number of men running down as he toiled anxiously
+forward, but they avoided him, no doubt already aware of the trouble
+below and warned by his uniform.  He arrived finally where the ground
+was charred black and covered with wood ashes, still hot under foot and
+smoking, but he pressed upward, sheltering his eyes with uplifted arm,
+and seeking passage where the scarcity of underbrush rendered the zone
+of fire less impassable.  On both sides trees were already wrapped in
+flame, yet he discovered a lane along which he stumbled until a fringe
+of burning bushes extended completely across it.  The heat was almost
+intolerable, the crackling of the ignited wood was like the reports of
+pistols, the dense pall of smoke was suffocating.  He could see
+scarcely three yards in advance, but to the rear the narrow lane of
+retreat remained open.  Standing there, as though in the mouth of a
+furnace, the red flames scorching his face, Brant hollowed his hands
+for a call.
+
+"Hampton!"  The word rang out over the infernal crackling and roaring
+like the note of a trumpet.
+
+"Ay!  What is it?"  The returning voice was plainly not Hampton's, yet
+it came from directly in front, and not faraway.
+
+"Who are you?  Is that you, Marshal?"
+
+"Thet's the ticket," answered the voice, gruffly, "an' just as full o'
+fight es ever."
+
+Brant lifted his jacket to protect his face from the scorching heat.
+There was certainly no time to lose in any exchange of compliments.
+Already, the flames were closing in; in five minutes more they would
+seal every avenue of escape.
+
+"I 'm Brant, Lieutenant Seventh Cavalry," he cried, choking with the
+thickening smoke.  "My troop has scattered those fellows who were
+hunting you.  I 'll protect you and your prisoner, but you 'll have to
+get out of there at once.  Can you locate me and make a dash for it?
+Wrap your coats around your heads, and leave your guns behind."
+
+An instant he waited for the answer, fairly writhing in the intense
+heat, then Mason shouted, "Hampton 's been shot, and I 'm winged a
+little; I can't carry him."
+
+It was a desperately hard thing to do, but Brant had given his promise,
+and in that moment of supreme trial, he had no other thought than
+fulfilling it.  He ripped off his jacket, wrapped it about his face,
+jammed a handkerchief into his mouth, and, with a prayer in his heart,
+leaped forward into the seemingly narrow fringe of fire in his front.
+Head down, he ran blindly, stumbling forward as he struck the ore-dump,
+and beating out with his hands the sparks that scorched his clothing.
+The smoke appeared to roll higher from the ground here, and the
+coughing soldier crept up beneath it, breathing the hot air, and
+feeling as though his entire body were afire.  Mason, his countenance
+black and unrecognizable, his shirt soaked with blood, peered into his
+face.
+
+"Hell, ain't it!" he sputtered, "but you're a dandy, all right."
+
+"Is Hampton dead?"
+
+"I reckon not.  Got hit bad, though, and clear out of his head."
+
+Brant cast one glance into the white, unconscious face of his rival,
+and acted with the promptness of military training.
+
+"Whip off your shirt, Mason, and tie it around your face," he
+commanded, "Lively now!"
+
+He bound his silk neckerchief across Hampton's mouth, and lifted the
+limp form partially from the ground.  "Help me to get him up.  There,
+that will do.  Now keep as close as you can so as to steady him if I
+trip.  Straight ahead--run for it!"
+
+They sprang directly into the lurid flames, bending low, Brant's hands
+grasping the inert form lying across his shoulder.  They dashed
+stumbling through the black, smouldering lane beyond.  Half-way down
+this, the ground yet hot beneath their feet, the vapor stifling, but
+with clearer breaths of air blowing in their faces, Brant tripped and
+fell.  Mason beat out the smouldering sparks in his clothing, and
+assisted him to stagger to his feet once more.  Then together they bore
+him, now unconscious, slowly down below the first fire-line.
+
+[Illustration: Together they bore him, now unconscious, slowly down
+below the first fire-line.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE DOOR CLOSES
+
+Totally exhausted, the two men dropped their heavy burden on the earth.
+Mason swore as the blood began dripping again from his wound, which had
+been torn open afresh in his efforts to bear Hampton to safety.  Just
+below them a mounted trooper caught sight of them and came forward.  He
+failed to recognize his officer in the begrimed person before him,
+until called to attention by the voice of command.
+
+"Sims, if there is any water in your canteen hand it over.  Good; here,
+Marshal, use this.  Now, Sims, note what I say carefully, and don't
+waste a minute.  Tell the first sergeant to send a file of men up here
+with some sort of litter, on the run.  Then you ride to the Herndon
+house--the yellow house where the roads fork, you remember,--and tell
+Miss Naida Gillis (don't forget the name) that Mr. Hampton has been
+seriously wounded, and we are taking him to the hotel.  Can you
+remember that?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then off with you, and don't spare the horse."
+
+He was gone instantly, and Brant began bathing the pallid, upturned
+face.
+
+"You'd better lie down, Marshal," he commanded.  "You're pretty weak
+from loss of blood, and I can do all there is to be done until those
+fellows get here."
+
+In fifteen minutes they appeared, and five minutes later they were
+toiling slowly down to the valley, Brant walking beside his still
+unconscious rival.  Squads of troopers were scattered along the base of
+the hill, and grouped in front of the hotel.  Here and there down the
+street, but especially about the steps of the Occidental, were gathered
+the discomfited vigilantes, busily discussing the affair, and cursing
+the watchful, silent guard.  As these caught sight of the little party
+approaching, there were shouts of derision, which swelled into triumph
+when they perceived Hampton's apparently lifeless form, and Mason
+leaning in weakness on the arm of a trooper.  The sight and sound
+angered Brant.
+
+"Carry Hampton to his room and summon medical attendance at once," he
+ordered.  "I have a word to say to those fellows."
+
+Seeing Mr. Wynkoop on the hotel porch, Brant said to him: "Miss Spencer
+informed me that you saw a man leap from the back window of the
+Occidental.  Is that true?"
+
+The missionary nodded.
+
+"Good; then come along with me.  I intend breaking the back of this
+lynching business right here and now."
+
+He strode directly across the street to the steps of the Occidental,
+his clothing scarcely more than smouldering rags.  The crowd stared at
+him sullenly; then suddenly a reaction came, and the American spirit of
+fair play, the frontier appreciation of bulldog courage, burst forth
+into a confused murmur, that became half a cheer.  Brant did not mince
+his words.
+
+"Now, look here, men!  If you want any more trouble we 're here to
+accommodate you.  Fighting is our trade, and we don't mind working at
+it.  But I wish to tell you right now, and straight off the handle,
+that you are simply making a parcel of fools of yourselves.  Slavin has
+been killed, and nine out of ten among you are secretly glad of it.  He
+was a curse to this camp, but because some of his friends and
+cronies--thugs, gamblers, and dive-keepers--accuse Bob Hampton of
+having killed him, you start in blindly to lynch Hampton, never even
+waiting to find out whether the charge is the truth or a lie.  You act
+like sheep, not American citizens.  Now that we have pounded a little
+sense into some of you, perhaps you'll listen to the facts, and if you
+must hang some one put your rope on the right man.  Bob Hampton did not
+kill Red Slavin.  The fellow who did kill him climbed out of the back
+window of the Occidental here, and got away, while you were chasing the
+wrong man.  Mr. Wynkoop saw him, and so did your schoolteacher, Miss
+Spencer."
+
+Then Wynkoop stepped gamely to the front.  "All that is true, men.  I
+have been trying ever since to tell you, but no one would listen.  Miss
+Spencer and I both saw the man jump from the window; there was blood on
+his right arm and hand.  He was a misshapen creature whom neither of us
+ever saw before, and he disappeared on a run up that ravine.  I have no
+doubt he was Slavin's murderer."
+
+No one spoke, the crowd apparently ashamed of their actions.  But Brant
+did not wait for any outward expression.
+
+"Now, you fellows, think that over," he said.  "I intend to post a
+guard until I find out whether you are going to prove yourselves fools
+or men, but if we sail in again those of you who start the trouble can
+expect to get hurt, and pay the piper.  That's all."
+
+In front of the hotel porch he met his first sergeant coming out.
+
+"What does the doctor say about Hampton?"
+
+"A very bad wound, sir, but not necessarily fatal; he has regained
+consciousness."
+
+"Has Miss Gillis arrived?"
+
+"I don't know, sir; there's a young woman cryin' in the parlor."
+
+The lieutenant leaped up the steps and entered the house.  But it was
+Miss Spencer, not Naida, who sprang to her feet.
+
+"Oh, Lieutenant Brant; can this be truly you!  How perfectly awful you
+look!  Do you know if Mr. Hampton is really going to die?  I came here
+just to find out about him, and tell Naida.  She is almost frantic,
+poor thing."
+
+Though Brant doubted Miss Spencer's honesty of statement, his reply was
+direct and unhesitating.  "I am informed that he has a good chance to
+live, and I have already despatched word to Miss Gillis regarding his
+condition.  I expect her at any moment."
+
+"How very nice that was of you!  Oh, I trembled so when you first went
+to face those angry men!  I don't see how you ever dared to do it.  I
+did wish that either Mr. Moffat or Mr. McNeil could have been here to
+go with you.  Mr. Moffat especially is so daring; he is always risking
+his life for some one else--and no one seems able to tell me anything
+about either of them."  The lady paused, blushing violently, as she
+realized what she had been saying.  "Really you must not suppose me
+unmaidenly, Lieutenant," she explained, her eyes shyly lifting, "but
+you know those gentlemen were my very earliest acquaintances here, and
+they have been so kind.  I was so shocked when Naida kissed you,
+Lieutenant; but the poor girl was so grateful to you for going to the
+help of Bob Hampton that she completely forgot herself.  It is simply
+wonderful how infatuated the poor child is with that man.  He seems
+almost to exercise some power of magic over her, don't you think?"
+
+"Why frankly, Miss Spencer, I scarcely feel like discussing that topic
+just now.  There are so many duties pressing me--" and Brant took a
+hasty step toward the open door, his attentive ear catching the sound
+of a light footstep in the hallway.  He met Naida just without, pale
+and tearless.  Both her hands were extended to him unreservedly.
+
+"Tell me, will he live?"
+
+"The doctor thinks yes."
+
+"Thank God!  Oh, thank God!"  She pressed one hand against her heart to
+control its throbbing.  "You cannot know what this means to me."  Her
+eyes seemed now for the first time to mark his own deplorable
+condition.  "And you?  You have not been hurt, Lieutenant Brant?"
+
+He smiled back into her anxious eyes.  "Nothing that soap and water and
+a few days' retirement will not wholly remedy.  My wounds are entirely
+upon the surface.  Shall I conduct you to him?"
+
+She bowed, apparently forgetful that one of her hands yet remained
+imprisoned in his grasp.  "If I may go, yes.  I told Mrs. Herndon I
+should remain here if I could be of the slightest assistance."
+
+They passed up the staircase side by side, exchanging no further
+speech.  Once she glanced furtively at his face, but its very calmness
+kept the words upon her lips unuttered.  At the door they encountered
+Mrs. Guffy, her honest eyes red from weeping.
+
+"This is Miss Gillis, Mrs. Guffy," explained Brant.  "She wishes to see
+Mr. Hampton if it is possible."
+
+"Sure an' she can thet.  He's been askin' after her, an' thet pretty
+face would kape any man in gud spirits, I 'm thinkin'.  Step roight in,
+miss."
+
+She held the door ajar, but Naida paused, glancing back at her
+motionless companion, a glint of unshed tears showing for the first
+time in her eyes.  "Are you not coming also?"
+
+"No, Miss Naida.  It is best for me to remain without, but my heart
+goes with you."
+
+Then the door closed between them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE RESCUE OF MISS SPENCER
+
+While Hampton lingered between life and death, assiduously waited upon
+by both Naida and Mrs. Guffy, Brant nursed his burns, far more serious
+than he had at first supposed, within the sanctity of his tent, longing
+for an order to take him elsewhere, and dreading the possibility of
+again having to encounter this girl, who remained to him so perplexing
+an enigma.  Glencaid meanwhile recovered from its mania of lynch-law,
+and even began exhibiting some faint evidences of shame over what was
+so plainly a mistake.  And the populace were also beginning to exhibit
+no small degree of interest in the weighty matters which concerned the
+fast-culminating love affairs of Miss Spencer.
+
+Almost from her earliest arrival the extensive cattle and mining
+interests of the neighborhood became aggressively arrayed against each
+other; and now, as the fierce personal rivalry between Messrs. Moffat
+and McNeil grew more intense, the breach perceptibly widened.  While
+the infatuation of the Reverend Mr. Wynkoop for this same fascinating
+young lady was plainly to be seen, his chances in the race were not
+seriously regarded by the more active partisans upon either side.  As
+the stage driver explained to an inquisitive party of tourists, "He 's
+a mighty fine little feller, gents, but he ain't got the git up an' git
+necessary ter take the boundin' fancy of a high-strung heifer like her.
+It needs a plum good man ter' rope an' tie any female critter in this
+Territory, let me tell ye."
+
+With this conception of the situation in mind, the citizens generally
+settled themselves down to enjoy the truly Homeric struggle, freely
+wagering their gold-dust upon the outcome.  The regular patrons of the
+Miners' Retreat were backing Mr. Moffat to a man, while those claiming
+headquarters at the Occidental were equally ardent in their support of
+the prospects of Mr. McNeil.  It must be confessed that Miss Spencer
+flirted outrageously, and enjoyed life as she never had done in the
+effete East.
+
+In simple truth, it was not in Miss Spencer's sympathetic disposition
+to be cruel to any man, and in this puzzling situation she exhibited
+all the impartiality possible.  The Reverend Mr. Wynkoop always felt
+serenely confident of an uninterrupted welcome upon Sunday evenings
+after service, while the other nights of the week were evenly
+apportioned between the two more ardent aspirants.  The delvers after
+mineral wealth amid the hills, and the herders on the surrounding
+ranches, felt that this was a personal matter between them, and acted
+accordingly.  Three-finger Boone, who was caught red-handed timing the
+exact hour of Mr. Moffat's exit from his lady-love's presence, was
+indignantly ducked in the watering-trough before the Miners' Retreat,
+and given ten minutes in which to mount his cayuse and get safely
+across the camp boundaries.  He required only five.  Bad-eye Connelly,
+who was suspected of having cut Mr. McNeil's lariat while that
+gentleman tarried at the Occidental for some slight refreshments while
+on his way home, was very promptly rendered a fit hospital subject by
+an inquisitive cowman who happened upon the scene.
+
+On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings the Miners' Retreat was a
+scene of wild hilarity, for it was then that Mr. Moffat, gorgeously
+arrayed in all the bright hues of his imported Mexican outfit, his long
+silky mustaches properly curled, his melancholy eyes vast wells of
+mysterious sorrow, was known to be comfortably seated in the Herndon
+parlor, relating gruesome tales of wild mountain adventure which paled
+the cheeks of his fair and entranced listener.  Then on Tuesday,
+Thursday, and Saturday nights, when Mr. McNeil rode gallantly in on his
+yellow bronco, bedecked in all the picturesque paraphernalia of the
+boundless plains, revolver swinging at thigh, his wide sombrero
+shadowing his dare-devil eyes, the front of the gay Occidental blazed
+with lights, and became crowded to the doors with enthusiastic herders
+drinking deep to the success of their representative.
+
+It is no more than simple justice to the fair Phoebe to state that she
+was, as her aunt expressed it, "in a dreadful state of mind."  Between
+these two picturesque and typical knights of plain and mountain she
+vibrated, unable to make deliberate choice.  That she was ardently
+loved by each she realized with recurring thrills of pleasure; that she
+loved in return she felt no doubt--but alas! which?  How perfectly
+delightful it would be could she only fall into some desperate plight,
+from which the really daring knight might rescue her!  That would cut
+the Gordian knot.  While laboring in this state of indecision she must
+have voiced her ambition in some effective manner to the parties
+concerned, for late one Wednesday night Moffat tramped heavily into the
+Miners' Retreat and called Long Pete Lumley over into a deserted corner
+of the bar-room.
+
+"Well, Jack," the latter began expectantly, "hev ye railly got the
+cinch on that cowboy at last, hey?"
+
+"Dern it all, Pete, I 'm blamed if I know; leastwise, I ain't got no
+sure prove-up.  I tell ye thet girl's just about the toughest piece o'
+rock I ever had any special call to assay.  I think first I got her
+good an' proper, an' then she drops out all of a sudden, an' I lose the
+lead.  It's mighty aggravating let me tell ye.  Ye see it's this way.
+She 's got some durn down East-notion that she's got ter be rescued,
+an' borne away in the arms of her hero (thet's 'bout the way she puts
+it), like they do in them pesky novels the Kid 's allers reading and so
+I reckon I 've got ter rescue her!"
+
+"Rescue her from whut, Jack?  Thar' ain't nuthin' 'round yere just now
+as I know of, less it's rats."
+
+The lover glanced about to make sure they were alone.  "Well, ye see,
+Pete, maybe I 'm partly to blame.  I 've sorter been entertainin' her
+nights with some stories regardin' road-agents an' things o' thet sort,
+while, so fur as I kin larn, thet blame chump of a McNeil hes been
+fillin' her up scandalous with Injuns, until she 's plum got 'em on the
+brain.  Ye know a feller jist hes ter gas along 'bout somethin' like
+thet, fer it's no fool job ter entertain a female thet's es frisky es a
+young colt.  And now, I reckon as how it's got ter be Injuns."
+
+"Whut's got ter be Injuns?"
+
+"Why thet outfit whut runs off with her, of course.  I reckon you
+fellers will stand in all right ter help pull me out o' this hole?"
+
+Long Pete nodded.
+
+"Well, Pete, this is 'bout whut's got ter be done, es near es I kin
+figger it out.  You pick out maybe half a dozen good fellers, who kin
+keep their mouths shet, an' make Injuns out of 'em.  'Tain't likely she
+'ll ever twig any of the boys fixed up proper in thet sorter
+outfit--anyhow, she'd be too durned skeered.  Then you lay fer her, say
+'bout next Wednesday, out in them Carter woods, when she 's comin' home
+from school.  I 'll kinder naturally happen 'long by accident 'bout the
+head o' the gulch, an' jump in an' rescue her.  _Sabe_?"
+
+Lumley gazed at his companion with eyes expressive of admiration.  "By
+thunder, if you haven't got a cocoanut on ye, Jack!  Lord, but thet
+ought to get her a flyin'!  Any shootin'?"
+
+"Sure!"  Moffat's face exhibited a faint smile at these words of
+praise.  "It wouldn't be no great shucks of a rescue without, an' this
+hes got ter be the real thing.  Only, I reckon, ye better shoot high,
+so thar' won't be no hurt done."
+
+When the two gentlemen parted, a few moments later, the conspiracy was
+fully hatched, all preliminaries perfected, and the gallant rescue of
+Miss Spencer assured.  Indeed, there is some reason now to believe that
+this desirable result was rendered doubly certain, for as Moffat moved
+slowly past the Occidental on his way home, a person attired in chaps
+and sombrero, and greatly resembling McNeil, was in the back room,
+breathing some final instructions to a few bosom friends.
+
+"Now don't--eh--any o' you fellers--eh--go an' forget the place.  Jump
+in--eh--lively.  Just afore she--eh--gits ter thet thick
+bunch--eh--underbrush, whar' the trail sorter--eh--drops down inter the
+ravine.  An' you chumps wanter--eh--git--yerselves up so she can't pipe
+any of ye off--eh--in this yere--eh--road-agent act.  I tell ye, after
+what thet--eh--Moffat's bin a-pumpin' inter her, she's just got ter
+be--eh--rescued, an' in blame good style, er--eh--it ain't no go."
+
+"Oh, you rest easy 'bout all thet, Bill," chimed in Sandy Winn, his
+black eyes dancing in anticipation of coming fun.  "We 'll git up the
+ornariest outfit whut ever hit the pike."
+
+The long shadows of the late afternoon were already falling across the
+gloomy Carter woods, while the red sun sank lower behind old Bull
+Mountain.  The Reverend Howard Wynkoop, who for more than an hour past
+had been vainly dangling a fishing-line above the dancing waters of
+Clear Creek, now reclined dreamily on the soft turf of the high bank,
+his eyes fixed upon the distant sky-line.  His thoughts were on the
+flossy hair and animated face of the fair Miss Spencer, who he
+momentarily expected would round the edge of the hill, and so deeply
+did he become sank in blissful reflection as to be totally oblivious to
+everything but her approach.
+
+Just above his secret resting-place, where the great woods deepen, and
+the gloomy shadows lie darkly all through the long afternoons, a small
+party of hideously painted savages skulked silently in ambush.
+Suddenly to their strained ears was borne the sound of horses' hoofs;
+and then, all at once, a woman's voice rang out in a single shrill,
+startled cry.
+
+"Whut is up?" questioned the leading savage, hoarsely.  "Is he a-doin'
+this little job all by hisself?"
+
+"Dunno," answered the fellow next him, flipping his quirt uneasily;
+"but I reckon as how it's her as squealed, an' we 'd better be gitting
+in ter hev our share o' the fun."
+
+The "chief," with an oath of disgust, dashed forward, and his band
+surged after.  Just below them, and scarcely fifty feet away, a
+half-score of roughly clad, heavily bearded men were clustered in the
+centre of the trail, two of their number lifting the unconscious form
+of a fainting woman upon a horse.
+
+"Cervera's gang, by gosh!" panted the leading savage.  "How did they
+git yere?"
+
+"You bet!  She's up agin the real thing," ejaculated a voice beside
+him.  "Let's ride 'em off the earth!  Whoop!"
+
+With wild yells to awaken fresh courage, the whole band plunged
+headlong down the sharp decline, striking the surprised "road-agents"
+with a force and suddenness which sent half of them sprawling.
+Revolvers flashed, oaths and shouts rang out fiercely, men clinched
+each other, striking savage blows.  Lumley grasped the leader of the
+other party by the hair, and endeavored to beat him over the head with
+his revolver butt.  Even as he uplifted his hand to strike, the man's
+beard fell off, and the two fierce combatants paused as though
+thunderstruck.
+
+"Hold on yere, boy!" yelled Lumley.  "This yere is some blame joke.
+These fellers is Bill McNeil's gang."
+
+"By thunder! if it ain't Pete Lumley," ejaculated the other.  "Whut did
+ye hit me fer, ye long-legged minin' jackass?"
+
+The explanation was never uttered.  Out from the surrounding gloom of
+underbrush a hatless, dishevelled individual on foot suddenly dashed
+into the centre of that hesitating ring of horsemen.  With skilful
+twist of his foot he sent a dismounted road-agent spinning over
+backward, and managed to wrench a revolver from his hand.  There was a
+blaze of red flame, a cloud of smoke, six sharp reports, and a wild
+stampede of frantic horsemen.
+
+Then the Reverend Howard Wynkoop flung the empty gun disdainfully down
+into the dirt, stepped directly across the motionless outstretched
+body, and knelt humbly beside a slender, white-robed figure lying close
+against the fringe of bushes.  Tenderly he lifted the fair head to his
+throbbing bosom, and gazed directly down into the white, unconscious
+face.  Even as he looked her eyes unclosed, her body trembling within
+his arms.
+
+"Have no fear," he implored, reading terror in the expression of her
+face.  "Miss Spencer--Phoebe--it is only I, Mr. Wynkoop."
+
+"You!  Have those awful creatures gone?"
+
+"Yes, yes; be calm, I beg you.  There is no longer the slightest
+danger.  I am here to protect you with my life if need be."
+
+"Oh, Howard--Mr. Wynkoop--it is all so strange, so bewildering; my
+nerves are so shattered!  But it has taught me a great, great lesson.
+How could I have ever been so blind?  I thought Mr. Moffat and Mr.
+McNeil were such heroes, and yet now in this hour of desperate peril it
+was you who flew gallantly to my rescue!  It is you who are the true
+Western knight!"
+
+And Mr. Wynkoop gazed down into those grateful eyes, and modestly
+confessed it true.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE PARTING HOUR
+
+To Lieutenant Brant these proved days of bitterness.  His sole comfort
+was the feeling that he had performed his duty; his sustaining hope,
+that the increasing rumors of Indian atrocity might soon lead to his
+despatch upon active service.  He had called twice upon Hampton, both
+times finding the wounded man propped up in bed, very affable, properly
+grateful for services rendered, yet avoiding all reference to the one
+disturbing element between them.
+
+Once he had accidentally met Naida, but their brief conversation left
+him more deeply mystified then ever, and later she seemed to avoid him
+altogether.  The barrier between them no longer appeared as a figment
+of her misguided imagination, but rather as a real thing neither
+patience nor courage might hope to surmount.  If he could have
+flattered himself that Naida was depressed also in spirit, the fact
+might have proved both comfort and inspiration, but to his view her
+attitude was one of almost total indifference.  One day he deemed her
+but an idle coquette; the next, a warm-hearted woman, doing her duty
+bravely.  Yet through it all her power over him never slackened.  Twice
+he walked with Miss Spencer as far as the Herndon house, hopeful that
+that vivacious young lady might chance to let fall some unguarded hint
+of guidance.  But Miss Spencer was then too deeply immersed in her own
+affairs of the heart to waste either time or thought upon others.
+
+The end to this nervous strain came in the form of an urgent despatch
+recalling N Troop to Fort Abraham Lincoln by forced marches.  The
+commander felt no doubt as to the full meaning of this message, and the
+soldier in him made prompt and joyful response.  Little Glencaid was
+almost out of the world so far as recent news was concerned.  The
+military telegraph, however, formed a connecting link with the War
+Department, so that Brant knew something of the terrible condition of
+the Northwest.  He had thus learned of the consolidation of the hostile
+savages, incited by Sitting Bull, into the fastness of the Big Horn
+Range; he was aware that General Crook was already advancing northward
+from the Nebraska line; and he knew it was part of the plan of
+operation for Custer and the Seventh Cavalry to strike directly
+westward across the Dakota hills.  Now he realized that he was to be a
+part of this chosen fighting force, and his heart responded to the
+summons as to a bugle-call in battle.
+
+Instantly the little camp was astir, the men feeling the enthusiasm of
+their officers.  With preparations well in hand, Brant's thoughts
+veered once again toward Naida--he could not leave her, perhaps ride
+forth to death, without another effort to learn what was this
+impassable object between them.  He rode down to the Herndon house with
+grave face and sober thought.  If he could only understand this girl;
+if he could only once look into her heart, and know the meaning of her
+ever-changing actions, her puzzling words!  He felt convinced he had
+surprised the reflection of love within her eyes; but soon the
+reflection vanished.  The end was ever the same--he only knew he loved
+her.
+
+He recalled long the plainly furnished room into which Mrs. Herndon
+ushered him to await the girl's appearance--the formal look of the
+old-fashioned hair-cloth furniture, the prim striped paper on the
+walls, the green shades at the windows, the clean rag carpet on the
+floor.  The very stiffness chilled him, left him ill at ease.  To calm
+his spirit he walked to a window, and stood staring out into the warm
+sunlight.  Then he heard the rustle of Naida's skirt and turned to meet
+her.  She was pale from her weeks of nursing, and agitated for fear of
+what this unexpected call might portend.  Yet to his thought she
+appeared calm, her manner restrained.  Nor could anything be kinder
+than her first greeting, the frankly extended hand, the words
+expressive of welcome.
+
+"Mr. Wynkoop informed me a few minutes ago that you had at last
+received your orders for the north," she said, her lips slightly
+trembling.  "I wondered if you would leave without a word of farewell."
+
+He bowed low.  "I do not understand how you could doubt, for I have
+shown my deep interest in you even from the first.  If I have lately
+seemed to avoid you, it has only been because I believed you wished it
+so."
+
+A slight flush tinged the pallor of her cheeks, while the long lashes
+drooped over the eyes, concealing their secrets.
+
+"Life is not always as easy to live aright as it appears upon the
+surface," she confessed.  "I am learning that I cannot always do just
+as I should like, but must content myself with the performance of duty.
+Shall we not be seated?"
+
+There was an embarrassing pause, as though neither knew how to get
+through the interview.
+
+"No doubt you are rejoiced to be sent on active service again," she
+said, at last.
+
+"Yes, both as a soldier and as a man, Miss Naida.  I am glad to get
+into the field again with my regiment, to do my duty under the flag,
+and I am equally rejoiced to have something occur which will tend to
+divert my thoughts.  I had not intended to say anything of this kind,
+but now that I am with you I simply cannot restrain the words.  This
+past month has been, I believe, the hardest I have ever been compelled
+to live through.  You simply mystify me, so that I alternately hope and
+despair.  Your methods are cruel."
+
+"Mine?" and she gazed at him with parted lips.  "Lieutenant Brant, what
+can you mean?  What is it I have done?"
+
+"It may have been only play to you, and so easily forgotten," he went
+on, bitterly.  "But that is a dangerous game, very certain to hurt some
+one.  Miss Naida, your face, your eyes, even your lips almost
+continually tell me one thing; your words another.  I know not which to
+trust.  I never meet you except to go away baffled and bewildered."
+
+"You wish to know the truth?"
+
+"Ay, and for ail time!  Are you false, or true?  Coquette, or woman?
+Do you simply play with hearts for idle amusement, or is there some
+true purpose ruling your actions?"
+
+She looked directly at him, her hands clasped, her breath almost
+sobbing between the parted lips.  At first she could not speak.  "Oh,
+you hurt me so," she faltered at last.  "I did not suppose you could
+ever think that.  I--I did not mean it; oh, truly I did not mean it!
+You forget how young I am; how very little I know of the world and its
+ways.  Perhaps I have not even realized how deeply in earnest you were,
+have deceived myself into believing you were merely amusing yourself
+with me.  Why, indeed, should I think otherwise?  How could I venture
+to believe you would ever really care in that way for such a waif as I?
+You have seen other women in that great Eastern world of which I have
+only read--refined, cultured, princesses, belonging to your own social
+circle,--how should I suppose you could forget them, and give your
+heart to a little outcast, a girl without a name or a home?  Rather
+should it be I who might remain perplexed and bewildered."
+
+"I love you," he said, with simple honesty.  "I seek you for my wife."
+
+She started at these frankly spoken words, her hands partially
+concealing her face, her form trembling.  "Oh, I wish you hadn't said
+that!  It is not because I doubt you any longer; not that I fail to
+appreciate all you offer me.  But it is so hard to appear ungrateful,
+to give nothing in return for so vast a gift."
+
+"Then it is true that you do not love me?"
+
+The blood flamed suddenly up into her face, but there was no lowering
+of the eyes, no shrinking back.  She was too honest to play the coward
+before him.
+
+"I shall not attempt to deceive you," she said, with a slow
+impressiveness instantly carrying conviction.  "This has already
+progressed so far that I now owe you complete frankness.  Donald Brant,
+now and always, living or dead, married or single, wherever life may
+take us, I shall love you."
+
+Their eyes were meeting, but she held up her hand to restrain him from
+the one step forward.
+
+"No, no; I have confessed the truth; I have opened freely to you the
+great secret of my heart.  With it you must be content to leave me.
+There is nothing more that I can give you, absolutely nothing.  I can
+never be your wife; I hope, for your sake and mine, that we never meet
+again."
+
+She did not break down, or hesitate in the utterance of these words,
+although there was a piteous tremble on her lips, a pathetic appeal in
+her eyes.  Brant stood like a statue, his face grown white.  He did not
+in the least doubt her full meaning of renunciation.
+
+"You will, at least, tell me why?"  It was all that would come to his
+dry lips.
+
+She sank back upon the sofa, as though the strength had suddenly
+deserted her body, her eyes shaded by an uplifted hand.
+
+"I cannot tell you.  I have no words, no courage.  You will learn some
+day from others, and be thankful that I loved you well enough to resist
+temptation.  But the reason cannot come to you from my lips."
+
+He leaned forward, half kneeling at her feet, and she permitted him to
+clasp her hand within both his own.  "Tell me, at least, this--is it
+some one else?  Is it Hampton?"
+
+She smiled at him through a mist of tears, a smile the sad sweetness of
+which he would never forget.  "In the sense you mean, no.  No living
+man stands between us, not even Bob Hampton."
+
+"Does he know why this cannot be?"
+
+"He does know, but I doubt if he will ever reveal his knowledge;
+certainly not to you.  He has not told me all, even in the hour when he
+thought himself dying.  I am convinced of that.  It is not because he
+dislikes you, Lieutenant Brant, but because he knew his partial
+revealment of the truth was a duty he owed us both."
+
+There was a long, painful pause between them, during which neither
+ventured to look directly at the other.
+
+"You leave me so completely in the dark," he said, finally; "is there
+no possibility that this mysterious obstacle can ever be removed?"
+
+"None.  It is beyond earthly power--there lies between us the shadow of
+a dead man."
+
+He stared at her as if doubting her sanity.
+
+"A dead man!  Not Gillis?"
+
+"No, it is not Gillis.  I have told you this much so that you might
+comprehend how impossible it is for us to change our fate.  It is
+irrevocably fixed.  Please do not question me any more; cannot you see
+how I am suffering?  I beseech your pity; I beg you not to prolong this
+useless interview.  I cannot bear it!"
+
+Brant rose to his feet, and stood looking down upon her bowed head, her
+slender figure shaken by sobs.  Whatever it might prove to be, this
+mysterious shadow of a dead man, there could be no doubting what it now
+meant to her.  His eyes were filled with a love unutterable.
+
+"Naida, as you have asked it, I will go; but I go better, stronger,
+because I have heard your lips say you love me.  I am going now, my
+sweetheart, but if I live, I shall come again.  I know nothing of what
+you mean about a dead man being between us, but I shall know when I
+come back, for, dead or alive, no man shall remain between me and the
+girl I love."
+
+"This--this is different," she sobbed, "different; it is beyond your
+power."
+
+"I shall never believe so until I have faced it for myself, nor will I
+even say good-bye, for, under God, I am coming back to you."
+
+He turned slowly, and walked away.  As his hand touched the latch of
+the door he paused and looked longingly back.
+
+"Naida."
+
+She glanced up at him.
+
+"You kissed me once; will you again?"
+
+She rose silently and crossed over to him, her hands held out, her eyes
+uplifted to his own.  Neither spoke as he drew her gently to him, and
+their lips met.
+
+"Say it once more, sweetheart?"
+
+"Donald, I love you."
+
+A moment they stood thus face to face, reading the great lesson of
+eternity within the depths of each other's eyes.  Then slowly, gently,
+she released herself from the clasp of his strong arms.
+
+"You believe in me now?  You do not go away blaming me?" she
+questioned, with quivering lips.
+
+"There is no blame, for you are doing what you think right.  But I am
+coming back, Naida, little woman; coming back to love and you."
+
+An hour later N Troop trotted across the rude bridge, and circled the
+bluff, on its way toward the wide plains.  Brant, riding ahead of his
+men, caught a glimpse of something white fluttering from an open window
+of the yellow house fronting the road.  Instantly he whipped off his
+campaign hat, and bowing to the saddle pommel, rode bareheaded out of
+sight.  And from behind the curtain Naida watched the last horseman
+round the bluff angle, riding cheerfully away to hardship, danger, and
+death, her eyes dry and despairing, her heart scarcely beating.  Then
+she crept across the narrow room, and buried her face in the coverlet
+of the bed.
+
+
+
+
+_PART III_
+
+ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+MR. HAMPTON RESOLVES
+
+Mr. Bob Hampton stood in the bright sunshine on the steps of the hotel,
+his appreciative gaze wandering up the long, dusty, unoccupied street,
+and finally rising to the sweet face of the young girl who occupied the
+step above.  As their eyes met both smiled as if they understood each
+other.  Except for being somewhat pale, the result of long, inactive
+weeks passed indoors, Mr. Hampton's appearance was that of perfect
+health, while the expression of his face evidenced the joy of living.
+
+"There is nothing quite equal to feeling well, little girl," he said,
+genially, patting her hand where it rested on the railing, "and I
+really believe I am in as fine fettle now as I ever have been.  Do you
+know, I believe I 'm perfectly fit to undertake that little detective
+operation casually mentioned to you a few days ago.  It 's got to be
+done, and the sooner I get at it the easier I'll feel.  Fact is, I put
+in a large portion of the night thinking out my plans."
+
+"I wish you would give it up all together, Bob," she said, anxiously.
+"I shall be so dull and lonely here while you are gone."
+
+"I reckon you will, for a fact, as it's my private impression that
+lovely Miss Spencer does n't exert herself over much to be entertaining
+unless there happens to be a man in sight.  Great guns! how she did
+fling language the last time she blew in to see me!  But, Naida, it
+isn't likely this little affair will require very long, and things are
+lots happier between us since my late shooting scrape.  For one thing,
+you and I understand each other better; then Mrs. Herndon has been
+quite decently civil.  When Fall comes I mean to take you East and put
+you in some good finishing school.  Don't care quite as much about it
+as you did, do you?"
+
+"Yes, I think I do, Bob."  She strove bravely to express enthusiasm.
+"The trouble is, I am so worried over your going off alone hunting
+after that man."
+
+He laughed, his eyes searching her face for the truth.  "Well, little
+girl, he won't exactly be the first I 've had call to go after.
+Besides, this is a particular case, and appeals to me in a sort of
+personal way.  It you only knew it, you're about as deeply concerned in
+the result as I am, and as for me, I can never rest easy again until
+the matter is over with."
+
+"It's that awful Murphy, is n't it?"
+
+"He's the one I'm starting after first, and one sight at his right hand
+will decide whether he is to be the last as well."
+
+"I never supposed you would seek revenge, like a savage," she remarked,
+quietly.  "You never used to be that way."
+
+"Good Lord, Naida, do you think I 'm low down enough to go out hunting
+that poor cuss merely to get even with him for trying to stick me with
+a knife?  Why, there are twenty others who have done as much, and we
+have been the best of friends afterwards.  Oh, no, lassie, it means
+more than that, and harks back many a long year.  I told you I saw a
+mark on his hand I would never forget--but I saw that mark first
+fifteen years ago.  I 'm not taking my life in my hand to revenge the
+killing of Slavin, or in any memory of that little misunderstanding
+between the citizens of Glencaid and myself.  I should say not.  I have
+been slashed at and shot at somewhat promiscuously during the last five
+years, but I never permitted such little affairs to interfere with
+either business, pleasure, or friendship.  If this fellow Murphy, or
+whoever the man I am after may prove to be, had contented himself with
+endeavoring playfully to carve me, the account would be considered
+closed.  But this is a duty I owe a friend, a dead friend, to run to
+earth this murderer.  Do you understand now?  The fellow who did that
+shooting up at Bethune fifteen years ago had the same sort of a mark on
+his right hand as this one who killed Slavin.  That's why I'm after
+him, and when I catch up he'll either squeal or die.  He won't be very
+likely to look on the matter as a joke."
+
+"But how do you know?"
+
+"I never told you the whole story, and I don't mean to now until I come
+back, and can make everything perfectly clear.  It would n't do you any
+good the way things stand now, and would only make you uneasy.  But if
+you do any praying over it, my girl, pray good and hard that I may
+discover some means for making that fellow squeal."
+
+She made no response.  He had told her so little, that it left her
+blindly groping, yet fearful to ask for more.  She stood gazing
+thoughtfully past him.
+
+"Have you heard anything lately, Bob, about the Seventh?" she asked,
+finally.  "Since--since N Troop left here?"
+
+He answered with well-simulated carelessness.  "No; but it is most
+likely they are well into the game by this time.  It's bound to prove a
+hard campaign, to judge from all visible indications, and the trouble
+has been hatching long enough to get all the hostiles into a bunch.  I
+know most of them, and they are a bad lot of savages.  Crook's column,
+I have just heard, was overwhelmingly attacked on the Rosebud, and
+forced to fall back.  That leaves the Seventh to take the brunt of it,
+and there is going to be hell up north presently, or I 've forgotten
+all I ever knew about Indians.  Sitting Bull is the arch-devil for a
+plot, and he has found able assistants to lead the fighting.  I only
+wish it were my luck to be in it.  But come, little girl, as I said, I
+'m quite likely to be off before night, provided I am fortunate enough
+to strike a fresh trail.  Under such conditions you won't mind my
+kissing you out here, will you?"
+
+She held up her lips and he touched them softly with his own.  Her eyes
+were tear-dimmed.  "Oh, Bob, I hate so to let you go," she sobbed,
+clinging to him.  "No one could have been more to me than you have
+been, and you are all I have left in the world.  Everything I care for
+goes away from me.  Life is so hard, so hard!"
+
+"Yes, little girl, I know," and the man stroked her hair tenderly, his
+own voice faltering.  "It's all hard; I learned that sad lesson long
+ago, but I 've tried to make it a little bit easier for you since we
+first came together.  Still, I don't see how I can possibly help this.
+I 've been hunting after that fellow a long while now, a matter of
+fifteen years over a mighty dim trail, and it would be a mortal sin to
+permit him to get away scot-free.  Besides, if this affair only manages
+to turn out right, I can promise to make you the happiest girl in
+America.  But, Naida, dear, don't cling to me so; it is not at all like
+you to break down in this fashion," and he gently unclasped her hands,
+holding her away from him, while he continued to gaze hungrily into her
+troubled face.  "It only weakens me at a time when I require all my
+strength of will."
+
+"Sometimes I feel just like a coward, Bob.  It's the woman of it; yet
+truly I wish to do whatever you believe to be best.  But, Bob, I need
+you so much, and you will come back, won't you?  I shall be so lonely
+here, for--for you are truly all I have in the world."
+
+With one quick, impulsive motion he pressed her to him, passionately
+kissing the tears from her lowered lashes, unable longer to conceal the
+tremor that shook his own voice.  "Never, never doubt it, lassie.  It
+will not take me long, and if I live I come straight back."
+
+He watched her slender, white-robed figure as it passed slowly down the
+deserted street.  Once only she paused, and waved back to him, and he
+returned instant response, although scarcely realizing the act.
+
+"Poor little lonely girl! perhaps I ought to have told her the whole
+infernal story, but I simply haven't got the nerve, the way it reads
+now.  If I can only get it straightened out, it'll be different."
+
+Mechanically he thrust an unlighted cigar between his teeth, and
+descended the steps, to all outward appearance the same reckless,
+audacious Hampton as of old.  Mrs. Guffy smiled happily from an open
+window as she observed the square set of his shoulders, the easy,
+devil-may-care smile upon his lips.
+
+The military telegraph occupied one-half of the small tent next the
+Miners' Retreat, and the youthful operator instantly recognized his
+debonair visitor.
+
+"Well, Billy," was Hampton's friendly greeting, "are they keeping you
+fairly busy with 'wars and rumors of wars' these days?"
+
+"Nuthin' doin', just now," was the cheerful reply.  "Everything goin'
+ter Cheyenne.  The Injuns are gittin' themselves bottled up in the Big
+Horn country."
+
+"Oh, that's it?  Then maybe you might manage to rush a message through
+for me to Fort A. Lincoln, without discommoding Uncle Sam?" and Hampton
+placed a coin upon the rough table.
+
+"Sure; write it out."
+
+"Here it is; now get it off early, my lad, and bring the answer to me
+over at the hotel.  There 'll be another yellow boy waiting when you
+come."
+
+The reply arrived some two hours later.
+
+
+"FORT A. LINCOLN, June 17, 1876.
+
+"HAMPTON, Glencaid:
+
+"Seventh gone west, probably Yellowstone.  Brant with them.  Murphy,
+government scout, at Cheyenne waiting orders.
+
+"BITTON, Commanding."
+
+
+He crushed the paper in his hand, thinking--thinking of the past, the
+present, the future.  He had borne much in these last years, much
+misrepresentation, much loneliness of soul.  He had borne these
+patiently, smiling into the mocking eyes of Fate.  Through it all--the
+loss of friends, of profession, of ambition, of love, of home--he had
+never wholly lost hold of a sustaining hope, and now it would seem that
+this long-abiding faith was at last to be rewarded.  Yet he realized,
+as he fronted the facts, how very little he really had to build
+upon,--the fragmentary declaration of Slavin, wrung from him in a
+moment of terror; an idle boast made to Brant by the surprised scout; a
+second's glimpse at a scarred hand,--little enough, indeed, yet by far
+the most clearly marked trail he had ever struck in all his vain
+endeavor to pierce the mystery which had so utterly ruined his life.
+To run this Murphy to cover remained his final hope for retrieving
+those dead, dark years.  Ay, and there was Naida!  Her future, scarcely
+less than his own, hung trembling in the balance.
+
+The sudden flashing of that name into his brain was like an electric
+shock.  He cursed his inactivity.  Great God! had he become a child
+again, to tremble before imagined evil, a mere hobgoblin of the mind?
+He had already wasted time enough; now he must wring from the lips of
+that misshapen savage the last vestige of his secret.
+
+The animal within him sprang to fierce life.  God! he would prove as
+wary, as cunning, as relentless as ever was Indian on the trail.
+Murphy would never suspect at this late day that he was being tracked.
+That was well.  Tireless, fearless, half savage as the scout
+undoubtedly was, one fully his equal was now at his heels, actuated by
+grim, relentless purpose.  Hampton moved rapidly in preparation.  He
+dressed for the road, for hard, exacting service, buckling his loaded
+cartridge-belt outside his rough coat, and testing his revolvers with
+unusual care.  He spoke a few parting words of instruction to Mrs.
+Guffy, and went quietly out.  Ten minutes later he was in the saddle,
+galloping down the dusty stage road toward Cheyenne.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE TRAIL OF SILENT MURPHY
+
+The young infantryman who had been detailed for the important service
+of telegraph operator, sat in the Cheyenne office, his feet on the rude
+table his face buried behind a newspaper.  He had passed through two
+eventful weeks of unremitting service, being on duty both night and
+day, and now, the final despatches forwarded, he felt entitled to enjoy
+a period of well-earned repose.
+
+"Could you inform me where I might find Silent Murphy, a government
+scout?"
+
+The voice had the unmistakable ring of military authority, and the
+soldier operator instinctively dropped his feet to the floor.
+
+"Well, my lad, you are not dumb, are you?"
+
+The telegrapher's momentary hesitation vanished; his ambition to become
+a martyr to the strict laws of service secrecy was not sufficiently
+strong to cause him to take the doubtful chances of a lie.  "He was
+here, but has gone."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"The devil knows.  He rode north, carrying despatches for Custer."
+
+"When?"
+
+"Oh, three or four hours ago."
+
+Hampton swore softly but fervently, behind his clinched teeth.
+
+"Where is Custer?"
+
+"Don't know exactly.  Supposed to be with Terry and Gibbons, somewhere
+near the mouth of the Powder, although he may have left there by this
+time, moving down the Yellowstone.  That was the plan mapped out.
+Murphy's orders were to intercept his column somewhere between the
+Rosebud and the Big Horn, and I figure there is about one chance out of
+a hundred that the Indians let him get that far alive.  No other scout
+along this border would take such a detail.  I know, for there were two
+here who failed to make good when the job was thrown at them--just
+naturally faded away," and the soldier's eyes sparkled.  "But that old
+devil of a Murphy just enjoys such a trip.  He started off as happy as
+ever I see him."
+
+"How far will he have to ride?"
+
+"Oh, 'bout three hundred miles as the crow flies, a little west of
+north, and the better part of the distance, they tell me, it's almighty
+rough country for night work.  But then Murphy, he knows the way all
+right."
+
+Hampton turned toward the door, feeling fairly sick from
+disappointment.  The operator stood regarding him curiously, a question
+on his lips.
+
+"Sorry you didn't come along a little earlier," he said, genially.  "Do
+you know Murphy?"
+
+"I 'm not quite certain.  Did you happen to notice a peculiar black
+scar on the back of his right hand?"
+
+"Sure; looks like the half of a pear.  He said it was powder under the
+skin."
+
+A new look of reviving determination swept into Hampton's gloomy
+eyes--beyond doubt this must be his man.
+
+"How many horses did he have?"
+
+"Two."
+
+"Did you overhear him say anything definite about his plans for the
+trip?"
+
+"What, him?  He never talks, that fellow.  He can't do nothing but
+sputter if he tries.  But I wrote out his orders, and they give him to
+the twenty-fifth to make the Big Horn.  That's maybe something like
+fifty miles a day, and he's most likely to keep his horses fresh just
+as long as possible, so as to be good for the last spurt through the
+hostile country.  That's how I figure it, and I know something about
+scouting.  You was n't planning to strike out after him, was you?"
+
+"I might risk it if I only thought I could overtake him within two
+days; my business is of some importance."
+
+"Well, stranger, I should reckon you might do that with a dog-gone good
+outfit.  Murphy 's sure to take things pretty easy to-day, and he's
+almost certain to follow the old mining trail as far as the ford over
+the Belle Fourche, and that's plain enough to travel.  Beyond that
+point the devil only knows where he will go, for then is when his hard
+ridin' begins."
+
+The moment the operator mentioned that odd scar on Murphy's hand, every
+vestige of hesitation vanished.  Beyond any possibility of doubt he was
+on the right scent this time.  Murphy was riding north upon a mission
+as desperate as ever man was called upon to perform.  The chance of his
+coming forth alive from that Indian-haunted land was, as the operator
+truthfully said, barely one out of a hundred.  Hampton thought of this.
+He durst not venture all he was so earnestly striving after--love,
+reputation, honor--to the chance of a stray Sioux bullet.  No! and he
+remembered Naida again, her dark, pleading eyes searching his face.  To
+the end, to the death if need were, he would follow!
+
+The memory of his old plains craft would not permit any neglect of the
+few necessaries for the trip.  He bought without haggling over prices,
+but insisted on the best.  So it was four in the afternoon when he
+finally struck into the trail leading northward.  This proved at first
+a broad, plainly marked path, across the alkali plain.  He rode a
+mettlesome, half-broken bronco, a wicked-eyed brute, which required to
+be conquered twice within the first hour of travel; a second and more
+quiet animal trailed behind at the end of a lariat, bearing the
+necessary equipment.  Hampton forced the two into a rapid lope,
+striving to make the most possible out of the narrow margin of daylight
+remaining.
+
+He had, by persistent questioning, acquired considerable information,
+during that busy hour spent in Cheyenne, regarding the untracked
+regions lying before him, as well as the character and disposition of
+the man he pursued.  Both by instinct and training he was able to
+comprehend those brief hints that must prove of vast benefit in the
+pathless wilderness.  But the time had not yet arrived for him to dwell
+on such matters.  His thoughts were concentrated on Murphy.  He knew
+that the fellow was a stubborn, silent, sullen savage, devoid of
+physical fear, yet cunning, wary, malignant, and treacherous.  That was
+what they said of him back in Cheyenne.  What, then, would ever induce
+such a man to open his mouth in confession of a long-hidden crime?  To
+be sure, he might easily kill the fellow, but he would probably die,
+like a wild beast, without uttering a word.
+
+There was one chance, a faint hope, that behind his gruff, uncouth
+exterior this Murphy possessed a conscience not altogether dead.  Over
+some natures, and not infrequently to those which seem outwardly the
+coarsest, superstition wields a power the normal mind can scarcely
+comprehend.  Murphy might be spiritually as cringing a coward as he was
+physically a fearless desperado.  Hampton had known such cases before;
+he had seen men laugh scornfully before the muzzle of a levelled gun,
+and yet tremble when pointed at by the finger of accusation.  He had
+lived sufficiently long on the frontier to know that men may become
+inured to that special form of danger to which they have grown
+accustomed through repetition, and yet fail to front the unknown and
+mysterious.  Perhaps here might be discovered Murphy's weak point.
+Without doubt the man was guilty of crime; that its memory continued to
+haunt him was rendered evident by his hiding in Glencaid, and by his
+desperate attempt to kill Hampton.  That knife-thrust must have been
+given with the hope of thus stopping further investigation; it alone
+was sufficient proof that Murphy's soul was haunted by fear.
+
+"Conscience doth make cowards of us all."  These familiar words floated
+in Hampton's memory, seeming to attune themselves to the steady gallop
+of his horse.  They appealed to him as a direct message of guidance.
+The night was already dark, but stars were gleaming brilliantly
+overhead, and the trail remained easily traceable.  It became terribly
+lonely on that wilderness stretching away for unknown leagues in every
+direction, yet Hampton scarcely noted this, so watchful was he lest he
+miss the trail.  To his judgment, Murphy would not be likely to ride
+during the night until after he had crossed the Fourche.  There was no
+reason to suspect that there were any hostile Indians south of that
+stream, and probably therefore the old scout would endeavor to conserve
+his own strength and that of his horses, for the more perilous travel
+beyond.  Hampton hastened on, his eyes peering anxiously ahead into the
+steadily increasing gloom.
+
+About midnight, the trail becoming obscure, the rider made camp,
+confident he must have already gained heavily on the man he pursued.
+He lariated his horses, and flinging himself down on some soft turf,
+almost immediately dropped asleep.  He was up again before daylight,
+and, after a hasty meal, pressed on.  The nature of the country had
+changed considerably, becoming more broken, the view circumscribed by
+towering cliffs and deep ravines.  Hampton swung forward his
+field-glasses, and, from the summit of every eminence, studied the
+topography of the country lying beyond.  He must see before being seen,
+and he believed he could not now be many miles in the rear of Murphy.
+
+Late in the afternoon he reined up his horse and gazed forward into a
+broad valley, bounded with precipitous bluffs.  The trail, now scarcely
+perceptible, led directly down, winding about like some huge snake,
+across the lower level, toward where a considerable stream of water
+shone silvery in the sun, half concealed behind a fringe of willows.
+Beyond doubt this was the Belle Fourche.  And yonder, close in against
+those distant willows, some black dots were moving.  Hampton glued his
+anxious eyes to the glass.  The levelled tubes clearly revealed a man
+on horseback, leading another horse.  The animals were walking.  There
+could be little doubt that this was Silent Murphy.
+
+Hampton lariated his tired horses behind the bluff, and returned to the
+summit, lying flat upon the ground, with the field-glass at his eyes.
+The distant figures passed slowly forward into the midst of the
+willows, and for half an hour the patient watcher scanned the surface
+of the stream beyond, but there was no sign of attempted passage.  The
+sun sank lower, and finally disappeared behind those desolate ridges to
+the westward.  Hampton's knowledge of plains craft rendered Murphy's
+actions sufficiently clear.  This was the Fourche; beyond those waters
+lay the terrible peril of Indian raiders.  Further advance must be made
+by swift, secret night riding, and never-ceasing vigilance.  This was
+what Murphy had been saving himself and his horses for.  Beyond
+conjecture, he was resting now within the shadows of those willows,
+studying the opposite shore and making ready for the dash northward.
+Hampton believed he would linger thus for some time after dark, to see
+if Indian fires would afford any guidance.  Confident of this, he
+passed back to his horses, rubbed them down with grass, and then ate
+his lonely supper, not venturing to light a fire, certain that Murphy's
+eyes were scanning every inch of sky-line.
+
+Darkness came rapidly, while Hampton sat planning again the details of
+his night's work.  The man's spirits became depressed by the gloom and
+the silence.  Evil fancies haunted his brain.  His mind dwelt upon the
+past, upon that wrong which had wrecked his life, upon the young girl
+he had left praying for his safe return, upon that miserable creature
+skulking yonder in the black night.  Hampton could not remember when he
+had ever performed such an act before, nor could he have explained why
+he did so then, yet he prayed--prayed for the far-off Naida, and for
+personal guidance in the stern work lying before him.  And when he rose
+to his feet and groped his way to the horses, there remained no spirit
+of vengeance in his heart, no hatred, merely a cool resolve to succeed
+in his strange quest.  So, the two animals trailing cautiously behind,
+he felt his slow way on foot down the steep bluff, into the denser
+blackness of the valley.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE HAUNTING OF A CRIME
+
+Murphy rested on his back in the midst of a thicket of willows, wide
+awake, yet not quite ready to ford the Fourche and plunge into the
+dense shadows shrouding the northern shore.  Crouched behind a log, he
+had so far yielded unto temptation as to light his pipe.
+
+Murphy had been amid just such unpleasant environments many times
+before, and the experience had grown somewhat prosaic.  He realized
+fully the imminent peril haunting the next two hundred miles, but such
+danger was not wholly unwelcome to his peculiar temperament; rather it
+was an incentive to him, and, without a doubt, he would manage to pull
+through somehow, as he had done a hundred times before.  Even
+Indian-scouting degenerates into a commonplace at last.  So Murphy
+puffed contentedly at his old pipe.  Whatever may have been his
+thoughts, they did not burst through his taciturnity, and he reclined
+there motionless, no sound breaking the silence, save the rippling
+waters of the Fourche, and the occasional stamping of his horses as
+they cropped the succulent valley grass.
+
+But suddenly there was the faint crackle of a branch to his left, and
+one hand instantly closed over his pipe bowl, the other grasping the
+heavy revolver at his hip.  Crouching like a startled tiger, with not a
+muscle moving, he peered anxiously into the darkness, his arm half
+extended, scarcely venturing to breathe.  There came a plain,
+undisguised rustling in the grass,--some prowling coyote, probably;
+then his tense muscles immediately relaxed, and he cursed himself for
+being so startled, yet he continued to grasp the "45" in his right
+hand, his eyes alert.
+
+"Murphy!"
+
+That single word, hurled thus unexpectedly out of the black night,
+startled him more than would a volley of rifles.  He sprang half erect,
+then as swiftly crouched behind a willow, utterly unable to articulate.
+In God's name, what human could be out there to call?  He would have
+sworn that there was not another white man within a radius of a hundred
+miles.  For the instant his very blood ran cold; he appeared to shrivel
+up.
+
+"Oh, come, Murphy; speak up, man; I know you're in here."
+
+That terror of the unknown instantly vanished.  This was the familiar
+language of the world, and, however the fellow came to be there, it was
+assuredly a man who spoke.  With a gurgling oath at his own folly,
+Murphy's anger flared violently forth into disjointed speech, the
+deadly gun yet clasped ready for instant action.
+
+"Who--the hell--are ye?" he blurted out.
+
+The visitor laughed, the bushes rustling as he pushed toward the sound
+of the voice.  "It's all right, old boy.  Gave ye quite a scare, I
+reckon."
+
+Murphy could now dimly perceive the other advancing through the
+intervening willows, and his Colt shot up to the level.  "Stop!--ye
+take another--step an' I 'll--let drive.  Ye tell me--first--who ye be."
+
+The invader paused, but he realized the nervous finger pressing the
+trigger and made haste to answer.  "It's all right, I tell ye.  I 'm
+one o' Terry's scouts."
+
+"Ye are?  Jist the same--I've heard--yer voice--afore."
+
+"Likely 'nough.  I saw service in the Seventh."
+
+Murphy was still a trifle suspicious.  "How'd ye git yere?  How 'd ye
+come ter know--whar I wus?"
+
+The man laughed again.  "Sorter hurts yer perfessional feelins, don't
+it, old feller, to be dropped in on in this unceremonious way?  But it
+was dead easy, old man.  Ye see I happened thro' Cheyenne only a couple
+o' hours behind ye, with a bunch o' papers fer the Yellowstone.  The
+trail's plain enough out this far, and I loped 'long at a pretty fair
+hickory, so thet I was up on the bluff yonder, and saw ye go into camp
+yere just afore dark.  You wus a-keepin' yer eyes skinned across the
+Fourche, and naturally didn't expect no callers from them hills behind.
+The rest wus nuthin', an' here I am.  It's a darn sight pleasanter ter
+hev company travellin', ter my notion.  Now kin I cum on?"
+
+Murphy reluctantly lowered his Colt, every movement betraying
+annoyance.  "I reckon.  But I 'd--a damn sight--rather risk it--alone."
+
+The stranger came forward without further hesitation.  The night was
+far too dark to reveal features, but to Murphy's strained vision the
+newcomer appeared somewhat slender in build, and of good height.
+
+"Whar'd--ye say ye--wus bound?"
+
+"Mouth o' the Powder.  We kin ride tergether fer a night or two."
+
+"Ye kin--do as ye--please, but--I ain't a huntin'--no company,--an' I'm
+a'--goin' 'cross now."
+
+He advanced a few strides toward his horses.  Then suddenly he gave
+vent to a smothered cry, so startling as to cause the stranger to
+spring hastily after him.
+
+"Oh!  My God!  Oh!  Look there!"
+
+"What is it, man?"
+
+"There!  there!  The picture!  Don't you see?"
+
+"Naw; I don't see nuthin'.  Ye ain't gone cracked, hev ye?  Whose
+picture?"
+
+"It's there!--O Lord!--it's there!  My God! can't ye see?--An' it's his
+face--all a-gleamin' with green flames--Holy Mary--an' I ain't seen
+it--afore in--fifteen year!"
+
+He seemed suddenly to collapse, and the stranger permitted him to drop
+limp to the earth.
+
+"Darn if I kin see anythin', old man, but I 'll scout 'round thar a
+bit, jest ter ease yer mind, an' see what I kin skeer up."
+
+He had hardly taken a half-dozen steps before Murphy called after him:
+"Don't--don't go an' leave me--it's not there now--thet's queer!"
+
+The other returned and stood gazing down upon his huddled figure.
+"You're a fine scout! afeard o' spooks.  Do ye take these yere turns
+often?  Fer if ye do, I reckon as how I 'd sooner be ridin' alone."
+
+Murphy struggled to his feet and gripped the other's arm.  "Never hed
+nuthin' like it--afore.  But--but it was thar--all creepy--an'
+green--ain't seen thet face--in fifteen year."
+
+"What face?"
+
+"A--a fellow I knew--once.  He--he's dead."
+
+The other grunted, disdainfully.  "Bad luck ter see them sort," he
+volunteered, solemnly.  "Blame glad it warn't me es see it, an' I don't
+know as I keer much right now 'bout keepin' company with ye fer very
+long.  However, I reckon if either of us calculates on doin' much
+ridin' ternight, we better stop foolin' with ghosts, an' go ter
+saddlin' up."
+
+They made rapid work of it, the newcomer proving somewhat loquacious,
+yet holding his voice to a judicious whisper, while Murphy relapsed
+into his customary sullen silence, but continued peering about
+nervously.  It was he who led the way down the bank, the four horses
+slowly splashing through the shallow water to the northern shore.
+Before them stretched a broad plain, the surface rocky and uneven, the
+northern stars obscured by ridges of higher land.  Murphy promptly gave
+his horse the spur, never once glancing behind, while the other
+imitated his example, holding his animal well in check, being
+apparently the better mounted.
+
+They rode silently.  The unshod hoofs made little noise, but a loosened
+canteen tinkled on Murphy's led horse, and he halted to fix it,
+uttering a curse.  The way became more broken and rough as they
+advanced, causing them to exercise greater caution.  Murphy clung to
+the hollows, apparently guided by some primitive instinct to choose the
+right path, or else able, like a cat, to see the way through the gloom,
+his beacon a huge rock to the northward.  Silently hour after hour,
+galloping, trotting, walking, according to the ground underfoot, the
+two pressed grimly forward, with the unerring skill of the border, into
+the untracked wilderness.  Flying clouds obscured the stars, yet
+through the rifts they caught fleeting glimpses sufficient to hold them
+to their course.  And the encroaching hills swept in closer upon either
+hand, leaving them groping their way between as in a pocket, yet ever
+advancing north.
+
+Finally they attained to the steep bank of a considerable stream, found
+the water of sufficient depth to compel swimming, and crept up the
+opposite shore dripping and miserable, yet with ammunition dry.  Murphy
+stood swearing disjointedly, wiping the blood from a wound in his
+forehead where the jagged edge of a rock had broken the skin, but
+suddenly stopped with a quick intake of breath that left him panting.
+The other man crept toward him, leading his horse.
+
+"What is it now?" he asked, gruffly.  "Hev' ye got 'em agin?"
+
+The dazed old scout stared, pointing directly across the other's
+shoulder, his arm shaking desperately.
+
+"It's thar!--an' it's his face!  Oh, God!--I know it--fifteen year."
+
+The man glanced backward into the pitch darkness, but without moving
+his body.
+
+"There 's nuthin' out there, 'less it's a firefly," he insisted, in a
+tone of contempt.  "You're plum crazy, Murphy; the night's got on yer
+nerves.  What is it ye think ye see?"
+
+"His face, I tell ye!  Don't I know?  It's all green and ghastly, with
+snaky flames playin' about it!  But I know; fifteen years, an' I ain't
+fergot."
+
+He sank down feebly--sank until he was on his knees, his head craned
+forward.  The man watching touched the miserable, hunched-up figure
+compassionately, and it shook beneath his hand, endeavoring to shrink
+away.
+
+"My God! was thet you?  I thought it was him a-reachin' fer me.  Here,
+let me take yer hand.  Oh, Lord!  An' can't ye see?  It's just there
+beyond them horses--all green, crawlin', devilish--but it's him."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Brant!  Brant--fifteen year!"
+
+"Brant?  Fifteen years?  Do you mean Major Brant, the one Nolan killed
+over at Bethune?"
+
+"He--he didn't--"
+
+The old man heaved forward, his head rocking from side to side; then
+suddenly he toppled over on his face, gasping for breath.  His
+companion caught him, and ripped open the heavy flannel shirt.  Then he
+strode savagely across in front of his shrinking horse, tore down the
+flaring picture, and hastily thrust it into his pocket, the light of
+the phosphorus with which it had been drawn being reflected for a
+moment on his features.
+
+"A dirty, miserable, low-down trick," he muttered.  "Poor old devil!
+Yet I've got to do it, for the little girl."
+
+He stumbled back through the darkness, his hat filled with water, and
+dashed it into Murphy's face.  "Come on, Murphy!  There's one good
+thing 'bout spooks; they don't hang 'round fer long at a time.  Likely
+es not this 'un is gone by now.  Brace up, man, for you an' I have got
+ter get out o' here afore mornin'."
+
+Then Murphy grasped his arm, and drew himself slowly to his feet.
+
+"Don't see nuthin' now, do ye?"
+
+"No.  Where's my--horse?"
+
+The other silently reached him the loose rein, marking as he did so the
+quick, nervous peering this way and that, the starting at the slightest
+sound.
+
+"Did ye say, Murphy, as how it wasn't Nolan after all who plugged the
+Major?"
+
+"I 'm damned--if I did.  Who--else was it?"
+
+"Why, I dunno.  Sorter blamed odd though, thet ghost should be
+a-hauntin' ye.  Darn if it ain't creepy 'nough ter make a feller
+believe most anythin'."
+
+Murphy drew himself up heavily into his saddle.  Then all at once he
+shoved the muzzle of a "45" into the other's face.  "Ye say nuther
+word--'bout thet, an' I 'll make--a ghost outer ye--blame lively.  Now,
+ye shet up--if ye ride with me."
+
+They moved forward at a walk and reached a higher level, across which
+the night wind swept, bearing a touch of cold in its breath as though
+coming from the snow-capped mountains to the west.  There was renewed
+life in this invigorating air, and Murphy spurred forward, his
+companion pressing steadily after.  They were but two flitting shadows
+amid that vast desolation of plain and mountain, their horses' hoofs
+barely audible.  What imaginings of evil, what visions of the past, may
+have filled the half-crazed brain of the leading horseman is
+unknowable.  He rode steadily against the black night wall, as though
+unconscious of his actions, yet forgetting no trick, no skill of the
+plains.  But the equally silent man behind clung to him like a shadow
+of doom, watching his slightest motion--a Nemesis that would never let
+go.
+
+When the first signs of returning day appeared in the east, the two
+left their horses in a narrow canyon, and crept to the summit of a
+ridge.  Below lay the broad valley of the Powder.  Slowly the misty
+light strengthened into gray, and became faintly tinged with crimson,
+while the green and brown tints deepened beneath the advancing light,
+which ever revealed new clefts in the distant hills.  Amid those more
+northern bluffs a thin spiral of blue smoke was ascending.  Undoubtedly
+it was some distant Indian signal, and the wary old plainsman watched
+it as if fascinated.  But the younger man lay quietly regarding him, a
+drawn revolver in his hand.  Then Murphy turned his head, and looked
+back into the other's face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE VERGE OF CONFESSION
+
+Murphy uttered one sputtering cry of surprise, flinging his hand
+instinctively to his hip, but attempted no more.  Hampton's ready
+weapon was thrusting its muzzle into the astounded face, and the gray
+eyes gleaming along the polished barrel held the fellow motionless.
+
+"Hands up!  Not a move, Murphy!  I have the drop!"  The voice was low,
+but stern, and the old frontiersman obeyed mechanically, although his
+seamed face was fairly distorted with rage.
+
+"You!  Damn you!--I thought I knew--the voice."
+
+"Yes, I am here all right.  Rather odd place for us to meet, isn't it?
+But, you see, you've had the advantage all these years; you knew whom
+you were running away from, while I was compelled to plod along in the
+dark.  But I 've caught up just the same, if it has been a long race."
+
+"What do ye--want me fer?"  The look in the face was cunning.
+
+"Hold your hands quiet--higher, you fool!  That's it.  Now, don't play
+with me.  I honestly didn 't know for certain I did want you, Murphy,
+when I first started out on this trip.  I merely suspected that I
+might, from some things I had been told.  When somebody took the
+liberty of slashing at my back in a poker-room at Glencaid, and drove
+the knife into Slavin by mistake, I chanced to catch a glimpse of the
+hand on the hilt, and there was a scar on it.  About fifteen years
+before, I was acting as officer of the guard one night at Bethune.  It
+was a bright starlit night, you remember, and just as I turned the
+corner of the old powder-house there came a sudden flash, a report, a
+sharp cry.  I sprang forward only to fall headlong over a dead body;
+but in that flash I had seen the hand grasping the revolver, and there
+was a scar on the back of it, a very peculiar scar.  It chanced I had
+the evening previous slightly quarrelled with the officer who was
+killed; I was the only person known to be near at the time he was shot;
+certain other circumstantial evidence was dug up, while Slavin and one
+other--no, it was not you--gave some damaging, manufactured testimony
+against me.  As a result I was held guilty of murder in the second
+degree, dismissed the army in disgrace, and sentenced to ten years'
+imprisonment.  So, you see, it was not exactly you I have been hunting,
+Murphy,--it was a scar."
+
+Murphy's face was distorted into a hideous grin.  "I notice you bear
+exactly that kind of a scar, my man, and you spoke last night as if you
+had some recollection of the case."
+
+The mocking grin expanded; into the husky voice crept a snarl of
+defiance, for now Murphy's courage had come back--he was fronting flesh
+and blood.  "Oh, stop preachin'--an' shoot--an' be damned ter ye!"
+
+"You do me a grave injustice, Murphy.  In the first place, I do not
+possess the nature of an Indian, and am not out for revenge.  Your
+slashing at me down in Glencaid has n't left so much as a sting behind.
+It's completely blotted out, forgotten.  I haven't the slightest desire
+to kill you, man; but I do want to clear my name of the stain of that
+crime.  I want you to tell the whole truth about that night's work at
+Bethune; and when you have done so, you can go.  I 'll never lay a
+finger on you; you can go where you please."
+
+"Bah!--ye ain't got no proof--agin me--'sides, the case is closed--it
+can't be opened agin--by law."
+
+"You devil!  I 'd be perfectly justified in killing you," exclaimed
+Hampton, savagely.
+
+Murphy stared at him stupidly, the cunning of incipient insanity in his
+eyes.  "En' whar--do ye expect--me ter say--all this, pervidin', of
+course--I wus fule 'nough--ter do it?"
+
+"Up yonder before Custer and the officers of the Seventh, when we get
+in."
+
+"They'd nab me--likely."
+
+"Now, see here, you say it is impossible for them to touch you, because
+the case is closed legally.  Now, you do not care very much for the
+opinion of others, while from every other standpoint you feel perfectly
+safe.  But I 've had to suffer for your crime, Murphy, suffer for
+fifteen years, ten of them behind stone walls; and there are others who
+have suffered with me.  It has cost me love, home, all that a man holds
+dear.  I 've borne this punishment for you, paid the penalty of your
+act to the full satisfaction of the law.  The very least you can do in
+ordinary decency is to speak the truth now.  It will not hurt you, but
+it will lift me out of hell."
+
+Murphy's eyes were cunning, treacherously shifting under the thatch of
+his heavy brows; he was like an old rat seeking for any hole of refuge.
+"Well--maybe I might.  Anyhow, I'll go on--with ye.  Kin I sit up?  I
+'m dog tired--lyin' yere."
+
+"Unbuckle your belt, and throw that over first."
+
+"I'm damned--if I will.  Not--in no Injun--country."
+
+"I know it's tough," retorted Hampton, with exasperating coolness, his
+revolver's muzzle held steady; "but, just the same, it's got to be
+done.  I know you far too well to take chances on your gun.  So
+unlimber."
+
+"Oh, I--guess not," and Murphy spat contemptuously.  "Do ye think--I 'm
+afeard o' yer--shootin'?  Ye don't dare--fer I 'm no good ter ye--dead."
+
+"You are perfectly right.  You are quite a philosopher in your way.
+You would be no good to me dead, Murphy, but you might prove fully as
+valuable maimed.  Now I 'm playing this game to the limit, and that
+limit is just about reached.  You unlimber before I count ten, you
+murderer, or I 'll spoil both your hands!"
+
+The mocking, sardonic grin deserted Murphy's features.  It was sullen
+obstinacy, not doubt of the other's purpose, that paralyzed him.
+
+"Unlimber!  It's the last call."
+
+With a snarl the scout unclasped his army belt, dropped it to the
+ground, and sullenly kicked it over toward Hampton.  "Now--now--you,
+you gray-eyed--devil, kin I--sit up?"
+
+The other nodded.  He had drawn the fangs of the wolf, and now that he
+no longer feared, a sudden, unexplainable feeling of sympathy took
+possession of him.  Yet he drew farther away before slipping his own
+gun into its sheath.  For a time neither spoke, their eyes peering
+across the ridge.  Murphy sputtered and swore, but his victorious
+companion neither spoke nor moved.  There were several distant smokes
+out to the northward now, evidently the answering signals of different
+bands of savages, while far away, beneath the shadow of the low bluffs
+bordering the stream, numerous black, moving dots began to show against
+the light brown background.  Hampton, noticing that Murphy had stopped
+swearing to gaze, swung forward his field-glasses for a better view.
+
+"They are Indians, right enough," he said, at last.  "Here, take a
+look, Murphy.  I could count about twenty in that bunch, and they are
+travelling north."
+
+The older man adjusted the tubes to his eyes, and looked long and
+steadily at the party.  Then he slowly swung the glasses toward the
+northwest, apparently studying the country inch by inch, his jaws
+working spasmodically, his unoccupied hand clutching nervously at the
+grass.
+
+"They seem--to be a-closin' in," he declared, finally, staring around
+into the other's face, all bravado gone.  "There's anuther lot--bucks,
+all o' 'em--out west yonder--an' over east a smudge is--just startin'.
+Looks like--we wus in a pocket--an' thar' might be some--har-raisin'
+fore long."
+
+"Well, Murphy, you are the older hand at this business.  What do you
+advise doing?"
+
+"Me?  Why, push right 'long--while we kin keep under cover.
+Then--after dark--trust ter bull luck an' make--'nuther dash.  It's
+mostly luck, anyhow.  Thet canyon just ahead--looks like it leads a
+long way--toward the Powder.  Its middling deep down, an' if there
+ain't Injuns in it--them fellers out yonder--never cud git no sight at
+us.  Thet's my notion--thet ivery mile helps in this--business."
+
+"You mean we should start now?"
+
+"Better--let the cattle rest--first.  An'--if ye ever feed prisoners--I
+'d like ter eat a bite--mesilf."
+
+They rested there for over two hours, the tired horses contentedly
+munching the succulent grass of the _coulée_, their two masters
+scarcely exchanging a word.  Murphy, after satisfying his appetite,
+rested flat upon his back, one arm flung over his eyes to protect them
+from the sun.  For a considerable time Hampton supposed him asleep,
+until he accidentally caught the stealthy glance which followed his
+slightest movement, and instantly realized that the old weasel was
+alert.  Murphy had been beaten, yet evidently remained unconquered,
+biding his chance with savage stoicism, and the other watched him
+warily even while seeming to occupy himself with the field-glass.
+
+At last they saddled up, and, at first leading their horses, passed
+down the _coulée_ into the more precipitous depths of the narrow
+canyon.  This proved hardly more than a gash cut through the rolling
+prairie, rock strewn, holding an insignificant stream of brackish
+water, yet was an ideal hiding-place, having ample room for easy
+passage between the rock walls.  The men mounted, and Hampton, with a
+wave of his hand, bade the old scout assume the lead.
+
+Their early advance was slow and cautious, as they never felt certain
+what hidden enemies might lurk behind the sharp corners of the winding
+defile, and they kept vigilant eyes upon the serrated sky-line.  The
+savages were moving north, and so were they.  It would be remarkably
+good fortune if they escaped running into some wandering band, or if
+some stray scout did not stumble upon their trail.  So they continued
+to plod on.
+
+It was fully three o'clock when they attained to the bank of the
+Powder, and crouched among the rocks to wait for the shades of night to
+shroud their further advance.  Murphy climbed the bluff for a wider
+view, bearing Hampton's field-glasses slung across his shoulder, for
+the latter would not leave him alone with the horses.  He returned
+finally to grunt out that there was nothing special in sight, except a
+shifting of those smoke signals to points farther north.  Then they lay
+down again, Hampton smoking, Murphy either sleeping or pretending to
+sleep.  And slowly the shadows of another black night swept down and
+shut them in.
+
+It must have been two hours later when they ventured forth.  Silence
+and loneliness brooded everywhere, not so much as a breath of air
+stirring the leaves.  The unspeakable, unsolvable mystery of it all
+rested like a weight on the spirits of both men.  It, was a disquieting
+thought that bands of savages, eager to discover and slay, were
+stealing among the shadows of those trackless plains, and that they
+must literally feel their uncertain way through the cordon, every sound
+an alarm, every advancing step a fresh peril.  They crossed the swift,
+deep stream, and emerged dripping, chilled to the marrow by the icy
+water.  Then they swung stiffly into the wet saddles, and plunged, with
+almost reckless abandon, through the darkness.  Murphy continued to
+lead, the light tread of his horse barely audible, Hampton pressing
+closely behind, revolver in hand, the two pack-horses trailing in the
+rear.  Hampton had no confidence in his sullen, treacherous companion;
+he looked for early trouble, yet he had little fear regarding any
+attempt at escape now.  Murphy was a plainsman, and would realize the
+horror of being alone, unarmed, and without food on those demon-haunted
+prairies.  Besides, the silent man behind was astride the better animal.
+
+Midnight, and they pulled up amid the deeper gloom of a great,
+overhanging bluff, having numerous trees near its summit.  There was
+the glow of a distant fire upon their left, which reddened the sky, and
+reflected oddly on the edges of a vast cloud-mass rolling up
+threateningly from the west.  Neither knew definitely where they were,
+although Murphy guessed the narrow stream they had just forded might be
+the upper waters of the Tongue.  Their horses stood with heads hanging
+wearily down, their sides rising and falling; and Hampton, rolling
+stiffly from the saddle, hastily loosened his girth.
+
+"They 'll drop under us if we don't give them an hour or two," he said,
+quietly.  "They 're both dead beat."
+
+Murphy muttered something, incoherent and garnished with oaths, and the
+moment he succeeded in releasing the buckle, sank down limp at the very
+feet of his horse, rolling up into a queer ball.  The other stared, and
+took a step nearer.
+
+"What's the matter?  Are you sick, Murphy?"
+
+"No--tired--don't want ter see--thet thing agin."
+
+"What thing?"
+
+"Thet green, devilish,--crawlin' face--if ye must know!"  And he
+twisted his long, ape-like arms across his eyes, lying curled up as a
+dog might.
+
+For a moment Hampton stood gazing down upon him, listening to his
+incoherent mutterings, his own face grave and sympathetic.  Then he
+moved back and sat down.  Suddenly the full conception of what this
+meant came to his mind--_the man had gone mad_.  The strained cords of
+that diseased brain had snapped in the presence of imagined terrors,
+and now all was chaos.  The horror of it overwhelmed Hampton; not only
+did this unexpected denouement leave him utterly hopeless, but what was
+he to do with the fellow?  How could he bring him forth from there
+alive?  If this stream was indeed the Tongue, then many a mile of rough
+country, ragged with low mountains and criss-crossed by deep ravines,
+yet stretched between where they now were and the Little Big Horn,
+where they expected to find Custer's men.  They were in the very heart
+of the Indian country,--the country of the savage Sioux.  He stared at
+the curled-up man, now silent and breathing heavily as if asleep.  The
+silence was profound, the night so black and lonely that Hampton
+involuntarily closed his heavy eyes to shut it out.  If he only might
+light a pipe, or boil himself a cup of black coffee!  Murphy never
+stirred; the horses were seemingly too weary to browse.  Then Hampton
+nodded, and sank into an uneasy doze.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+ALONE WITH THE INSANE
+
+Beneath the shade of uplifted arms Murphy's eyes remained unclosed.
+Whatever terrors may have dominated that diseased brain, the one
+purpose of revenge and escape never deserted it.  With patient cunning
+he could plan and wait, scheme and execute.  He was all animal now,
+dreaming only of how to tear and kill.
+
+And he waited long in order to be perfectly sure, unrolling inch by
+inch, and like a venomous snake, never venturing to withdraw his
+baleful eyes from his unconscious victim.  He was many minutes
+thoroughly satisfying himself that Hampton actually slept.  His every
+movement was slow, crafty, cowardly, the savage in his perverted nature
+becoming more and more manifest.  It was more beast than man that
+finally crept forward on all-fours, the eyes gleaming cruel as a cat's
+in the night.  It was not far he was compelled to go, his movements
+squirming and noiseless.  Within a yard of the peacefully slumbering
+man he rose up, crouching on his toes and bending stealthily forward to
+gloat over his victim.  Hampton stirred uneasily, possibly feeling the
+close proximity of that horrible presence.  Then the maniac took one
+more stealthy, slouching step nearer, and flung himself at the exposed
+throat, uttering a fierce snarl as his fingers clutched the soft flesh.
+Hampton awoke, gasping and choking, to find those mad eyes glaring into
+his own, those murderous hands throttling him with the strength of
+madness.
+
+At first the stupefied, half-awakened man struggled as if in delirium,
+scarcely realizing the danger.  He was aware of suffering, of horror,
+of suffocation.  Then the brain flashed into life, and he grappled
+fiercely with his dread antagonist.  Murphy snapped like a mad dog, his
+lips snarling curses; but Hampton fought silently, desperately, his
+brain clearing as he succeeded in wrenching those claws from his
+lacerated throat, and forced his way up on to one knee.  He felt no
+hatred toward this crazed man striving to kill him; he understood what
+had loosed such a raging devil.  But this was no time to exhibit mercy;
+Murphy bit and clawed, and Hampton could only dash in upon him in the
+effort to force him back.  He worked his way, inch by inch, to his
+feet, his slender figure rigid as steel, and closed in upon the other;
+but Murphy writhed out of his grasp, as a snake might.  The younger man
+realized now to the full his peril, and his hand slipped down to the
+gun upon his hip.  There was a sudden glint in the faint starlight as
+he struck, and the stunned maniac went down quivering, and lay
+motionless on the hard ground.  For a moment the other remained
+standing over him, the heavy revolver poised, but the prostrate figure
+lay still, and the conqueror slipped his weapon back into its leather
+sheath with a sigh of relief.
+
+The noise of their struggle must have carried far through that solemn
+stillness, and no one could guess how near at hand might be bands of
+prowling savages.  Yet no sound came to his strained ears except the
+soft soughing of the night wind through the trees, and the rustling of
+grass beneath the tread of the horses.  With the quick decision of one
+long accustomed to meet emergencies, Hampton unbuckled the lariat from
+one of the led animals, and bound Murphy's hands and limbs securely.
+
+As he worked he thought rapidly.  He comprehended the extreme
+desperation of their present situation.  While the revolver blow might
+possibly restore Murphy to a degree of sanity, it was far more probable
+that he would awaken violent.  Yet he could not deliberately leave this
+man to meet a fate of horror in the wilderness.  Which way should they
+turn?  Enough food, if used sparingly, might remain to permit of a
+hasty retreat to Cheyenne, and there would be comparatively little
+danger in that direction.  All visible signs indicated that the
+scattered Indian bands were rapidly consolidating to the northward,
+closing in on those troops scouting the Yellowstone, with determination
+to give early battle.  Granting that the stream they were now on should
+prove to be the Tongue, then the direct route toward where Custer was
+supposed to be would be northwest, leading ever deeper into the lonely
+wilderness, and toward more imminent peril.  Then, at the end of that
+uncertain journey, they might easily miss Custer's column.  That which
+would have been quickly decided had he been alone became a most serious
+problem when considered in connection with the insane, helpless scout.
+But then, there were the despatches!  They must be of vital importance
+to have required the sending of Murphy forth on so dangerous a ride;
+other lives, ay, the result of the entire campaign, might depend upon
+their early delivery.  Hampton had been a soldier, the spirit of the
+service was still with him, and that thought brought him to final
+decision.  Unless they were halted by Sioux bullets, they would push on
+toward the Big Horn, and Custer should have the papers.
+
+He knelt down beside Murphy, unbuckled the leather despatch-bag, and
+rebuckled it across his own shoulder.  Then he set to work to revive
+the prostrate man.  The eyes, when opened, stared up at him, wild and
+glaring; the ugly face bore the expression of abject fear.  The man was
+no longer violent; he had become a child, frightened at the dark.  His
+ceaseless babbling, his incessant cries of terror, only rendered more
+precarious any attempt at pressing forward through a region overrun
+with hostiles.  But Hampton had resolved.
+
+Securely strapping Murphy to his saddle, and packing all their
+remaining store of provisions upon one horse, leaving the other to
+follow or remain behind as it pleased, he advanced directly into the
+hills, steering by aid of the stars, his left hand ever on Murphy's
+bridle rein, his low voice of expostulation seeking to calm the other's
+wild fancies and to curb his violent speech.  It was a weird, wild ride
+through the black night, unknown ground under foot, unseen dangers upon
+every hand.  Murphy's aberrations changed from shrieking terror to a
+wild, uncontrollable hilarity, with occasional outbursts of violent
+anger, when it required all Hampton's iron will and muscle to conquer
+him.
+
+At dawn they were in a narrow gorge among the hills, a dark and gloomy
+hole, yet a peculiarly safe spot in which to hide, having steep, rocky
+ledges on either side, with sufficient grass for the horses.  Leaving
+Murphy bound, Hampton clambered up the front of the rock to where he
+was able to look out.  All was silent, and his heart sank as he
+surveyed the brown sterile hills stretching to the horizon, having
+merely narrow gulches of rock and sand between, the sheer nakedness of
+the picture unrelieved by green shrub or any living thing.  Then,
+almost despairing, he slid back, stretched himself out amid the soft
+grass, and sank into the slumber of exhaustion, his last conscious
+memory the incoherent babbling of his insane companion.
+
+He awoke shortly after noon, feeling refreshed and renewed in both body
+and mind.  Murphy was sleeping when he first turned to look at him, but
+he awoke in season to be fed, and accepted the proffered food with all
+the apparent delight of a child.  While he rested, their remaining
+pack-animal had strayed, and Hampton was compelled to go on with only
+the two horses, strapping the depleted store of provisions behind his
+own saddle.  Then he carefully hoisted Murphy into place and bound his
+feet beneath the animal's belly, the poor fellow gibbering at him, in
+appearance an utter imbecile, although exhibiting periodic flashes of
+malignant passion.  Then he resumed the journey down one of those
+sand-strewn depressions pointing toward the Rosebud, pressing the
+refreshed ponies into a canter, confident now that their greatest
+measure of safety lay in audacity.
+
+Apparently his faith in the total desertion of these "bad lands" by the
+Indians was fully justified, for they continued steadily mile after
+mile, meeting with no evidence of life anywhere.  Still the travelling
+was good, with here and there little streams of icy water trickling
+over the rocks.  They made most excellent progress, Hampton ever
+grasping the bit of Murphy's horse, his anxious thought more upon his
+helpless companion in misery than upon the possible perils of the route.
+
+It was already becoming dusk when they swept down into a little nest of
+green trees and grass.  It appeared so suddenly, and was such an
+unexpected oasis amid that surrounding wilderness, that Hampton gave
+vent to a sudden exclamation of delight.  But that was all.  Instantly
+he perceived numerous dark forms leaping from out the shrubbery, and he
+wheeled his horses to the left, lashing them into a rapid run.  It was
+all over in a moment--a sputtering of rifles, a wild medley of cries, a
+glimpse of savage figures, and the two were tearing down the rocks, the
+din of pursuit dying away behind them.  The band were evidently all on
+foot, yet Hampton continued to press his mount at a swift pace, taking
+turn after turn about the sharp hills, confident that the hard earth
+would leave no trace of their passage.
+
+Then suddenly the horse he rode sank like a log, but his tight grip
+upon the rein of the other landed him on his feet.  Murphy laughed, in
+fiendish merriment; but Hampton looked down on the dead horse, noting
+the stream of blood oozing out from behind the shoulder.  A stray Sioux
+bullet had found its mark, but the gallant animal had struggled on
+until it dropped lifeless; and the brave man it had borne so long and
+so well bent down and stroked tenderly the unconscious head.  Then he
+shifted the provisions to the back of the other horse, grasped the
+loose rein once more in his left hand, and started forward on foot.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN
+
+N Troop, guarding, much to their emphatically expressed disgust, the
+more slowly moving pack-train, were following Custer's advancing column
+of horsemen down the right bank of the Little Big Horn.  The troopers,
+carbines at knee, sitting erect in their saddles, their faces browned
+by the hot winds of the plains, were riding steadily northward.  Beside
+them, mounted upon a rangy chestnut, Brant kept his watchful eyes on
+those scattered flankers dotting the summit of the near-by bluff.
+Suddenly one of these waved his hand eagerly, and the lieutenant went
+dashing up the sharp ascent.
+
+"What is it, now, Lane?"
+
+"Somethin' movin' jist out yonder, sir," and the trooper pointed into
+the southeast.  "They're down in a _coulée_ now, I reckon; but will be
+up on a ridge agin in a minute.  I got sight of 'em twice afore I
+waved."
+
+The officer gazed earnestly in the direction indicated, and was almost
+immediately rewarded by the glimpse of some indistinct, dark figures
+dimly showing against the lighter background of sky.  He brought his
+field-glasses to a focus.
+
+"White men," he announced, shortly.  "Come with me."
+
+At a brisk trot they rode out, the trooper lagging a pace to the rear,
+the watchful eyes of both men sweeping suspiciously across the prairie.
+The two parties met suddenly upon the summit of a sharp ridge, and
+Brant drew in his horse with an exclamation of astonishment.  It was a
+pathetic spectacle he stared at,--a horse scarcely able to stagger
+forward, his flanks quivering from exhaustion, his head hanging limply
+down; on his back, with feet strapped securely beneath and hands bound
+to the high pommel, the lips grinning ferociously, perched a misshapen
+creature clothed as a man.  Beside these, hatless, his shoes barely
+holding together, a man of slender figure and sunburnt face held the
+bridle-rein.  An instant they gazed at each other, the young officer's
+eyes filled with sympathetic horror, the other staring apathetically at
+his rescuer.
+
+"My God!  Can this be you, Hampton?" and the startled lieutenant flung
+himself from his horse.  "What does it mean?  Why are you here?"
+
+Hampton, leaning against the trembling horse to keep erect, slowly
+lifted his hand in a semblance of military salute.  "Despatches from
+Cheyenne.  This is Murphy--went crazy out yonder.  For God's
+sake--water, food!"
+
+"Your canteen, Lane!" exclaimed Brant.  "Now hold this cup," and he
+dashed into it a liberal supply of brandy from a pocket-flask.  "Drink
+that all down, Hampton."
+
+The man did mechanically as he was ordered, his hand never relaxing its
+grasp of the rein.  Then a gleam of reawakened intelligence appeared in
+his eyes; he glanced up into the leering countenance of Murphy, and
+then back at those others.  "Give me another for him."
+
+Brant handed to him the filled cup, noting as he did so the strange
+steadiness of the hand which accepted it.  Hampton lifted the tin to
+the figure in the saddle, his own gaze directed straight into the eyes
+as he might seek to control a wild animal.
+
+"Drink it," he commanded, curtly, "every drop!"
+
+For an instant the maniac glared back at him sullenly; then he appeared
+to shrink in terror, and drank swiftly.
+
+"We can make the rest of the way now," Hampton announced, quietly.
+"Lord, but this has been a trip!"
+
+Lane dismounted at Brant's order, and assisted Hampton to climb into
+the vacated saddle.  Then the trooper grasped the rein of Murphy's
+horse, and the little party started toward where the pack-train was
+hidden in the valley.  The young officer rode silent and at a walk, his
+eyes occasionally studying the face of the other and noting its drawn,
+gray look.  The very sight of Hampton had been a shock.  Why was he
+here and with Murphy?  Could this strange journey have anything to do
+with Naida?  Could it concern his own future, as well as hers?  He felt
+no lingering jealousy of this man, for her truthful words had forever
+settled that matter.  Yet who was he?  What peculiar power did he wield
+over her life?
+
+"Is Custer here?" said Hampton.
+
+"No; that is, not with my party.  We are guarding the pack-train.  The
+others are ahead, and Custer, with five troops, has moved to the right.
+He is somewhere among those ridges back of the bluff."
+
+The man turned and looked where the officer pointed, shading his eyes
+with his hand.  Before him lay only the brown, undulating waves of
+upland, a vast desert of burnt grass, shimmering under the hot sun.
+
+"Can you give me a fresh horse, a bite to eat, and a cup of coffee,
+down there?" he asked, anxiously.  "You see I 've got to go on."
+
+"Go on?  Good God! man, do you realize what you are saying?  Why, you
+can hardly sit the saddle!  You carry despatches, you say?  Well, there
+are plenty of good men in my troop who will volunteer to take them on.
+You need rest."
+
+"Not much," said Hampton.  "I'm fit enough, or shall be as soon as I
+get food.  Good Lord, boy, I am not done up yet, by a long way!  It's
+the cursed loneliness out yonder," he swept his hand toward the
+horizon, "and the having to care for him, that has broken my heart.  He
+went that way clear back on the Powder, and it's been a fight between
+us ever since.  I 'll be all right now if you lads will only look after
+him.  This is going to reach Custer, and I'll take it!"  He flung back
+his ragged coat, his hand on the despatch-bag.  "I 've earned the
+right."
+
+Brant reached forth his hand cordially.  "That's true; you have.
+What's more, if you 're able to make the trip, there is no one here who
+will attempt to stop you.  But now tell me how this thing happened.  I
+want to know the story before we get in."
+
+For a moment Hampton remained silent, his thoughtful gaze on the
+near-by videttes, his hands leaning heavily upon the saddle pommel.
+Perhaps he did not remember clearly; possibly he could not instantly
+decide just how much of that story to tell.  Brant suspected this last
+to be his difficulty, and he spoke impulsively.
+
+"Hampton, there has been trouble and misunderstanding between us, but
+that's all past and gone now.  I sincerely believe in your purpose of
+right, and I ask you to trust me.  Either of us would give his life if
+need were, to be of real service to a little girl back yonder in the
+hills.  I don't know what you are to her; I don't ask.  I know she has
+every confidence in you, and that is enough.  Now, I want to do what is
+right with both of you, and if you have a word to say to me regarding
+this matter, I 'll treat it confidentially.  This trip with Murphy has
+some bearing upon Naida Gillis, has it not?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you tell me the story?"
+
+The thoughtful gray eyes looked at him long and searchingly.  "Brant,
+do you love that girl?"
+
+Just as unwaveringly the blue eyes returned the look.  "I do.  I have
+asked her to become my wife."
+
+"And her answer?"
+
+"She said no; that a dead man was between us."
+
+"Is that all you know?"
+
+The younger man bent his head, his face grave and perplexed.
+"Practically all."
+
+Hampton wet his dry lips with his tongue, his breath quickening.
+
+"And in that she was right," he said at last, his eyes lowered to the
+ground.  "I will tell you why.  It was the father of Naida Gillis who
+was convicted of the murder of Major Brant."
+
+"Oh, my father?  Is she Captain Nolan's daughter?  But you say
+'convicted.'  Was there ever any doubt?  Do you question his being
+guilty?"
+
+Hampton pointed in silence to the hideous creature behind them.  "That
+man could tell, but he has gone mad."
+
+Brant endeavored to speak, but the words would not come; his brain
+seemed paralyzed.  Hampton held himself under better control.
+
+"I have confidence, Lieutenant Brant, in your honesty," he began,
+gravely, "and I believe you will strive to do whatever is best for her,
+if anything should happen to me out yonder.  But for the possibility of
+my being knocked out, I would n't talk about this, not even to you.
+The affair is a long way from being straightened out so as to make a
+pleasant story, but I 'll give you all you actually require to know in
+order to make it clear to her, provided I shouldn't come back.  You
+see, she doesn't know very much more than you do--only what I was
+obliged to tell to keep her from getting too deeply entangled with you.
+Maybe I ought to have given her the full story before I started on this
+trip.  I 've since wished I had, but you see, I never dreamed it was
+going to end here, on the Big Horn; besides, I did n't have the nerve."
+
+He swept his heavy eyes across the brown and desolate prairie, and back
+to the troubled face of the younger man.  "You see, Brant, I feel that
+I simply have to carry these despatches through.  I have a pride in
+giving them to Custer myself, because of the trouble I 've had in
+getting them here.  But perhaps I may not come back, and in that case
+there would n't be any one living to tell her the truth.  That thought
+has bothered me ever since I pulled out of Cheyenne.  It seems to me
+that there is going to be a big fight somewhere in these hills before
+long.  I 've seen a lot of Indians riding north within the last four
+days, and they were all bucks, rigged out in war toggery, Sioux and
+Cheyennes.  Ever since we crossed the Fourche those fellows have been
+in evidence, and it's my notion that Custer has a heavier job on his
+hands, right at this minute, than he has any conception of.  So I want
+to leave these private papers with you until I come back.  It will
+relieve my mind to know they are safe; if I don't come, then I want you
+to open them and do whatever you decide is best for the little girl.
+You will do that, won't you?"
+
+He handed over a long manila envelope securely sealed, and the younger
+man accepted it, noticing that it was unaddressed before depositing it
+safely in an inner pocket of his fatigue jacket.
+
+"Certainly, Hampton," he said.  "Is that all?"
+
+"All except what I am going to tell you now regarding Murphy.  There is
+no use my attempting to explain exactly how I chanced to find out all
+these things, for they came to me little by little during several
+years.  I knew Nolan, and I knew your father, and I had reason to doubt
+the guilt of the Captain, in spite of the verdict of the jury that
+condemned him.  In fact, I knew at the time, although it was not in my
+power to prove it, that the two principal witnesses against Nolan lied.
+I thought I could guess why, but we drifted apart, and finally I lost
+all track of every one connected with the affair.  Then I happened to
+pick up that girl down in the canyon beyond the Bear Water, and pulled
+her out alive just because she chanced to be of that sex, and I could
+n't stand to see her fall into Indian clutches.  I did n't feel any
+special interest in her at the time, supposing she belonged to Old
+Gillis, but she somehow grew on me--she's that kind, you know; and when
+I discovered, purely by accident, that she was Captain Nolan's girl,
+but that it all had been kept from her, I just naturally made up my
+mind I 'd dig out the truth if I possibly could, for her sake.  The
+fact is, I began to think a lot about her--not the way you do, you
+understand; I'm getting too old for that, and have known too much about
+women,--but maybe somewhat as a father might feel.  Anyhow, I wanted to
+give her a chance, a square deal, so that she would n't be ashamed of
+her own name if ever she found out what it was."
+
+He paused, his eyes filled with memories, and passed his hand through
+his uncovered hair.
+
+"About that time I fell foul of Murphy and Slavin there in Glencaid,"
+he went on quickly, as if anxious to conclude.  "I never got my eyes on
+Murphy, you know, and Slavin was so changed by that big red beard that
+I failed to recognize him.  But their actions aroused my suspicions,
+and I went after them good and hard.  I wanted to find out what they
+knew, and why those lies were told on Nolan at the trial.  I had an
+idea they could tell me.  So, for a starter, I tackled Slavin,
+supposing we were alone, and I was pumping the facts out of him
+successfully by holding a gun under his nose, and occasionally jogging
+his memory, when this fellow Murphy got excited, and _chasséed_ into
+the game, but happened to nip his partner instead of me.  In the course
+of our little scuffle I chanced to catch a glimpse of the fellow's
+right hand, and it had a scar on the back of it that looked mighty
+familiar.  I had seen it before, and I wanted to see it again.  So,
+when I got out of that scrape, and the doctor had dug a stray bullet
+out of my anatomy, there did n't seem to be any one left for me to
+chase excepting Murphy, for Slavin was dead.  I was n't exactly sure he
+was the owner of that scar, but I had my suspicions and wanted to
+verify them.  Having struck his trail, I reached Cheyenne just about
+four hours after he left there with these despatches for the Big Horn.
+I caught up with the fellow on the south bank of the Belle Fourche, and
+being well aware that no threats or gun play would ever force him to
+confess the truth, I undertook to frighten him by trickery.  I brought
+along some drawing-paper and drew your father's picture in phosphorus,
+and gave him the benefit in the dark.  That caught Murphy all right,
+and everything was coming my way.  He threw up his hands, and even
+agreed to come in here with me, and tell the whole story, but the poor
+fellow's brain could n't stand the strain of the scare I had given him.
+He went raving mad on the Powder; he jumped on me while I was asleep,
+and since then every mile has been a little hell.  That's the whole of
+it to date."
+
+They were up with the pack-train by now, and the cavalrymen gazed with
+interest at the new arrivals.  Several among them seemed to recognize
+Murphy, and crowded about his horse with rough expressions of sympathy.
+Brant scarcely glanced at them, his grave eyes on Hampton's stern face.
+
+"And what is it you wish me to do?"
+
+"Take care of Murphy.  Don't let him remain alone for a minute.  If he
+has any return of reason, compel him to talk.  He knows you, and will
+be as greatly frightened at your presence and knowledge as at mine.
+Besides, you have fully as much at stake as any one, for in no other
+way can the existing barrier between Naida and yourself be broken down."
+
+Insisting that now he felt perfectly fit for any service, the impatient
+Hampton was quickly supplied with the necessary food and clothing,
+while Murphy, grown violently abusive, was strapped on a litter between
+two mules, a guard on either side.  Brant rode with the civilian on a
+sharp trot as far as the head of the pack-train, endeavoring to the
+very last to persuade the wearied man to relinquish this work to
+another.
+
+"Foster," he said to the sergeant in command of the advance, "did you
+chance to notice just what _coulée_ Custer turned into when his column
+swung to the right?"
+
+"I think it must have been the second yonder, sir; where you see that
+bunch of trees.  We was a long ways back, but I could see the boys
+plain enough as they come out on the bluff up there.  Some of 'em waved
+their hats back at us.  Is this man goin' after them, sir?"
+
+"Yes, he has despatches from Cheyenne."
+
+"Well, he ought ter have no trouble findin' the trail.  It ought ter be
+'bout as plain as a road back in God's country, sir, fer there were
+more than two hundred horses, and they'd leave a good mark even on hard
+ground."
+
+Brant held out his hand.  "I'll certainly do all in my power, Hampton,
+to bring this out right.  You can rely on that, and I will be faithful
+to the little girl.  Now, just a word to guide you regarding our
+situation here.  We have every reason for believing that the Sioux are
+in considerable force in our front somewhere, and not far down this
+stream.  Nobody knows just how strong they are, but it looks to me as
+if we were pretty badly split up for a very heavy engagement.  Not that
+I question Custer's plan, you understand, only he may be mistaken about
+what the Indians will do.  Benteen's battalion is out there to the
+west; Reno is just ahead of us up the valley; while Custer has taken
+five troops on a detour to the right across the bluffs, hoping to come
+down on the rear of the Sioux.  The idea is to crush them between the
+three columns.  No one of these detachments has more than two hundred
+men, yet it may come out all right if they only succeed in striking
+together.  Still it 's risky in such rough country, not knowing exactly
+where the enemy is.  Well, good luck to you, and take care of yourself."
+
+The two men clasped hands, their eyes filled with mutual confidence.
+Then Hampton touched spurs to his horse, and galloped swiftly forward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE FIGHT IN THE VALLEY
+
+Far below, in the heart of the sunny depression bordering the left bank
+of the Little Big Horn, the stalwart troopers under Reno's command
+gazed up the steep bluff to wave farewell to their comrades
+disappearing to the right.  Last of all, Custer halted his horse an
+instant, silhouetted against the blue sky, and swung his hat before
+spurring out of sight.
+
+The plan of battle was most simple and direct.  It involved a nearly
+simultaneous attack upon the vast Indian village from below and above,
+success depending altogether upon the prompt coöperation of the
+separate detachments.  This was understood by every trooper in the
+ranks.  Scarcely had Custer's slender column of horsemen vanished
+across the summit before Reno's command advanced, trotting down the
+valley, the Arikara scouts in the lead.  They had been chosen to strike
+the first blow, to force their way into the lower village, and thus to
+draw the defending warriors to their front, while Custer's men were to
+charge upon the rear.  It was an old trick of the Seventh, and not a
+man in saddle ever dreamed the plan could fail.
+
+A half-mile, a mile, Reno's troops rode, with no sound breaking the
+silence but the pounding of hoofs, the tinkle of accoutrements.  Then,
+rounding a sharp projection of earth and rock, the scattered lodges of
+the Indian village already partially revealed to those in advance, the
+riders were brought to sudden halt by a fierce crackling of rifles from
+rock and ravine, an outburst of fire in their faces, the wild,
+resounding screech of war-cries, and the scurrying across their front
+of dense bodies of mounted warriors, hideous in paint and feathers.
+Men fell cursing, and the frightened horses swerved, their riders
+struggling madly with their mounts, the column thrown into momentary
+confusion.  But the surprised cavalrymen, quailing beneath the hot fire
+poured into them, rallied to the shouts of their officers, and swung
+into a slender battle-front, stretching out their thin line from the
+bank of the river to the sharp uplift of the western bluffs.  Riderless
+horses crashed through them, neighing with pain; the wounded begged for
+help; while, with cries of terror, the cowardly Arikara scouts lashed
+their ponies in wild efforts to escape.  Scarcely one hundred and fifty
+white troopers waited to stem as best they might that fierce onrush of
+twelve hundred battle-crazed braves.
+
+For an almost breathless space those mingled hordes of Sioux and
+Cheyennes hesitated to drive straight home their death-blow.  They knew
+those silent men in the blue shirts, knew they died hard.  Upon that
+slight pause pivoted the fate of the day; upon it hung the lives of
+those other men riding boldly and trustfully across the sunlit ridges
+above.  "Audacity, always audacity," that is the accepted motto for a
+cavalryman.  And be the cause what it may, it was here that Major Reno
+failed.  In that supreme instant he was guilty of hesitancy, doubt,
+delay.  He chose defence in preference to attack, dallied where he
+should have acted.  Instead of hurling like a thunderbolt that handful
+of eager fighting men straight at the exposed heart of the foe, making
+dash and momentum, discipline and daring, an offset to lack of numbers,
+he lingered in indecision, until the observing savages, gathering
+courage from his apparent weakness, burst forth in resistless torrent
+against the slender, unsupported line, turned his flank by one fierce
+charge, and hurled the struggling troopers back with a rush into the
+narrow strip of timber bordering the river.
+
+Driven thus to bay, the stream at their back rendering farther retreat
+impossible, for a few moments the light carbines of the soldiers met
+the Indian rifles, giving back lead for lead.  But already every chance
+for successful attack had vanished; the whole narrow valley seemed to
+swarm with braves; they poured forth from sheltering _coulées_ and
+shadowed ravines; they dashed down in countless numbers from the
+distant village.  Custer, now far away behind the bluffs, and almost
+beyond sound of the firing, was utterly ignored.  Every savage chief
+knew exactly where that column was, but it could await its turn; Gall,
+Crazy Horse, and Crow King mustered their red warriors for one
+determined effort to crush Reno, to grind him into dust beneath their
+ponies' hoofs.  Ay, and they nearly did it!
+
+In leaderless effort to break away from that swift-gathering cordon,
+before the red, remorseless folds should close tighter and crush them
+to death, the troopers, half of them already dismounted, burst from
+cover in an endeavor to attain the shelter of the bluffs.  The deadly
+Indian rifles flamed in their faces, and they were hurled back, a mere
+fleeing mob, searching for nothing in that moment of terror but a
+possible passageway across the stream.  Through some rare providence of
+God, they chanced to strike the banks at a spot where the river proved
+fordable.  They plunged headlong in, officers and men commingled, the
+Indian bullets churning up the water on every side; they struggled
+madly through, and spurred their horses up the steep ridge beyond.  A
+few cool-headed veterans halted at the edge of the bank to defend the
+passage; but the majority, crazed by panic and forgetful of all
+discipline, raced frantically for the summit.  Dr. De Wolf stood at the
+very water's edge firing until shot down; McIntosh, striving vainly to
+rally his demoralized men, sank with a bullet in his brain; Hodgson,
+his leg broken by a ball, clung to a sergeant's stirrup until a second
+shot stretched him dead upon the bank.  The loss in that wild retreat
+(which Reno later called a "charge") was heavy, the effect
+demoralizing; but those who escaped found a spot well suited for
+defence.  Even as they swung down from off their wounded, panting
+horses, and flung themselves flat upon their faces to sweep with
+hastily levelled carbines the river banks below, Benteen came trotting
+gallantly down the valley to their aid, his troopers fresh and eager to
+be thrown forward on the firing-line.  The worst was over, and like
+maddened lions, the rallied soldiers of the Seventh, cursing their
+folly, turned to strike and slay.
+
+The valley was obscured with clouds of dust and smoke, the day
+frightfully hot and suffocating.  The various troop commanders, gaining
+control over their men, were prompt to act.  A line of skirmishers was
+hastily thrown forward along the edge of the bluff, while volunteers,
+urged by the agonized cries of the wounded, endeavored vainly to
+procure a supply of water from the river.  Again and again they made
+the effort, only to be driven back by the deadly Indian rifle fire.
+This came mostly from braves concealed behind rocks or protected by the
+timber along the stream, but large numbers of hostiles were plainly
+visible, not only in the valley, but also upon the ridges.  The firing
+upon their position continued incessantly, the warriors continually
+changing their point of attack.  By three o'clock, although the
+majority of the savages had departed down the river, enough remained to
+keep up a galling fire, and hold Reno strictly on the defensive.  These
+reds skulked in ravines, or lined the banks of the river, their
+long-range rifles rendering the lighter carbines of the cavalrymen
+almost valueless.  A few crouched along the edge of higher eminences,
+their shots crashing in among the unprotected troops.
+
+As the men lay exposed to this continuous sniping fire, above the
+surrounding din were borne to their ears the reports of distant guns.
+It came distinctly from the northward, growing heavier and more
+continuous.  None among them doubted its ominous meaning.  Custer was
+already engaged in hot action at the right of the Indian village.  Why
+were they kept lying there in idleness?  Why were they not pushed
+forward to do their part?  They looked into each other's faces.  God!
+They were three hundred now; they could sweep aside like chaff that
+fringe of red skirmishers if only they got the word!  With hearts
+throbbing, every nerve tense, they waited, each trooper crouched for
+the spring.  Officer after officer, unable to restrain his impatience,
+strode back across the bluff summit, amid whistling bullets, and
+personally begged the Major to speak the one word which should hurl
+them to the rescue.  They cried like women, they swore through clinched
+teeth, they openly exhibited their contempt for such a commander, yet
+the discipline of army service made active disobedience impossible.
+They went reluctantly back, as helpless as children.
+
+It was four o'clock, the shadows of the western bluffs already
+darkening the river bank.  Suddenly a faint cheer ran along the lines,
+and the men lifted themselves to gaze up the river.  Urging the tired
+animals to a trot, the strong hand of a trooper grasping every
+halter-strap, Brant was swinging his long pack-train up the
+smoke-wreathed valley.  The out-riding flankers exchanged constant
+shots with the skulking savages hiding in every ravine and coulée.
+Pausing only to protect their wounded, fighting their way step by step,
+N Troop ran the gantlet and came charging into the cheering lines with
+every pound of their treasure safe.  Weir of D, whose dismounted
+troopers held that portion of the line, strode a pace forward to greet
+the leader, and as the extended hands of the officers met, there echoed
+down to them from the north the reports of two heavy volleys, fired in
+rapid succession.  The sounds were clear, distinctly audible even above
+the uproar of the valley.  The heavy eyes of the two soldiers met,
+their dust-streaked faces flushed.
+
+"That was a signal, Custer's signal for help!" the younger man cried,
+impulsively, his voice full of agony.  "For God's sake, Weir, what are
+you fellows waiting here for?"
+
+The other uttered a groan, his hand flung in contempt back toward the
+bluff summit.  "The cowardly fool won't move; he's whipped to death
+now."
+
+Brant's jaw set like that of a fighting bulldog.
+
+"Reno, you mean?  Whipped?  You have n't lost twenty men.  Is this the
+Seventh--the Seventh?--skulking here under cover while Custer begs
+help?  Doesn't the man know?  Doesn't he understand?  By heaven, I 'll
+face him myself!  I 'll make him act, even if I have to damn him to his
+face."
+
+He swung his horse with a jerk to the left, but even as the spurs
+touched, Weir grasped the taut rein firmly.
+
+"It's no use, Brant.  It's been done; we've all been at him.  He's
+simply lost his head.  Know?  Of course he knows.  Martini struck us
+just below here, as we were coming in, with a message from Custer.  It
+would have stirred the blood of any one but him--Oh, God! it's
+terrible."
+
+"A message?  What was it?"
+
+"Cook wrote it, and addressed it to Benteen.  It read: 'Come on.  Big
+village.  Be quick.  Bring packs.'  And then, 'P. S.--Bring packs.'
+That means they want ammunition badly; they're fighting to the death
+out yonder, and they need powder.  Oh, the coward!"
+
+Brant's eyes ran down the waiting line of his own men, sitting their
+saddles beside the halted pack-animals.  He leaned over and dropped one
+hand heavily on Weir's shoulder.  "The rest of you can do as you
+please, but N Troop is going to take those ammunition packs over to
+Custer if there's any possible way to get through, orders or no
+orders."  He straightened up in the saddle, and his voice sounded down
+the wearied line like the blast of a trumpet.
+
+"Attention!  N Troop!  Right face; dress.  Number four bring forward
+the ammunition packs.  No, leave the others where they are; move
+lively, men!"
+
+He watched them swing like magic into formation, their dust-begrimed
+faces lighting up with animation.  They knew their officer, and this
+meant business.
+
+"Unsling carbines--load!"
+
+Weir, the veteran soldier, glanced down that steady line of ready
+troopers, and then back to Brant's face.  "Do you mean it?  Are you
+going up those bluffs?  Good Heavens, man, it will mean a
+court-martial."
+
+"Custer commands the Seventh.  I command the pack-train," said Brant.
+"His orders are to bring up the packs.  Perhaps I can't get through
+alone, but I 'll try.  Better a court-martial than to fail those men
+out there.  Going?  Of course I 'm going.  Into line--take
+intervals--forward!"
+
+"Attention, D Troop!"  It was Weir's voice, eager and determined now.
+Like an undammed current his orders rang out above the uproar, and in a
+moment the gallant troopers of N and D, some on foot, some in saddle,
+were rushing up the face of the bluff, their officers leading, the
+precious ammunition packs at the centre, all alike scrambling for the
+summit, in spite of the crackling of Indian rifles from every side.
+Foot by foot they fought their way forward, sliding and stumbling,
+until the little blue wave burst out against the sky-line and sent an
+exultant cheer back to those below.  Panting, breathless from the hard
+climb, their carbines spitting fire while the rapidly massing savages
+began circling their exposed position, the little band fought their way
+forward a hundred yards.  Then they halted, blocked by the numbers
+barring their path, glancing back anxiously in hope that their effort
+would encourage others to join them.  They could do it; they could do
+it if only the rest of the boys would come.  They poured in their
+volleys and waited.  But Reno made no move.  Weir and Brant, determined
+to hold every inch thus gained, threw the dismounted men on their faces
+behind every projection of earth, and encircled the ridge with flame.
+If they could not advance, they would not be driven back.  They were
+high up now, where they could overlook the numerous ridges and valleys
+far around; and yonder, perhaps two miles away, they could perceive
+vast bodies of mounted Indians, while the distant sound of heavy firing
+was borne faintly to their ears.  It was vengeful savages shooting into
+the bodies of the dead, but that they did not know.  Messenger after
+messenger, taking life in hand, was sent skurrying down the bluff, to
+beg reinforcements to push on for the rescue, swearing it was possible.
+But it was after five o'clock before Reno moved.  Then cautiously he
+advanced his column toward where N and D Troops yet held desperately to
+the exposed ridge.  He came too late.  That distant firing had ceased,
+and all need for further advance had ended.  Already vast forces of
+Indians, flushed with victory and waving bloody scalps, were sweeping
+back across the ridges to attack in force.  Scarcely had reinforcements
+attained the summit before the torrent of savagery burst screeching on
+their front.
+
+From point to point the grim struggle raged, till nightfall wrought
+partial cessation.  The wearied troopers stretched out their lines so
+as to protect the packs and the field hospital, threw themselves on the
+ground, digging rifle-pits with knives and tin pans.  Not until nine
+o'clock did the Indian fire slacken, and then the village became a
+scene of savage revel, the wild yelling plainly audible to the soldiers
+above.  Through the black night Brant stepped carefully across the
+recumbent forms of his men, and made his way to the field hospital.  In
+the glare of the single fire the red sear of a bullet showed clearly
+across his forehead, but he wiped away the slowly trickling blood, and
+bent over a form extended on a blanket.
+
+"Has he roused up?" he questioned of the trooper on guard.
+
+"Not to know nuthin', sir.  He's bin swearin' an' gurglin' most o' ther
+time, but he's asleep now, I reckon."
+
+The young officer stood silent, his face pale, his gaze upon the
+distant Indian fires.  Out yonder were defeat, torture, death, and
+to-morrow meant a renewal of the struggle.  His heart was heavy with
+foreboding, his memory far away with one to whom all this misfortune
+might come almost as a death-blow.  It was Naida's questioning face
+that haunted him; she was waiting for she knew not what.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE OLD REGIMENT
+
+By the time Hampton swung up the _coulée_, he had dismissed from his
+attention everything but the business that had brought him there.  No
+lingering thought of Naida, or of the miserable Murphy, was permitted
+to interfere with the serious work before him.  To be once again with
+the old Seventh was itself inspiration; to ride with them into battle
+was the chief desire of his heart.  It was a dream of years, which he
+had never supposed possible of fulfilment, and he rode rapidly forward,
+his lips smiling, the sunshine of noonday lighting up his face.
+
+He experienced no fear, no premonition of coming disaster, yet the
+reawakened plainsman in him kept him sufficiently wary and cautious.
+The faint note of discontent apparent in Brant's concluding
+words--doubtless merely an echo of that ambitious officer's dislike at
+being put on guard over the pack-train at such a moment--awoke no
+response in his mind.  He possessed a soldier's proud confidence in his
+regiment--the supposition that the old fighting Seventh could be
+defeated was impossible; the Indians did not ride those uplands who
+could do the deed!  Then there came to him a nameless dread, that
+instinctive shrinking which a proud, sensitive man must ever feel at
+having to face his old companions with the shadow of a crime between.
+In his memory he saw once more a low-ceiled room, having a table
+extending down the centre, with grave-faced men, dressed in the full
+uniform of the service, looking at him amid a silence like unto death;
+and at the head sat a man with long fair hair and mustache, his proud
+eyes never to be forgotten.  Now, after silent years, he was going to
+look into those accusing eyes again.  He pressed his hand against his
+forehead, his body trembled; then he braced himself for the interview,
+and the shuddering coward in him shrank back.
+
+He had become wearied of the endless vista of desert, rock, and plain.
+Yet now it strangely appealed to him in its beauty.  About him were
+those uneven, rolling hills, like a vast storm-lashed sea, the brown
+crests devoid of life, yet with depressions between sufficient to
+conceal multitudes.  Once he looked down through a wide cleft in the
+face of the bluff, and could perceive the head of the slowly advancing
+pack-train far below.  Away to the left something was moving, a dim,
+shapeless dash of color.  It might be Benteen, but of Reno's columns he
+could perceive nothing, nor anything of Custer's excepting that broad
+track across the prairies marked by his horses' hoofs.  This track
+Hampton followed, pressing his fresh mount to increased speed,
+confident that no Indian spies would be loitering so closely in the
+rear of that body of cavalry, and becoming fearful lest the attack
+should occur before he could arrive.
+
+He dipped over a sharp ridge and came suddenly upon the rear-guard.
+They were a little squad of dusty, brown-faced troopers, who instantly
+wheeled into line at sound of approaching hoofs, the barrels of their
+lowered carbines glistening in the sun.  With a swing of the hand, and
+a hoarse shout of "Despatches!" he was beyond them, bending low over
+his saddle pommel, his eyes on the dust cloud of the moving column.
+The extended line of horsemen, riding in column of fours, came to a
+sudden halt, and he raced swiftly on.  A little squad of officers,
+several of their number dismounted, were out in front, standing grouped
+just below the summit of a slight elevation, apparently looking off
+into the valley through some cleft In the bluff beyond.  Standing among
+these, Hampton perceived the long fair hair, and the erect figure clad
+in the well-known frontier costume, of the man he sought,--the proud,
+dashing leader of light cavalry, that beau ideal of the _sabreur_, the
+one he dreaded most, the one he loved best,--Custer.  The commander
+stood, field-glasses in hand, pointing down into the valley, and the
+despatch bearer, reining in his horse, his lips white but resolute,
+trotted straight up the slope toward him.  Custer wheeled, annoyed at
+the interruption, and Hampton swung down from the saddle, his rein
+flung across his arm, took a single step forward, lifting his hand in
+salute, and held forth the sealed packet.
+
+"Despatches, sir," he said, simply, standing motionless as a statue.
+
+The commander, barely glancing toward him, instantly tore open the long
+official envelope and ran his eyes over the despatch amid a hush in the
+conversation.
+
+"Gentlemen," he commented to the little group gathered about him, yet
+without glancing up from the paper in his hand, "Crook was defeated
+over on the Rosebud the seventeenth, and forced to retire.  That will
+account for the unexpected number of hostiles fronting us up here,
+Cook; but the greater the task, the greater the glory.  Ah, I thought
+as much.  I am advised by the Department to keep in close touch with
+Terry and Gibbons, and to hold off from making a direct attack until
+infantry can arrive in support.  Rather late in the day, I take it,
+when we are already within easy rifle-shot.  I see nothing in these
+orders to interfere with our present plans, nor any military necessity
+for playing hide and seek all Summer in these hills.  That looks like a
+big village down yonder, but I have led the dandy Seventh into others
+just as large."
+
+He stopped speaking, and glanced up inquiringly into the face of the
+silent messenger, apparently mistaking him for one of his own men.
+
+"Where did you get this?"
+
+"Cheyenne, sir."
+
+"What!  Do you mean to say you brought it through from there?"
+
+"Silent Murphy carried it as far as the Powder River.  He went crazy
+there, and I was compelled to strap him.  I brought it the rest of the
+way."
+
+"Where is Murphy?"
+
+"Back with the pack-train, sir.  I got him through alive, but entirely
+gone in the head."
+
+"Run across many hostiles in that region?"
+
+"They were thick this side the Rosebud; all bucks, and travelling
+north."
+
+"Sioux?"
+
+"Mostly, sir, but I saw one band wearing Cheyenne war-bonnets."
+
+A puzzled look slowly crept into the strong face of the abrupt
+questioner, his stern, commanding eyes studying the man standing
+motionless before him, with freshly awakened interest.  The gaze of the
+other faltered, then came back courageously.
+
+"I recognize you now," Custer said, quietly.  "Am I to understand you
+are again in the service?"
+
+"My presence here is purely accidental, General Custer.  The
+opportunity came to me to do this work, and I very gladly accepted the
+privilege."
+
+The commander hesitated, scarcely knowing what he might be justified in
+saying to this man.
+
+"It was a brave deed, well performed," he said at last, with soldierly
+cordiality, "although I can hardly offer you a fitting reward."
+
+The other stood bareheaded, his face showing pale under its sunburn,
+his hand trembling violently where it rested against his horse's mane.
+
+"There is little I desire," he replied, slowly, unable to altogether
+disguise the quiver in his voice, "and that is to be permitted to ride
+once more into action in the ranks of the Seventh."
+
+The true-hearted, impulsive, manly soldier fronting him reddened to the
+roots of his fair hair, his proud eyes instantly softening.  For a
+second Hampton even imagined he would extend his hand, but the other
+paused with one step forward, discipline proving stronger than impulse.
+
+"Spoken like a true soldier," he exclaimed, a new warmth in his voice.
+"You shall have your wish.  Take position in Calhoun's troop yonder."
+
+Hampton turned quietly away, leading his horse, yet had scarcely
+advanced three yards before Custer halted him.
+
+"I shall be pleased to talk with you again after the fight," he said,
+briefly, as though half doubting the propriety of such words.
+
+The other bowed, his face instantly brightening.  "I thank you
+sincerely."
+
+The perplexed commander stood motionless, gazing after the receding
+figure, his face grown grave and thoughtful.  Then he turned to the
+wondering adjutant beside him.
+
+"You never knew him, did you, Cook?"
+
+"I think not, sir; who is he?"
+
+"Captain Nolan--you have heard the story."
+
+The younger officer wheeled about, staring, but the despatch bearer had
+already become indistinguishable among the troopers.
+
+"Is that so?" he exclaimed, in evident surprise.  "He has a manly face."
+
+"Ay, and he was as fine a soldier as ever fought under the flag,"
+declared Custer, frankly.  "Poor devil!  The hardest service I was ever
+called upon to perform was the day we broke him.  I wonder if Calhoun
+will recognize the face; they were good friends once."
+
+He stopped speaking, and for a time his field-glasses were fastened
+upon a small section of Indian village nestled in the green valley.
+Its full extent was concealed by the hills, yet from what the watchers
+saw they realized that this would prove no small encampment.
+
+"I doubt if many warriors are there," he commented, at last.  "They may
+have gone up the river to intercept Reno's advance, and if so, this
+should be our time to strike.  But we are not far enough around, and
+this ground is too rough for cavalry.  There looks to be considerable
+level land out yonder, and that _coulée_ ought to lead us into it
+without peril of observation from below.  Return to your commands,
+gentlemen, and with the order of march see personally that your men
+move quietly.  We must strike quick and hard, driving the wedge home
+with a single blow."
+
+His inquiring gaze swept thoughtfully over the expectant faces of his
+troop commanders.  "That will be all at present, gentlemen; you will
+require no further instructions until we deploy.  Captain Calhoun, just
+a word, please."
+
+The officer thus directly addressed, a handsome, stalwart man of middle
+age, reined in his mettlesome horse and waited.
+
+"Captain, the messenger who has just brought us despatches from
+Cheyenne is a civilian, but has requested permission to have a share in
+this coming fight.  I have assigned him to your troop."
+
+Calhoun bowed.
+
+"I thought it best to spare you any possible embarrassment by saying
+that the man is not entirely unknown to you."
+
+"May I ask his name?"
+
+"Robert Nolan."
+
+The strong, lion-like face flushed under its tan, then quickly lit up
+with a smile.  "I thank you.  Captain Nolan will not suffer at my
+hands."
+
+He rode straight toward his troop, his eyes searching the ranks until
+they rested upon the averted face of Hampton.  He pressed forward, and
+leaned from the saddle, extending a gauntleted hand.  "Nolan, old man,
+welcome back to the Seventh!"
+
+For an instant their eyes met, those of the officer filled with manly
+sympathy, the other's moistened and dim, his face like marble.  Then
+the two hands clasped and clung, in a grip more eloquent than words.
+The lips of the disgraced soldier quivered, and he uttered not a word.
+It was Calhoun who spoke.
+
+"I mean it all, Nolan.  From that day to this I have believed in
+you,--have held you friend."
+
+For a moment the man reeled; then, as though inspired by a new-born
+hope, he sat firmly erect, and lifted his hand in salute.  "Those are
+words I have longed to hear spoken for fifteen years.  They are more to
+me than life.  May God help me to be worthy of them.  Oh, Calhoun,
+Calhoun!"
+
+For a brief space the two remained still and silent, their faces
+reflecting repressed feeling.  Then the voice of command sounded out in
+front; Calhoun gently withdrew his hand from the other's grasp, and
+with bowed head rode slowly to the front of his troop.
+
+In column of fours, silent, with not a canteen rattling, with scabbards
+thrust under their stirrup leathers, each man sitting his saddle like a
+statue, ready carbine flung forward across the pommel, those sunburnt
+troopers moved steadily down the broad _coulée_.  There was no pomp, no
+sparkle of gay uniforms.  No military band rode forth to play their
+famous battle tune of "Garryowen"; no flags waved above to inspire
+them, yet never before or since to a field of strife and death rode
+nobler hearts or truer.  Troop following troop, their faded, patched
+uniforms brown with dust, their campaign hats pulled low to shade them
+from the glare, those dauntless cavalrymen of the Seventh swept across
+the low intervening ridge toward the fateful plain below.  The troopers
+riding at either side of Hampton, wondering still at their captain's
+peculiar words and action, glanced curiously at their new comrade,
+marvelling at his tightly pressed lips, his moistened eyes.  Yet in all
+the glorious column, no heart lighter than his, or happier, pressed
+forward to meet a warrior's death.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE LAST STAND
+
+However daring the pen, it cannot but falter when attempting to picture
+the events of those hours of victorious defeat.  Out from the scene of
+carnage there crept forth no white survivor to recount the heroic deeds
+of the Seventh Cavalry.  No voice can ever repeat the story in its
+fulness, no eye penetrate into the heart of its mystery.  Only in
+motionless lines of dead, officers and men lying as they fell while
+facing the foe; in emptied carbines strewing the prairie; in scattered,
+mutilated bodies; in that unbroken ring of dauntless souls whose
+lifeless forms lay clustered about the figure of their stricken chief
+on that slight eminence marking the final struggle--only in such tokens
+can we trace the broken outlines of the historic picture.  The actors
+in the great tragedy have passed beyond either the praise or the blame
+of earth.  With moistened eyes and swelling hearts, we vainly strive to
+imagine the whole scene.  This, at least, we know: no bolder, nobler
+deed of arms was ever done.
+
+It was shortly after two o'clock in the afternoon when that compact
+column of cavalrymen moved silently forward down the concealing
+_coulée_ toward the more open ground beyond.  Custer's plan was
+surprise, the sudden smiting of that village in the valley from the
+rear by the quick charge of his horsemen.  From man to man the
+whispered purpose travelled down the ranks, the eager troopers greeting
+the welcome message with kindling eyes.  It was the old way of the
+Seventh, and they knew it well.  The very horses seemed to feel the
+electric shock.  Worn with hard marches, bronzed by long weeks of
+exposure on alkali plains, they advanced now with the precision of men
+on parade, under the observant eyes of the officers.  Not a canteen
+tinkled, not a sabre rattled within its scabbard, as at a swift,
+noiseless walk those tried warriors of the Seventh pressed forward to
+strike once more their old-time foes.
+
+Above them a few stray, fleecy clouds flecked the blue of the arching
+sky, serving only to reveal its depth of color.  On every side extended
+the rough irregularity of a region neither mountain nor plain, a land
+of ridges and bluffs, depressions and ravines.  Over all rested the
+golden sunlight of late June; and in all the broad expanse there was no
+sign of human presence.
+
+With Custer riding at the head of the column, and only a little to the
+rear of the advance scouts, his adjutant Cook, together with a
+volunteer aide, beside him, the five depleted troops filed resolutely
+forward, dreaming not of possible defeat.  Suddenly distant shots were
+heard far off to their left and rear, and deepening into a rumble,
+evidencing a warm engagement.  The interested troopers lifted their
+heads, listening intently, while eager whispers ran from man to man
+along the closed files.
+
+"Reno is going in, boys; it will be our turn next."
+
+"Close up!  Quiet there, lads, quiet," officer after officer passed the
+word of command.
+
+Yet there were those among them who felt a strange dread--that firing
+sounded so far up the stream from where Reno should have been by that
+time.  Still it might be that those overhanging bluffs would muffle and
+deflect the reports.  Those fighting men of the Seventh rode steadily
+on, unquestioningly pressing forward at the word of their beloved
+leader.  All about them hovered death in dreadful guise.  None among
+them saw those cruel, spying eyes watching from distant ridges, peering
+at them from concealed ravines; none marked the rapidly massing hordes,
+hideous in war-paint, crowded into near-by _coulées_ and behind
+protecting hills.
+
+It burst upon them with wild yells.  The gloomy ridges blazed into
+their startled faces, the dark ravines hurled at them skurrying
+horsemen, while, wherever their eyes turned, they beheld savage forms
+leaping forth from hill and _coulée_, gulch and rock shadow.  Horses
+fell, or ran about neighing; men flung up their hands and died in that
+first awful minute of consternation, and the little column seemed to
+shrivel away as if consumed by the flame which struck it, front and
+flank and rear.  It was as if those men had ridden into the mouth of
+hell.  God only knows the horror of that first moment of shrinking
+suspense--the screams of agony from wounded men and horses, the dies of
+fear, the thunder of charging hoofs, the deafening roar of rifles.
+
+Yet it was for scarcely more than a minute.  Men trained, strong, clear
+of brain, were in those stricken lines--men who had seen Indian battle
+before.  The recoil came, swift as had been the surprise.  Voice after
+voice rang out in old familiar orders, steadying instantly the startled
+nerves; discipline conquered disorder, and the shattered column rolled
+out, as if by magic, into the semblance of a battle line.  On foot and
+on horseback, the troopers of the Seventh turned desperately at bay.
+
+It was magnificently done.  Custer and his troop-commanders brought
+their sorely smitten men into a position of defence, even hurled them
+cheering forward in short, swift charges, so as to clear the front and
+gain room in which to deploy.  Out of confusion emerged discipline,
+confidence, _esprit de corps_.  The savages skurried away on their
+quirt-lashed ponies, beyond range of those flaming carbines, while the
+cavalry-men, pausing from vain pursuit, gathered up their wounded, and
+re-formed their disordered ranks.
+
+"Wait till Reno rides into their village," cried encouraged voices
+through parched lips.  "Then we'll give them hell!"
+
+Safe beyond range of the troopers' light carbines, the Indians, with
+their heavier rifles, kept hurling a constant storm of lead, hugging
+the gullies, and spreading out until there was no rear toward which the
+harassed cavalrymen could turn for safety.  One by one, continually
+under a heavy fire, the scattered troops were formed into something
+more nearly resembling a battle line--Calhoun on the left, then Keogh,
+Smith, and Yates, with Tom Custer holding the extreme right.  The
+position taken was far from being an ideal one, yet the best possible
+under the circumstances, and the exhausted men flung themselves down
+behind low ridges, seeking protection from the Sioux bullets, those
+assigned to the right enjoying the advantage of a somewhat higher
+elevation.  Thus they waited grimly for the next assault.
+
+Nor was it long delayed.  Scarcely had the troopers recovered, refilled
+their depleted cartridge belts from those of their dead comrades, when
+the onslaught came.  Lashing their ponies into mad gallop, now sitting
+erect, the next moment lying hidden behind the plunging animals,
+constantly screaming their shrill war-cries, their guns brandished in
+air, they swept onward, seeking to crush that thin line in one terrible
+onset.  But they reckoned wrong.  The soldiers waited their coming.
+The short, brown-barrelled carbines gleamed at the level in the
+sunlight, and then belched forth their message of flame into the very
+faces of those reckless horsemen.  It was not in flesh and blood to
+bear such a blow.  With screams of rage, the red braves swerved to left
+and right, leaving many a dark, war-bedecked figure lying dead behind
+them, and many a riderless pony skurrying over the prairie.  Yet their
+wild ride had not been altogether in vain; like a whirlwind they had
+struck against Calhoun on the flank, forcing his troopers to yield
+sullen ground, thus contracting the little semicircle of defenders,
+pressing it back against that central hill.  It was a step nearer the
+end, yet those who fought scarcely realized its significance.  Exultant
+over their seemingly successful repulse, the men flung themselves again
+upon the earth, their cheers ringing out above the thud of retreating
+hoofs.
+
+"We can hold them here, boys, until Reno comes," they shouted to each
+other.
+
+The skulking red riflemen crept ever closer behind the ridges, driving
+their deadly missiles into those ranks exposed in the open.  Twice
+squads dashed forth to dislodge these bands, but were in turn driven
+back, the line of fire continually creeping nearer, clouds of smoke
+concealing the cautious marksmen lying prone in the grass.  Custer
+walked up and down the irregular line, cool, apparently unmoved,
+speaking words of approval to officers and men.  To the command of the
+bugle they discharged two roaring volleys from their carbines, hopeful
+that the combined sound might reach the ears of the lagging Reno.  They
+were hopeful yet, although one troop had only a sergeant left in
+command, and the dead bodies of their comrades strewed the plain.
+
+Twice those fierce red horsemen tore down upon them, forcing the thin,
+struggling line back by sheer strength of overwhelming numbers, yet no
+madly galloping warrior succeeded in bursting through.  The hot brown
+barrels belched forth their lightnings into those painted faces, and
+the swarms of savagery melted away.  The living sheltered themselves
+behind the bodies of their dead, fighting now in desperation, their
+horses stampeded, their ammunition all gone excepting the few
+cartridges remaining in the waist-belts.  From lip to lip passed the
+one vital question: "In God's name, where is Reno?  What has become of
+the rest of the boys?"
+
+It was four o'clock.  For two long hours they had been engaged in
+ceaseless struggle; and now barely a hundred men, smoke-begrimed,
+thirsty, bleeding, half their carbines empty, they still formed an
+impenetrable ring around their chief.  The struggle was over, and they
+realized the fact.  When that wave of savage horsemen swept forth again
+it would be to ride them down, to crush them under their horses'
+pounding hoofs.  They turned their loyal eyes toward him they loved and
+followed for the last time, and when he uttered one final word of
+undaunted courage, they cheered him faintly, with parched and fevered
+lips.
+
+Like a whirlwind those red demons came,--howling wolves now certain of
+their prey.  From rock and hill, ridge, ravine, and _coulée_, lashing
+their half-crazed ponies, yelling their fierce war-cries, swinging
+aloft their rifles, they poured resistlessly forth, sweeping down on
+that doomed remnant.  On both flanks of the short slender line struck
+Gall and Crazy Horse, while like a thunderbolt Crow-King and
+Rain-in-the-Face attacked the centre.  These three storms converged at
+the foot of the little hill, crushing the little band of troopers.
+With ammunition gone, the helpless victims could meet that mighty
+on-rushing torrent only with clubbed guns, for one instant of desperate
+struggle.  Shoulder to shoulder, in ever-contracting circle, officers
+and men stood shielding their commander to the last.  Foot by foot,
+they were forced back, treading on their wounded, stumbling over their
+dead; they were choked in the stifling smoke, scorched by the flaming
+guns, clutched at by red hands, beaten down by horses' hoofs.  Twenty
+or thirty made a despairing dash, in a vain endeavor to burst through
+the red enveloping lines, only to be tomahawked or shot; but the most
+remained, a thin struggling ring, with Custer in its centre.  Then came
+the inevitable end.  The red waves surged completely across the crest,
+no white man left alive upon the field.  They had fought a good fight;
+they had kept the faith.
+
+Two days later, having relieved Reno from his unpleasant predicament in
+the valley, Terry's and Gibbons's infantry tramped up the ravine, and
+emerged upon the stricken field.  In lines of motionless dead they read
+the fearful story; and there they found that man we know.  Lying upon a
+bed of emptied cartridge-shells, his body riddled with shot and
+mutilated with knives, his clothing torn to rags, his hands grasping a
+smashed and twisted carbine, his lips smiling even in death, was that
+soldier whom the Seventh had disowned and cast out, but who had come
+back to defend its chief and to die for its honor,--Robert Hampton
+Nolan.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE CURTAIN FALLS
+
+Bronzed by months of scouting on those northern plains, a graver, older
+look upon his face, and the bars of a captain gracing the shoulders of
+his new cavalry jacket, Donald Brant trotted down the stage road
+bordering the Bear Water, his heart alternating between hope and dread.
+He was coming back as he had promised; yet, ardently as he longed to
+look into the eyes of his beloved, he shrank from the duty laid upon
+him by the dead.
+
+The familiar yellow house at the cross-roads appeared so unattractive
+as to suggest the thought that Naida must have been inexpressibly
+lonely during those months of waiting.  He knocked at the sun-warped
+door.  Without delay it was flung open, and a vision of flushed face
+and snowy drapery confronted him.
+
+"Why, Lieutenant Brant!  I was never more surprised in my life.  Do,
+pray, come right in.  Yes, Naida is here, and I will have her sent for
+at once.  Oh, Howard, this is Lieutenant Brant, just back from his
+awful Indian fighting.  How very nice that he should happen to arrive
+just at this time, is n't it?"
+
+The young officer, as yet unable to discover an opportunity for speech,
+silently accepted Mr. Wynkoop's extended hand, and found a convenient
+chair, as Miss Spencer hastened from the room to announce his arrival.
+
+"Why 'just at this time'?" he questioned.
+
+Mr. Wynkoop cleared his throat.  "Why--why, you see, we are to be
+married this evening--Miss Spencer and myself.  We--we shall be so
+delighted to have you witness the ceremony.  It is to take place at the
+church, and my people insist upon making quite an affair out of the
+occasion--Phoebe is so popular, you know."
+
+The lady again bustled in, her eyes glowing with enthusiasm.  "Why, I
+think it is perfectly delightful.  Don't you, Howard?  Now Lieutenant
+Brant and Naida can stand up with us.  You will, won't you, Lieutenant?"
+
+"That must be left entirely with Miss Naida for decision," he replied,
+soberly.  "However, with my memory of your popularity I should suppose
+you would have no lack of men seeking such honor.  For instance, one of
+your old-time 'friends' Mr. William McNeil."
+
+The lady laughed noisily, regardless of Mr. Wynkoop's look of
+annoyance.  "Oh, it is so perfectly ridiculous!  And did n't you know?
+have n't you heard?"
+
+"Nothing, I assure you."
+
+"Why he--he actually married the Widow Guffy.  She 's twice his age,
+and has a grown-up son.  And to think that I supposed he was so nice!
+He did write beautiful verses.  Is n't it a perfect shame for such a
+man to throw himself away like that?"
+
+"It would seem so.  But there was another whose name I recall--Jack
+Moffat.  Why not have him?"
+
+Miss Spencer glanced uneasily at her chosen companion, her cheeks
+reddening.  But that gentleman remained provokingly silent, and she was
+compelled to reply.
+
+"We--we never mention him any more.  He was a very bad man."
+
+"Indeed?"
+
+"Yes; it seems he had a wife and four children he had run away from,
+back in Iowa.  Perhaps that was why his eyes always looked so sad.  She
+actually advertised for him in one of the Omaha papers.  It was a
+terrible shock to all of us.  I was so grateful to Howard that he
+succeeded in opening my eyes in time."
+
+Mr. Wynkoop placed his hand gently upon her shoulder.  "Never mind,
+dearie," he said, cheerfully.  "The West was all so strange to you, and
+it seemed very wonderful at first.  But that is all safely over with
+now, and, as my wife, you will forget the unpleasant memories."
+
+And Miss Spencer, totally oblivious to Brant's presence, turned
+impulsively and kissed him.
+
+There was a rustle at the inner door, and Naida stood there.  Their
+eyes met, and the color mounted swiftly to the girl's cheeks.  Then he
+stepped resolutely forward, forgetful of all other presence, and
+clasped her hand in both his own.  Neither spoke a word, yet each
+understood something of what was in the heart of the other.
+
+"Will you walk outside with me?" he asked, at last.  "I have much to
+say which I am sure you would rather hear alone."
+
+She bent her head, and with a brief word of explanation to the others,
+the young officer conducted her forth into the bright July sunshine.
+They walked in silence side by side along the bank of the little
+stream.  Brant glanced furtively toward the sweet, girlish face.  There
+was a pallor on her countenance, a shadow in her eyes, yet she walked
+with the same easy grace, her head firmly poised above her white
+throat.  The very sadness marking her features seemed to him an added
+beauty.
+
+He realized where they were going now, where memory had brought them
+without conscious volition.  As he led her across the rivulet she
+glanced up into his face with a smile, as though a happy recollection
+had burst upon her.  Yet not a word was spoken until the barrier of
+underbrush had been completely penetrated, and they stood face to face
+under the trees.  Then Brant spoke.
+
+"Naida," he said, gravely, "I have come back, as I said I would, and
+surely I read welcome in your eyes?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And I have come to say that there is no longer any shadow of the dead
+between us."
+
+She looked up quickly, her hands clasped, her cheeks flushing.  "Are
+you sure?  Perhaps you misunderstand; perhaps you mistake my meaning."
+
+"I know it all," he answered, soberly, "from the lips of Hampton."
+
+"You have seen him?  Oh, Lieutenant Brant, please tell me the whole
+truth.  I have missed him so much, and since the day he rode away to
+Cheyenne not one word to explain his absence has come back to me.  You
+cannot understand what this means, how much he has become to me through
+years of kindness."
+
+"You have heard nothing?"
+
+"Not a word."
+
+Brant drew a long, deep breath.  He had supposed she knew this.  At
+last he said gravely:
+
+"Naida, the truth will prove the kindest message, I think.  He died in
+that unbroken ring of defenders clustered about General Custer on the
+bluffs of the Little Big Horn."
+
+Her slight figure trembled so violently that he held her close within
+his arms.
+
+"There was a smile upon his face when we found him.  He performed his
+full duty, Naida, and died as became a soldier and a gentleman."
+
+"But--but, this cannot be!  I saw the published list; his name was not
+among them."
+
+"The man who fell was Robert Nolan."
+
+Gently he drew her down to a seat upon the soft turf of the bank.  She
+looked up at him helplessly, her mind seemingly dazed, her eyes yet
+filled with doubt.
+
+"Robert Nolan?  My father?"
+
+He bent over toward her, pressing his lips to her hair and stroking it
+tenderly with his hand.
+
+"Yes, Naida, darling; it was truly Robert Hampton Nolan who died in
+battle, in the ranks of his old regiment,--died as he would have chosen
+to die, and died, thank God! completely cleared of every stain upon his
+honor.  Sit up, little girl, and listen while I tell you.  There is in
+the story no word which does not reflect nobility upon the soldier's
+daughter."
+
+She uplifted her white face.  "Tell me," she said, simply, "all you
+know."
+
+He recounted to her slowly, carefully, the details of that desperate
+journey northward, of their providential meeting on the Little Big
+Horn, of the papers left in his charge, of Hampton's riding forward
+with despatches, and of his death at Custer's side.  While he spoke,
+the girl scarcely moved; her breath came in sobs and her hands clasped
+his.
+
+"These are the papers, Naida.  I opened the envelope as directed, and
+found deeds to certain properties, including the mine in the Black
+Range; a will, duly signed and attested, naming you as his sole heir,
+together with a carefully prepared letter, addressed to you, giving a
+full account of the crime of which he was convicted, as well as some
+other matters of a personal nature.  That letter you must read alone as
+his last message, but the truth of all he says has since been proved."
+
+She glanced up at him quickly.  "By Murphy?"
+
+"Yes, by Murphy, who is now lying in the hospital at Bethune, slowly
+recovering.  His sworn deposition has been forwarded to the Department
+at Washington, and will undoubtedly result in the honorable replacing
+of your father's name on the Army List.  I will tell you briefly the
+man's confession, together with the few additional facts necessary to
+make it clear.
+
+"Your father and mine were for many years friends and army comrades.
+They saw service together during the great war, and afterward upon the
+plains in Indian campaigning.  Unfortunately a slight misunderstanding
+arose between them.  This, while not serious in itself, was made bitter
+by the interference of others, and the unaccountable jealousies of
+garrison life.  One night they openly quarrelled when heated by wine,
+and exchanged blows.  The following evening, your father chancing to be
+officer of the guard and on duty, my father, whose wife had then been
+dead a year, was thoughtless enough to accompany Mrs. Nolan home at a
+late hour from the post ball.  It was merely an act of ordinary
+courtesy; but gossips magnified the tale, and bore it to Nolan.  Still
+smarting from the former quarrel, in which I fear my father was in the
+wrong, he left the guard-house with the openly avowed intention of
+seeking immediate satisfaction.  In the meanwhile Slavin, Murphy, and a
+trooper named Flynn, who had been to town without passes, and were
+half-drunk, stole through the guard lines, and decided to make a
+midnight raid on the colonel's private office.  Dodging along behind
+the powder-house, they ran suddenly upon my father, then on the way to
+his own quarters.  Whether they were recognized by him, or whether
+drink made them reckless of consequences, is unknown, but one of the
+men instantly fired.  Then they ran, and succeeded in gaining the
+barracks unsuspected."
+
+She sat as if fascinated by his recital.
+
+"Your father heard the shot, and sprang toward the sound, only to fall
+headlong across my father's lifeless body.  As he came down heavily,
+his revolver was jarred out of its holster and dropped unnoticed in the
+grass.  An instant later the guard came running up, and by morning
+Captain Nolan was under arrest, charged with murder.  The
+circumstantial evidence was strong--his quarrel with the murdered man,
+his heated language a few moments previous, the revolver lying beside
+the body, having two chambers discharged, and his being found there
+alone with the man he had gone forth to seek.  Slavin and Flynn both
+strengthened the case by positive testimony.  As a result, a court
+martial dismissed the prisoner in disgrace from the army, and a civil
+court sentenced him to ten years' imprisonment."
+
+"And my mother?"  The question was a trembling whisper from quivering
+lips.
+
+"Your mother," he said, regretfully, "was an exceedingly proud woman,
+belonging to a family of social prominence in the East.  She felt
+deeply the causeless gossip connecting her name with the case, as well
+as the open disgrace of her husband's conviction.  She refused to
+receive her former friends, and even failed in loyalty to your father
+in his time of trial.  It is impossible now to fix the fault clearly,
+or to account for her actions.  Captain Nolan turned over all his
+property to her, and the moment she could do so, she disappeared from
+the fort, taking you with her.  From that hour none of her old
+acquaintances could learn anything regarding her whereabouts.  She did
+not return to her family in the East, nor correspond with any one in
+the army.  Probably, utterly broken-hearted, she sought seclusion in
+some city.  How Gillis obtained possession of you remains a mystery."
+
+"Is that all?"
+
+"Everything."
+
+They kept silence for a long while, the slow tears dropping from her
+eyes, her hands clasped in her lap.  His heart, heavy with sympathy,
+would not permit him to break in upon her deep sorrow with words of
+comfort.
+
+"Naida," he whispered, at last, "this may not be the time for me to
+speak such words, but you are all alone now.  Will you go back to
+Bethune with me--back to the old regiment as my wife?"
+
+A moment she bowed her head before him; then lifted it and held out her
+hands.  "I will."
+
+"Say to me again what you once said."
+
+"Donald, I love you."
+
+Gently he drew her down to him, and their lips met.
+
+The red sun was sinking behind the fringe of trees, and the shadowed
+nook in which they sat was darkening fast.  He had been watching her in
+silence, unable to escape feeling a little hurt because of her grave
+face, and those tears yet clinging to her lashes.
+
+"I wish you to be very happy, Naida dear," he whispered, drawing her
+head tenderly down until it found rest upon his shoulder.
+
+"Yes, I feel you do, and I am; but it cannot come all at once, Donald,
+for I have lost so much--so much.  I--I hope he knows."
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 17614-8.txt or 17614-8.zip *******
+
+
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/6/1/17614
+
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://www.gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
diff --git a/17614-8.zip b/17614-8.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ce6df38
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17614-8.zip
diff --git a/17614-h.zip b/17614-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5ab15b9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17614-h.zip
diff --git a/17614-h/17614-h.htm b/17614-h/17614-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..30ad02f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17614-h/17614-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,14818 @@
+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1">
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Bob Hampton of Placer, by Randall Parrish</title>
+<style type="text/css">
+BODY { color: Black;
+       background: White;
+       margin-right: 10%;
+       margin-left: 10%;
+       font-size: medium;
+       font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;
+       text-align: justify }
+
+P {text-indent: 4% }
+
+P.noindent {text-indent: 0% }
+
+P.poem {text-indent: 0%; margin-left: 10%; font-size: small }
+
+P.letter {font-size: small }
+
+    hr.full { width: 100%;
+             height: 5px; }
+	a:link {color:#0000ff;
+			text-decoration:none}
+	link {color:#0000ff;
+			text-decoration:none}
+	a:visited {color:#0000ff;
+			text-decoration:none}
+	a:hover {color:#ff0000}
+	pre		{font-size: 75%;}
+</style>
+</head>
+<body>
+<h1 align="center">The Project Gutenberg eBook, Bob Hampton of Placer, by Randall Parrish,
+Illustrated by Arthur I. Keller</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: Bob Hampton of Placer</p>
+<p>Author: Randall Parrish</p>
+<p>Release Date: January 27, 2006  [eBook #17614]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER***</p>
+<br><br><center><h3>E-text prepared by Al Haines</h3></center><br><br>
+<hr class="full" noshade>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<A NAME="img-front"></A>
+<CENTER>
+<IMG SRC="images/img-front.jpg" ALT="&quot;I Read It in your Face,&quot; He Insisted.  &quot;It Told of Love.&quot;" BORDER="2" WIDTH="433" HEIGHT="670">
+<H4>
+[Frontispiece: "I Read It in your Face," He Insisted.  "It Told of Love."]
+</H4>
+</CENTER>
+
+<BR><BR>
+
+<H1 ALIGN="center">
+BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER
+</H1>
+
+<BR>
+
+<H4 ALIGN="center">
+BY
+</H4>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+RANDALL PARRISH
+</H3>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H5 ALIGN="center">
+AUTHOR OF "WHEN WILDERNESS WAS KING," <BR>
+"MY LADY OF THE NORTH," <BR>
+"HISTORIC ILLINOIS," ETC.
+</H5>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H4 ALIGN="center">
+<I>ILLUSTRATED BY ARTHUR I. KELLER</I>
+</H4>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H4 ALIGN="center">
+EIGHTH EDITION
+</H4>
+
+<BR><BR>
+
+<H4 ALIGN="center">
+CHICAGO
+<BR><BR>
+A. C. McCLURG &amp; CO.
+<BR><BR>
+1907
+</H4>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H5 ALIGN="center">
+COPYRIGHT
+<BR><BR>
+A. C. McCLURG &amp; Co.
+<BR><BR>
+1906
+</H5>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H5 ALIGN="center">
+<I>Entered at Stationers' Hall, London</I>
+<BR><BR>
+<I>All rights reserved</I>
+</H5>
+
+<H5 ALIGN="center">
+Published, September 22, 1906
+</H5>
+
+<BR>
+
+<H5 ALIGN="center">
+Second Edition October 1, 1906<BR>
+Third Edition October 15, 1906<BR>
+Fourth Edition November 1, 1906<BR>
+Fifth Edition November 15, 1906<BR>
+Sixth Edition December 1, 1906<BR>
+Seventh Edition January 5, 1907<BR>
+Eighth Edition January 9, 1907
+</H5>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H2 ALIGN="center">
+CONTENTS
+</H2>
+
+<BR>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+PART I
+<BR><BR>
+FROM OUT THE CANYON
+</H3>
+
+<CENTER>
+
+<TABLE WIDTH="80%">
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top" WIDTH="20%">CHAPTER</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top" WIDTH="80%">&nbsp;</TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">I&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0101">HAMPTON, OF PLACER</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">II&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0102">OLD GILLIS'S GIRL</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">III&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0103">BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IV&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0104">ON THE NAKED PLAIN</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">V&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0105">A NEW PROPOSITION</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VI&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0106">"TO BE OR NOT TO BE"</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VII&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0107">"I'VE COME HERE TO LIVE"</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VIII&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0108">A LAST REVOLT</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IX&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0109">AT THE OCCIDENTAL</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+</TABLE>
+
+</CENTER>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+PART II
+<BR><BR>
+WHAT OCCURRED IN GLENCAID
+</H3>
+
+<CENTER>
+
+<TABLE WIDTH="80%">
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top" WIDTH="20%">I&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top" WIDTH="80%">
+<A HREF="#chap0201">THE ARRIVAL OF MISS SPENCER</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">II&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0202">BECOMING ACQUAINTED</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">III&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0203">UNDER ORDERS</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IV&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0204">SILENT MURPHY</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">V&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0205">IN HONOR OF MISS SPENCER</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VI&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0206">THE LIEUTENANT MEETS MISS SPENCER</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VII&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0207">AN UNUSUAL GIRL</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VIII&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0208">THE REAPPEARANCE OF AN OLD FRIEND</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IX&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0209">THE VERGE OF A QUARREL</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">X&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0210">A SLIGHT INTERRUPTION</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XI&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0211">THE DOOR OPENS, AND CLOSES AGAIN</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XII&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0212">THE COHORTS OF JUDGE LYNCH</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIII&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0213">"SHE LOVES ME, SHE LOVES ME NOT"</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIV&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0214">PLUCKED FROM THE BURNING</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XV&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0215">THE DOOR CLOSES</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVI&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0216">THE RESCUE OF MISS SPENCER</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVII&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0217">THE PARTING HOUR</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+</TABLE>
+
+</CENTER>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+PART III
+<BR><BR>
+ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN
+</H3>
+
+<CENTER>
+
+<TABLE WIDTH="80%">
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top" WIDTH="20%">I&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top" WIDTH="80%">
+<A HREF="#chap0301">MR. HAMPTON RESOLVES</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">II&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0302">THE TRAIL OF SILENT MURPHY</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">III&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0303">THE HAUNTING OF A CRIME</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IV&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0304">THE VERGE OF CONFESSION</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">V&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0305">ALONE WITH THE INSANE</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VI&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0306">ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VII&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0307">THE FIGHT IN THE VALLEY</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VIII&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0308">THE OLD REGIMENT</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IX&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0309">THE LAST STAND</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">X&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap0310">THE CURTAIN FALLS</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+</TABLE>
+
+</CENTER>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H2 ALIGN="center">
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+</H2>
+
+<H3>
+<A HREF="#img-front">
+"I Read It in your Face," He Insisted.  "It Told of Love"&nbsp;.&nbsp;.&nbsp;.&nbsp;.&nbsp;.&nbsp;.
+<I>Frontispiece</I>
+</A>
+</H3>
+
+<H3>
+<A HREF="#img-054">
+They Advanced Slowly, the Supported Blankets Swaying Gently to the
+Measured Tread
+</A>
+</H3>
+
+<H3>
+<A HREF="#img-110">
+"Mr. Slavin Appears to have Lost his Previous Sense of Humor," He
+Remarked, Calmly
+</A>
+</H3>
+
+<H3>
+<A HREF="#img-264">
+Together They Bore Him, now Unconscious, Slowly down below the First
+Fire-Line
+</A>
+</H3>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0101"></A>
+<H1 ALIGN="center">
+BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER
+</H1>
+
+<BR>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+<I>PART I</I>
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+FROM OUT THE CANYON
+</H3>
+
+<BR>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER I
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+HAMPTON, OF PLACER
+</H3>
+
+<P>
+It was not an uncommon tragedy of the West.  If slightest chronicle of
+it survive, it must be discovered among the musty and nearly forgotten
+records of the Eighteenth Regiment of Infantry, yet it is extremely
+probable that even there the details were never written down.
+Sufficient if, following certain names on that long regimental roll,
+there should be duly entered those cabalistic symbols signifying to the
+initiated, "Killed in action."  After all, that tells the story.  In
+those old-time Indian days of continuous foray and skirmish such brief
+returns, concise and unheroic, were commonplace enough.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Yet the tale is worth telling now, when such days are past and gone.
+There were sixteen of them when, like so many hunted rabbits, they were
+first securely trapped among the frowning rocks, and forced
+relentlessly backward from off the narrow trail until the precipitous
+canyon walls finally halted their disorganized flight, and from sheer
+necessity compelled a rally in hopeless battle.  Sixteen,&mdash;ten
+infantrymen from old Fort Bethune, under command of Syd. Wyman, a
+gray-headed sergeant of thirty years' continuous service in the
+regulars, two cow-punchers from the "X L" ranch, a stranger who had
+joined them uninvited at the ford over the Bear Water, together with
+old Gillis the post-trader, and his silent chit of a girl.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Sixteen&mdash;but that was three days before, and in the meanwhile not a few
+of those speeding Sioux bullets had found softer billet than the
+limestone rocks.  Six of the soldiers, four already dead, two dying,
+lay outstretched in ghastly silence where they fell.  "Red" Watt, of
+the "X L," would no more ride the range across the sun-kissed prairie,
+while the stern old sergeant, still grim of jaw but growing dim of eye,
+bore his right arm in a rudely improvised sling made from a
+cartridge-belt, and crept about sorely racked with pain, dragging a
+shattered limb behind him.  Then the taciturn Gillis gave sudden
+utterance to a sobbing cry, and a burst of red spurted across his white
+beard as he reeled backward, knocking the girl prostrate when he fell.
+Eight remained, one helpless, one a mere lass of fifteen.  It was the
+morning of the third day.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The beginning of the affair had burst upon them so suddenly that no two
+in that stricken company would have told the same tale.  None among
+them had anticipated trouble; there were no rumors of Indian war along
+the border, while every recognized hostile within the territory had
+been duly reported as north of the Bear Water; not the vaguest
+complaint had drifted into military headquarters for a month or more.
+In all the fancied security of unquestioned peace these chance
+travellers had slowly toiled along the steep trail leading toward the
+foothills, beneath the hot rays of the afternoon sun, their thoughts
+afar, their steps lagging and careless.  Gillis and the girl, as well
+as the two cattle-herders, were on horseback; the remainder soberly
+trudged forward on foot, with guns slung to their shoulders.  Wyman was
+somewhat in advance, walking beside the stranger, the latter a man of
+uncertain age, smoothly shaven, quietly dressed in garments bespeaking
+an Eastern tailor, a bit grizzled of hair along the temples, and
+possessing a pair of cool gray eyes.  He had introduced himself by the
+name of Hampton, but had volunteered no further information, nor was it
+customary in that country to question impertinently.  The others of the
+little party straggled along as best suited themselves, all semblance
+to the ordinary discipline of the service having been abandoned.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton, through the medium of easy conversation, early discovered in
+the sergeant an intelligent mind, possessing some knowledge of
+literature.  They had been discussing books with rare enthusiasm, and
+the former had drawn from the concealment of an inner pocket a
+diminutive copy of "The Merchant of Venice," from which he was reading
+aloud a disputed passage, when the faint trail they followed suddenly
+dipped into the yawning mouth of a black canyon.  It was a narrow,
+gloomy, contracted gorge, a mere gash between those towering hills
+shadowing its depths on either hand.  A swift mountain stream, noisy
+and clear as crystal, dashed from rock to rock close beside the more
+northern wall, while the ill-defined pathway, strewn with bowlders and
+guarded by underbrush, clung to the opposite side, where low scrub
+trees partially obscured the view.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+All was silent as death when they entered.  Not so much as the flap of
+a wing or the stir of a leaf roused suspicion, yet they had barely
+advanced a short hundred paces when those apparently bare rocks in
+front flamed red, the narrow defile echoed to wild screeches and became
+instantly crowded with weird, leaping figures.  It was like a plunge
+from heaven into hell.  Blaine and Endicott sank at the first fire;
+Watt, his face picturing startled surprise, reeled from his saddle,
+clutching at the air, his horse dashing madly forward and dragging him,
+head downward, among the sharp rocks; while Wyman's stricken arm
+dripped blood.  Indeed, under that sudden shock, he fell, and was
+barely rescued by the prompt action of the man beside him.  Dropping
+the opened book, and firing madly to left and right with a revolver
+which appeared to spring into his hand as by magic, the latter coolly
+dragged the fainting soldier across the more exposed space, until the
+two found partial security among a mass of loosened rocks littering the
+base of the precipice.  The others who survived that first scorching
+discharge also raced toward this same shelter, impelled thereto by the
+unerring instinct of border fighting, and flinging themselves flat
+behind protecting bowlders, began responding to the hot fire rained
+upon them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Scattered and hurried as these first volleys were, they proved
+sufficient to check the howling demons in the open.  It has never been
+Indian nature to face unprotected the aim of the white men, and those
+dark figures, which only a moment before thronged the narrow gorge,
+leaping crazily in the riot of apparent victory, suddenly melted from
+sight, slinking down into leafy coverts beside the stream or into holes
+among the rocks, like so many vanishing prairie-dogs.  The fierce
+yelpings died faintly away in distant echoes, while the hideous roar of
+conflict diminished to the occasional sharp crackling of single rifles.
+Now and then a sinewy brown arm might incautiously project across the
+gleaming surface of a rock, or a mop of coarse black hair appear above
+the edge of a gully, either incident resulting in a quick interchange
+of fire.  That was all; yet the experienced frontiersmen knew that eyes
+as keen as those of any wild animal of the jungle were watching
+murderously their slightest movement.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Wyman, now reclining in agony against the base of the overhanging
+cliff, directed the movements of his little command calmly and with
+sober military judgment.  Little by little, under protection of the
+rifles of the three civilians, the uninjured infantrymen crept
+cautiously about, rolling loosened bowlders forward into position,
+until they finally succeeded in thus erecting a rude barricade between
+them and the enemy.  The wounded who could be reached were laboriously
+drawn back within this improvised shelter, and when the black shadows
+of the night finally shut down, all remaining alive were once more
+clustered together, the injured lying moaning and ghastly beneath the
+overhanging shelf of rock, and the girl, who possessed all the patient
+stoicism of frontier training, resting in silence, her widely opened
+eyes on those far-off stars peeping above the brink of the chasm, her
+head pillowed on old Gillis's knee.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Few details of those long hours of waiting ever came forth from that
+black canyon of death.  Many of the men sorely wounded, all wearied,
+powder-stained, faint with hunger, and parched with thirst, they simply
+fought out to the bitter ending their desperate struggle against
+despair.  The towering, overhanging wall at their back assured
+protection from above, but upon the opposite cliff summit, and easily
+within rifle range, the cunning foe early discovered lodgment, and from
+that safe vantage-point poured down a merciless fire, causing each man
+to crouch lower behind his protecting bowlder.  No motion could be
+ventured without its checking bullet, yet hour after hour the besieged
+held their ground, and with ever-ready rifles left more than one
+reckless brave dead among the rocks.  The longed-for night came dark
+and early at the bottom of that narrow cleft, while hardly so much as a
+faint star twinkled in the little slit of sky overhead.  The cunning
+besiegers crept closer through the enshrouding gloom, and taunted their
+entrapped victims with savage cries and threats of coming torture, but
+no warrior among them proved sufficiently bold to rush in and slay.
+Why should they?  Easier, safer far, to rest secure behind their
+shelters, and wait in patience until the little band had fired its last
+shot.  Now they skulked timorously, but then they might walk upright
+and glut their fiendish lust for blood.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Twice during that long night volunteers sought vainly to pierce those
+lines of savage watchers.  A long wailing cry of agony from out the
+thick darkness told the fate of their first messenger, while Casey, of
+the "X L," crept slowly, painfully back, with an Indian bullet embedded
+deep in his shoulder.  Just before the coming of dawn, Hampton, without
+uttering a word, calmly turned up the collar of his tightly buttoned
+coat, so as better to conceal the white collar he wore, gripped his
+revolver between his teeth, and crept like some wriggling snake among
+the black rocks and through the dense underbrush in search after water.
+By some miracle of divine mercy he was permitted to pass unscathed, and
+came crawling back, a dozen hastily filled canteens dangling across his
+shoulders.  It was like nectar to those parched, feverish throats; but
+of food barely a mouthful apiece remained in the haversacks.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The second day dragged onward, its hours bringing no change for the
+better, no relief, no slightest ray of hope.  The hot sun scorched them
+pitilessly, and two of the wounded died delirious.  From dawn to dark
+there came no slackening of the savage watchfulness which held the
+survivors helpless behind their coverts.  The merest uplifting of a
+head, the slightest movement of a hand, was sufficient to demonstrate
+how sharp were those savage eyes.  No white man in the short
+half-circle dared to waste a single shot now; all realized that their
+stock of ammunition was becoming fearfully scant, yet those scheming
+devils continually baited them to draw their fire.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Another long black night followed, during which, for an hour or so in
+turn, the weary defenders slept, tossing uneasily, and disturbed by
+fearful dreams.  Then gray and solemn, amid the lingering shadows of
+darkness, dawned the third dread day of unequal conflict.  All
+understood that it was destined to be their last on this earth unless
+help came.  It seemed utterly hopeless to protract the struggle, yet
+they held on grimly, patiently, half-delirious from hunger and thirst,
+gazing into each other's haggard faces, almost without recognition,
+every man at his post.  Then it was that old Gillis received his
+death-wound, and the solemn, fateful whisper ran from lip to lip along
+the scattered line that only five cartridges remained.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For two days Wyman had scarcely stirred from where he lay bolstered
+against the rock.  Sometimes he became delirious from fever, uttering
+incoherent phrases, or swearing in pitiful weakness.  Again he would
+partially arouse to his old sense of soldierly duty, and assume
+intelligent command.  Now he twisted painfully about upon his side,
+and, with clouded eyes, sought to discern what man was lying next him.
+The face was hidden so that all he could clearly distinguish was the
+fact that this man was not clothed as a soldier.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is that you, Hampton?" he questioned, his voice barely audible.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The person thus addressed, who was lying flat upon his back, gazing
+silently upward at the rocky front of the cliff, turned cautiously over
+upon his elbow before venturing reply.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes; what is it, sergeant?  It looks to be a beauty of a morning way
+up yonder."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was a hearty, cheery ring to his clear voice which left the
+pain-racked old soldier envious.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My God!" he growled savagely.  "'T is likely to be the last any of us
+will ever see.  Was n't it you I heard whistling just now?  One might
+imagine this was to be a wedding, rather than a funeral."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And why not, Wyman?  Did n't you know they employed music at both
+functions nowadays?  Besides, it is not every man who is permitted to
+assist at his own obsequies&mdash;the very uniqueness of such a situation
+rather appeals to my sense of humor.  Pretty tune, that one I was
+whistling, don't you think?  Picked it up on 'The Pike' in Cincinnati
+fifteen years ago.  Sorry I don't recall the words, or I'd sing them
+for you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The sergeant, his teeth clinched tightly to repress the pain racking
+him, stifled his resentment with an evident effort.  "You may be less
+light-hearted when you learn that the last of our ammunition is already
+in the guns," he remarked, stiffly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I suspected as much."  And the speaker lifted himself on one elbow to
+peer down the line of recumbent figures.  "To be perfectly frank with
+you, sergeant, the stuff has held out considerably longer than I
+believed it would, judging from the way those 'dough boys' of yours
+kept popping at every shadow in front of them.  It 's a marvel to me,
+the mutton-heads they take into the army.  Oh, now, you need n't scowl
+at me like that, Wyman; I 've worn the blue, and seen some service
+where a fellow needed to be a man to sport the uniform.  Besides, I 'm
+not indifferent, old chap, and just so long as there remained any work
+worth attending to in this skirmishing affair, I did it, did n't I?
+But I tell you, man, there is mighty little good trying to buck against
+Fate, and when Luck once finally lets go of a victim, he's bound to
+drop straight to the bottom before he stops.  That's the sum and
+substance of all my philosophy, old fellow, consequently I never kick
+simply because things happen to go wrong.  What's the use?  They 'll go
+wrong just the same.  Then again, my life has never been so sweet as to
+cause any excessive grief over the prospect of losing it.  Possibly I
+might prefer to pass out from this world in some other manner, but
+that's merely a matter of individual taste, and just now there does n't
+seem to be very much choice left me.  Consequently, upheld by my
+acquired philosophy, and encouraged by the rectitude of my past
+conduct, I 'm merely holding back one shot for myself, as a sort of
+grand finale to this fandango, and another for that little girl out
+yonder."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+These words were uttered slowly, the least touch of a lazy drawl
+apparent in the low voice, yet there was an earnest simplicity
+pervading the speech which somehow gave it impressiveness.  The man
+meant exactly what he said, beyond the possibility of a doubt.  The old
+soldier, accustomed to every form of border eccentricity, gazed at him
+with disapproval.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Either you 're the coolest devil I 've met during thirty years of
+soldiering," he commented, doubtfully, "or else the craziest.  Who are
+you, anyhow?  I half believe you might be Bob Hampton, of Placer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other smiled grimly.  "You have the name tolerably correct, old
+fellow; likewise that delightful spot so lately honored by my
+residence.  In brief, you have succeeded in calling the turn perfectly,
+so far as your limited information extends.  In strict confidence I
+propose now to impart to you what has hitherto remained a profound
+secret.  Upon special request of a number of influential citizens of
+Placer, including the city marshal and other officials, expressed in
+mass-meeting, I have decided upon deserting that sagebrush metropolis
+to its just fate, and plan to add the influence of my presence to the
+future development of Glencaid.  I learn that the climate there is more
+salubrious, more conducive to long living, the citizens of Placer being
+peculiarly excitable and careless with their fire-arms."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The sergeant had been listening with open mouth.  "The hell you say!"
+he finally ejaculated.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The undented truth, every word of it.  No wonder you are shocked.  A
+fine state of affairs, isn't it, when a plain-spoken, pleasant-mannered
+gentleman, such as I surely am,&mdash;a university graduate, by all the
+gods, the nephew of a United States Senator, and acknowledged to be the
+greatest exponent of scientific poker in this territory,&mdash;should be
+obliged to hastily change his chosen place of abode because of the
+threat of an ignorant and depraved mob.  Ever have a rope dangled in
+front of your eyes, sergeant, and a gun-barrel biting into your cheek
+at the same time?  Accept my word for it, the experience is trying on
+the nerves.  Ran a perfectly square game too, and those ducks knew it;
+but there 's no true sporting spirit left in this territory any more.
+However, spilled milk is never worth sobbing over, and Fate always
+contrives to play the final hand in any game, and stocks the cards to
+win.  Quite probably you are familiar with Bobbie Burns, sergeant, and
+will recall easily these words, 'The best-laid schemes o' mice and men
+gang aft agley'?  Well, instead of proceeding, as originally intended,
+to the delightful environs of Glencaid, for a sort of a Summer
+vacation, I have, on the impulse of the moment, decided upon crossing
+the Styx.  Our somewhat impulsive red friends out yonder are kindly
+preparing to assist me in making a successful passage, and the citizens
+of Glencaid, when they learn the sorrowful news of my translation,
+ought to come nobly forward with some suitable memorial to my virtues.
+If, by any miracle of chance, you should pull through, Wyman, I would
+hold it a friendly act if you suggest the matter.  A neat monument, for
+instance, might suitably voice their grief; it would cost them far less
+than I should in the flesh, and would prove highly gratifying to me, as
+well as those mourners left behind in Placer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A breath of good honest prayer would serve better than all your fun,"
+groaned the sergeant, soberly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The gray eyes resting thoughtfully on the old soldier's haggard face
+became instantly grave and earnest.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sincerely I wish I might aid you with one," the man admitted, "but I
+fear, old fellow, any prayer coming from my lips would never ascend
+very far.  However, I might try the comfort of a hymn, and you will
+remember this one, which, no doubt, you have helped to sing back in
+God's country."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was a moment's hushed pause, during which a rifle cracked sharply
+out in the ravine; then the reckless fellow, his head partially
+supported against the protecting bowlder, lifted up a full, rich
+barytone in rendition of that hymn of Christian faith&mdash;
+</P>
+
+<P CLASS="poem">
+"Nearer, my God, to Thee!<BR>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nearer to Thee!<BR>
+E'en though it be a cross<BR>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That raiseth me,<BR>
+Still all my song shall be,<BR>
+Nearer, my God, to Thee!<BR>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nearer to Thee."
+</P>
+
+<BR>
+
+<P>
+Glazed and wearied eyes glanced cautiously toward the singer around the
+edges of protecting rocks; fingers loosened their grasp upon the rifle
+barrels; smoke-begrimed cheeks became moist; while lips, a moment
+before profaned by oaths, grew silent and trembling.  Out in front a
+revengeful brave sent his bullet swirling just above the singer's head,
+the sharp fragments of rock dislodged falling in a shower upon his
+upturned face; but the fearless rascal sang serenely on to the end,
+without a quaver.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mistake it for a death song likely," he remarked dryly, while the last
+clear, lingering note, reechoed by the cliff, died reluctantly away in
+softened cadence.  "Beautiful old song, sergeant, and I trust hearing
+it again has done you good.  Sang it once in a church way back in New
+England.  But what is the trouble?  Did you call me for some special
+reason?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes," came the almost gruff response; for Wyman, the fever stealing
+back upon him, felt half ashamed of his unshed tears.  "That is,
+provided you retain sufficient sense to listen.  Old Gillis was shot
+over an hour ago, yonder behind that big bowlder, and his girl sits
+there still holding his head in her lap.  She'll get hit also unless
+somebody pulls her out of there, and she's doing no good to
+Gillis&mdash;he's dead."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton's clear-cut, expressive face became graver, all trace of
+recklessness gone from it.  He lifted his head cautiously, peering over
+his rock cover toward where he remembered earlier in the fight Gillis
+had sought refuge.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0102"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER II
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+OLD GILLIS'S GIRL
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Excepting for a vague knowledge that Gillis had had a girl with him,
+together with the half-formed determination that if worse came to worst
+she must never be permitted to fall alive into the hands of the lustful
+Sioux, Mr. Hampton had scarcely so much as noted her presence.  Of late
+years he had not felt greatly interested in the sex, and his
+inclination, since uniting his shattered fortunes with this little
+company, had been to avoid coming into personal contact with this
+particular specimen.  Practically, therefore, he now observed her for
+the first time.  Previously she had passed within range of his vision
+simply as the merest shadow; now she began to appeal faintly to him as
+a personality, uninteresting enough, of course, yet a living human
+being, whom it had oddly become his manifest duty to succor and
+protect.  The never wholly eradicated instincts of one born and bred a
+gentleman, although heavily overlaid by the habits acquired in many a
+rough year passed along the border, brought vividly before him the
+requirements of the situation.  Undoubtedly death was destined to be
+the early portion of them all; nevertheless she deserved every
+opportunity for life that remained, and with the ending of hope&mdash;well,
+there are worse fates upon the frontier than the unexpected plunge of a
+bullet through a benumbed brain.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Guided by the unerring instinct of an old Indian fighter, Gillis,
+during that first mad retreat, had discovered temporary shelter behind
+one of the largest bowlders.  It was a trifle in advance of those later
+rolled into position by the soldiers, but was of a size and shape which
+should have afforded ample protection for two, and doubtless would have
+done so had it not been for the firing from the cliff opposite.  Even
+then it was a deflected bullet, glancing from off the polished surface
+of the rock, which found lodgment in the sturdy old fighter's brain.
+The girl had caught him as he fell, had wasted all her treasured store
+of water in a vain effort to cleanse the blood from his features, and
+now sat there, pillowing his head upon her knee, although the old man
+was stone dead with the first touch of the ball.  That had occurred
+fully an hour before, but she continued in the same posture, a grave,
+pathetic figure, her face sobered and careworn beyond her years, her
+eyes dry and staring, one brown hand grasping unconsciously the old
+man's useless rifle.  She would scarcely have been esteemed attractive
+even under much happier circumstances and assisted by dress, yet there
+was something in the independent poise of her head, the steady
+fixedness of her posture, which served to interest Hampton as he now
+watched her curiously.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Fighting blood," he muttered admiringly to himself.  "Might fail to
+develop into very much of a society belle, but likely to prove valuable
+out here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She was rather a slender slip of a thing, a trifle too tall for her
+years, perhaps, yet with no lack of development apparent in the slim,
+rounded figure.  Her coarse home-made dress of dark calico fitted her
+sadly, while her rumpled hair, from which the broad-brimmed hat had
+fallen, possessed a reddish copper tinge where it was touched by the
+sun.  Mr. Hampton's survey did not increase his desire for more
+intimate acquaintanceship, yet he recognized anew her undoubted claim
+upon him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Suppose I might just as well drop out that way as any other," he
+reflected, thoughtfully.  "It's all in the game."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Lying flat upon his stomach, both arms extended, he slowly forced
+himself beyond his bowlder into the open.  There was no great distance
+to be traversed, and a considerable portion of the way was somewhat
+protected by low bushes.  Hampton took few chances of those spying eyes
+above, never uplifting his head the smallest fraction of an inch, but
+reaching forward with blindly groping hands, caught hold upon any
+projecting root or stone which enabled him to drag his body an inch
+farther.  Twice they fired directly down at him from the opposite
+summit, and once a fleck of sharp rock, chipped by a glancing bullet,
+embedded itself in his cheek, dyeing the whole side of his face
+crimson.  But not once did he pause or glance aside; nor did the girl
+look up from the imploring face of her dead.  As he crept silently in,
+sheltering himself next to the body of the dead man, she perceived his
+presence for the first time, and shrank back as if in dread.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What are you doing?  Why&mdash;why did you come here?" she questioned, a
+falter in her voice; and he noticed that her eyes were dark and large,
+yielding a marked impress of beauty to her face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I was unwilling to leave you here alone," he answered, quietly, "and
+hope to discover some means for getting you safely back beside the
+others."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But I didn't want you," and there was a look of positive dislike in
+her widely opened eyes.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Did n't want me?"  He echoed these unexpected words in a tone of
+complete surprise.  "Surely you could not desire to be left here alone?
+Why didn't you want me?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Because I know who you are!"  Her voice seemed to catch in her throat.
+"He told me.  You're the man who shot Jim Eberly."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Hampton was never of a pronounced emotional nature, nor was he a
+person easily disconcerted, yet he flushed at the sound of these
+impulsive words, and the confident smile deserted his lips.  For a
+moment they sat thus, the dead body lying between, and looked at each
+other.  When the man finally broke the constrained silence a deeper
+intonation had crept into his voice.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My girl," he said gravely, and not without a suspicion of pleading,
+"this is no place for me to attempt any defence of a shooting affray in
+a gambling-house, although I might plead with some justice that Eberly
+enjoyed the honor of shooting first.  I was not aware of your personal
+feeling in the matter, or I might have permitted some one else to come
+here in my stead.  Now it is too late.  I have never spoken to you
+before, and do so at this time merely from a sincere desire to be of
+some assistance."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was that in his manner of grave courtesy which served to steady
+the girl.  Probably never before in all her rough frontier experience
+had she been addressed thus formally.  Her closely compressed lips
+twitched nervously, but her questioning eyes remained unlowered.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You may stay," she asserted, soberly.  "Only don't touch me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+No one could ever realize how much those words hurt him.  He had been
+disciplined in far too severe a school ever to permit his face to index
+the feelings of his heart, yet the unconcealed shrinking of this
+uncouth child from slightest personal contact with him cut through his
+acquired reserve as perhaps nothing else could ever have done.  Not
+until he had completely conquered his first unwise impulse to retort
+angrily, did he venture again to speak.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I hope to aid you in getting back beside the others, where you will be
+less exposed."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Will you take him?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He is dead," Hampton said, soberly, "and I can do nothing to aid him.
+But there remains a chance for you to escape."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then I won't go," she declared, positively.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton's gray eyes looked for a long moment fixedly into her darker
+ones, while the two took mental stock of each other.  He realized the
+utter futility of any further argument, while she felt instinctively
+the cool, dominating strength of the man.  Neither was composed of that
+poor fibre which bends.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Very well, my young lady," he said, easily, stretching himself out
+more comfortably in the rock shadow.  "Then I will remain here with
+you; it makes small odds."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Excepting for one hasty, puzzled glance, she did not deign to look
+again toward him, and the man rested motionless upon his back, staring
+up at the sky.  Finally, curiosity overmastered the actor in him, and
+he turned partially upon one side, so as to bring her profile within
+his range of vision.  The untamed, rebellious nature of the girl had
+touched a responsive chord; unseeking any such result she had directly
+appealed to his better judgment, and enabled him to perceive her from
+an entirely fresh view-point.  Her clearly expressed disdain, her
+sturdy independence both of word and action, coupled with her frankly
+voiced dislike, awoke within him an earnest desire to stand higher in
+her regard.  Her dark, glowing eyes were lowered upon the white face of
+the dead man, yet Hampton noted how clear, in spite of sun-tan, were
+those tints of health upon the rounded cheek, and how soft and glossy
+shone her wealth of rumpled hair.  Even the tinge of color, so
+distasteful in the full glare of the sun, appeared to have darkened
+under the shadow, its shade framing the downcast face into a pensive
+fairness.  Then he observed how dry and parched her lips were.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Take a drink of this," he insisted heartily, holding out toward her as
+he spoke his partially filled canteen.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She started at the unexpected sound of his voice, yet uplifted the
+welcome water to her mouth, while Hampton, observing it all closely,
+could but remark the delicate shapeliness other hand.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If that old fellow was her father," he reflected soberly, "I should
+like to have seen her mother."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Thank you," she said simply, handing back the canteen, but without
+lifting her eyes again to his face.  "I was so thirsty."  Her low tone,
+endeavoring to be polite enough, contained no note of encouragement.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Was Gillis your father?" the man questioned, determined to make her
+recognize his presence.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I suppose so; I don't know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You don't know?  Am I to understand you are actually uncertain whether
+this man was your father or not?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That is about what I said, was n't it?  Not that it is any of your
+business, so far as I know, Mr. Bob Hampton, but I answered you all
+right.  He brought me up, and I called him 'dad' about as far back as I
+can remember, but I don't reckon as he ever told me he was my father.
+So you can understand just what you please."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"His name was Gillis, was n't it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The girl nodded wearily.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Post-trader at Fort Bethune?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Again the rumpled head silently acquiesced.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What is your name?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He always called me 'kid,'" she admitted unwillingly, "but I reckon if
+you have any further occasion for addressing me, you'd better say,
+'Miss Gillis.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton laughed lightly, his reckless humor instantly restored by her
+perverse manner.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Heaven preserve me!" he exclaimed good naturedly, "but you are
+certainly laying it on thick, young lady!  However, I believe we might
+become good friends if we ever have sufficient luck to get out from
+this hole alive.  Darn if I don't sort of cotton to you, little
+girl&mdash;you've got some sand."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a brief space her truthful, angry eyes rested scornfully upon his
+face, her lips parted as though trembling with a sharp retort.  Then
+she deliberately turned her back upon him without uttering a word.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For what may have been the first and only occasion in Mr. Hampton's
+audacious career, he realized his utter helplessness.  This mere slip
+of a red-headed girl, this little nameless waif of the frontier,
+condemned him so completely, and without waste of words, as to leave
+him weaponless.  Not that he greatly cared; oh, no! still, it was an
+entirely new experience; the arrow went deeper than he would have
+willingly admitted.  Men of middle age, gray hairs already commencing
+to shade their temples, are not apt to enjoy being openly despised by
+young women, not even by ordinary freckle-faced girls, clad in coarse
+short frocks.  Yet he could think of no fitting retort worth the
+speaking, and consequently he simply lay back, seeking to treat this
+disagreeable creature with that silent contempt which is the last
+resort of the vanquished.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He was little inclined to admit, even to himself, that he had been
+fairly hit, yet the truth remained that this girl was beginning to
+interest him oddly.  He admired her sturdy independence, her audacity
+of speech, her unqualified frankness.  Mr. Hampton was a thoroughgoing
+sport, and no quality was quite so apt to appeal to him as dead
+gameness.  He glanced surreptitiously aside at her once more, but there
+was no sign of relenting in the averted face.  He rested lower against
+the rock, his face upturned toward the sky, and thought.  He was
+becoming vaguely aware that something entirely new, and rather
+unwelcome, had crept into his life during that last fateful half-hour.
+It could not be analyzed, nor even expressed definitely in words, but
+he comprehended this much&mdash;he would really enjoy rescuing this girl,
+and he should like to live long enough to discover into what sort of
+woman she would develop.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was no spirit of bravado that gave rise to his reckless speech of an
+hour previous.  It was simply a spontaneous outpouring of his real
+nature, an unpremeditated expression of that supreme carelessness with
+which he regarded the future, the small value he set on life.  He truly
+felt as utterly indifferent toward fate as his words signified.  Deeply
+conscious of a life long ago irretrievably wrecked, everything behind a
+chaos, everything before worthless,&mdash;for years he had been actually
+seeking death; a hundred times he had gladly marked its apparent
+approach, a smile of welcome upon his lips.  Yet it had never quite
+succeeded in reaching him, and nothing had been gained beyond a
+reputation for cool, reckless daring, which he did not in the least
+covet.  But now, miracle of all miracles, just as the end seemed
+actually attained, seemed beyond any possibility of being turned aside,
+he began to experience a desire to live&mdash;he wanted to save this girl.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His keenly observant eyes, trained by the exigencies of his trade to
+take note of small things, and rendered eager by this newly awakened
+ambition, scanned the cliff towering above them.  He perceived the
+extreme irregularity of its front, and numerous peculiarities of
+formation which had escaped him hitherto.  Suddenly his puzzled face
+brightened to the birth of an idea.  By heavens! it might be done!
+Surely it might be done!  Inch by inch he traced the obscure passage,
+seeking to impress each faint detail upon his memory&mdash;that narrow ledge
+within easy reach of an upstretched arm, the sharp outcropping of
+rock-edges here and there, the deep gash as though some giant axe had
+cleaved the stone, those sturdy cedars growing straight out over the
+chasm like the bowsprits of ships, while all along the way, irregular
+and ragged, varied rifts not entirely unlike the steps of a crazy
+staircase.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The very conception of such an exploit caused his flesh to creep.  But
+he was not of that class of men who fall back dazed before the face of
+danger.  Again and again, led by an impulse he was unable to resist, he
+studied that precipitous rock, every nerve tingling to the newborn
+hope.  God helping them, even so desperate a deed might be
+accomplished, although it would test the foot and nerve of a Swiss
+mountaineer.  He glanced again uneasily toward his companion, and saw
+the same motionless figure, the same sober face turned deliberately
+away.  Hampton did not smile, but his square jaw set, and he clinched
+his hands.  He had no fear that she might fall him, but for the first
+time in all his life he questioned his own courage.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0103"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER III
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+The remainder of that day, as well as much of the gloomy night
+following, composed a silent, lingering horror.  The fierce pangs of
+hunger no longer gnawed, but a dull apathy now held the helpless
+defenders.  One of the wounded died, a mere lad, sobbing pitifully for
+his mother; an infantryman, peering forth from his covert, had been
+shot in the face, and his scream echoed among the rocks in multiplied
+accents of agony; while Wyman lay tossing and moaning, mercifully
+unconscious.  The others rested in their places, scarcely venturing to
+stir a limb, their roving, wolfish eyes the only visible evidence of
+remaining life, every hope vanished, yet each man clinging to his
+assigned post of duty in desperation.  There was but little firing&mdash;the
+defenders nursing their slender stock, the savages biding their time.
+When night shut down the latter became bolder, and taunted cruelly
+those destined to become so soon their hapless victims.  Twice the
+maddened men fired recklessly at those dancing devils, and one pitched
+forward, emitting a howl of pain that caused his comrades to cower once
+again behind their covers.  One and all these frontiersmen recognized
+the inevitable&mdash;before dawn the end must come.  No useless words were
+spoken; the men merely clinched their teeth and waited.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton crept closer in beside the girl while the shadows deepened, and
+ventured to touch her hand.  Perhaps the severe strain of their
+situation, the intense loneliness of that Indian-haunted twilight, had
+somewhat softened her resentment, for she made no effort now to repulse
+him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Kid," he said at last, "are you game for a try at getting out of this?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She appeared to hesitate over her answer, and he could feel her
+tumultuous breathing.  Some portion of her aversion had vanished.  His
+face was certainly not an unpleasant one to look upon, and there were
+others other sex who had discovered in it a covering for a multitude of
+sins.  Hampton smiled slightly while he waited; he possessed some
+knowledge of the nature feminine.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come, Kid," he ventured finally, yet with new assurance vibrating in
+his low voice; "this is surely a poor time and place for any indulgence
+in tantrums, and you 've got more sense.  I 'm going to try to climb up
+the face of that cliff yonder,&mdash;it's the only possible way out from
+here,&mdash;and I propose to take you along with me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She snatched her hand roughly away, yet remained facing him.  "Who gave
+you any right to decide what I should do?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man clasped his fingers tightly about her slender arm, advancing
+his face until he could look squarely into hers.  She read in the lines
+of that determined countenance an inflexible resolve which overmastered
+her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The right given by Almighty God to protect any one of your sex in
+peril," he replied.  "Before dawn those savage fiends will be upon us.
+We are utterly helpless.  There remains only one possible path for
+escape, and I believe I have discovered it.  Now, my girl, you either
+climb those rocks with me, or I shall kill you where you are.  It is
+that, or the Sioux torture.  I have two shots left in this gun,&mdash;one
+for you, the other for myself.  The time has come for deciding which of
+these alternatives you prefer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The gleam of a star glittered along the steel of his revolver, and she
+realized that he meant what he threatened.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If I select your bullet rather than the rocks, what then?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You will get it, but in that case you will die like a fool."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You have believed me to be one, all this afternoon."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Possibly," he admitted; "your words and actions certainly justified
+some such conclusion, but the opportunity has arrived for causing me to
+revise that suspicion."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't care to have you, revise it, Mr. Bob Hampton.  If I go, I
+shall hate you just the same."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton's teeth clicked like those of an angry dog.  "Hate and be
+damned," he exclaimed roughly.  "All I care about now is to drag you
+out of here alive."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His unaffected sincerity impressed her more than any amount of
+pleading.  She was long accustomed to straight talk; it always meant
+business, and her untutored nature instantly responded with a throb of
+confidence.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, if you put it that way," she said, "I 'll go."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For one breathless moment neither stirred.  Then a single wild yell
+rang sharply forth from the rocks in their front, and a rifle barked
+savagely, its red flame cleaving the darkness with tongue of fire.  An
+instant and the impenetrable gloom again surrounded them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come on, then," he whispered, his fingers grasping her sleeve.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She shook off the restraining touch of his hand as if it were
+contamination, and sank down upon her knees beside the inert body.  He
+could barely perceive the dim outlines of her bowed figure, yet never
+moved, his breath perceptibly quickening, while he watched and waited.
+Without word or moan she bent yet lower, and pressed her lips upon the
+cold, white face.  The man caught no more than the faintest echo of a
+murmured "Good-bye, old dad; I wish I could take you with me."  Then
+she stood stiffly upright, facing him.  "I'm ready now," she announced
+calmly.  "You can go on ahead."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They crept among low shrubs and around the bowlders, carefully guarding
+every slightest movement lest some rustle of disturbed foliage, or
+sound of loosened stone, might draw the fire of those keen watchers.
+Nor dared they ignore the close proximity of their own little company,
+who, amid such darkness, might naturally suspect them for approaching
+savages.  Every inch of their progress was attained through tedious
+groping, yet the distance to be traversed was short, and Hampton soon
+found himself pressing against the uprising precipice.  Passing his
+fingers along the front, he finally found that narrow ledge which he
+had previously located with such patient care, and reaching back, drew
+the girl silently upon her feet beside him.  Against that background of
+dark cliff they might venture to stand erect, the faint glimmer of
+reflected light barely sufficient to reveal to each the shadowy outline
+of the other.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't move an inch from this spot," he whispered.  "It wouldn't be a
+square deal, Kid, to leave those poor fellows to their death without
+even telling them there's a chance to get out."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She attempted no reply, as he glided noiselessly away, but her face,
+could he have seen it, was not devoid of expression.  This was an act
+of generosity and deliberate courage of the very kind most apt to
+appeal to her nature, and within her secret heart there was rapidly
+developing a respect for this man, who with such calm assurance won his
+own way.  He was strong, forceful, brave,&mdash;Homeric virtues of real
+worth in that hard life which she knew best.  All this swept across her
+mind in a flash of revelation while she stood alone, her eyes
+endeavoring vainly to peer into the gloom.  Then, suddenly, that black
+curtain was rent by jagged spurts of red and yellow flame.  Dazed for
+an instant, her heart throbbing wildly to the sharp reports of the
+rifles, she shrank cowering back, her fascinated gaze fixed on those
+imp-like figures leaping forward from rock to rock.  Almost with the
+flash and sound Hampton sprang hastily back and gathered her in his
+arms.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Catch hold, Kid, anywhere; only go up, and quick!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+As he thus lifted her she felt the irregularities of rock beneath her
+clutching fingers, and scrambled instinctively forward along the narrow
+shelf, and then, reaching higher, her groping hands clasped the roots
+of a projecting cedar.  She retained no longer any memory for Hampton;
+her brain was completely terrorized.  Inch by inch, foot by foot,
+clinging to a fragment of rock here, grasping a slippery branch there,
+occasionally helped by encountering a deeper gash in the face of the
+precipice, her movements concealed by the scattered cedars, she toiled
+feverishly up, led by instinct, like any wild animal desperately driven
+by fear, and only partially conscious of the real dread of her terrible
+position.  The first time she became aware that Hampton was closely
+following was when her feet slipped along a naked root, and she would
+have plunged headlong into unknown depths had she not come into sudden
+contact with his supporting shoulder.  Faint and dizzy, and trembling
+like the leaf of an aspen, she crept forward onto a somewhat wider
+ledge of thin rock, and lay there quivering painfully from head to
+foot.  A moment of suspense, and he was outstretched beside her,
+resting at full length along the very outer edge, his hand closing
+tightly over her own.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Remain perfectly quiet," he whispered, panting heavily.  "We can be no
+safer anywhere else."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She could distinguish the rapid pounding of his heart as well as her
+own, mingled with the sharp intake of their heavy breathing, but these
+sounds were soon overcome by that of the tumult below.  Shots and
+yells, the dull crash of blows, the shouts of men engaged in a death
+grapple, the sharp crackling of innumerable rifles, the inarticulate
+moans of pain, the piercing scream of sudden torture, were borne upward
+to them from out the blackness.  They did not venture to lift their
+heads from off the hard rock; the girl sobbed silently, her slender
+form trembling; the fingers of the man closed more tightly about her
+hand.  All at once the hideous uproar ceased with a final yelping of
+triumph, seemingly reechoed the entire length of the chasm, in the
+midst of which one single voice pleaded pitifully,&mdash;only to die away in
+a shriek.  The two agonized fugitives lay listening, their ears
+strained to catch the slightest sound from below.  The faint radiance
+of a single star glimmered along the bald front of the cliff, but
+Hampton, peering cautiously across the edge, could distinguish nothing.
+His ears could discern evidences of movement, and he heard guttural
+voices calling at a distance, but to the vision all was black.  The
+distance those faint sounds appeared away made his head reel, and he
+shrank cowering back against the girl's body, closing his eyes and
+sinking his head upon his arm.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+These uncertain sounds ceased, the strained ears of the fugitives heard
+the crashing of bodies through the thick shrubbery, and then even this
+noise died away in the distance.  Yet neither ventured to stir or
+speak.  It may be that the girl slept fitfully, worn out by long vigil
+and intense strain; but the man proved less fortunate, his eyes staring
+out continually into the black void, his thoughts upon other days long
+vanished but now brought back in all their bitterness by the mere
+proximity of this helpless waif who had fallen into his care.  His
+features were drawn and haggard when the first gray dawn found ghastly
+reflection along the opposite rock summit, and with blurred eyes he
+watched the faint tinge of returning light steal downward into the
+canyon.  At last it swept aside those lower clinging mists, as though
+some invisible hand had drawn back the night curtains, and he peered
+over the edge of his narrow resting-place, gazing directly down upon
+the scene of massacre.  With a quick gasp of unspeakable horror he
+shrank so sharply back as to cause the suddenly awakened girl to start
+and glance into his face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What is it?" she questioned, with quick catching of breath, reading
+that which she could not clearly interpret in his shocked expression.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Nothing of consequence," and he faintly endeavored to smile.  "I
+suppose I must have been dreaming also, and most unpleasantly.  No;
+please do not look down; it would only cause your head to reel, and our
+upward climb is not yet completed.  Do you feel strong enough now to
+make another attempt to reach the top?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His quiet spirit of assured dominance seemed to command her obedience.
+With a slight shudder she glanced doubtfully up the seemingly
+inaccessible height.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Can we?" she questioned helplessly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We can, simply because we must," and his white teeth shut together
+firmly.  "There is no possibility of retracing our steps downward, but
+with the help of this daylight we surely ought to be able to discover
+some path leading up."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He rose cautiously to his feet, pressing her more closely against the
+face of the cliff, thus holding her in comparative safety while
+preventing her from glancing back into the dizzy chasm.  The most
+difficult portion of their journey was apparently just before them,
+consisting of a series of narrow ledges, so widely separated and
+irregular as to require each to assist the other while passing from
+point to point.  Beyond these a slender cleft, bordered by gnarled
+roots of low bushes, promised a somewhat easier and securer passage
+toward the summit.  Hampton's face became deathly white as they began
+the perilous climb, but his hand remained steady, his foot sure, while
+the girl moved forward as if remaining unconscious of the presence of
+danger, apparently swayed by his dominant will to do whatsoever he bade
+her.  More than once they tottered on the very brink, held to safety
+merely by desperate clutchings at rock or shrub, yet never once did the
+man loosen his guarding grasp of his companion.  Pressed tightly
+against the smooth rock, feeling for every crevice, every slightest
+irregularity of surface, making use of creeping tendril or dead branch,
+daring death along every inch of the way, these two creepers at last
+attained the opening to the little gulley, and sank down, faint and
+trembling, their hands bleeding, their clothing sadly torn by the sharp
+ledges across which they had pulled their bodies by the sheer strength
+of extended arms.  Hampton panted heavily from exertion, yet the old
+light of cool, resourceful daring had crept back into the gray eyes,
+while the stern lines about his lips assumed pleasanter curves.  The
+girl glanced furtively at him, the long lashes shadowing the expression
+of her lowered eyes.  In spite of deep prejudice she felt impelled to
+like this man; he accomplished things, and he didn't talk.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was nothing more serious than a hard and toilsome climb after that,
+a continuous struggle testing every muscle, straining every sinew,
+causing both to sink down again and again, panting and exhausted, no
+longer stimulated by imminent peril.  The narrow cleft they followed
+led somewhat away from the exposed front of the precipice, yet arose
+steep and jagged before them, a slender gash through the solid rock, up
+which they were often compelled to force their passage; again it became
+clogged with masses of debris, dead branches, and dislodged fragments
+of stone, across which they were obliged to struggle desperately, while
+once they completely halted before a sheer smoothness of rock wall that
+appeared impassable.  It was bridged finally by a cedar trunk, which
+Hampton wrenched from out its rocky foothold, and the two crept
+cautiously forward, to emerge where the sunlight rested golden at the
+summit.  They sank face downward in the short grass, barely conscious
+that they had finally won their desperate passage.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Slowly Hampton succeeded in uplifting his tired body and his reeling
+head, until he could sit partially upright and gaze unsteadily about.
+The girl yet remained motionless at his feet, her thick hair, a mass of
+red gold in the sunshine, completely concealing her face, her slender
+figure quivering to sobs of utter exhaustion.  Before them stretched
+the barren plain, brown, desolate, drear, offering in all its wide
+expanse no hopeful promise of rescue, no slightest suggestion even of
+water, excepting a fringe of irregular trees, barely discernible
+against the horizon.  That lorn, deserted waste, shimmering beneath the
+sun-rays, the heat waves already becoming manifest above the
+rock-strewn surface, presented a most depressing spectacle.  With hand
+partially shading his aching eyes from the blinding glare, the man
+studied its every exposed feature, his face hardening again into lines
+of stern determination.  The girl stirred from her position, flinging
+back her heavy hair with one hand, and looking up into his face with
+eyes that read at once his disappointment.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Have&mdash;have you any water left?" she asked at last, her lips parched
+and burning as if from fever.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He shook the canteen dangling forgotten at his side.  "There may be a
+few drops," he said, handing it to her, although scarcely removing his
+fixed gaze from off that dreary plain.  "We shall be obliged to make
+those trees yonder; there ought to be water there in plenty, and
+possibly we may strike a trail."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She staggered to her feet, gripping his shoulder, and swaying a little
+from weakness, then, holding aside her hair, gazed long in the
+direction he pointed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I fairly shake from hunger," she exclaimed, almost angrily, "and am
+terribly tired and sore, but I reckon I can make it if I 've got to."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was nothing more said between them.  Like two automatons, they
+started off across the parched grass, the heat waves rising and falling
+as they stumbled forward.  Neither realized until then how thoroughly
+that hard climb up the rocks, the strain of continued peril, and the
+long abstinence from food had sapped their strength, yet to remain
+where they were meant certain death; all hope found its centre amid
+those distant beckoning trees.  Mechanically the girl gathered back her
+straying tresses, and tied them with a rag torn from her frayed skirt.
+Hampton noted silently how heavy and sunken her eyes were; he felt a
+dull pity, yet could not sufficiently arouse himself from the lethargy
+of exhaustion to speak.  His body seemed a leaden weight, his brain a
+dull, inert mass; nothing was left him but an unreasoning purpose, the
+iron will to press on across that desolate plain, which already reeled
+and writhed before his aching eyes.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+No one can explain later how such deeds are ever accomplished; how the
+tortured soul controls physical weakness, and compels strained sinews
+to perform the miracle of action when all ambition has died.  Hampton
+surely must have both seen and known, for he kept his direction, yet
+never afterwards did he regain any clear memory of it.  Twice she fell
+heavily, and the last time she lay motionless, her face pressed against
+the short grass blades.  He stood looking down upon her, his head
+reeling beneath the hot rays of the sun, barely conscious of what had
+occurred, yet never becoming totally dead to his duty.  Painfully he
+stooped, lifted the limp, slender figure against his shoulder, and went
+straggling forward, as uncertain in steps as a blind man, all about him
+stretching the dull, dead desolation of the plain.  Again and again he
+sank down, pillowing his eyes from the pitiless sun glare; only to
+stagger upright once more, ever bending lower and lower beneath his
+unconscious burden.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0104"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER IV
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+ON THE NAKED PLAIN
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+It was two hundred and eighteen miles, as the crow flies, between old
+Fort Bethune and the rock ford crossing the Bear Water, every foot of
+that dreary, treeless distance Indian-haunted, the favorite
+skulking-place and hunting-ground of the restless Sioux.  Winter and
+summer this wide expanse had to be suspiciously patrolled by numerous
+military scouting parties, anxious to learn more regarding the
+uncertain whereabouts of wandering bands and the purposes of
+malecontents, or else drawn hither and thither by continually shifting
+rumors of hostile raids upon the camps of cattlemen.  All this involved
+rough, difficult service, with small meed of honor attached, while
+never had soldiers before found trickier foemen to contend against, or
+fighters more worthy of their steel.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+One such company, composed of a dozen mounted infantrymen, accompanied
+by three Cree trailers, rode slowly and wearily across the brown
+exposed uplands down into the longer, greener grass of the wide valley
+bottom, until they emerged upon a barely perceptible trail which wound
+away in snake-like twistings, toward those high, barren hills whose
+blue masses were darkly silhouetted against the western sky.  Upon
+every side of them extended the treeless wilderness, the desolate
+loneliness of bare, brown prairie, undulating just enough to be
+baffling to the eyes, yet so dull, barren, grim, silent, and colorless
+as to drive men mad.  The shimmering heat rose and fell in great
+pulsating waves, although no slightest breeze came to stir the stagnant
+air, while thick clouds of white dust, impregnated with poisonous
+alkali, rose from out the grass roots, stirred by the horses' feet, to
+powder the passers-by from head to foot.  The animals moved steadily
+forward, reluctant and weary, their heads drooping dejectedly, their
+distended nostrils red and quivering, the oily perspiration streaking
+their dusted sides.  The tired men, half blinded by the glare, lolled
+heavily in their deep cavalry saddles, with encrusted eyes staring
+moodily ahead.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Riding alone, and slightly in advance of the main body, his mount a
+rangy, broad-chested roan, streaked with alkali dust, the drooping head
+telling plainly of wearied muscles, was the officer in command.  He was
+a pleasant-faced, stalwart young fellow, with the trim figure of a
+trained athlete, possessing a square chin smoothly shaven, his
+intelligent blue eyes half concealed beneath his hat brim, which had
+been drawn low to shade them from the glare, one hand pressing upon his
+saddle holster as he leaned over to rest.  No insignia of rank served
+to distinguish him from those equally dusty fellows plodding gloomily
+behind, but a broad stripe of yellow running down the seams of his
+trousers, together with his high boots, bespoke the cavalry service,
+while the front of his battered campaign hat bore the decorations of
+two crossed sabres, with a gilded "7" prominent between.  His attire
+was completed by a coarse blue shirt, unbuttoned at the throat, about
+which had been loosely knotted a darker colored silk handkerchief, and
+across the back of the saddle was fastened a uniform jacket, the single
+shoulder-strap revealed presenting the plain yellow of a second
+lieutenant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Attaining to the summit of a slight knoll, whence a somewhat wider
+vista lay outspread, he partially turned his face toward the men
+straggling along in the rear, while his hand swept across the dreary
+scene.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If that line of trees over yonder indicates the course of the Bear
+Water, Carson," he questioned quietly, "where are we expected to hit
+the trail leading down to the ford?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The sergeant, thus addressed, a little stocky fellow wearing a closely
+clipped gray moustache, spurred his exhausted horse into a brief trot,
+and drew up short by the officer's side, his heavy eyes scanning the
+vague distance, even while his right hand was uplifted in perfunctory
+salute.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There 's no trail I know about along this bank, sir," he replied
+respectfully, "but the big cottonwood with the dead branch forking out
+at the top is the ford guide."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They rode down in moody silence into the next depression, and began
+wearily climbing the long hill opposite, apparently the last before
+coming directly down the banks of the stream.  As his barely moving
+horse topped the uneven summit, the lieutenant suddenly drew in his
+rein, and uttering an exclamation of surprise, bent forward, staring
+intently down in his immediate front.  For a single instant he appeared
+to doubt the evidence of his own eyes; then he swung hastily from out
+the saddle, all weariness forgotten.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My God!" he cried, sharply, his eyes suspiciously sweeping the bare
+slope.  "There are two bodies lying here&mdash;white people!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They lay all doubled up in the coarse grass, exactly as they had
+fallen, the man resting face downward, the slender figure of the girl
+clasped vice-like in his arms, with her tightly closed eyes upturned
+toward the glaring sun.  Their strange, strained, unnatural posture,
+the rigidity of their limbs, the ghastly pallor of the exposed young
+face accentuated by dark, dishevelled hair, all alike seemed to
+indicate death.  Never once questioning but that he was confronting the
+closing scene of a grewsome tragedy, the thoroughly aroused lieutenant
+dropped upon his knees beside them, his eyes already moist with
+sympathy, his anxious fingers feeling for a possible heart-beat.  A
+moment of hushed, breathless suspense followed, and then he began
+flinging terse, eager commands across his shoulder to where his men
+were clustered.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Here!  Carson, Perry, Ronk, lay hold quick, and break this fellow's
+clasp," he cried, briefly.  "The girl retains a spark of life yet, but
+the man's arms fairly crush her."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+With all the rigidity of actual death those clutching hands held their
+tenacious grip, but the aroused soldiers wrenched the interlaced
+fingers apart with every tenderness possible in such emergency, shocked
+at noting the expression of intense agony stamped upon the man's face
+when thus exposed to view.  The whole terrible story was engraven
+there&mdash;how he had toiled, agonized, suffered, before finally yielding
+to the inevitable and plunging forward in unconsciousness, written as
+legibly as though by a pen.  Every pang of mental torture had left
+plainest imprint across that haggard countenance.  He appeared old,
+pitiable, a wreck.  Carson, who in his long service had witnessed much
+of death and suffering, bent tenderly above him, seeking for some faint
+evidence of lingering life.  His fingers felt for no wound, for to his
+experienced eyes the sad tale was already sufficiently clear&mdash;hunger,
+exposure, the horrible heart-breaking strain of hopeless endeavor, had
+caused this ending, this unspeakable tragedy of the barren waterless
+plain.  He had witnessed it all before, and hoped now for little.  The
+anxious lieutenant, bareheaded under the hot sun-glare, strode hastily
+across from beside the unconscious but breathing girl, and stood gazing
+doubtfully down upon them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Any life, sergeant?" he demanded, his voice rendered husky by sympathy.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He doesn't seem entirely gone, sir," and Carson glanced up into the
+officer's face, his own eyes filled with feeling.  "I can distinguish
+just a wee bit of breathing, but it's so weak the pulse hardly stirs."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What do you make of it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Starving at the bottom, sir.  The only thing I see now is to get them
+down to water and food."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The young officer glanced swiftly about him across that dreary picture
+of sun-burnt, desolate prairie stretching in every direction, his eyes
+pausing slightly as they surveyed the tops of the distant cottonwoods.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sling blankets between your horses," he commanded, decisively.  "Move
+quickly, lads, and we may save one of these lives yet."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He led in the preparation himself, his cheeks flushed, his movements
+prompt, decisive.  As if by some magic discipline the rude, effective
+litters were rapidly made ready, and the two seemingly lifeless bodies
+gently lifted from off the ground and deposited carefully within.  Down
+the long, brown slope they advanced slowly, a soldier grasping the rein
+and walking at each horse's head, the supporting blankets, securely
+fastened about the saddle pommels, swaying gently to the measured tread
+of the trained animals.  The lieutenant directed every movement, while
+Carson rode ahead, picking out the safest route through the short
+grass.  Beneath the protecting shadows of the first group of
+cottonwoods, almost on the banks of the muddy Bear Water, the little
+party let down their senseless burdens, and began once more their
+seemingly hopeless efforts at resuscitation.  A fire was hastily
+kindled from dried and broken branches, and broth was made, which was
+forced through teeth that had to be pried open.  Water was used
+unsparingly, the soldiers working with feverish eagerness, inspired by
+the constant admonitions of their officer, as well as their own
+curiosity to learn the facts hidden behind this tragedy.
+</P>
+
+<A NAME="img-054"></A>
+<CENTER>
+<IMG SRC="images/img-054.jpg" ALT="They advanced slowly, the supporting blankets swaying gently to the measured tread." BORDER="2" WIDTH="440" HEIGHT="657">
+<H4>
+[Illustration: They advanced slowly, the supporting blankets swaying<BR>
+gently to the measured tread.]
+</H4>
+</CENTER>
+
+<P>
+It was the dark eyes of the girl which opened first, instantly closing
+again as the glaring light swept into them.  Then slowly, and with
+wonderment, she gazed up into those strange, rough faces surrounding
+her, pausing in her first survey to rest her glance on the sympathetic
+countenance of the young lieutenant, who held her half reclining upon
+his arm.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Here," he exclaimed, kindly, interpreting her glance as one of fear,
+"you are all right and perfectly safe now, with friends to care for
+you.  Peters, bring another cup of that broth.  Now, miss, just take a
+sup or two of this, and your strength will come back in a jiffy.  What
+was the trouble?  Starving?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She did exactly as he bade her, every movement mechanical, her eyes
+fastened upon his face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I&mdash;I reckon that was partly it," she responded at last, her voice
+faint and husky.  Then her glance wandered away, and finally rested
+upon another little kneeling group a few yards farther down stream.  A
+look of fresh intelligence swept into her face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is that him?" she questioned, tremblingly.  "Is&mdash;is he dead?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He was n't when we first got here, but mighty near gone, I'm afraid.
+I've been working over you ever since."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She shook herself free and sat weakly up, her lips tight compressed,
+her eyes apparently blind to all save that motionless body she could
+barely distinguish.  "Let me tell you, that fellow's a man, just the
+same; the gamest, nerviest man I ever saw.  I reckon he got hit, too,
+though he never said nothing about it.  That's his style."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The deeply interested lieutenant removed his watchful eyes from off his
+charge just long enough to glance inquiringly across his shoulder.
+"Has the man any signs of a wound, sergeant?" he asked, loudly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A mighty ugly slug in the shoulder, sir; has bled scandalous, but I
+guess it 's the very luck that's goin' to save him; seems now to be
+comin' out all right."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The officer's brows knitted savagely.  "It begins to look as if this
+might be some of our business.  What happened?  Indians?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How far away?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't know.  They caught us in a canyon somewhere out yonder, maybe
+three or four days ago; there was a lot killed, some of them soldiers.
+My dad was shot, and then that night he&mdash;he got me out up the rocks,
+and he&mdash;he was carrying me in his arms when I&mdash;I fainted, I saw there
+was blood on his shirt, and it was dripping down on the grass as he
+walked.  That's about all I know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who is the man?  What's his name?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The girl looked squarely into the lieutenant's eyes, and, for some
+reason which she could never clearly explain even to herself, lied
+calmly.  "I don't know; I never asked."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Sergeant Carson rose stiffly from his knees beside the extended figure
+and strode heavily across toward where they were sitting, lifting his
+hand in soldierly salute, his heels clicking as he brought them sharply
+together in military precision.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The fellow is getting his eyes open, sir," he reported, "and is
+breathing more regular.  Purty weak yit, but he'll come round in time."
+He stared curiously down at the girl now sitting up unsupported, while
+a sudden look of surprised recognition swept across his face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Great guns!" he exclaimed, eagerly, "but I know you.  You're old man
+Gillis's gal from Bethune, ain't ye?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The quickly uplifted dark eyes seemed to lighten the ghastly pallor of
+her face, and her lips trembled.  "Yes," she acknowledged simply, "but
+he's dead."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The lieutenant laid his ungloved hand softly on her shoulder, his blue
+eyes moist with aroused feeling.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Never mind, little girl," he said, with boyish sympathy.  "I knew
+Gillis, and, now the sergeant has spoken, I remember you quite well.
+Thought all the time your face was familiar, but could n't quite decide
+where I had seen you before.  So poor old Gillis has gone, and you are
+left all alone in the world!  Well, he was an old soldier, could not
+have hoped to live much longer anyway, and would rather go fighting at
+the end.  We 'll take you back with us to Bethune, and the ladies of
+the garrison will look after you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The recumbent figure lying a few yards away half lifted itself upon one
+elbow, and Hampton's face, white and haggard, stared uncertainly across
+the open space.  For an instant his gaze dwelt upon the crossed sabres
+shielding the gilded "7" on the front of the lieutenant's scouting hat,
+then settled upon the face of the girl.  With one hand pressed against
+the grass he pushed himself slowly up until he sat fronting them, his
+teeth clinched tight, his gray eyes gleaming feverishly in their sunken
+sockets.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'll be damned if you will!" he said, hoarsely.  "She 's my girl now."
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0105"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER V
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+A NEW PROPOSITION
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+To one in the least inclined toward fastidiousness, the Miners' Home at
+Glencaid would scarcely appeal as a desirable place for long-continued
+residence.  But such a one would have had small choice in the matter,
+as it chanced to be the only hotel there.  The Miners' Home was
+unquestionably unique as regards architectural details, having been
+constructed by sections, in accordance with the rapid development of
+the camp, and enjoyed the further distinction&mdash;there being only two
+others equally stylish in town&mdash;of being built of sawn plank, although,
+greatly to the regret of its unfortunate occupants, lack of seasoning
+had resulted in wide cracks in both walls and stairway.  These were
+numerous, and occasionally proved perilous pitfalls to unwary
+travellers through the ill-lighted hall, while strict privacy within
+the chambers was long ago a mere reminiscence.  However, these
+deficiencies were to be discovered only after entering.  Without, the
+Miners' Home put up a good front,&mdash;which along the border is considered
+the chief matter of importance,&mdash;and was in reality the most
+pretentious structure gracing the single cluttered street of Glencaid.
+Indeed, it was pointed at with much civic pride by those citizens never
+compelled to exist within its yawning walls, and, with its ornament of
+a wide commodious porch, appeared even palatial in comparison with the
+log stable upon its left flank, or the dingy tent whose worm-eaten
+canvas flapped dejectedly upon the right.  Directly across the street,
+its front a perfect blaze of glass, stood invitingly the Occidental
+saloon; but the Widow Guffy, who operated the Miners' Home with a
+strong hand, possessed an antipathy to strong liquor, which
+successfully kept all suspicion of intoxicating drink absent from those
+sacredly guarded precincts, except as her transient guests imported it
+internally, in the latter case she naturally remained quiescent, unless
+the offender became unduly boisterous.  On such rare occasions Mrs.
+Guffy had always proved equal to the emergency, possessing Irish
+facility with either tongue or club.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Hampton during the course of his somewhat erratic career had
+previously passed several eventful weeks in Glencaid.  He was neither
+unknown nor unappreciated at the Miners' Home, and having on previous
+occasions established his reputation as a spender, experienced little
+difficulty now in procuring promptly the very best accommodation which
+the house afforded.  That this arrangement was accomplished somewhat to
+the present discomfort of two vociferous Eastern tourists did not
+greatly interfere with his pleasurable interest in the situation.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Send those two fellows in here to argue it out," he said, languidly,
+after listening disgustedly to their loud lamentations in the hallway,
+and addressing his remarks to Mrs. Guffy, who had glanced into the room
+to be again assured regarding his comfort, and to express her deep
+regret over the unseemly racket.  "The girl has fallen asleep, and I 'm
+getting tired of hearing so much noise."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, be hivings, an' ye don't do nuthin' of thet sort, Bob," returned
+the widow, good-naturedly, busying herself with a dust-rag.  "This is
+me own house, an' Oi've tended ter the loikes of them sort er fellers
+afore.  There'll be no more bother this toime.  Besides, it's a paceful
+house Oi'm runnin', an' Oi know ye'r way of sittling them things.  It's
+too strenurous ye are, Misther Hampton.  And what did ye do wid the
+young lady, Oi make bould to ask?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton carelessly waved his hand toward the rear room, the door of
+which stood ajar, and blew a thick cloud of smoke into the air, his
+eyes continuing to gaze dreamily through the open window toward the
+distant hills.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who's running the game over at the Occidental?" he asked,
+professionally.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Red Slavin, bad cess to him!" and her eyes regarded her questioner
+with renewed anxiety.  "But sure now, Bob, ye mustn't think of playin'
+yit awhoile.  Yer narves are in no fit shape, an' won't be fer a wake
+yit."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He made no direct reply, and she hung about, flapping the dust-rag
+uneasily.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"An' what did ye mane ter be doin' wid the young gyurl?" she questioned
+at last, in womanly curiosity.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton wheeled about on the hard chair, and regarded her quizzingly.
+"Mrs. Guffy," he said, slowly, "you've been a mother to me, and it
+would certainly be unkind not to give you a straight tip.  Do?  Why,
+take care of her, of course.  What else would you expect of one
+possessing my kindly disposition and well-known motives of
+philanthropy?  Can it be that I have resided with you, off and on, for
+ten years past without your ever realizing the fond yearnings of my
+heart?  Mrs. Guffy, I shall make her the heiress to my millions; I
+shall marry her off to some Eastern nabob, and thus attain to that high
+position in society I am so well fitted to adorn&mdash;sure, and what else
+were you expecting, Mrs. Guffy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A loikely story," with a sniff of disbelief.  "They tell me she 's old
+Gillis's daughter over to Bethune."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"They tell you, do they?" a sudden gleam of anger darkening his gray
+eyes.  "Who tell you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sure, Bob, an' thet 's nuthin' ter git mad about, so fur as I kin see.
+The story is in iverybody's mouth.  It wus thim sojers what brought ye
+in thet tould most ov it, but the lieutenant,&mdash;Brant of the Seventh
+Cavalry, no less,&mdash;who took dinner here afore he wint back after the
+dead bodies, give me her name."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Brant of the Seventh?"  He faced her fairly now, his face again
+haggard and gray, all the slight gleam of fun gone out of it.  "Was
+that the lad's name?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sure, and didn't ye know him?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No; I noticed the '7' on his hat, of course, but never asked any
+questions, for his face was strange.  I didn't know.  The name, when
+you just spoke it, struck me rather queer.  I&mdash;I used to know a Brant
+in the Seventh, but he was much older; it was not this man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She answered something, lingering for a moment at the door, but he made
+no response, and she passed out silently, leaving him staring moodily
+through the open window, his eyes appearing glazed and sightless.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Glencaid, like most mining towns of its class, was dull and dead enough
+during the hours of daylight.  It was not until after darkness fell
+that it awoke from its somnolence, when the scattered miners came
+swarming down from out the surrounding hills and turned into a noisy,
+restless playground the single narrow, irregular street.  Then it
+suddenly became a mad commixture of Babel and hell.  At this hour
+nothing living moved within range of the watcher's vision except a
+vagrant dog; the heat haze hung along the near-by slopes, while a
+little spiral of dust rose lazily from the deserted road.  But Hampton
+had no eyes for this dreary prospect; with contracted brows he was
+viewing again that which he had confidently believed to have been
+buried long ago.  Finally, he stepped quickly across the little room,
+and, standing quietly within the open doorway, looked long at the young
+girl upon the bed.  She lay in sound, motionless sleep, one hand
+beneath her cheek, her heavy hair, scarcely revealing its auburn hue in
+the gloom of the interior, flowing in wild disorder across the crushed
+pillow.  He stepped to the single window and drew down the green shade,
+gazed at her again, a new look of tenderness softening his stern face,
+then went softly out and closed the door.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+An hour later he was still sitting on the hard chair by the window, a
+cigar between his teeth, thinking.  The lowering sun was pouring a
+perfect flood of gold across the rag carpet, but he remained utterly
+unconscious as to aught save the gloomy trend of his own awakened
+memories.  Some one rapped upon the outer door.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come in," he exclaimed, carelessly, and barely glancing up.  "Well,
+what is it this time, Mrs. Guffy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The landlady had never before seen this usually happy guest in his
+present mood, and she watched him curiously.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A man wants ter see ye," she announced, shortly, her hand on the knob.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I'm in no shape for play to-night; go back and tell him so."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sure, an' it's aisy 'nough ter see thet wid half an eye.  But this un
+isn't thet koind of a man, an' he's so moighty perlite about it Oi jist
+cud n't sind the loikes of him away.  It's 'Missus Guffy, me dear
+madam, wud ye be koind enough to convey me complimints to Misther
+Robert Hampton, and requist him to grant me a few minutes of his toime
+on an important matter?'  Sure, an' what do ye think of thet?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Huh! one of those fellows who had these rooms?" and Hampton rose to
+his feet with animation.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The landlady lowered her voice to an almost inaudible whisper.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's the Reverend Howard Wynkoop," she announced, impressively,
+dwelling upon the name.  "The Reverend Howard Wynkoop, the Prasbytarian
+Missionary&mdash;wouldn't thet cork ye?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It evidently did, for Mr. Hampton stared at her for fully a minute in
+an amazement too profound for fit expression in words.  Then he
+swallowed something in his throat.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Show the gentleman up," he said, shortly, and sat down to wait.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The Rev. Howard Wynkoop was neither giant nor dwarf, but the very
+fortunate possessor of a countenance which at once awakened confidence
+in his character.  He entered the room quietly, rather dreading this
+interview with one of Mr. Hampton's well-known proclivities, yet in
+this case feeling abundantly fortified in the righteousness of his
+cause.  His brown eyes met the inquisitive gray ones frankly, and
+Hampton waved him silently toward a vacant chair.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Our lines of labor in this vineyard being so entirely opposite," the
+latter said, coldly, but with intended politeness, "the honor of your
+unexpected call quite overwhelms me.  I shall have to trouble you to
+speak somewhat softly in explanation of your present mission, so as not
+to disturb a young girl who chances to be sleeping in the room beyond."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Wynkoop cleared his throat uneasily, his naturally pale cheeks flushed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It was principally upon her account I ventured to call," he explained
+in sudden confidence.  "Might I see her?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton's watchful eyes swept the others face suspiciously, and his
+hands clinched.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Relative?" he asked gravely.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The preacher shook his head.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Friend of the family, perhaps?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, Mr. Hampton.  My purpose in coming here is perfectly proper, yet
+the request was not advanced as a right, but merely as a special
+privilege."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A moment Hampton hesitated; then he arose and quietly crossed the room,
+holding open the door.  Without a word being spoken the minister
+followed, and stood beside him.  For several minutes the eyes of both
+men rested upon the girl's sleeping form and upturned face.  Then
+Wynkoop drew silently back, and Hampton closed the door noiselessly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well," he said, inquiringly, "what does all this mean?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The minister hesitated as if doubtful how best to explain the nature of
+his rather embarrassing mission, his gaze upon the strong face of the
+man fronting him so sternly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Let us sit down again," he said at last, "and I will try to make my
+purpose sufficiently clear.  I am not here to mince words, nor do I
+believe you to be the kind of a man who would respect me if I did.  I
+may say something that will not sound pleasant, but in the cause of my
+Master I cannot hesitate.  You are an older man than I, Mr. Hampton;
+your experience in life has doubtless been much broader than mine, and
+it may even be that in point of education you are likewise my superior.
+Nevertheless, as the only minister of the Gospel residing in this
+community it is beyond question my plain duty to speak a few words to
+you in behalf of this young lady, and her probable future.  I trust not
+to be offensive, yet cannot shirk the requirements of my sacred office."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The speaker paused, somewhat disconcerted perhaps by the hardening of
+the lines in Hampton's face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Go on," commanded Hampton, tersely, "only let the preacher part slide,
+and say just what you have to say as man to man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Wynkoop stiffened perceptibly in his chair, his face paling somewhat,
+but his eyes unwavering.  Realizing the reckless nature before him, he
+was one whom opposition merely inspired.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I prefer to do so," he continued, more calmly.  "It will render my
+unpleasant task much easier, and yield us both a more direct road for
+travel.  I have been laboring on this field for nearly three years.
+When I first came here you were pointed out to me as a most dangerous
+man, and ever since then I have constantly been regaled by the stories
+of your exploits.  I have known you merely through such unfriendly
+reports, and came here strongly prejudiced against you as a
+representative of every evil I war against.  We have never met before,
+because there seemed to be nothing in common between us; because I had
+been led to suppose you to be an entirely different man from what I now
+believe you are."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton stirred uneasily in his chair.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Shall I paint in exceedingly plain words the picture given me of you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was no response, but the speaker moistened his lips and proceeded
+firmly.  "It was that of a professional gambler, utterly devoid of
+mercy toward his victims; a reckless fighter, who shot to kill upon the
+least provocation; a man without moral character, and from whom any
+good action was impossible.  That was what was said about you.  Is the
+tale true?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton laughed unpleasantly, his eyes grown hard and ugly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I presume it must be," he admitted, with a quick side glance toward
+the closed door, "for the girl out yonder thought about the same.  A
+most excellent reputation to establish with only ten years of strict
+attendance to business."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Wynkoop's grave face expressed his disapproval.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, in my present judgment that report was not altogether true," he
+went on clearly and with greater confidence.  "I did suppose you
+exactly that sort of a man when I first came into this room.  I have
+not believed so, however, for a single moment since.  Nevertheless, the
+naked truth is certainly bad enough, without any necessity for our
+resorting to romance.  You may deceive others by an assumption of
+recklessness, but I feel convinced your true nature is not evil.  It
+has been warped through some cause which is none of my business.  Let
+us deal alone with facts.  You are a gambler, a professional gambler,
+with all that that implies; your life is, of necessity, passed among
+the most vicious and degrading elements of mining camps, and you do not
+hesitate even to take human life when in your judgment it seems
+necessary to preserve your own.  Under this veneer of lawlessness you
+may, indeed, possess a warm heart, Mr. Hampton; you may be a good
+fellow, but you are certainly not a model character, even according to
+the liberal code of the border."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Extremely kind of you to enter my rooms uninvited, and furnish me with
+this list of moral deficiencies," acknowledged the other with affected
+carelessness.  "But thus far you have failed to tell me anything
+strikingly new.  Am I to understand you have some particular object in
+this exchange of amenities?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Most assuredly.  It is to ask if such a person as you practically
+confess yourself to be&mdash;homeless, associating only with the most
+despicable and vicious characters, and leading so uncertain and
+disreputable a life&mdash;can be fit to assume charge of a girl, almost a
+woman, and mould her future?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a long, breathless moment Hampton stared incredulously at his
+questioner, crushing his cigar between his teeth.  Twice he started to
+speak, but literally choked back the bitter words burning his lips,
+while an uncontrollable admiration for the other's boldness began to
+overcome his first fierce anger.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"By God!" he exclaimed at last, rising to his feet and pointing toward
+the door.  "I have shot men for less.  Go, before I forget your cloth.
+You little impudent fool!  See here&mdash;I saved that girl from death, or
+worse; I plucked her from the very mouth of hell; I like her; she 's
+got sand; so far as I know there is not a single soul for her to turn
+to for help in all this wide world.  And you, you miserable, snivelling
+hypocrite, you little creeping Presbyterian parson, you want me to
+shake her!  What sort of a wild beast do you suppose I am?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Wynkoop had taken one hasty step backward, impelled to it by the fierce
+anger blazing from those stern gray eyes.  But now he paused, and, for
+the only time on record, discovered the conventional language of polite
+society inadequate to express his needs.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I think," he said, scarcely realizing his own words, "you are a damned
+fool."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Into Hampton's eyes there leaped a light upon which other men had
+looked before they died,&mdash;the strange mad gleam one sometimes sees in
+fighting animals, or amid the fierce charges of war.  His hand swept
+instinctively backward, closing upon the butt of a revolver beneath his
+coat, and for one second he who had dared such utterance looked on
+death.  Then the hard lines about the man's mouth softened, the fingers
+clutching the weapon relaxed, and Hampton laid one opened hand upon the
+minister's shrinking shoulder.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sit down," he said, his voice unsteady from so sudden a reaction.
+"Perhaps&mdash;perhaps I don't exactly understand."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a full minute they sat thus looking at each other through the fast
+dimming light, like two prize-fighters meeting for the first time
+within the ring, and taking mental stock before beginning their
+physical argument.  Hampton, with a touch of his old audacity of
+manner, was first to break the silence.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"So you think I am a damned fool.  Well, we are in pretty fair accord
+as to that fact, although no one before has ever ventured to state it
+quite so clearly in my presence.  Perhaps you will kindly explain?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The preacher wet his dry lips with his tongue, forgetting himself when
+his thoughts began to crystallize into expression.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I regret having spoken as I did," he began.  "Such language is not my
+custom.  I was irritated because of your haste in rejecting my advances
+before hearing the proposition I came to submit.  I certainly respect
+your evident desire to be of assistance to this young woman, nor have I
+the slightest intention of interfering between you.  Your act in
+preserving her life was a truly noble one, and your loyalty to her
+interests since is worthy of all Christian praise.  But I believe I
+have a right to ask, what do you intend for the future?  Keep her with
+you?  Drag her about from camp to camp?  Educate her among the
+contaminating poison of gambling-holes and dance-halls?  Is her home
+hereafter to be the saloon and the rough frontier hotel? her ideal of
+manhood the quarrelsome gambler, and of womanhood a painted harlot?
+Mr. Hampton, you are evidently a man of education, of early refinement;
+you have known better things; and I have come to you seeking merely to
+aid you in deciding this helpless young woman's destiny.  I thought, I
+prayed, you would be at once interested in that purpose, and would
+comprehend the reasonableness of my position."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton sat silent, gazing out of the window, his eyes apparently on
+the lights now becoming dimly visible in the saloon opposite.  For a
+considerable time he made no move, and the other straightened back in
+his chair watching him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well!" he ventured at last, "what is your proposition?"  The question
+was quietly asked, but a slight tremor in the low voice told of
+repressed feeling.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That, for the present at least, you confide this girl into the care of
+some worthy woman."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Have you any such in mind?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I have already discussed the matter briefly with Mrs. Herndon, wife of
+the superintendent of the Golden Rule mines.  She is a refined
+Christian lady, beyond doubt the most proper person to assume such a
+charge in this camp.  There is very little in such a place as this to
+interest a woman of her capabilities, and I believe she would be
+delighted to have such an opportunity for doing good.  She has no
+children of her own."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton flung his sodden cigar butt out of the window.  "I'll talk it
+over to-morrow with&mdash;with Miss Gillis," he said, somewhat gruffly.  "It
+may be this means a good deal more to me than you suppose, parson, but
+I 'm bound to acknowledge there is considerable hard sense in what you
+have just said, and I 'll talk it over with the girl."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Wynkoop held out his hand cordially, and the firm grasp of the other
+closed over his fingers.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't exactly know why I didn't kick you downstairs," the latter
+commented, as though still in wonder at himself.  "Never remember being
+quite so considerate before, but I reckon you must have come at me in
+about the right way."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+If Wynkoop answered, his words were indistinguishable, but Hampton
+remained standing in the open door watching the missionary go down the
+narrow stairs.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Nervy little devil," he acknowledged slowly to himself.  "And maybe,
+after all, that would be the best thing for the Kid."
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0106"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER VI
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+"TO BE OR NOT TO BE"
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+They were seated rather close together upon the steep hillside, gazing
+silently down upon squalid Glencaid.  At such considerable distance all
+the dull shabbiness of the mining town had disappeared, and it seemed
+almost ideal, viewed against the natural background of brown rocks and
+green trees.  All about them was the clear, invigorating air of the
+uplands, through which the eyes might trace for miles the range of
+irregular rocky hills, while just above, seemingly almost within touch
+of the extended hand, drooped the blue circling sky, unflecked by
+cloud.  Everywhere was loneliness, no sound telling of the labor of man
+reached them, and the few scattered buildings far below resembling mere
+doll-houses.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They had conversed only upon the constantly changing beauty of the
+scene, or of incidents connected with their upward climb, while moving
+slowly along the trail through the fresh morning sunshine.  Now they
+sat in silence, the young girl, with cheeks flushed and dreamy eyes
+aglow, gazing far off along the valley, the man watching her curiously,
+and wondering how best to approach his task.  For the first time he
+began to realize the truth, which had been partially borne in upon him
+the previous evening by Wynkoop, that this was no mere child with whom
+he dealt, but a young girl upon the verge of womanhood.  Such knowledge
+began to reveal much that came before him as new, changing the entire
+nature of their present relationship, as well as the scope of his own
+plain duty.  It was his wont to look things squarely in the face, and
+unpleasant and unwelcome as was the task now confronting him, during
+the long night hours he had settled it once for all&mdash;the preacher's
+words were just.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Observing her now, sitting thus in total unconsciousness of his
+scrutiny, Hampton made no attempt to analyze the depth of his interest
+for this waif who had come drifting into his life.  He did not in the
+least comprehend why she should have touched his heart with generous
+impulses, nor did he greatly care.  The fact was far the more
+important, and that fact he no longer questioned.  He had been a
+lonely, unhappy, discontented man for many a long year, shunned by his
+own sex, who feared him, never long seeking the society of the other,
+and retaining little real respect for himself.  Under such conditions a
+reaction was not unnatural, and, short as the time had been since their
+first meeting, this odd, straightforward chit of a girl had found an
+abiding-place in his heart, had furnished him a distinct motive in life
+before unknown.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Even to his somewhat prejudiced eyes she was not an attractive
+creature, for she possessed no clear conception of how to render
+apparent those few feminine charms she possessed.  Negligence and total
+unconsciousness of self, coupled with lack of womanly companionship and
+guidance, had left her altogether in the rough.  He marked now the
+coarse ragged shoes, the cheap patched skirt, the tousled auburn hair,
+the sunburnt cheeks with a suggestion of freckles plainly visible
+beneath the eyes, and some of the fastidiousness of earlier days caused
+him to shrug his shoulders.  Yet underneath the tan there was the glow
+of perfect young health; the eyes were frank, brave, unflinching; while
+the rounded chin held a world of character in its firm contour.
+Somehow the sight of this brought back to him that abiding faith in her
+"dead gameness" which had first awakened his admiration.  "She's got it
+in her," he thought, silently, "and, by thunder! I 'm here to help her
+get it out."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Kid," he ventured at last, turning over a broken fragment of rock
+between his restless fingers, but without lifting his eyes, "you were
+talking while we came up the trail about how we 'd do this and that
+after a while.  You don't suppose I 'm going to have any useless girl
+like you hanging around on to me, do you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She glanced quickly about at him, as though such unexpected expressions
+startled her from a pleasant reverie.  "Why, I&mdash;I thought that was the
+way you planned it yesterday," she exclaimed, doubtfully.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, yesterday!  Well, you see, yesterday I was sort of dreaming;
+to-day I am wide awake, and I 've about decided, Kid, that for your own
+good, and my comfort, I 've got to shake you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A sudden gleam of fierce resentment leaped into the dark eyes, the
+unrestrained glow of a passion which had never known control.  "Oh, you
+have, have you, Mister Bob Hampton?  You have about decided!  Well, why
+don't you altogether decide?  I don't think I'm down on my knees
+begging you for mercy.  Good Lord!  I reckon I can get along all right
+without you&mdash;I did before.  Just what happened to give you such a
+change of heart?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I made the sudden discovery," he said, affecting a laziness he was
+very far from feeling, "that you were too near being a young woman to
+go traipsing around the country with me, living at shacks, and having
+no company but gambling sharks, and that class of cattle."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, did you?  What else?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Only that our tempers don't exactly seem to jibe, and the two of us
+can't be bosses in the same ranch."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She looked at him contemptuously, swinging her body farther around on
+the rock, and sitting stiffly, the color on her cheeks deepening
+through the sunburn.  "Now see here, Mister Bob Hampton, you're a
+fraud, and you know it!  Did n't I understand exactly who you was, and
+what was your business?  Did n't I know you was a gambler, and a 'bad
+man'?  Didn't I tell you plain enough out yonder,"&mdash;and her voice
+faltered slightly,&mdash;"just what I thought about you?  Good Lord!  I have
+n't been begging to stick with you, have I?  I just didn't know which
+way to turn, or who to turn to, after dad was killed, and you sorter
+hung on to me, and I let it go the way I supposed you wanted it.  But I
+'m not particularly stuck on your style, let me tell you, and I reckon
+there 's plenty of ways for me to get along.  Only first, I propose to
+understand what your little game is.  You don't throw down your hand
+like that without some reason."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton sat up, spurred into instant admiration by such independence of
+spirit.  "You grow rather good-looking, Kid, when you get hot, but you
+go at things half-cocked, and you 've got to get over it.  That's the
+whole trouble&mdash;you 've never been trained, and I would n't make much of
+a trainer for a high-strung filly like you.  Ever remember your mother?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mighty little; reckon she must have died when I was about five years
+old.  That's her picture."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton took in his hand the old-fashioned locket she held out toward
+him, the long chain still clasped about her throat, and pried open the
+stiff catch with his knife blade.  She bent down to fasten her loosened
+shoe, and when her eyes were uplifted again his gaze was riveted upon
+the face in the picture.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mighty pretty, wasn't she?" she asked with a sudden girlish interest,
+bending forward to look, regardless of his strained attitude.  "And she
+was prettier than that even, the way I remember her best, with her hair
+all hanging down, coming to tuck me into bed at night.  Someway that's
+how I always seem to see her."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man drew a deep breath, and snapped shut the locket, yet still
+retained it in his hand.  "Is&mdash;is she dead?" he questioned, and his
+voice trembled in spite of steel nerves.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, in St. Louis; dad took me there with him two years ago, and I saw
+her grave."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dad?  Do you mean old Gillis?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She nodded, beginning dimly to wonder why he should speak so fiercely
+and stare at her in that odd way.  He seemed to choke twice before he
+could ask the next question.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Did he&mdash;old Gillis, I mean&mdash;claim to be your father, or her husband?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, I don't reckon he ever did, but he gave me that picture, and told
+me she was my mother.  I always lived with him, and called him dad.  I
+reckon he liked it, and he was mighty good to me.  We were at Randolph
+a long time, and since then he's been post-trader at Bethune.  That's
+all I know about it, for dad never talked very much, and he used to get
+mad when I asked him questions."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton dropped the locket from his grasp, and arose to his feet.  For
+several minutes he stood with his back turned toward her, apparently
+gazing down the valley, his jaw set, his dimmed eyes seeing nothing.
+Slowly the color came creeping back into his face, and his hands
+unclinched.  Then he wheeled about, and looked down upon her,
+completely restored to his old nature.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then it seems that it is just you and I, Kid, who have got to settle
+this little affair," he announced, firmly.  "I 'll have my say about
+it, and then you can uncork your feelings.  I rather imagine I have n't
+very much legal right in the premises, but I 've got a sort of moral
+grip on you by reason of having pulled you out alive from that canyon
+yonder, and I propose to play this game to the limit.  You say your
+mother is dead, and the man who raised you is dead, and, so far as
+either of us know, there is n't a soul anywhere on earth who possesses
+any claim over you, or any desire to have.  Then, naturally, the whole
+jack-pot is up to me, provided I 've got the cards.  Now, Kid, waving
+your prejudice aside, I ain't just exactly the best man in this world
+to bring up a girl like you and make a lady out of her.  I thought
+yesterday that maybe we might manage to hitch along together for a
+while, but I 've got a different think coming to-day.  There 's no use
+disfiguring the truth.  I 'm a gambler, something of a fighter on the
+side, and folks don't say anything too pleasant about my peaceful
+disposition around these settlements; I have n't any home, and mighty
+few friends, and the few I have got are nothing to boast about.  I
+reckon there 's a cause for it all.  So, considering everything, I 'm
+about the poorest proposition ever was heard of to start a young
+ladies' seminary.  The Lord knows old Gillis was bad enough, but I 'm a
+damned sight worse.  Now, some woman has got to take you in hand, and I
+reckon I 've found the right one."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Goin' to get married, Bob?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not this year; it's hardly become so serious as that, but I 'm going
+to find you a good home here, and I 'm going to put up plenty of stuff,
+so that they 'll take care of you all right and proper."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The dark eyes never wavered as they looked steadily into the gray ones,
+but the chin quivered slightly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I reckon I 'd rather try it alone," she announced stubbornly.  "Maybe
+I might have stood it with you, Bob Hampton, but a woman is the limit."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton in other and happier days had made something of a study of the
+feminine nature, and he realized now the utter impracticability of any
+attempt at driving.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I expect it will go rather hard at first, Kid," he admitted craftily,
+"but I think you might try it a while just to sort of please me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who&mdash;who is she?" doubtfully.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mrs. Herndon, wife of the superintendent of the 'Golden Rule' mine";
+and he waved his hand toward the distant houses.  "They tell me she's a
+mighty fine woman."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, they do?  Then somebody's been stirring you up about me, have
+they?  I thought that was about the way of it.  Somebody wants to
+reform me, I reckon.  Well, maybe I won't be reformed.  Who was it,
+Bob?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The Presbyterian Missionary," he confessed reluctantly, "a nervy
+little chap named Wynkoop; he came in to see me last night while you
+were asleep." He faced her open scorn unshrinkingly, his mind fully
+decided, and clinging to one thought with all the tenacity of his
+nature.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A preacher!" her voice vibrant with derision, "a preacher!  Well, of
+all things, Bob Hampton!  You led around by the nose in that way!  Did
+he want you to bring me to Sunday school?  A preacher!  And I suppose
+the fellow expects to turn me over to one of his flock for religious
+instruction.  He'll have you studying theology inside of a year.  A
+preacher!  Oh, Lord, and you agreed!  Well, I won't go; so there!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"As I understand the affair," Hampton continued, as she paused for
+breath, "it was Lieutenant Brant who suggested the idea of his coming
+to me.  Brant knew Gillis, and remembered you, and realizing your
+unpleasant situation, thought such an arrangement would be for your
+benefit."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Brant!" she burst forth in renewed anger; "he did, did he!  The
+putty-faced dandy!  I used to see him at Bethune, and you can bet he
+never bothered his head about me then.  No, and he didn't even know me
+out yonder, until after the sergeant spoke up.  What business has that
+fellow got planning what I shall do?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton made no attempt to answer.  It was better to let her
+indignation die out naturally, and so he asked a question.  "What is
+this Brant doing at Bethune?  There is no cavalry stationed there."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She glanced up quickly, interested by the sudden change in his voice.
+"I heard dad say he was kept there on some special detail.  His
+regiment is stationed at Fort Lincoln, somewhere farther north.  He
+used to come down and talk with dad evenings, because daddy saw service
+in the Seventh when it was first organized after the war."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Did you&mdash;did you ever hear either of them say anything about Major
+Alfred Brant?  He must have been this lad's father."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, I never heard much they said.  Did you know him?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The father, yes, but that was years ago.  Come, Kid, all this is only
+ancient history, and just as well forgotten.  Now, you are a sensible
+girl, when your temper don't get away with you, and I am simply going
+to leave this matter to your better judgment.  Will you go to Mrs.
+Herndon's, and find out how you like it?  You need n't stop there an
+hour if she is n't good to you, but you ought not to want to remain
+with me, and grow up like a rough boy."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You&mdash;you really want me to go, don't you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, I want you to go.  It's a chance for you, Kid, and there is n't a
+bit of a show in the kind of a life I lead.  I never have been in love
+with it myself, and only took to it in the first place because the
+devil happened to drive me that way.  The Lord knows I don't want to
+lead any one else through such a muck.  So it is a try?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The look of defiance faded slowly out of her face as she stood gravely
+regarding him.  The man was in deadly earnest, and she felt the quiet
+insistence of his manner.  He really desired it to be decided in this
+way, and somehow his will had become her law, although such a suspicion
+had never once entered her mind.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You bet, if you put it that way," she consented, simply, "but I reckon
+that Mrs. Herndon is likely to wish I hadn't."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Together, yet scarcely exchanging another word, the two retraced their
+steps slowly down the steep trail leading toward the little town in the
+valley, walking unconsciously the pathway of fate, the way of all the
+world.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0107"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER VII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+"I'VE COME HERE TO LIVE"
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Widely as these two companions differed in temperament and experience,
+it would be impossible to decide which felt the greater uneasiness at
+the prospect immediately before them.  The girl openly rebellious, the
+man extremely doubtful, with reluctant steps they approached that tall,
+homely yellow house&mdash;outwardly the most pretentious in Glencaid&mdash;which
+stood well up in the valley, where the main road diverged into numerous
+winding trails leading toward the various mines among the foothills.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They were so completely opposite, these two, that more than one chance
+passer-by glanced curiously toward them as they picked their way onward
+through the red dust.  Hampton, slender yet firmly knit, his movements
+quick like those of a watchful tiger, his shoulders set square, his
+body held erect as though trained to the profession of arms, his gray
+eyes marking every movement about him with a suspicion born of
+continual exposure to peril, his features finely chiselled, with
+threads of gray hair beginning to show conspicuously about the temples.
+One would glance twice at him anywhere, for in chin, mouth, and eyes
+were plainly pictured the signs of strength, evidences that he had
+fought stern battles, and was no craven.  For good or evil he might be
+trusted to act instantly, and, if need arose, to the very death.  His
+attire of fashionably cut black cloth, and his immaculate linen, while
+neat and unobtrusive, yet appeared extremely unusual in that careless
+land of clay-baked overalls and dingy woollens.  Beside him, in vivid
+contrast, the girl trudged in her heavy shoes and bedraggled skirts,
+her sullen eyes fastened doggedly on the road, her hair showing ragged
+and disreputable in the brilliant sunshine.  Hampton himself could not
+remain altogether indifferent to the contrast.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You look a little rough, Kid, for a society call," he said.  "If there
+was any shebang in this mud-hole of a town that kept any women's things
+on sale fit to look at, I 'd be tempted to fix you up a bit."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, I'm glad of it," she responded, grimly.  "I hope I look so blame
+tough that woman won't say a civil word to us.  You can bet I ain't
+going to strain myself to please the likes of her."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You certainly exhibit no symptoms of doing so," he admitted, frankly.
+"But you might, at least, have washed your face and fixed your hair."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She flashed one angry glance at him, stopping in the middle of the
+road, her head flung back as though ready for battle.  Then, as if by
+some swift magic of emotion, her expression changed.  "And so you're
+ashamed of me, are you?" she asked, her voice sharp but unsteady.
+"Ashamed to be seen walking with me?  Darn it!  I know you are!  But I
+tell you, Mr. Bob Hampton, you won't be the next time.  And what's
+more, you just don't need to traipse along another step with me now.  I
+don't want you.  I reckon I ain't very much afraid of tackling this
+Presbyterian woman all alone."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She swung off fiercely, and the man chuckled softly as he followed,
+watchfully, through the circling, red dust cloud created by her hasty
+feet.  The truth is, Mr. Hampton possessed troubles and scruples of his
+own in connection with this contemplated call.  He had never met the
+lady; indeed, he could recall very few of her sex, combining
+respectability and refinement, whom he had met during the past ten
+years.  But he retained some memory of the husband as having been
+associated with a strenuous poker game at Placer, in which he also held
+a prominent place, and it would seem scarcely possible that the wife
+did not know whose bullet had turned her for some weeks into a
+sick-nurse.  For Herndon he had not even a second thought, but the
+possible ordeal of a woman's tongue was another matter.  A cordial
+reception could hardly be anticipated, and Hampton mentally braced
+himself for the worst.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There were some other things, also, but these he brushed aside for the
+present.  He was not the sort of man to wear his heart upon his sleeve,
+and all his life long he had fought out his more serious battles in
+loneliness and silence.  Now he had work to accomplish in the open; he
+was going to stay with the Kid&mdash;after that, <I>quien sabe</I>?  So he smiled
+somewhat soberly, swore softly to himself, and strode on.  He had never
+yet thrown down his cards merely because luck had taken a bad turn.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was a cheerless-looking house, painted a garish yellow, having
+staring windows, and devoid of a front porch, or slightest attempt at
+shade to render its uncomely front less unattractive.  Hampton could
+scarcely refrain from forming a mental picture of the woman who would
+most naturally preside within so unpolished an abode&mdash;an angular,
+hard-featured, vinegar-tempered  creature, firm settled in her
+prejudices and narrowed by her creed.  Had the matter been left at that
+moment to his own decision, this glimpse of the house would have turned
+them both back, but the girl unhesitatingly pressed forward and turned
+defiantly in through the gateless opening.  He followed in silence
+along the narrow foot-path bordered by weeds, and stood back while she
+stepped boldly up on the rude stone slab and rapped sharply against the
+warped and sagging door.  A moment they stood thus waiting with no
+response from within.  Once she glanced suspiciously around at him,
+only to wheel back instantly and once more apply her knuckles to the
+wood.  Before he had conjured up something worth saying the door was
+partially opened, and a rounded dumpling of a woman, having rosy
+cheeks, her hair iron-gray, her blue eyes half smiling in uncertain
+welcome, looked out upon them questioningly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I 've come to live here," announced the girl, sullenly.  "That is, if
+I like it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The woman continued to gaze at her, as if tempted to laugh outright;
+then the pleasant blue eyes hardened as their vision swept beyond
+toward Hampton.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It is extremely kind of you, I 'm sure," she said at last.  "Why is it
+I am to be thus honored?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The girl backed partially off the doorstep, her hair flapping in the
+wind, her cheeks flushed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, you need n't put on so much style about it," she blurted out.
+"You 're Mrs. Herndon, ain't you?  Well, then, this is the place where
+I was sent; but I reckon you ain't no more particular about it than I
+am.  There's others."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who sent you to me?" and Mrs. Herndon came forth into the sunshine.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The preacher."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Mr. Wynkoop; then you must be the homeless girl whom Lieutenant
+Brant brought in the other day.  Why did you not say so at first?  You
+may come in, my child."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was a sympathetic tenderness apparent now in the tones of her
+voice, which the girl was swift to perceive and respond to, yet she
+held back, her independence unshaken.  With the quick intuition of a
+woman, Mrs. Herndon bent down, placing one hand on the defiant shoulder.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I did not understand, at first, my dear," she said, soothingly, "or I
+should never have spoken as I did.  Some very strange callers come
+here.  But you are truly welcome.  I had a daughter once; she must have
+been nearly your age when God took her.  Won't you come in?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+While thus speaking she never once glanced toward the man standing in
+silence beyond, yet as the two passed through the doorway together he
+followed, unasked.  Once within the plainly furnished room, and with
+her arm about the girl's waist, the lines about her mouth hardened.  "I
+do not recall extending my invitation to you," she said, coldly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He remained standing, hat in hand, his face shadowed, his eyes
+picturing deep perplexity.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"For the intrusion I offer my apology," he replied, humbly; "but you
+see I&mdash;I feel responsible for this young woman.  She&mdash;sort of fell to
+my care when none of her own people were left to look after her.  I
+only came to show her the way, and to say that I stand ready to pay you
+well to see to her a bit, and show her how to get hold of the right
+things."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Indeed!" and Mrs. Herndon's voice was not altogether pleasant.  "I
+understood she was entirely alone and friendless.  Are you that man who
+brought her out of the canyon?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton bowed as though half ashamed of acknowledging the act.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh! then I know who you are," she continued, unhesitatingly.  "You are
+a gambler and a bar-room rough.  I won't touch a penny of your money.
+I told Mr. Wynkoop that I shouldn't, but that I would endeavor to do my
+Christian duty by this poor girl.  He was to bring her here himself,
+and keep you away."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man smiled slightly, not in the least disconcerted by her plain
+speech.  The cutting words merely served to put him on his mettle.
+"Probably we departed from the hotel somewhat earlier than the minister
+anticipated," he explained, quietly, his old ease of manner returning
+in face of such open opposition.  "I greatly regret your evident
+prejudice, madam, and can only say that I have more confidence in you
+than you appear to have in me.  I shall certainly discover some means
+by which I may do my part in shaping this girl's future, but in the
+meanwhile will relieve you of my undesired presence."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He stepped without into the glare of the sunlight, feeling utterly
+careless as to the woman who had affronted him, yet somewhat hurt on
+seeing that the girl had not once lifted her downcast eyes to his face.
+Yet he had scarcely taken three steps toward the road before she was
+beside him, her hand upon his sleeve.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I won't stay!" she exclaimed, fiercely, "I won't, Bob Hampton.  I 'd
+rather go with you than be good."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His sensitive face flushed with delight, but he looked gravely down
+into her indignant eyes.  "Oh, yes, you will, Kid," and his hand
+touched her roughened hair caressingly.  "She's a good, kind woman, all
+right, and I don't blame her for not liking my style."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do&mdash;do you really want me to stick it out here, Bob?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was no small struggle for him to say so, for he was beginning to
+comprehend just what this separation meant.   She was more to him than
+he had ever supposed, more to him than she had been even an hour
+before; and now he understood clearly that from this moment they must
+ever run farther apart&mdash;her life tending upward, his down.  Yet there
+was but one decision possible.  A life which is lonely and
+dissatisfied, a wasted life, never fully realizes how lonely,
+dissatisfied, and wasted it is until some new life, beautiful in young
+hope and possibility, comes into contact with it.  For a single instant
+Hampton toyed with the temptation confronting him, this opportunity of
+brightening his own miserable future by means of her degradation.  Then
+he answered, his voice grown almost harsh.  "This is your best chance,
+little girl, and I want you to stay and fight it out."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Their eyes met, each dimly realizing, although in a totally different
+way, that here was a moment of important decision.  Mrs. Herndon
+darkened the doorway, and stood looking out.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, Mr. Bob Hampton," she questioned, plainly, "what is this going
+to be?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He glanced toward her, slightly lifting his hat, and promptly releasing
+the girl's clinging hand.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Miss Gillis consents to remain," he announced shortly, and, denying
+himself so much as another glance at his companion, strode down the
+narrow path to the road.  A moment the girl's eyes followed him through
+the dust cloud, a single tear stealing down her cheek.  Only a short
+week ago she had utterly despised this man, now he had become truly
+more to her than any one else in the wide, wide world.  She did not in
+the least comprehend the mystery; indeed, it was no mystery, merely the
+simple trust of a child naturally responding to the first unselfish
+love given it.  Perhaps Mrs. Herndon dimly understood, for she came
+forth quietly, and led the girl, now sobbing bitterly, within the cool
+shadows of the house.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0108"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER VIII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+A LAST REVOLT
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+It proved a restless day, and a sufficiently unpleasant one, for Mr.
+Hampton.  For a number of years he had been diligently training himself
+in the school of cynicism, endeavoring to persuade himself that he did
+not in the least care what others thought, nor how his own career
+ended; impelling himself to constant recklessness in life and thought.
+He had thus successfully built up a wall between the present and that
+past which long haunted his lonely moments, and had finally decided
+that it was hermetically sealed.  Yet now, this odd chit of a girl,
+this waif whom he had plucked from the jaws of death, had overturned
+this carefully constructed barrier as if it had been originally built
+of mere cardboard, and he was compelled again to see himself, loathe
+himself, just as he had in those past years.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Everything had been changed by her sudden entrance into his life,
+everything except those unfortunate conditions which still bound him
+helpless.  He looked upon the world no longer through his cool, gray
+eyes, but out of her darker ones, and the prospect appeared gloomy
+enough.  He thought it all over again and again, dwelling in reawakened
+memory upon details long hidden within the secret recesses of his
+brain, yet so little came from this searching survey that the result
+left him no plan for the future.  He had wandered too far away from
+home; the path leading back was long ago overgrown with weeds, and
+could not now be retraced.  One thing he grasped clearly,&mdash;the girl
+should be given her chance; nothing in his life must ever again soil
+her or lower her ideals.  Mrs. Herndon was right, and he realized it;
+neither his presence nor his money were fit to influence her future.
+He swore between his clinched teeth, his face grown haggard.  The sun's
+rays bridged the slowly darkening valley with cords of red gold, and
+the man pulled himself to his feet by gripping the root of a tree.  He
+realized that he had been sitting there for hours, and that he was
+hungry.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Down beneath, amid the fast awakening noise and bustle of early
+evening, the long discipline of the gambler reasserted itself&mdash;he got
+back his nerve.  It was Bob Hampton, cool, resourceful, sarcastic of
+speech, quick of temper, who greeted the loungers about the hotel, and
+who sat, with his back to the wall, in the little dining-room, watchful
+of all others present.  And it was Bob Hampton who strolled carelessly
+out upon the darkened porch an hour later, leaving a roar of laughter
+behind him, and an enemy as well.  Little he cared for that, however,
+in his present mood, and he stood there, amid the black shadows,
+looking contemptuously down upon the stream of coatless humanity
+trooping past on pleasure bent, the blue smoke circling his head, his
+gray eyes glowing half angrily.  Suddenly he leaned forward, clutching
+the rail in quick surprise.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Kid," he exclaimed, harshly, "what does this mean?  What are you doing
+alone here?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She stopped instantly and glanced up, her face flushing in the light
+streaming forth from the open door of the Occidental.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I reckon I 'm alone here because I want to be," she returned,
+defiantly.  "I ain't no slave.  How do you get up there?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He extended his hand, and drew her up beside him into the shaded
+corner.  "Well," he said, "tell me the truth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I 've quit, that's all, Bob.  I just couldn't stand for reform any
+longer, and so I 've come back here to you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man drew a deep breath.  "Did n't you like Mrs. Herndon?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, she 's all right enough, so far as that goes.  'T ain't that; only
+I just didn't like some things she said and did."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Kid," and Hampton straightened up, his voice growing stern.  "I 've
+got to know the straight of this.  You say you like Mrs. Herndon well
+enough, but not some other things.  What were they?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The girl hesitated, drawing back a little from him until the light from
+the saloon fell directly across her face.  "Well," she declared,
+slowly, "you see it had to be either her or&mdash;or you, Bob, and I 'd
+rather it would be you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You mean she said you would have to cut me out entirely if you stayed
+there with her?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She nodded, her eyes filled with entreaty.  "Yes, that was about it.  I
+wasn't ever to have anything more to do with you, not even to speak to
+you if we met&mdash;and after you 'd saved my life, too."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Never mind about that little affair, Kid," and Hampton rested his hand
+gently on her shoulder.  "That was all in the day's work, and hardly
+counts for much anyhow.  Was that all she said?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She called you a low-down gambler, a gun-fighter, a&mdash;a miserable
+bar-room thug, a&mdash;a murderer.  She&mdash;she said that if I ever dared to
+speak to you again, Bob Hampton; that I could leave her house.  I just
+could n't stand for that, so I came away."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton never stirred, his teeth set deep into his cigar, his hands
+clinched about the railing.  "The fool!" he muttered half aloud, then
+caught his breath quickly.  "Now see here, Kid," and he turned her
+about so that he might look down into her eyes, "I 'm mighty glad you
+like me well enough to put up a kick, but if all this is true about me,
+why should n't she say it?  Do you believe that sort of a fellow would
+prove a very good kind to look after a young lady?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I ain't a young lady!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No; well, you 're going to be if I have my way, and I don't believe
+the sort of a gent described would be very apt to help you much in
+getting there."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You ain't all that."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, perhaps not.  Like an amateur artist, madam may have laid the
+colors on a little thick.  But I am no winged angel, Kid, nor exactly a
+model for you to copy after.  I reckon you better stick to the woman,
+and cut me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She did not answer, yet he read an unchanged purpose in her eyes, and
+his own decision strengthened.  Some instinct led him to do the right
+thing; he drew forth the locket from beneath the folds of her dress,
+holding it open to the light.  He noticed now a name engraven on the
+gold case, and bent lower to decipher it.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Was her name Naida?  It is an uncommon word."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And yours also?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Their eyes met, and those of both had perceptibly softened.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Naida," his lips dwelt upon the peculiar name as though he loved the
+sound.  "I want you to listen to me, child.  I sincerely wish I might
+keep you here with me, but I can't.  You are more to me than you dream,
+but it would not be right for me thus deliberately to sacrifice your
+whole future to my pleasure.  I possess nothing to offer you,&mdash;no home,
+no friends, no reputation.  Practically I am an outlaw, existing by my
+wits, disreputable in the eyes of those who are worthy to live in the
+world.  She, who was your mother, would never wish you to remain with
+me.  She would say I did right in giving you up into the care of a good
+woman.  Naida, look on that face in the locket, your mother's face.  It
+is sweet, pure, beautiful, the face of a good, true woman.  Living or
+dead, it must be the prayer of those lips that you become a good woman
+also.  She should lead you, not I, for I am unworthy.  For her sake,
+and in her name, I ask you to go back to Mrs. Herndon."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He could perceive the gathering tears in her eyes, and his hand closed
+tightly about her own.  It was not one soul alone that struggled.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You will go?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"O Bob, I wish you wasn't a gambler!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A moment he remained silent.  "But unfortunately I am," he admitted,
+soberly, "and it is best for you to go back.  Won't you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her gaze was fastened upon the open locket, the fair face pictured
+there smiling up at her as though in pleading also.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You truly think she would wish it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I know she would."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The girl gave utterance to a quick, startled breath, as if the vision
+frightened her.  "Then I will go," she said, her voice a mere whisper,
+"I will go."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He led her down the steps, out into the jostling crowd below, as if she
+had been some fairy princess.  Men occasionally spoke to him, but
+seemingly he heard nothing, pressing his way through the mass of moving
+figures in utter unconsciousness of their presence.  Her locket hung
+dangling, and he slipped it back into its place and drew her slender
+form yet closer against his own, as they stepped forth into the black,
+deserted road.  Once, in the last faint ray of light which gleamed from
+the windows of the Miners' Retreat, she glanced up shyly into his face.
+It was white and hard set, and she did not venture to break the
+silence.  Half-way up the gloomy ravine they met a man and woman coming
+along the narrow path.  Hampton drew her aside out of their way, then
+spoke coldly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mrs. Herndon, were you seeking your lost charge?  I have her here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The two passing figures halted, peering through the darkness.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who are you?"  It was the gruff voice of the man.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton stepped out directly in his path.  "Herndon," he said, calmly,
+"you and I have clashed once before, and the less you have to say
+to-night the better.  I am in no mood for trifling, and this happens to
+be your wife's affair."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Madam," and he lifted his hat, holding it in his hand, "I am bringing
+back the runaway, and she has now pledged herself to remain with you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I was not seeking her," she returned, icily.  "I have no desire to
+cultivate the particular friends of Mr. Hampton."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"So I have understood, and consequently relinquish here and now all
+claims upon Miss Gillis.  She has informed me of your flattering
+opinion regarding me, and I have indorsed it as being mainly true to
+life.  Miss Gillis has been sufficiently shocked at thus discovering my
+real character, and now returns in penitence to be reared according to
+the admonitions of the Presbyterian faith.  Do I state this fairly,
+Naida?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I have come back," she faltered, fingering the chain at her throat, "I
+have come back."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Without Bob Hampton?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The girl glanced uneasily toward him, but he stood motionless in the
+gloom.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes&mdash;I&mdash;I suppose I must."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton rested his hand softly upon her shoulder, his fingers
+trembling, although his voice remained coldly deliberate.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I trust this is entirely satisfactory, Mrs. Herndon," he said.  "I can
+assure you I know absolutely nothing regarding her purpose of coming to
+me tonight.  I realize quite clearly my own deficiencies, and pledge
+myself hereafter not to interfere with you in any way.  You accept the
+trust, I believe?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She gave utterance to a deep sigh of resignation.  "It comes to me
+clearly as a Christian duty," she acknowledged, doubtfully, "and I
+suppose I must take up my cross; but&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But you have doubts," he interrupted.  "Well, I have none, for I have
+greater faith in the girl, and&mdash;perhaps in God.  Good-night, Naida."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He bowed above the hand the girl gave him in the darkness, and ever
+after she believed he bent lower, and pressed his lips upon it.  The
+next moment the black night had closed him out, and she stood there,
+half frightened at she knew not what, on the threshold of her new life.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0109"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER IX
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+AT THE OCCIDENTAL
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Hampton slowly picked his way back through the darkness down the silent
+road, his only guide those dim yellow lights flickering in the
+distance.  He walked soberly, his head bent slightly forward, absorbed
+in thought.  Suddenly he paused, and swore savagely, his disgust at the
+situation bursting all bounds; yet when he arrived opposite the beam of
+light streaming invitingly forth from the windows of the first saloon,
+he was whistling softly, his head held erect, his cool eyes filled with
+reckless daring.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was Saturday night, and the mining town was already alive.  The one
+long, irregular street was jammed with constantly moving figures, the
+numerous saloons ablaze, the pianos sounding noisily, the shuffling of
+feet in the crowded dance-halls incessant.  Fakers were everywhere
+industriously hawking their useless wares and entertaining the
+loitering crowds, while the roar of voices was continuous.  Cowboys
+from the wide plains, miners from the hidden gulches, ragged, hopeful
+prospectors from the more distant mountains, teamsters, and half-naked
+Indians, commingled in the restless throng, passing and repassing from
+door to door, careless in dress, rough in manner, boisterous in
+language.  Here and there amid this heterogeneous population of toilers
+and adventurers, would appear those attired in the more conventional
+garb of the East,&mdash;capitalists hunting new investments, or chance
+travellers seeking to discover a new thrill amid this strange life of
+the frontier.  Everywhere, brazen and noisy, flitted women, bold of
+eye, painted of cheek, gaudy of raiment, making mock of their sacred
+womanhood.  Riot reigned unchecked, while the quiet, sleepy town of the
+afternoon blossomed under the flickering lights into a saturnalia of
+unlicensed pleasure, wherein the wages of sin were death.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton scarcely noted this marvellous change; to him it was no
+uncommon spectacle.  He pushed his way through the noisy throng with
+eyes ever watchful for the faces.  His every motion was that of a man
+who had fully decided upon his course.  Through the widely opened doors
+of the Occidental streams of blue and red shirted men were constantly
+flowing in and out; a band played strenuously on the wide balcony
+overhead, while beside the entrance a loud-voiced "barker" proclaimed
+the many attractions within.  Hampton swung up the broad wooden steps
+and entered the bar-room, which was crowded by jostling figures, the
+ever-moving mass as yet good-natured, for the night was young.  At the
+lower end of the long, sloppy bar he stopped for a moment to nod to the
+fellow behind.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Anything going on to-night worth while, Jim?" he questioned, quietly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Rather stiff game, they tell me, just started in the back room," was
+the genial reply.  "Two Eastern suckers, with Red Slavin sitting in."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The gambler passed on, pushing rather unceremoniously through the
+throng of perspiring humanity.  He appeared out of place amid the rough
+element jostling him, and more than one glanced at him curiously, a few
+swearing as he elbowed them aside.  Scarcely noticing this, he drew a
+cigar from his pocket, and stuck it unlighted between his teeth.  The
+large front room upstairs was ablaze with lights, every game in full
+operation and surrounded by crowds of devotees.  Tobacco smoke in
+clouds circled to the low ceiling, and many of the players were noisy
+and profane, while the various calls of faro, roulette, keno, and
+high-ball added to the confusion and to the din of shuffling feet and
+excited exclamations.  Hampton glanced about superciliously, shrugging
+his shoulders in open contempt&mdash;all this was far too coarse, too small,
+to awaken his interest.  He observed the various faces at the tables&mdash;a
+habit one naturally forms who has desperate enemies in plenty&mdash;and then
+walked directly toward the rear of the room.  A thick, dingy red
+curtain hung there; he held back its heavy folds and stepped within the
+smaller apartment beyond.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Three men sat at the single table, cards in hand, and Hampton
+involuntarily whistled softly behind his teeth at the first glimpse of
+the money openly displayed before them.  This was apparently not so bad
+for a starter, and his waning interest revived.  A red-bearded giant,
+sitting so as to face the doorway, glanced up quickly at his entrance,
+his coarse mouth instantly taking on the semblance of a smile.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Ah, Bob," he exclaimed, with an evident effort at cordiality; "been
+wondering if you wouldn't show up before the night was over.  You're
+the very fellow to make this a four-handed affair, provided you carry
+sufficient stuff."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton came easily forward into the full glow of the swinging oil
+lamp, his manner coolly deliberate, his face expressionless.  "I feel
+no desire to intrude," he explained, quietly, watching the uplifted
+faces.  "I believe I have never before met these gentlemen."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Slavin laughed, his great white fingers drumming the table.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It is an acquaintance easily made," he said, "provided one can afford
+to trot in their class, for it is money that talks at this table
+to-night.  Mr. Hampton, permit me to present Judge Hawes, of Denver,
+and Mr. Edgar Willis, president of the T. P. &amp; R.  I have no idea what
+they are doing in this hell-hole of a town, but they are dead-game
+sports, and I have been trying my best to amuse them while they're
+here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton bowed, instantly recognizing the names.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Glad to assist," he murmured, sinking into a vacant chair.  "What
+limit?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We have had no occasion to discuss that matter as yet," volunteered
+Hawes, sneeringly.  "However, if you have scruples we might settle upon
+something within reason."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton ran the undealt pack carelessly through his fingers, his lips
+smiling pleasantly.  "Oh, never mind, if it chances to go above my pile
+I 'll drop out.  Meanwhile, I hardly believe there is any cause for you
+to be modest on my account."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The play opened quietly and with some restraint, the faces of the men
+remaining impassive, their watchful glances evidencing nothing either
+of success or failure.  Hampton played with extreme caution for some
+time, his eyes studying keenly the others about the table, seeking some
+deeper understanding of the nature of his opponents, their strong and
+weak points, and whether or not there existed any prior arrangement
+between them.  He was there for a purpose, a clearly defined purpose,
+and he felt no inclination to accept unnecessary chances with the
+fickle Goddess of Fortune.  To one trained in the calm observation of
+small things, and long accustomed to weigh his adversaries with care,
+it was not extremely difficult to class the two strangers, and Hampton
+smiled softly on observing the size of the rolls rather ostentatiously
+exhibited by them.  He felt that his lines had fallen in pleasant
+places, and looked forward with serene confidence to the enjoyment of a
+royal game, provided only he exercised sufficient patience and the
+other gentlemen possessed the requisite nerve.  His satisfaction was in
+noways lessened by the sound of their voices, when incautiously raised
+in anger over some unfortunate play.  He immediately recognized them as
+the identical individuals who had loudly and vainly protested over his
+occupancy of the best rooms at the hotel.  He chuckled grimly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But what bothered him particularly was Slavin.  The cool gray eyes,
+glancing with such apparent negligence across the cards in his hands,
+noted every slight movement of the red-bearded gambler, in expectation
+of detecting some sign of trickery, or some evidence that he had been
+selected by this precious trio for the purpose of easy plucking.
+Knavery was Slavin's style, but apparently he was now playing a
+straight game, no doubt realizing clearly, behind his impassive mask of
+a face, the utter futility of seeking to outwit one of Hampton's
+enviable reputation.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was, unquestionably, a fairly fought four-handed battle, and at
+last, thoroughly convinced of this, Hampton settled quietly down,
+prepared to play out his game.  The hours rolled on unnoted, the men
+tireless, their faces immovable, the cards dealt silently.  The stakes
+grew steadily larger, and curious visitors, hearing vague rumors
+without, ventured in, to stand behind the chairs of the absorbed
+players and look on.  Now and then a startled exclamation evidenced the
+depth of their interest and excitement, but at the table no one spoke
+above a strained whisper, and no eye ventured to wander from the board.
+Several times drinks were served, but Hampton contented himself with a
+gulp of water, always gripping an unlighted cigar between his teeth.
+He was playing now with apparent recklessness, never hesitating over a
+card, his eye as watchful as that of a hawk, his betting quick,
+confident, audacious.  The contagion of his spirit seemed to affect the
+others, to force them into desperate wagers, and thrill the lookers-on.
+The perspiration was beading Slavin's forehead, and now and then an
+oath burst unrestrained from his hairy lips.  Hawes and Willis sat
+white-faced, bent forward anxiously over the table, their fingers
+shaking as they handled the fateful cards, but Hampton played without
+perceptible tremor, his utterances few and monosyllabic, his calm face
+betraying not the faintest emotion.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+And he was steadily winning.  Occasionally some other hand drew in the
+growing stock of gold and bank notes, but not often enough to offset
+those continued gains that began to heap up in such an alluring pile
+upon his portion of the table.  The watchers began to observe this, and
+gathered more closely about his chair, fascinated by the luck with
+which the cards came floating into his hands, the cool judgment of his
+critical plays, the reckless abandon with which he forced success.  The
+little room was foul with tobacco smoke and electric with ill-repressed
+excitement, yet he played on imperturbably, apparently hearing nothing,
+seeing nothing, his entire personality concentrated on his play.
+Suddenly he forced the fight to a finish.  The opportunity came in a
+jack-pot which Hawes had opened.  The betting began with a cool
+thousand.  Then Hampton's turn came.  Without drawing, his cards yet
+lying face downward before him on the board, his calm features as
+immovable as the Sphinx, he quietly pushed his whole accumulated pile
+to the centre, named the sum, and leaned back in his chair, his eyes
+cold, impassive.  Hawes threw down his hand, wiping his streaming face
+with his handkerchief; Willis counted his remaining roll, hesitated,
+looked again at the faces of his cards, flung aside two, drawing to
+fill, and called loudly for a show-down, his eyes protruding.  Slavin,
+cursing fiercely under his red beard, having drawn one card, his
+perplexed face instantly brightening as he glanced at it, went back
+into his hip pocket for every cent he had, and added his profane demand
+for a chance at the money.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A fortune rested on the table, a fortune the ownership of which was to
+be decided in a single moment, and by the movement of a hand.  The
+crowd swayed eagerly forward, their heads craned over to see more
+clearly, their breathing hushed.  Willis was gasping, his whole body
+quivering; Slavin was watching Hampton's hands as a cat does a mouse,
+his thick lips parted, his fingers twitching nervously.  The latter
+smiled grimly, his motions deliberate, his eyes never wavering.
+Slowly, one by one, he turned up his cards, never even deigning to
+glance downward, his entire manner that of unstudied indifference.
+One&mdash;two&mdash;three.  Willis uttered a snarl like a stricken wild beast,
+and sank back in his chair, his eyes closed, his cheeks ghastly.  Four.
+Slavin brought down his great clenched fist with a crash on the table,
+a string of oaths bursting unrestrained from his lips.  Five.  Hampton,
+never stirring a muscle, sat there like a statue, watching.  His right
+hand kept hidden beneath the table, with his left he quietly drew in
+the stack of bills and coin, pushing the stuff heedlessly into the side
+pocket of his coat, his gaze never once wandering from those stricken
+faces fronting him.  Then he softly pushed back his chair and stood
+erect.  Willis never moved, but Slavin rose unsteadily to his feet,
+gripping the table fiercely with both hands.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Gentlemen," said Hampton, gravely, his clear voice sounding like the
+sudden peal of a bell, "I can only thank you for your courtesy in this
+matter, and bid you all good-night.  However, before I go it may be of
+some interest for me to say that I have played my last game."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Somebody laughed sarcastically, a harsh, hateful laugh.  The speaker
+whirled, took one step forward; there was the flash of an extended arm,
+a dull crunch, and Red Slavin went crashing backward against the wall.
+As he gazed up, dazed and bewildered, from the floor, the lights
+glimmered along a blue-steel barrel.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not a move, you red brute," and Hampton spurned him contemptuously
+with his heel.  "This is no variety show, and your laughter was in poor
+taste.  However, if you feel particularly hilarious to-night I 'll give
+you another chance.  I said this was my last game; I'll repeat
+it&mdash;<I>this was my last game</I>!  Now, damn you! if you feel like it,
+laugh!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He swept the circle of excited faces, his eyes glowing like two
+diamonds, his thin lips compressed into a single straight line.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mr. Slavin appears to have lost his previous sense of humor," he
+remarked, calmly.  "I will now make my statement for the third
+time&mdash;<I>this was my last game</I>.  Perhaps some of you gentlemen also may
+discover this to be amusing."
+</P>
+
+<A NAME="img-110"></A>
+<CENTER>
+<IMG SRC="images/img-110.jpg" ALT="&quot;Mr. Slavin appears to have lost his previous sense of humor,&quot; he remarked, calmly." BORDER="2" WIDTH="440" HEIGHT="615">
+<H4>
+[Illustration: "Mr. Slavin appears to have lost his previous sense of<BR>
+humor," he remarked, calmly.]
+</H4>
+</CENTER>
+
+<P>
+The heavy, strained breathing of the motionless crowd was his only
+answer, and a half smile of bitter contempt curled Hampton's lips, as
+he swept over them a last defiant glance.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not quite so humorous as it seemed to be at first, I reckon," he
+commented, dryly.  "Slavin," and he prodded the red giant once more
+with his foot, "I'm going out; if you make any attempt to leave this
+room within the next five minutes I 'll kill you in your tracks, as I
+would a mad dog.  You stacked cards twice to-night, but the last time I
+beat you fairly at your own game."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He held aside the heavy curtains with his left hand and backed slowly
+out facing them, the deadly revolver shining ominously in the other.
+Not a man moved: Slavin glowered at him from the floor, an impotent
+curse upon his lips.  Then the red drapery fell.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+While the shadows of the long night still hung over the valley, Naida,
+tossing restlessly upon her strange bed within the humble yellow house
+at the fork of the trails, was aroused to wakefulness by the pounding
+of a horse's hoofs on the plank bridge spanning the creek.  She drew
+aside the curtain and looked out, shading her eyes to see clearer
+through the poor glass.  All she perceived was a somewhat deeper smudge
+when the rider swept rapidly past, horse and man a shapeless shadow.
+Three hours later she awoke again, this time to the full glare of day,
+and to the remembrance that she was now facing a new life.  As she lay
+there thinking, her eyes troubled but tearless, far away on the
+sun-kissed uplands Hampton was spurring forward his horse, already
+beginning to exhibit signs of weariness.  Bent slightly over the saddle
+pommel, his eyes upon these snow-capped peaks still showing blurred and
+distant, he rode steadily on, the only moving object amid all that
+wide, desolate landscape.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0201"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+<I>PART II</I>
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+WHAT OCCURRED IN GLENCAID
+</H3>
+
+<BR>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER I
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE ARRIVAL OF MISS SPENCER
+</H3>
+
+<P>
+There was a considerable period when events of importance in Glencaid's
+history were viewed against the background of the opening of its first
+school.  This was not entirely on account of the deep interest
+manifested in the cause of higher education by the residents, but owing
+rather to the personality of the pioneer school-teacher, and the deep,
+abiding impress which she made upon the community.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Phoebe Spencer came direct to Glencaid from the far East, her
+starting-point some little junction place back in Vermont, although she
+proudly named Boston as her home, having once visited in that
+metropolis for three delicious weeks.  She was of an ardent,
+impressionable nature.  Her mind was nurtured upon Eastern conceptions
+of our common country, her imagination aglow with weird tales of the
+frontier, and her bright eyes perceived the vivid coloring of romance
+in each prosaic object west of the tawny Missouri.  All appeared so
+different from that established life to which she had grown
+accustomed,&mdash;the people, the country, the picturesque language,&mdash;while
+her brain so teemed with lurid pictures of border experiences and
+heroes as to reveal romantic possibilities everywhere.  The vast,
+mysterious West, with its seemingly boundless prairies, grand, solemn
+mountains, and frankly spoken men peculiarly attired and everywhere
+bearing the inevitable "gun," was to her a newly discovered world.  She
+could scarcely comprehend its reality.  As the apparently illimitable
+plains, barren, desolate, awe-inspiring, rolled away behind, mile after
+mile, like a vast sea, and left a measureless expanse of grim desert
+between her and the old life, her unfettered imagination seemed to
+expand with the fathomless blue of the Western sky.  As her eager eyes
+traced the serrated peaks of a snow-clad mountain range, her heart
+throbbed with anticipation of wonders yet to come.  Homesickness was a
+thing undreamed of; her active brain responded to each new impression.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She sat comfortably ensconced in the back seat of the old, battered red
+coach, surrounded by cushions for protection from continual jouncing,
+as the Jehu in charge urged his restive mules down the desolate valley
+of the Bear Water.  Her cheeks were flushed, her wide-open eyes filled
+with questioning, her pale fluffy hair frolicking with the breeze, as
+pretty a picture of young womanhood as any one could wish to see.  Nor
+was she unaware of this fact.  During the final stage other long
+journey she had found two congenial souls, sufficiently picturesque to
+harmonize with her ideas of wild Western romance.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+These two men were lolling in the less comfortable seat opposite,
+secretly longing for a quiet smoke outside, yet neither willing to
+desert this Eastern divinity to his rival.  The big fellow, his arm run
+carelessly through the leather sling, his bare head projecting half out
+of the open window, was Jack Moffat, half-owner of the "Golden Rule,"
+and enjoying a well-earned reputation as the most ornate and artistic
+liar in the Territory.  For two hours he had been exercising his talent
+to the full, and merely paused now in search of some fresh inspiration,
+holding in supreme and silent contempt the rather feeble imitations of
+his less-gifted companion.  It is also just to add that Mr. Moffat
+personally formed an ideal accompaniment to his vivid narrations of
+adventure, and he was fully aware of the fact that Miss Spencer's
+appreciative eyes wandered frequently in his direction, noting his
+tanned cheeks, his long silky mustache, the somewhat melancholy gleam
+of his dark eyes&mdash;hiding beyond doubt some mystery of the past, the
+nature of which was yet to be revealed.  Mr. Moffat, always strong
+along this line of feminine sympathy, felt newly inspired by these
+evidences of interest in his tales, and by something in Miss Spencer's
+face which bespoke admiration.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The fly in the ointment of this long day's ride, the third party, whose
+undesirable presence and personal knowledge of Mr. Moffat's past career
+rather seriously interfered with the latter's flights of imagination,
+was William McNeil, foreman of the "Bar V" ranch over on Sinsiniwa
+Creek.  McNeil was not much of a talker, having an impediment in his
+speech, and being a trifle bashful in the presence of a lady.  But he
+caught the eye,&mdash;a slenderly built, reckless fellow, smoothly shaven,
+with a strong chin and bright laughing eyes,&mdash;and as he lolled
+carelessly back in his bearskin "chaps" and wide-brimmed sombrero,
+occasionally throwing in some cool, insinuating comment regarding
+Moffat's recitals, the latter experienced a strong inclination to heave
+him overboard.  The slight hardening of McNeil's eyes at such moments
+had thus far served, however, as sufficient restraint, while the
+unobservant Miss Spencer, unaware of the silent duel thus being
+conducted in her very presence, divided her undisguised admiration,
+playing havoc with the susceptible heart of each, and all unconsciously
+laying the foundations for future trouble.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, how truly remarkable!" she exclaimed, her cheeks glowing.  "It's
+all so different from the East; heroism seems to be in the very air of
+this country, and your adventure was so very unusual.  Don't you think
+so, Mr. McNeil?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The silent foreman hitched himself suddenly upright, his face unusually
+solemn.  "Why&mdash;eh&mdash;yes, miss&mdash;you might&mdash;eh&mdash;say that.  He," with a
+flip of his hand toward the other, "eh&mdash;reminds me&mdash;of&mdash;eh&mdash;an old
+friend."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Indeed?  How extremely interesting!" eagerly scenting a new story.
+"Please tell me who it was, Mr. McNeil."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh&mdash;eh&mdash;knew him when I was a boy&mdash;eh&mdash;Munchausen."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Moffat drew in his head violently, with an exclamation nearly
+profane, yet before he could speak Miss Spencer intervened.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Munchausen!  Why, Mr. McNeil, you surely do not intend to question the
+truth of Mr. Moffat's narrative?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The foreman's eyes twinkled humorously, but the lines of his face
+remained calmly impassive.  "My&mdash;eh&mdash;reference," he explained, gravely,
+"was&mdash;eh&mdash;entirely to the&mdash;eh&mdash;local color, the&mdash;eh&mdash;expert touches."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, miss.  It's&mdash;eh&mdash;bad taste out here to&mdash;eh&mdash;doubt anybody's
+word&mdash;eh&mdash;publicly."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Moffat stirred uneasily, his hand flung behind him, but McNeil was
+gazing into the lady's fair face, apparently unconscious of any other
+presence.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But all this time you have not favored me with any of your own
+adventures, Mr. McNeil.  I am very sure you must have had hundreds out
+on these wide plains."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The somewhat embarrassed foreman shook his head discouragingly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, but I just know you have, only you are so modest about recounting
+them.  Now, that scar just under your hair&mdash;really it is not at all
+unbecoming&mdash;surely that reveals a story.  Was it caused by an Indian
+arrow?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+McNeil crossed his legs, and wiped his damp forehead with the back of
+his hand.  "Hoof of a damn pack-mule," he explained, forgetting
+himself.  "The&mdash;eh&mdash;cuss lifted me ten feet."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Moffat laughed hoarsely, but as the foreman straightened up quickly,
+the amazed girl joined happily in, and his own face instantly exhibited
+the contagion.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Ain't much&mdash;eh&mdash;ever happens out on a ranch," he said, doubtfully,
+"except dodgin' steers, and&mdash;eh&mdash;bustin' broncoes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Your blame mule story," broke in Moffat, who had at last discovered
+his inspiration, "reminds me of a curious little incident occurring
+last year just across the divide.  I don't recall ever telling it
+before, but it may interest you, Miss Spencer, as illustrative of one
+phase of life in this country.  A party of us were out after bear, and
+one night when I chanced to be left all alone in camp, I did n't dare
+fall asleep and leave everything unguarded, as the Indians were all
+around as thick as leaves on a tree.  So I decided to sit up in front
+of the tent on watch.  Along about midnight, I suppose, I dropped off
+into a doze, for the first thing I heard was the hee-haw of a mule
+right in my ear.  It sounded like a clap of thunder, and I jumped up,
+coming slap-bang against the brute's nose so blamed hard it knocked me
+flat; and then, when I fairly got my eyes open, I saw five Sioux
+Indians creeping along through the moonlight, heading right toward our
+pony herd.  I tell you things looked mighty skittish for me just then,
+but what do you suppose I did with 'em?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Eh&mdash;eat 'em, likely,"  suggested McNeil, thoughtfully, "fried with
+plenty of&mdash;eh&mdash;salt; heard they were&mdash;eh&mdash;good that way."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Moffat half rose to his feet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You damn&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"O Mr. McNeil, how perfectly ridiculous!" chimed in Miss Spencer.
+"Please do go on, Mr. Moffat; it is so exceedingly interesting."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The incensed narrator sank reluctantly back into his seat, his eyes yet
+glowing angrily.  "Well, I crept carefully along a little gully until I
+got where them Indians were just exactly opposite me in a direct line.
+I had an awful heavy gun, carrying a slug of lead near as big as your
+fist.  Had it fixed up specially fer grizzlies.  The fellow creepin'
+along next me was a tremendous big buck; he looked like a plum giant in
+that moonlight, and I 'd just succeeded in drawin' a bead on him when a
+draught of air from up the gully strikin' across the back of my neck
+made me sneeze, and that buck turned round and saw me.  You wouldn't
+hardly believe what happened."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Whole&mdash;eh&mdash;bunch drop dead from fright?" asked McNeil, solicitously.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Moffat glared at him savagely, his lips moving, but emitting no sound.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, please don't mind," urged his fair listener, her flushed cheeks
+betraying her interest.  "He is so full of his fun.  What did follow?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The story-teller swallowed something in his throat, his gaze still on
+his persecutor.  "No, sir," he continued, hoarsely, "them bucks jumped
+to their feet with the most awful yells I ever heard, and made a rush
+toward where I was standing.  They was exactly in a line, and I let
+drive at that first buck, and blame me if that slug didn't go plum
+through three of 'em, and knock down the fourth.  You can roast me
+alive if that ain't a fact!  The fifth one got away, but I roped the
+wounded fellow, and was a-sittin' on him when the rest of the party got
+back to camp.  Jim Healy was along, and he'll tell you the same story."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was a breathless silence, during which McNeil spat meditatively
+out of the window.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Save any&mdash;eh&mdash;locks of their hair?" he questioned, anxiously.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, please don't tell me anything about that!" interrupted Miss
+Spencer, nervously.  "The whites don't scalp, do they?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not generally, miss, but I&mdash;eh&mdash;didn't just know what Mr.
+Moffat's&mdash;eh&mdash;custom was."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The latter gentleman had his head craned out of the window once more,
+in an apparent determination to ignore all such frivolous remarks.
+Suddenly he pointed directly ahead.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There's Glencaid now, Miss Spencer," he said, cheerfully, glad enough
+of an opportunity to change the topic of conversation.  "That's the
+spire of the new Presbyterian church sticking up above the ridge."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, indeed!  How glad I am to be here safe at last!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How&mdash;eh&mdash;did you happen to&mdash;eh&mdash;recognize the church?" asked McNeil
+with evident admiration.  "You&mdash;eh&mdash;can't see it from the saloon."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Moffat disdained reply, and the lurching stage rolled rapidly down the
+valley, the mules now lashed into a wild gallop to the noisy
+accompaniment of the driver's whip.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The hoofs clattered across the narrow bridge, and, with a sudden swing,
+all came to a sharp stand, amid a cloud of dust before a naked yellow
+house.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Here 's where you get out, miss," announced the Jehu, leaning down
+from his seat to peer within.  "This yere is the Herndon shebang."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The gentlemen inside assisted Miss Spencer to descend in safety to the
+weed-bordered walk, where she stood shaking her ruffled plumage into
+shape, and giving directions regarding her luggage.  Then the two
+gentlemen emerged, Moffat bearing a grip-case, a bandbox, and a basket,
+while McNeil supported a shawl-strap and a small trunk.  Thus decorated
+they meekly followed her lead up the narrow path toward the front door.
+The latter opened suddenly, and Mrs. Herndon bounced forth with
+vociferous welcome.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Phoebe Spencer, and have you really come!  I did n't expect you
+'d get along before next week.  Oh, this seems too nice to see you
+again; almost as good as going home to Vermont.  You must be completely
+tired out."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dear Aunt Lydia; of course I 'm glad to be here.  But I 'm not in the
+least tired.  I 've had such a delightful trip."  She glanced around
+smilingly upon her perspiring cavaliers.  "Oh, put those things down,
+gentlemen&mdash;anywhere there on the grass; they can be carried in later.
+It was so kind of you both."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hey, there!" sang out the driver, growing impatient, "if you two gents
+are aimin' to go down town with this outfit, you'd better be pilin' in
+lively, fer I can't stay here all day."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Moffat glanced furtively aside at McNeil, only to discover that
+individual quietly seated on the trunk.  He promptly dropped his own
+grip.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Drive on with your butcher's cart," he called out spitefully.  "I
+reckon it's no special honor to ride to town."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The pleasantly smiling young woman glanced from one to the other, her
+eyes fairly dancing, as the lumbering coach disappeared through the red
+dust.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How very nice of you to remain," she exclaimed.  "Aunt Lydia, I am so
+anxious for you to meet my friends, Mr. Moffat and Mr. McNeil.  They
+have been so thoughtful and entertaining all the way up the Bear Water,
+and they explained so many things that I did not understand."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She swept impulsively down toward them, both hands extended, the bright
+glances of her eyes bestowed impartially.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I cannot invite you to come into the house now," she exclaimed,
+sweetly, "for I am almost like a stranger here myself, but I do hope
+you will both of you call.  I shall be so very lonely at first, and you
+are my earliest acquaintances.  You will promise, won't you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+McNeil bowed, painfully clearing his throat, but Moffat succeeded in
+expressing his pleasure with a well-rounded sentence.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I felt sure you would.  But now I must really say good-bye for this
+time, and go in with Aunt Lydia.  I know I must be getting horribly
+burned out here in this hot sun.  I shall always be so grateful to you
+both."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The two radiant knights walked together toward the road, neither
+uttering a word.  McNeil whistled carelessly, and Moffat gazed intently
+at the distant hills.  Just beyond the gate, and without so much as
+glancing toward his companion, the latter turned and strode up one of
+the numerous diverging trails.  McNeil halted and stared after him in
+surprise.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Ain't you&mdash;eh&mdash;goin' on down town?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I reckon not.  Take a look at my mine first."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+McNeil chuckled.  "You&mdash;eh&mdash;better be careful goin' up
+that&mdash;eh&mdash;gully," he volunteered, soberly, "the&mdash;eh&mdash;ghosts of them
+four&mdash;eh&mdash;Injuns might&mdash;eh&mdash;haunt ye!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Moffat wheeled about as if he had been shot in the back.  "You
+blathering, mutton-headed cowherd!" he yelled, savagely.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But McNeil was already nearly out of hearing.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0202"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER II
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+BECOMING ACQUAINTED
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Once within the cool shadows of the livingroom, Mrs. Herndon again
+bethought herself to kiss her niece in a fresh glow of welcome, while
+the latter sank into a convenient rocker and began enthusiastically
+expressing her unbounded enjoyment of the West, and of the impressions
+gathered during her journey.  Suddenly the elder woman glanced about
+and exclaimed, laughingly, "Why, I had completely forgotten.  You have
+not yet met your room-mate.  Come out here, Naida; this is my niece,
+Phoebe Spencer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The girl thus addressed advanced, a slender, graceful figure dressed in
+white, and extended her hand shyly.  Miss Spencer clasped it warmly,
+her eyes upon the flushed, winsome face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And is this Naida Gillis!" she cried.  "I am so delighted that you are
+still here, and that we are to be together.  Aunt Lydia has written so
+much about you that I feel as If we must have known each other for
+years.  Why, how pretty you are!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Naida's cheeks were burning, and her eyes fell, but she had never yet
+succeeded in conquering the blunt independence of her speech.  "Nobody
+else ever says so," she said, uneasily.  "Perhaps it's the light."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer turned her about so as to face the window.  "Well, you
+are," she announced, decisively.  "I guess I know; you 've got
+magnificent hair, and your eyes are perfectly wonderful.  You just
+don't fix yourself up right; Aunt Lydia never did have any taste in
+such things, but I 'll make a new girl out of you.  Let's go upstairs;
+I 'm simply dying to see our room, and get some of my dresses unpacked.
+They must look perfect frights by this time."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They came down perhaps an hour later, hand in hand, and chattering like
+old friends.  The shades of early evening were already falling across
+the valley.  Herndon had returned home from his day's work, and had
+brought with him the Rev. Howard Wynkoop for supper.  Miss Spencer
+viewed the young man with approval, and immediately became more than
+usually vivacious in recounting the incidents of her long journey,
+together with her early impressions of the Western country.  Mr.
+Wynkoop responded with an interest far from being assumed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I have found it all so strange, so unique, Mr. Wynkoop," she
+explained.  "The country is like a new world to me, and the people do
+not seem at all like those of the East.  They lead such a wild,
+untrammelled life.  Everything about seems to exhale the spirit of
+romance; don't you find it so?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He smiled at her enthusiasm, his glance of undisguised admiration on
+her face.  "I certainly recall some such earlier conception," he
+admitted.  "Those just arriving from the environment of an older
+civilization perceive merely the picturesque elements; but my later
+experiences have been decidedly prosaic."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Mr. Wynkoop! how could they be?  Your work is heroic.  I cannot
+conceive how any minister of the Cross, having within him any of the
+old apostolic fervor, can consent to spend his days amid the dreary
+commonplaces of those old, dead Eastern churches.  You, nobly battling
+on the frontier, are the true modern Crusaders, the Knights of the
+Grail.  Here you are ever in the very forefront of the battle against
+sin, associated with the Argonauts, impressing your faith upon the
+bold, virile spirits of the age.  It is perfectly grand!  Why the very
+men I meet seem to yield me a broader conception of life and duty; they
+are so brave, so modest, so active.  Is&mdash;is Mr. Moffat a member of your
+church?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The minister cleared his throat, his cheeks reddening.  "Mr. Moffat?
+Ah, no; not exactly.  Do you mean the mine-owner, Jack Moffat?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, I think so; he told me he owned a mine&mdash;the Golden Rule the name
+was; the very choice in words would seem, to indicate his religious
+nature.  He 's such a pleasant, intelligent man.  There is a look in
+his eyes as though he sorrowed over something.  I was in hopes you knew
+what it was, and I am very sure he would welcome your ministrations.
+You have the only church in Glencaid, I understand, and I wonder
+greatly he has never joined you.  But perhaps he may be prejudiced
+against your denomination.  There is so much narrowness in religion.
+Now, I am an Episcopalian myself, but I do not mean to permit that to
+interfere in any way with my church work out here.  I wonder if Mr.
+Moffat can be an Episcopalian.  If he is, I am just going to show him
+that it is clearly his duty to assist in any Christian service.  Is n't
+that the true, liberal, Western spirit, Mr. Wynkoop?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It most assuredly should be," said the young pastor.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I left every prejudice east of the Missouri," she declared,
+laughingly, "every one, social and religious.  I 'm going to be a true
+Westerner, from the top of my head to the toe of my shoe.  Is Mr.
+McNeil in your church?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The minister hesitated.  "I really do not recall the name," he
+confessed at last, reluctantly.  "I scarcely think I can have ever met
+the gentleman."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, you ought to; he is so intensely original, and his face is full of
+character.  He reminds me of some old paladin of the Middle Ages.  You
+would be interested in him at once.  He is the foreman of the 'Bar V'
+ranch, somewhere near here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you mean Billy McNeil, over on Sinsiniwa Creek?" broke in Herndon.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I think quite likely, uncle; would n't he make a splendid addition to
+Mr. Wynkoop's church?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Herndon choked, his entire body shaking with ill-suppressed enjoyment.
+"I should imagine yes," he admitted finally.  "Billy McNeil&mdash;oh, Lord!
+There 's certainly a fine opening for you to do some missionary work,
+Phoebe."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, and I 'm going to," announced the young lady, firmly.  "I guess
+I can read men's characters, and I know all Mr. McNeil needs is to have
+some one show an interest in him.  Have you a large church, Mr.
+Wynkoop?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not large if judged from an Eastern standpoint," he confessed, with
+some regret.  "Our present membership is composed of eight women and
+three men, but the congregational attendance is quite good, and
+constantly increasing."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Only eight women and three men!" breathlessly.  "And you have been
+laboring upon this field for five years!  How could it be so small?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Wynkoop pushed back his chair, anxious to redeem himself in the
+estimation of this fair stranger.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Miss Spencer," he explained, "it is perhaps hardly strange that you
+should misapprehend the peculiar conditions under which religious labor
+is conducted in the West.  You will undoubtedly understand all this
+better presently.  My parish comprises this entire mining region, and I
+am upon horseback among the foothills and up in the ranges for fully a
+third of my time.  The spirit of the mining population, as well as of
+the cattlemen, while not actually hostile, is one of indifference to
+religious thought.  They care nothing whatever for it in the abstract,
+and have no use for any minister, unless it may be to marry their
+children or bury their dead.  I am hence obliged to meet with them
+merely as man to man, and thus slowly win their confidence before I
+dare even approach a religious topic.  For three long years I worked
+here without even a church organization or a building; and apparently
+without the faintest encouragement.  Now that we have a nucleus
+gathered, a comfortable building erected and paid for, with an
+increasing congregation, I begin to feel that those seemingly barren
+five years were not without spiritual value."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She quickly extended her hands.  "Oh, it is so heroic, so
+self-sacrificing!  No doubt I was hasty and wrong.  But I have always
+been accustomed to so much larger churches.  I am going to help you,
+Mr. Wynkoop, in every way I possibly can&mdash;I shall certainly speak to
+both Mr. Moffat and Mr. McNeil the very first opportunity.  I feel
+almost sure that they will join."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The unavoidable exigencies of a choir practice compelled Mr. Wynkoop to
+retire early, nor was it yet late when the more intimate family circle
+also dissolved, and the two girls discovered themselves alone.  Naida
+drew down the shades and lit the lamp.  Miss Spencer slowly divested
+herself of her outer dress, replacing it with a light wrapper, encased
+her feet snugly in comfortable slippers, and proceeded to let down her
+flossy hair in gleaming waves across her shoulders.  Naida's dark eyes
+bespoke plainly her admiration, and Miss Spencer shook back her hair
+somewhat coquettishly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you think I look nice?" she questioned, smilingly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You bet I do.  Your hair is just beautiful, Miss Spencer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other permitted the soft strands to slip slowly between her white
+fingers.  "You should never say 'you bet,' Naida.  Such language is not
+at all lady-like.  I am going to call you Naida, and you must call me
+Phoebe.  People use their given names almost entirely out here in the
+West, don't they?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I never have had much training in being a lady," the young girl
+explained, reddening, "but I can learn.  Yes, I reckon they do mostly
+use the first names out here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Please don't say 'I reckon,' either; it has such a vulgar sound.  What
+is his given name?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Whose?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, I was thinking of Mr. Wynkoop."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Howard; I saw it written in some books he loaned me.  But the people
+here never address him in that way."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, I suppose not, only I thought I should like to know what it was."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was a considerable pause; then the speaker asked, calmly, "Is he
+married?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mr. Wynkoop?  Why, of course not; he does n't care for women in that
+way at all."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer bound her hair carefully with a bright ribbon.  "Maybe he
+might, though, some time.  All men do."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She sat down in the low rocker, her feet comfortably crossed.  "Do you
+know, Naida dear, it is simply wonderful to me just to remember what
+you have been through, and it was so beautifully romantic&mdash;everybody
+killed except you and that man, and then he saved your life.  It's such
+a pity he was so miserable a creature."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He was n't!" Naida exclaimed, in sudden, indignant passion.  "He was
+perfectly splendid."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Aunt Lydia did n't think so.  She wrote he was a common gambler,&mdash;a
+low, rough man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, he did gamble; nearly everybody does out here.  And sometimes I
+suppose he had to fight, but he wasn't truly bad."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer's eyes evinced a growing interest.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Was he real nice-looking?" she asked.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Naida's voice faltered.  "Ye&mdash;es," she said.  "I thought so.  He&mdash;he
+looked like he was a man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How old are you, Naida?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Nearly eighteen."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer leaned impulsively forward, and clasped the other's hands,
+her whole soul responding to this suggestion of a possible romance, a
+vision of blighted hearts.  "Why, it is perfectly delightful," she
+exclaimed.  "I had no idea it was so serious, and really I don't in the
+least blame you.  You love him, don't you, Naida?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The girl flashed a shy look into the beaming, inquisitive face.  "I
+don't know," she confessed, soberly.  "I have not even seen him for
+such a long time; but&mdash;but, I guess, he is more to me than any one
+else&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not seen him?  Do you mean to say Mr. Hampton is not here in Glencaid?
+Why, I am so sorry; I was hoping to meet him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He went away the same night I came here to live."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And you never even hear from him?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Naida hesitated, but the frankly displayed interest of the other won
+her complete girlish confidence.  "Not directly, but Mr. Herndon
+receives money from him for me.  He does n't let your aunt know
+anything about it, because she got angry and refused to accept any pay
+from him.  He is somewhere over yonder in the Black Range."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer shook back her hair with a merry laugh, and clasped her
+hands.  "Why, it is just the most delightful situation I ever heard
+about.  He is just certain to come back after you, Naida.  I wouldn't
+miss being here for anything."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They were still sitting there, when the notes of a softly touched
+guitar stole in through the open window.  Both glanced about in
+surprise, but Miss Spencer was first to recover speech.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A serenade!  Did you ever!" she whispered.  "Do you suppose it can be
+he?"  She extinguished the lamp and knelt upon the floor, peering
+eagerly forth into the brilliant moonlight.  "Why, Naida, what do you
+think?  It's Mr. Moffat.  How beautifully he plays!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Naida, her face pressed against the other window, gave vent to a single
+note of half-suppressed laughter.  "There 's going to be something
+happening," she exclaimed.  "Oh, Miss Spencer, come here quick&mdash;some
+one is going to turn on the hydraulic."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer knelt beside her.  Moffat was still plainly visible, his
+pale face upturned in the moonlight, his long silky mustaches slightly
+stirred by the soft air, his fingers touching the strings; but back in
+the shadows of the bushes was seen another figure, apparently engaged
+upon some task with feverish eagerness.  To Miss Spencer all was
+mystery.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What is it?" she anxiously questioned.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The hydraulic," whispered the other.  "There 's a big lake up in the
+hills, and they 've piped the water down here.  It 's got a force like
+a cannon, and that fellow&mdash;I don't know whether it is Herndon or
+not&mdash;is screwing on the hose connection.  I bet your Mr. Moffat gets a
+shock!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's a perfect shame, an outrage!  I 'm going to tell him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Naida caught her sleeve firmly, her eyes full of laughter.  "Oh, please
+don't, Miss Spencer.  It will be such fun.  Let's see where it hits
+him!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For one single instant the lady yielded, and in it all opportunity for
+warning fled.  There was a sharp sizzling, which caused Moffat to
+suspend his serenade; then something struck him,&mdash;it must have been
+fairly in the middle, for he shut up like a jack-knife, and went
+crashing backwards with an agonized howl.  There was a gleam of shining
+water, something black squirming among the weeds, a yell, a volley of
+half-choked profanity, and a fleeing figure, apparently pursued by a
+huge snake.  Naida shook with laughter, clinging with both hands to the
+sill, but Miss Spencer was plainly shocked.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, did you hear what&mdash;what he said?" she asked.  "Was n't it awful?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The younger nodded, unable as yet to command her voice.   "I&mdash;I don't
+believe he is an Episcopalian; do you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't know.  I imagine that might have made even a Methodist swear."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The puckers began to show about the disapproving mouth, under the
+contagion of the other's merriment.  "Wasn't it perfectly ridiculous?
+But he did play beautifully, and it was so very nice of him to come my
+first night here.  Do you suppose that was Mr. Herndon?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Naida shook her head doubtfully.  "He looked taller, but I could n't
+really tell.  He 's gone now, and the water is turned off."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They lit the lamp once more, discussing the scene just witnessed, while
+Miss Spencer, standing before the narrow mirror, prepared her hair for
+the night.  Suddenly some object struck the lowered window shade and
+dropped upon the floor.  Naida picked it up.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A letter," she announced, "for Miss Phoebe Spencer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"For me?  What can it be?  Why, Naida, it is poetry!  Listen:
+</P>
+
+<P CLASS="poem">
+Sweetest flower from off the Eastern hills,<BR>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So lily-like and fair;<BR>
+Your very presence stirs and thrills<BR>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our buoyant Western air;<BR>
+The plains grow lovelier in their span,<BR>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The skies above more blue,<BR>
+While the heart of Nature and of man<BR>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beats quick response for you.
+</P>
+
+<BR>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, isn't that simply beautiful?  And it is signed 'Willie'&mdash;why, that
+must be Mr. McNeil."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I reckon he copied it out of some book," said Naida.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I know he didn't.  It possesses such a touch of originality.  And
+his eyes, Naida!  They have that deep poetical glow!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The light was finally extinguished; the silvery moonlight streamed
+across the foot of the bed, and the regular breathing of the girls
+evidenced slumber.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0203"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER III
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+UNDER ORDERS
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Many an unexpected event has resulted from the formal, concise orders
+issued by the War Department.  Cupid in the disguise of Mars has thus
+frequently toyed with the fate of men, sending many a gallant soldier
+forward, all unsuspecting, into a battle of the heart.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was no pleasant assignment to duty which greeted First Lieutenant
+Donald Brant, commanding Troop N, Seventh Cavalry, when that regiment
+came once more within the environs of civilization, from its summer
+exercises in the field.  Bethune had developed into a somewhat
+important post, socially as well as from a strictly military
+standpoint, and numerous indeed were the attractions offered there to
+any young officer whose duty called him to serve the colors on those
+bleak Dakota prairies.  Brant frowned at the innocent words, reading
+them over again with gloomy eyes and an exclamation of unmitigated
+disgust, yet there was no escaping their plain meaning.  Trouble was
+undoubtedly brewing among the Sioux, trouble in which the Cheyennes,
+and probably others also, were becoming involved.  Every soldier
+patrolling that long northern border recognized the approach of some
+dire development, some early coup of savagery.  Restlessness pervaded
+the Indian country; recalcitrant bands roamed the "badlands";
+dissatisfied young warriors disappeared from the reservation limits and
+failed to return; while friendly scouts told strange tales of weird
+dances amid the brown Dakota hills.  Uneasiness, the spirit of
+suspected peril, hung like a pall over the plains; yet none could
+safely predict where the blow might first descend.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant was not blind to all this, nor to the necessity of having in
+readiness selected bodies of seasoned troops, yet it was not in soldier
+nature to refrain from grumbling when the earliest detail chanced to
+fall to him.  But orders were orders in that country, and although he
+crushed the innocent paper passionately beneath his heel, five hours
+later he was in saddle, riding steadily westward, his depleted troop of
+horsemen clattering at his heels.  Up the valley of the Bear Water,
+slightly above Glencaid,&mdash;far enough beyond the saloon radius to
+protect his men from possible corruption, yet within easy reach of the
+military telegraph,&mdash;they made camp in the early morning upon a wooded
+terrace overlooking the stage road, and settled quietly down as one of
+those numerous posts with which the army chiefs sought to hem in the
+dissatisfied redmen, and learn early the extent of their hostile plans.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant was now in a humor considerably happier than when he first rode
+forth from Bethune.  A natural soldier, sincerely ambitious in his
+profession, anything approximating to active service instantly aroused
+his interest, while his mind was ever inclined to respond with
+enthusiasm to the fascination of the plains and the hills across which
+their march had extended.  Somewhere along that journey he had dropped
+his earlier burden of regret, and the spirit of the service had left
+him cheerfully hopeful of some stern soldierly work.  He watched the
+men of his troop while with quip and song they made comfortable camp;
+he spoke a few brief words of instruction to the grave-faced first
+sergeant, and then strolled slowly up the valley, his own affairs soon
+completely forgotten in the beauty of near-by hills beneath the golden
+glory of the morning sun.  Once he paused and looked back upon ugly
+Glencaid, dingy and forlorn even at that distance; then he crossed the
+narrow stream by means of a convenient log, and clambered up the
+somewhat steep bank.  A heavy fringe of low bushes clung close along
+the edge of the summit, but a plainly defined path led among their
+intricacies.  He pressed his way through, coming into a glade where
+sunshine flickered through the overarching branches of great trees, and
+the grass was green and short, like that of a well-kept lawn.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+As Brant emerged from the underbrush he suddenly beheld a fair vision
+of young womanhood resting on the grassy bank just before him.  She was
+partially reclining, as if startled by his unannounced approach, her
+face turned toward him, one hand grasping an open book, the other
+shading her eyes from the glare of the sun.  Something in the graceful
+poise, the piquant, uplifted face, the dark gloss of heavy hair, and
+the unfrightened gaze held him speechless until the picture had been
+impressed forever upon his memory.  He beheld a girl on the verge of
+womanhood, fair of skin, the red glow of health flushing her cheeks,
+the lips parted in surprise, the sleeve fallen back from one white,
+rounded arm, the eyes honest, sincere, mysterious.  She recognized him
+with a glance, and her lips closed as she remembered how and when they
+had met before.  But there was no answering recollection within his
+eyes, only admiration&mdash;nothing clung about this Naiad to remind him of
+a neglected waif of the garrison.  She read all this in his face, and
+the lines about her mouth changed quickly into a slightly quizzical
+smile, her eyes brightening.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You should at least have knocked, sir," she ventured, sitting up on
+the grassy bank, the better to confront him, "before intruding thus
+uninvited."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He lifted his somewhat dingy scouting hat and bowed humbly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I perceived no door giving warning that I approached such presence,
+and the first shock of surprise was perhaps as great to me as to you.
+Yet, now that I have blundered thus far, I beseech that I be permitted
+to venture upon yet another step."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She sat looking at him, a trim, soldierly figure, his face young and
+pleasant to gaze upon, and her dark eyes sensibly softened.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What step?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"To tarry for a moment beside the divinity of this wilderness."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She laughed with open frankness, her white teeth sparkling behind the
+red, parted lips.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Perhaps you may, if you will first consent to be sensible," she said,
+with returning gravity; "and I reserve the right to turn you away
+whenever you begin to talk or act foolish.  If you accept these
+conditions, you may sit down."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He seated himself upon the soft grass ledge, retaining the hat in his
+hands.  "You must be an odd sort of a girl," he commented, soberly,
+"not to welcome an honest expression of admiration."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, was that it?  Then I duly bow my acknowledgment.  I took your
+words for one of those silly compliments by which men believe they
+honor women."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He glanced curiously aside at her half-averted face.  "At first sight I
+had supposed you scarcely more than a mere girl, but now you speak like
+a woman wearied of the world, utterly condemning all complimentary
+phrases."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Indeed, no; not if they be sincerely expressed as between man and man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How is it as between man and woman?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Men generally address women as you started to address me, as if there
+existed no common ground of serious thought between them.  They
+condescend, they flatter, they indulge in fulsome compliment, they
+whisper soft nonsense which they would be sincerely ashamed to utter in
+the presence of their own sex, they act as if they were amusing babies,
+rather than conversing with intelligent human beings.  Their own notion
+seems to be to shake the rattle-box, and awaken a laugh.  I am not a
+baby, nor am I seeking amusement."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He glanced curiously at her book.  "And yet you condescend to read love
+stories," he said, smiling.  "I expected to discover a treatise on
+philosophy."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I read whatever I chance to get my hands on, here in Glencaid," she
+retorted, "just as I converse with whoever comes along.  I am hopeful
+of some day discovering a rare gem hidden in the midst of the trash.  I
+am yet young."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You are indeed young," he said, quietly, "and with some of life's
+lessons still to learn.  One is that frankness is not necessarily
+flippancy, nor honesty harshness.  Beyond doubt much of what you said
+regarding ordinary social conversation is true, yet the man is no more
+to be blamed than the woman.  Both seek to be entertaining, and are to
+be praised for the effort rather than censured.  A stranger cannot
+instinctively know the likes and dislikes of one he has just met; he
+can feel his way only by commonplaces.  However, if you will offer me a
+topic worthy the occasion, in either philosophy, science, or
+literature, I will endeavor to feed your mind."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She uplifted her innocent eyes demurely to his face.  "You are so kind.
+I am deeply interested just now In the Japanese conception of the
+transmigration of souls."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How extremely fortunate!  It chances to be my favorite theme, but my
+mental processes are peculiar, and you must permit me to work up toward
+it somewhat gradually.  For instance, as a question leading that way,
+how, in the incarnation of this world, do you manage to exist in such a
+hole of a place?&mdash;that is, provided you really reside here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, I consider this a most delightful nook."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My reference was to Glencaid."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh!  Why, I live from within, not without.  Mind and heart, not
+environment, make life, and my time is occupied most congenially.  I am
+being faithfully nurtured on the Presbyterian catechism, and also
+trained in the graces of earthly society.  These alternate, thus
+preparing me for whatever may happen in this world or the next."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His face pictured bewilderment, but also a determination to persevere.
+"An interesting combination, I admit.  But from your appearance this
+cannot always have been your home?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, thank you.  I believe not always; but I wonder at your being able
+to discern my superiority to these surroundings.  And do you know your
+questioning is becoming quite personal?  Does that yield me an equal
+privilege?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He bowed, perhaps relieved at thus permitting her to assume the
+initiative, and rested lazily back upon the grass, his eyes intently
+studying her face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I suppose from your clothes you must be a soldier.  What is that
+figure 7 on your hat for?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The number of my regiment, the Seventh Cavalry."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her glance was a bit disdainful as she coolly surveyed him from head to
+foot, "I should imagine that a strong, capable-appearing fellow like
+you might do much better than that.  There is so much work in the world
+worth doing, and so much better pay."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What do you mean?  Is n't a soldier's life a worthy one?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, yes, of course, in a way.  We have to have soldiers, I suppose;
+but if I were a man I 'd hate to waste all my life tramping around at
+sixteen dollars a month."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He smothered what sounded like a rough ejaculation, gazing into her
+demure eyes as if she strongly suspected a joke hid in their depths.
+"Do&mdash;do you mistake me for an enlisted man?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I did n't know; you said you were a soldier, and that's what I
+always heard they got.  I am so glad if they give you more.  I was only
+going to say that I believed I could get you a good place in McCarthy's
+store if you wanted it.  He pays sixty-five dollars, and his clerk has
+just left."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant stared at her with open mooch, totally unable for the moment to
+decide whether or not that innocent, sympathetic face masked mischief.
+Before he succeeded in regaining confidence and speech, she had risen
+to her feet, holding back her skirt with one hand.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Really, I must go," she announced calmly, drawing back toward the
+slight opening between the rushes.  "No doubt YOU have done fully as
+well as you could considering your position in life; but this has
+proved another disappointment.  You have fallen, far, very far, below
+my ideal.  Good-bye."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He sprang instantly erect, his cheeks flushed.  "Please don't go
+without a farther word.  We seem predestined to misunderstand.  I am
+even willing to confess myself a fool in the hope of some time being
+able to convince you otherwise.  You have not even told me that you
+live here; nor do I know your name."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She shook her head positively, repressed merriment darkening her eyes
+and wrinkling the corners of her mouth.  "It would be highly improper
+to introduce myself to a stranger&mdash;we Presbyterians never do that."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But do you feel no curiosity as to who I may be?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, not in the least; the thought is ridiculous.  How very conceited
+you must be to imagine such a thing!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He was not a man easily daunted, nor did he recall any previous
+embarrassment in the presence of a young woman.  But now he confronted
+something utterly unique; those quiet eyes seemed to look straight
+through him.  His voice faltered sadly, yet succeeded in asking: "Are
+we, then, never to meet again?  Am I to understand this to be your
+wish?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She laughed.  "Really, sir, I am not aware that I have the slightest
+desire in the matter.  I have given it no thought, but I presume the
+possibility of our meeting again depends largely upon yourself, and the
+sort of society you keep.  Surely you cannot expect that I would seek
+such an opportunity?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He bowed humbly.  "You mistake my purpose.  I merely meant to ask if
+there was not some possibility of our again coming together socially
+the presence of mutual friends."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I scarcely think so; I do not remember ever having met any
+soldiers at the social functions here&mdash;excepting officers.  We are
+extremely exclusive in Glencaid," she dropped him a mocking courtesy,
+"and I have always moved in the most exclusive set."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Piqued by her tantalizing manner, he asked, "What particular social
+functions are about to occur that may possibly open a passage into your
+guarded presence?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She seemed immersed in thought, her face turned partially aside.
+"Unfortunately, I have not my list of engagements here," and she
+glanced about at him shyly.  "I can recall only one at present, and I
+am not even certain&mdash;that is, I do not promise&mdash;to attend that.
+However, I may do so.  The Miners' Bachelor Club gives a reception and
+ball to-morrow evening in honor of the new schoolmistress."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What is her name?" with responsive eagerness.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She hesitated, as if doubtful of the strict propriety of mentioning it
+to a stranger.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Miss Phoebe Spencer," she said, her eyes cast demurely down.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Ah!" he exclaimed, in open triumph; "and have I, then, at last made
+fair capture of your secret?  You are Miss Phoebe Spencer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She drew back still farther within the recesses of the bushes, at his
+single victorious step forward.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I?  Why certainly not.  I am merely Miss Spencer's 'star' pupil, so
+you may easily judge something of what her superior attainments must
+necessarily be.  But I am really going now, and I sincerely trust you
+will be able to secure a ticket for to-morrow night; for if you once
+meet this Miss Spencer you will never yield another single thought to
+me, Mr.&mdash;Mr.&mdash;" her eyes dancing with laughter&mdash;"First Lieutenant
+Donald Brant."
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0204"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER IV
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+SILENT MURPHY
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Brant sprang forward, all doubt regarding this young woman instantly
+dissipated by those final words of mischievous mockery.  She had been
+playing with him as unconcernedly as if he were a mere toy sent for her
+amusement, and his pride was stung.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But pursuit proved useless.  Like a phantom she had slipped away amid
+the underbrush, leaving him to flounder blindly in the labyrinth.  Once
+she laughed outright, a clear burst of girlish merriment ringing
+through the silence, and he leaped desperately forward, hoping to
+intercept her flight.  His incautious foot slipped along the steep edge
+of the shelving bank, and he went down, half stumbling, half sliding,
+until he came to a sudden pause on the brink of the little stream.  The
+chase was ended, and he sat up, confused for the moment, and half
+questioning the evidence of his own eyes.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A small tent, dirty and patched, stood with its back against the slope
+of earth down which he had plunged.  Its flap flung aside revealed
+within a pile of disarranged blankets, together with some scattered
+articles of wearing apparel, while just before the opening, his back
+pressed against the supporting pole, an inverted pipe between his
+yellow, irregular teeth, sat a hideous looking man.  He was a withered,
+dried-up fellow, whose age was not to be guessed, having a skin as
+yellow as parchment, drawn in tight to the bones like that of a mummy,
+his eyes deep sunken like wells, and his head totally devoid of hair,
+although about his lean throat there was a copious fringe of iron-gray
+beard, untrimmed and scraggy.  Down the entire side of one cheek ran a
+livid scar, while his nose was turned awry.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He sat staring at the newcomer, unwinking, his facial expression devoid
+of interest, but his fingers opening and closing in apparent
+nervousness.  Twice his lips opened, but nothing except a peculiar
+gurgling sound issued from the throat, and Brant, who by this time had
+attained his feet and his self-possession, ventured to address him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Nice quiet spot for a camp," he remarked, pleasantly, "but a bad place
+for a tumble."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The sunken eyes expressed nothing, but the throat gurgled again
+painfully, and finally the parted lips dropped a detached word or two.
+"Blame&mdash;pretty girl&mdash;that."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The lieutenant wondered how much of their conversation this old mummy
+had overheard, but he hesitated to question him.  One inquiry, however,
+sprang to his surprised lips.  "Do you know her?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Damn sight&mdash;better&mdash;than any one around here&mdash;know her&mdash;real name."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant stared incredulously.  "Do you mean to insinuate that that young
+woman is living in this community under an assumed one?  Why, she is
+scarcely more than a child!  What do you mean, man?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The soldier's hat still rested on the grass where it had fallen, its
+military insignia hidden.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I guess&mdash;I know&mdash;what I&mdash;know," the fellow muttered.  "What
+'s&mdash;your&mdash;regiment?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Seventh Cavalry."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man stiffened up as if an electric shock had swept through his limp
+frame.  "The hell!&mdash;and&mdash;did&mdash;she&mdash;call you&mdash;Brant?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The young officer's face exhibited his disgust.  Beyond doubt that
+sequestered nook was a favorite lounging spot for the girl, and this
+disreputable creature had been watching her for some sinister purpose.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"So you have been eavesdropping, have you?" said Brant, gravely.  "And
+now you want to try a turn at defaming a woman?  Well, you have come to
+a poor market for the sale of such goods.  I am half inclined to throw
+you bodily into the creek.  I believe you are nothing but a common
+liar, but I 'll give you one chance&mdash;you say you know her real name.
+What is it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The eyes of the mummy had become spiteful.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's&mdash;none of&mdash;your damn&mdash;business.  I'm&mdash;not under&mdash;your orders."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Under my orders!  Of course not; but what do you mean by that?  Who
+and what are you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The fellow stood up, slightly hump-backed but broad of shoulder, his
+arms long, his legs short and somewhat bowed, his chin protruding
+impudently, and Brant noticed an oddly shaped black scar, as if burned
+there by powder, on the back of his right hand.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who&mdash;am I?" he said, angrily.  "I'm&mdash;Silent&mdash;Murphy."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+An expression of bewilderment swept across the lieutenant's face.
+"Silent Murphy!  Do you claim to be Custer's scout?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The fellow nodded.  "Heard&mdash;of me&mdash;maybe?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant stood staring at him, his mind occupied with vague garrison
+rumors connected with this odd personality.  The name had long been a
+familiar one, and he had often had the man pictured out before him,
+just such a wizened face and hunched-up figure, half crazed, at times
+malicious, yet keen and absolutely devoid of fear; acknowledged as the
+best scout in all the Indian country, a daring rider, an incomparable
+trailer, tireless, patient, and as tricky and treacherous as the wily
+savages he was employed to spy upon.  There could remain no reasonable
+doubt of his identity, but what was he doing there?  What purpose
+underlay his insinuations against that young girl?  If this was indeed
+Silent Murphy, he assuredly had some object in being there, and however
+hastily he may have spoken, it was not altogether probable that he
+deliberately lied.  All this flashed across his mind in that single
+instant of hesitation.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, I've heard of you,"&mdash;and his crisp tone instinctively became that
+of terse military command,&mdash;"although we have never met, for I have
+been upon detached service ever since my assignment to the regiment.  I
+have a troop in camp below," he pointed down the stream, "and am in
+command here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The scout nodded carelessly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why did you not come down there, and report your presence in this
+neighborhood to me?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Murphy grinned unpleasantly.  "Rather be&mdash;alone&mdash;no report&mdash;been
+over&mdash;Black Range&mdash;telegraphed&mdash;wait orders."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you mean you are in direct communication with headquarters, with
+Custer?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man answered, with a wide sweep of his long arm toward the
+northwest.  "Goin' to&mdash;be hell&mdash;out there&mdash;damn soon."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How?  Are things developing into a truly serious affair&mdash;a real
+campaign?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Every buck&mdash;in the&mdash;Sioux nation&mdash;is makin'&mdash;fer the&mdash;bad lands," and
+he laughed noiselessly, his nervous fingers gesticulating.  "I&mdash;guess
+that&mdash;means&mdash;business."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant hesitated.  Should he attempt to learn more about the young girl?
+Instinctively he appreciated the futility of endeavoring to extract
+information from Murphy, and he experienced a degree of shame at thus
+seeking to penetrate her secret.  Besides, it was none of his affair,
+and if ever it should chance to become so, surely there were more
+respectable means by which he could obtain information.  He glanced
+about, seeking some way of recrossing the stream.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If you require any new equipment," he said tersely, "we can probably
+supply you at the camp.  How do you manage to get across here?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Murphy, walking stiffly, led the way down the steep slope, and silently
+pointed out a log bridging the narrow stream.  He stood watching while
+the officer picked his steps across, but made no responsive motion when
+the other waved his hand from the opposite shore, his sallow face
+looking grim and unpleasant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Damn&mdash;the luck!" he grumbled, shambling back up the bank.  "It
+don't&mdash;look&mdash;right.  Three of 'em&mdash;all here&mdash;at once&mdash;in this&mdash;cussed
+hole.  Seems if&mdash;this yere world&mdash;ought ter be&mdash;big 'nough&mdash;ter keep
+'em apart;&mdash;but hell&mdash;it ain't.  Might make&mdash;some trouble&mdash;if
+them&mdash;people&mdash;ever git&mdash;their heads&mdash;tergether talkin'.  Hell of a
+note&mdash;if the boy&mdash;falls in love with&mdash;her.  Likely to do it&mdash;too.
+Curse such&mdash;fool luck.  Maybe I&mdash;better talk&mdash;it over again&mdash;with
+Red&mdash;he's in it&mdash;damn near&mdash;as deep as&mdash;I am."  And he sank down again
+in his old position before the tent, continuing to mutter, his chin
+sunk into his chest, his whole appearance that of deep dejection,
+perhaps of dread.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The young officer marched down the road, his heedless feet kicking up
+the red dust in clouds, his mind busied with the peculiar happenings of
+the morning, and that prospect for early active service hinted at in
+the brief utterances of the old scout.  Brant was a thorough soldier,
+born into the service and deeply enamored of its dangers; yet beyond
+this he remained a man, a young man, swayed by those emotions which
+when at full tide sweep aside all else appertaining to life.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Just now the vision of that tantalizing girl continued to haunt his
+memory, and would not down even to the glorious hope of a coming
+campaign.  The mystery surrounding her, her reticence, the muttered
+insinuation dropping from the unguarded lips of Murphy, merely served
+to render her the more attractive, while her own naive witchery of
+manner, and her seemingly unconscious coquetry, had wound about him a
+magic spell, the full power of which as yet remained but dimly
+appreciated.  His mind lingered longingly upon the marvel of the dark
+eyes, while the cheery sound of that last rippling outburst of laughter
+reëchoed in his ears like music.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His had been a lonely life since leaving West Point and joining his
+regiment&mdash;a life passed largely among rough men and upon the desolate
+plains.  For months at a time he had known nothing of refinement, nor
+enjoyed social intercourse with the opposite sex; life had thus grown
+as barren and bleak as those desert wastes across which he rode at the
+command of his superiors.  For years the routine of his military duties
+had held him prisoner, crushing out the dreams of youth.  Yet, beneath
+his mask of impassibility, the heart continued to beat with fierce
+desire, biding the time when it should enjoy its own sweet way.
+Perhaps that hour had already dawned; certainly something new,
+something inspiring, had now come to awaken an interest unfelt before,
+and leave him idly dreaming of shadowed eyes and flushed, rounded
+cheeks.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He was in this mood when he overtook the Rev. Howard Wynkoop and marked
+the thoughtful look upon his pale face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I called at your camp," explained Wynkoop, after the first words of
+greeting had been exchanged, "as soon as I learned you were here in
+command, but only to discover your absence.  The sergeant, however, was
+very courteous, and assured me there would be no difficulty in
+arranging a religious service for the men, unless sudden orders should
+arrive.  No doubt I may rely on your coöperation."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Most certainly," was the cordial response, "and I shall also permit
+those desiring to attend your regular Sunday services so long as we are
+stationed here.  How is your work prospering?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There is much to encourage me, but spiritual progress is slow, and
+there are times when my faith falters and I feel unworthy of the
+service in which I am engaged.  Doubtless this is true of all labor,
+yet the minister is particularly susceptible to these influences
+surrounding him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A mining camp is so intensely material seven days of the week that it
+must present a difficult field for the awakening of any religious
+sentiment," confessed Brant sympathetically, feeling not a little
+interested in the clear-cut, intellectual countenance of the other.  "I
+have often wondered how you consented to bury your talents in such a
+place."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other smiled, but with a trace of sadness in his eyes.  "I firmly
+believe that every minister should devote a portion of his life to the
+doing of such a work as this.  It is both a religious and a patriotic
+duty, and there is a rare joy connected with it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yet it was surely not joy I saw pictured within your face when we met;
+you were certainly troubled over some problem."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Wynkoop glanced up quickly, a slight flush rising in his pale cheeks.
+"Perplexing questions which must be decided off-hand are constantly
+arising.  I have no one near to whom I can turn for advice in unusual
+situations, and just now I scarcely know what action to take regarding
+certain applications for church membership."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant laughed.  "I hardly consider myself a competent adviser in
+matters of church polity," he admitted, "yet I have always been
+informed that all so desiring are to be made welcome in religious
+fellowship."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Theoretically, yes."  And the minister stopped still in the road,
+facing his companion.  "But this special case presents certain
+peculiarities.  The applicants, as I learn from others, are not leading
+lives above reproach.  So far as I know, they have never even attended
+church service until last Sunday, and I have some reason to suspect an
+ulterior motive.  I am anxious to put nothing in the way of any
+honestly seeking soul, yet I confess that in these cases I hesitate."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But your elders?  Do not they share the responsibility of passing upon
+such applications?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The flush on Mr. Wynkoop's cheeks deepened, and his eyes fell.
+"Ordinarily, yes; but in this case I fear they may prove unduly harsh.
+I&mdash;I feel&mdash;that these applications came through the special
+intercession of a certain young lady, and I am anxious not to hurt her
+feelings in any way, or to discourage her enthusiasm."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I see!  Would you mind telling me the names of the two gentlemen?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mr. John Moffat and Mr. William McNeil.  Unfortunately, I know neither
+personally."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And the young lady?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A Miss Phoebe Spencer; she has but lately arrived from the East to
+take charge of our new school&mdash;a most interesting and charming young
+woman, and she is proving of great assistance to me in church work."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The lieutenant cleared his throat, and emitted a sigh of suddenly
+awakened memory.  "I fear I can offer you no advice, for if, as I begin
+to suspect,&mdash;though she sought most bravely to avoid the issue and
+despatch me upon a false trail,&mdash;she prove to be that same fascinating
+young person I met this morning, my entire sympathies are with the
+gentlemen concerned.  I might even be strongly tempted to do likewise
+at her solicitation."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You?  Why, you arrived only this morning, and do you mean to say you
+have met already?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I at least suspect as much, for there can scarcely exist two in this
+town who will fill the description.  My memory holds the vision of a
+fair young face, vivacious, ever changing in its expression, yet
+constantly both piquant and innocent; a perfect wealth of hair, a pair
+of serious eyes hiding mysteries within their depths, and lips which
+seem made to kiss.  Tell me, is not this a fairly drawn portrait of
+your Miss Spencer?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The minister gripped his hands nervously together.  "Your description
+is not unjust; indeed, it is quite accurate from a mere outer point of
+view; yet beneath her vivacious manner I have found her thoughtful, and
+possessed of deep spiritual yearnings.  In the East she was a
+communicant of the Episcopal Church."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant did not answer him at once.  He was studying the minister's
+downcast face; but when the latter finally turned to depart, he
+inquired, "Do you expect to attend the reception to-morrow evening?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Wynkoop stammered slightly.  "I&mdash;I could hardly refuse under the
+circumstances; the committee sent me an especially urgent invitation,
+and I understand there is to be no dancing until late.  One cannot be
+too straight-laced out here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, never mind apologizing.  I see no reason why you need hesitate to
+attend.  I merely wondered if you could procure me an invitation."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Did she tell you about it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, she delicately hinted at it, and, you know, things are pretty
+slow here in a social way.  She merely suggested that I might possibly
+meet her again there."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Of course; it is given in her honor."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"So I understood, although she sought to deceive me into the belief
+that she was not the lady.  We met purely by accident, you understand,
+and I am desirous of a more formal presentation."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The minister drew in his breath sharply, but the clasp of his extended
+hand was not devoid of warmth.  "I will have a card of invitation sent
+you at the camp.  The committee will be very glad of your presence;
+only I warn you frankly regarding the lady, that competition will be
+strong."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, so far as that is concerned I have not yet entered the running,"
+laughed Brant, in affected carelessness, "although I must confess my
+sporting proclivities are somewhat aroused."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He watched the minister walking rapidly away, a short, erect figure,
+appearing slender in his severely cut black cloth.  "Poor little chap,"
+he muttered, regretfully.  "He's hard hit.  Still, they say all's fair
+in love and war."
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0205"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER V
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+IN HONOR OF MISS SPENCER
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Mr. Jack Moffat, president of the Bachelor Miners' Pleasure Club, had
+embraced the idea of a reception for Miss Spencer with unbounded
+enthusiasm.  Indeed, the earliest conception of such an event found
+birth within his fertile brain, and from the first he determined upon
+making it the most notable social function ever known in that portion
+of the Territory.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Heretofore the pastime of the Bachelors' Club had been largely
+bibulous, and the members thereof had exhibited small inclination to
+seek the ordinary methods of social relaxation as practised in
+Glencaid.  Pink teas, or indeed teas of any conceivable color, had
+never proved sufficiently attractive to wean the members from the
+chaste precincts of the Occidental or the Miners' Retreat, while the
+mysterious pleasure of "Hunt the Slipper" and "Spat in and Spat out"
+had likewise utterly failed to inveigle them from retirement.  But Mr.
+Moffat's example wrought an immediate miracle, so that, long before the
+fateful hour arrived, every registered bachelor was laboring
+industriously to make good the proud boast of their enthusiastic
+president, that this was going to be "the swellest affair ever pulled
+off west of the Missouri."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The large space above the Occidental was secured for the occasion, the
+obstructing subdivisions knocked away, an entrance constructed with an
+outside stairway leading up from a vacant lot, and the passage
+connecting the saloon boarded up.  Incidentally, Mr. Moffat took
+occasion to announce that if "any snoozer got drunk and came up them
+stairs" he would be thrown bodily out of a window.  Mr. McNeil, who was
+observing the preliminary proceedings with deep interest from a pile of
+lumber opposite, sarcastically intimated that under such circumstances
+the attendance of club members would be necessarily limited.  Mr.
+Moffat's reply it is manifestly impossible to quote literally.  Mrs.
+Guffy was employed to provide the requisite refreshments in the
+palatial dining-hall of the hotel, while Buck Mason, the vigilant town
+marshal, popularly supposed to know intimately the face of every
+"rounder" in the Territory, agreed to collect the cards of invitation
+at the door, and bar out obnoxious visitors.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+These preliminaries having been duly attended to, Mr. Moffat and his
+indefatigable committee of arrangements proceeded to master the details
+of decoration and entertainment, drawing heavily upon the limited
+resources of the local merchants, and even invading private homes in
+search after beautifying material.  Jim Lane drove his buckboard one
+hundred and sixty miles to Cheyenne to gather up certain needed
+articles of adornment, the selection of which could not be safely
+confided to the inartistic taste of the stage-driver.  Upon his rapid
+return journey loaded down with spoils, Peg Brace, a cow-puncher in the
+"Bar O" gang, rode recklessly alongside his speeding wheels for the
+greater portion of the distance, apparently in most jovial humor, and
+so unusually inquisitive as to make Mr. Lane, as he later expressed it,
+"plum tired."  The persistent rider finally deserted him, however, at
+the ford over the Sinsiniwa, shouting derisively back from a safe
+distance that the Miners' Club was a lot of chumps, and promising them
+a severe "jolt" in the near future.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Indeed, it was becoming more and more apparent that a decided feeling
+of hostility was fast developing between the respective partisans of
+Moffat and McNeil.  Thus far the feud merely smouldered, finding
+occasional expression in sarcastic speech, and the severance of former
+friendly relations, but it boded more serious trouble for the near
+future.  To a loyal henchman, Moffat merely condescended to remark,
+glancing disdainfully at a knot of hard riders disconsolately sitting
+their ponies in front of the saloon door, "We 've got them fellers
+roped and tied, gents, and they simply won't be ace-high with the
+ladies of this camp after our fandango is over with.  We're a holdin'
+the hand this game, an' it simply sweeps the board clean.  That duffer
+McNeil's the sickest looking duck I 've seen in a year, an' the whole
+blame bunch of cow-punchers is corralled so tight there can't a steer
+among 'em get a nose over the pickets."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He glanced over the waiting scene of festivities with intense
+satisfaction.  From bare squalor the spacious apartment had been
+converted into a scene of almost gorgeous splendor.  The waxed floor
+was a perfect marvel of smoothness; the numerous windows had been
+heavily draped in red, white, and blue hangings; festoons of the same
+rich hues hung gracefully suspended from the ceiling, trembling to the
+least current of air; oil lamps, upheld by almost invisible wires,
+dangled in profusion; while within the far corner, occupying a slightly
+raised platform later to be utilized by the orchestra, was an imposing
+pulpit chair lent by the Presbyterian Church, resting upon a rug of
+skins, and destined as the seat of honor for the fair guest of the
+evening.  Moffat surveyed all this thoughtfully, and proceeded proudly
+to the hotel to don a "boiled" shirt, and in other ways prepare himself
+to do honor to his exalted office.  Much to the surprise of McNeil,
+lounging with some cronies on the shaded porch, he nodded to him
+genially, adding a hearty, "Hello there, Bill," as he passed carelessly
+by.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The invited guests arrived from the sparsely settled regions round
+about, not a few riding for a hundred miles over the hard trails.  The
+majority came early, arrayed in whatsoever apparel their limited
+wardrobes could supply, but ready for any wild frolic.  The men
+outnumbered the gentler sex five to one, but every feminine
+representative within a radius of about fifty miles, whose
+respectability could possibly pass muster before the investigations of
+a not too critical invitation committee, was present amid the throng,
+attired in all the finery procurable, and supremely and serenely happy
+in the assured consciousness that she would not lack partners whenever
+the enticing music began.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The gratified president of the Pleasure Club had occasion to expand his
+chest with just pride.  Jauntily twirling his silky mustaches, he
+pushed his way through the jostling, good-natured crowd already surging
+toward the entrance of the hall, and stepped briskly forth along the
+moonlit road toward the Herndon home, where the fair queen of the
+revels awaited his promised escort.  It was his hour of supreme
+triumph, and his head swam with the delicious intoxication of
+well-earned success, the plaudits of his admirers, and the fond
+anticipation of Miss Spencer's undoubted surprise and gratitude.  His,
+therefore, was the step and bearing of a conqueror, of one whose cup
+was already filled to the brim, and running over with the joy of life.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The delay incident to the completion of an elaborate toilet, together
+with the seductive charms of a stroll through the moon-haunted night
+beneath the spell of bright eyes and whispered words, resulted in a
+later arrival at the scene of festivities than had been intended.  The
+great majority of the expected guests had already assembled, and were
+becoming somewhat restless.  No favored courtier ever escorted beloved
+queen with greater pride or ceremony than that with which Mr. Moffat
+led his blushing charge through the throng toward her chair of state.
+The murmuring voices, the admiring eyes, the hush of expectancy, all
+contributed to warm the cockles of his heart and to color his face with
+the glow of victory.  Glancing at his companion, he saw her cheeks
+flushed, her head held proudly poised, her countenance evidencing the
+enjoyment of the moment, and he felt amply rewarded for the work which
+had produced so glorious a result.  A moment he bent above her chair,
+whispering one last word of compliment into the little ear which
+reddened at his bold speech, and feasting his ardent eyes upon the
+flushed and animated countenance.  The impatient crowd wondered at the
+nature of the coming ceremony, and Mr. Moffat strove to recall the
+opening words of his introductory address.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Suddenly his gaze settled upon one face amid the throng.  A moment of
+hesitation followed; then a quick whisper of excuse to the waiting
+divinity in the chair, and the perturbed president pressed his way
+toward the door.  Buck Mason stood there on guard, carelessly leaning
+against the post, his star of office gleaming beneath the light.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Buck," exclaimed Moffat, "how did that feller McNeil, and those other
+cow-punchers, get in here?  You had your orders."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mason turned his quid deliberately and spat at the open door.  "You bet
+I did, Jack," he responded cheerfully, yet with a trifle of
+exasperation evident in his eyes.  "And what's more, I reckon they was
+obeyed.  There ain't nobody got in yere ternight without they had a
+cyard."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, there has"; and Moffat forgot his natural caution in a sudden
+excess of anger.  "No invitations was sent them fellers.  Do you mean
+to say they come in through the roof?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mason straightened up, his face darkening, his clinched fist thrashing
+the air just in front of Moffat's nose.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I say they come in yere, right through this door!  An' every mother's
+son of 'em, hed a cyard.  I know what I 'm a-talkin' about, you
+miserable third-class idiot, an' if you give me any more of your lip I
+'ll paste you good an' proper.  Go back thar whar you belong, an' tind
+to your part of this fandango; I'm a runnin' mine."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Moffat hesitated, his brow black as a thunder cloud, but the crowd was
+manifestly growing restless over the delay, calling "Time!" and "Play
+ball!" and stamping their feet.  Besides, Buck was never known to be
+averse to a quarrel, and Moffat's bump of caution was well developed.
+He went back, nursing his wrath and cursing silently.  The crowd
+greeted his reappearance with prolonged applause, and some of the
+former consciousness of victory returned.  He glanced down into the
+questioning eyes of Miss Spencer, cleared his throat, then grasped her
+hand, and, as they stood there together, all his confidence came
+surging back.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Ladies and Gentlemen of Glencaid," he began gracefully, "as president
+of the Bachelor Miners' Pleasure Club, it affords me extreme
+gratification to welcome you to this the most important social event
+ever pulled off in this Territory.  It's going to be a swell affair
+from the crack of the starter's pistol to the last post, and you can
+bet on getting your money's worth every time.  That's the sort of
+hairpins we are&mdash;all wool and a yard wide.  Now, ladies and gents,
+while it is not designed that the pleasure of this evening be marred by
+any special formalities, any such unnatural restrictions as disfigure
+such functions in the effete East [applause], and while I am only too
+anxious to exclaim with the poet, 'On with the dance, let joy be
+unconfined' [great applause], yet it must be remembered that this
+high-toned outfit has been got up for a special, definite purpose, as a
+fit welcome to one who has come among us with the high and holy object
+of instructing our offspring and elevating the educational ideals of
+this community.  We, of this Bachelors' Club, may possess no offspring
+to instruct, but we sympathize with them others who have, and desire to
+show our interest in the work.  We have here with us to-night one of
+the loveliest of her sex, a flower of refinement and culture plucked
+from the Eastern hills, who, at the stern call of duty, has left her
+home and friends to devote her talents to this labor of love.  In her
+honor we meet, in her honor this room has been decorated with the
+colors of our beloved country, and to her honor we now dedicate the
+fleeting hours of this festal night.  It is impossible for her to greet
+you all personally, much as she wishes to do so, but as president of
+the Bachelor Miners' Pleasure Club, and also," with a deep bow to his
+blushing and embarrassed companion, "I may venture to add, as an
+intimate friend of our fair guest, I now introduce to you Glencaid's
+new schoolmistress&mdash;Miss Phoebe Spencer.  Hip!  Hip!  <I>Hurrah</I>!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Swinging his hand high above his head, the enthusiastic orator led the
+noisy cheers which instantly burst forth in unrestrained volume; and
+before which Miss Spencer shrank back into her chair, trembling, yet
+strangely happy.  Good humor swayed that crowd, laughter rippled from
+parted lips, while voices here and there began a spontaneous demand for
+a speech.  Miss Spencer shook her flossy head helplessly, feeling too
+deeply agitated to utter a word; and Moffat, now oblivious to
+everything but the important part he was playing in the brilliant
+spectacle, stepped before her, waving the clamorous assembly into
+temporary and expectant silence.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Our charming guest," he announced, in tones vibrant with authority,
+"is so deeply affected by this spontaneous outpouring of your good-will
+as to be unable to respond in words.  Let us respect her natural
+embarrassment; let us now exhibit that proud Western chivalry which
+will cause her to feel perfectly at home in our midst.  The orchestra
+will strike up, and amid the mazy whirling of the dance we will at once
+sink all formality, as becomes citizens of this free and boundless
+West, this land of gold, of sterling manhood, and womanly beauty.  To
+slightly change the poet's lines, written of a similar occasion:
+</P>
+
+<P CLASS="poem">
+"There was a sound of revelry by night,<BR>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And proud Glencaid had gathered then<BR>
+Her beauty and her chivalry, and bright<BR>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"So, scatter out, gents, and pick up your partners for the first whirl.
+This is our turn to treat, and our motto is 'Darn the expense.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He bent over, purposing to lead the lady of his heart forth to the
+earliest strains of the violins, his genial smile evidencing his
+satisfaction.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Say,&mdash;eh&mdash;just hold on&mdash;eh&mdash;a minute!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Moffat wheeled about, a look of amazement replacing his previous jovial
+smile.  His eyes hardened dangerously as they encountered the face of
+McNeil.  The latter was white about the lips, but primed for action,
+and not inclined to waste time in preliminaries.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Look here, this ain't your time to butt in&mdash;" began Moffat, angrily,
+but the other waved his hand.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Say, gents,&mdash;eh&mdash;that feller had his spiel all right&mdash;eh&mdash;ain't he?
+He wants to be&mdash;eh&mdash;the whole hog, but&mdash;eh,&mdash;I reckon this is
+a&mdash;eh&mdash;free country, ain't it?  Don't I have&mdash;eh&mdash;no show?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Go on, Bill!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Of course you do."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Make Jack Moffat shut up!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The justly indignant president of the Bachelors' Club remained
+motionless, his mouth still open, struggling to restrain those caustic
+and profane remarks which, in that presence, he dare not utter.  He
+instinctively flung one hand back to his hip, only to remember that all
+guns had been left at the door.  McNeil eyed him calmly, as he might
+eye a chained bear, his lips parted in a genial smile.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I&mdash;eh&mdash;ain't no great shakes of an&mdash;eh&mdash;orator," he began,
+apologetically, waving one hand toward his gasping rival, "like
+Mr.&mdash;eh&mdash;Moffat.  I can't sling words round&mdash;eh&mdash;reckless, like
+the&mdash;eh&mdash;gent what just had the floor, ner&mdash;eh&mdash;spout poetry, but I
+reckon&mdash;eh&mdash;I kin git out&mdash;eh&mdash;'bout what I got to say.  Mr. Moffat
+has&mdash;eh&mdash;told you what the&mdash;eh&mdash;Bachelor Miners' Club&mdash;eh&mdash;has been
+a-doin'.  He&mdash;eh&mdash;spread it on pretty blame thick, but&mdash;eh&mdash;I reckon
+they ain't&mdash;eh&mdash;all of 'em miners round this yere&mdash;eh&mdash;camp.  As
+the&mdash;eh&mdash;president of the&mdash;eh&mdash;Cattlemen's Shakespearian&mdash;eh&mdash;Reading
+Circle, I am asked to present to&mdash;eh&mdash;Miss Spencer a slight
+token&mdash;eh&mdash;of our esteem, and&mdash;eh&mdash;to express our pleasure
+at&mdash;eh&mdash;being permitted," he bowed to the choking Mr. Moffat, "eh&mdash;to
+participate in this&mdash;eh&mdash;most glorious occasion."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He stepped forward, and dropped into Miss Spencer's lap a small
+plush-covered box.  Her fingers pressed the spring, and, as the lid
+flew open, the brilliant flash of a diamond dazzled her eyes.  She sat
+staring at it, unable for the moment to find speech.  Then the
+assemblage burst into an unrestrained murmur of admiration, and the
+sound served to arouse her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, how beautiful it all is!" she exclaimed, rapturously.  "I hardly
+know what to say, or whom to thank.  I never heard of anything so
+perfectly splendid before.  It makes me cry just to remember that it is
+all done for me.  Oh, Mr. Moffat, I want to thank, through you, the
+gentlemen of the Bachelors' Club for this magnificent reception.  I
+know I do not deserve it, but it makes me so proud to realize the
+interest you all take in my work.  And, Mr. McNeil, I beg you to return
+my gratitude to the gentlemen of the&mdash;the (oh, thank you)&mdash;the
+Cattlemen's Shakespearian Reading Circle (how very nice of you to have
+such an organization for the study of higher literature!) for this
+superb gift.  I shall never forget this night, or what it has brought
+me, and I simply cannot express my real feelings at all; I&mdash;I don't
+know what to say, or&mdash;or what to do."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She paused, burying her face in her hands, her body shaken with sobs.
+Moffat, scarcely knowing whether to swear or smile, hastily signalled
+for the waiting musicians to begin.  As they swung merrily into waltz
+measure he stepped forward, fully confident of his first claim for that
+opening dance, and vaguely conscious that, once upon the floor with
+her, he might thus regain his old leadership.  Miss Spencer glanced up
+at him through her tears.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I&mdash;I really feel scarcely equal to the attempt," she murmured
+nervously, yet rising to her feet.  Then a new thought seemed suddenly
+to occur to her.  "Oh, Mr. Moffat, I have been so highly favored, and I
+am so extremely anxious to do everything I can to show my gratitude.  I
+know it is requesting so much of you to ask your relinquishment of this
+first dance with me to-night.  As president of the Bachelors' Club it
+is your right, of course, but don't you truly think I ought to give it
+to Mr. McNeil?  We were together all the way from the house, you know,
+and we had such a delightful walk.  You wouldn't truly mind yielding up
+your claim for just this once, would you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Moffat did not reply, simply because he could not; he was struck dumb,
+gasping for breath, the room whirling around before him, while he
+stared at her with dazed, unseeing eyes.  His very helplessness to
+respond she naturally interpreted as acquiescence.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It is so good of you, Mr. Moffat, for I realize how you were counting
+upon this first dance, were n't you?  But Mr. McNeil being here as the
+guest of your club, I think it is perfectly beautiful of you to waive
+your own rights as president, so as to acknowledge his unexpected
+contribution to the joy of our evening."  She touched him playfully
+with her hand, the other resting lightly upon McNeil's sleeve, her
+innocent, happy face upturned to his dazed eyes.  "But remember, the
+next turn is to be yours, and I shall never forget this act of
+chivalry."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It is doubtful if he saw her depart, for the entire room was merely an
+indistinct blur.  He was too desperately angry even to swear.  In this
+emergency, Mr. Wynkoop, dimly realizing that something unpleasant had
+occurred, sought to attract the attention of his new parishioner along
+happier lines.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How exceedingly strange it is, Mr. Moffat," he ventured, "that beings
+otherwise rational, and possessing souls destined for eternity, can
+actually appear to extract pleasure from such senseless exercises?  I
+do not in the least blame Miss Spencer, for she is yet young, and
+probably thoughtless about such matters, as the youthful are wont to
+be, but I am, indeed, rejoiced to note that you do not dance."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Moffat wheeled upon him, his teeth grinding savagely together.  "Shut
+up!" he snapped, fiercely, and shaking off the pastor's gently
+restraining fingers, shouldered his passage through the crowd toward
+the door.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0206"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER VI
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE LIEUTENANT MEETS MISS SPENCER
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Lieutenant Brant was somewhat delayed in reaching the scene of Miss
+Spencer's social triumph.  Certain military requirements were largely
+responsible for this delay, and he had patiently wrestled with an
+unsatisfactory toilet, mentally excoriating a service which would not
+permit the transportation of dress uniforms while on scouting detail.
+Nevertheless, when he finally stepped forth into the brilliant
+moonlight, he presented an interesting, soldierly figure, his face
+still retaining a bit of the boy about it, his blue eyes bright with
+expectancy.  That afternoon he had half decided not to go at all, the
+glamour of such events having long before grown dim, but the peculiar
+attraction of this night proved too strong; not thus easily could he
+erase from memory the haunting witchery of a face.  Beyond doubt, when
+again viewed amid the conventionalities, much of its imagined charm
+would vanish; yet he would see her once more, although no longer
+looking forward to drawing a prize.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The dance was already in full swing, the exciting preliminaries having
+been largely forgotten in the exuberance of motion, when he finally
+pushed his way through the idle loungers gathered about the door, and
+gained entrance to the hall.  Many glanced curiously at him, attracted
+by the glitter of his uniform, but he recognized none among them, and
+therefore passed steadily toward the musicians' stand, where there
+appeared to be a few unoccupied chairs.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The scene was one of color and action.  The rapid, pulsating music, the
+swiftly whirling figures, the quivering drapery overhead, the bright
+youthful faces, the glow of numerous lamps, together with the ceaseless
+voices and merry shuffling of feet, all combined to create a scene
+sufficiently picturesque.  It was altogether different from what he had
+anticipated.  He watched the speeding figures, striving in vain to
+distinguish the particular one whose charms had lured him thither.  He
+looked upon fair faces in plenty, flushed cheeks and glowing eyes
+skurried past him, with swirling skirts and flashes of neatly turned
+ankles, as these enthusiastic maids and matrons from hill and prairie
+strove to make amends for long abstinence.  But among them all he was
+unable to distinguish the wood-nymph whose girlish frankness and grace
+had left so deep an impression on his memory.  Yet surely she must be
+present, for, to his understanding, this whole gay festival was in her
+honor.  Directly across the room he caught sight of the Reverend Mr.
+Wynkoop conversing with a lady of somewhat rounded charms, and picked
+his way in their direction.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The missionary, who had yet scarcely recovered from the shock of
+Moffat's impulsive speech, and who, in truth, had been hiding an
+agonized heart behind a smiling face, was only too delighted at any
+excuse which would enable him to approach Miss Spencer, and press aside
+those cavaliers who were monopolizing her attention.  The handicap of
+not being able to dance he felt to be heavy, and he greeted the
+lieutenant with unusual heartiness of manner.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, most assuredly, my dear sir, most assuredly," he said.  "Mrs.
+Herndon, permit me to make you acquainted with Lieutenant Brant, of the
+Seventh Cavalry."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The two, thus introduced, bowed, and exchanged a few words, while Mr.
+Wynkoop busied himself in peering about the room, making a great
+pretence at searching out the lady guest, who, in very truth, had
+scarcely been absent from his sight during the entire evening.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Ah!" he ejaculated, "at last I locate her, and, fortunately, at this
+moment she is not upon the floor, although positively hidden by the men
+clustering about her chair.  You will excuse us, Mrs. Herndon, but I
+have promised Lieutenant Brant a presentation to your niece."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They slipped past the musicians' stand, and the missionary pressed in
+through the ring of admirers.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Mr. Wynkoop!" and she extended both hands impulsively.  "And only
+to think, you have never once been near me all this evening; you have
+not congratulated me on my good fortune, nor exhibited the slightest
+interest!  You don't know how much I have missed you.  I was just
+saying to Mr. Moffat&mdash;or it might have been Mr. McNeil&mdash;that I was
+completely tired out and wished you were here to sit out this dance
+with me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Wynkoop blushed and forgot the errand which had brought him there, but
+she remained sufficiently cool and observant.  She touched him gently
+with her hand.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who is that fine-looking young officer?" she questioned softly, yet
+without venturing to remove her glance from his face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Wynkoop started.  "Oh, exactly; I had forgotten my mission.  He has
+requested an introduction."  He drew the lieutenant forward.
+"Lieutenant Brant, Miss Spencer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The officer bowed, a slight shadow of disappointment in his eyes.  The
+lady was unquestionably attractive, her face animated, her reception
+most cordial, yet she was not the maiden of the dark, fathomless eyes
+and the wealth of auburn hair.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Such a pleasure to meet you," exclaimed Miss Spencer, her eyes
+uplifted shyly, only to become at once modestly shaded behind their
+long lashes.  "Do you know, Lieutenant, that actually I have never
+before had the privilege of meeting an officer of the army.  Why, we in
+the East scarcely realize that we possess such a body of brave men.
+But I have read much regarding the border, and all the dreams of my
+girlhood seem on the point of realization since I came here and began
+mingling in its free, wild life.  Your appearance supplies the one
+touch of color that was lacking to make the picture complete.  Mr.
+Moffat has done so much to make me realize the breadth of Western
+experience, and now, I do so hope, you will some time find opportunity
+to recount to me some of your army exploits."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The lieutenant smiled.  "Most gladly; yet just now, I confess, the
+music invites me, and I am sufficiently bold to request your company
+upon the floor."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer sighed regretfully, her eyes sweeping across those
+numerous manly faces surrounding them.  "Why, really, Lieutenant Brant,
+I scarcely see how I possibly can.  I have already refused so many this
+evening, and even now I almost believe I must be under direct
+obligation to some one of those gentlemen.  Still," hesitatingly, "your
+being a total stranger here must be taken into consideration.  Mr.
+Moffat, Mr. McNeil, Mr. Mason, surely you will grant me release this
+once?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was no verbal response to the appeal, only an uneasy movement;
+but her period of waiting was extremely brief.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I knew you would; you have all been so kind and considerate."  She
+arose, resting her daintily gloved hand upon Brant's blue sleeve, her
+pleased eyes smiling up confidingly into his.  Then with a charming
+smile, "Oh, Mr. Wynkoop, I have decided to claim your escort to supper.
+You do not care?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Wynkoop bowed, his face like a poppy.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I thought you would not mind obliging me in this.  Come, Lieutenant."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer, when she desired to be, was a most vivacious companion,
+and always an excellent dancer.  Brant easily succumbed to her sway,
+and became, for the time being, a victim to her charms.  They circled
+the long room twice, weaving their way skilfully among the numerous
+couples, forgetful of everything but the subtile intoxication of that
+swinging cadence to which their feet kept such perfect time,
+occasionally exchanging brief sentences in which compliment played no
+insignificant part.  To Brant, as he marked the heightened color
+flushing her fair cheeks, the experience brought back fond memories of
+his last cadet ball at the Point, and he hesitated to break the mystic
+spell with abrupt questioning.  Curiosity, however, finally mastered
+his reticence.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Miss Spencer," he asked, "may I inquire if you possess such a
+phenomenon as a 'star' pupil?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The lady laughed merrily, but her expression became somewhat puzzled.
+"Really, what a very strange question!  Why, not unless it might be
+little Sammy Worrell; he can certainly use the longest words I ever
+heard of outside a dictionary.  Why, may I ask?  Are you especially
+interested in prodigies?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, not in the least; certainly not in little Sammy Worrell.  The
+person I had reference to chances to be a young woman, having dark
+eyes, and a wealth of auburn hair.  We met quite by accident, and the
+sole clew I now possess to her identity is a claim she advanced to
+being your 'star' pupil."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer sighed somewhat regretfully, and her eyes fell.  "I fear
+it must have been Naida, from your description.  But she is scarcely
+more than a child.  Surely, Lieutenant, it cannot be possible that you
+have become interested in her?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He smiled pleasantly.  "At least eighteen, is she not?  I was somewhat
+impressed with her evident originality, and hoped to renew our slight
+acquaintanceship here in more formal manner.  She is your 'star' pupil,
+then?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, she is not really in my school at all, but I outline the studies
+she pursues at home, and lend her such books as I consider best adapted
+for her reading.  She is such a strange girl!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Indeed?  She appeared to me to be extremely unconventional, with a
+decided tendency for mischief.  Is that your meaning?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Partially.  She manages to do everything in a different way from other
+people.  Her mind seems peculiarly independent, and she is so
+unreservedly Western in her ways and language.  But I was referring
+rather to her taste in books&mdash;she devours everything."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You mean as a student?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, yes, I suppose so; at least she appears to possess the faculty
+of absorbing every bit of information, like a sponge.  Sometimes she
+actually startles me with her odd questions; they are so unexpected and
+abstruse, falling from the lips of so young a girl.  Then her ideas are
+so crude and uncommon, and she is so frankly outspoken, that I become
+actually nervous when I am with her.  I really believe Mr. Wynkoop
+seeks to avoid meeting her, she has shocked him so frequently in
+religious matters."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Does she make light of his faith?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, no, not that exactly, at least it is not her intention.  But she
+wants to know everything&mdash;why we believe this and why we believe that,
+doctrines which no one else ever dreams of questioning, and he cannot
+seem to make them clear to her mind.  Some of her questions are so
+irreverent as to be positively shocking to a spiritually minded person."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They lapsed into silence, swinging easily to the guidance of the music.
+His face was grave and thoughtful.  This picture just drawn of the
+perverse Naida had not greatly lowered her in his estimation, although
+he felt instinctively that Miss Spencer was not altogether pleased with
+his evident interest in another.  It was hardly in her nature patiently
+to brook a rival, but she dissembled with all the art of a clever
+woman, smiling happily up into his face as their eyes again met.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It is very interesting to know that you two met in so unconventional a
+way," she ventured, softly, "and so sly of her not even to mention it
+to me.  We are room-mates, you know, and consequently quite intimate,
+although she possesses many peculiar characteristics which I cannot in
+the least approve.  But after all, Naida is really a good-hearted girl
+enough, and she will probably outgrow her present irregular ways, for,
+indeed, she is scarcely more than a child.  I shall certainly do my
+best to guide her aright.  Would you mind giving me some details of
+your meeting?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a moment he hesitated, feeling that if the girl had not seen fit to
+confide her adventure to this particular friend, it was hardly his
+place to do so.  Then, remembering that he had already said enough to
+arouse curiosity, which might easily be developed into suspicion, he
+determined his course.  In a few words the brief story was frankly
+told, and apparently proved quite amusing to Miss Spencer.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, that was Naida, beyond a doubt," she exclaimed, with a laugh of
+satisfaction.  "It is all so characteristic of her.  I only wonder how
+she chanced to guess your name; but really the girl appears to possess
+some peculiar gift in thus discerning facts hidden from others.  Her
+instincts seem so finely developed that at times she reminds me of a
+wild animal."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This caustic inference did not please him, but he said nothing, and the
+music coming to a pause, they slowly traversed the room.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I presume, then, she is not present?" he said, quietly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer glanced into his face, the grave tone making her
+apprehensive that she might have gone too far.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She was here earlier in the evening, but now that you remind me of it,
+I do not recall having noticed her of late.  But, really, Lieutenant,
+it is no part of my duty to chaperon the young girl.  Mrs. Herndon
+could probably inform you of her present whereabouts."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer was conscious of the sting of failure, and her face
+flushed with vexation.  "It is extremely close in here, don't you
+think?" she complained.  "And I was so careless as to mislay my fan.  I
+feel almost suffocated."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Did you leave it at home?" he questioned.  "Possibly I might discover
+a substitute somewhere in the room."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, no; I would never think of troubling you to such an extent.  No
+doubt this feeling of lassitude will pass away shortly.  It was very
+foolish of me, but I left the fan with my wraps at the hotel.  It can
+be recovered when we go across to supper."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+In spite of Miss Spencer's quiet words of renunciation, there was a
+look of pleading in her shyly uplifted eyes impossible to resist.
+Brant promptly surrendered before this masked battery.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It will be no more than a pleasure to recover it for you," he
+protested, gallantly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The stairs leading down from the hall entrance were shrouded in
+darkness, the street below nearly deserted of loiterers, although
+lights streamed forth resplendently from the undraped windows of the
+Occidental and the hotel opposite.  Assisted in his search by Mrs.
+Guffy, the officer succeeded in recovering the lost fan, and started to
+return.  Just without the hotel door, under the confusing shadows of
+the wide porch, he came suddenly face to face with a young woman, the
+unexpected encounter a mutual and embarrassing surprise.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0207"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER VII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+AN UNUSUAL GIRL
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+The girl was without wraps, her dress of some light, fleecy material
+fitting her slender figure exquisitely, her head uncovered; within her
+eyes Brant imagined he could detect the glint of tears.  She spoke
+first, her voice faltering slightly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Will you kindly permit me to pass?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He stepped instantly to one side, bowing as he did so.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I beg your pardon for such seeming rudeness," he said, gravely.  "I
+have been seeking you all the evening, yet this unexpected meeting
+caught me quite unawares."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You have been seeking me?  That is strange.  For what reason, pray?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"To achieve what you were once kind enough to suggest as possible&mdash;the
+formality of an introduction.  It would seem, however, that fate makes
+our meetings informal."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That is your fault, not mine."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I gladly assume all responsibility, if you will only waive the
+formality and accept my friendship."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her face seemed to lighten, while her lips twitched as if suppressing a
+smile.  "You are very forgetful.  Did I not tell you that we
+Presbyterians are never guilty of such indiscretions?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I believe you did, but I doubt your complete surrender to the creed."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Doubt!  Only our second time of meeting, and you already venture to
+doubt!  This can scarcely be construed into a compliment, I fear."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yet to my mind it may prove the very highest type of compliment," he
+returned, reassured by her manner.  "For a certain degree of
+independence in both thought and action is highly commendable.  Indeed,
+I am going to be bold enough to add that it was these very attributes
+that awakened my interest in you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, indeed; you cause me to blush already.  My frankness, I fear, bids
+fair to cost me all my friends, and I may even go beyond your pardon,
+if the perverse spirit of my nature so move me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The risk of such a catastrophe is mine, and I would gladly dare that
+much to get away from conventional commonplace.  One advantage of such
+meetings as ours is an immediate insight into each other's deeper
+nature.  For one I shall sincerely rejoice if you will permit the good
+fortune of our chance meeting to be alone sponsor for our future
+friendship.  Will you not say yes?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She looked at him with greater earnestness, her young face sobered by
+the words spoken.  Whatever else she may have seen revealed there, the
+countenance bending slightly toward her was a serious, manly one,
+inspiring respect, awakening confidence.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And I do agree," she said, extending her hand in a girlish impulse.
+"It will, at least, be a new experience and therefore worth the trial.
+I will even endeavor to restrain my rebellious spirit, so that you will
+not be unduly shocked."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He laughed, now placed entirely at his ease.  "Your need of mercy is
+appreciated, fair lady.  Is it your desire to return to the hall?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She shook her head positively.  "A cheap, gaudy show, all bluster and
+vulgarity.  Even the dancing is a mere parody.  I early tired of it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then let us choose the better part, and sit here on the bench, the
+night our own."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He conducted her across the porch to the darkest corner, where only
+rifts of light stole trembling in between the shadowing vines, and
+there found convenient seats.  A moment they remained in silence, and
+he could hear her breathing.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Have you truly been at the hall," she questioned, "or were you merely
+fibbing to awaken my interest?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I truly have been," he answered, "and actually have danced a measure
+with the fair guest of the evening."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"With Phoebe Spencer!  And yet you dare pretend now to retain an
+interest in me?  Lieutenant Brant, you must be a most talented
+deceiver, or else the strangest person I ever met.  Such a miracle has
+never occurred before!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, it has certainly occurred now; nor am I in this any vain
+deceiver.  I truly met Miss Spencer.  I was the recipient of her most
+entrancing smiles; I listened to her modulated voice; I bore her off, a
+willing captive, from a throng of despairing admirers; I danced with
+her, gazing down into her eyes, with her fluffy hair brushing my cheek,
+yet resisted all her charms and came forth thinking only of you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Indeed?  Your proof?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He drew the white satin fan forth from his pocket, and held it out
+toward her with mock humility.  "This, unbelieving princess.
+Despatched by the fair lady in question to fetch this bauble from the
+dressing-room, I forgot my urgent errand in the sudden delight of
+finding you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The case seems fully proved," she confessed, laughingly, "and it is
+surely not my duty to punish the culprit.  What did you talk about?
+But, pshaw, I know well enough without asking&mdash;she told you how greatly
+she admired the romance of the West, and begged you to call upon her
+with a recital of your own exploits.  Have I not guessed aright?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Partially, at least; some such expressions were used."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Of course, they always are.  I do not know whether they form merely a
+part of her stock in trade, or are spoken earnestly.  You would laugh
+to hear the tales of wild and thrilling adventure which she picks up,
+and actually believes.  That Jack Moffat possesses the most marvellous
+imagination for such things, and if I make fun of his impossible
+stories she becomes angry in an instant."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I am afraid you do not greatly admire this Miss Spencer?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, but I do; truly I do.  You must not think me ungrateful.  No one
+has ever helped me more, and beneath this mask of artificiality she is
+really a noble-hearted woman.  I do not understand the necessity for
+people to lead false lives.  Is it this way in all society&mdash;Eastern
+society, I mean?  Do men and women there continually scheme and flirt,
+smile and stab, forever assuming parts like so many play-actors?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It is far too common," he admitted, touched by her naive questioning.
+"What is known as fashionable social life has become an almost pitiful
+sham, and you can scarcely conceive the relief it is to meet with one
+utterly uncontaminated by its miserable deceits, its shallow
+make-believes.  It is no wonder you shock the nerves of such people;
+the deed is easily accomplished."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But I do not mean to."  And she looked at him gravely, striving to
+make him comprehend.  "I try so hard to be&mdash;be commonplace, and&mdash;and
+satisfied.  Only there is so much that seems silly, useless, pitifully
+contemptible that I lose all patience.  Perhaps I need proper training
+in what Miss Spencer calls refinement; but why should I pretend to like
+what I don't like, and to believe what I don't believe?  Cannot one act
+a lie as well as speak one?  And is it no longer right to search after
+the truth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I have always felt it was our duty to discover the truth wherever
+possible," he said, thoughtfully; "yet, I confess, the search is not
+fashionable, nor the earnest seeker popular."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A little trill of laughter flowed from between her parted lips, but the
+sound was not altogether merry.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Most certainly I am not.  They all scold me, and repeat with manifest
+horror the terrible things I say, being unconscious that they are evil.
+Why should I suspect thoughts that come to me naturally?  I want to
+know, to understand.  I grope about in the dark.  It seems to me
+sometimes that this whole world is a mystery.  I go to Mr. Wynkoop with
+my questions, and they only seem to shock him.  Why should they?  God
+must have put all these doubts and wonderings into my mind, and there
+must be an answer for them somewhere.  Mr. Wynkoop is a good man, I
+truly respect him.  I want to please him, and I admire his intellectual
+attainments; but how can he accept so much on faith, and be content?
+Do you really suppose he is content?  Don't you think he ever questions
+as I do? or has he actually succeeded in smothering every doubt?  He
+cannot answer what I ask him; he cannot make things clear.  He just
+pulls up a few, cheap, homely weeds,&mdash;useless common things,&mdash;when I
+beg for flowers; he hands them to me, and bids me seek greater faith
+through prayer.  I know I am a perfect heathen,&mdash;Miss Spencer says I
+am,&mdash;but do you think it is so awful for me to want to know these
+things?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He permitted his hand to drop upon hers, and she made no motion of
+displeasure.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You merely express clearly what thousands feel without the moral
+courage to utter it.  The saddest part of it all is, the deeper we
+delve the less we are satisfied in our intellectual natures.  We merely
+succeed in learning that we are the veriest pygmies.  Men like Mr.
+Wynkoop are simply driven back upon faith as a last resort, absolutely
+baffled by an inpenetrable wall, against which they batter mentally in
+vain.  They have striven with mystery, only to meet with ignominious
+defeat.  Faith alone remains, and I dare not deny that such faith is
+above all knowledge.  The pity of it is, there are some minds to whom
+this refuge is impossible.  They are forever doomed to be hungry and
+remain unfed; thirsty, yet unable to quench their thirst."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Are you a church member?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you believe those things you do not understand?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He drew a deep breath, scarcely knowing at that moment how best to
+answer, yet sincerely anxious to lead this girl toward the light.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The majority of men do not talk much about such matters.  They hold
+them sacred.  Yet I will speak frankly with you.  I could not state in
+words my faith so that it would be clearly apprehended by the mind of
+another.  I am in the church because I believe its efforts are toward
+righteousness, because I believe the teachings of Christ are perfect.
+His life the highest possible type of living, and because through Him
+we receive all the information regarding a future existence which we
+possess.  That my mind rests satisfied I do not say; I simply accept
+what is given, preferring a little light to total darkness."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But here they refuse to accept any one like that.  They say I am not
+yet in a fit state of mind."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Such a judgment would seem to me narrow.  I was fortunate in coming
+under the influence of a broad-minded religious teacher.  To my
+statement of doubts he simply said: 'Believe what you can; live the
+very best you can, and keep your mind open toward the light.'  It seems
+to me now this is all that anyone can do whose nature will not permit
+of blind, unquestioning faith.  To require more of ordinary human
+beings is unreasonable, for God gave us mind and ability to think."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was a pause, so breathless they could hear the rustle of the
+leaves in the almost motionless air, while the strains of gay music
+floating from the open windows sounded loud and strident.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I am so glad you have spoken in that way," she confessed.  "I shall
+never feel quite so much alone in the world again, and I shall see
+these matters from a different viewpoint.  Is it wrong&mdash;unwomanly, I
+mean&mdash;for me to question spiritual things?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I am unable to conceive why it should be.  Surely woman ought to be as
+deeply concerned in things spiritual as man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How very strange it is that we should thus drift into such an intimate
+talk at our second meeting!" she exclaimed.  "But it seems so easy, so
+natural, to converse frankly with some people&mdash;they appear to draw out
+all that is best in one's heart.  Then there are others who seem to
+parch and wither up every germ of spiritual life."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There are those in the world who truly belong together," he urged,
+daringly.  "They belong to each other by some divine law.  They may
+never be privileged to meet; but if they do, the commingling of their
+minds and souls is natural.  This talk of ours to-night has, perhaps,
+done me as much good as you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I am so glad if it has!  I&mdash;I do not believe you and Miss Spencer
+conversed in this way?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Heaven forbid!  And yet it might puzzle you to guess what was the main
+topic of our conversation."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Did it interest you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Deeply."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, then, it could not be dress, or men, or Western romance, or
+society in Boston, or the beautiful weather.  I guess it was books."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Wrong; they were never mentioned."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then I shall have to give up, for I do not remember any other subjects
+she talks about."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yet it was the most natural topic imaginable&mdash;yourself."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You were discussing me?  Why, how did that happen?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Very simply, and I was wholly to blame.  To be perfectly honest, Miss
+Naida, I attended the dance to-night for no other object than to meet
+you again.  But I had argued myself into the belief that you were Miss
+Spencer.  The discovery of my mistake merely intensified my
+determination to learn who you really were.  With this purpose, I
+interviewed Miss Spencer, and during the course of our conversation the
+facts of my first meeting with you became known."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You told her how very foolish I acted?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I told her how deeply interested I had become in your outspoken
+manner."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh! And she exclaimed, 'How romantic!'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Possibly; she likewise took occasion to suggest that you were merely a
+child, and seemed astonished that I should have given you a second
+thought."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, I am eighteen."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I told her I believed you to be of that age, and she ignored my
+remark.  But what truly surprised both of us was, how you happened to
+know my name."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The girl did not attempt to answer, and she was thankful enough that
+there was not sufficient light to betray the reddening of her cheeks.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And you do not mean, even now, to make clear the mystery?" he asked.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not&mdash;now," she answered, almost timidly.  "It is nothing much, only I
+would rather not now."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The sudden sound of voices and laughter in the street beneath brought
+them both to their feet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, they are coming across to supper," she exclaimed, in surprise.
+"How long we have been here, and it has seemed scarcely a moment!  I
+shall certainly be in for a scolding, Lieutenant Brant; and I fear your
+only means of saving me from being promptly sent home in disgrace will
+be to escort me in to supper."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A delightful punishment!"  He drew her hand through his arm, and said:
+"And then you will pledge me the first dance following?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, you must n't ask me.  Really, I have not been on the floor
+to-night; I am not in the mood."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you yield to moods?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, of course I do.  Is it not a woman's privilege?  If you know me
+long it will be to find me all moods."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If they only prove as attractive as the particular one swaying you
+to-night, I shall certainly have no cause for complaint.  Come, Miss
+Naida, please cultivate the mood to say yes, before those others
+arrive."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She glanced up at him, shaking her dark hair, her lips smiling.  "My
+present mood is certainly a good-natured one," she confessed, softly,
+"and consequently it is impossible to say no."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His hand pressed hers, as the thronging couples came merrily up the
+steps.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Naida, is this you, child?  Where have you been all this time?"
+It was Miss Spencer, clinging to Mr. Wynkoop's arm.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Merely sitting out a dance," was the seemingly indifferent answer;
+then she added sweetly, "Have you ever met my friend, Lieutenant Brant,
+of the Seventh Cavalry, Phoebe?  We were just going in to supper."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer's glance swept over the silent young officer.  "I believe
+I have had the honor.  It was my privilege to be introduced to the
+gentleman by a mutual friend."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The inward rush of hungry guests swept them all forward in laughing,
+jostling confusion; but Naida's cheeks burned with indignation.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0208"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER VIII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE REAPPEARANCE OF AN OLD FRIEND
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+After supper the Lieutenant and Naida danced twice together, the young
+girl's mood having apparently changed to one of buoyant, careless
+happiness, her dark eyes smiling, her lips uttering freely whatever
+thought came uppermost.  Outwardly she pictured the gay and merry
+spirit of the night, yet to Brant, already observing her with the
+jealousy of a lover, she appeared distrait and restless, her
+affectation of abandon a mere mask to her true feelings.  There was a
+peculiar watchfulness in her glances about the crowded room, while her
+flushed cheeks, and the distinctly false note in her laughter, began to
+trouble him not a little.  Perhaps these things might have passed
+unnoted but for their contrast with the late confidential chat.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He could not reconcile this sudden change with what he believed of her.
+It was not carried out with the practised art of one accustomed to
+deceit.  There must be something real influencing her action.  These
+misgivings burdened his mind even as he swung lightly with her to the
+music, and they talked together in little snatches.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He had forgotten Miss Spencer, forgotten everything else about him,
+permitting himself to become enthralled by this strange girl whose name
+even he did not know.  In every way she had appealed to his
+imagination, awakening his interest, his curiosity, his respect, and
+even now, when some secret seemed to sway her conduct, it merely served
+to strengthen his resolve to advance still farther in her regard.
+There are natures which welcome strife; they require opposition,
+difficulty, to develop their real strength.  Brant was of this breed.
+The very conception that some person, even some inanimate thing, might
+stand between him and the heart of this fair woman acted upon him like
+a stimulant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The last of the two waltzes ended, they walked slowly through the
+scattering throng, he striving vainly to arouse her to the former
+independence and intimacy of speech.  While endeavoring bravely to
+exhibit interest, her mind too clearly wandered, and there was borne in
+slowly upon him the distasteful idea that she would prefer being left
+alone.  Brant had been secretly hoping it might become his privilege to
+escort her home, but now he durst not breathe the words of such a
+request.  Something indefinable had arisen between them which held the
+man dumb and nerveless.  Suddenly they came face to face with Mrs.
+Herndon, and Brant felt the girl's arm twitch.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I have been looking everywhere for you, Naida," Mrs. Herndon said, a
+slight complaint in her voice.  "We were going home."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Naida's cheeks reddened painfully.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I am so sorry if I have kept you waiting," her words spoken with a
+rush, "but&mdash;but, Lieutenant Brant was intending to accompany me.  We
+were just starting for the cloak-room."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, indeed!"  Mrs. Herndon's expression was noncommittal, while her
+eyes surveyed the lieutenant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"With your permission, of course," he said.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I hardly think I have any need to interfere."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They separated, the younger people walking slowly, silently toward the
+door.  He held her arm, assisting her to descend the stairway, his lips
+murmuring a few commonplaces, to which she scarcely returned even
+monosyllabic replies, although she frequently flashed shy glances at
+his grave face.  Both realized that some explanation was forthcoming,
+yet neither was quite prepared to force the issue.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I have no wraps at the hotel," she said, as he attempted to turn that
+way.  "That was a lie also; let us walk directly down the road."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He indulged in no comment, his eyes perceiving a pathetic pleading in
+her upturned face.  Suddenly there came to him a belief that the girl
+was crying; he could feel the slight tremor of her form against his
+own.  He glanced furtively at her, only to catch the glitter of a
+falling tear.  To her evident distress, his heart made instant and
+sympathetic response.  With all respect influencing the action, his
+hand closed warmly over the smaller one on his sleeve.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Little girl," he said, forgetting the shortness of their acquaintance
+in the deep feeling of the moment, "tell me what the trouble is."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I suppose you think me an awful creature for saying that," she blurted
+out, without looking up.  "It wasn't ladylike or nice, but&mdash;but I
+simply could n't help it, Lieutenant Brant."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You mean your sudden determination to carry me home with you?" he
+asked, relieved to think this might prove the entire difficulty.
+"Don't let that worry you.  Why, I am simply rejoiced at being
+permitted to go.  Do you know, I wanted to request the privilege all
+the time we were dancing together.  But you acted so differently from
+when we were beneath the vines that I actually lost my nerve."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She looked up, and he caught a fleeting glimpse into her unveiled eyes.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I did not wish you to ask me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What?"  He stopped suddenly.  "Why then did you make such an
+announcement to Mrs. Herndon?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, that was different," she explained, uneasily.  "I had to do that;
+I had to trust you to help me out, but&mdash;but I really wanted to go home
+alone."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He swept his unbelieving eyes around over the deserted night scene, not
+knowing what answer to return to so strange an avowal.  "Was that what
+caused you to appear so distant to me in the hall, so vastly different
+from what you had been before?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She nodded, but with her gaze still upon the ground.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Miss Naida," he said, "it would be cowardly for me to attempt to dodge
+this issue between us.  Is it because you do not like me?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She looked up quickly, the moonlight revealing her flushed face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, no, no! you must never think that.  I told you I was a girl of
+moods; under those vines I had one mood, in the hall another.  Cannot
+you understand?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Very little," he admitted, "for I am more inclined to believe you are
+the possessor of a strong will than that you are swayed by moods.
+Listen.  If I thought that a mere senseless mood had caused your
+peculiar treatment of me to-night, I should feel justified in yielding
+to a mood also.  But I will not lower you to that extent in my
+estimation; I prefer to believe that you are the true-hearted, frankly
+spoken girl of the vine shadow.  It is this abiding conviction as to
+your true nature which holds me loyal to a test.  Miss Naida, is it now
+your desire that I leave you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He stepped aside, relinquishing her arm, his hat in hand, but she did
+not move from where he left her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It&mdash;it hurts me," she faltered, "for I truly desire you to think in
+that way of me, and I&mdash;I don't know what is best to do.  If I tell you
+why I wished to come alone, you might misunderstand; and if I refuse,
+then you will suspect wrong, and go away despising me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I sincerely wish you might repose sufficient confidence in me as a
+gentleman to believe I never betray a trust, never pry into a lady's
+secret."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I do, Lieutenant Brant.  It is not doubt of you at all; but I am
+not sure, even within my own heart, that I am doing just what is right.
+Besides, it will be so difficult to make you, almost a stranger,
+comprehend the peculiar conditions which influence my action.  Even now
+you suspect that I am deceitful&mdash;a masked sham like those others we
+discussed to-night; but I have never played a part before, never
+skulked in the dark.  To-night I simply had to do it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her voice was low and pleading, her eyes an appeal; and Brant could not
+resist the impulse to comfort.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then attempt no explanation," he said, gently, "and believe me, I
+shall continue to trust you.  To-night, whatever your wish may be, I
+will abide by it.  Shall I go, or stay?  In either case you have
+nothing to fear."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She drew a deep breath, these open words of faith touching her more
+strongly than would any selfish fault-finding.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Trust begets trust," she replied, with new firmness, and now gazing
+frankly into his face.  "You can walk with me a portion of the way if
+you wish, but I am going to tell you the truth,&mdash;I have an appointment
+with a man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I naturally regret to learn this," he said, with assumed calmness.
+"But the way is so lonely I prefer walking with you until you have some
+other protector."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She accepted his proffered arm, feeling the constraint in his tone, the
+formality in his manner, most keenly.  An older woman might have
+resented it, but it only served to sadden and embarrass her.  He began
+speaking of the quiet beauty of the night, but she had no thought of
+what he was saying.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Lieutenant Brant," she said, at last, "you do not ask me who the man
+is."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Certainly not, Miss Naida; it is none of my business."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I think, perhaps, it might be; the knowledge might help you to
+understand.  It is Bob Hampton."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He stared at her.  "The gambler?  No wonder, then, your meeting is
+clandestine."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She replied indignantly, her lips trembling.  "He is not a gambler; he
+is a miner, over in the Black Range.  He has not touched a card in two
+years."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, reformed has he?  And are you the instrument that has worked such
+a miracle?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her eyes fell.  "I don't know, but I hope so."  Then she glanced up
+again, wondering at his continued silence.  "Don't you understand yet?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Only that you are secretly meeting a man of the worst reputation, one
+known the length and breadth of this border as a gambler and fighter."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes; but&mdash;but don't you know who I am?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He smiled grimly, wondering what possible difference that could make.
+"Certainly; you are Miss Naida Herndon."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I?  You have not known?  Lieutenant Brant, I am Naida Gillis."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He stopped still, again facing her.  "Naida Gillis?  Do you mean old
+Gillis's girl?  Is it possible you are the same we rescued on the
+prairie two years ago?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She bowed her head.  "Yes; do you understand now why I trust this Bob
+Hampton?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I perhaps might comprehend why you should feel grateful to him, but
+not why you should thus consent to meet with him clandestinely."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He could not see the deep flush upon her cheeks, but he was not deaf to
+the pitiful falter in her voice.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Because he has been good and true to me," she explained, frankly,
+"better than anybody else in all the world.  I don't care what you say,
+you and those others who do not know him, but I believe in him; I think
+he is a man.  They won't let me see him, the Herndons, nor permit him
+to come to the house.  He has not been in Glencaid for two years, until
+yesterday.  The Indian rising has driven all the miners out from the
+Black Range, and he came down here for no other purpose than to get a
+glimpse of me, and learn how I was getting on.  I&mdash;I saw him over at
+the hotel just for a moment&mdash;Mrs. Guffy handed me a note&mdash;and I&mdash;I had
+only just left him when I encountered you at the door.  I wanted to see
+him again, to talk with him longer, but I couldn't manage to get away
+from you, and I didn't know what to do.  There, I've told it all; do
+you really think I am so very bad, because&mdash;because I like Bob Hampton?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He stood a moment completely nonplussed, yet compelled to answer.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I certainly have no right to question your motives," he said, at last,
+"and I believe your purposes to be above reproach.  I wish I might give
+the same credit to this man Hampton.  But, Miss Naida, the world does
+not often consent to judge us by our own estimation of right and wrong;
+it prefers to place its own interpretation on acts, and thus often
+condemns the innocent.  Others might not see this as I do, nor have
+such unquestioning faith in you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I know," she admitted, stubbornly, "but I wanted to see him; I have
+been so lonely for him, and this was the only possible way."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant felt a wave of uncontrollable sympathy sweep across him, even
+while he was beginning to hate this man, who, he felt, had stolen a
+passage into the innocent heart of a girl not half his age, one knowing
+little of the ways of the world.  He saw again that bare desert, with
+those two half-dead figures clasped in each other's arms, and felt that
+he understood the whole miserable story of a girl's trust, a man's
+perfidy.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"May I walk beside you until you meet him?" he asked.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You will not quarrel?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No; at least not through any fault of mine."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A few steps in the moonlight and she again took his arm, although they
+scarcely spoke.  At the bridge she withdrew her hand and uttered a
+peculiar call, and Hampton stepped forth from the concealing bushes,
+his head bare, his hat in his hand.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I scarcely thought it could be you," he said, seemingly not altogether
+satisfied, "as you were accompanied by another."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The younger man took a single step forward, his uniform showing in the
+moonlight.  "Miss Gillis will inform you later why I am here," he said,
+striving to speak civilly.  "You and I, however, have met before&mdash;I am
+Lieutenant Brant, of the Seventh Cavalry."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton bowed, his manner somewhat stiff and formal, his face
+inpenetrable.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I should have left Miss Gillis previous to her meeting with you,"
+Brant continued, "but I desired to request the privilege of calling
+upon you to-morrow for a brief interview."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"With pleasure."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Shall it be at ten?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The hour is perfectly satisfactory.  You will find me at the hotel."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You place me under obligations," said Brant, and turned toward the
+wondering girl.  "I will now say good-night, Miss Gillis, and I promise
+to remember only the pleasant events of this evening."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Their hands met for an instant of warm pressure, and then the two left
+behind stood motionless and watched him striding along the moonlit road.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0209"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER IX
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE VERGE OF A QUARREL
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Brant's mind was a chaos of conflicting emotions, but a single abiding
+conviction never once left him&mdash;he retained implicit faith in her, and
+he purposed to fight this matter out with Hampton.  Even in that
+crucial hour, had any one ventured to suggest that he was in love with
+Naida, he would merely have laughed, serenely confident that nothing
+more than gentlemanly interest swayed his conduct.  It was true, he
+greatly admired the girl, recalled to memory her every movement, her
+slightest glance, her most insignificant word, while her marvellous
+eyes constantly haunted him, yet the dawn of love was not even faintly
+acknowledged.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Nevertheless, he manifested an unreasonable dislike for Hampton.  He
+had never before felt thus toward this person; indeed, he had possessed
+a strong man's natural admiration for the other's physical power and
+cool, determined courage.  He now sincerely feared Hampton's power over
+the innocent mind of the girl, imagining his influence to be much
+stronger than it really was, and he sought after some suitable means
+for overcoming it.  He had no faith in this man's professed reform, no
+abiding confidence in his word of honor; and it seemed to him then that
+the entire future of the young woman's life rested upon his deliverance
+of her from the toils of the gambler.  He alone, among those who might
+be considered as her true friends, knew the secret of her infatuation,
+and upon him alone, therefore, rested the burden of her release.  It
+was his heart that drove him into such a decision, although he
+conceived it then to be the reasoning of the brain.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+And so she was Naida Gillis, poor old Gillis's little girl!  He stopped
+suddenly in the road, striving to realize the thought.  He had never
+once dreamed of such a consummation, and it staggered him.  His thought
+drifted back to that pale-faced, red-haired, poorly dressed slip of a
+girl whom he had occasionally viewed with disapproval about the
+post-trader's store at Bethune, and it seemed simply an impossibility.
+He recalled the unconscious, dust-covered, nameless waif he had once
+held on his lap beside the Bear Water.  What was there in common
+between that outcast, and this well-groomed, frankly spoken young
+woman?  Yet, whoever she was or had been, the remembrance of her could
+not be conjured out of his brain.  He might look back with repugnance
+upon those others, those misty phantoms of the past, but the vision of
+his mind, his ever-changeable divinity of the vine shadows, would not
+become obscured, nor grow less fascinating.  Let her be whom she might,
+no other could ever win that place she occupied in his heart.  His mind
+dwelt upon her flushed cheeks, her earnest face, her wealth of glossy
+hair, her dark eyes filled with mingled roguery and thoughtfulness,&mdash;in
+utter unconsciousness that he was already her humble slave.  Suddenly
+there occurred to him a recollection of Silent Murphy, and his strange,
+unguarded remark.  What could the fellow have meant?  Was there,
+indeed, some secret in the life history of this young girl?&mdash;some story
+of shame, perhaps?  If so, did Hampton know about it?
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Already daylight rested white and solemn over the silent valley, and
+only a short distance away lay the spot where the crippled scout had
+made his solitary camp.  Almost without volition the young officer
+turned that way, crossed the stream by means of the log, and clambered
+up the bank.  But it was clear at a glance that Murphy had deserted the
+spot.  Convinced of this, Brant retraced his steps toward the camp of
+his own troop, now already astir with the duties of early morning.
+Just in front of his tent he encountered his first sergeant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Watson," he questioned, as the latter saluted and stood at attention,
+"do you know a man called Silent Murphy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The scout?  Yes, sir; knew him as long ago as when he was corporal in
+your father's troop.  He was reduced to the ranks for striking an
+officer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant wheeled in astonishment.  "Was he ever a soldier in the Seventh?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He was that, for two enlistments, and a mighty tough one; but he was
+always quick enough for a fight in field or garrison."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Has he shown himself here at the camp?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, sir; didn't know he was anywhere around.  He and I were never very
+good friends, sir."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The lieutenant remained silent for several moments, endeavoring to
+perfect some feasible plan.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Despatch an orderly to the telegraph-office," he finally commanded,
+"to inquire if this man Murphy receives any messages there, and if they
+know where he is stopping.  Send an intelligent man, and have him
+discover all the facts he can.  When he returns bring him in to me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He had enjoyed a bath and a shave, and was yet lingering over his
+coffee, when the two soldiers entered with their report.  The sergeant
+stepped aside, and the orderly, a tall, boyish-looking fellow with a
+pugnacious chin, saluted stiffly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, Bane," and the officer eyed his trim appearance with manifest
+approval, "what did you succeed in learning?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The operator said this yere Murphy hed never bin thar himself, sir,
+but there wus several messages come fer him.  One got here this
+mornin'."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What becomes of them?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"They're called fer by another feller, sir."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, they are!  Who?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Red Slavin wus the name he give me of thet other buck."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+When the two had disappeared, Brant sat back thinking rapidly.  There
+was a mystery here, and such actions must have a cause.  Something
+either in or about Glencaid was compelling Murphy to keep out of
+sight&mdash;but what?  Who?  Brant was unable to get it out of his head that
+all this secrecy centred around Naida.  With those incautiously spoken
+words as a clew, he suspected that Murphy knew something about her, and
+that knowledge was the cause for his present erratic actions.  Perhaps
+Hampton knew; at least he might possess some additional scrap of
+information which would help to solve the problem.  He looked at his
+watch, and ordered his horse to be saddled.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It did not seem quite so simple now, this projected interview with
+Hampton, as it had appeared the night before.  In the clear light of
+day, he began to realize the weakness of his position, the fact that he
+possessed not the smallest right to speak on behalf of Naida Gillis.
+He held no relationship whatsoever to her, and should he venture to
+assume any, it was highly probable the older man would laugh
+contemptuously in his face.  Brant knew better than to believe Hampton
+would ever let go unless he was obliged to do so; he comprehended the
+impotence of threats on such a character, as well as his probable
+indifference to moral obligations.  Nevertheless, the die was cast, and
+perhaps, provided an open quarrel could be avoided, the meeting might
+result in good to all concerned.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton welcomed him with distant but marked courtesy, having evidently
+thought out his own immediate plan of action, and schooled himself
+accordingly.  Standing there, the bright light streaming over them from
+the open windows, they presented two widely contrasting personalities,
+yet each exhibiting in figure and face the evidences of hard training
+and iron discipline.  Hampton was clothed in black, standing straight
+as an arrow, his shoulders squared, his head held proudly erect, while
+his cool gray eyes studied the face of the other as he had been
+accustomed to survey his opponents at the card-table.  Brant looked the
+picture of a soldier on duty, trim, well built, erect, his resolute
+blue eyes never flinching from the steady gaze bent upon ham, his
+bronzed young face grave from the seriousness of his mission.  Neither
+was a man to temporize, to mince words, or to withhold blows; yet each
+instinctively felt that this was an occasion rather for self-restraint.
+In both minds the same thought lingered&mdash;the vague wonder how much the
+other knew.  The elder man, however, retained the better self-control,
+and was first to break the silence.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Miss Gillis informed me of your kindness to her last evening," he
+said, quietly, "and in her behalf I sincerely thank you.  Permit me to
+offer you a chair."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant accepted it, and sat down, feeling the calm tone of
+proprietorship in the words of the other as if they had been a blow.
+His face flushed, yet he spoke firmly.  "Possibly I misconstrue your
+meaning," he said, with some bluntness, determined to reach the gist of
+the matter at once.  "Did Miss Gillis authorize you to thank me for
+these courtesies?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton smiled with provoking calmness, holding an unlighted cigar
+between his fingers.  "Why, really, as to that I do not remember.  I
+merely mentioned it as expressing the natural gratitude of us both."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You speak as if you possessed full authority to express her mind as
+well as your own."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other bowed gravely, his face impassive.  "My words would quite
+naturally bear some such construction."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The officer hesitated, feeling more doubtful than ever regarding his
+own position.  Chagrined, disarmed, he felt like a prisoner standing
+bound before his mocking captor.  "Then I fear my mission here is
+useless."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Entirely so, if you come for the purpose I suspect," said Hampton,
+sitting erect in his chair, and speaking with more rapid utterance.
+"To lecture me on morality, and demand my yielding up all influence
+over this girl,&mdash;such a mission is assured of failure.  I have listened
+with some degree of calmness in this room already to one such address,
+and surrendered to its reasoning.  But permit me to say quite plainly,
+Lieutenant Brant, that you are not the person from whom I will quietly
+listen to another."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I had very little expectation that you would."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You should have had still less, and remained away entirely.  However,
+now that you are here, and the subject broached, it becomes my turn to
+say something, and to say it clearly.  It seems to me you would exhibit
+far better taste and discrimination if from now on you would cease
+forcing your attentions upon Miss Gillis."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant leaped to his feet, but the other never deigned to alter his
+position.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Forcing my attentions!" exclaimed the officer.  "God's mercy, man! do
+you realize what you are saying?  I have forced no attentions upon Miss
+Gillis."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My reference was rather to future possibilities.  Young blood is
+proverbially hot, and I thought it wise to warn you in time."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant stared into that imperturbable face, and somehow the very sight
+of its calm, inflexible resolve served to clear his own brain.  He felt
+that this cool, self-controlled man was speaking with authority.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Wait just a moment," he said, at last.  "I wish this made perfectly
+clear, and for all time.  I met Miss Gillis first through pure
+accident.  She impressed me strongly then, and I confess I have since
+grown more deeply interested in her personality.  I have reasons to
+suppose my presence not altogether distasteful to her, and she has
+certainly shown that she reposed confidence in me.  Not until late last
+night did I even suspect she was the same girl whom we picked up with
+you out on the desert.  It came to me from her own lips and was a total
+surprise.  She revealed her identity in order to justify her proposed
+clandestine meeting with you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And hence you requested this pleasant conference," broke in Hampton,
+coolly, "to inform me, from your calm eminence of respectability, that
+I was no fit companion for such a young and innocent person, and to
+warn me that you were prepared to act as her protector."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant slightly inclined his head.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I may have had something of that nature in my mind."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, Lieutenant Brant," and the older man rose to his feet, his eyes
+still smiling, "some might be impolite enough to say that it was the
+conception of a cad, but whatever it was, the tables have unexpectedly
+turned.  Without further reference to my own personal interests in the
+young lady, which are, however, considerable, there remain other
+weighty reasons, that I am not at liberty to discuss, which make it
+simply impossible for you to sustain any relationship to Miss Gillis
+other than that of ordinary social friendship."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You&mdash;you claim the right&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I distinctly claim the right, for the reason that I possess the right,
+and no one has ever yet known me to relinquish a hold once fairly
+gained.  Lieutenant Brant, if I am any judge of faces you are a
+fighting man by nature as well as profession, but there is no
+opportunity for your doing any fighting here.  This matter is
+irrevocably settled&mdash;Naida Gillis is not for you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant was breathing hard.  "Do you mean to insinuate that there is an
+understanding, an engagement between you?" he faltered, scarcely
+knowing how best to resent such utterance.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You may place your own construction upon what I have said," was the
+quiet answer.  "The special relations existing between Miss Gillis and
+myself chance to be no business of yours.  However, I will consent to
+say this&mdash;I do enjoy a relationship to her that gives me complete
+authority to say what I have said to you.  I regret having been obliged
+by your persistency to speak with such plainness, but this knowledge
+should prove sufficient to control the actions of a gentleman."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a moment the soldier did not answer, his emotions far too strong to
+permit of calm utterance, his lips tightly shut.  He felt utterly
+defeated.  "Your language is sufficiently explicit," he acknowledged,
+at last.  "I ask pardon for my unwarranted intrusion."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At the door he paused and glanced back toward that motionless figure
+yet standing with one hand grasping the back of the chair.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Before I go, permit me to ask a single question," he said, frankly.
+"I was a friend of old Ben Gillis, and he was a friend to my father
+before me.  Have you any reason to suspect that he was not Naida
+Gillis's father?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton took one hasty step forward.  "What do you mean?" he exclaimed,
+fiercely, his eyes two coals of fire.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant felt that the other's display of irritation gave him an
+unexpected advantage.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Nothing that need awaken anger, I am sure.  Something caused me to
+harbor the suspicion, and I naturally supposed you would know about it.
+Indeed, I wondered if some such knowledge might not account for your
+very deep interest in keeping her so entirely to yourself."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton's fingers twitched in a nervousness altogether unusual to the
+man, yet when he spoke his voice was like steel.  "Your suspicions are
+highly interesting, and your cowardly insinuations base.  However, if,
+as I suppose, your purpose is to provoke a quarrel, you will find me
+quite ready to accommodate you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+An instant they stood thus, eye to eye.  Suddenly Brant's memory veered
+to the girl whose name would be smirched by any blow struck between
+them, and he forced back the hasty retort burning upon his lips.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You may be, Mr. Hampton," he said, standing like a statue, his back to
+the door, "but I am not.  As you say, fighting is my trade, yet I have
+never sought a personal quarrel.  Nor is there any cause here, as my
+only purpose in asking the question was to forewarn you, and her
+through you, that such a suggestion had been openly made in my hearing.
+I presume it was a lie, and wished to be able to brand it so."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"By whom?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A fellow known as Silent Murphy, a government scout."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I have heard of him.  Where is he?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He claimed to be here waiting orders from Custer.  He had camp up the
+Creek two days ago, but is keeping well out of sight for some reason.
+Telegrams have been received for him at the office but another man has
+called for them."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Red Slavin."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The cur!" said Hampton.  "I reckon there is a bad half-hour waiting
+for those two fellows.  What was it that Murphy said?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That he knew the girl's real name."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Was that all?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes; I tried to discover his meaning, but the fellow became suspicious
+and shut up like a clam.  Is there anything in it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton ignored the question.  "Lieutenant Brant," he said, "I am glad
+we have had this talk together, and exceedingly sorry that my duty has
+compelled me to say what I have said.  Some time, however, you will
+sincerely thank me for it, and rejoice that you escaped so easily.  I
+knew your father once, and I should like now to part on friendly
+relations with his son."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He held out his hand, and, scarcely knowing why he did so, Brant placed
+his own within its grasp, and as the eyes of the two men met, there was
+a consciousness of sympathy between them.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0210"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER X
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+A SLIGHT INTERRUPTION
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+The young officer passed slowly down the dark staircase, his mind still
+bewildered by the result of the interview.  His feelings toward Hampton
+had been materially changed.  He found it impossible to nurse a dislike
+which seemingly had no real cause for existence.  He began besides to
+comprehend something of the secret of his influence over Naida; even to
+experience himself the power of that dominating spirit.  Out of
+controversy a feeling of respect had been born.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Yet Brant was far from being satisfied.  Little by little he realized
+that he had gained nothing, learned nothing.  Hampton had not even
+advanced a direct claim; he had dodged the real issue, leaving the
+soldier in the dark regarding his relationship to Naida, and erecting a
+barrier between the other two.  It was a masterpiece of defence,
+puzzling, irritating, seemingly impassable.  From the consideration of
+it all, Brant emerged with but one thought clearly defined&mdash;whoever she
+might prove to be, whatever was her present connection with Hampton, he
+loved this dark-eyed, auburn-haired waif.  He knew it now, and never
+again could he doubt it.  The very coming of this man into the field of
+contest, and his calm assumption of proprietorship and authority, had
+combined to awaken the slumbering heart of the young officer.  From
+that instant Naida Gillis became to him the one and only woman in all
+this world.  Ay, and he would fight to win her; never confessing defeat
+until final decision came from her own lips.  He paused, half inclined
+to retrace his steps and have the matter out.  He turned just in time
+to face a dazzling vision of fluffy lace and flossy hair beside him in
+the dimly lighted hall.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Lieutenant Brant!" and the vision clung to his arm tenderly.  "It
+is such a relief to find that you are unhurt.  Did&mdash;did you kill him?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant stared.  "I&mdash;I fear I scarcely comprehend, Miss Spencer.  I have
+certainly taken no one's life.  What can you mean?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I am so glad; and Naida will be, too.  I must go right back and
+tell the poor girl, for she is nearly distracted.  Oh, Lieutenant, is
+n't it the most romantic situation that ever was?  And he is such a
+mysterious character!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"To whom do you refer?  Really, I am quite in the dark."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Mr. Hampton, of course.  Oh, I know all about it.  Naida felt so
+badly over your meeting this morning that I just compelled her to
+confide her whole story to me.  And didn't you fight at all?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Most assuredly not," and Brant's eyes began to exhibit amusement;
+"indeed, we parted quite friendly."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I told Naida I thought you would.  People don't take such things so
+seriously nowadays, do they?  But Naida is such a child and so full of
+romantic notions, that she worried terribly about it.  Is n't it
+perfectly delightful what he is going to do for her?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I am sure I do not know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, had n't you heard?  He wants to send her East to a
+boarding-school and give her a fine education.  Do you know,
+Lieutenant, I am simply dying to see him; he is such a perfectly
+splendid Western character."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It would afford me pleasure to present you," and the soldier's
+downcast face brightened with anticipation.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do&mdash;do you really think it would be proper?  But they do things so
+differently out here, don't they?  Oh, I wish you would."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Feeling somewhat doubtful as to what might be the result, Brant knocked
+upon the door he had just closed, and, in response to the voice within,
+opened it.  Hampton sat upon the chair by the window, but as his eyes
+caught a glimpse of the returned soldier with a woman standing beside
+him, he instantly rose to his feet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mr. Hampton," said Brant, "I trust I may be pardoned for again
+troubling you, but this is Miss Spencer, a great admirer of Western
+life, who is desirous of making your acquaintance."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer swept gracefully forward, her cheeks flushed, her hand
+extended.  "Oh, Mr. Hampton, I have so wished to meet with you ever
+since I first read your name in Aunt Lydia's letters&mdash;Mrs. Herndon is
+my aunt, you know,&mdash;and all about that awful time you had with those
+Indians.  You see, I am Naida Gillis's most particular friend, and she
+tells me so much about you.  She is such a dear, sweet girl!  She felt
+so badly this morning over your meeting with Lieutenant Brant, fearing
+you might quarrel!  It was such a relief to find him unhurt, but I felt
+that I must see you also, so as to relieve Naida's mind entirely.  I
+have two special friends, Mr. Moffat and Mr. McNeil,&mdash;perhaps you know
+them?&mdash;who have told me so much about these things.  But I do think the
+story of your acquaintance with Naida is the most romantic I ever heard
+of,&mdash;exactly like a play on the stage, and I could never forgive myself
+if I failed to meet the leading actor.  I do not wonder Naida fairly
+worships you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I most certainly appreciate your frankly expressed interest, Miss
+Spencer," he said, standing with her hand still retained in his, "and
+am exceedingly glad there is one residing in this community to whom my
+peculiar merits are apparent.  So many are misjudged in this world,
+that it is quite a relief to realize that even one is appreciative, and
+the blessing becomes doubled when that one chances to be so very
+charming a young woman."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer sparkled instantly, her cheeks rosy.  "Oh, how very
+gracefully you said that!  I do wish you would some time tell me about
+your exploits.  Why, Mr. Hampton, perhaps if you were to call upon me,
+you might see Naida, too.  I wish you knew Mr. Moffat, but as you
+don't, perhaps you might come with Lieutenant Brant."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton bowed.  "I would hardly venture thus to place myself under the
+protection of Lieutenant Brant, although I must confess the former
+attractions of the Herndon home are now greatly increased.  From my
+slight knowledge of Mr. Moffat's capabilities, I fear I should be found
+a rather indifferent entertainer; yet I sincerely hope we shall meet
+again at a time when I can 'a tale unfold.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How nice that will be, and I am so grateful to you for the promise.
+By-the-bye, only this very morning a man stopped me on the street,
+actually mistaking me for Naida."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What sort of a looking man, Miss Spencer?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Large, and heavily set, with a red beard.  He was exceedingly polite
+when informed of his mistake, and said he merely had a message to
+deliver to Miss Gillis.  But he refused to tell it to me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The glances of the two men met, but Brant was unable to decipher the
+meaning hidden within the gray eyes.  Neither spoke, and Miss Spencer,
+never realizing what her chatter meant, rattled merrily on.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You see there are so many who speak to me now, because of my public
+position here.  So I thought nothing strange at first, until I
+discovered his mistake, and then it seemed so absurd that I nearly
+laughed outright.  Isn't it odd what such a man could possibly want
+with her?  But really, gentlemen, I must return with my news; Naida
+will be so anxious.  I am so glad to have met you both."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton bowed politely, and Brant conducted her silently down the
+stairway.  "I greatly regret not being able to accompany you home," he
+explained, "but I came down on horseback, and my duty requires that I
+return at once to the camp."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, indeed! how very unfortunate for me!"  Even as she said so, some
+unexpected vision beyond flushed her cheeks prettily.  "Why, Mr.
+Wynkoop," she exclaimed, "I am so glad you happened along, and going my
+way too, I am sure.  Good morning, Lieutenant; I shall feel perfectly
+safe with Mr. Wynkoop."
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0211"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER XI
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE DOOR OPENS, AND CLOSES AGAIN
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+In one sense Hampton had greatly enjoyed Miss Spencer's call.  Her
+bright, fresh face, her impulsive speech, her unquestioned beauty, had
+had their effect upon him, changing for the time being the gloomy trend
+of his thoughts.  She was like a draught of pure Spring air, and he had
+gratefully breathed it in, and even longed for more.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But gradually the slight smile of amusement faded from his eyes.
+Something, which he had supposed lay securely hidden behind years and
+distance, had all at once come back to haunt him,&mdash;the unhappy ghost of
+an expiated crime, to do evil to this girl Naida.  Two men, at least,
+knew sufficient of the past to cause serious trouble.  This effort by
+Slavin to hold personal communication with the girl was evidently made
+for some definite purpose.  Hampton was unable to decide what that
+purpose could be.  He entertained no doubt regarding the enmity of the
+big gambler, or his desire to "get even" for all past injuries; but how
+much did he know?  What special benefit did he hope to gain from
+conferring with Naida Gillis?  Hampton decided to have a face-to-face
+interview with the man himself; he was accustomed to fight his battles
+in the open, and to a finish.  A faint hope, which had been growing
+dimmer and dimmer with every passing year, began to flicker once again
+within his heart.  He desired to see this man Murphy, and to learn
+exactly what he knew.
+</P>
+
+<BR>
+
+<P>
+He had planned his work, and was perfectly prepared to meet its
+dangers.  He entered the almost deserted saloon opposite the hotel,
+across the threshold of which he had not stepped for two years, and the
+man behind the bar glanced up apprehensively.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Red Slavin?" he said.  "Well, now see here, Hampton, we don't want no
+trouble in this shebang."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I 'm not here seeking a fight, Jim," returned the inquirer, genially.
+"I merely wish to ask 'Red' an unimportant question or two."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He's there in the back room, I reckon, but he's damn liable to take a
+pot shot at you when you go in."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton's genial smile only broadened, as he carelessly rolled an
+unlighted cigar between his lips.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It seems to me you are becoming rather nervous for this line of
+business, Jim.  You should take a good walk in the fresh air every
+morning, and let up on the liquor.  I assure you, Mr. Slavin is one of
+my most devoted friends, and is of that tender disposition he would not
+willingly injure a fly."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He walked to the door, flung it swiftly and silently open, and stepping
+within, closed it behind him with his left hand.  In the other
+glittered the steel-blue barrel of a drawn revolver.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Slavin, sit down!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The terse, imperative words seemed fairly to cut the air, and the
+red-bearded gambler, who had half risen to his feet, an oath upon his
+lips, sank back into his seat, staring at the apparition confronting
+him as if fascinated.  Hampton jerked a chair up to the opposite side
+of the small table, and planted himself on it, his eyes never once
+deserting the big gambler's face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Put your hands on the table, and keep them there!" he said.  "Now, my
+dear friend, I have come here in peace, not war, and take these slight
+precautions merely because I have heard a rumor that you have indulged
+in a threat or two since we last parted, and I know something of your
+impetuous disposition.  No doubt this was exaggerated, but I am a
+careful man, and prefer to have the 'drop,' and so I sincerely hope you
+will pardon my keeping you covered during what is really intended as a
+friendly call.  I regret the necessity, but trust you are resting
+comfortably."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, go to hell!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We will consider that proposition somewhat later."  Hampton laid his
+hat with calm deliberation on the table.  "No doubt, Mr. Slavin,&mdash;if
+you move that hand again I 'll fill your system with lead,&mdash;you
+experience some very natural curiosity regarding the object of my
+unanticipated, yet I hope no less welcome, visit."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Slavin's only reply was a curse, his bloodshot eyes roaming the room
+furtively.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I suspected as much," Hampton went on, coolly.  "Indeed, I should have
+felt hurt had you been indifferent upon such an occasion.  It does
+credit to your heart, Slavin.  Come now, keep your eyes on me!  I was
+about to gratify your curiosity, and, in the first place, I came to
+inquire solicitously regarding the state of your health during my
+absence, and incidentally to ask why you are exhibiting so great an
+interest in Miss Naida Gillis."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Slavin straightened up, his great hands clinching nervously, drops of
+perspiration appearing on his red forehead.  "I don't understand your
+damned fun."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton's lips smiled unpleasantly.  "Slavin, you greatly discourage
+me.  The last time I was here you exhibited so fine a sense of humor
+that I was really quite proud of you.  Yet, truly, I think you do
+understand this joke.  Your memory can scarcely be failing at your
+age.&mdash;Make another motion like that and you die right there!  You know
+me.&mdash;However, as you seem to shy over my first question, I 'll honor
+you with a second,&mdash;Where's Silent Murphy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Slavin's great square jaws set, a froth oozing from between his thick
+lips, and for an instant the other man believed that in his paroxysm of
+rage he would hurl himself across the table.  Then suddenly the
+ungainly brute went limp, his face grown haggard.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You devil!" he roared, "what do you mean?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Surprised as Hampton was by this complete breaking down, he knew his
+man far too well to yield him the slightest opportunity for treachery.
+With revolver hand resting on the table, the muzzle pointing at the
+giant's heart, he leaned forward, utterly remorseless now, and keen as
+an Indian on the trail.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you know who I am?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The horror in Slavin's eyes had changed to sullenness, but he nodded
+silently.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How do you know?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was no reply, although the thick lips appeared to move.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Answer me, you red sneak!  Do you think I am here to be played with?
+Answer!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Slavin gulped down something which seemed threatening to choke him, but
+he durst not lift a hand to wipe the sweat from his face.  "If&mdash;if I
+didn't have this beard on you might guess.  I thought you knew me all
+the time."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton stared at him, still puzzled.  "I have certainly seen you
+somewhere.  I thought that from the first.  Where was it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I was in D Troop, Seventh Cavalry."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"D Troop?  Brant's troop?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The big gambler nodded.  "That's how I knew you, Captain," he said,
+speaking with greater ease, "but I never had no reason to say anything
+about it round here.  You was allers decent 'nough ter me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Possibly,"&mdash;and it was plainly evident from his quiet tone Hampton had
+steadied from his first surprise,&mdash;"the boot was on the other leg, and
+you had some good reason not to say anything."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Slavin did not answer, but he wet his lips with his tongue, his eyes on
+the window.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who is this fellow Murphy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He was corporal in that same troop, sir."  The ex-cavalryman dropped
+insensibly into his old form of speech.  "He knew you too, and we
+talked it over, and decided to keep still, because it was none of our
+affair anyhow."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Where is he now?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He left last night with army despatches for Cheyenne."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton's eyes hardened perceptibly, and his fingers closed more
+tightly about the butt of his revolver.  "You lie, Slavin!  The last
+message did not reach here until this morning.  That fellow is hiding
+somewhere in this camp, and the two of you have been trying to get at
+the girl.  Now, damn you, what is your little game?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The big gambler was thinking harder then, perhaps, than he had ever
+thought in his life before.  He was no coward, although there was a
+yellow, wolfish streak of treachery in him, and he read clearly enough
+in the watchful eyes glowing behind that blue steel barrel a merciless
+determination which left him nerveless.  He knew Hampton would kill him
+if he needed to do so, but he likewise realized that he was not likely
+to fire until he had gained the information he was seeking.  Cunning
+pointed the only safe way out from this difficulty.  Lies had served
+his turn well before, and he hoped much from them now.  If he only knew
+how much information the other possessed, it would be easy enough.  As
+he did not, he must wield his weapon blindly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You 're makin' a devil of a fuss over little or nuthin'," he growled,
+simulating a tone of disgust.  "I never ain't hed no quarrel with ye,
+exceptin' fer the way ye managed ter skin me at the table bout two
+years ago.  I don't give two screeches in hell for who you are; an'
+besides, I reckon you ain't the only ex-convict a-ranging Dakota either
+fer the matter o' that.  No more does Murphy.  We ain't no bloomin'
+detectives, an' we ain't buckin' in on no business o' yourn; ye kin
+just bet your sweet life on thet."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Where is Murphy, then?  I wish to see the fellow."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I told you he'd gone.  Maybe he didn't git away till this mornin', but
+he's gone now all right.  What in thunder do ye want o' him?  I reckon
+I kin tell ye all thet Murphy knows."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a breathless moment neither spoke, Hampton fingering his gun
+nervously, his eyes lingering on that brutal face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Slavin," he said at last, his voice hard, metallic, "I 've figured it
+out, and I do know you now, you lying brute.  You are the fellow who
+swore you saw me throw away the gun that did the shooting, and that
+afterwards you picked it up."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was the spirit of murder in his eyes, and the gambler cowered
+back before them, trembling like a child.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I&mdash;I only swore to the last part, Captain," he muttered, his voice
+scarcely audible.  "I&mdash;I never said I saw you throw&mdash;-"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And I swore," went on Hampton, "that I would kill you on sight.  You
+lying whelp, are you ready to die?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Slavin's face was drawn and gray, the perspiration standing in beads
+upon his forehead, but he could neither speak nor think, fascinated by
+those remorseless eyes, which seemed to burn their way down into his
+very soul.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No?  Well, then, I will give you, to-day, just one chance to
+live&mdash;one, you dog&mdash;one.  Don't move an eyelash!  Tell me honestly why
+you have been trying to get word with the girl, and you shall go out
+from here living.  Lie to me about it, and I am going to kill you where
+you sit, as I would a mad dog.  You know me, Slavin&mdash;now speak!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+So intensely still was it, Hampton could distinguish the faint ticking
+of the watch in his pocket, the hiss of the breath between the giant's
+clinched teeth.  Twice the fellow tried to utter something, his lips
+shaking as with the palsy, his ashen face the picture of terror.  No
+wretch dragged shrieking to the scaffold could have formed a more
+pitiful sight, but there was no mercy in the eyes of the man watching
+him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Speak, you cringing hound!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Slavin gripped his great hands together convulsively, his throat
+swelling beneath its red beard.  He knew there was no way of escape.
+"I&mdash;I had to do it!  My God, Captain, I had to do it!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I had to, I tell you.  Oh, you devil, you fiend!  I 'm not the one you
+'re after&mdash;it's Murphy!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a single moment Hampton stared at the cringing figure.  Then
+suddenly he rose to his feet in decision.  "Stand up!  Lift your hands
+first, you fool.  Now unbuckle your gun-belt with your left hand&mdash;your
+left, I said!  Drop it on the floor."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was an unusual sound behind, such as a rat might have made, and
+Hampton glanced aside apprehensively.  In that single second Slavin was
+upon him, grasping his pistol-arm at the wrist, and striving with hairy
+hand to get a death-grip about his throat.  Twice Hampton's left drove
+straight out into that red, gloating face, and then the giant's
+crushing weight bore him backward.  He fought savagely, silently, his
+slender figure like steel, but Slavin got his grip at last, and with
+giant strength began to crunch his victim within his vise-like arms.
+There was a moment of superhuman strain, their breathing mere sobs of
+exhaustion.  Then Slavin slipped, and Hampton succeeded in wriggling
+partially free from his death-grip.  It was for scarcely an instant,
+yet it served; for as he bent aside, swinging his burly opponent with
+him, some one struck a vicious blow at his back; but the descending
+knife, missing its mark, sunk instead deep into Slavin's breast.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton saw the flash of a blade, a hand, a portion of an arm, and then
+the clutching fingers of Slavin swept him down.  He reached out blindly
+as he fell, his hand closing about the deserted knife-hilt.  The two
+crashed down together upon the floor, the force of the fall driving the
+blade home to the gambler's heart.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0212"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER XII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE COHORTS OF JUDGE LYNCH
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Hampton staggered blindly to his feet, looking down on the motionless
+body.  He was yet dazed from the sudden cessation of struggle, dazed
+still more by something he had seen in the instant that deadly knife
+flashed past him.  For a moment the room appeared to swim before his
+eyes, and he clutched at the overturned table for support, Then, as his
+senses returned, he perceived the figures of a number of men jamming
+the narrow doorway, and became aware of their loud, excited voices.
+Back to his benumbed brain there came with a rush the whole scene, the
+desperation of his present situation.  He had been found alone with the
+dead man.  Those men, when they came surging in attracted by the noise
+of strife, had found him lying on Slavin, his hand clutching the
+knife-hilt.  He ran his eyes over their horrified faces, and knew
+instantly they held him the murderer.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The shock of this discovery steadied him.  He realized the meaning, the
+dread, terrible meaning, for he knew the West, its fierce, implacable
+spirit of vengeance, its merciless code of lynch-law.  The vigilantes
+of the mining camps were to him an old story; more than once he had
+witnessed their work, been cognizant of their power.  This was no time
+to parley or to hesitate.  He had seen and heard in that room that
+which left him eager to live, to be free, to open a long-closed door
+hiding the mystery of years.  The key, at last, had fallen almost
+within reach of his fingers, and he would never consent to be robbed of
+it by the wild rage of a mob.  He grabbed the loaded revolver lying
+upon the floor, and swung Slavin's discarded belt across his shoulder.
+If it was to be a fight, he would be found there to the death, and God
+have mercy on the man who stopped him!
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Stand aside, gentlemen," he commanded.  "Step back, and let me pass!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They obeyed.  He swept them with watchful eyes, stepped past, and
+slammed the door behind him.  In his heart he held them as curs, but
+curs could snap, and enough of them might dare to pull him down.  Men
+were already beginning to pour into the saloon, uncertain yet of the
+facts, and shouting questions to each other.  Totally ignoring these,
+Hampton thrust himself recklessly through the crowd.  Half-way down the
+broad steps Buck Mason faced him, in shirt sleeves, his head uncovered,
+an ugly "45" in his up-lifted hand.  Just an instant the eyes of the
+two men met, and neither doubted the grim purpose of the other.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You've got ter do it, Bob," announced the marshal, shortly, "dead er
+alive."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton never hesitated.  "I 'm sorry I met you.  I don't want to get
+anybody else mixed up in this fuss.  If you'll promise me a chance for
+my life, Buck, I 'll throw up my hands.  But I prefer a bullet to a
+mob."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The little marshal was sandy-haired, freckle-faced, and all nerve.  He
+cast one quick glance to left and right.  The crowd jammed within the
+Occidental had already turned and were surging toward the door; the
+hotel opposite was beginning to swarm; down the street a throng of men
+was pouring forth from the Miners' Retreat, yelling fiercely, while
+hurrying figures could be distinguished here and there among the
+scattered buildings, all headed in their direction.  Hampton knew from
+long experience what this meant; these were the quickly inflamed
+cohorts of Judge Lynch&mdash;they would act first, and reflect later.  His
+square jaws set like a trap.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All right, Bob," said the marshal.  "You're my prisoner, and there 'll
+be one hell of a fight afore them lads git ye.  There's a chance
+left&mdash;leg it after me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Just as the mob surged out of the Occidental, cursing and struggling,
+the two sprang forward and dashed into the narrow space between the
+livery-stable and the hotel.  Moffat chanced to be in the passage-way,
+and pausing to ask no questions, Mason promptly landed that gentleman
+on the back of his head in a pile of discarded tin cans, and kicked
+viciously at a yellow dog which ventured to snap at them as they swept
+past.  Behind arose a volley of curses, the thud of feet, an occasional
+voice roaring out orders, and a sharp spat of revolver shots.  One ball
+plugged into the siding of the hotel, and a second threw a spit of sand
+into their lowered faces, but neither man glanced back.  They were
+running for their lives now, racing for a fair chance to turn at bay
+and fight, their sole hope the steep, rugged hill in their front.
+Hampton began to understand the purpose of his companion, the quick,
+unerring instinct which had led him to select the one suitable spot
+where the successful waging of battle against such odds was
+possible&mdash;the deserted dump of the old Shasta mine.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+With every nerve strained to the uttermost, the two men raced side by
+side down the steep slope, ploughed through the tangled underbrush, and
+toiled up the sharp ascent beyond.  Already their pursuers were
+crowding the more open spaces below, incited by that fierce craze for
+swift vengeance which at times sweeps even the law-abiding off their
+feet.  Little better than brutes they came howling on, caring only in
+this moment to strike and slay.  The whole affair had been like a flash
+of fire, neither pursuers nor pursued realizing the half of the story
+in those first rapid seconds of breathless action.  But back yonder lay
+a dead man, and every instinct of the border demanded a victim in
+return.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At the summit of the ore dump the two men flung themselves panting
+down, for the first time able now to realize what it all meant.  They
+could perceive the figures of their pursuers among the shadows of the
+bushes below, but these were not venturing out into the open&mdash;the first
+mad, heedless rush had evidently ended.  There were some cool heads
+among the mob leaders, and it was highly probable that negotiations
+would be tried before that crowd hurled itself against two desperate
+men, armed and entrenched.  Both fugitives realized this, and lay there
+coolly watchful, their breath growing more regular, their eyes
+softening.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Whut is all this fuss about, anyhow?" questioned the marshal,
+evidently somewhat aggrieved.  "I wus just eatin' dinner when a feller
+stuck his head in an' yelled ye'd killed somebody over at the
+Occidental."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton turned his face gravely toward him.  "Buck, I don't know
+whether you'll believe me or not, but I guess you never heard me tell a
+lie, or knew of my trying to dodge out of a bad scrape.  Besides, I
+have n't anything to gain now, for I reckon you 're planning to stay
+with me, guilty or not guilty, but I did not kill that fellow.  I don't
+exactly see how I can prove it, the way it all happened, but I give you
+my word as a man, I did not kill him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mason looked him squarely in the eyes, his teeth showing behind his
+stiff, closely clipped mustache.  Then he deliberately extended his
+hand, and gripped Hampton's.  "Of course I believe ye.  Not that you
+'re any too blame good, Bob, but you ain't the kind what pleads the
+baby act.  Who was the feller?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Red Slavin."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No!" and the hand grip perceptibly tightened.  "Holy Moses, what
+ingratitude!  Why, the camp ought to get together and give ye a vote of
+thanks, and instead, here they are trying their level best to hang you.
+Cussedest sorter thing a mob is, anyhow; goes like a flock o' sheep
+after a leader, an' I bet I could name the fellers who are a-runnin'
+that crowd.  How did the thing happen?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Both men were intently observing the ingathering of their scattered
+pursuers, but Hampton answered gravely, telling his brief story with
+careful detail, appreciating the importance of reposing full confidence
+in this quiet, resourceful companion.  The little marshal was all grit,
+nerve, faithfulness to duty, from his head to his heels.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All I really saw of the fellow," he concluded, "was a hand and arm as
+they drove in the knife.  You can see there where it ripped me, and the
+unexpected blow of the man's body knocked me forward, and of course I
+fell on Slavin.  It may be I drove the point farther in when I came
+down, but that was an accident.  The fact is, Buck, I had every reason
+to wish Slavin to live.  I was just getting out of him some information
+I needed."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mason nodded, his eyes wandering from Hampton's expressive face to the
+crowd beginning to collect beneath the shade of a huge oak a hundred
+yards below.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Never carry a knife, do ye?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Thought not; always heard you fought with a gun.  Caught no sight of
+the feller after ye got up?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All I saw then was the crowd blocking the door-way.  I knew they had
+caught me lying on Slavin, with my hand grasping the knife-hilt, and,
+someway, I couldn't think of anything just then but how to get out of
+there into the open.  I 've seen vigilantes turn loose before, and knew
+what was likely to happen!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sure.  Recognize anybody in that first bunch?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Big Jim, the bartender, was the only one I knew; he had a bung-starter
+in his hand."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mason nodded thoughtfully, his mouth puckered.  "It's him, and half a
+dozen other fellers of the same stripe, who are kickin' up all this
+fracas.  The most of 'em are yonder now, an' if it wus n't fer leavin'
+a prisoner unprotected, darn me if I wud n't like to mosey right down
+thar an' pound a little hoss sense into thet bunch o' cattle.  Thet's
+'bout the only thing ye kin do fer a plum fool, so long as the law
+won't let ye kill him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They lapsed into contemplative silence, each man busied with his own
+thought, and neither perceiving clearly any probable way out of the
+difficulty.  Hampton spoke first.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I 'm really sorry that you got mixed up in this, Buck, for it looks to
+me about nine chances out of ten against either of us getting away from
+here unhurt."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I don't know.  It's bin my experience thet there's allers chances
+if you only keep yer eyes skinned.  Of course them fellers has got the
+bulge; they kin starve us out, maybe they kin smoke us out, and they
+kin sure make things onpleasant whenever they git their long-range guns
+to throwin' lead permiscous.  Thet's their side of the fun.  Then, on
+the other hand, if we kin only manage to hold 'em back till after dark
+we maybe might creep away through the bush to take a hand in this
+little game.  Anyhow, it 's up to us to play it out to the limit.
+Bless my eyes, if those lads ain't a-comin' up right now!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A half-dozen men were starting to climb the hillside, following a dim
+trail through the tangled underbrush.  Looking down upon them, it was
+impossible to distinguish their faces, but two among them, at least,
+carried firearms.  Mason stepped up on to the ore-dump where he could
+see better, and watched their movements closely.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hi, there!" he called, his voice harsh and strident.  "You fellers are
+not invited to this picnic, an' there'll be somethin' doin' if you push
+along any higher."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The little bunch halted instantly just without the edge of the heavy
+timber, turning their faces up toward the speaker.  Evidently they
+expected to be hailed, but not quite so soon.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now, see here, Buck," answered one, taking a single step ahead of the
+others, and hollowing his hand as a trumpet to speak through, "it don't
+look to us fellers as if this affair was any of your funeral, nohow,
+and we 've come 'long ahead of the others just on purpose to give you a
+fair show to pull out of it afore the real trouble begins.  <I>Sabe</I>?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is thet so?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The little marshal was too far away for them to perceive how his teeth
+set beneath the bristly mustache.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You bet!  The boys don't consider thet it's hardly the square deal
+your takin' up agin 'em in this way.  They 'lected you marshal of this
+yere camp, but it war n't expected you'd ever take no sides 'long with
+murderers.  Thet's too stiff fer us to abide by.  So come on down,
+Buck, an' leave us to attend to the cuss."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If you mean Hampton, he's my prisoner.  Will you promise to let me
+take him down to Cheyenne fer trial?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Wal, I reckon not, old man.  We kin give him a trial well 'nough right
+here in Glencaid," roared another voice from out the group, which was
+apparently growing restless over the delay.  "But we ain't inclined to
+do you no harm onless ye ram in too far.  So come on down, Buck, throw
+up yer cards; we've got all the aces, an' ye can't bluff this whole
+darn camp."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mason spat into the dump contemptuously, his hands thrust into his
+pockets.  "You 're a fine-lookin' lot o' law-abidin' citizens, you are!
+Blamed if you ain't.  Why, I wouldn't give a snap of my fingers fer the
+whole kit and caboodle of ye, you low-down, sneakin' parcel o' thieves.
+Ye say it wus yer votes whut made me marshal o' this camp.  Well, I
+reckon they did, an' I reckon likewise I know 'bout whut my duty under
+the law is, an' I'm a-goin' to do it.  If you fellers thought ye
+'lected a chump, this is the time you git left.  This yere man, Bob
+Hampton, is my prisoner, an' I'll take him to Cheyenne, if I have ter
+brain every tough in Glencaid to do it.  Thet's me, gents."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, come off; you can't run your notions agin the whole blame moral
+sentiment of this camp."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Moral sentiment!  I 'm backin' up the law, not moral sentiment, ye
+cross-eyed beer-slinger, an' if ye try edgin' up ther another step I
+'ll plug you with this '45.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was a minute of hesitancy while the men below conferred, the
+marshal looking contemptuously down upon them, his revolver gleaming
+ominously in the light.  Evidently the group hated to go back without
+the prisoner.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, come on, Buck, show a little hoss sense," the leader sang out.
+"We 've got every feller in camp along with us, an' there ain't no show
+fer the two o' ye to hold out against that sort of an outfit."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mason smiled and patted the barrel of his Colt.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, go to blazes!  When I want any advice, Jimmie, I'll send fer ye."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Some one fired, the ball digging up the soft earth at the marshal's
+feet, and flinging it in a blinding cloud into Hampton's eyes.  Mason's
+answer was a sudden fusilade, which sent the crowd flying
+helter-skelter into the underbrush.  One among them staggered and half
+fell, yet succeeded in dragging himself out of sight.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Great Scott, if I don't believe I winged James!" the shooter remarked
+cheerfully, reaching back into his pocket for more cartridges.  "Maybe
+them boys will be a bit more keerful if they once onderstand they 're
+up agin the real thing.  Well, perhaps I better skin down, fer I reckon
+it's liable ter be rifles next."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was rifles next, and the "winging" of Big Jim, however it may have
+inspired caution, also developed fresh animosity in the hearts of his
+followers, and brought forth evidences of discipline in their approach.
+Peering across the sheltering dump pile, the besieged were able to
+perceive the dark figures cautiously advancing through the protecting
+brush; they spread out widely until their two flanks were close in
+against the wall of rock, and then the deadly rifles began to spit
+spitefully, the balls casting up the soft dirt in clouds or flattening
+against the stones.  The two men crouched lower, hugging their pile of
+slag, unable to perceive even a stray assailant within range of their
+ready revolvers.  Hampton remained cool, alert, and motionless,
+striving in vain to discover some means of escape, but the little
+marshal kept grimly cheerful, creeping constantly from point to point
+in the endeavor to get a return shot at his tormentors.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"This whole blame country is full of discharged sojers," he growled,
+"an' they know their biz all right.  I reckon them fellers is pretty
+sure to git one of us yit; anyhow, they 've got us cooped.  Say, Bob,
+thet lad crawling yonder ought to be in reach, an' it's our bounden
+duty not to let the boys git too gay."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton tried the shot suggested, elevating considerable to overcome
+distance.  There was a yell, and a swift skurrying backward which
+caused Mason to laugh, although neither knew whether this result arose
+from fright or wound.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"'Bliged ter teach 'em manners onct in a while, or they 'll imbibe a
+fool notion they kin come right 'long up yere without no invite.  'T
+ain't fer long, no how, 'less all them guys are ijuts."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton turned his head and looked soberly into the freckled face,
+impressed by the speaker's grave tone.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Fire, my boy, fire.  The wind's dead right fer it; thet brush will
+burn like so much tinder, an' with this big wall o' rock back of us, it
+will be hell here, all right.  Some of 'em are bound to think of it
+pretty blame soon, an' then, Bob, I reckon you an' I will hev' to take
+to the open on the jump."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton's eyes hardened.  God, how he desired to live just then, to
+uncover that fleeing Murphy and wring from him the whole truth which
+had been eluding him all these years!  Surely it was not justice that
+all should be lost now.  The smoke puffs rose from the encircling
+rifles, and the hunted men cowered still lower, the whistling of the
+bullets in their ears.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0213"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER XIII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+"SHE LOVES ME; SHE LOVES ME NOT"
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Unkind as the Fates had proved to Brant earlier in the day, they
+relented somewhat as the sun rose higher, and consented to lead him to
+far happier scenes.  There is a rare fortune which seems to pilot
+lovers aright, even when they are most blind to the road, and the young
+soldier was now most truly a lover groping through the mists of doubt
+and despair.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was no claim of military duty which compelled him to relinquish Miss
+Spencer so promptly at the hotel door, but rather a desire to escape
+her ceaseless chatter and gain retirement where he could reflect in
+quiet over the revelations of Hampton.  In this quest he rode slowly up
+the valley of the Bear Water, through the bright sunshine, the rare
+beauty of the scene scarcely leaving the slightest impress on his mind,
+so busy was it, and so preoccupied.  He no longer had any doubt that
+Hampton had utilized his advantageous position, as well as his
+remarkable powers of pleasing, to ensnare the susceptible heart of this
+young, confiding girl.  While the man had advanced no direct claim, he
+had said enough to make perfectly clear the close intimacy of their
+relation and the existence of a definite understanding between them.
+With this recognized as a fact, was he justified in endeavoring to win
+Naida Gillis for himself?  That the girl would find continued happiness
+with such a man as Hampton he did not for a moment believe possible;
+that she had been deliberately deceived regarding his true character he
+felt no doubt.  The fellow had impressed her by means of his
+picturesque personality, his cool, dominating manner, his veneer of
+refinement; he had presumed on her natural gratitude, her girlish
+susceptibility, her slight knowledge of the world, to worm his way into
+her confidence, perhaps even to inspire love.  These probabilities, as
+Brant understood them, only served to render him more ardent in his
+quest, more eager to test his strength in the contest for a prize so
+well worth the winning.  He acknowledged no right that such a man as
+Hampton could justly hold over so innocent and trustful a heart.  The
+girl was morally so far above him as to make his very touch a
+profanation, and at the unbidden thought of it, the soldier vowed to
+oppose such an unholy consummation.  Nor did he, even then, utterly
+despair of winning, for he recalled afresh the intimacy of their few
+past meetings, his face brightening in memory of this and that brief
+word or shy glance.  There is a voiceless language of love which a
+lover alone can interpret, and Brant rode on slowly, deciphering its
+messages, and attaining new courage with every step of his horse.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+All the world loves a lover, and all the fairies guide him.  As the
+officer's eyes, already smiling in anticipated victory, glanced up from
+the dusty road, he perceived just ahead the same steep bank down which
+he had plunged in his effort at capturing his fleeing tormentor.  With
+the sight there came upon him a desire to loiter again in the little
+glen where they had first met, and dream once more of her who had given
+to the shaded nook both life and beauty.  Amid the sunshine and the
+shadow he could picture afresh that happy, piquant face, the dark coils
+of hair, those tantalizing eyes.  He swung himself from the saddle,
+tied a loose rein to a scrub oak, and clambered up the bank.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+With the noiseless step of a plainsman he pushed in through the
+labyrinths of bush, only to halt petrified upon the very edge of that
+inner barrier.  No figment of imagination, but the glowing reality of
+flesh and blood, awaited him.  She had neither seen nor heard his
+approach, and he stopped in perplexity.  He had framed a dozen speeches
+for her ears, yet now he could do no more than stand and gaze, his
+heart in his eyes.  And it was a vision to enchain, to hold lips
+speechless.  She was seated with unstudied grace on the edge of the
+bank, her hands clasped about one knee, her sweet face sobered by
+thought, her eyes downcast, the long lashes plainly outlined against
+the clear cheeks.  He marked the graceful sweep of her dark,
+close-fitting dress, the white fringe of dainty underskirt, the small
+foot, neatly booted, peeping from beneath, and the glimpse of round,
+white throat, rendered even fairer by the creamy lace encircling it.
+Against the darker background of green shrubs she resembled a picture
+entitled "Dreaming," which he dimly recalled lingering before in some
+famous Eastern gallery, and his heart beat faster in wonderment at what
+the mystic dream might be.  To draw back unobserved was impossible,
+even had he possessed strength of will sufficient to make the attempt,
+nor would words of easy greeting come to his relief.  He could merely
+worship silently as before a sacred shrine.  It was thus she glanced up
+and saw him with startled eyes, her hands unclasping, her cheeks
+rose-colored.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Lieutenant Brant, you here?" she exclaimed, speaking as if his
+presence seemed unreal.  "What strange miracles an idle thought can
+work!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Thoughts, I have heard," he replied, coming toward her with head
+uncovered, "will sometimes awaken answers through vast distances of
+time and space.  As my thought was with you I may be altogether to
+blame for thus arousing your own.  From the expression of your face I
+supposed you dreaming."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She smiled, her eyes uplifted for a single instant to his own.  "It was
+rather thought just merging into dream, and there are few things in
+life more sweet.  I know not whether it is the common gift of all
+minds, but my day-dreams are almost more to me than my realities."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"First it was moods, and now dreams."  He seated himself comfortably at
+her feet.  "You would cause me to believe you a most impractical
+person, Miss Naida."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She laughed frankly, that rippling peal of unaffected merriment which
+sounded so like music to his ears.  "If that were only true, I am sure
+I should be most happy, for it has been my fortune so far to conjure up
+only pleasure through day-dreaming&mdash;the things I like and long for
+become my very own then.  But if you mean, as I suspect, that I do not
+enjoy the dirt and drudgery of life, then my plea will have to be
+guilty.  I, of course, grant their necessity, yet apparently there are
+plenty who find them well worth while, and there should be other work
+for those who aspire.  Back of what you term practical some one has
+said there is always a dream, a first conception.  In that sense I
+choose to be a dreamer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And not so unwise a choice, if your dreams only tend toward results."
+He sat looking into her animated face, deeply puzzled by both words and
+actions.  "I cannot help noticing that you avoid all reference to my
+meeting with Mr. Hampton.  Is this another sign of your impractical
+mind?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I should say rather the opposite, for I had not even supposed it
+concerned me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Indeed!  That presents a vastly different view from the one given us
+an hour since.  The distinct impression was then conveyed to both our
+minds that you were greatly distressed regarding the matter.  Is it
+possible you can have been acting again?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I?  Certainly not!" and she made no attempt to hide her indignation.
+"What can you mean?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He hesitated an instant in his reply, feeling that possibly he was
+treading upon thin ice.  But her eyes commanded a direct answer, and he
+yielded to them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We were informed that you experienced great anxiety for fear we might
+quarrel,&mdash;so great, indeed, that you had confided your troubles to
+another."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"To whom?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Miss Spencer.  She came to us ostensibly in your name, and as a
+peacemaker."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A moment she sat gazing directly at him, then she laughed softly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, how supremely ridiculous; I can hardly believe it true, only your
+face tells me you certainly are not in play.  Lieutenant Brant, I have
+never even dreamed of such a thing.  You had informed me that your
+mission was one of peace, and he pledged me his word not to permit any
+quarrel.  I had the utmost confidence in you both."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How, then, did she even know of our meeting?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I am entirely in the dark, as mystified as you," she acknowledged,
+frankly, "for it has certainly never been a habit with me to betray the
+confidence of my friends, and I learned long since not to confide
+secrets to Miss Spencer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Apparently neither cared to discuss the problem longer, yet he remained
+silent considering whether to venture the asking of those questions
+which might decide his fate.  He was uncertain of the ground he
+occupied, while Miss Naida, with all her frankness, was not one to
+approach thoughtlessly, nor was the sword of her tongue without sharp
+point.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You speak of your confidence in us both," he said, slowly.  "To me the
+complete trust you repose in Mr. Hampton is scarcely comprehensible.
+Do you truly believe in his reform?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Certainly.  Don't you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The direct return question served to nettle and confuse him.  "It is,
+perhaps, not my place to say, as my future happiness does not directly
+depend on the permanence of his reformation.  But if his word can be
+depended upon, your happiness to a very large extent does."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She bowed.  "I have no doubt you can safely repose confidence in
+whatever he may have told you regarding me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You indorse, then, the claims he advances?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You are very insistent; yet I know of no good reason why I should not
+answer.  Without at all knowing the nature of those claims to which you
+refer, I have no hesitancy in saying that I possess such complete
+confidence in Bob Hampton as to reply unreservedly yes.  But really,
+Lieutenant Brant, I should prefer talking upon some other topic.  It is
+evident that you two gentlemen are not friendly, yet there is no reason
+why any misunderstanding between you should interfere with our
+friendship, is there?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She asked this question with such perfect innocence that Brant believed
+she failed to comprehend Hampton's claims.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I have been informed that it must," he explained.  "I have been told
+that I was no longer to force my attentions upon Miss Gillis."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"By Bob Hampton?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes.  Those were, I believe, his exact words.  Can you wonder that I
+hardly know how I stand in your sight?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I do not at all understand," she faltered.  "Truly, Lieutenant Brant,
+I do not.  I feel that Mr. Hampton would not say that without a good
+and sufficient reason.  He is not a man to be swayed by prejudice; yet,
+whatever the reason may be, I know nothing about it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But you do not answer my last query."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Perhaps I did not hear it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It was, How do I stand in your sight?  That is of far more importance
+to me now than any unauthorized command from Mr. Hampton."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She glanced up into his serious face shyly, with a little dimple of
+returning laughter.  "Indeed; but perhaps he might not care to have me
+say.  However, as I once informed you that you were very far from being
+my ideal, possibly it may now be my duty to qualify that harsh
+statement somewhat."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"By confessing that I am your ideal?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, indeed, no!  We never realize our ideals, you know, or else they
+would entirely cease to be ideals.  My confession is limited to a mere
+admission that I now consider you a very pleasant young man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You offer me a stone when I cry unto you for bread," he exclaimed.
+"The world is filled with pleasant young men.  They are a drug on the
+market.  I beg some special distinction, some different classification
+in your eyes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You are becoming quite hard to please," her face turned partially
+away, her look meditative, "and&mdash;and dictatorial; but I will try.  You
+are intelligent, a splendid dancer, fairly good-looking, rather bright
+at times, and, no doubt, would prove venturesome if not held strictly
+to your proper place.  Take it all in all, you are even interesting,
+and&mdash;I admit&mdash;I am inclined to like you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The tantalizing tone and manner nerved him; he grasped the white hand
+resting invitingly on the grass, and held it firmly within his own.
+"You only make sport as you did once before.  I must have the whole
+truth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, no; to make sport at such a time would be sheerest mockery, and I
+would never dare to be so free.  Why, remember we are scarcely more
+than strangers.  How rude you are! only our third time of meeting, and
+you will not release my hand."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not unless I must, Naida," and the deep ringing soberness of his voice
+startled the girl into suddenly uplifting her eyes to his face.  What
+she read there instantly changed her mood from playfulness to earnest
+gravity.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, please do not&mdash;do not say what you are tempted to," her voice
+almost pleading.  "I cannot listen; truly I cannot; I must not.  It
+would make us both very unhappy, and you would be sure to regret such
+hasty words."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Regret!" and he yet clung to the hand which she scarcely endeavored to
+release, bending forward, hoping to read in her hidden eyes the secret
+her lips guarded.  "Am I, then, not old enough to know my own mind?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes&mdash;yes; I hope so, yes; but it is not for me; it can never be for
+me&mdash;I am no more than a child, a homeless waif, a nobody.  You forget
+that I do not even know who I am, or the name I ought rightfully to
+bear.  I will not have it so."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Naida, sweetheart!" and he burst impetuously through all bonds of
+restraint, her flushed cheeks the inspiration to his daring.  "I will
+speak, for I care nothing for all this.  It is you I love&mdash;love
+forever.  Do you understand me, darling?  I love you!  I love you!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For an instant,&mdash;one glad, weak, helpless, forgetful instant,&mdash;she did
+not see him, did not even know herself; the very world was lost.  Then
+she awoke as if from a dream, his strong arms clasped about her, his
+lips upon hers.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You must not," she sobbed.  "I tell you no!  I will not consent; I
+will not be false to myself.  You have no right; I gave you no right."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He permitted her to draw away, and they stood facing each other, he
+eager, mystified, thrilling with passion almost beyond mastery, she
+trembling and unstrung, her cheeks crimson, her eyes filled with mute
+appeal.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I read it in your face," he insisted.  "It told of love."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then my face must have lied," she answered, her soft voice tremulous,
+"or else you read the message wrongly.  It is from my lips you must
+take the answer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And they kissed me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If so, I knew it not.  It was by no volition of mine.  Lieutenant
+Brant, I have trusted you so completely; that was not right."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My heart exonerates me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I cannot accept that guidance."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then you do not love me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She paused, afraid of the impulse that swept her on.  "Perhaps," the
+low voice scarcely audible, "I may love you too well."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You mean there is something&mdash;some person, perhaps&mdash;standing between?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She looked frankly at him.  "I do mean just that.  I am not heartless,
+and I sincerely wish we had never met; but this must be the end."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The end?  And with no explanation?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There is no other way."  He could perceive tears in her eyes, although
+she spoke bravely.  "Nor can I explain, for all is not clear even to
+me.  But this I know, there is a barrier between us insurmountable; not
+even the power of love can overcome it; and I appeal to you to ask me
+no more."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was impossible for him to doubt her sober earnestness, or the depth
+of her feelings; the full truth in her words was pictured upon her
+face, and in the pathetic appeal of her eyes.  She extended both hands.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You will forgive me?  Truly, this barrier has not been raised by me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He bowed low, until his lips pressed the white fingers, but before he
+could master himself to utter a word in reply, a distant voice called
+his name, and both glanced hastily around.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That cry came from the valley," he said.  "I left my horse tied there.
+I will go and learn what it means."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She followed him part of the way through the labyrinth of underbrush,
+hardly knowing why she did so.  He stood alone upon the summit of the
+high bluff whence he could look across the stream.  Miss Spencer stood
+below waving her parasol frantically, and even as he gazed at her, his
+ears caught the sound of heavy firing down the valley.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0214"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER XIV
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+PLUCKED FROM THE BURNING
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+That Miss Spencer was deeply agitated was evident at a glance, while
+the nervous manner in which she glanced in the direction of those
+distant gun shots, led Brant to jump to the conclusion that they were
+in some way connected with her appearance.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Lieutenant Brant," she cried, excitedly, "they are going to kill
+him down there, and he never did it at all.  I know he didn't, and so
+does Mr. Wynkoop.  Oh, please hurry!  Nobody knew where you were, until
+I saw your horse tied here, and Mr. Wynkoop has been hunting for you
+everywhere.  He is nearly frantic, poor man, and I cannot learn where
+either Mr. Moffat or Mr. McNeil is, and I just know those dreadful
+creatures will kill him before we can get help."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Kill whom?" burst in Brant, springing down the bank fully awakened to
+the realization of some unknown emergency.  "My dear Miss Spencer, tell
+me your story quickly if you wish me to act.  Who is in danger, and
+from what?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The girl burst into tears, but struggled bravely through with her
+message.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's those awful men, the roughs and rowdies down in Glencaid.  They
+say he murdered Red Slavin, that big gambler who spoke to me this
+morning, but he did n't, for I saw the man who did, and so did Mr.
+Wynkoop.  He jumped out of the saloon window, his hand all bloody, and
+ran away.  But they 've got him and the town marshal up behind the
+Shasta dump, and swear they're going to hang him if they can only take
+him alive.  Oh, just hear those awful guns!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, but who is it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Bob Hampton, and&mdash;and he never did it at all."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Before Brant could either move or speak, Naida swept past him, down the
+steep bank, and her voice rang out clear, insistent.  "Bob Hampton
+attacked by a mob?  Is that true, Phoebe?  They are fighting at the
+Shasta dump, you say?  Lieutenant Brant, you must act&mdash;you must act
+now, for my sake!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She sprang toward the horse, nerved by Brant's apparent slowness to
+respond, and loosened the rein from the scrub oak.  "Then I will myself
+go to him, even if they kill me also, the cowards!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But Brant had got his head now.  Grasping her arm and the rein of the
+plunging horse, "You will go home," he commanded, with the tone of
+military authority.  "Go home with Miss Spencer.  All that can possibly
+be done to aid Hampton I shall do&mdash;will you go?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She looked helplessly into his face.  "You&mdash;you don't like him," she
+faltered; "I know you don't.  But&mdash;but you will help him, won't you,
+for my sake?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He crushed back an oath.  "Like him or not like him, I will save him if
+it be in the power of man.  Now will you go?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes," she answered, and suddenly extended her arms.  "Kiss me first."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+With the magical pressure of her lips upon his, he swung into the
+saddle and spurred down the road.  It was a principle of his military
+training never to temporize with a mob&mdash;he would strike hard, but he
+must have sufficient force behind him.  He reined up before the
+seemingly deserted camp, his horse flung back upon its haunches, white
+foam necking its quivering flanks.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sergeant!"  The sharp snap of his voice brought that officer forward
+on the run.  "Where are the men?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Playin' ball, most of 'em, sir, just beyond the ridge."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Are the horses out in herd?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, sir."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sound the recall; arm and mount every man; bring them into Glencaid on
+the gallop.  Do you know the old Shasta mine?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, sir."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Half-way up the hill back of the hotel.  You 'll find me somewhere in
+front of it.  This is a matter of life or death, so jump lively now!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He drove in his spurs, and was off like the wind.  A number of men were
+in the street, all hurrying forward in the same direction, but he
+dashed past them.  These were miners mostly, eager to have a hand in
+the man-hunt.  Here and there a rider skurried along and joined in the
+chase.  Just beyond the hotel, half-way up the hill, rifles were
+speaking irregularly, the white puffs of smoke blown quickly away by
+the stiff breeze.  Near the centre of this line of skirmishers a denser
+cloud was beginning to rise in spirals.  Brant, perceiving the largest
+group of men gathered just before him, rode straight toward them.  The
+crowd scattered slightly at his rapid approach, but promptly closed in
+again as he drew up his horse with taut rein.  He looked down into
+rough, bearded faces.  Clearly enough these men were in no fit spirit
+for peace-making.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You damn fool!" roared one, hoarsely, his gun poised as if in threat,
+"what do you mean by riding us down like that?  Do you own this
+country?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant flung himself from the saddle and strode in front of the fellow.
+"I mean business.  You see this uniform?  Strike that, my man, and you
+strike the United States.  Who is leading this outfit?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't know as it's your affair," the man returned, sullenly.  "We
+ain't takin' no army orders at present, mister.  We 're free-born
+American citizens, an' ye better let us alone."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That is not what I asked you," and Brant squared his shoulders, his
+hands clinched.  "My question was, Who is at the head of this outfit?
+and I want an answer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The spokesman looked around upon the others near him with a grin of
+derision.  "Oh, ye do, hey?  Well, I reckon we are, if you must know.
+Since Big Jim Larson got it in the shoulder this outfit right yere hes
+bin doin' most of the brain work.  So, if ye 've got anythin' ter say,
+mister officer man, I reckon ye better spit it out yere ter me, an'
+sorter relieve yer mind."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who are you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The fellow expectorated vigorously into the leaves under foot, and
+drawing one hairy hand across his lips, flushed angrily to the
+unexpected inquiry.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, tell him, Ben.  What's the blame odds?  He can't do ye no hurt."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man's look became dogged.  "I 'm Ben Colton, if it 'll do ye any
+good to know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I thought I had seen you somewhere before," said Brant,
+contemptuously, and then swept his glance about the circle.  "A nice
+leader of vigilantes you are, a fine representative of law and order, a
+lovely specimen of the free-born American citizen!  Men, do you happen
+to know what sort of a cur you are following in this affair?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Ben's all right."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What ye got against him, young feller?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Just this," and Brant squarely fronted the man, his voice ringing like
+steel.  "I 've seen mobs before to-day, and I 've dealt with them.  I
+'m not afraid of you or your whole outfit, and I 've got fighting men
+to back me up.  I never yet saw any mob which was n't led and incited
+by some cowardly, revengeful rascal.  Honest men get mixed up in such
+affairs, but they are invariably inflamed by some low-down sneak with
+an axe to grind.  I confess I don't know all about this Colton, but I
+know enough to say he is an army deserter, a liar, a dive-keeper, a
+gambler, and, to my certain knowledge, the direct cause of the death of
+three men, one a soldier of my troop.  Now isn't he a sweet specimen to
+lead in the avenging of a supposed crime?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Whatever else Colton might have failed in, he was a man of action.
+Like a flash his gun flew to the level, but was instantly knocked aside
+by the grizzled old miner standing next him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"None o' that, Ben," he growled, warningly.  "It don't never pay to
+shoot holes in Uncle Sam."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant smiled.  He was not there just then to fight, but to secure delay
+until his own men could arrive, and to turn aside the fierce mob spirit
+if such a result was found possible.  He knew thoroughly the class of
+men with whom he dealt, and he understood likewise the wholesome power
+of his uniform.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I really would enjoy accommodating you, Colton," he said, coolly,
+feeling much more at ease, "but I never fight personal battles with
+such fellows as you.  And now, you other men, it is about time you woke
+up to the facts of this matter.  A couple of hundred of you chasing
+after two men, one an officer of the law doing his sworn duty, and the
+other innocent of any crime.  I should imagine you would feel proud of
+your job."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Innocent?  Hell!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That is what I said.  You fellows have gone off half-cocked&mdash;a mob
+generally does.  Both Miss Spencer and Mr. Wynkoop state positively
+that they saw the real murderer of Red Slavin, and it was not Bob
+Hampton."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The men were impressed by his evident earnestness, his unquestioned
+courage.  Colton laughed sneeringly, but Brant gave him no heed beyond
+a quick, warning glance.  Several voices spoke almost at once.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is that right?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, say, I saw the fellow with his hand on the knife."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"After we git the chap, we 'll give them people a chance to tell what
+they know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant's keenly attentive ears heard the far-off chug of numerous
+horses' feet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I rather think you will," he said, confidently, his voice ringing out
+with sudden authority.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He stepped back, lifted a silver whistle to his lips, and sounded one
+sharp, clear note.  There was a growing thunder of hoofs, a quick,
+manly cheer, a crashing through the underbrush, and a squad of eager
+troopers, half-dressed but with faces glowing in anticipation of
+trouble, came galloping up the slope, swinging out into line as they
+advanced, their carbines gleaming in the sunlight.  It was prettily,
+sharply performed, and their officer's face brightened.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Very nicely done, Watson," he said to the expectant sergeant.  "Deploy
+your men to left and right, and clear out those shooters.  Make a good
+job of it, but no firing unless you have to."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The troopers went at it as if they enjoyed the task, forcing their
+restive horses through the thickets, and roughly handling more than one
+who ventured to question their authority.  Yet the work was over in
+less time than it takes to tell, the discomfited regulators driven
+pell-mell down the hill and back into the town, the eager cavalrymen
+halting only at the command of the bugle.  Brant, confident of his
+first sergeant in such emergency, merely paused long enough to watch
+the men deploy, and then pressed straight up the hill, alone and on
+foot.  That danger to the besieged was yet imminent was very evident.
+The black spiral of smoke had become an enveloping cloud, spreading
+rapidly in both directions from its original starting-point, and
+already he could distinguish the red glare of angry flames leaping
+beneath, fanned by the wind into great sheets of fire, and sweeping
+forward with incredible swiftness.  These might not succeed in reaching
+the imprisoned men, but the stifling vapor, the suffocating smoke held
+captive by that overhanging rock, would prove a most serious menace.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He encountered a number of men running down as he toiled anxiously
+forward, but they avoided him, no doubt already aware of the trouble
+below and warned by his uniform.  He arrived finally where the ground
+was charred black and covered with wood ashes, still hot under foot and
+smoking, but he pressed upward, sheltering his eyes with uplifted arm,
+and seeking passage where the scarcity of underbrush rendered the zone
+of fire less impassable.  On both sides trees were already wrapped in
+flame, yet he discovered a lane along which he stumbled until a fringe
+of burning bushes extended completely across it.  The heat was almost
+intolerable, the crackling of the ignited wood was like the reports of
+pistols, the dense pall of smoke was suffocating.  He could see
+scarcely three yards in advance, but to the rear the narrow lane of
+retreat remained open.  Standing there, as though in the mouth of a
+furnace, the red flames scorching his face, Brant hollowed his hands
+for a call.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hampton!"  The word rang out over the infernal crackling and roaring
+like the note of a trumpet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Ay!  What is it?"  The returning voice was plainly not Hampton's, yet
+it came from directly in front, and not faraway.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who are you?  Is that you, Marshal?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Thet's the ticket," answered the voice, gruffly, "an' just as full o'
+fight es ever."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant lifted his jacket to protect his face from the scorching heat.
+There was certainly no time to lose in any exchange of compliments.
+Already, the flames were closing in; in five minutes more they would
+seal every avenue of escape.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I 'm Brant, Lieutenant Seventh Cavalry," he cried, choking with the
+thickening smoke.  "My troop has scattered those fellows who were
+hunting you.  I 'll protect you and your prisoner, but you 'll have to
+get out of there at once.  Can you locate me and make a dash for it?
+Wrap your coats around your heads, and leave your guns behind."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+An instant he waited for the answer, fairly writhing in the intense
+heat, then Mason shouted, "Hampton 's been shot, and I 'm winged a
+little; I can't carry him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was a desperately hard thing to do, but Brant had given his promise,
+and in that moment of supreme trial, he had no other thought than
+fulfilling it.  He ripped off his jacket, wrapped it about his face,
+jammed a handkerchief into his mouth, and, with a prayer in his heart,
+leaped forward into the seemingly narrow fringe of fire in his front.
+Head down, he ran blindly, stumbling forward as he struck the ore-dump,
+and beating out with his hands the sparks that scorched his clothing.
+The smoke appeared to roll higher from the ground here, and the
+coughing soldier crept up beneath it, breathing the hot air, and
+feeling as though his entire body were afire.  Mason, his countenance
+black and unrecognizable, his shirt soaked with blood, peered into his
+face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hell, ain't it!" he sputtered, "but you're a dandy, all right."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is Hampton dead?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I reckon not.  Got hit bad, though, and clear out of his head."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant cast one glance into the white, unconscious face of his rival,
+and acted with the promptness of military training.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Whip off your shirt, Mason, and tie it around your face," he
+commanded, "Lively now!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He bound his silk neckerchief across Hampton's mouth, and lifted the
+limp form partially from the ground.  "Help me to get him up.  There,
+that will do.  Now keep as close as you can so as to steady him if I
+trip.  Straight ahead&mdash;run for it!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They sprang directly into the lurid flames, bending low, Brant's hands
+grasping the inert form lying across his shoulder.  They dashed
+stumbling through the black, smouldering lane beyond.  Half-way down
+this, the ground yet hot beneath their feet, the vapor stifling, but
+with clearer breaths of air blowing in their faces, Brant tripped and
+fell.  Mason beat out the smouldering sparks in his clothing, and
+assisted him to stagger to his feet once more.  Then together they bore
+him, now unconscious, slowly down below the first fire-line.
+</P>
+
+<A NAME="img-264"></A>
+<CENTER>
+<IMG SRC="images/img-264.jpg" ALT="Together they bore him, now unconscious, slowly down down below the first fire-line." BORDER="2" WIDTH="447" HEIGHT="678">
+<H4>
+[Illustration: Together they bore him, now unconscious, slowly <BR>
+down below the first fire-line.]
+</H4>
+</CENTER>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0215"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER XV
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE DOOR CLOSES
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Totally exhausted, the two men dropped their heavy burden on the earth.
+Mason swore as the blood began dripping again from his wound, which had
+been torn open afresh in his efforts to bear Hampton to safety.  Just
+below them a mounted trooper caught sight of them and came forward.  He
+failed to recognize his officer in the begrimed person before him,
+until called to attention by the voice of command.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sims, if there is any water in your canteen hand it over.  Good; here,
+Marshal, use this.  Now, Sims, note what I say carefully, and don't
+waste a minute.  Tell the first sergeant to send a file of men up here
+with some sort of litter, on the run.  Then you ride to the Herndon
+house&mdash;the yellow house where the roads fork, you remember,&mdash;and tell
+Miss Naida Gillis (don't forget the name) that Mr. Hampton has been
+seriously wounded, and we are taking him to the hotel.  Can you
+remember that?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, sir."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then off with you, and don't spare the horse."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He was gone instantly, and Brant began bathing the pallid, upturned
+face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You'd better lie down, Marshal," he commanded.  "You're pretty weak
+from loss of blood, and I can do all there is to be done until those
+fellows get here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+In fifteen minutes they appeared, and five minutes later they were
+toiling slowly down to the valley, Brant walking beside his still
+unconscious rival.  Squads of troopers were scattered along the base of
+the hill, and grouped in front of the hotel.  Here and there down the
+street, but especially about the steps of the Occidental, were gathered
+the discomfited vigilantes, busily discussing the affair, and cursing
+the watchful, silent guard.  As these caught sight of the little party
+approaching, there were shouts of derision, which swelled into triumph
+when they perceived Hampton's apparently lifeless form, and Mason
+leaning in weakness on the arm of a trooper.  The sight and sound
+angered Brant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Carry Hampton to his room and summon medical attendance at once," he
+ordered.  "I have a word to say to those fellows."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Seeing Mr. Wynkoop on the hotel porch, Brant said to him: "Miss Spencer
+informed me that you saw a man leap from the back window of the
+Occidental.  Is that true?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The missionary nodded.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Good; then come along with me.  I intend breaking the back of this
+lynching business right here and now."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He strode directly across the street to the steps of the Occidental,
+his clothing scarcely more than smouldering rags.  The crowd stared at
+him sullenly; then suddenly a reaction came, and the American spirit of
+fair play, the frontier appreciation of bulldog courage, burst forth
+into a confused murmur, that became half a cheer.  Brant did not mince
+his words.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now, look here, men!  If you want any more trouble we 're here to
+accommodate you.  Fighting is our trade, and we don't mind working at
+it.  But I wish to tell you right now, and straight off the handle,
+that you are simply making a parcel of fools of yourselves.  Slavin has
+been killed, and nine out of ten among you are secretly glad of it.  He
+was a curse to this camp, but because some of his friends and
+cronies&mdash;thugs, gamblers, and dive-keepers&mdash;accuse Bob Hampton of
+having killed him, you start in blindly to lynch Hampton, never even
+waiting to find out whether the charge is the truth or a lie.  You act
+like sheep, not American citizens.  Now that we have pounded a little
+sense into some of you, perhaps you'll listen to the facts, and if you
+must hang some one put your rope on the right man.  Bob Hampton did not
+kill Red Slavin.  The fellow who did kill him climbed out of the back
+window of the Occidental here, and got away, while you were chasing the
+wrong man.  Mr. Wynkoop saw him, and so did your schoolteacher, Miss
+Spencer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then Wynkoop stepped gamely to the front.  "All that is true, men.  I
+have been trying ever since to tell you, but no one would listen.  Miss
+Spencer and I both saw the man jump from the window; there was blood on
+his right arm and hand.  He was a misshapen creature whom neither of us
+ever saw before, and he disappeared on a run up that ravine.  I have no
+doubt he was Slavin's murderer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+No one spoke, the crowd apparently ashamed of their actions.  But Brant
+did not wait for any outward expression.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now, you fellows, think that over," he said.  "I intend to post a
+guard until I find out whether you are going to prove yourselves fools
+or men, but if we sail in again those of you who start the trouble can
+expect to get hurt, and pay the piper.  That's all."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+In front of the hotel porch he met his first sergeant coming out.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What does the doctor say about Hampton?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A very bad wound, sir, but not necessarily fatal; he has regained
+consciousness."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Has Miss Gillis arrived?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't know, sir; there's a young woman cryin' in the parlor."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The lieutenant leaped up the steps and entered the house.  But it was
+Miss Spencer, not Naida, who sprang to her feet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Lieutenant Brant; can this be truly you!  How perfectly awful you
+look!  Do you know if Mr. Hampton is really going to die?  I came here
+just to find out about him, and tell Naida.  She is almost frantic,
+poor thing."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Though Brant doubted Miss Spencer's honesty of statement, his reply was
+direct and unhesitating.  "I am informed that he has a good chance to
+live, and I have already despatched word to Miss Gillis regarding his
+condition.  I expect her at any moment."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How very nice that was of you!  Oh, I trembled so when you first went
+to face those angry men!  I don't see how you ever dared to do it.  I
+did wish that either Mr. Moffat or Mr. McNeil could have been here to
+go with you.  Mr. Moffat especially is so daring; he is always risking
+his life for some one else&mdash;and no one seems able to tell me anything
+about either of them."  The lady paused, blushing violently, as she
+realized what she had been saying.  "Really you must not suppose me
+unmaidenly, Lieutenant," she explained, her eyes shyly lifting, "but
+you know those gentlemen were my very earliest acquaintances here, and
+they have been so kind.  I was so shocked when Naida kissed you,
+Lieutenant; but the poor girl was so grateful to you for going to the
+help of Bob Hampton that she completely forgot herself.  It is simply
+wonderful how infatuated the poor child is with that man.  He seems
+almost to exercise some power of magic over her, don't you think?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why frankly, Miss Spencer, I scarcely feel like discussing that topic
+just now.  There are so many duties pressing me&mdash;" and Brant took a
+hasty step toward the open door, his attentive ear catching the sound
+of a light footstep in the hallway.  He met Naida just without, pale
+and tearless.  Both her hands were extended to him unreservedly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Tell me, will he live?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The doctor thinks yes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Thank God!  Oh, thank God!"  She pressed one hand against her heart to
+control its throbbing.  "You cannot know what this means to me."  Her
+eyes seemed now for the first time to mark his own deplorable
+condition.  "And you?  You have not been hurt, Lieutenant Brant?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He smiled back into her anxious eyes.  "Nothing that soap and water and
+a few days' retirement will not wholly remedy.  My wounds are entirely
+upon the surface.  Shall I conduct you to him?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She bowed, apparently forgetful that one of her hands yet remained
+imprisoned in his grasp.  "If I may go, yes.  I told Mrs. Herndon I
+should remain here if I could be of the slightest assistance."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They passed up the staircase side by side, exchanging no further
+speech.  Once she glanced furtively at his face, but its very calmness
+kept the words upon her lips unuttered.  At the door they encountered
+Mrs. Guffy, her honest eyes red from weeping.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"This is Miss Gillis, Mrs. Guffy," explained Brant.  "She wishes to see
+Mr. Hampton if it is possible."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sure an' she can thet.  He's been askin' after her, an' thet pretty
+face would kape any man in gud spirits, I 'm thinkin'.  Step roight in,
+miss."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She held the door ajar, but Naida paused, glancing back at her
+motionless companion, a glint of unshed tears showing for the first
+time in her eyes.  "Are you not coming also?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, Miss Naida.  It is best for me to remain without, but my heart
+goes with you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then the door closed between them.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0216"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER XVI
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE RESCUE OF MISS SPENCER
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+While Hampton lingered between life and death, assiduously waited upon
+by both Naida and Mrs. Guffy, Brant nursed his burns, far more serious
+than he had at first supposed, within the sanctity of his tent, longing
+for an order to take him elsewhere, and dreading the possibility of
+again having to encounter this girl, who remained to him so perplexing
+an enigma.  Glencaid meanwhile recovered from its mania of lynch-law,
+and even began exhibiting some faint evidences of shame over what was
+so plainly a mistake.  And the populace were also beginning to exhibit
+no small degree of interest in the weighty matters which concerned the
+fast-culminating love affairs of Miss Spencer.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Almost from her earliest arrival the extensive cattle and mining
+interests of the neighborhood became aggressively arrayed against each
+other; and now, as the fierce personal rivalry between Messrs. Moffat
+and McNeil grew more intense, the breach perceptibly widened.  While
+the infatuation of the Reverend Mr. Wynkoop for this same fascinating
+young lady was plainly to be seen, his chances in the race were not
+seriously regarded by the more active partisans upon either side.  As
+the stage driver explained to an inquisitive party of tourists, "He 's
+a mighty fine little feller, gents, but he ain't got the git up an' git
+necessary ter take the boundin' fancy of a high-strung heifer like her.
+It needs a plum good man ter' rope an' tie any female critter in this
+Territory, let me tell ye."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+With this conception of the situation in mind, the citizens generally
+settled themselves down to enjoy the truly Homeric struggle, freely
+wagering their gold-dust upon the outcome.  The regular patrons of the
+Miners' Retreat were backing Mr. Moffat to a man, while those claiming
+headquarters at the Occidental were equally ardent in their support of
+the prospects of Mr. McNeil.  It must be confessed that Miss Spencer
+flirted outrageously, and enjoyed life as she never had done in the
+effete East.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+In simple truth, it was not in Miss Spencer's sympathetic disposition
+to be cruel to any man, and in this puzzling situation she exhibited
+all the impartiality possible.  The Reverend Mr. Wynkoop always felt
+serenely confident of an uninterrupted welcome upon Sunday evenings
+after service, while the other nights of the week were evenly
+apportioned between the two more ardent aspirants.  The delvers after
+mineral wealth amid the hills, and the herders on the surrounding
+ranches, felt that this was a personal matter between them, and acted
+accordingly.  Three-finger Boone, who was caught red-handed timing the
+exact hour of Mr. Moffat's exit from his lady-love's presence, was
+indignantly ducked in the watering-trough before the Miners' Retreat,
+and given ten minutes in which to mount his cayuse and get safely
+across the camp boundaries.  He required only five.  Bad-eye Connelly,
+who was suspected of having cut Mr. McNeil's lariat while that
+gentleman tarried at the Occidental for some slight refreshments while
+on his way home, was very promptly rendered a fit hospital subject by
+an inquisitive cowman who happened upon the scene.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings the Miners' Retreat was a
+scene of wild hilarity, for it was then that Mr. Moffat, gorgeously
+arrayed in all the bright hues of his imported Mexican outfit, his long
+silky mustaches properly curled, his melancholy eyes vast wells of
+mysterious sorrow, was known to be comfortably seated in the Herndon
+parlor, relating gruesome tales of wild mountain adventure which paled
+the cheeks of his fair and entranced listener.  Then on Tuesday,
+Thursday, and Saturday nights, when Mr. McNeil rode gallantly in on his
+yellow bronco, bedecked in all the picturesque paraphernalia of the
+boundless plains, revolver swinging at thigh, his wide sombrero
+shadowing his dare-devil eyes, the front of the gay Occidental blazed
+with lights, and became crowded to the doors with enthusiastic herders
+drinking deep to the success of their representative.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It is no more than simple justice to the fair Phoebe to state that she
+was, as her aunt expressed it, "in a dreadful state of mind."  Between
+these two picturesque and typical knights of plain and mountain she
+vibrated, unable to make deliberate choice.  That she was ardently
+loved by each she realized with recurring thrills of pleasure; that she
+loved in return she felt no doubt&mdash;but alas! which?  How perfectly
+delightful it would be could she only fall into some desperate plight,
+from which the really daring knight might rescue her!  That would cut
+the Gordian knot.  While laboring in this state of indecision she must
+have voiced her ambition in some effective manner to the parties
+concerned, for late one Wednesday night Moffat tramped heavily into the
+Miners' Retreat and called Long Pete Lumley over into a deserted corner
+of the bar-room.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, Jack," the latter began expectantly, "hev ye railly got the
+cinch on that cowboy at last, hey?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dern it all, Pete, I 'm blamed if I know; leastwise, I ain't got no
+sure prove-up.  I tell ye thet girl's just about the toughest piece o'
+rock I ever had any special call to assay.  I think first I got her
+good an' proper, an' then she drops out all of a sudden, an' I lose the
+lead.  It's mighty aggravating let me tell ye.  Ye see it's this way.
+She 's got some durn down East-notion that she's got ter be rescued,
+an' borne away in the arms of her hero (thet's 'bout the way she puts
+it), like they do in them pesky novels the Kid 's allers reading and so
+I reckon I 've got ter rescue her!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Rescue her from whut, Jack?  Thar' ain't nuthin' 'round yere just now
+as I know of, less it's rats."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The lover glanced about to make sure they were alone.  "Well, ye see,
+Pete, maybe I 'm partly to blame.  I 've sorter been entertainin' her
+nights with some stories regardin' road-agents an' things o' thet sort,
+while, so fur as I kin larn, thet blame chump of a McNeil hes been
+fillin' her up scandalous with Injuns, until she 's plum got 'em on the
+brain.  Ye know a feller jist hes ter gas along 'bout somethin' like
+thet, fer it's no fool job ter entertain a female thet's es frisky es a
+young colt.  And now, I reckon as how it's got ter be Injuns."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Whut's got ter be Injuns?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why thet outfit whut runs off with her, of course.  I reckon you
+fellers will stand in all right ter help pull me out o' this hole?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Long Pete nodded.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, Pete, this is 'bout whut's got ter be done, es near es I kin
+figger it out.  You pick out maybe half a dozen good fellers, who kin
+keep their mouths shet, an' make Injuns out of 'em.  'Tain't likely she
+'ll ever twig any of the boys fixed up proper in thet sorter
+outfit&mdash;anyhow, she'd be too durned skeered.  Then you lay fer her, say
+'bout next Wednesday, out in them Carter woods, when she 's comin' home
+from school.  I 'll kinder naturally happen 'long by accident 'bout the
+head o' the gulch, an' jump in an' rescue her.  <I>Sabe</I>?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Lumley gazed at his companion with eyes expressive of admiration.  "By
+thunder, if you haven't got a cocoanut on ye, Jack!  Lord, but thet
+ought to get her a flyin'!  Any shootin'?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sure!"  Moffat's face exhibited a faint smile at these words of
+praise.  "It wouldn't be no great shucks of a rescue without, an' this
+hes got ter be the real thing.  Only, I reckon, ye better shoot high,
+so thar' won't be no hurt done."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+When the two gentlemen parted, a few moments later, the conspiracy was
+fully hatched, all preliminaries perfected, and the gallant rescue of
+Miss Spencer assured.  Indeed, there is some reason now to believe that
+this desirable result was rendered doubly certain, for as Moffat moved
+slowly past the Occidental on his way home, a person attired in chaps
+and sombrero, and greatly resembling McNeil, was in the back room,
+breathing some final instructions to a few bosom friends.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now don't&mdash;eh&mdash;any o' you fellers&mdash;eh&mdash;go an' forget the place.  Jump
+in&mdash;eh&mdash;lively.  Just afore she&mdash;eh&mdash;gits ter thet thick
+bunch&mdash;eh&mdash;underbrush, whar' the trail sorter&mdash;eh&mdash;drops down inter the
+ravine.  An' you chumps wanter&mdash;eh&mdash;git&mdash;yerselves up so she can't pipe
+any of ye off&mdash;eh&mdash;in this yere&mdash;eh&mdash;road-agent act.  I tell ye, after
+what thet&mdash;eh&mdash;Moffat's bin a-pumpin' inter her, she's just got ter
+be&mdash;eh&mdash;rescued, an' in blame good style, er&mdash;eh&mdash;it ain't no go."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, you rest easy 'bout all thet, Bill," chimed in Sandy Winn, his
+black eyes dancing in anticipation of coming fun.  "We 'll git up the
+ornariest outfit whut ever hit the pike."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The long shadows of the late afternoon were already falling across the
+gloomy Carter woods, while the red sun sank lower behind old Bull
+Mountain.  The Reverend Howard Wynkoop, who for more than an hour past
+had been vainly dangling a fishing-line above the dancing waters of
+Clear Creek, now reclined dreamily on the soft turf of the high bank,
+his eyes fixed upon the distant sky-line.  His thoughts were on the
+flossy hair and animated face of the fair Miss Spencer, who he
+momentarily expected would round the edge of the hill, and so deeply
+did he become sank in blissful reflection as to be totally oblivious to
+everything but her approach.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Just above his secret resting-place, where the great woods deepen, and
+the gloomy shadows lie darkly all through the long afternoons, a small
+party of hideously painted savages skulked silently in ambush.
+Suddenly to their strained ears was borne the sound of horses' hoofs;
+and then, all at once, a woman's voice rang out in a single shrill,
+startled cry.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Whut is up?" questioned the leading savage, hoarsely.  "Is he a-doin'
+this little job all by hisself?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dunno," answered the fellow next him, flipping his quirt uneasily;
+"but I reckon as how it's her as squealed, an' we 'd better be gitting
+in ter hev our share o' the fun."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The "chief," with an oath of disgust, dashed forward, and his band
+surged after.  Just below them, and scarcely fifty feet away, a
+half-score of roughly clad, heavily bearded men were clustered in the
+centre of the trail, two of their number lifting the unconscious form
+of a fainting woman upon a horse.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Cervera's gang, by gosh!" panted the leading savage.  "How did they
+git yere?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You bet!  She's up agin the real thing," ejaculated a voice beside
+him.  "Let's ride 'em off the earth!  Whoop!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+With wild yells to awaken fresh courage, the whole band plunged
+headlong down the sharp decline, striking the surprised "road-agents"
+with a force and suddenness which sent half of them sprawling.
+Revolvers flashed, oaths and shouts rang out fiercely, men clinched
+each other, striking savage blows.  Lumley grasped the leader of the
+other party by the hair, and endeavored to beat him over the head with
+his revolver butt.  Even as he uplifted his hand to strike, the man's
+beard fell off, and the two fierce combatants paused as though
+thunderstruck.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hold on yere, boy!" yelled Lumley.  "This yere is some blame joke.
+These fellers is Bill McNeil's gang."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"By thunder! if it ain't Pete Lumley," ejaculated the other.  "Whut did
+ye hit me fer, ye long-legged minin' jackass?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The explanation was never uttered.  Out from the surrounding gloom of
+underbrush a hatless, dishevelled individual on foot suddenly dashed
+into the centre of that hesitating ring of horsemen.  With skilful
+twist of his foot he sent a dismounted road-agent spinning over
+backward, and managed to wrench a revolver from his hand.  There was a
+blaze of red flame, a cloud of smoke, six sharp reports, and a wild
+stampede of frantic horsemen.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then the Reverend Howard Wynkoop flung the empty gun disdainfully down
+into the dirt, stepped directly across the motionless outstretched
+body, and knelt humbly beside a slender, white-robed figure lying close
+against the fringe of bushes.  Tenderly he lifted the fair head to his
+throbbing bosom, and gazed directly down into the white, unconscious
+face.  Even as he looked her eyes unclosed, her body trembling within
+his arms.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Have no fear," he implored, reading terror in the expression of her
+face.  "Miss Spencer&mdash;Phoebe&mdash;it is only I, Mr. Wynkoop."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You!  Have those awful creatures gone?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, yes; be calm, I beg you.  There is no longer the slightest
+danger.  I am here to protect you with my life if need be."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Howard&mdash;Mr. Wynkoop&mdash;it is all so strange, so bewildering; my
+nerves are so shattered!  But it has taught me a great, great lesson.
+How could I have ever been so blind?  I thought Mr. Moffat and Mr.
+McNeil were such heroes, and yet now in this hour of desperate peril it
+was you who flew gallantly to my rescue!  It is you who are the true
+Western knight!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+And Mr. Wynkoop gazed down into those grateful eyes, and modestly
+confessed it true.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0217"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER XVII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE PARTING HOUR
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+To Lieutenant Brant these proved days of bitterness.  His sole comfort
+was the feeling that he had performed his duty; his sustaining hope,
+that the increasing rumors of Indian atrocity might soon lead to his
+despatch upon active service.  He had called twice upon Hampton, both
+times finding the wounded man propped up in bed, very affable, properly
+grateful for services rendered, yet avoiding all reference to the one
+disturbing element between them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Once he had accidentally met Naida, but their brief conversation left
+him more deeply mystified then ever, and later she seemed to avoid him
+altogether.  The barrier between them no longer appeared as a figment
+of her misguided imagination, but rather as a real thing neither
+patience nor courage might hope to surmount.  If he could have
+flattered himself that Naida was depressed also in spirit, the fact
+might have proved both comfort and inspiration, but to his view her
+attitude was one of almost total indifference.  One day he deemed her
+but an idle coquette; the next, a warm-hearted woman, doing her duty
+bravely.  Yet through it all her power over him never slackened.  Twice
+he walked with Miss Spencer as far as the Herndon house, hopeful that
+that vivacious young lady might chance to let fall some unguarded hint
+of guidance.  But Miss Spencer was then too deeply immersed in her own
+affairs of the heart to waste either time or thought upon others.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The end to this nervous strain came in the form of an urgent despatch
+recalling N Troop to Fort Abraham Lincoln by forced marches.  The
+commander felt no doubt as to the full meaning of this message, and the
+soldier in him made prompt and joyful response.  Little Glencaid was
+almost out of the world so far as recent news was concerned.  The
+military telegraph, however, formed a connecting link with the War
+Department, so that Brant knew something of the terrible condition of
+the Northwest.  He had thus learned of the consolidation of the hostile
+savages, incited by Sitting Bull, into the fastness of the Big Horn
+Range; he was aware that General Crook was already advancing northward
+from the Nebraska line; and he knew it was part of the plan of
+operation for Custer and the Seventh Cavalry to strike directly
+westward across the Dakota hills.  Now he realized that he was to be a
+part of this chosen fighting force, and his heart responded to the
+summons as to a bugle-call in battle.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Instantly the little camp was astir, the men feeling the enthusiasm of
+their officers.  With preparations well in hand, Brant's thoughts
+veered once again toward Naida&mdash;he could not leave her, perhaps ride
+forth to death, without another effort to learn what was this
+impassable object between them.  He rode down to the Herndon house with
+grave face and sober thought.  If he could only understand this girl;
+if he could only once look into her heart, and know the meaning of her
+ever-changing actions, her puzzling words!  He felt convinced he had
+surprised the reflection of love within her eyes; but soon the
+reflection vanished.  The end was ever the same&mdash;he only knew he loved
+her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He recalled long the plainly furnished room into which Mrs. Herndon
+ushered him to await the girl's appearance&mdash;the formal look of the
+old-fashioned hair-cloth furniture, the prim striped paper on the
+walls, the green shades at the windows, the clean rag carpet on the
+floor.  The very stiffness chilled him, left him ill at ease.  To calm
+his spirit he walked to a window, and stood staring out into the warm
+sunlight.  Then he heard the rustle of Naida's skirt and turned to meet
+her.  She was pale from her weeks of nursing, and agitated for fear of
+what this unexpected call might portend.  Yet to his thought she
+appeared calm, her manner restrained.  Nor could anything be kinder
+than her first greeting, the frankly extended hand, the words
+expressive of welcome.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mr. Wynkoop informed me a few minutes ago that you had at last
+received your orders for the north," she said, her lips slightly
+trembling.  "I wondered if you would leave without a word of farewell."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He bowed low.  "I do not understand how you could doubt, for I have
+shown my deep interest in you even from the first.  If I have lately
+seemed to avoid you, it has only been because I believed you wished it
+so."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A slight flush tinged the pallor of her cheeks, while the long lashes
+drooped over the eyes, concealing their secrets.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Life is not always as easy to live aright as it appears upon the
+surface," she confessed.  "I am learning that I cannot always do just
+as I should like, but must content myself with the performance of duty.
+Shall we not be seated?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was an embarrassing pause, as though neither knew how to get
+through the interview.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No doubt you are rejoiced to be sent on active service again," she
+said, at last.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, both as a soldier and as a man, Miss Naida.  I am glad to get
+into the field again with my regiment, to do my duty under the flag,
+and I am equally rejoiced to have something occur which will tend to
+divert my thoughts.  I had not intended to say anything of this kind,
+but now that I am with you I simply cannot restrain the words.  This
+past month has been, I believe, the hardest I have ever been compelled
+to live through.  You simply mystify me, so that I alternately hope and
+despair.  Your methods are cruel."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mine?" and she gazed at him with parted lips.  "Lieutenant Brant, what
+can you mean?  What is it I have done?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It may have been only play to you, and so easily forgotten," he went
+on, bitterly.  "But that is a dangerous game, very certain to hurt some
+one.  Miss Naida, your face, your eyes, even your lips almost
+continually tell me one thing; your words another.  I know not which to
+trust.  I never meet you except to go away baffled and bewildered."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You wish to know the truth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Ay, and for ail time!  Are you false, or true?  Coquette, or woman?
+Do you simply play with hearts for idle amusement, or is there some
+true purpose ruling your actions?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She looked directly at him, her hands clasped, her breath almost
+sobbing between the parted lips.  At first she could not speak.  "Oh,
+you hurt me so," she faltered at last.  "I did not suppose you could
+ever think that.  I&mdash;I did not mean it; oh, truly I did not mean it!
+You forget how young I am; how very little I know of the world and its
+ways.  Perhaps I have not even realized how deeply in earnest you were,
+have deceived myself into believing you were merely amusing yourself
+with me.  Why, indeed, should I think otherwise?  How could I venture
+to believe you would ever really care in that way for such a waif as I?
+You have seen other women in that great Eastern world of which I have
+only read&mdash;refined, cultured, princesses, belonging to your own social
+circle,&mdash;how should I suppose you could forget them, and give your
+heart to a little outcast, a girl without a name or a home?  Rather
+should it be I who might remain perplexed and bewildered."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I love you," he said, with simple honesty.  "I seek you for my wife."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She started at these frankly spoken words, her hands partially
+concealing her face, her form trembling.  "Oh, I wish you hadn't said
+that!  It is not because I doubt you any longer; not that I fail to
+appreciate all you offer me.  But it is so hard to appear ungrateful,
+to give nothing in return for so vast a gift."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then it is true that you do not love me?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The blood flamed suddenly up into her face, but there was no lowering
+of the eyes, no shrinking back.  She was too honest to play the coward
+before him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I shall not attempt to deceive you," she said, with a slow
+impressiveness instantly carrying conviction.  "This has already
+progressed so far that I now owe you complete frankness.  Donald Brant,
+now and always, living or dead, married or single, wherever life may
+take us, I shall love you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Their eyes were meeting, but she held up her hand to restrain him from
+the one step forward.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, no; I have confessed the truth; I have opened freely to you the
+great secret of my heart.  With it you must be content to leave me.
+There is nothing more that I can give you, absolutely nothing.  I can
+never be your wife; I hope, for your sake and mine, that we never meet
+again."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She did not break down, or hesitate in the utterance of these words,
+although there was a piteous tremble on her lips, a pathetic appeal in
+her eyes.  Brant stood like a statue, his face grown white.  He did not
+in the least doubt her full meaning of renunciation.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You will, at least, tell me why?"  It was all that would come to his
+dry lips.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She sank back upon the sofa, as though the strength had suddenly
+deserted her body, her eyes shaded by an uplifted hand.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I cannot tell you.  I have no words, no courage.  You will learn some
+day from others, and be thankful that I loved you well enough to resist
+temptation.  But the reason cannot come to you from my lips."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He leaned forward, half kneeling at her feet, and she permitted him to
+clasp her hand within both his own.  "Tell me, at least, this&mdash;is it
+some one else?  Is it Hampton?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She smiled at him through a mist of tears, a smile the sad sweetness of
+which he would never forget.  "In the sense you mean, no.  No living
+man stands between us, not even Bob Hampton."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Does he know why this cannot be?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He does know, but I doubt if he will ever reveal his knowledge;
+certainly not to you.  He has not told me all, even in the hour when he
+thought himself dying.  I am convinced of that.  It is not because he
+dislikes you, Lieutenant Brant, but because he knew his partial
+revealment of the truth was a duty he owed us both."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was a long, painful pause between them, during which neither
+ventured to look directly at the other.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You leave me so completely in the dark," he said, finally; "is there
+no possibility that this mysterious obstacle can ever be removed?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"None.  It is beyond earthly power&mdash;there lies between us the shadow of
+a dead man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He stared at her as if doubting her sanity.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A dead man!  Not Gillis?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, it is not Gillis.  I have told you this much so that you might
+comprehend how impossible it is for us to change our fate.  It is
+irrevocably fixed.  Please do not question me any more; cannot you see
+how I am suffering?  I beseech your pity; I beg you not to prolong this
+useless interview.  I cannot bear it!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant rose to his feet, and stood looking down upon her bowed head, her
+slender figure shaken by sobs.  Whatever it might prove to be, this
+mysterious shadow of a dead man, there could be no doubting what it now
+meant to her.  His eyes were filled with a love unutterable.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Naida, as you have asked it, I will go; but I go better, stronger,
+because I have heard your lips say you love me.  I am going now, my
+sweetheart, but if I live, I shall come again.  I know nothing of what
+you mean about a dead man being between us, but I shall know when I
+come back, for, dead or alive, no man shall remain between me and the
+girl I love."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"This&mdash;this is different," she sobbed, "different; it is beyond your
+power."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I shall never believe so until I have faced it for myself, nor will I
+even say good-bye, for, under God, I am coming back to you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He turned slowly, and walked away.  As his hand touched the latch of
+the door he paused and looked longingly back.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Naida."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She glanced up at him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You kissed me once; will you again?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She rose silently and crossed over to him, her hands held out, her eyes
+uplifted to his own.  Neither spoke as he drew her gently to him, and
+their lips met.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Say it once more, sweetheart?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Donald, I love you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A moment they stood thus face to face, reading the great lesson of
+eternity within the depths of each other's eyes.  Then slowly, gently,
+she released herself from the clasp of his strong arms.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You believe in me now?  You do not go away blaming me?" she
+questioned, with quivering lips.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There is no blame, for you are doing what you think right.  But I am
+coming back, Naida, little woman; coming back to love and you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+An hour later N Troop trotted across the rude bridge, and circled the
+bluff, on its way toward the wide plains.  Brant, riding ahead of his
+men, caught a glimpse of something white fluttering from an open window
+of the yellow house fronting the road.  Instantly he whipped off his
+campaign hat, and bowing to the saddle pommel, rode bareheaded out of
+sight.  And from behind the curtain Naida watched the last horseman
+round the bluff angle, riding cheerfully away to hardship, danger, and
+death, her eyes dry and despairing, her heart scarcely beating.  Then
+she crept across the narrow room, and buried her face in the coverlet
+of the bed.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0301"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+<I>PART III</I>
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN
+</H3>
+
+<BR>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER I
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+MR. HAMPTON RESOLVES
+</H3>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Bob Hampton stood in the bright sunshine on the steps of the hotel,
+his appreciative gaze wandering up the long, dusty, unoccupied street,
+and finally rising to the sweet face of the young girl who occupied the
+step above.  As their eyes met both smiled as if they understood each
+other.  Except for being somewhat pale, the result of long, inactive
+weeks passed indoors, Mr. Hampton's appearance was that of perfect
+health, while the expression of his face evidenced the joy of living.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There is nothing quite equal to feeling well, little girl," he said,
+genially, patting her hand where it rested on the railing, "and I
+really believe I am in as fine fettle now as I ever have been.  Do you
+know, I believe I 'm perfectly fit to undertake that little detective
+operation casually mentioned to you a few days ago.  It 's got to be
+done, and the sooner I get at it the easier I'll feel.  Fact is, I put
+in a large portion of the night thinking out my plans."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I wish you would give it up all together, Bob," she said, anxiously.
+"I shall be so dull and lonely here while you are gone."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I reckon you will, for a fact, as it's my private impression that
+lovely Miss Spencer does n't exert herself over much to be entertaining
+unless there happens to be a man in sight.  Great guns! how she did
+fling language the last time she blew in to see me!  But, Naida, it
+isn't likely this little affair will require very long, and things are
+lots happier between us since my late shooting scrape.  For one thing,
+you and I understand each other better; then Mrs. Herndon has been
+quite decently civil.  When Fall comes I mean to take you East and put
+you in some good finishing school.  Don't care quite as much about it
+as you did, do you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, I think I do, Bob."  She strove bravely to express enthusiasm.
+"The trouble is, I am so worried over your going off alone hunting
+after that man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He laughed, his eyes searching her face for the truth.  "Well, little
+girl, he won't exactly be the first I 've had call to go after.
+Besides, this is a particular case, and appeals to me in a sort of
+personal way.  It you only knew it, you're about as deeply concerned in
+the result as I am, and as for me, I can never rest easy again until
+the matter is over with."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's that awful Murphy, is n't it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He's the one I'm starting after first, and one sight at his right hand
+will decide whether he is to be the last as well."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I never supposed you would seek revenge, like a savage," she remarked,
+quietly.  "You never used to be that way."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Good Lord, Naida, do you think I 'm low down enough to go out hunting
+that poor cuss merely to get even with him for trying to stick me with
+a knife?  Why, there are twenty others who have done as much, and we
+have been the best of friends afterwards.  Oh, no, lassie, it means
+more than that, and harks back many a long year.  I told you I saw a
+mark on his hand I would never forget&mdash;but I saw that mark first
+fifteen years ago.  I 'm not taking my life in my hand to revenge the
+killing of Slavin, or in any memory of that little misunderstanding
+between the citizens of Glencaid and myself.  I should say not.  I have
+been slashed at and shot at somewhat promiscuously during the last five
+years, but I never permitted such little affairs to interfere with
+either business, pleasure, or friendship.  If this fellow Murphy, or
+whoever the man I am after may prove to be, had contented himself with
+endeavoring playfully to carve me, the account would be considered
+closed.  But this is a duty I owe a friend, a dead friend, to run to
+earth this murderer.  Do you understand now?  The fellow who did that
+shooting up at Bethune fifteen years ago had the same sort of a mark on
+his right hand as this one who killed Slavin.  That's why I'm after
+him, and when I catch up he'll either squeal or die.  He won't be very
+likely to look on the matter as a joke."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But how do you know?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I never told you the whole story, and I don't mean to now until I come
+back, and can make everything perfectly clear.  It would n't do you any
+good the way things stand now, and would only make you uneasy.  But if
+you do any praying over it, my girl, pray good and hard that I may
+discover some means for making that fellow squeal."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She made no response.  He had told her so little, that it left her
+blindly groping, yet fearful to ask for more.  She stood gazing
+thoughtfully past him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Have you heard anything lately, Bob, about the Seventh?" she asked,
+finally.  "Since&mdash;since N Troop left here?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He answered with well-simulated carelessness.  "No; but it is most
+likely they are well into the game by this time.  It's bound to prove a
+hard campaign, to judge from all visible indications, and the trouble
+has been hatching long enough to get all the hostiles into a bunch.  I
+know most of them, and they are a bad lot of savages.  Crook's column,
+I have just heard, was overwhelmingly attacked on the Rosebud, and
+forced to fall back.  That leaves the Seventh to take the brunt of it,
+and there is going to be hell up north presently, or I 've forgotten
+all I ever knew about Indians.  Sitting Bull is the arch-devil for a
+plot, and he has found able assistants to lead the fighting.  I only
+wish it were my luck to be in it.  But come, little girl, as I said, I
+'m quite likely to be off before night, provided I am fortunate enough
+to strike a fresh trail.  Under such conditions you won't mind my
+kissing you out here, will you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She held up her lips and he touched them softly with his own.  Her eyes
+were tear-dimmed.  "Oh, Bob, I hate so to let you go," she sobbed,
+clinging to him.  "No one could have been more to me than you have
+been, and you are all I have left in the world.  Everything I care for
+goes away from me.  Life is so hard, so hard!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, little girl, I know," and the man stroked her hair tenderly, his
+own voice faltering.  "It's all hard; I learned that sad lesson long
+ago, but I 've tried to make it a little bit easier for you since we
+first came together.  Still, I don't see how I can possibly help this.
+I 've been hunting after that fellow a long while now, a matter of
+fifteen years over a mighty dim trail, and it would be a mortal sin to
+permit him to get away scot-free.  Besides, if this affair only manages
+to turn out right, I can promise to make you the happiest girl in
+America.  But, Naida, dear, don't cling to me so; it is not at all like
+you to break down in this fashion," and he gently unclasped her hands,
+holding her away from him, while he continued to gaze hungrily into her
+troubled face.  "It only weakens me at a time when I require all my
+strength of will."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sometimes I feel just like a coward, Bob.  It's the woman of it; yet
+truly I wish to do whatever you believe to be best.  But, Bob, I need
+you so much, and you will come back, won't you?  I shall be so lonely
+here, for&mdash;for you are truly all I have in the world."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+With one quick, impulsive motion he pressed her to him, passionately
+kissing the tears from her lowered lashes, unable longer to conceal the
+tremor that shook his own voice.  "Never, never doubt it, lassie.  It
+will not take me long, and if I live I come straight back."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He watched her slender, white-robed figure as it passed slowly down the
+deserted street.  Once only she paused, and waved back to him, and he
+returned instant response, although scarcely realizing the act.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Poor little lonely girl! perhaps I ought to have told her the whole
+infernal story, but I simply haven't got the nerve, the way it reads
+now.  If I can only get it straightened out, it'll be different."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mechanically he thrust an unlighted cigar between his teeth, and
+descended the steps, to all outward appearance the same reckless,
+audacious Hampton as of old.  Mrs. Guffy smiled happily from an open
+window as she observed the square set of his shoulders, the easy,
+devil-may-care smile upon his lips.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The military telegraph occupied one-half of the small tent next the
+Miners' Retreat, and the youthful operator instantly recognized his
+debonair visitor.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, Billy," was Hampton's friendly greeting, "are they keeping you
+fairly busy with 'wars and rumors of wars' these days?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Nuthin' doin', just now," was the cheerful reply.  "Everything goin'
+ter Cheyenne.  The Injuns are gittin' themselves bottled up in the Big
+Horn country."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, that's it?  Then maybe you might manage to rush a message through
+for me to Fort A. Lincoln, without discommoding Uncle Sam?" and Hampton
+placed a coin upon the rough table.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sure; write it out."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Here it is; now get it off early, my lad, and bring the answer to me
+over at the hotel.  There 'll be another yellow boy waiting when you
+come."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The reply arrived some two hours later.
+</P>
+
+<BR>
+
+<P CLASS="letter">
+"FORT A. LINCOLN, June 17, 1876.
+<BR><BR>
+"HAMPTON, Glencaid:
+<BR><BR>
+"Seventh gone west, probably Yellowstone.  Brant with them.  Murphy,
+government scout, at Cheyenne waiting orders.
+<BR><BR>
+"BITTON, Commanding."
+</P>
+
+<BR>
+
+<P>
+He crushed the paper in his hand, thinking&mdash;thinking of the past, the
+present, the future.  He had borne much in these last years, much
+misrepresentation, much loneliness of soul.  He had borne these
+patiently, smiling into the mocking eyes of Fate.  Through it all&mdash;the
+loss of friends, of profession, of ambition, of love, of home&mdash;he had
+never wholly lost hold of a sustaining hope, and now it would seem that
+this long-abiding faith was at last to be rewarded.  Yet he realized,
+as he fronted the facts, how very little he really had to build
+upon,&mdash;the fragmentary declaration of Slavin, wrung from him in a
+moment of terror; an idle boast made to Brant by the surprised scout; a
+second's glimpse at a scarred hand,&mdash;little enough, indeed, yet by far
+the most clearly marked trail he had ever struck in all his vain
+endeavor to pierce the mystery which had so utterly ruined his life.
+To run this Murphy to cover remained his final hope for retrieving
+those dead, dark years.  Ay, and there was Naida!  Her future, scarcely
+less than his own, hung trembling in the balance.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The sudden flashing of that name into his brain was like an electric
+shock.  He cursed his inactivity.  Great God! had he become a child
+again, to tremble before imagined evil, a mere hobgoblin of the mind?
+He had already wasted time enough; now he must wring from the lips of
+that misshapen savage the last vestige of his secret.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The animal within him sprang to fierce life.  God! he would prove as
+wary, as cunning, as relentless as ever was Indian on the trail.
+Murphy would never suspect at this late day that he was being tracked.
+That was well.  Tireless, fearless, half savage as the scout
+undoubtedly was, one fully his equal was now at his heels, actuated by
+grim, relentless purpose.  Hampton moved rapidly in preparation.  He
+dressed for the road, for hard, exacting service, buckling his loaded
+cartridge-belt outside his rough coat, and testing his revolvers with
+unusual care.  He spoke a few parting words of instruction to Mrs.
+Guffy, and went quietly out.  Ten minutes later he was in the saddle,
+galloping down the dusty stage road toward Cheyenne.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0302"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER II
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE TRAIL OF SILENT MURPHY
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+The young infantryman who had been detailed for the important service
+of telegraph operator, sat in the Cheyenne office, his feet on the rude
+table his face buried behind a newspaper.  He had passed through two
+eventful weeks of unremitting service, being on duty both night and
+day, and now, the final despatches forwarded, he felt entitled to enjoy
+a period of well-earned repose.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Could you inform me where I might find Silent Murphy, a government
+scout?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The voice had the unmistakable ring of military authority, and the
+soldier operator instinctively dropped his feet to the floor.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, my lad, you are not dumb, are you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The telegrapher's momentary hesitation vanished; his ambition to become
+a martyr to the strict laws of service secrecy was not sufficiently
+strong to cause him to take the doubtful chances of a lie.  "He was
+here, but has gone."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Where?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The devil knows.  He rode north, carrying despatches for Custer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"When?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, three or four hours ago."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton swore softly but fervently, behind his clinched teeth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Where is Custer?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't know exactly.  Supposed to be with Terry and Gibbons, somewhere
+near the mouth of the Powder, although he may have left there by this
+time, moving down the Yellowstone.  That was the plan mapped out.
+Murphy's orders were to intercept his column somewhere between the
+Rosebud and the Big Horn, and I figure there is about one chance out of
+a hundred that the Indians let him get that far alive.  No other scout
+along this border would take such a detail.  I know, for there were two
+here who failed to make good when the job was thrown at them&mdash;just
+naturally faded away," and the soldier's eyes sparkled.  "But that old
+devil of a Murphy just enjoys such a trip.  He started off as happy as
+ever I see him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How far will he have to ride?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, 'bout three hundred miles as the crow flies, a little west of
+north, and the better part of the distance, they tell me, it's almighty
+rough country for night work.  But then Murphy, he knows the way all
+right."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton turned toward the door, feeling fairly sick from
+disappointment.  The operator stood regarding him curiously, a question
+on his lips.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sorry you didn't come along a little earlier," he said, genially.  "Do
+you know Murphy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I 'm not quite certain.  Did you happen to notice a peculiar black
+scar on the back of his right hand?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sure; looks like the half of a pear.  He said it was powder under the
+skin."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A new look of reviving determination swept into Hampton's gloomy
+eyes&mdash;beyond doubt this must be his man.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How many horses did he have?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Two."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Did you overhear him say anything definite about his plans for the
+trip?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What, him?  He never talks, that fellow.  He can't do nothing but
+sputter if he tries.  But I wrote out his orders, and they give him to
+the twenty-fifth to make the Big Horn.  That's maybe something like
+fifty miles a day, and he's most likely to keep his horses fresh just
+as long as possible, so as to be good for the last spurt through the
+hostile country.  That's how I figure it, and I know something about
+scouting.  You was n't planning to strike out after him, was you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I might risk it if I only thought I could overtake him within two
+days; my business is of some importance."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, stranger, I should reckon you might do that with a dog-gone good
+outfit.  Murphy 's sure to take things pretty easy to-day, and he's
+almost certain to follow the old mining trail as far as the ford over
+the Belle Fourche, and that's plain enough to travel.  Beyond that
+point the devil only knows where he will go, for then is when his hard
+ridin' begins."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The moment the operator mentioned that odd scar on Murphy's hand, every
+vestige of hesitation vanished.  Beyond any possibility of doubt he was
+on the right scent this time.  Murphy was riding north upon a mission
+as desperate as ever man was called upon to perform.  The chance of his
+coming forth alive from that Indian-haunted land was, as the operator
+truthfully said, barely one out of a hundred.  Hampton thought of this.
+He durst not venture all he was so earnestly striving after&mdash;love,
+reputation, honor&mdash;to the chance of a stray Sioux bullet.  No! and he
+remembered Naida again, her dark, pleading eyes searching his face.  To
+the end, to the death if need were, he would follow!
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The memory of his old plains craft would not permit any neglect of the
+few necessaries for the trip.  He bought without haggling over prices,
+but insisted on the best.  So it was four in the afternoon when he
+finally struck into the trail leading northward.  This proved at first
+a broad, plainly marked path, across the alkali plain.  He rode a
+mettlesome, half-broken bronco, a wicked-eyed brute, which required to
+be conquered twice within the first hour of travel; a second and more
+quiet animal trailed behind at the end of a lariat, bearing the
+necessary equipment.  Hampton forced the two into a rapid lope,
+striving to make the most possible out of the narrow margin of daylight
+remaining.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He had, by persistent questioning, acquired considerable information,
+during that busy hour spent in Cheyenne, regarding the untracked
+regions lying before him, as well as the character and disposition of
+the man he pursued.  Both by instinct and training he was able to
+comprehend those brief hints that must prove of vast benefit in the
+pathless wilderness.  But the time had not yet arrived for him to dwell
+on such matters.  His thoughts were concentrated on Murphy.  He knew
+that the fellow was a stubborn, silent, sullen savage, devoid of
+physical fear, yet cunning, wary, malignant, and treacherous.  That was
+what they said of him back in Cheyenne.  What, then, would ever induce
+such a man to open his mouth in confession of a long-hidden crime?  To
+be sure, he might easily kill the fellow, but he would probably die,
+like a wild beast, without uttering a word.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was one chance, a faint hope, that behind his gruff, uncouth
+exterior this Murphy possessed a conscience not altogether dead.  Over
+some natures, and not infrequently to those which seem outwardly the
+coarsest, superstition wields a power the normal mind can scarcely
+comprehend.  Murphy might be spiritually as cringing a coward as he was
+physically a fearless desperado.  Hampton had known such cases before;
+he had seen men laugh scornfully before the muzzle of a levelled gun,
+and yet tremble when pointed at by the finger of accusation.  He had
+lived sufficiently long on the frontier to know that men may become
+inured to that special form of danger to which they have grown
+accustomed through repetition, and yet fail to front the unknown and
+mysterious.  Perhaps here might be discovered Murphy's weak point.
+Without doubt the man was guilty of crime; that its memory continued to
+haunt him was rendered evident by his hiding in Glencaid, and by his
+desperate attempt to kill Hampton.  That knife-thrust must have been
+given with the hope of thus stopping further investigation; it alone
+was sufficient proof that Murphy's soul was haunted by fear.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Conscience doth make cowards of us all."  These familiar words floated
+in Hampton's memory, seeming to attune themselves to the steady gallop
+of his horse.  They appealed to him as a direct message of guidance.
+The night was already dark, but stars were gleaming brilliantly
+overhead, and the trail remained easily traceable.  It became terribly
+lonely on that wilderness stretching away for unknown leagues in every
+direction, yet Hampton scarcely noted this, so watchful was he lest he
+miss the trail.  To his judgment, Murphy would not be likely to ride
+during the night until after he had crossed the Fourche.  There was no
+reason to suspect that there were any hostile Indians south of that
+stream, and probably therefore the old scout would endeavor to conserve
+his own strength and that of his horses, for the more perilous travel
+beyond.  Hampton hastened on, his eyes peering anxiously ahead into the
+steadily increasing gloom.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+About midnight, the trail becoming obscure, the rider made camp,
+confident he must have already gained heavily on the man he pursued.
+He lariated his horses, and flinging himself down on some soft turf,
+almost immediately dropped asleep.  He was up again before daylight,
+and, after a hasty meal, pressed on.  The nature of the country had
+changed considerably, becoming more broken, the view circumscribed by
+towering cliffs and deep ravines.  Hampton swung forward his
+field-glasses, and, from the summit of every eminence, studied the
+topography of the country lying beyond.  He must see before being seen,
+and he believed he could not now be many miles in the rear of Murphy.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Late in the afternoon he reined up his horse and gazed forward into a
+broad valley, bounded with precipitous bluffs.  The trail, now scarcely
+perceptible, led directly down, winding about like some huge snake,
+across the lower level, toward where a considerable stream of water
+shone silvery in the sun, half concealed behind a fringe of willows.
+Beyond doubt this was the Belle Fourche.  And yonder, close in against
+those distant willows, some black dots were moving.  Hampton glued his
+anxious eyes to the glass.  The levelled tubes clearly revealed a man
+on horseback, leading another horse.  The animals were walking.  There
+could be little doubt that this was Silent Murphy.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton lariated his tired horses behind the bluff, and returned to the
+summit, lying flat upon the ground, with the field-glass at his eyes.
+The distant figures passed slowly forward into the midst of the
+willows, and for half an hour the patient watcher scanned the surface
+of the stream beyond, but there was no sign of attempted passage.  The
+sun sank lower, and finally disappeared behind those desolate ridges to
+the westward.  Hampton's knowledge of plains craft rendered Murphy's
+actions sufficiently clear.  This was the Fourche; beyond those waters
+lay the terrible peril of Indian raiders.  Further advance must be made
+by swift, secret night riding, and never-ceasing vigilance.  This was
+what Murphy had been saving himself and his horses for.  Beyond
+conjecture, he was resting now within the shadows of those willows,
+studying the opposite shore and making ready for the dash northward.
+Hampton believed he would linger thus for some time after dark, to see
+if Indian fires would afford any guidance.  Confident of this, he
+passed back to his horses, rubbed them down with grass, and then ate
+his lonely supper, not venturing to light a fire, certain that Murphy's
+eyes were scanning every inch of sky-line.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Darkness came rapidly, while Hampton sat planning again the details of
+his night's work.  The man's spirits became depressed by the gloom and
+the silence.  Evil fancies haunted his brain.  His mind dwelt upon the
+past, upon that wrong which had wrecked his life, upon the young girl
+he had left praying for his safe return, upon that miserable creature
+skulking yonder in the black night.  Hampton could not remember when he
+had ever performed such an act before, nor could he have explained why
+he did so then, yet he prayed&mdash;prayed for the far-off Naida, and for
+personal guidance in the stern work lying before him.  And when he rose
+to his feet and groped his way to the horses, there remained no spirit
+of vengeance in his heart, no hatred, merely a cool resolve to succeed
+in his strange quest.  So, the two animals trailing cautiously behind,
+he felt his slow way on foot down the steep bluff, into the denser
+blackness of the valley.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0303"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER III
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE HAUNTING OF A CRIME
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Murphy rested on his back in the midst of a thicket of willows, wide
+awake, yet not quite ready to ford the Fourche and plunge into the
+dense shadows shrouding the northern shore.  Crouched behind a log, he
+had so far yielded unto temptation as to light his pipe.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Murphy had been amid just such unpleasant environments many times
+before, and the experience had grown somewhat prosaic.  He realized
+fully the imminent peril haunting the next two hundred miles, but such
+danger was not wholly unwelcome to his peculiar temperament; rather it
+was an incentive to him, and, without a doubt, he would manage to pull
+through somehow, as he had done a hundred times before.  Even
+Indian-scouting degenerates into a commonplace at last.  So Murphy
+puffed contentedly at his old pipe.  Whatever may have been his
+thoughts, they did not burst through his taciturnity, and he reclined
+there motionless, no sound breaking the silence, save the rippling
+waters of the Fourche, and the occasional stamping of his horses as
+they cropped the succulent valley grass.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But suddenly there was the faint crackle of a branch to his left, and
+one hand instantly closed over his pipe bowl, the other grasping the
+heavy revolver at his hip.  Crouching like a startled tiger, with not a
+muscle moving, he peered anxiously into the darkness, his arm half
+extended, scarcely venturing to breathe.  There came a plain,
+undisguised rustling in the grass,&mdash;some prowling coyote, probably;
+then his tense muscles immediately relaxed, and he cursed himself for
+being so startled, yet he continued to grasp the "45" in his right
+hand, his eyes alert.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Murphy!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+That single word, hurled thus unexpectedly out of the black night,
+startled him more than would a volley of rifles.  He sprang half erect,
+then as swiftly crouched behind a willow, utterly unable to articulate.
+In God's name, what human could be out there to call?  He would have
+sworn that there was not another white man within a radius of a hundred
+miles.  For the instant his very blood ran cold; he appeared to shrivel
+up.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, come, Murphy; speak up, man; I know you're in here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+That terror of the unknown instantly vanished.  This was the familiar
+language of the world, and, however the fellow came to be there, it was
+assuredly a man who spoke.  With a gurgling oath at his own folly,
+Murphy's anger flared violently forth into disjointed speech, the
+deadly gun yet clasped ready for instant action.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who&mdash;the hell&mdash;are ye?" he blurted out.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The visitor laughed, the bushes rustling as he pushed toward the sound
+of the voice.  "It's all right, old boy.  Gave ye quite a scare, I
+reckon."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Murphy could now dimly perceive the other advancing through the
+intervening willows, and his Colt shot up to the level.  "Stop!&mdash;ye
+take another&mdash;step an' I 'll&mdash;let drive.  Ye tell me&mdash;first&mdash;who ye be."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The invader paused, but he realized the nervous finger pressing the
+trigger and made haste to answer.  "It's all right, I tell ye.  I 'm
+one o' Terry's scouts."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Ye are?  Jist the same&mdash;I've heard&mdash;yer voice&mdash;afore."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Likely 'nough.  I saw service in the Seventh."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Murphy was still a trifle suspicious.  "How'd ye git yere?  How 'd ye
+come ter know&mdash;whar I wus?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man laughed again.  "Sorter hurts yer perfessional feelins, don't
+it, old feller, to be dropped in on in this unceremonious way?  But it
+was dead easy, old man.  Ye see I happened thro' Cheyenne only a couple
+o' hours behind ye, with a bunch o' papers fer the Yellowstone.  The
+trail's plain enough out this far, and I loped 'long at a pretty fair
+hickory, so thet I was up on the bluff yonder, and saw ye go into camp
+yere just afore dark.  You wus a-keepin' yer eyes skinned across the
+Fourche, and naturally didn't expect no callers from them hills behind.
+The rest wus nuthin', an' here I am.  It's a darn sight pleasanter ter
+hev company travellin', ter my notion.  Now kin I cum on?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Murphy reluctantly lowered his Colt, every movement betraying
+annoyance.  "I reckon.  But I 'd&mdash;a damn sight&mdash;rather risk it&mdash;alone."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The stranger came forward without further hesitation.  The night was
+far too dark to reveal features, but to Murphy's strained vision the
+newcomer appeared somewhat slender in build, and of good height.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Whar'd&mdash;ye say ye&mdash;wus bound?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mouth o' the Powder.  We kin ride tergether fer a night or two."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Ye kin&mdash;do as ye&mdash;please, but&mdash;I ain't a huntin'&mdash;no company,&mdash;an' I'm
+a'&mdash;goin' 'cross now."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He advanced a few strides toward his horses.  Then suddenly he gave
+vent to a smothered cry, so startling as to cause the stranger to
+spring hastily after him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh!  My God!  Oh!  Look there!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What is it, man?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There!  there!  The picture!  Don't you see?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Naw; I don't see nuthin'.  Ye ain't gone cracked, hev ye?  Whose
+picture?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's there!&mdash;O Lord!&mdash;it's there!  My God! can't ye see?&mdash;An' it's his
+face&mdash;all a-gleamin' with green flames&mdash;Holy Mary&mdash;an' I ain't seen
+it&mdash;afore in&mdash;fifteen year!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He seemed suddenly to collapse, and the stranger permitted him to drop
+limp to the earth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Darn if I kin see anythin', old man, but I 'll scout 'round thar a
+bit, jest ter ease yer mind, an' see what I kin skeer up."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He had hardly taken a half-dozen steps before Murphy called after him:
+"Don't&mdash;don't go an' leave me&mdash;it's not there now&mdash;thet's queer!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other returned and stood gazing down upon his huddled figure.
+"You're a fine scout! afeard o' spooks.  Do ye take these yere turns
+often?  Fer if ye do, I reckon as how I 'd sooner be ridin' alone."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Murphy struggled to his feet and gripped the other's arm.  "Never hed
+nuthin' like it&mdash;afore.  But&mdash;but it was thar&mdash;all creepy&mdash;an'
+green&mdash;ain't seen thet face&mdash;in fifteen year."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What face?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A&mdash;a fellow I knew&mdash;once.  He&mdash;he's dead."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other grunted, disdainfully.  "Bad luck ter see them sort," he
+volunteered, solemnly.  "Blame glad it warn't me es see it, an' I don't
+know as I keer much right now 'bout keepin' company with ye fer very
+long.  However, I reckon if either of us calculates on doin' much
+ridin' ternight, we better stop foolin' with ghosts, an' go ter
+saddlin' up."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They made rapid work of it, the newcomer proving somewhat loquacious,
+yet holding his voice to a judicious whisper, while Murphy relapsed
+into his customary sullen silence, but continued peering about
+nervously.  It was he who led the way down the bank, the four horses
+slowly splashing through the shallow water to the northern shore.
+Before them stretched a broad plain, the surface rocky and uneven, the
+northern stars obscured by ridges of higher land.  Murphy promptly gave
+his horse the spur, never once glancing behind, while the other
+imitated his example, holding his animal well in check, being
+apparently the better mounted.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They rode silently.  The unshod hoofs made little noise, but a loosened
+canteen tinkled on Murphy's led horse, and he halted to fix it,
+uttering a curse.  The way became more broken and rough as they
+advanced, causing them to exercise greater caution.  Murphy clung to
+the hollows, apparently guided by some primitive instinct to choose the
+right path, or else able, like a cat, to see the way through the gloom,
+his beacon a huge rock to the northward.  Silently hour after hour,
+galloping, trotting, walking, according to the ground underfoot, the
+two pressed grimly forward, with the unerring skill of the border, into
+the untracked wilderness.  Flying clouds obscured the stars, yet
+through the rifts they caught fleeting glimpses sufficient to hold them
+to their course.  And the encroaching hills swept in closer upon either
+hand, leaving them groping their way between as in a pocket, yet ever
+advancing north.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Finally they attained to the steep bank of a considerable stream, found
+the water of sufficient depth to compel swimming, and crept up the
+opposite shore dripping and miserable, yet with ammunition dry.  Murphy
+stood swearing disjointedly, wiping the blood from a wound in his
+forehead where the jagged edge of a rock had broken the skin, but
+suddenly stopped with a quick intake of breath that left him panting.
+The other man crept toward him, leading his horse.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What is it now?" he asked, gruffly.  "Hev' ye got 'em agin?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The dazed old scout stared, pointing directly across the other's
+shoulder, his arm shaking desperately.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's thar!&mdash;an' it's his face!  Oh, God!&mdash;I know it&mdash;fifteen year."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man glanced backward into the pitch darkness, but without moving
+his body.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There 's nuthin' out there, 'less it's a firefly," he insisted, in a
+tone of contempt.  "You're plum crazy, Murphy; the night's got on yer
+nerves.  What is it ye think ye see?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"His face, I tell ye!  Don't I know?  It's all green and ghastly, with
+snaky flames playin' about it!  But I know; fifteen years, an' I ain't
+fergot."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He sank down feebly&mdash;sank until he was on his knees, his head craned
+forward.  The man watching touched the miserable, hunched-up figure
+compassionately, and it shook beneath his hand, endeavoring to shrink
+away.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My God! was thet you?  I thought it was him a-reachin' fer me.  Here,
+let me take yer hand.  Oh, Lord!  An' can't ye see?  It's just there
+beyond them horses&mdash;all green, crawlin', devilish&mdash;but it's him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Brant!  Brant&mdash;fifteen year!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Brant?  Fifteen years?  Do you mean Major Brant, the one Nolan killed
+over at Bethune?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He&mdash;he didn't&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The old man heaved forward, his head rocking from side to side; then
+suddenly he toppled over on his face, gasping for breath.  His
+companion caught him, and ripped open the heavy flannel shirt.  Then he
+strode savagely across in front of his shrinking horse, tore down the
+flaring picture, and hastily thrust it into his pocket, the light of
+the phosphorus with which it had been drawn being reflected for a
+moment on his features.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A dirty, miserable, low-down trick," he muttered.  "Poor old devil!
+Yet I've got to do it, for the little girl."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He stumbled back through the darkness, his hat filled with water, and
+dashed it into Murphy's face.  "Come on, Murphy!  There's one good
+thing 'bout spooks; they don't hang 'round fer long at a time.  Likely
+es not this 'un is gone by now.  Brace up, man, for you an' I have got
+ter get out o' here afore mornin'."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then Murphy grasped his arm, and drew himself slowly to his feet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't see nuthin' now, do ye?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No.  Where's my&mdash;horse?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other silently reached him the loose rein, marking as he did so the
+quick, nervous peering this way and that, the starting at the slightest
+sound.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Did ye say, Murphy, as how it wasn't Nolan after all who plugged the
+Major?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I 'm damned&mdash;if I did.  Who&mdash;else was it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, I dunno.  Sorter blamed odd though, thet ghost should be
+a-hauntin' ye.  Darn if it ain't creepy 'nough ter make a feller
+believe most anythin'."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Murphy drew himself up heavily into his saddle.  Then all at once he
+shoved the muzzle of a "45" into the other's face.  "Ye say nuther
+word&mdash;'bout thet, an' I 'll make&mdash;a ghost outer ye&mdash;blame lively.  Now,
+ye shet up&mdash;if ye ride with me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They moved forward at a walk and reached a higher level, across which
+the night wind swept, bearing a touch of cold in its breath as though
+coming from the snow-capped mountains to the west.  There was renewed
+life in this invigorating air, and Murphy spurred forward, his
+companion pressing steadily after.  They were but two flitting shadows
+amid that vast desolation of plain and mountain, their horses' hoofs
+barely audible.  What imaginings of evil, what visions of the past, may
+have filled the half-crazed brain of the leading horseman is
+unknowable.  He rode steadily against the black night wall, as though
+unconscious of his actions, yet forgetting no trick, no skill of the
+plains.  But the equally silent man behind clung to him like a shadow
+of doom, watching his slightest motion&mdash;a Nemesis that would never let
+go.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+When the first signs of returning day appeared in the east, the two
+left their horses in a narrow canyon, and crept to the summit of a
+ridge.  Below lay the broad valley of the Powder.  Slowly the misty
+light strengthened into gray, and became faintly tinged with crimson,
+while the green and brown tints deepened beneath the advancing light,
+which ever revealed new clefts in the distant hills.  Amid those more
+northern bluffs a thin spiral of blue smoke was ascending.  Undoubtedly
+it was some distant Indian signal, and the wary old plainsman watched
+it as if fascinated.  But the younger man lay quietly regarding him, a
+drawn revolver in his hand.  Then Murphy turned his head, and looked
+back into the other's face.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0304"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER IV
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE VERGE OF CONFESSION
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Murphy uttered one sputtering cry of surprise, flinging his hand
+instinctively to his hip, but attempted no more.  Hampton's ready
+weapon was thrusting its muzzle into the astounded face, and the gray
+eyes gleaming along the polished barrel held the fellow motionless.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hands up!  Not a move, Murphy!  I have the drop!"  The voice was low,
+but stern, and the old frontiersman obeyed mechanically, although his
+seamed face was fairly distorted with rage.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You!  Damn you!&mdash;I thought I knew&mdash;the voice."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, I am here all right.  Rather odd place for us to meet, isn't it?
+But, you see, you've had the advantage all these years; you knew whom
+you were running away from, while I was compelled to plod along in the
+dark.  But I 've caught up just the same, if it has been a long race."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What do ye&mdash;want me fer?"  The look in the face was cunning.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hold your hands quiet&mdash;higher, you fool!  That's it.  Now, don't play
+with me.  I honestly didn 't know for certain I did want you, Murphy,
+when I first started out on this trip.  I merely suspected that I
+might, from some things I had been told.  When somebody took the
+liberty of slashing at my back in a poker-room at Glencaid, and drove
+the knife into Slavin by mistake, I chanced to catch a glimpse of the
+hand on the hilt, and there was a scar on it.  About fifteen years
+before, I was acting as officer of the guard one night at Bethune.  It
+was a bright starlit night, you remember, and just as I turned the
+corner of the old powder-house there came a sudden flash, a report, a
+sharp cry.  I sprang forward only to fall headlong over a dead body;
+but in that flash I had seen the hand grasping the revolver, and there
+was a scar on the back of it, a very peculiar scar.  It chanced I had
+the evening previous slightly quarrelled with the officer who was
+killed; I was the only person known to be near at the time he was shot;
+certain other circumstantial evidence was dug up, while Slavin and one
+other&mdash;no, it was not you&mdash;gave some damaging, manufactured testimony
+against me.  As a result I was held guilty of murder in the second
+degree, dismissed the army in disgrace, and sentenced to ten years'
+imprisonment.  So, you see, it was not exactly you I have been hunting,
+Murphy,&mdash;it was a scar."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Murphy's face was distorted into a hideous grin.  "I notice you bear
+exactly that kind of a scar, my man, and you spoke last night as if you
+had some recollection of the case."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The mocking grin expanded; into the husky voice crept a snarl of
+defiance, for now Murphy's courage had come back&mdash;he was fronting flesh
+and blood.  "Oh, stop preachin'&mdash;an' shoot&mdash;an' be damned ter ye!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You do me a grave injustice, Murphy.  In the first place, I do not
+possess the nature of an Indian, and am not out for revenge.  Your
+slashing at me down in Glencaid has n't left so much as a sting behind.
+It's completely blotted out, forgotten.  I haven't the slightest desire
+to kill you, man; but I do want to clear my name of the stain of that
+crime.  I want you to tell the whole truth about that night's work at
+Bethune; and when you have done so, you can go.  I 'll never lay a
+finger on you; you can go where you please."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Bah!&mdash;ye ain't got no proof&mdash;agin me&mdash;'sides, the case is closed&mdash;it
+can't be opened agin&mdash;by law."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You devil!  I 'd be perfectly justified in killing you," exclaimed
+Hampton, savagely.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Murphy stared at him stupidly, the cunning of incipient insanity in his
+eyes.  "En' whar&mdash;do ye expect&mdash;me ter say&mdash;all this, pervidin', of
+course&mdash;I wus fule 'nough&mdash;ter do it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Up yonder before Custer and the officers of the Seventh, when we get
+in."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"They'd nab me&mdash;likely."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now, see here, you say it is impossible for them to touch you, because
+the case is closed legally.  Now, you do not care very much for the
+opinion of others, while from every other standpoint you feel perfectly
+safe.  But I 've had to suffer for your crime, Murphy, suffer for
+fifteen years, ten of them behind stone walls; and there are others who
+have suffered with me.  It has cost me love, home, all that a man holds
+dear.  I 've borne this punishment for you, paid the penalty of your
+act to the full satisfaction of the law.  The very least you can do in
+ordinary decency is to speak the truth now.  It will not hurt you, but
+it will lift me out of hell."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Murphy's eyes were cunning, treacherously shifting under the thatch of
+his heavy brows; he was like an old rat seeking for any hole of refuge.
+"Well&mdash;maybe I might.  Anyhow, I'll go on&mdash;with ye.  Kin I sit up?  I
+'m dog tired&mdash;lyin' yere."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Unbuckle your belt, and throw that over first."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm damned&mdash;if I will.  Not&mdash;in no Injun&mdash;country."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I know it's tough," retorted Hampton, with exasperating coolness, his
+revolver's muzzle held steady; "but, just the same, it's got to be
+done.  I know you far too well to take chances on your gun.  So
+unlimber."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I&mdash;guess not," and Murphy spat contemptuously.  "Do ye think&mdash;I 'm
+afeard o' yer&mdash;shootin'?  Ye don't dare&mdash;fer I 'm no good ter ye&mdash;dead."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You are perfectly right.  You are quite a philosopher in your way.
+You would be no good to me dead, Murphy, but you might prove fully as
+valuable maimed.  Now I 'm playing this game to the limit, and that
+limit is just about reached.  You unlimber before I count ten, you
+murderer, or I 'll spoil both your hands!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The mocking, sardonic grin deserted Murphy's features.  It was sullen
+obstinacy, not doubt of the other's purpose, that paralyzed him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Unlimber!  It's the last call."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+With a snarl the scout unclasped his army belt, dropped it to the
+ground, and sullenly kicked it over toward Hampton.  "Now&mdash;now&mdash;you,
+you gray-eyed&mdash;devil, kin I&mdash;sit up?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other nodded.  He had drawn the fangs of the wolf, and now that he
+no longer feared, a sudden, unexplainable feeling of sympathy took
+possession of him.  Yet he drew farther away before slipping his own
+gun into its sheath.  For a time neither spoke, their eyes peering
+across the ridge.  Murphy sputtered and swore, but his victorious
+companion neither spoke nor moved.  There were several distant smokes
+out to the northward now, evidently the answering signals of different
+bands of savages, while far away, beneath the shadow of the low bluffs
+bordering the stream, numerous black, moving dots began to show against
+the light brown background.  Hampton, noticing that Murphy had stopped
+swearing to gaze, swung forward his field-glasses for a better view.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"They are Indians, right enough," he said, at last.  "Here, take a
+look, Murphy.  I could count about twenty in that bunch, and they are
+travelling north."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The older man adjusted the tubes to his eyes, and looked long and
+steadily at the party.  Then he slowly swung the glasses toward the
+northwest, apparently studying the country inch by inch, his jaws
+working spasmodically, his unoccupied hand clutching nervously at the
+grass.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"They seem&mdash;to be a-closin' in," he declared, finally, staring around
+into the other's face, all bravado gone.  "There's anuther lot&mdash;bucks,
+all o' 'em&mdash;out west yonder&mdash;an' over east a smudge is&mdash;just startin'.
+Looks like&mdash;we wus in a pocket&mdash;an' thar' might be some&mdash;har-raisin'
+fore long."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, Murphy, you are the older hand at this business.  What do you
+advise doing?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Me?  Why, push right 'long&mdash;while we kin keep under cover.
+Then&mdash;after dark&mdash;trust ter bull luck an' make&mdash;'nuther dash.  It's
+mostly luck, anyhow.  Thet canyon just ahead&mdash;looks like it leads a
+long way&mdash;toward the Powder.  Its middling deep down, an' if there
+ain't Injuns in it&mdash;them fellers out yonder&mdash;never cud git no sight at
+us.  Thet's my notion&mdash;thet ivery mile helps in this&mdash;business."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You mean we should start now?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Better&mdash;let the cattle rest&mdash;first.  An'&mdash;if ye ever feed prisoners&mdash;I
+'d like ter eat a bite&mdash;mesilf."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They rested there for over two hours, the tired horses contentedly
+munching the succulent grass of the <I>coulée</I>, their two masters
+scarcely exchanging a word.  Murphy, after satisfying his appetite,
+rested flat upon his back, one arm flung over his eyes to protect them
+from the sun.  For a considerable time Hampton supposed him asleep,
+until he accidentally caught the stealthy glance which followed his
+slightest movement, and instantly realized that the old weasel was
+alert.  Murphy had been beaten, yet evidently remained unconquered,
+biding his chance with savage stoicism, and the other watched him
+warily even while seeming to occupy himself with the field-glass.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At last they saddled up, and, at first leading their horses, passed
+down the <I>coulée</I> into the more precipitous depths of the narrow
+canyon.  This proved hardly more than a gash cut through the rolling
+prairie, rock strewn, holding an insignificant stream of brackish
+water, yet was an ideal hiding-place, having ample room for easy
+passage between the rock walls.  The men mounted, and Hampton, with a
+wave of his hand, bade the old scout assume the lead.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Their early advance was slow and cautious, as they never felt certain
+what hidden enemies might lurk behind the sharp corners of the winding
+defile, and they kept vigilant eyes upon the serrated sky-line.  The
+savages were moving north, and so were they.  It would be remarkably
+good fortune if they escaped running into some wandering band, or if
+some stray scout did not stumble upon their trail.  So they continued
+to plod on.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was fully three o'clock when they attained to the bank of the
+Powder, and crouched among the rocks to wait for the shades of night to
+shroud their further advance.  Murphy climbed the bluff for a wider
+view, bearing Hampton's field-glasses slung across his shoulder, for
+the latter would not leave him alone with the horses.  He returned
+finally to grunt out that there was nothing special in sight, except a
+shifting of those smoke signals to points farther north.  Then they lay
+down again, Hampton smoking, Murphy either sleeping or pretending to
+sleep.  And slowly the shadows of another black night swept down and
+shut them in.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It must have been two hours later when they ventured forth.  Silence
+and loneliness brooded everywhere, not so much as a breath of air
+stirring the leaves.  The unspeakable, unsolvable mystery of it all
+rested like a weight on the spirits of both men.  It, was a disquieting
+thought that bands of savages, eager to discover and slay, were
+stealing among the shadows of those trackless plains, and that they
+must literally feel their uncertain way through the cordon, every sound
+an alarm, every advancing step a fresh peril.  They crossed the swift,
+deep stream, and emerged dripping, chilled to the marrow by the icy
+water.  Then they swung stiffly into the wet saddles, and plunged, with
+almost reckless abandon, through the darkness.  Murphy continued to
+lead, the light tread of his horse barely audible, Hampton pressing
+closely behind, revolver in hand, the two pack-horses trailing in the
+rear.  Hampton had no confidence in his sullen, treacherous companion;
+he looked for early trouble, yet he had little fear regarding any
+attempt at escape now.  Murphy was a plainsman, and would realize the
+horror of being alone, unarmed, and without food on those demon-haunted
+prairies.  Besides, the silent man behind was astride the better animal.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Midnight, and they pulled up amid the deeper gloom of a great,
+overhanging bluff, having numerous trees near its summit.  There was
+the glow of a distant fire upon their left, which reddened the sky, and
+reflected oddly on the edges of a vast cloud-mass rolling up
+threateningly from the west.  Neither knew definitely where they were,
+although Murphy guessed the narrow stream they had just forded might be
+the upper waters of the Tongue.  Their horses stood with heads hanging
+wearily down, their sides rising and falling; and Hampton, rolling
+stiffly from the saddle, hastily loosened his girth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"They 'll drop under us if we don't give them an hour or two," he said,
+quietly.  "They 're both dead beat."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Murphy muttered something, incoherent and garnished with oaths, and the
+moment he succeeded in releasing the buckle, sank down limp at the very
+feet of his horse, rolling up into a queer ball.  The other stared, and
+took a step nearer.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What's the matter?  Are you sick, Murphy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No&mdash;tired&mdash;don't want ter see&mdash;thet thing agin."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What thing?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Thet green, devilish,&mdash;crawlin' face&mdash;if ye must know!"  And he
+twisted his long, ape-like arms across his eyes, lying curled up as a
+dog might.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a moment Hampton stood gazing down upon him, listening to his
+incoherent mutterings, his own face grave and sympathetic.  Then he
+moved back and sat down.  Suddenly the full conception of what this
+meant came to his mind&mdash;<I>the man had gone mad</I>.  The strained cords of
+that diseased brain had snapped in the presence of imagined terrors,
+and now all was chaos.  The horror of it overwhelmed Hampton; not only
+did this unexpected denouement leave him utterly hopeless, but what was
+he to do with the fellow?  How could he bring him forth from there
+alive?  If this stream was indeed the Tongue, then many a mile of rough
+country, ragged with low mountains and criss-crossed by deep ravines,
+yet stretched between where they now were and the Little Big Horn,
+where they expected to find Custer's men.  They were in the very heart
+of the Indian country,&mdash;the country of the savage Sioux.  He stared at
+the curled-up man, now silent and breathing heavily as if asleep.  The
+silence was profound, the night so black and lonely that Hampton
+involuntarily closed his heavy eyes to shut it out.  If he only might
+light a pipe, or boil himself a cup of black coffee!  Murphy never
+stirred; the horses were seemingly too weary to browse.  Then Hampton
+nodded, and sank into an uneasy doze.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0305"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER V
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+ALONE WITH THE INSANE
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Beneath the shade of uplifted arms Murphy's eyes remained unclosed.
+Whatever terrors may have dominated that diseased brain, the one
+purpose of revenge and escape never deserted it.  With patient cunning
+he could plan and wait, scheme and execute.  He was all animal now,
+dreaming only of how to tear and kill.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+And he waited long in order to be perfectly sure, unrolling inch by
+inch, and like a venomous snake, never venturing to withdraw his
+baleful eyes from his unconscious victim.  He was many minutes
+thoroughly satisfying himself that Hampton actually slept.  His every
+movement was slow, crafty, cowardly, the savage in his perverted nature
+becoming more and more manifest.  It was more beast than man that
+finally crept forward on all-fours, the eyes gleaming cruel as a cat's
+in the night.  It was not far he was compelled to go, his movements
+squirming and noiseless.  Within a yard of the peacefully slumbering
+man he rose up, crouching on his toes and bending stealthily forward to
+gloat over his victim.  Hampton stirred uneasily, possibly feeling the
+close proximity of that horrible presence.  Then the maniac took one
+more stealthy, slouching step nearer, and flung himself at the exposed
+throat, uttering a fierce snarl as his fingers clutched the soft flesh.
+Hampton awoke, gasping and choking, to find those mad eyes glaring into
+his own, those murderous hands throttling him with the strength of
+madness.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At first the stupefied, half-awakened man struggled as if in delirium,
+scarcely realizing the danger.  He was aware of suffering, of horror,
+of suffocation.  Then the brain flashed into life, and he grappled
+fiercely with his dread antagonist.  Murphy snapped like a mad dog, his
+lips snarling curses; but Hampton fought silently, desperately, his
+brain clearing as he succeeded in wrenching those claws from his
+lacerated throat, and forced his way up on to one knee.  He felt no
+hatred toward this crazed man striving to kill him; he understood what
+had loosed such a raging devil.  But this was no time to exhibit mercy;
+Murphy bit and clawed, and Hampton could only dash in upon him in the
+effort to force him back.  He worked his way, inch by inch, to his
+feet, his slender figure rigid as steel, and closed in upon the other;
+but Murphy writhed out of his grasp, as a snake might.  The younger man
+realized now to the full his peril, and his hand slipped down to the
+gun upon his hip.  There was a sudden glint in the faint starlight as
+he struck, and the stunned maniac went down quivering, and lay
+motionless on the hard ground.  For a moment the other remained
+standing over him, the heavy revolver poised, but the prostrate figure
+lay still, and the conqueror slipped his weapon back into its leather
+sheath with a sigh of relief.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The noise of their struggle must have carried far through that solemn
+stillness, and no one could guess how near at hand might be bands of
+prowling savages.  Yet no sound came to his strained ears except the
+soft soughing of the night wind through the trees, and the rustling of
+grass beneath the tread of the horses.  With the quick decision of one
+long accustomed to meet emergencies, Hampton unbuckled the lariat from
+one of the led animals, and bound Murphy's hands and limbs securely.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+As he worked he thought rapidly.  He comprehended the extreme
+desperation of their present situation.  While the revolver blow might
+possibly restore Murphy to a degree of sanity, it was far more probable
+that he would awaken violent.  Yet he could not deliberately leave this
+man to meet a fate of horror in the wilderness.  Which way should they
+turn?  Enough food, if used sparingly, might remain to permit of a
+hasty retreat to Cheyenne, and there would be comparatively little
+danger in that direction.  All visible signs indicated that the
+scattered Indian bands were rapidly consolidating to the northward,
+closing in on those troops scouting the Yellowstone, with determination
+to give early battle.  Granting that the stream they were now on should
+prove to be the Tongue, then the direct route toward where Custer was
+supposed to be would be northwest, leading ever deeper into the lonely
+wilderness, and toward more imminent peril.  Then, at the end of that
+uncertain journey, they might easily miss Custer's column.  That which
+would have been quickly decided had he been alone became a most serious
+problem when considered in connection with the insane, helpless scout.
+But then, there were the despatches!  They must be of vital importance
+to have required the sending of Murphy forth on so dangerous a ride;
+other lives, ay, the result of the entire campaign, might depend upon
+their early delivery.  Hampton had been a soldier, the spirit of the
+service was still with him, and that thought brought him to final
+decision.  Unless they were halted by Sioux bullets, they would push on
+toward the Big Horn, and Custer should have the papers.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He knelt down beside Murphy, unbuckled the leather despatch-bag, and
+rebuckled it across his own shoulder.  Then he set to work to revive
+the prostrate man.  The eyes, when opened, stared up at him, wild and
+glaring; the ugly face bore the expression of abject fear.  The man was
+no longer violent; he had become a child, frightened at the dark.  His
+ceaseless babbling, his incessant cries of terror, only rendered more
+precarious any attempt at pressing forward through a region overrun
+with hostiles.  But Hampton had resolved.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Securely strapping Murphy to his saddle, and packing all their
+remaining store of provisions upon one horse, leaving the other to
+follow or remain behind as it pleased, he advanced directly into the
+hills, steering by aid of the stars, his left hand ever on Murphy's
+bridle rein, his low voice of expostulation seeking to calm the other's
+wild fancies and to curb his violent speech.  It was a weird, wild ride
+through the black night, unknown ground under foot, unseen dangers upon
+every hand.  Murphy's aberrations changed from shrieking terror to a
+wild, uncontrollable hilarity, with occasional outbursts of violent
+anger, when it required all Hampton's iron will and muscle to conquer
+him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At dawn they were in a narrow gorge among the hills, a dark and gloomy
+hole, yet a peculiarly safe spot in which to hide, having steep, rocky
+ledges on either side, with sufficient grass for the horses.  Leaving
+Murphy bound, Hampton clambered up the front of the rock to where he
+was able to look out.  All was silent, and his heart sank as he
+surveyed the brown sterile hills stretching to the horizon, having
+merely narrow gulches of rock and sand between, the sheer nakedness of
+the picture unrelieved by green shrub or any living thing.  Then,
+almost despairing, he slid back, stretched himself out amid the soft
+grass, and sank into the slumber of exhaustion, his last conscious
+memory the incoherent babbling of his insane companion.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He awoke shortly after noon, feeling refreshed and renewed in both body
+and mind.  Murphy was sleeping when he first turned to look at him, but
+he awoke in season to be fed, and accepted the proffered food with all
+the apparent delight of a child.  While he rested, their remaining
+pack-animal had strayed, and Hampton was compelled to go on with only
+the two horses, strapping the depleted store of provisions behind his
+own saddle.  Then he carefully hoisted Murphy into place and bound his
+feet beneath the animal's belly, the poor fellow gibbering at him, in
+appearance an utter imbecile, although exhibiting periodic flashes of
+malignant passion.  Then he resumed the journey down one of those
+sand-strewn depressions pointing toward the Rosebud, pressing the
+refreshed ponies into a canter, confident now that their greatest
+measure of safety lay in audacity.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Apparently his faith in the total desertion of these "bad lands" by the
+Indians was fully justified, for they continued steadily mile after
+mile, meeting with no evidence of life anywhere.  Still the travelling
+was good, with here and there little streams of icy water trickling
+over the rocks.  They made most excellent progress, Hampton ever
+grasping the bit of Murphy's horse, his anxious thought more upon his
+helpless companion in misery than upon the possible perils of the route.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was already becoming dusk when they swept down into a little nest of
+green trees and grass.  It appeared so suddenly, and was such an
+unexpected oasis amid that surrounding wilderness, that Hampton gave
+vent to a sudden exclamation of delight.  But that was all.  Instantly
+he perceived numerous dark forms leaping from out the shrubbery, and he
+wheeled his horses to the left, lashing them into a rapid run.  It was
+all over in a moment&mdash;a sputtering of rifles, a wild medley of cries, a
+glimpse of savage figures, and the two were tearing down the rocks, the
+din of pursuit dying away behind them.  The band were evidently all on
+foot, yet Hampton continued to press his mount at a swift pace, taking
+turn after turn about the sharp hills, confident that the hard earth
+would leave no trace of their passage.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then suddenly the horse he rode sank like a log, but his tight grip
+upon the rein of the other landed him on his feet.  Murphy laughed, in
+fiendish merriment; but Hampton looked down on the dead horse, noting
+the stream of blood oozing out from behind the shoulder.  A stray Sioux
+bullet had found its mark, but the gallant animal had struggled on
+until it dropped lifeless; and the brave man it had borne so long and
+so well bent down and stroked tenderly the unconscious head.  Then he
+shifted the provisions to the back of the other horse, grasped the
+loose rein once more in his left hand, and started forward on foot.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0306"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER VI
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+N Troop, guarding, much to their emphatically expressed disgust, the
+more slowly moving pack-train, were following Custer's advancing column
+of horsemen down the right bank of the Little Big Horn.  The troopers,
+carbines at knee, sitting erect in their saddles, their faces browned
+by the hot winds of the plains, were riding steadily northward.  Beside
+them, mounted upon a rangy chestnut, Brant kept his watchful eyes on
+those scattered flankers dotting the summit of the near-by bluff.
+Suddenly one of these waved his hand eagerly, and the lieutenant went
+dashing up the sharp ascent.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What is it, now, Lane?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Somethin' movin' jist out yonder, sir," and the trooper pointed into
+the southeast.  "They're down in a <I>coulée</I> now, I reckon; but will be
+up on a ridge agin in a minute.  I got sight of 'em twice afore I
+waved."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The officer gazed earnestly in the direction indicated, and was almost
+immediately rewarded by the glimpse of some indistinct, dark figures
+dimly showing against the lighter background of sky.  He brought his
+field-glasses to a focus.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"White men," he announced, shortly.  "Come with me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At a brisk trot they rode out, the trooper lagging a pace to the rear,
+the watchful eyes of both men sweeping suspiciously across the prairie.
+The two parties met suddenly upon the summit of a sharp ridge, and
+Brant drew in his horse with an exclamation of astonishment.  It was a
+pathetic spectacle he stared at,&mdash;a horse scarcely able to stagger
+forward, his flanks quivering from exhaustion, his head hanging limply
+down; on his back, with feet strapped securely beneath and hands bound
+to the high pommel, the lips grinning ferociously, perched a misshapen
+creature clothed as a man.  Beside these, hatless, his shoes barely
+holding together, a man of slender figure and sunburnt face held the
+bridle-rein.  An instant they gazed at each other, the young officer's
+eyes filled with sympathetic horror, the other staring apathetically at
+his rescuer.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My God!  Can this be you, Hampton?" and the startled lieutenant flung
+himself from his horse.  "What does it mean?  Why are you here?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton, leaning against the trembling horse to keep erect, slowly
+lifted his hand in a semblance of military salute.  "Despatches from
+Cheyenne.  This is Murphy&mdash;went crazy out yonder.  For God's
+sake&mdash;water, food!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Your canteen, Lane!" exclaimed Brant.  "Now hold this cup," and he
+dashed into it a liberal supply of brandy from a pocket-flask.  "Drink
+that all down, Hampton."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man did mechanically as he was ordered, his hand never relaxing its
+grasp of the rein.  Then a gleam of reawakened intelligence appeared in
+his eyes; he glanced up into the leering countenance of Murphy, and
+then back at those others.  "Give me another for him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant handed to him the filled cup, noting as he did so the strange
+steadiness of the hand which accepted it.  Hampton lifted the tin to
+the figure in the saddle, his own gaze directed straight into the eyes
+as he might seek to control a wild animal.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Drink it," he commanded, curtly, "every drop!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For an instant the maniac glared back at him sullenly; then he appeared
+to shrink in terror, and drank swiftly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We can make the rest of the way now," Hampton announced, quietly.
+"Lord, but this has been a trip!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Lane dismounted at Brant's order, and assisted Hampton to climb into
+the vacated saddle.  Then the trooper grasped the rein of Murphy's
+horse, and the little party started toward where the pack-train was
+hidden in the valley.  The young officer rode silent and at a walk, his
+eyes occasionally studying the face of the other and noting its drawn,
+gray look.  The very sight of Hampton had been a shock.  Why was he
+here and with Murphy?  Could this strange journey have anything to do
+with Naida?  Could it concern his own future, as well as hers?  He felt
+no lingering jealousy of this man, for her truthful words had forever
+settled that matter.  Yet who was he?  What peculiar power did he wield
+over her life?
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is Custer here?" said Hampton.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No; that is, not with my party.  We are guarding the pack-train.  The
+others are ahead, and Custer, with five troops, has moved to the right.
+He is somewhere among those ridges back of the bluff."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man turned and looked where the officer pointed, shading his eyes
+with his hand.  Before him lay only the brown, undulating waves of
+upland, a vast desert of burnt grass, shimmering under the hot sun.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Can you give me a fresh horse, a bite to eat, and a cup of coffee,
+down there?" he asked, anxiously.  "You see I 've got to go on."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Go on?  Good God! man, do you realize what you are saying?  Why, you
+can hardly sit the saddle!  You carry despatches, you say?  Well, there
+are plenty of good men in my troop who will volunteer to take them on.
+You need rest."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not much," said Hampton.  "I'm fit enough, or shall be as soon as I
+get food.  Good Lord, boy, I am not done up yet, by a long way!  It's
+the cursed loneliness out yonder," he swept his hand toward the
+horizon, "and the having to care for him, that has broken my heart.  He
+went that way clear back on the Powder, and it's been a fight between
+us ever since.  I 'll be all right now if you lads will only look after
+him.  This is going to reach Custer, and I'll take it!"  He flung back
+his ragged coat, his hand on the despatch-bag.  "I 've earned the
+right."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant reached forth his hand cordially.  "That's true; you have.
+What's more, if you 're able to make the trip, there is no one here who
+will attempt to stop you.  But now tell me how this thing happened.  I
+want to know the story before we get in."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a moment Hampton remained silent, his thoughtful gaze on the
+near-by videttes, his hands leaning heavily upon the saddle pommel.
+Perhaps he did not remember clearly; possibly he could not instantly
+decide just how much of that story to tell.  Brant suspected this last
+to be his difficulty, and he spoke impulsively.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hampton, there has been trouble and misunderstanding between us, but
+that's all past and gone now.  I sincerely believe in your purpose of
+right, and I ask you to trust me.  Either of us would give his life if
+need were, to be of real service to a little girl back yonder in the
+hills.  I don't know what you are to her; I don't ask.  I know she has
+every confidence in you, and that is enough.  Now, I want to do what is
+right with both of you, and if you have a word to say to me regarding
+this matter, I 'll treat it confidentially.  This trip with Murphy has
+some bearing upon Naida Gillis, has it not?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Will you tell me the story?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The thoughtful gray eyes looked at him long and searchingly.  "Brant,
+do you love that girl?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Just as unwaveringly the blue eyes returned the look.  "I do.  I have
+asked her to become my wife."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And her answer?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She said no; that a dead man was between us."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is that all you know?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The younger man bent his head, his face grave and perplexed.
+"Practically all."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton wet his dry lips with his tongue, his breath quickening.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And in that she was right," he said at last, his eyes lowered to the
+ground.  "I will tell you why.  It was the father of Naida Gillis who
+was convicted of the murder of Major Brant."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, my father?  Is she Captain Nolan's daughter?  But you say
+'convicted.'  Was there ever any doubt?  Do you question his being
+guilty?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton pointed in silence to the hideous creature behind them.  "That
+man could tell, but he has gone mad."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant endeavored to speak, but the words would not come; his brain
+seemed paralyzed.  Hampton held himself under better control.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I have confidence, Lieutenant Brant, in your honesty," he began,
+gravely, "and I believe you will strive to do whatever is best for her,
+if anything should happen to me out yonder.  But for the possibility of
+my being knocked out, I would n't talk about this, not even to you.
+The affair is a long way from being straightened out so as to make a
+pleasant story, but I 'll give you all you actually require to know in
+order to make it clear to her, provided I shouldn't come back.  You
+see, she doesn't know very much more than you do&mdash;only what I was
+obliged to tell to keep her from getting too deeply entangled with you.
+Maybe I ought to have given her the full story before I started on this
+trip.  I 've since wished I had, but you see, I never dreamed it was
+going to end here, on the Big Horn; besides, I did n't have the nerve."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He swept his heavy eyes across the brown and desolate prairie, and back
+to the troubled face of the younger man.  "You see, Brant, I feel that
+I simply have to carry these despatches through.  I have a pride in
+giving them to Custer myself, because of the trouble I 've had in
+getting them here.  But perhaps I may not come back, and in that case
+there would n't be any one living to tell her the truth.  That thought
+has bothered me ever since I pulled out of Cheyenne.  It seems to me
+that there is going to be a big fight somewhere in these hills before
+long.  I 've seen a lot of Indians riding north within the last four
+days, and they were all bucks, rigged out in war toggery, Sioux and
+Cheyennes.  Ever since we crossed the Fourche those fellows have been
+in evidence, and it's my notion that Custer has a heavier job on his
+hands, right at this minute, than he has any conception of.  So I want
+to leave these private papers with you until I come back.  It will
+relieve my mind to know they are safe; if I don't come, then I want you
+to open them and do whatever you decide is best for the little girl.
+You will do that, won't you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He handed over a long manila envelope securely sealed, and the younger
+man accepted it, noticing that it was unaddressed before depositing it
+safely in an inner pocket of his fatigue jacket.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Certainly, Hampton," he said.  "Is that all?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All except what I am going to tell you now regarding Murphy.  There is
+no use my attempting to explain exactly how I chanced to find out all
+these things, for they came to me little by little during several
+years.  I knew Nolan, and I knew your father, and I had reason to doubt
+the guilt of the Captain, in spite of the verdict of the jury that
+condemned him.  In fact, I knew at the time, although it was not in my
+power to prove it, that the two principal witnesses against Nolan lied.
+I thought I could guess why, but we drifted apart, and finally I lost
+all track of every one connected with the affair.  Then I happened to
+pick up that girl down in the canyon beyond the Bear Water, and pulled
+her out alive just because she chanced to be of that sex, and I could
+n't stand to see her fall into Indian clutches.  I did n't feel any
+special interest in her at the time, supposing she belonged to Old
+Gillis, but she somehow grew on me&mdash;she's that kind, you know; and when
+I discovered, purely by accident, that she was Captain Nolan's girl,
+but that it all had been kept from her, I just naturally made up my
+mind I 'd dig out the truth if I possibly could, for her sake.  The
+fact is, I began to think a lot about her&mdash;not the way you do, you
+understand; I'm getting too old for that, and have known too much about
+women,&mdash;but maybe somewhat as a father might feel.  Anyhow, I wanted to
+give her a chance, a square deal, so that she would n't be ashamed of
+her own name if ever she found out what it was."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He paused, his eyes filled with memories, and passed his hand through
+his uncovered hair.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"About that time I fell foul of Murphy and Slavin there in Glencaid,"
+he went on quickly, as if anxious to conclude.  "I never got my eyes on
+Murphy, you know, and Slavin was so changed by that big red beard that
+I failed to recognize him.  But their actions aroused my suspicions,
+and I went after them good and hard.  I wanted to find out what they
+knew, and why those lies were told on Nolan at the trial.  I had an
+idea they could tell me.  So, for a starter, I tackled Slavin,
+supposing we were alone, and I was pumping the facts out of him
+successfully by holding a gun under his nose, and occasionally jogging
+his memory, when this fellow Murphy got excited, and <I>chasséed</I> into
+the game, but happened to nip his partner instead of me.  In the course
+of our little scuffle I chanced to catch a glimpse of the fellow's
+right hand, and it had a scar on the back of it that looked mighty
+familiar.  I had seen it before, and I wanted to see it again.  So,
+when I got out of that scrape, and the doctor had dug a stray bullet
+out of my anatomy, there did n't seem to be any one left for me to
+chase excepting Murphy, for Slavin was dead.  I was n't exactly sure he
+was the owner of that scar, but I had my suspicions and wanted to
+verify them.  Having struck his trail, I reached Cheyenne just about
+four hours after he left there with these despatches for the Big Horn.
+I caught up with the fellow on the south bank of the Belle Fourche, and
+being well aware that no threats or gun play would ever force him to
+confess the truth, I undertook to frighten him by trickery.  I brought
+along some drawing-paper and drew your father's picture in phosphorus,
+and gave him the benefit in the dark.  That caught Murphy all right,
+and everything was coming my way.  He threw up his hands, and even
+agreed to come in here with me, and tell the whole story, but the poor
+fellow's brain could n't stand the strain of the scare I had given him.
+He went raving mad on the Powder; he jumped on me while I was asleep,
+and since then every mile has been a little hell.  That's the whole of
+it to date."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They were up with the pack-train by now, and the cavalrymen gazed with
+interest at the new arrivals.  Several among them seemed to recognize
+Murphy, and crowded about his horse with rough expressions of sympathy.
+Brant scarcely glanced at them, his grave eyes on Hampton's stern face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And what is it you wish me to do?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Take care of Murphy.  Don't let him remain alone for a minute.  If he
+has any return of reason, compel him to talk.  He knows you, and will
+be as greatly frightened at your presence and knowledge as at mine.
+Besides, you have fully as much at stake as any one, for in no other
+way can the existing barrier between Naida and yourself be broken down."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Insisting that now he felt perfectly fit for any service, the impatient
+Hampton was quickly supplied with the necessary food and clothing,
+while Murphy, grown violently abusive, was strapped on a litter between
+two mules, a guard on either side.  Brant rode with the civilian on a
+sharp trot as far as the head of the pack-train, endeavoring to the
+very last to persuade the wearied man to relinquish this work to
+another.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Foster," he said to the sergeant in command of the advance, "did you
+chance to notice just what <I>coulée</I> Custer turned into when his column
+swung to the right?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I think it must have been the second yonder, sir; where you see that
+bunch of trees.  We was a long ways back, but I could see the boys
+plain enough as they come out on the bluff up there.  Some of 'em waved
+their hats back at us.  Is this man goin' after them, sir?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, he has despatches from Cheyenne."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, he ought ter have no trouble findin' the trail.  It ought ter be
+'bout as plain as a road back in God's country, sir, fer there were
+more than two hundred horses, and they'd leave a good mark even on hard
+ground."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant held out his hand.  "I'll certainly do all in my power, Hampton,
+to bring this out right.  You can rely on that, and I will be faithful
+to the little girl.  Now, just a word to guide you regarding our
+situation here.  We have every reason for believing that the Sioux are
+in considerable force in our front somewhere, and not far down this
+stream.  Nobody knows just how strong they are, but it looks to me as
+if we were pretty badly split up for a very heavy engagement.  Not that
+I question Custer's plan, you understand, only he may be mistaken about
+what the Indians will do.  Benteen's battalion is out there to the
+west; Reno is just ahead of us up the valley; while Custer has taken
+five troops on a detour to the right across the bluffs, hoping to come
+down on the rear of the Sioux.  The idea is to crush them between the
+three columns.  No one of these detachments has more than two hundred
+men, yet it may come out all right if they only succeed in striking
+together.  Still it 's risky in such rough country, not knowing exactly
+where the enemy is.  Well, good luck to you, and take care of yourself."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The two men clasped hands, their eyes filled with mutual confidence.
+Then Hampton touched spurs to his horse, and galloped swiftly forward.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0307"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER VII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE FIGHT IN THE VALLEY
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Far below, in the heart of the sunny depression bordering the left bank
+of the Little Big Horn, the stalwart troopers under Reno's command
+gazed up the steep bluff to wave farewell to their comrades
+disappearing to the right.  Last of all, Custer halted his horse an
+instant, silhouetted against the blue sky, and swung his hat before
+spurring out of sight.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The plan of battle was most simple and direct.  It involved a nearly
+simultaneous attack upon the vast Indian village from below and above,
+success depending altogether upon the prompt coöperation of the
+separate detachments.  This was understood by every trooper in the
+ranks.  Scarcely had Custer's slender column of horsemen vanished
+across the summit before Reno's command advanced, trotting down the
+valley, the Arikara scouts in the lead.  They had been chosen to strike
+the first blow, to force their way into the lower village, and thus to
+draw the defending warriors to their front, while Custer's men were to
+charge upon the rear.  It was an old trick of the Seventh, and not a
+man in saddle ever dreamed the plan could fail.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A half-mile, a mile, Reno's troops rode, with no sound breaking the
+silence but the pounding of hoofs, the tinkle of accoutrements.  Then,
+rounding a sharp projection of earth and rock, the scattered lodges of
+the Indian village already partially revealed to those in advance, the
+riders were brought to sudden halt by a fierce crackling of rifles from
+rock and ravine, an outburst of fire in their faces, the wild,
+resounding screech of war-cries, and the scurrying across their front
+of dense bodies of mounted warriors, hideous in paint and feathers.
+Men fell cursing, and the frightened horses swerved, their riders
+struggling madly with their mounts, the column thrown into momentary
+confusion.  But the surprised cavalrymen, quailing beneath the hot fire
+poured into them, rallied to the shouts of their officers, and swung
+into a slender battle-front, stretching out their thin line from the
+bank of the river to the sharp uplift of the western bluffs.  Riderless
+horses crashed through them, neighing with pain; the wounded begged for
+help; while, with cries of terror, the cowardly Arikara scouts lashed
+their ponies in wild efforts to escape.  Scarcely one hundred and fifty
+white troopers waited to stem as best they might that fierce onrush of
+twelve hundred battle-crazed braves.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For an almost breathless space those mingled hordes of Sioux and
+Cheyennes hesitated to drive straight home their death-blow.  They knew
+those silent men in the blue shirts, knew they died hard.  Upon that
+slight pause pivoted the fate of the day; upon it hung the lives of
+those other men riding boldly and trustfully across the sunlit ridges
+above.  "Audacity, always audacity," that is the accepted motto for a
+cavalryman.  And be the cause what it may, it was here that Major Reno
+failed.  In that supreme instant he was guilty of hesitancy, doubt,
+delay.  He chose defence in preference to attack, dallied where he
+should have acted.  Instead of hurling like a thunderbolt that handful
+of eager fighting men straight at the exposed heart of the foe, making
+dash and momentum, discipline and daring, an offset to lack of numbers,
+he lingered in indecision, until the observing savages, gathering
+courage from his apparent weakness, burst forth in resistless torrent
+against the slender, unsupported line, turned his flank by one fierce
+charge, and hurled the struggling troopers back with a rush into the
+narrow strip of timber bordering the river.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Driven thus to bay, the stream at their back rendering farther retreat
+impossible, for a few moments the light carbines of the soldiers met
+the Indian rifles, giving back lead for lead.  But already every chance
+for successful attack had vanished; the whole narrow valley seemed to
+swarm with braves; they poured forth from sheltering <I>coulées</I> and
+shadowed ravines; they dashed down in countless numbers from the
+distant village.  Custer, now far away behind the bluffs, and almost
+beyond sound of the firing, was utterly ignored.  Every savage chief
+knew exactly where that column was, but it could await its turn; Gall,
+Crazy Horse, and Crow King mustered their red warriors for one
+determined effort to crush Reno, to grind him into dust beneath their
+ponies' hoofs.  Ay, and they nearly did it!
+</P>
+
+<P>
+In leaderless effort to break away from that swift-gathering cordon,
+before the red, remorseless folds should close tighter and crush them
+to death, the troopers, half of them already dismounted, burst from
+cover in an endeavor to attain the shelter of the bluffs.  The deadly
+Indian rifles flamed in their faces, and they were hurled back, a mere
+fleeing mob, searching for nothing in that moment of terror but a
+possible passageway across the stream.  Through some rare providence of
+God, they chanced to strike the banks at a spot where the river proved
+fordable.  They plunged headlong in, officers and men commingled, the
+Indian bullets churning up the water on every side; they struggled
+madly through, and spurred their horses up the steep ridge beyond.  A
+few cool-headed veterans halted at the edge of the bank to defend the
+passage; but the majority, crazed by panic and forgetful of all
+discipline, raced frantically for the summit.  Dr. De Wolf stood at the
+very water's edge firing until shot down; McIntosh, striving vainly to
+rally his demoralized men, sank with a bullet in his brain; Hodgson,
+his leg broken by a ball, clung to a sergeant's stirrup until a second
+shot stretched him dead upon the bank.  The loss in that wild retreat
+(which Reno later called a "charge") was heavy, the effect
+demoralizing; but those who escaped found a spot well suited for
+defence.  Even as they swung down from off their wounded, panting
+horses, and flung themselves flat upon their faces to sweep with
+hastily levelled carbines the river banks below, Benteen came trotting
+gallantly down the valley to their aid, his troopers fresh and eager to
+be thrown forward on the firing-line.  The worst was over, and like
+maddened lions, the rallied soldiers of the Seventh, cursing their
+folly, turned to strike and slay.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The valley was obscured with clouds of dust and smoke, the day
+frightfully hot and suffocating.  The various troop commanders, gaining
+control over their men, were prompt to act.  A line of skirmishers was
+hastily thrown forward along the edge of the bluff, while volunteers,
+urged by the agonized cries of the wounded, endeavored vainly to
+procure a supply of water from the river.  Again and again they made
+the effort, only to be driven back by the deadly Indian rifle fire.
+This came mostly from braves concealed behind rocks or protected by the
+timber along the stream, but large numbers of hostiles were plainly
+visible, not only in the valley, but also upon the ridges.  The firing
+upon their position continued incessantly, the warriors continually
+changing their point of attack.  By three o'clock, although the
+majority of the savages had departed down the river, enough remained to
+keep up a galling fire, and hold Reno strictly on the defensive.  These
+reds skulked in ravines, or lined the banks of the river, their
+long-range rifles rendering the lighter carbines of the cavalrymen
+almost valueless.  A few crouched along the edge of higher eminences,
+their shots crashing in among the unprotected troops.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+As the men lay exposed to this continuous sniping fire, above the
+surrounding din were borne to their ears the reports of distant guns.
+It came distinctly from the northward, growing heavier and more
+continuous.  None among them doubted its ominous meaning.  Custer was
+already engaged in hot action at the right of the Indian village.  Why
+were they kept lying there in idleness?  Why were they not pushed
+forward to do their part?  They looked into each other's faces.  God!
+They were three hundred now; they could sweep aside like chaff that
+fringe of red skirmishers if only they got the word!  With hearts
+throbbing, every nerve tense, they waited, each trooper crouched for
+the spring.  Officer after officer, unable to restrain his impatience,
+strode back across the bluff summit, amid whistling bullets, and
+personally begged the Major to speak the one word which should hurl
+them to the rescue.  They cried like women, they swore through clinched
+teeth, they openly exhibited their contempt for such a commander, yet
+the discipline of army service made active disobedience impossible.
+They went reluctantly back, as helpless as children.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was four o'clock, the shadows of the western bluffs already
+darkening the river bank.  Suddenly a faint cheer ran along the lines,
+and the men lifted themselves to gaze up the river.  Urging the tired
+animals to a trot, the strong hand of a trooper grasping every
+halter-strap, Brant was swinging his long pack-train up the
+smoke-wreathed valley.  The out-riding flankers exchanged constant
+shots with the skulking savages hiding in every ravine and coulée.
+Pausing only to protect their wounded, fighting their way step by step,
+N Troop ran the gantlet and came charging into the cheering lines with
+every pound of their treasure safe.  Weir of D, whose dismounted
+troopers held that portion of the line, strode a pace forward to greet
+the leader, and as the extended hands of the officers met, there echoed
+down to them from the north the reports of two heavy volleys, fired in
+rapid succession.  The sounds were clear, distinctly audible even above
+the uproar of the valley.  The heavy eyes of the two soldiers met,
+their dust-streaked faces flushed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That was a signal, Custer's signal for help!" the younger man cried,
+impulsively, his voice full of agony.  "For God's sake, Weir, what are
+you fellows waiting here for?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other uttered a groan, his hand flung in contempt back toward the
+bluff summit.  "The cowardly fool won't move; he's whipped to death
+now."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant's jaw set like that of a fighting bulldog.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Reno, you mean?  Whipped?  You have n't lost twenty men.  Is this the
+Seventh&mdash;the Seventh?&mdash;skulking here under cover while Custer begs
+help?  Doesn't the man know?  Doesn't he understand?  By heaven, I 'll
+face him myself!  I 'll make him act, even if I have to damn him to his
+face."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He swung his horse with a jerk to the left, but even as the spurs
+touched, Weir grasped the taut rein firmly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's no use, Brant.  It's been done; we've all been at him.  He's
+simply lost his head.  Know?  Of course he knows.  Martini struck us
+just below here, as we were coming in, with a message from Custer.  It
+would have stirred the blood of any one but him&mdash;Oh, God! it's
+terrible."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A message?  What was it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Cook wrote it, and addressed it to Benteen.  It read: 'Come on.  Big
+village.  Be quick.  Bring packs.'  And then, 'P. S.&mdash;Bring packs.'
+That means they want ammunition badly; they're fighting to the death
+out yonder, and they need powder.  Oh, the coward!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant's eyes ran down the waiting line of his own men, sitting their
+saddles beside the halted pack-animals.  He leaned over and dropped one
+hand heavily on Weir's shoulder.  "The rest of you can do as you
+please, but N Troop is going to take those ammunition packs over to
+Custer if there's any possible way to get through, orders or no
+orders."  He straightened up in the saddle, and his voice sounded down
+the wearied line like the blast of a trumpet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Attention!  N Troop!  Right face; dress.  Number four bring forward
+the ammunition packs.  No, leave the others where they are; move
+lively, men!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He watched them swing like magic into formation, their dust-begrimed
+faces lighting up with animation.  They knew their officer, and this
+meant business.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Unsling carbines&mdash;load!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Weir, the veteran soldier, glanced down that steady line of ready
+troopers, and then back to Brant's face.  "Do you mean it?  Are you
+going up those bluffs?  Good Heavens, man, it will mean a
+court-martial."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Custer commands the Seventh.  I command the pack-train," said Brant.
+"His orders are to bring up the packs.  Perhaps I can't get through
+alone, but I 'll try.  Better a court-martial than to fail those men
+out there.  Going?  Of course I 'm going.  Into line&mdash;take
+intervals&mdash;forward!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Attention, D Troop!"  It was Weir's voice, eager and determined now.
+Like an undammed current his orders rang out above the uproar, and in a
+moment the gallant troopers of N and D, some on foot, some in saddle,
+were rushing up the face of the bluff, their officers leading, the
+precious ammunition packs at the centre, all alike scrambling for the
+summit, in spite of the crackling of Indian rifles from every side.
+Foot by foot they fought their way forward, sliding and stumbling,
+until the little blue wave burst out against the sky-line and sent an
+exultant cheer back to those below.  Panting, breathless from the hard
+climb, their carbines spitting fire while the rapidly massing savages
+began circling their exposed position, the little band fought their way
+forward a hundred yards.  Then they halted, blocked by the numbers
+barring their path, glancing back anxiously in hope that their effort
+would encourage others to join them.  They could do it; they could do
+it if only the rest of the boys would come.  They poured in their
+volleys and waited.  But Reno made no move.  Weir and Brant, determined
+to hold every inch thus gained, threw the dismounted men on their faces
+behind every projection of earth, and encircled the ridge with flame.
+If they could not advance, they would not be driven back.  They were
+high up now, where they could overlook the numerous ridges and valleys
+far around; and yonder, perhaps two miles away, they could perceive
+vast bodies of mounted Indians, while the distant sound of heavy firing
+was borne faintly to their ears.  It was vengeful savages shooting into
+the bodies of the dead, but that they did not know.  Messenger after
+messenger, taking life in hand, was sent skurrying down the bluff, to
+beg reinforcements to push on for the rescue, swearing it was possible.
+But it was after five o'clock before Reno moved.  Then cautiously he
+advanced his column toward where N and D Troops yet held desperately to
+the exposed ridge.  He came too late.  That distant firing had ceased,
+and all need for further advance had ended.  Already vast forces of
+Indians, flushed with victory and waving bloody scalps, were sweeping
+back across the ridges to attack in force.  Scarcely had reinforcements
+attained the summit before the torrent of savagery burst screeching on
+their front.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+From point to point the grim struggle raged, till nightfall wrought
+partial cessation.  The wearied troopers stretched out their lines so
+as to protect the packs and the field hospital, threw themselves on the
+ground, digging rifle-pits with knives and tin pans.  Not until nine
+o'clock did the Indian fire slacken, and then the village became a
+scene of savage revel, the wild yelling plainly audible to the soldiers
+above.  Through the black night Brant stepped carefully across the
+recumbent forms of his men, and made his way to the field hospital.  In
+the glare of the single fire the red sear of a bullet showed clearly
+across his forehead, but he wiped away the slowly trickling blood, and
+bent over a form extended on a blanket.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Has he roused up?" he questioned of the trooper on guard.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not to know nuthin', sir.  He's bin swearin' an' gurglin' most o' ther
+time, but he's asleep now, I reckon."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The young officer stood silent, his face pale, his gaze upon the
+distant Indian fires.  Out yonder were defeat, torture, death, and
+to-morrow meant a renewal of the struggle.  His heart was heavy with
+foreboding, his memory far away with one to whom all this misfortune
+might come almost as a death-blow.  It was Naida's questioning face
+that haunted him; she was waiting for she knew not what.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0308"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER VIII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE OLD REGIMENT
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+By the time Hampton swung up the <I>coulée</I>, he had dismissed from his
+attention everything but the business that had brought him there.  No
+lingering thought of Naida, or of the miserable Murphy, was permitted
+to interfere with the serious work before him.  To be once again with
+the old Seventh was itself inspiration; to ride with them into battle
+was the chief desire of his heart.  It was a dream of years, which he
+had never supposed possible of fulfilment, and he rode rapidly forward,
+his lips smiling, the sunshine of noonday lighting up his face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He experienced no fear, no premonition of coming disaster, yet the
+reawakened plainsman in him kept him sufficiently wary and cautious.
+The faint note of discontent apparent in Brant's concluding
+words&mdash;doubtless merely an echo of that ambitious officer's dislike at
+being put on guard over the pack-train at such a moment&mdash;awoke no
+response in his mind.  He possessed a soldier's proud confidence in his
+regiment&mdash;the supposition that the old fighting Seventh could be
+defeated was impossible; the Indians did not ride those uplands who
+could do the deed!  Then there came to him a nameless dread, that
+instinctive shrinking which a proud, sensitive man must ever feel at
+having to face his old companions with the shadow of a crime between.
+In his memory he saw once more a low-ceiled room, having a table
+extending down the centre, with grave-faced men, dressed in the full
+uniform of the service, looking at him amid a silence like unto death;
+and at the head sat a man with long fair hair and mustache, his proud
+eyes never to be forgotten.  Now, after silent years, he was going to
+look into those accusing eyes again.  He pressed his hand against his
+forehead, his body trembled; then he braced himself for the interview,
+and the shuddering coward in him shrank back.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He had become wearied of the endless vista of desert, rock, and plain.
+Yet now it strangely appealed to him in its beauty.  About him were
+those uneven, rolling hills, like a vast storm-lashed sea, the brown
+crests devoid of life, yet with depressions between sufficient to
+conceal multitudes.  Once he looked down through a wide cleft in the
+face of the bluff, and could perceive the head of the slowly advancing
+pack-train far below.  Away to the left something was moving, a dim,
+shapeless dash of color.  It might be Benteen, but of Reno's columns he
+could perceive nothing, nor anything of Custer's excepting that broad
+track across the prairies marked by his horses' hoofs.  This track
+Hampton followed, pressing his fresh mount to increased speed,
+confident that no Indian spies would be loitering so closely in the
+rear of that body of cavalry, and becoming fearful lest the attack
+should occur before he could arrive.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He dipped over a sharp ridge and came suddenly upon the rear-guard.
+They were a little squad of dusty, brown-faced troopers, who instantly
+wheeled into line at sound of approaching hoofs, the barrels of their
+lowered carbines glistening in the sun.  With a swing of the hand, and
+a hoarse shout of "Despatches!" he was beyond them, bending low over
+his saddle pommel, his eyes on the dust cloud of the moving column.
+The extended line of horsemen, riding in column of fours, came to a
+sudden halt, and he raced swiftly on.  A little squad of officers,
+several of their number dismounted, were out in front, standing grouped
+just below the summit of a slight elevation, apparently looking off
+into the valley through some cleft In the bluff beyond.  Standing among
+these, Hampton perceived the long fair hair, and the erect figure clad
+in the well-known frontier costume, of the man he sought,&mdash;the proud,
+dashing leader of light cavalry, that beau ideal of the <I>sabreur</I>, the
+one he dreaded most, the one he loved best,&mdash;Custer.  The commander
+stood, field-glasses in hand, pointing down into the valley, and the
+despatch bearer, reining in his horse, his lips white but resolute,
+trotted straight up the slope toward him.  Custer wheeled, annoyed at
+the interruption, and Hampton swung down from the saddle, his rein
+flung across his arm, took a single step forward, lifting his hand in
+salute, and held forth the sealed packet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Despatches, sir," he said, simply, standing motionless as a statue.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The commander, barely glancing toward him, instantly tore open the long
+official envelope and ran his eyes over the despatch amid a hush in the
+conversation.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Gentlemen," he commented to the little group gathered about him, yet
+without glancing up from the paper in his hand, "Crook was defeated
+over on the Rosebud the seventeenth, and forced to retire.  That will
+account for the unexpected number of hostiles fronting us up here,
+Cook; but the greater the task, the greater the glory.  Ah, I thought
+as much.  I am advised by the Department to keep in close touch with
+Terry and Gibbons, and to hold off from making a direct attack until
+infantry can arrive in support.  Rather late in the day, I take it,
+when we are already within easy rifle-shot.  I see nothing in these
+orders to interfere with our present plans, nor any military necessity
+for playing hide and seek all Summer in these hills.  That looks like a
+big village down yonder, but I have led the dandy Seventh into others
+just as large."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He stopped speaking, and glanced up inquiringly into the face of the
+silent messenger, apparently mistaking him for one of his own men.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Where did you get this?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Cheyenne, sir."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What!  Do you mean to say you brought it through from there?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Silent Murphy carried it as far as the Powder River.  He went crazy
+there, and I was compelled to strap him.  I brought it the rest of the
+way."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Where is Murphy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Back with the pack-train, sir.  I got him through alive, but entirely
+gone in the head."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Run across many hostiles in that region?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"They were thick this side the Rosebud; all bucks, and travelling
+north."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sioux?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mostly, sir, but I saw one band wearing Cheyenne war-bonnets."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A puzzled look slowly crept into the strong face of the abrupt
+questioner, his stern, commanding eyes studying the man standing
+motionless before him, with freshly awakened interest.  The gaze of the
+other faltered, then came back courageously.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I recognize you now," Custer said, quietly.  "Am I to understand you
+are again in the service?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My presence here is purely accidental, General Custer.  The
+opportunity came to me to do this work, and I very gladly accepted the
+privilege."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The commander hesitated, scarcely knowing what he might be justified in
+saying to this man.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It was a brave deed, well performed," he said at last, with soldierly
+cordiality, "although I can hardly offer you a fitting reward."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other stood bareheaded, his face showing pale under its sunburn,
+his hand trembling violently where it rested against his horse's mane.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There is little I desire," he replied, slowly, unable to altogether
+disguise the quiver in his voice, "and that is to be permitted to ride
+once more into action in the ranks of the Seventh."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The true-hearted, impulsive, manly soldier fronting him reddened to the
+roots of his fair hair, his proud eyes instantly softening.  For a
+second Hampton even imagined he would extend his hand, but the other
+paused with one step forward, discipline proving stronger than impulse.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Spoken like a true soldier," he exclaimed, a new warmth in his voice.
+"You shall have your wish.  Take position in Calhoun's troop yonder."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hampton turned quietly away, leading his horse, yet had scarcely
+advanced three yards before Custer halted him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I shall be pleased to talk with you again after the fight," he said,
+briefly, as though half doubting the propriety of such words.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other bowed, his face instantly brightening.  "I thank you
+sincerely."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The perplexed commander stood motionless, gazing after the receding
+figure, his face grown grave and thoughtful.  Then he turned to the
+wondering adjutant beside him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You never knew him, did you, Cook?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I think not, sir; who is he?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Captain Nolan&mdash;you have heard the story."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The younger officer wheeled about, staring, but the despatch bearer had
+already become indistinguishable among the troopers.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is that so?" he exclaimed, in evident surprise.  "He has a manly face."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Ay, and he was as fine a soldier as ever fought under the flag,"
+declared Custer, frankly.  "Poor devil!  The hardest service I was ever
+called upon to perform was the day we broke him.  I wonder if Calhoun
+will recognize the face; they were good friends once."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He stopped speaking, and for a time his field-glasses were fastened
+upon a small section of Indian village nestled in the green valley.
+Its full extent was concealed by the hills, yet from what the watchers
+saw they realized that this would prove no small encampment.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I doubt if many warriors are there," he commented, at last.  "They may
+have gone up the river to intercept Reno's advance, and if so, this
+should be our time to strike.  But we are not far enough around, and
+this ground is too rough for cavalry.  There looks to be considerable
+level land out yonder, and that <I>coulée</I> ought to lead us into it
+without peril of observation from below.  Return to your commands,
+gentlemen, and with the order of march see personally that your men
+move quietly.  We must strike quick and hard, driving the wedge home
+with a single blow."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His inquiring gaze swept thoughtfully over the expectant faces of his
+troop commanders.  "That will be all at present, gentlemen; you will
+require no further instructions until we deploy.  Captain Calhoun, just
+a word, please."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The officer thus directly addressed, a handsome, stalwart man of middle
+age, reined in his mettlesome horse and waited.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Captain, the messenger who has just brought us despatches from
+Cheyenne is a civilian, but has requested permission to have a share in
+this coming fight.  I have assigned him to your troop."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Calhoun bowed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I thought it best to spare you any possible embarrassment by saying
+that the man is not entirely unknown to you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"May I ask his name?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Robert Nolan."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The strong, lion-like face flushed under its tan, then quickly lit up
+with a smile.  "I thank you.  Captain Nolan will not suffer at my
+hands."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He rode straight toward his troop, his eyes searching the ranks until
+they rested upon the averted face of Hampton.  He pressed forward, and
+leaned from the saddle, extending a gauntleted hand.  "Nolan, old man,
+welcome back to the Seventh!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For an instant their eyes met, those of the officer filled with manly
+sympathy, the other's moistened and dim, his face like marble.  Then
+the two hands clasped and clung, in a grip more eloquent than words.
+The lips of the disgraced soldier quivered, and he uttered not a word.
+It was Calhoun who spoke.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I mean it all, Nolan.  From that day to this I have believed in
+you,&mdash;have held you friend."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a moment the man reeled; then, as though inspired by a new-born
+hope, he sat firmly erect, and lifted his hand in salute.  "Those are
+words I have longed to hear spoken for fifteen years.  They are more to
+me than life.  May God help me to be worthy of them.  Oh, Calhoun,
+Calhoun!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a brief space the two remained still and silent, their faces
+reflecting repressed feeling.  Then the voice of command sounded out in
+front; Calhoun gently withdrew his hand from the other's grasp, and
+with bowed head rode slowly to the front of his troop.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+In column of fours, silent, with not a canteen rattling, with scabbards
+thrust under their stirrup leathers, each man sitting his saddle like a
+statue, ready carbine flung forward across the pommel, those sunburnt
+troopers moved steadily down the broad <I>coulée</I>.  There was no pomp, no
+sparkle of gay uniforms.  No military band rode forth to play their
+famous battle tune of "Garryowen"; no flags waved above to inspire
+them, yet never before or since to a field of strife and death rode
+nobler hearts or truer.  Troop following troop, their faded, patched
+uniforms brown with dust, their campaign hats pulled low to shade them
+from the glare, those dauntless cavalrymen of the Seventh swept across
+the low intervening ridge toward the fateful plain below.  The troopers
+riding at either side of Hampton, wondering still at their captain's
+peculiar words and action, glanced curiously at their new comrade,
+marvelling at his tightly pressed lips, his moistened eyes.  Yet in all
+the glorious column, no heart lighter than his, or happier, pressed
+forward to meet a warrior's death.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0309"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER IX
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE LAST STAND
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+However daring the pen, it cannot but falter when attempting to picture
+the events of those hours of victorious defeat.  Out from the scene of
+carnage there crept forth no white survivor to recount the heroic deeds
+of the Seventh Cavalry.  No voice can ever repeat the story in its
+fulness, no eye penetrate into the heart of its mystery.  Only in
+motionless lines of dead, officers and men lying as they fell while
+facing the foe; in emptied carbines strewing the prairie; in scattered,
+mutilated bodies; in that unbroken ring of dauntless souls whose
+lifeless forms lay clustered about the figure of their stricken chief
+on that slight eminence marking the final struggle&mdash;only in such tokens
+can we trace the broken outlines of the historic picture.  The actors
+in the great tragedy have passed beyond either the praise or the blame
+of earth.  With moistened eyes and swelling hearts, we vainly strive to
+imagine the whole scene.  This, at least, we know: no bolder, nobler
+deed of arms was ever done.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was shortly after two o'clock in the afternoon when that compact
+column of cavalrymen moved silently forward down the concealing
+<I>coulée</I> toward the more open ground beyond.  Custer's plan was
+surprise, the sudden smiting of that village in the valley from the
+rear by the quick charge of his horsemen.  From man to man the
+whispered purpose travelled down the ranks, the eager troopers greeting
+the welcome message with kindling eyes.  It was the old way of the
+Seventh, and they knew it well.  The very horses seemed to feel the
+electric shock.  Worn with hard marches, bronzed by long weeks of
+exposure on alkali plains, they advanced now with the precision of men
+on parade, under the observant eyes of the officers.  Not a canteen
+tinkled, not a sabre rattled within its scabbard, as at a swift,
+noiseless walk those tried warriors of the Seventh pressed forward to
+strike once more their old-time foes.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Above them a few stray, fleecy clouds flecked the blue of the arching
+sky, serving only to reveal its depth of color.  On every side extended
+the rough irregularity of a region neither mountain nor plain, a land
+of ridges and bluffs, depressions and ravines.  Over all rested the
+golden sunlight of late June; and in all the broad expanse there was no
+sign of human presence.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+With Custer riding at the head of the column, and only a little to the
+rear of the advance scouts, his adjutant Cook, together with a
+volunteer aide, beside him, the five depleted troops filed resolutely
+forward, dreaming not of possible defeat.  Suddenly distant shots were
+heard far off to their left and rear, and deepening into a rumble,
+evidencing a warm engagement.  The interested troopers lifted their
+heads, listening intently, while eager whispers ran from man to man
+along the closed files.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Reno is going in, boys; it will be our turn next."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Close up!  Quiet there, lads, quiet," officer after officer passed the
+word of command.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Yet there were those among them who felt a strange dread&mdash;that firing
+sounded so far up the stream from where Reno should have been by that
+time.  Still it might be that those overhanging bluffs would muffle and
+deflect the reports.  Those fighting men of the Seventh rode steadily
+on, unquestioningly pressing forward at the word of their beloved
+leader.  All about them hovered death in dreadful guise.  None among
+them saw those cruel, spying eyes watching from distant ridges, peering
+at them from concealed ravines; none marked the rapidly massing hordes,
+hideous in war-paint, crowded into near-by <I>coulées</I> and behind
+protecting hills.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It burst upon them with wild yells.  The gloomy ridges blazed into
+their startled faces, the dark ravines hurled at them skurrying
+horsemen, while, wherever their eyes turned, they beheld savage forms
+leaping forth from hill and <I>coulée</I>, gulch and rock shadow.  Horses
+fell, or ran about neighing; men flung up their hands and died in that
+first awful minute of consternation, and the little column seemed to
+shrivel away as if consumed by the flame which struck it, front and
+flank and rear.  It was as if those men had ridden into the mouth of
+hell.  God only knows the horror of that first moment of shrinking
+suspense&mdash;the screams of agony from wounded men and horses, the dies of
+fear, the thunder of charging hoofs, the deafening roar of rifles.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Yet it was for scarcely more than a minute.  Men trained, strong, clear
+of brain, were in those stricken lines&mdash;men who had seen Indian battle
+before.  The recoil came, swift as had been the surprise.  Voice after
+voice rang out in old familiar orders, steadying instantly the startled
+nerves; discipline conquered disorder, and the shattered column rolled
+out, as if by magic, into the semblance of a battle line.  On foot and
+on horseback, the troopers of the Seventh turned desperately at bay.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was magnificently done.  Custer and his troop-commanders brought
+their sorely smitten men into a position of defence, even hurled them
+cheering forward in short, swift charges, so as to clear the front and
+gain room in which to deploy.  Out of confusion emerged discipline,
+confidence, <I>esprit de corps</I>.  The savages skurried away on their
+quirt-lashed ponies, beyond range of those flaming carbines, while the
+cavalry-men, pausing from vain pursuit, gathered up their wounded, and
+re-formed their disordered ranks.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Wait till Reno rides into their village," cried encouraged voices
+through parched lips.  "Then we'll give them hell!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Safe beyond range of the troopers' light carbines, the Indians, with
+their heavier rifles, kept hurling a constant storm of lead, hugging
+the gullies, and spreading out until there was no rear toward which the
+harassed cavalrymen could turn for safety.  One by one, continually
+under a heavy fire, the scattered troops were formed into something
+more nearly resembling a battle line&mdash;Calhoun on the left, then Keogh,
+Smith, and Yates, with Tom Custer holding the extreme right.  The
+position taken was far from being an ideal one, yet the best possible
+under the circumstances, and the exhausted men flung themselves down
+behind low ridges, seeking protection from the Sioux bullets, those
+assigned to the right enjoying the advantage of a somewhat higher
+elevation.  Thus they waited grimly for the next assault.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Nor was it long delayed.  Scarcely had the troopers recovered, refilled
+their depleted cartridge belts from those of their dead comrades, when
+the onslaught came.  Lashing their ponies into mad gallop, now sitting
+erect, the next moment lying hidden behind the plunging animals,
+constantly screaming their shrill war-cries, their guns brandished in
+air, they swept onward, seeking to crush that thin line in one terrible
+onset.  But they reckoned wrong.  The soldiers waited their coming.
+The short, brown-barrelled carbines gleamed at the level in the
+sunlight, and then belched forth their message of flame into the very
+faces of those reckless horsemen.  It was not in flesh and blood to
+bear such a blow.  With screams of rage, the red braves swerved to left
+and right, leaving many a dark, war-bedecked figure lying dead behind
+them, and many a riderless pony skurrying over the prairie.  Yet their
+wild ride had not been altogether in vain; like a whirlwind they had
+struck against Calhoun on the flank, forcing his troopers to yield
+sullen ground, thus contracting the little semicircle of defenders,
+pressing it back against that central hill.  It was a step nearer the
+end, yet those who fought scarcely realized its significance.  Exultant
+over their seemingly successful repulse, the men flung themselves again
+upon the earth, their cheers ringing out above the thud of retreating
+hoofs.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We can hold them here, boys, until Reno comes," they shouted to each
+other.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The skulking red riflemen crept ever closer behind the ridges, driving
+their deadly missiles into those ranks exposed in the open.  Twice
+squads dashed forth to dislodge these bands, but were in turn driven
+back, the line of fire continually creeping nearer, clouds of smoke
+concealing the cautious marksmen lying prone in the grass.  Custer
+walked up and down the irregular line, cool, apparently unmoved,
+speaking words of approval to officers and men.  To the command of the
+bugle they discharged two roaring volleys from their carbines, hopeful
+that the combined sound might reach the ears of the lagging Reno.  They
+were hopeful yet, although one troop had only a sergeant left in
+command, and the dead bodies of their comrades strewed the plain.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Twice those fierce red horsemen tore down upon them, forcing the thin,
+struggling line back by sheer strength of overwhelming numbers, yet no
+madly galloping warrior succeeded in bursting through.  The hot brown
+barrels belched forth their lightnings into those painted faces, and
+the swarms of savagery melted away.  The living sheltered themselves
+behind the bodies of their dead, fighting now in desperation, their
+horses stampeded, their ammunition all gone excepting the few
+cartridges remaining in the waist-belts.  From lip to lip passed the
+one vital question: "In God's name, where is Reno?  What has become of
+the rest of the boys?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was four o'clock.  For two long hours they had been engaged in
+ceaseless struggle; and now barely a hundred men, smoke-begrimed,
+thirsty, bleeding, half their carbines empty, they still formed an
+impenetrable ring around their chief.  The struggle was over, and they
+realized the fact.  When that wave of savage horsemen swept forth again
+it would be to ride them down, to crush them under their horses'
+pounding hoofs.  They turned their loyal eyes toward him they loved and
+followed for the last time, and when he uttered one final word of
+undaunted courage, they cheered him faintly, with parched and fevered
+lips.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Like a whirlwind those red demons came,&mdash;howling wolves now certain of
+their prey.  From rock and hill, ridge, ravine, and <I>coulée</I>, lashing
+their half-crazed ponies, yelling their fierce war-cries, swinging
+aloft their rifles, they poured resistlessly forth, sweeping down on
+that doomed remnant.  On both flanks of the short slender line struck
+Gall and Crazy Horse, while like a thunderbolt Crow-King and
+Rain-in-the-Face attacked the centre.  These three storms converged at
+the foot of the little hill, crushing the little band of troopers.
+With ammunition gone, the helpless victims could meet that mighty
+on-rushing torrent only with clubbed guns, for one instant of desperate
+struggle.  Shoulder to shoulder, in ever-contracting circle, officers
+and men stood shielding their commander to the last.  Foot by foot,
+they were forced back, treading on their wounded, stumbling over their
+dead; they were choked in the stifling smoke, scorched by the flaming
+guns, clutched at by red hands, beaten down by horses' hoofs.  Twenty
+or thirty made a despairing dash, in a vain endeavor to burst through
+the red enveloping lines, only to be tomahawked or shot; but the most
+remained, a thin struggling ring, with Custer in its centre.  Then came
+the inevitable end.  The red waves surged completely across the crest,
+no white man left alive upon the field.  They had fought a good fight;
+they had kept the faith.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Two days later, having relieved Reno from his unpleasant predicament in
+the valley, Terry's and Gibbons's infantry tramped up the ravine, and
+emerged upon the stricken field.  In lines of motionless dead they read
+the fearful story; and there they found that man we know.  Lying upon a
+bed of emptied cartridge-shells, his body riddled with shot and
+mutilated with knives, his clothing torn to rags, his hands grasping a
+smashed and twisted carbine, his lips smiling even in death, was that
+soldier whom the Seventh had disowned and cast out, but who had come
+back to defend its chief and to die for its honor,&mdash;Robert Hampton
+Nolan.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap0310"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER X
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+THE CURTAIN FALLS
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Bronzed by months of scouting on those northern plains, a graver, older
+look upon his face, and the bars of a captain gracing the shoulders of
+his new cavalry jacket, Donald Brant trotted down the stage road
+bordering the Bear Water, his heart alternating between hope and dread.
+He was coming back as he had promised; yet, ardently as he longed to
+look into the eyes of his beloved, he shrank from the duty laid upon
+him by the dead.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The familiar yellow house at the cross-roads appeared so unattractive
+as to suggest the thought that Naida must have been inexpressibly
+lonely during those months of waiting.  He knocked at the sun-warped
+door.  Without delay it was flung open, and a vision of flushed face
+and snowy drapery confronted him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Lieutenant Brant!  I was never more surprised in my life.  Do,
+pray, come right in.  Yes, Naida is here, and I will have her sent for
+at once.  Oh, Howard, this is Lieutenant Brant, just back from his
+awful Indian fighting.  How very nice that he should happen to arrive
+just at this time, is n't it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The young officer, as yet unable to discover an opportunity for speech,
+silently accepted Mr. Wynkoop's extended hand, and found a convenient
+chair, as Miss Spencer hastened from the room to announce his arrival.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why 'just at this time'?" he questioned.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Wynkoop cleared his throat.  "Why&mdash;why, you see, we are to be
+married this evening&mdash;Miss Spencer and myself.  We&mdash;we shall be so
+delighted to have you witness the ceremony.  It is to take place at the
+church, and my people insist upon making quite an affair out of the
+occasion&mdash;Phoebe is so popular, you know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The lady again bustled in, her eyes glowing with enthusiasm.  "Why, I
+think it is perfectly delightful.  Don't you, Howard?  Now Lieutenant
+Brant and Naida can stand up with us.  You will, won't you, Lieutenant?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That must be left entirely with Miss Naida for decision," he replied,
+soberly.  "However, with my memory of your popularity I should suppose
+you would have no lack of men seeking such honor.  For instance, one of
+your old-time 'friends' Mr. William McNeil."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The lady laughed noisily, regardless of Mr. Wynkoop's look of
+annoyance.  "Oh, it is so perfectly ridiculous!  And did n't you know?
+have n't you heard?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Nothing, I assure you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why he&mdash;he actually married the Widow Guffy.  She 's twice his age,
+and has a grown-up son.  And to think that I supposed he was so nice!
+He did write beautiful verses.  Is n't it a perfect shame for such a
+man to throw himself away like that?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It would seem so.  But there was another whose name I recall&mdash;Jack
+Moffat.  Why not have him?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Miss Spencer glanced uneasily at her chosen companion, her cheeks
+reddening.  But that gentleman remained provokingly silent, and she was
+compelled to reply.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We&mdash;we never mention him any more.  He was a very bad man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Indeed?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes; it seems he had a wife and four children he had run away from,
+back in Iowa.  Perhaps that was why his eyes always looked so sad.  She
+actually advertised for him in one of the Omaha papers.  It was a
+terrible shock to all of us.  I was so grateful to Howard that he
+succeeded in opening my eyes in time."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Wynkoop placed his hand gently upon her shoulder.  "Never mind,
+dearie," he said, cheerfully.  "The West was all so strange to you, and
+it seemed very wonderful at first.  But that is all safely over with
+now, and, as my wife, you will forget the unpleasant memories."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+And Miss Spencer, totally oblivious to Brant's presence, turned
+impulsively and kissed him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was a rustle at the inner door, and Naida stood there.  Their
+eyes met, and the color mounted swiftly to the girl's cheeks.  Then he
+stepped resolutely forward, forgetful of all other presence, and
+clasped her hand in both his own.  Neither spoke a word, yet each
+understood something of what was in the heart of the other.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Will you walk outside with me?" he asked, at last.  "I have much to
+say which I am sure you would rather hear alone."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She bent her head, and with a brief word of explanation to the others,
+the young officer conducted her forth into the bright July sunshine.
+They walked in silence side by side along the bank of the little
+stream.  Brant glanced furtively toward the sweet, girlish face.  There
+was a pallor on her countenance, a shadow in her eyes, yet she walked
+with the same easy grace, her head firmly poised above her white
+throat.  The very sadness marking her features seemed to him an added
+beauty.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He realized where they were going now, where memory had brought them
+without conscious volition.  As he led her across the rivulet she
+glanced up into his face with a smile, as though a happy recollection
+had burst upon her.  Yet not a word was spoken until the barrier of
+underbrush had been completely penetrated, and they stood face to face
+under the trees.  Then Brant spoke.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Naida," he said, gravely, "I have come back, as I said I would, and
+surely I read welcome in your eyes?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And I have come to say that there is no longer any shadow of the dead
+between us."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She looked up quickly, her hands clasped, her cheeks flushing.  "Are
+you sure?  Perhaps you misunderstand; perhaps you mistake my meaning."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I know it all," he answered, soberly, "from the lips of Hampton."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You have seen him?  Oh, Lieutenant Brant, please tell me the whole
+truth.  I have missed him so much, and since the day he rode away to
+Cheyenne not one word to explain his absence has come back to me.  You
+cannot understand what this means, how much he has become to me through
+years of kindness."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You have heard nothing?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not a word."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brant drew a long, deep breath.  He had supposed she knew this.  At
+last he said gravely:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Naida, the truth will prove the kindest message, I think.  He died in
+that unbroken ring of defenders clustered about General Custer on the
+bluffs of the Little Big Horn."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her slight figure trembled so violently that he held her close within
+his arms.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There was a smile upon his face when we found him.  He performed his
+full duty, Naida, and died as became a soldier and a gentleman."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But&mdash;but, this cannot be!  I saw the published list; his name was not
+among them."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The man who fell was Robert Nolan."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Gently he drew her down to a seat upon the soft turf of the bank.  She
+looked up at him helplessly, her mind seemingly dazed, her eyes yet
+filled with doubt.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Robert Nolan?  My father?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He bent over toward her, pressing his lips to her hair and stroking it
+tenderly with his hand.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, Naida, darling; it was truly Robert Hampton Nolan who died in
+battle, in the ranks of his old regiment,&mdash;died as he would have chosen
+to die, and died, thank God! completely cleared of every stain upon his
+honor.  Sit up, little girl, and listen while I tell you.  There is in
+the story no word which does not reflect nobility upon the soldier's
+daughter."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She uplifted her white face.  "Tell me," she said, simply, "all you
+know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He recounted to her slowly, carefully, the details of that desperate
+journey northward, of their providential meeting on the Little Big
+Horn, of the papers left in his charge, of Hampton's riding forward
+with despatches, and of his death at Custer's side.  While he spoke,
+the girl scarcely moved; her breath came in sobs and her hands clasped
+his.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"These are the papers, Naida.  I opened the envelope as directed, and
+found deeds to certain properties, including the mine in the Black
+Range; a will, duly signed and attested, naming you as his sole heir,
+together with a carefully prepared letter, addressed to you, giving a
+full account of the crime of which he was convicted, as well as some
+other matters of a personal nature.  That letter you must read alone as
+his last message, but the truth of all he says has since been proved."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She glanced up at him quickly.  "By Murphy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, by Murphy, who is now lying in the hospital at Bethune, slowly
+recovering.  His sworn deposition has been forwarded to the Department
+at Washington, and will undoubtedly result in the honorable replacing
+of your father's name on the Army List.  I will tell you briefly the
+man's confession, together with the few additional facts necessary to
+make it clear.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Your father and mine were for many years friends and army comrades.
+They saw service together during the great war, and afterward upon the
+plains in Indian campaigning.  Unfortunately a slight misunderstanding
+arose between them.  This, while not serious in itself, was made bitter
+by the interference of others, and the unaccountable jealousies of
+garrison life.  One night they openly quarrelled when heated by wine,
+and exchanged blows.  The following evening, your father chancing to be
+officer of the guard and on duty, my father, whose wife had then been
+dead a year, was thoughtless enough to accompany Mrs. Nolan home at a
+late hour from the post ball.  It was merely an act of ordinary
+courtesy; but gossips magnified the tale, and bore it to Nolan.  Still
+smarting from the former quarrel, in which I fear my father was in the
+wrong, he left the guard-house with the openly avowed intention of
+seeking immediate satisfaction.  In the meanwhile Slavin, Murphy, and a
+trooper named Flynn, who had been to town without passes, and were
+half-drunk, stole through the guard lines, and decided to make a
+midnight raid on the colonel's private office.  Dodging along behind
+the powder-house, they ran suddenly upon my father, then on the way to
+his own quarters.  Whether they were recognized by him, or whether
+drink made them reckless of consequences, is unknown, but one of the
+men instantly fired.  Then they ran, and succeeded in gaining the
+barracks unsuspected."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She sat as if fascinated by his recital.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Your father heard the shot, and sprang toward the sound, only to fall
+headlong across my father's lifeless body.  As he came down heavily,
+his revolver was jarred out of its holster and dropped unnoticed in the
+grass.  An instant later the guard came running up, and by morning
+Captain Nolan was under arrest, charged with murder.  The
+circumstantial evidence was strong&mdash;his quarrel with the murdered man,
+his heated language a few moments previous, the revolver lying beside
+the body, having two chambers discharged, and his being found there
+alone with the man he had gone forth to seek.  Slavin and Flynn both
+strengthened the case by positive testimony.  As a result, a court
+martial dismissed the prisoner in disgrace from the army, and a civil
+court sentenced him to ten years' imprisonment."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And my mother?"  The question was a trembling whisper from quivering
+lips.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Your mother," he said, regretfully, "was an exceedingly proud woman,
+belonging to a family of social prominence in the East.  She felt
+deeply the causeless gossip connecting her name with the case, as well
+as the open disgrace of her husband's conviction.  She refused to
+receive her former friends, and even failed in loyalty to your father
+in his time of trial.  It is impossible now to fix the fault clearly,
+or to account for her actions.  Captain Nolan turned over all his
+property to her, and the moment she could do so, she disappeared from
+the fort, taking you with her.  From that hour none of her old
+acquaintances could learn anything regarding her whereabouts.  She did
+not return to her family in the East, nor correspond with any one in
+the army.  Probably, utterly broken-hearted, she sought seclusion in
+some city.  How Gillis obtained possession of you remains a mystery."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is that all?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Everything."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They kept silence for a long while, the slow tears dropping from her
+eyes, her hands clasped in her lap.  His heart, heavy with sympathy,
+would not permit him to break in upon her deep sorrow with words of
+comfort.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Naida," he whispered, at last, "this may not be the time for me to
+speak such words, but you are all alone now.  Will you go back to
+Bethune with me&mdash;back to the old regiment as my wife?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A moment she bowed her head before him; then lifted it and held out her
+hands.  "I will."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Say to me again what you once said."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Donald, I love you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Gently he drew her down to him, and their lips met.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The red sun was sinking behind the fringe of trees, and the shadowed
+nook in which they sat was darkening fast.  He had been watching her in
+silence, unable to escape feeling a little hurt because of her grave
+face, and those tears yet clinging to her lashes.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I wish you to be very happy, Naida dear," he whispered, drawing her
+head tenderly down until it found rest upon his shoulder.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, I feel you do, and I am; but it cannot come all at once, Donald,
+for I have lost so much&mdash;so much.  I&mdash;I hope he knows."
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR><BR>
+
+<hr class="full" noshade>
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER***</p>
+<p>******* This file should be named 17614-h.txt or 17614-h.zip *******</p>
+<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br />
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/6/1/17614">http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/6/1/17614</a></p>
+<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.</p>
+
+<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.</p>
+
+
+
+<pre>
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license)</a>.
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's
+eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.
+
+Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number.  The replaced older file is renamed.
+VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
+new filenames and etext numbers.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org">http://www.gutenberg.org</a>
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000,
+are filed in directories based on their release date.  If you want to
+download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular
+search system you may utilize the following addresses and just
+download by the etext year.
+
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/</a>
+
+    (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99,
+     98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90)
+
+EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are
+filed in a different way.  The year of a release date is no longer part
+of the directory path.  The path is based on the etext number (which is
+identical to the filename).  The path to the file is made up of single
+digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename.  For
+example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at:
+
+http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/0/2/3/10234
+
+or filename 24689 would be found at:
+http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/4/6/8/24689
+
+An alternative method of locating eBooks:
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL">http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL</a>
+
+*** END: FULL LICENSE ***
+</pre>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/17614-h/images/img-054.jpg b/17614-h/images/img-054.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c45a331
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17614-h/images/img-054.jpg
diff --git a/17614-h/images/img-110.jpg b/17614-h/images/img-110.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..63b6948
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17614-h/images/img-110.jpg
diff --git a/17614-h/images/img-264.jpg b/17614-h/images/img-264.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2a6070a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17614-h/images/img-264.jpg
diff --git a/17614-h/images/img-front.jpg b/17614-h/images/img-front.jpg
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..63bb637
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17614-h/images/img-front.jpg
diff --git a/17614.txt b/17614.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e2f1850
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17614.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,10758 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Bob Hampton of Placer, by Randall Parrish,
+Illustrated by Arthur I. Keller
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Bob Hampton of Placer
+
+
+Author: Randall Parrish
+
+
+
+Release Date: January 27, 2006  [eBook #17614]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Al Haines
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 17614-h.htm or 17614-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/6/1/17614/17614-h/17614-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/6/1/17614/17614-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER
+
+by
+
+RANDALL PARRISH
+
+Author of "When Wilderness Was King," "My Lady of the North," "Historic
+Illinois," Etc.
+
+Illustrated by Arthur I. Keller
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Frontispiece: "I Read It in your Face," He Insisted.  "It Told of
+Love."]
+
+
+
+
+Eighth Edition
+Chicago
+A. C. McClurg & Co.
+1907
+Copyright
+A. C. McClurg & Co.
+1906
+Entered at Stationers' Hall, London
+All rights reserved
+Published, September 22, 1906
+  Second Edition October 1, 1906
+  Third Edition October 15, 1906
+  Fourth Edition November 1, 1906
+  Fifth Edition November 15, 1906
+  Sixth Edition December 1, 1906
+  Seventh Edition January 5, 1907
+  Eighth Edition January 9, 1907
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+PART I
+
+FROM OUT THE CANYON
+
+CHAPTER
+
+    I  HAMPTON, OF PLACER
+   II  OLD GILLIS'S GIRL
+  III  BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH
+   IV  ON THE NAKED PLAIN
+    V  A NEW PROPOSITION
+   VI  "TO BE OR NOT TO BE"
+  VII  "I'VE COME HERE TO LIVE"
+ VIII  A LAST REVOLT
+   IX  AT THE OCCIDENTAL
+
+
+PART II
+
+WHAT OCCURRED IN GLENCAID
+
+    I  THE ARRIVAL OF MISS SPENCER
+   II  BECOMING ACQUAINTED
+  III  UNDER ORDERS
+   IV  SILENT MURPHY
+    V  IN HONOR OF MISS SPENCER
+   VI  THE LIEUTENANT MEETS MISS SPENCER
+  VII  AN UNUSUAL GIRL
+ VIII  THE REAPPEARANCE OF AN OLD FRIEND
+   IX  THE VERGE OF A QUARREL
+    X  A SLIGHT INTERRUPTION
+   XI  THE DOOR OPENS, AND CLOSES AGAIN
+  XII  THE COHORTS OF JUDGE LYNCH
+ XIII  "SHE LOVES ME, SHE LOVES ME NOT"
+  XIV  PLUCKED FROM THE BURNING
+   XV  THE DOOR CLOSES
+  XVI  THE RESCUE OF MISS SPENCER
+ XVII  THE PARTING HOUR
+
+
+PART III
+
+ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN
+
+    I  MR. HAMPTON RESOLVES
+   II  THE TRAIL OF SILENT MURPHY
+  III  THE HAUNTING OF A CRIME
+   IV  THE VERGE OF CONFESSION
+    V  ALONE WITH THE INSANE
+   VI  ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN
+  VII  THE FIGHT IN THE VALLEY
+ VIII  THE OLD REGIMENT
+   IX  THE LAST STAND
+    X  THE CURTAIN FALLS
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+"I Read It in your Face," He Insisted.  "It Told of Love" . . . . . .
+_Frontispiece_
+
+They Advanced Slowly, the Supported Blankets Swaying Gently to the
+Measured Tread
+
+"Mr. Slavin Appears to have Lost his Previous Sense of Humor," He
+Remarked, Calmly
+
+Together They Bore Him, now Unconscious, Slowly down below the First
+Fire-Line
+
+
+
+
+BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER
+
+
+_PART I_
+
+FROM OUT THE CANYON
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+HAMPTON, OF PLACER
+
+It was not an uncommon tragedy of the West.  If slightest chronicle of
+it survive, it must be discovered among the musty and nearly forgotten
+records of the Eighteenth Regiment of Infantry, yet it is extremely
+probable that even there the details were never written down.
+Sufficient if, following certain names on that long regimental roll,
+there should be duly entered those cabalistic symbols signifying to the
+initiated, "Killed in action."  After all, that tells the story.  In
+those old-time Indian days of continuous foray and skirmish such brief
+returns, concise and unheroic, were commonplace enough.
+
+Yet the tale is worth telling now, when such days are past and gone.
+There were sixteen of them when, like so many hunted rabbits, they were
+first securely trapped among the frowning rocks, and forced
+relentlessly backward from off the narrow trail until the precipitous
+canyon walls finally halted their disorganized flight, and from sheer
+necessity compelled a rally in hopeless battle.  Sixteen,--ten
+infantrymen from old Fort Bethune, under command of Syd. Wyman, a
+gray-headed sergeant of thirty years' continuous service in the
+regulars, two cow-punchers from the "X L" ranch, a stranger who had
+joined them uninvited at the ford over the Bear Water, together with
+old Gillis the post-trader, and his silent chit of a girl.
+
+Sixteen--but that was three days before, and in the meanwhile not a few
+of those speeding Sioux bullets had found softer billet than the
+limestone rocks.  Six of the soldiers, four already dead, two dying,
+lay outstretched in ghastly silence where they fell.  "Red" Watt, of
+the "X L," would no more ride the range across the sun-kissed prairie,
+while the stern old sergeant, still grim of jaw but growing dim of eye,
+bore his right arm in a rudely improvised sling made from a
+cartridge-belt, and crept about sorely racked with pain, dragging a
+shattered limb behind him.  Then the taciturn Gillis gave sudden
+utterance to a sobbing cry, and a burst of red spurted across his white
+beard as he reeled backward, knocking the girl prostrate when he fell.
+Eight remained, one helpless, one a mere lass of fifteen.  It was the
+morning of the third day.
+
+The beginning of the affair had burst upon them so suddenly that no two
+in that stricken company would have told the same tale.  None among
+them had anticipated trouble; there were no rumors of Indian war along
+the border, while every recognized hostile within the territory had
+been duly reported as north of the Bear Water; not the vaguest
+complaint had drifted into military headquarters for a month or more.
+In all the fancied security of unquestioned peace these chance
+travellers had slowly toiled along the steep trail leading toward the
+foothills, beneath the hot rays of the afternoon sun, their thoughts
+afar, their steps lagging and careless.  Gillis and the girl, as well
+as the two cattle-herders, were on horseback; the remainder soberly
+trudged forward on foot, with guns slung to their shoulders.  Wyman was
+somewhat in advance, walking beside the stranger, the latter a man of
+uncertain age, smoothly shaven, quietly dressed in garments bespeaking
+an Eastern tailor, a bit grizzled of hair along the temples, and
+possessing a pair of cool gray eyes.  He had introduced himself by the
+name of Hampton, but had volunteered no further information, nor was it
+customary in that country to question impertinently.  The others of the
+little party straggled along as best suited themselves, all semblance
+to the ordinary discipline of the service having been abandoned.
+
+Hampton, through the medium of easy conversation, early discovered in
+the sergeant an intelligent mind, possessing some knowledge of
+literature.  They had been discussing books with rare enthusiasm, and
+the former had drawn from the concealment of an inner pocket a
+diminutive copy of "The Merchant of Venice," from which he was reading
+aloud a disputed passage, when the faint trail they followed suddenly
+dipped into the yawning mouth of a black canyon.  It was a narrow,
+gloomy, contracted gorge, a mere gash between those towering hills
+shadowing its depths on either hand.  A swift mountain stream, noisy
+and clear as crystal, dashed from rock to rock close beside the more
+northern wall, while the ill-defined pathway, strewn with bowlders and
+guarded by underbrush, clung to the opposite side, where low scrub
+trees partially obscured the view.
+
+All was silent as death when they entered.  Not so much as the flap of
+a wing or the stir of a leaf roused suspicion, yet they had barely
+advanced a short hundred paces when those apparently bare rocks in
+front flamed red, the narrow defile echoed to wild screeches and became
+instantly crowded with weird, leaping figures.  It was like a plunge
+from heaven into hell.  Blaine and Endicott sank at the first fire;
+Watt, his face picturing startled surprise, reeled from his saddle,
+clutching at the air, his horse dashing madly forward and dragging him,
+head downward, among the sharp rocks; while Wyman's stricken arm
+dripped blood.  Indeed, under that sudden shock, he fell, and was
+barely rescued by the prompt action of the man beside him.  Dropping
+the opened book, and firing madly to left and right with a revolver
+which appeared to spring into his hand as by magic, the latter coolly
+dragged the fainting soldier across the more exposed space, until the
+two found partial security among a mass of loosened rocks littering the
+base of the precipice.  The others who survived that first scorching
+discharge also raced toward this same shelter, impelled thereto by the
+unerring instinct of border fighting, and flinging themselves flat
+behind protecting bowlders, began responding to the hot fire rained
+upon them.
+
+Scattered and hurried as these first volleys were, they proved
+sufficient to check the howling demons in the open.  It has never been
+Indian nature to face unprotected the aim of the white men, and those
+dark figures, which only a moment before thronged the narrow gorge,
+leaping crazily in the riot of apparent victory, suddenly melted from
+sight, slinking down into leafy coverts beside the stream or into holes
+among the rocks, like so many vanishing prairie-dogs.  The fierce
+yelpings died faintly away in distant echoes, while the hideous roar of
+conflict diminished to the occasional sharp crackling of single rifles.
+Now and then a sinewy brown arm might incautiously project across the
+gleaming surface of a rock, or a mop of coarse black hair appear above
+the edge of a gully, either incident resulting in a quick interchange
+of fire.  That was all; yet the experienced frontiersmen knew that eyes
+as keen as those of any wild animal of the jungle were watching
+murderously their slightest movement.
+
+Wyman, now reclining in agony against the base of the overhanging
+cliff, directed the movements of his little command calmly and with
+sober military judgment.  Little by little, under protection of the
+rifles of the three civilians, the uninjured infantrymen crept
+cautiously about, rolling loosened bowlders forward into position,
+until they finally succeeded in thus erecting a rude barricade between
+them and the enemy.  The wounded who could be reached were laboriously
+drawn back within this improvised shelter, and when the black shadows
+of the night finally shut down, all remaining alive were once more
+clustered together, the injured lying moaning and ghastly beneath the
+overhanging shelf of rock, and the girl, who possessed all the patient
+stoicism of frontier training, resting in silence, her widely opened
+eyes on those far-off stars peeping above the brink of the chasm, her
+head pillowed on old Gillis's knee.
+
+Few details of those long hours of waiting ever came forth from that
+black canyon of death.  Many of the men sorely wounded, all wearied,
+powder-stained, faint with hunger, and parched with thirst, they simply
+fought out to the bitter ending their desperate struggle against
+despair.  The towering, overhanging wall at their back assured
+protection from above, but upon the opposite cliff summit, and easily
+within rifle range, the cunning foe early discovered lodgment, and from
+that safe vantage-point poured down a merciless fire, causing each man
+to crouch lower behind his protecting bowlder.  No motion could be
+ventured without its checking bullet, yet hour after hour the besieged
+held their ground, and with ever-ready rifles left more than one
+reckless brave dead among the rocks.  The longed-for night came dark
+and early at the bottom of that narrow cleft, while hardly so much as a
+faint star twinkled in the little slit of sky overhead.  The cunning
+besiegers crept closer through the enshrouding gloom, and taunted their
+entrapped victims with savage cries and threats of coming torture, but
+no warrior among them proved sufficiently bold to rush in and slay.
+Why should they?  Easier, safer far, to rest secure behind their
+shelters, and wait in patience until the little band had fired its last
+shot.  Now they skulked timorously, but then they might walk upright
+and glut their fiendish lust for blood.
+
+Twice during that long night volunteers sought vainly to pierce those
+lines of savage watchers.  A long wailing cry of agony from out the
+thick darkness told the fate of their first messenger, while Casey, of
+the "X L," crept slowly, painfully back, with an Indian bullet embedded
+deep in his shoulder.  Just before the coming of dawn, Hampton, without
+uttering a word, calmly turned up the collar of his tightly buttoned
+coat, so as better to conceal the white collar he wore, gripped his
+revolver between his teeth, and crept like some wriggling snake among
+the black rocks and through the dense underbrush in search after water.
+By some miracle of divine mercy he was permitted to pass unscathed, and
+came crawling back, a dozen hastily filled canteens dangling across his
+shoulders.  It was like nectar to those parched, feverish throats; but
+of food barely a mouthful apiece remained in the haversacks.
+
+The second day dragged onward, its hours bringing no change for the
+better, no relief, no slightest ray of hope.  The hot sun scorched them
+pitilessly, and two of the wounded died delirious.  From dawn to dark
+there came no slackening of the savage watchfulness which held the
+survivors helpless behind their coverts.  The merest uplifting of a
+head, the slightest movement of a hand, was sufficient to demonstrate
+how sharp were those savage eyes.  No white man in the short
+half-circle dared to waste a single shot now; all realized that their
+stock of ammunition was becoming fearfully scant, yet those scheming
+devils continually baited them to draw their fire.
+
+Another long black night followed, during which, for an hour or so in
+turn, the weary defenders slept, tossing uneasily, and disturbed by
+fearful dreams.  Then gray and solemn, amid the lingering shadows of
+darkness, dawned the third dread day of unequal conflict.  All
+understood that it was destined to be their last on this earth unless
+help came.  It seemed utterly hopeless to protract the struggle, yet
+they held on grimly, patiently, half-delirious from hunger and thirst,
+gazing into each other's haggard faces, almost without recognition,
+every man at his post.  Then it was that old Gillis received his
+death-wound, and the solemn, fateful whisper ran from lip to lip along
+the scattered line that only five cartridges remained.
+
+For two days Wyman had scarcely stirred from where he lay bolstered
+against the rock.  Sometimes he became delirious from fever, uttering
+incoherent phrases, or swearing in pitiful weakness.  Again he would
+partially arouse to his old sense of soldierly duty, and assume
+intelligent command.  Now he twisted painfully about upon his side,
+and, with clouded eyes, sought to discern what man was lying next him.
+The face was hidden so that all he could clearly distinguish was the
+fact that this man was not clothed as a soldier.
+
+"Is that you, Hampton?" he questioned, his voice barely audible.
+
+The person thus addressed, who was lying flat upon his back, gazing
+silently upward at the rocky front of the cliff, turned cautiously over
+upon his elbow before venturing reply.
+
+"Yes; what is it, sergeant?  It looks to be a beauty of a morning way
+up yonder."
+
+There was a hearty, cheery ring to his clear voice which left the
+pain-racked old soldier envious.
+
+"My God!" he growled savagely.  "'T is likely to be the last any of us
+will ever see.  Was n't it you I heard whistling just now?  One might
+imagine this was to be a wedding, rather than a funeral."
+
+"And why not, Wyman?  Did n't you know they employed music at both
+functions nowadays?  Besides, it is not every man who is permitted to
+assist at his own obsequies--the very uniqueness of such a situation
+rather appeals to my sense of humor.  Pretty tune, that one I was
+whistling, don't you think?  Picked it up on 'The Pike' in Cincinnati
+fifteen years ago.  Sorry I don't recall the words, or I'd sing them
+for you."
+
+The sergeant, his teeth clinched tightly to repress the pain racking
+him, stifled his resentment with an evident effort.  "You may be less
+light-hearted when you learn that the last of our ammunition is already
+in the guns," he remarked, stiffly.
+
+"I suspected as much."  And the speaker lifted himself on one elbow to
+peer down the line of recumbent figures.  "To be perfectly frank with
+you, sergeant, the stuff has held out considerably longer than I
+believed it would, judging from the way those 'dough boys' of yours
+kept popping at every shadow in front of them.  It 's a marvel to me,
+the mutton-heads they take into the army.  Oh, now, you need n't scowl
+at me like that, Wyman; I 've worn the blue, and seen some service
+where a fellow needed to be a man to sport the uniform.  Besides, I 'm
+not indifferent, old chap, and just so long as there remained any work
+worth attending to in this skirmishing affair, I did it, did n't I?
+But I tell you, man, there is mighty little good trying to buck against
+Fate, and when Luck once finally lets go of a victim, he's bound to
+drop straight to the bottom before he stops.  That's the sum and
+substance of all my philosophy, old fellow, consequently I never kick
+simply because things happen to go wrong.  What's the use?  They 'll go
+wrong just the same.  Then again, my life has never been so sweet as to
+cause any excessive grief over the prospect of losing it.  Possibly I
+might prefer to pass out from this world in some other manner, but
+that's merely a matter of individual taste, and just now there does n't
+seem to be very much choice left me.  Consequently, upheld by my
+acquired philosophy, and encouraged by the rectitude of my past
+conduct, I 'm merely holding back one shot for myself, as a sort of
+grand finale to this fandango, and another for that little girl out
+yonder."
+
+These words were uttered slowly, the least touch of a lazy drawl
+apparent in the low voice, yet there was an earnest simplicity
+pervading the speech which somehow gave it impressiveness.  The man
+meant exactly what he said, beyond the possibility of a doubt.  The old
+soldier, accustomed to every form of border eccentricity, gazed at him
+with disapproval.
+
+"Either you 're the coolest devil I 've met during thirty years of
+soldiering," he commented, doubtfully, "or else the craziest.  Who are
+you, anyhow?  I half believe you might be Bob Hampton, of Placer."
+
+The other smiled grimly.  "You have the name tolerably correct, old
+fellow; likewise that delightful spot so lately honored by my
+residence.  In brief, you have succeeded in calling the turn perfectly,
+so far as your limited information extends.  In strict confidence I
+propose now to impart to you what has hitherto remained a profound
+secret.  Upon special request of a number of influential citizens of
+Placer, including the city marshal and other officials, expressed in
+mass-meeting, I have decided upon deserting that sagebrush metropolis
+to its just fate, and plan to add the influence of my presence to the
+future development of Glencaid.  I learn that the climate there is more
+salubrious, more conducive to long living, the citizens of Placer being
+peculiarly excitable and careless with their fire-arms."
+
+The sergeant had been listening with open mouth.  "The hell you say!"
+he finally ejaculated.
+
+"The undented truth, every word of it.  No wonder you are shocked.  A
+fine state of affairs, isn't it, when a plain-spoken, pleasant-mannered
+gentleman, such as I surely am,--a university graduate, by all the
+gods, the nephew of a United States Senator, and acknowledged to be the
+greatest exponent of scientific poker in this territory,--should be
+obliged to hastily change his chosen place of abode because of the
+threat of an ignorant and depraved mob.  Ever have a rope dangled in
+front of your eyes, sergeant, and a gun-barrel biting into your cheek
+at the same time?  Accept my word for it, the experience is trying on
+the nerves.  Ran a perfectly square game too, and those ducks knew it;
+but there 's no true sporting spirit left in this territory any more.
+However, spilled milk is never worth sobbing over, and Fate always
+contrives to play the final hand in any game, and stocks the cards to
+win.  Quite probably you are familiar with Bobbie Burns, sergeant, and
+will recall easily these words, 'The best-laid schemes o' mice and men
+gang aft agley'?  Well, instead of proceeding, as originally intended,
+to the delightful environs of Glencaid, for a sort of a Summer
+vacation, I have, on the impulse of the moment, decided upon crossing
+the Styx.  Our somewhat impulsive red friends out yonder are kindly
+preparing to assist me in making a successful passage, and the citizens
+of Glencaid, when they learn the sorrowful news of my translation,
+ought to come nobly forward with some suitable memorial to my virtues.
+If, by any miracle of chance, you should pull through, Wyman, I would
+hold it a friendly act if you suggest the matter.  A neat monument, for
+instance, might suitably voice their grief; it would cost them far less
+than I should in the flesh, and would prove highly gratifying to me, as
+well as those mourners left behind in Placer."
+
+"A breath of good honest prayer would serve better than all your fun,"
+groaned the sergeant, soberly.
+
+The gray eyes resting thoughtfully on the old soldier's haggard face
+became instantly grave and earnest.
+
+"Sincerely I wish I might aid you with one," the man admitted, "but I
+fear, old fellow, any prayer coming from my lips would never ascend
+very far.  However, I might try the comfort of a hymn, and you will
+remember this one, which, no doubt, you have helped to sing back in
+God's country."
+
+There was a moment's hushed pause, during which a rifle cracked sharply
+out in the ravine; then the reckless fellow, his head partially
+supported against the protecting bowlder, lifted up a full, rich
+barytone in rendition of that hymn of Christian faith--
+
+  "Nearer, my God, to Thee!
+    Nearer to Thee!
+  E'en though it be a cross
+    That raiseth me,
+  Still all my song shall be,
+  Nearer, my God, to Thee!
+    Nearer to Thee."
+
+
+Glazed and wearied eyes glanced cautiously toward the singer around the
+edges of protecting rocks; fingers loosened their grasp upon the rifle
+barrels; smoke-begrimed cheeks became moist; while lips, a moment
+before profaned by oaths, grew silent and trembling.  Out in front a
+revengeful brave sent his bullet swirling just above the singer's head,
+the sharp fragments of rock dislodged falling in a shower upon his
+upturned face; but the fearless rascal sang serenely on to the end,
+without a quaver.
+
+"Mistake it for a death song likely," he remarked dryly, while the last
+clear, lingering note, reechoed by the cliff, died reluctantly away in
+softened cadence.  "Beautiful old song, sergeant, and I trust hearing
+it again has done you good.  Sang it once in a church way back in New
+England.  But what is the trouble?  Did you call me for some special
+reason?"
+
+"Yes," came the almost gruff response; for Wyman, the fever stealing
+back upon him, felt half ashamed of his unshed tears.  "That is,
+provided you retain sufficient sense to listen.  Old Gillis was shot
+over an hour ago, yonder behind that big bowlder, and his girl sits
+there still holding his head in her lap.  She'll get hit also unless
+somebody pulls her out of there, and she's doing no good to
+Gillis--he's dead."
+
+Hampton's clear-cut, expressive face became graver, all trace of
+recklessness gone from it.  He lifted his head cautiously, peering over
+his rock cover toward where he remembered earlier in the fight Gillis
+had sought refuge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+OLD GILLIS'S GIRL
+
+Excepting for a vague knowledge that Gillis had had a girl with him,
+together with the half-formed determination that if worse came to worst
+she must never be permitted to fall alive into the hands of the lustful
+Sioux, Mr. Hampton had scarcely so much as noted her presence.  Of late
+years he had not felt greatly interested in the sex, and his
+inclination, since uniting his shattered fortunes with this little
+company, had been to avoid coming into personal contact with this
+particular specimen.  Practically, therefore, he now observed her for
+the first time.  Previously she had passed within range of his vision
+simply as the merest shadow; now she began to appeal faintly to him as
+a personality, uninteresting enough, of course, yet a living human
+being, whom it had oddly become his manifest duty to succor and
+protect.  The never wholly eradicated instincts of one born and bred a
+gentleman, although heavily overlaid by the habits acquired in many a
+rough year passed along the border, brought vividly before him the
+requirements of the situation.  Undoubtedly death was destined to be
+the early portion of them all; nevertheless she deserved every
+opportunity for life that remained, and with the ending of hope--well,
+there are worse fates upon the frontier than the unexpected plunge of a
+bullet through a benumbed brain.
+
+Guided by the unerring instinct of an old Indian fighter, Gillis,
+during that first mad retreat, had discovered temporary shelter behind
+one of the largest bowlders.  It was a trifle in advance of those later
+rolled into position by the soldiers, but was of a size and shape which
+should have afforded ample protection for two, and doubtless would have
+done so had it not been for the firing from the cliff opposite.  Even
+then it was a deflected bullet, glancing from off the polished surface
+of the rock, which found lodgment in the sturdy old fighter's brain.
+The girl had caught him as he fell, had wasted all her treasured store
+of water in a vain effort to cleanse the blood from his features, and
+now sat there, pillowing his head upon her knee, although the old man
+was stone dead with the first touch of the ball.  That had occurred
+fully an hour before, but she continued in the same posture, a grave,
+pathetic figure, her face sobered and careworn beyond her years, her
+eyes dry and staring, one brown hand grasping unconsciously the old
+man's useless rifle.  She would scarcely have been esteemed attractive
+even under much happier circumstances and assisted by dress, yet there
+was something in the independent poise of her head, the steady
+fixedness of her posture, which served to interest Hampton as he now
+watched her curiously.
+
+"Fighting blood," he muttered admiringly to himself.  "Might fail to
+develop into very much of a society belle, but likely to prove valuable
+out here."
+
+She was rather a slender slip of a thing, a trifle too tall for her
+years, perhaps, yet with no lack of development apparent in the slim,
+rounded figure.  Her coarse home-made dress of dark calico fitted her
+sadly, while her rumpled hair, from which the broad-brimmed hat had
+fallen, possessed a reddish copper tinge where it was touched by the
+sun.  Mr. Hampton's survey did not increase his desire for more
+intimate acquaintanceship, yet he recognized anew her undoubted claim
+upon him.
+
+"Suppose I might just as well drop out that way as any other," he
+reflected, thoughtfully.  "It's all in the game."
+
+Lying flat upon his stomach, both arms extended, he slowly forced
+himself beyond his bowlder into the open.  There was no great distance
+to be traversed, and a considerable portion of the way was somewhat
+protected by low bushes.  Hampton took few chances of those spying eyes
+above, never uplifting his head the smallest fraction of an inch, but
+reaching forward with blindly groping hands, caught hold upon any
+projecting root or stone which enabled him to drag his body an inch
+farther.  Twice they fired directly down at him from the opposite
+summit, and once a fleck of sharp rock, chipped by a glancing bullet,
+embedded itself in his cheek, dyeing the whole side of his face
+crimson.  But not once did he pause or glance aside; nor did the girl
+look up from the imploring face of her dead.  As he crept silently in,
+sheltering himself next to the body of the dead man, she perceived his
+presence for the first time, and shrank back as if in dread.
+
+"What are you doing?  Why--why did you come here?" she questioned, a
+falter in her voice; and he noticed that her eyes were dark and large,
+yielding a marked impress of beauty to her face.
+
+"I was unwilling to leave you here alone," he answered, quietly, "and
+hope to discover some means for getting you safely back beside the
+others."
+
+"But I didn't want you," and there was a look of positive dislike in
+her widely opened eyes.
+
+"Did n't want me?"  He echoed these unexpected words in a tone of
+complete surprise.  "Surely you could not desire to be left here alone?
+Why didn't you want me?"
+
+"Because I know who you are!"  Her voice seemed to catch in her throat.
+"He told me.  You're the man who shot Jim Eberly."
+
+Mr. Hampton was never of a pronounced emotional nature, nor was he a
+person easily disconcerted, yet he flushed at the sound of these
+impulsive words, and the confident smile deserted his lips.  For a
+moment they sat thus, the dead body lying between, and looked at each
+other.  When the man finally broke the constrained silence a deeper
+intonation had crept into his voice.
+
+"My girl," he said gravely, and not without a suspicion of pleading,
+"this is no place for me to attempt any defence of a shooting affray in
+a gambling-house, although I might plead with some justice that Eberly
+enjoyed the honor of shooting first.  I was not aware of your personal
+feeling in the matter, or I might have permitted some one else to come
+here in my stead.  Now it is too late.  I have never spoken to you
+before, and do so at this time merely from a sincere desire to be of
+some assistance."
+
+There was that in his manner of grave courtesy which served to steady
+the girl.  Probably never before in all her rough frontier experience
+had she been addressed thus formally.  Her closely compressed lips
+twitched nervously, but her questioning eyes remained unlowered.
+
+"You may stay," she asserted, soberly.  "Only don't touch me."
+
+No one could ever realize how much those words hurt him.  He had been
+disciplined in far too severe a school ever to permit his face to index
+the feelings of his heart, yet the unconcealed shrinking of this
+uncouth child from slightest personal contact with him cut through his
+acquired reserve as perhaps nothing else could ever have done.  Not
+until he had completely conquered his first unwise impulse to retort
+angrily, did he venture again to speak.
+
+"I hope to aid you in getting back beside the others, where you will be
+less exposed."
+
+"Will you take him?"
+
+"He is dead," Hampton said, soberly, "and I can do nothing to aid him.
+But there remains a chance for you to escape."
+
+"Then I won't go," she declared, positively.
+
+Hampton's gray eyes looked for a long moment fixedly into her darker
+ones, while the two took mental stock of each other.  He realized the
+utter futility of any further argument, while she felt instinctively
+the cool, dominating strength of the man.  Neither was composed of that
+poor fibre which bends.
+
+"Very well, my young lady," he said, easily, stretching himself out
+more comfortably in the rock shadow.  "Then I will remain here with
+you; it makes small odds."
+
+Excepting for one hasty, puzzled glance, she did not deign to look
+again toward him, and the man rested motionless upon his back, staring
+up at the sky.  Finally, curiosity overmastered the actor in him, and
+he turned partially upon one side, so as to bring her profile within
+his range of vision.  The untamed, rebellious nature of the girl had
+touched a responsive chord; unseeking any such result she had directly
+appealed to his better judgment, and enabled him to perceive her from
+an entirely fresh view-point.  Her clearly expressed disdain, her
+sturdy independence both of word and action, coupled with her frankly
+voiced dislike, awoke within him an earnest desire to stand higher in
+her regard.  Her dark, glowing eyes were lowered upon the white face of
+the dead man, yet Hampton noted how clear, in spite of sun-tan, were
+those tints of health upon the rounded cheek, and how soft and glossy
+shone her wealth of rumpled hair.  Even the tinge of color, so
+distasteful in the full glare of the sun, appeared to have darkened
+under the shadow, its shade framing the downcast face into a pensive
+fairness.  Then he observed how dry and parched her lips were.
+
+"Take a drink of this," he insisted heartily, holding out toward her as
+he spoke his partially filled canteen.
+
+She started at the unexpected sound of his voice, yet uplifted the
+welcome water to her mouth, while Hampton, observing it all closely,
+could but remark the delicate shapeliness other hand.
+
+"If that old fellow was her father," he reflected soberly, "I should
+like to have seen her mother."
+
+"Thank you," she said simply, handing back the canteen, but without
+lifting her eyes again to his face.  "I was so thirsty."  Her low tone,
+endeavoring to be polite enough, contained no note of encouragement.
+
+"Was Gillis your father?" the man questioned, determined to make her
+recognize his presence.
+
+"I suppose so; I don't know."
+
+"You don't know?  Am I to understand you are actually uncertain whether
+this man was your father or not?"
+
+"That is about what I said, was n't it?  Not that it is any of your
+business, so far as I know, Mr. Bob Hampton, but I answered you all
+right.  He brought me up, and I called him 'dad' about as far back as I
+can remember, but I don't reckon as he ever told me he was my father.
+So you can understand just what you please."
+
+"His name was Gillis, was n't it?"
+
+The girl nodded wearily.
+
+"Post-trader at Fort Bethune?"
+
+Again the rumpled head silently acquiesced.
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+"He always called me 'kid,'" she admitted unwillingly, "but I reckon if
+you have any further occasion for addressing me, you'd better say,
+'Miss Gillis.'"
+
+Hampton laughed lightly, his reckless humor instantly restored by her
+perverse manner.
+
+"Heaven preserve me!" he exclaimed good naturedly, "but you are
+certainly laying it on thick, young lady!  However, I believe we might
+become good friends if we ever have sufficient luck to get out from
+this hole alive.  Darn if I don't sort of cotton to you, little
+girl--you've got some sand."
+
+For a brief space her truthful, angry eyes rested scornfully upon his
+face, her lips parted as though trembling with a sharp retort.  Then
+she deliberately turned her back upon him without uttering a word.
+
+For what may have been the first and only occasion in Mr. Hampton's
+audacious career, he realized his utter helplessness.  This mere slip
+of a red-headed girl, this little nameless waif of the frontier,
+condemned him so completely, and without waste of words, as to leave
+him weaponless.  Not that he greatly cared; oh, no! still, it was an
+entirely new experience; the arrow went deeper than he would have
+willingly admitted.  Men of middle age, gray hairs already commencing
+to shade their temples, are not apt to enjoy being openly despised by
+young women, not even by ordinary freckle-faced girls, clad in coarse
+short frocks.  Yet he could think of no fitting retort worth the
+speaking, and consequently he simply lay back, seeking to treat this
+disagreeable creature with that silent contempt which is the last
+resort of the vanquished.
+
+He was little inclined to admit, even to himself, that he had been
+fairly hit, yet the truth remained that this girl was beginning to
+interest him oddly.  He admired her sturdy independence, her audacity
+of speech, her unqualified frankness.  Mr. Hampton was a thoroughgoing
+sport, and no quality was quite so apt to appeal to him as dead
+gameness.  He glanced surreptitiously aside at her once more, but there
+was no sign of relenting in the averted face.  He rested lower against
+the rock, his face upturned toward the sky, and thought.  He was
+becoming vaguely aware that something entirely new, and rather
+unwelcome, had crept into his life during that last fateful half-hour.
+It could not be analyzed, nor even expressed definitely in words, but
+he comprehended this much--he would really enjoy rescuing this girl,
+and he should like to live long enough to discover into what sort of
+woman she would develop.
+
+It was no spirit of bravado that gave rise to his reckless speech of an
+hour previous.  It was simply a spontaneous outpouring of his real
+nature, an unpremeditated expression of that supreme carelessness with
+which he regarded the future, the small value he set on life.  He truly
+felt as utterly indifferent toward fate as his words signified.  Deeply
+conscious of a life long ago irretrievably wrecked, everything behind a
+chaos, everything before worthless,--for years he had been actually
+seeking death; a hundred times he had gladly marked its apparent
+approach, a smile of welcome upon his lips.  Yet it had never quite
+succeeded in reaching him, and nothing had been gained beyond a
+reputation for cool, reckless daring, which he did not in the least
+covet.  But now, miracle of all miracles, just as the end seemed
+actually attained, seemed beyond any possibility of being turned aside,
+he began to experience a desire to live--he wanted to save this girl.
+
+His keenly observant eyes, trained by the exigencies of his trade to
+take note of small things, and rendered eager by this newly awakened
+ambition, scanned the cliff towering above them.  He perceived the
+extreme irregularity of its front, and numerous peculiarities of
+formation which had escaped him hitherto.  Suddenly his puzzled face
+brightened to the birth of an idea.  By heavens! it might be done!
+Surely it might be done!  Inch by inch he traced the obscure passage,
+seeking to impress each faint detail upon his memory--that narrow ledge
+within easy reach of an upstretched arm, the sharp outcropping of
+rock-edges here and there, the deep gash as though some giant axe had
+cleaved the stone, those sturdy cedars growing straight out over the
+chasm like the bowsprits of ships, while all along the way, irregular
+and ragged, varied rifts not entirely unlike the steps of a crazy
+staircase.
+
+The very conception of such an exploit caused his flesh to creep.  But
+he was not of that class of men who fall back dazed before the face of
+danger.  Again and again, led by an impulse he was unable to resist, he
+studied that precipitous rock, every nerve tingling to the newborn
+hope.  God helping them, even so desperate a deed might be
+accomplished, although it would test the foot and nerve of a Swiss
+mountaineer.  He glanced again uneasily toward his companion, and saw
+the same motionless figure, the same sober face turned deliberately
+away.  Hampton did not smile, but his square jaw set, and he clinched
+his hands.  He had no fear that she might fall him, but for the first
+time in all his life he questioned his own courage.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH
+
+The remainder of that day, as well as much of the gloomy night
+following, composed a silent, lingering horror.  The fierce pangs of
+hunger no longer gnawed, but a dull apathy now held the helpless
+defenders.  One of the wounded died, a mere lad, sobbing pitifully for
+his mother; an infantryman, peering forth from his covert, had been
+shot in the face, and his scream echoed among the rocks in multiplied
+accents of agony; while Wyman lay tossing and moaning, mercifully
+unconscious.  The others rested in their places, scarcely venturing to
+stir a limb, their roving, wolfish eyes the only visible evidence of
+remaining life, every hope vanished, yet each man clinging to his
+assigned post of duty in desperation.  There was but little firing--the
+defenders nursing their slender stock, the savages biding their time.
+When night shut down the latter became bolder, and taunted cruelly
+those destined to become so soon their hapless victims.  Twice the
+maddened men fired recklessly at those dancing devils, and one pitched
+forward, emitting a howl of pain that caused his comrades to cower once
+again behind their covers.  One and all these frontiersmen recognized
+the inevitable--before dawn the end must come.  No useless words were
+spoken; the men merely clinched their teeth and waited.
+
+Hampton crept closer in beside the girl while the shadows deepened, and
+ventured to touch her hand.  Perhaps the severe strain of their
+situation, the intense loneliness of that Indian-haunted twilight, had
+somewhat softened her resentment, for she made no effort now to repulse
+him.
+
+"Kid," he said at last, "are you game for a try at getting out of this?"
+
+She appeared to hesitate over her answer, and he could feel her
+tumultuous breathing.  Some portion of her aversion had vanished.  His
+face was certainly not an unpleasant one to look upon, and there were
+others other sex who had discovered in it a covering for a multitude of
+sins.  Hampton smiled slightly while he waited; he possessed some
+knowledge of the nature feminine.
+
+"Come, Kid," he ventured finally, yet with new assurance vibrating in
+his low voice; "this is surely a poor time and place for any indulgence
+in tantrums, and you 've got more sense.  I 'm going to try to climb up
+the face of that cliff yonder,--it's the only possible way out from
+here,--and I propose to take you along with me."
+
+She snatched her hand roughly away, yet remained facing him.  "Who gave
+you any right to decide what I should do?"
+
+The man clasped his fingers tightly about her slender arm, advancing
+his face until he could look squarely into hers.  She read in the lines
+of that determined countenance an inflexible resolve which overmastered
+her.
+
+"The right given by Almighty God to protect any one of your sex in
+peril," he replied.  "Before dawn those savage fiends will be upon us.
+We are utterly helpless.  There remains only one possible path for
+escape, and I believe I have discovered it.  Now, my girl, you either
+climb those rocks with me, or I shall kill you where you are.  It is
+that, or the Sioux torture.  I have two shots left in this gun,--one
+for you, the other for myself.  The time has come for deciding which of
+these alternatives you prefer."
+
+The gleam of a star glittered along the steel of his revolver, and she
+realized that he meant what he threatened.
+
+"If I select your bullet rather than the rocks, what then?"
+
+"You will get it, but in that case you will die like a fool."
+
+"You have believed me to be one, all this afternoon."
+
+"Possibly," he admitted; "your words and actions certainly justified
+some such conclusion, but the opportunity has arrived for causing me to
+revise that suspicion."
+
+"I don't care to have you, revise it, Mr. Bob Hampton.  If I go, I
+shall hate you just the same."
+
+Hampton's teeth clicked like those of an angry dog.  "Hate and be
+damned," he exclaimed roughly.  "All I care about now is to drag you
+out of here alive."
+
+His unaffected sincerity impressed her more than any amount of
+pleading.  She was long accustomed to straight talk; it always meant
+business, and her untutored nature instantly responded with a throb of
+confidence.
+
+"Well, if you put it that way," she said, "I 'll go."
+
+For one breathless moment neither stirred.  Then a single wild yell
+rang sharply forth from the rocks in their front, and a rifle barked
+savagely, its red flame cleaving the darkness with tongue of fire.  An
+instant and the impenetrable gloom again surrounded them.
+
+"Come on, then," he whispered, his fingers grasping her sleeve.
+
+She shook off the restraining touch of his hand as if it were
+contamination, and sank down upon her knees beside the inert body.  He
+could barely perceive the dim outlines of her bowed figure, yet never
+moved, his breath perceptibly quickening, while he watched and waited.
+Without word or moan she bent yet lower, and pressed her lips upon the
+cold, white face.  The man caught no more than the faintest echo of a
+murmured "Good-bye, old dad; I wish I could take you with me."  Then
+she stood stiffly upright, facing him.  "I'm ready now," she announced
+calmly.  "You can go on ahead."
+
+They crept among low shrubs and around the bowlders, carefully guarding
+every slightest movement lest some rustle of disturbed foliage, or
+sound of loosened stone, might draw the fire of those keen watchers.
+Nor dared they ignore the close proximity of their own little company,
+who, amid such darkness, might naturally suspect them for approaching
+savages.  Every inch of their progress was attained through tedious
+groping, yet the distance to be traversed was short, and Hampton soon
+found himself pressing against the uprising precipice.  Passing his
+fingers along the front, he finally found that narrow ledge which he
+had previously located with such patient care, and reaching back, drew
+the girl silently upon her feet beside him.  Against that background of
+dark cliff they might venture to stand erect, the faint glimmer of
+reflected light barely sufficient to reveal to each the shadowy outline
+of the other.
+
+"Don't move an inch from this spot," he whispered.  "It wouldn't be a
+square deal, Kid, to leave those poor fellows to their death without
+even telling them there's a chance to get out."
+
+She attempted no reply, as he glided noiselessly away, but her face,
+could he have seen it, was not devoid of expression.  This was an act
+of generosity and deliberate courage of the very kind most apt to
+appeal to her nature, and within her secret heart there was rapidly
+developing a respect for this man, who with such calm assurance won his
+own way.  He was strong, forceful, brave,--Homeric virtues of real
+worth in that hard life which she knew best.  All this swept across her
+mind in a flash of revelation while she stood alone, her eyes
+endeavoring vainly to peer into the gloom.  Then, suddenly, that black
+curtain was rent by jagged spurts of red and yellow flame.  Dazed for
+an instant, her heart throbbing wildly to the sharp reports of the
+rifles, she shrank cowering back, her fascinated gaze fixed on those
+imp-like figures leaping forward from rock to rock.  Almost with the
+flash and sound Hampton sprang hastily back and gathered her in his
+arms.
+
+"Catch hold, Kid, anywhere; only go up, and quick!"
+
+As he thus lifted her she felt the irregularities of rock beneath her
+clutching fingers, and scrambled instinctively forward along the narrow
+shelf, and then, reaching higher, her groping hands clasped the roots
+of a projecting cedar.  She retained no longer any memory for Hampton;
+her brain was completely terrorized.  Inch by inch, foot by foot,
+clinging to a fragment of rock here, grasping a slippery branch there,
+occasionally helped by encountering a deeper gash in the face of the
+precipice, her movements concealed by the scattered cedars, she toiled
+feverishly up, led by instinct, like any wild animal desperately driven
+by fear, and only partially conscious of the real dread of her terrible
+position.  The first time she became aware that Hampton was closely
+following was when her feet slipped along a naked root, and she would
+have plunged headlong into unknown depths had she not come into sudden
+contact with his supporting shoulder.  Faint and dizzy, and trembling
+like the leaf of an aspen, she crept forward onto a somewhat wider
+ledge of thin rock, and lay there quivering painfully from head to
+foot.  A moment of suspense, and he was outstretched beside her,
+resting at full length along the very outer edge, his hand closing
+tightly over her own.
+
+"Remain perfectly quiet," he whispered, panting heavily.  "We can be no
+safer anywhere else."
+
+She could distinguish the rapid pounding of his heart as well as her
+own, mingled with the sharp intake of their heavy breathing, but these
+sounds were soon overcome by that of the tumult below.  Shots and
+yells, the dull crash of blows, the shouts of men engaged in a death
+grapple, the sharp crackling of innumerable rifles, the inarticulate
+moans of pain, the piercing scream of sudden torture, were borne upward
+to them from out the blackness.  They did not venture to lift their
+heads from off the hard rock; the girl sobbed silently, her slender
+form trembling; the fingers of the man closed more tightly about her
+hand.  All at once the hideous uproar ceased with a final yelping of
+triumph, seemingly reechoed the entire length of the chasm, in the
+midst of which one single voice pleaded pitifully,--only to die away in
+a shriek.  The two agonized fugitives lay listening, their ears
+strained to catch the slightest sound from below.  The faint radiance
+of a single star glimmered along the bald front of the cliff, but
+Hampton, peering cautiously across the edge, could distinguish nothing.
+His ears could discern evidences of movement, and he heard guttural
+voices calling at a distance, but to the vision all was black.  The
+distance those faint sounds appeared away made his head reel, and he
+shrank cowering back against the girl's body, closing his eyes and
+sinking his head upon his arm.
+
+These uncertain sounds ceased, the strained ears of the fugitives heard
+the crashing of bodies through the thick shrubbery, and then even this
+noise died away in the distance.  Yet neither ventured to stir or
+speak.  It may be that the girl slept fitfully, worn out by long vigil
+and intense strain; but the man proved less fortunate, his eyes staring
+out continually into the black void, his thoughts upon other days long
+vanished but now brought back in all their bitterness by the mere
+proximity of this helpless waif who had fallen into his care.  His
+features were drawn and haggard when the first gray dawn found ghastly
+reflection along the opposite rock summit, and with blurred eyes he
+watched the faint tinge of returning light steal downward into the
+canyon.  At last it swept aside those lower clinging mists, as though
+some invisible hand had drawn back the night curtains, and he peered
+over the edge of his narrow resting-place, gazing directly down upon
+the scene of massacre.  With a quick gasp of unspeakable horror he
+shrank so sharply back as to cause the suddenly awakened girl to start
+and glance into his face.
+
+"What is it?" she questioned, with quick catching of breath, reading
+that which she could not clearly interpret in his shocked expression.
+
+"Nothing of consequence," and he faintly endeavored to smile.  "I
+suppose I must have been dreaming also, and most unpleasantly.  No;
+please do not look down; it would only cause your head to reel, and our
+upward climb is not yet completed.  Do you feel strong enough now to
+make another attempt to reach the top?"
+
+His quiet spirit of assured dominance seemed to command her obedience.
+With a slight shudder she glanced doubtfully up the seemingly
+inaccessible height.
+
+"Can we?" she questioned helplessly.
+
+"We can, simply because we must," and his white teeth shut together
+firmly.  "There is no possibility of retracing our steps downward, but
+with the help of this daylight we surely ought to be able to discover
+some path leading up."
+
+He rose cautiously to his feet, pressing her more closely against the
+face of the cliff, thus holding her in comparative safety while
+preventing her from glancing back into the dizzy chasm.  The most
+difficult portion of their journey was apparently just before them,
+consisting of a series of narrow ledges, so widely separated and
+irregular as to require each to assist the other while passing from
+point to point.  Beyond these a slender cleft, bordered by gnarled
+roots of low bushes, promised a somewhat easier and securer passage
+toward the summit.  Hampton's face became deathly white as they began
+the perilous climb, but his hand remained steady, his foot sure, while
+the girl moved forward as if remaining unconscious of the presence of
+danger, apparently swayed by his dominant will to do whatsoever he bade
+her.  More than once they tottered on the very brink, held to safety
+merely by desperate clutchings at rock or shrub, yet never once did the
+man loosen his guarding grasp of his companion.  Pressed tightly
+against the smooth rock, feeling for every crevice, every slightest
+irregularity of surface, making use of creeping tendril or dead branch,
+daring death along every inch of the way, these two creepers at last
+attained the opening to the little gulley, and sank down, faint and
+trembling, their hands bleeding, their clothing sadly torn by the sharp
+ledges across which they had pulled their bodies by the sheer strength
+of extended arms.  Hampton panted heavily from exertion, yet the old
+light of cool, resourceful daring had crept back into the gray eyes,
+while the stern lines about his lips assumed pleasanter curves.  The
+girl glanced furtively at him, the long lashes shadowing the expression
+of her lowered eyes.  In spite of deep prejudice she felt impelled to
+like this man; he accomplished things, and he didn't talk.
+
+It was nothing more serious than a hard and toilsome climb after that,
+a continuous struggle testing every muscle, straining every sinew,
+causing both to sink down again and again, panting and exhausted, no
+longer stimulated by imminent peril.  The narrow cleft they followed
+led somewhat away from the exposed front of the precipice, yet arose
+steep and jagged before them, a slender gash through the solid rock, up
+which they were often compelled to force their passage; again it became
+clogged with masses of debris, dead branches, and dislodged fragments
+of stone, across which they were obliged to struggle desperately, while
+once they completely halted before a sheer smoothness of rock wall that
+appeared impassable.  It was bridged finally by a cedar trunk, which
+Hampton wrenched from out its rocky foothold, and the two crept
+cautiously forward, to emerge where the sunlight rested golden at the
+summit.  They sank face downward in the short grass, barely conscious
+that they had finally won their desperate passage.
+
+Slowly Hampton succeeded in uplifting his tired body and his reeling
+head, until he could sit partially upright and gaze unsteadily about.
+The girl yet remained motionless at his feet, her thick hair, a mass of
+red gold in the sunshine, completely concealing her face, her slender
+figure quivering to sobs of utter exhaustion.  Before them stretched
+the barren plain, brown, desolate, drear, offering in all its wide
+expanse no hopeful promise of rescue, no slightest suggestion even of
+water, excepting a fringe of irregular trees, barely discernible
+against the horizon.  That lorn, deserted waste, shimmering beneath the
+sun-rays, the heat waves already becoming manifest above the
+rock-strewn surface, presented a most depressing spectacle.  With hand
+partially shading his aching eyes from the blinding glare, the man
+studied its every exposed feature, his face hardening again into lines
+of stern determination.  The girl stirred from her position, flinging
+back her heavy hair with one hand, and looking up into his face with
+eyes that read at once his disappointment.
+
+"Have--have you any water left?" she asked at last, her lips parched
+and burning as if from fever.
+
+He shook the canteen dangling forgotten at his side.  "There may be a
+few drops," he said, handing it to her, although scarcely removing his
+fixed gaze from off that dreary plain.  "We shall be obliged to make
+those trees yonder; there ought to be water there in plenty, and
+possibly we may strike a trail."
+
+She staggered to her feet, gripping his shoulder, and swaying a little
+from weakness, then, holding aside her hair, gazed long in the
+direction he pointed.
+
+"I fairly shake from hunger," she exclaimed, almost angrily, "and am
+terribly tired and sore, but I reckon I can make it if I 've got to."
+
+There was nothing more said between them.  Like two automatons, they
+started off across the parched grass, the heat waves rising and falling
+as they stumbled forward.  Neither realized until then how thoroughly
+that hard climb up the rocks, the strain of continued peril, and the
+long abstinence from food had sapped their strength, yet to remain
+where they were meant certain death; all hope found its centre amid
+those distant beckoning trees.  Mechanically the girl gathered back her
+straying tresses, and tied them with a rag torn from her frayed skirt.
+Hampton noted silently how heavy and sunken her eyes were; he felt a
+dull pity, yet could not sufficiently arouse himself from the lethargy
+of exhaustion to speak.  His body seemed a leaden weight, his brain a
+dull, inert mass; nothing was left him but an unreasoning purpose, the
+iron will to press on across that desolate plain, which already reeled
+and writhed before his aching eyes.
+
+No one can explain later how such deeds are ever accomplished; how the
+tortured soul controls physical weakness, and compels strained sinews
+to perform the miracle of action when all ambition has died.  Hampton
+surely must have both seen and known, for he kept his direction, yet
+never afterwards did he regain any clear memory of it.  Twice she fell
+heavily, and the last time she lay motionless, her face pressed against
+the short grass blades.  He stood looking down upon her, his head
+reeling beneath the hot rays of the sun, barely conscious of what had
+occurred, yet never becoming totally dead to his duty.  Painfully he
+stooped, lifted the limp, slender figure against his shoulder, and went
+straggling forward, as uncertain in steps as a blind man, all about him
+stretching the dull, dead desolation of the plain.  Again and again he
+sank down, pillowing his eyes from the pitiless sun glare; only to
+stagger upright once more, ever bending lower and lower beneath his
+unconscious burden.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+ON THE NAKED PLAIN
+
+It was two hundred and eighteen miles, as the crow flies, between old
+Fort Bethune and the rock ford crossing the Bear Water, every foot of
+that dreary, treeless distance Indian-haunted, the favorite
+skulking-place and hunting-ground of the restless Sioux.  Winter and
+summer this wide expanse had to be suspiciously patrolled by numerous
+military scouting parties, anxious to learn more regarding the
+uncertain whereabouts of wandering bands and the purposes of
+malecontents, or else drawn hither and thither by continually shifting
+rumors of hostile raids upon the camps of cattlemen.  All this involved
+rough, difficult service, with small meed of honor attached, while
+never had soldiers before found trickier foemen to contend against, or
+fighters more worthy of their steel.
+
+One such company, composed of a dozen mounted infantrymen, accompanied
+by three Cree trailers, rode slowly and wearily across the brown
+exposed uplands down into the longer, greener grass of the wide valley
+bottom, until they emerged upon a barely perceptible trail which wound
+away in snake-like twistings, toward those high, barren hills whose
+blue masses were darkly silhouetted against the western sky.  Upon
+every side of them extended the treeless wilderness, the desolate
+loneliness of bare, brown prairie, undulating just enough to be
+baffling to the eyes, yet so dull, barren, grim, silent, and colorless
+as to drive men mad.  The shimmering heat rose and fell in great
+pulsating waves, although no slightest breeze came to stir the stagnant
+air, while thick clouds of white dust, impregnated with poisonous
+alkali, rose from out the grass roots, stirred by the horses' feet, to
+powder the passers-by from head to foot.  The animals moved steadily
+forward, reluctant and weary, their heads drooping dejectedly, their
+distended nostrils red and quivering, the oily perspiration streaking
+their dusted sides.  The tired men, half blinded by the glare, lolled
+heavily in their deep cavalry saddles, with encrusted eyes staring
+moodily ahead.
+
+Riding alone, and slightly in advance of the main body, his mount a
+rangy, broad-chested roan, streaked with alkali dust, the drooping head
+telling plainly of wearied muscles, was the officer in command.  He was
+a pleasant-faced, stalwart young fellow, with the trim figure of a
+trained athlete, possessing a square chin smoothly shaven, his
+intelligent blue eyes half concealed beneath his hat brim, which had
+been drawn low to shade them from the glare, one hand pressing upon his
+saddle holster as he leaned over to rest.  No insignia of rank served
+to distinguish him from those equally dusty fellows plodding gloomily
+behind, but a broad stripe of yellow running down the seams of his
+trousers, together with his high boots, bespoke the cavalry service,
+while the front of his battered campaign hat bore the decorations of
+two crossed sabres, with a gilded "7" prominent between.  His attire
+was completed by a coarse blue shirt, unbuttoned at the throat, about
+which had been loosely knotted a darker colored silk handkerchief, and
+across the back of the saddle was fastened a uniform jacket, the single
+shoulder-strap revealed presenting the plain yellow of a second
+lieutenant.
+
+Attaining to the summit of a slight knoll, whence a somewhat wider
+vista lay outspread, he partially turned his face toward the men
+straggling along in the rear, while his hand swept across the dreary
+scene.
+
+"If that line of trees over yonder indicates the course of the Bear
+Water, Carson," he questioned quietly, "where are we expected to hit
+the trail leading down to the ford?"
+
+The sergeant, thus addressed, a little stocky fellow wearing a closely
+clipped gray moustache, spurred his exhausted horse into a brief trot,
+and drew up short by the officer's side, his heavy eyes scanning the
+vague distance, even while his right hand was uplifted in perfunctory
+salute.
+
+"There 's no trail I know about along this bank, sir," he replied
+respectfully, "but the big cottonwood with the dead branch forking out
+at the top is the ford guide."
+
+They rode down in moody silence into the next depression, and began
+wearily climbing the long hill opposite, apparently the last before
+coming directly down the banks of the stream.  As his barely moving
+horse topped the uneven summit, the lieutenant suddenly drew in his
+rein, and uttering an exclamation of surprise, bent forward, staring
+intently down in his immediate front.  For a single instant he appeared
+to doubt the evidence of his own eyes; then he swung hastily from out
+the saddle, all weariness forgotten.
+
+"My God!" he cried, sharply, his eyes suspiciously sweeping the bare
+slope.  "There are two bodies lying here--white people!"
+
+They lay all doubled up in the coarse grass, exactly as they had
+fallen, the man resting face downward, the slender figure of the girl
+clasped vice-like in his arms, with her tightly closed eyes upturned
+toward the glaring sun.  Their strange, strained, unnatural posture,
+the rigidity of their limbs, the ghastly pallor of the exposed young
+face accentuated by dark, dishevelled hair, all alike seemed to
+indicate death.  Never once questioning but that he was confronting the
+closing scene of a grewsome tragedy, the thoroughly aroused lieutenant
+dropped upon his knees beside them, his eyes already moist with
+sympathy, his anxious fingers feeling for a possible heart-beat.  A
+moment of hushed, breathless suspense followed, and then he began
+flinging terse, eager commands across his shoulder to where his men
+were clustered.
+
+"Here!  Carson, Perry, Ronk, lay hold quick, and break this fellow's
+clasp," he cried, briefly.  "The girl retains a spark of life yet, but
+the man's arms fairly crush her."
+
+With all the rigidity of actual death those clutching hands held their
+tenacious grip, but the aroused soldiers wrenched the interlaced
+fingers apart with every tenderness possible in such emergency, shocked
+at noting the expression of intense agony stamped upon the man's face
+when thus exposed to view.  The whole terrible story was engraven
+there--how he had toiled, agonized, suffered, before finally yielding
+to the inevitable and plunging forward in unconsciousness, written as
+legibly as though by a pen.  Every pang of mental torture had left
+plainest imprint across that haggard countenance.  He appeared old,
+pitiable, a wreck.  Carson, who in his long service had witnessed much
+of death and suffering, bent tenderly above him, seeking for some faint
+evidence of lingering life.  His fingers felt for no wound, for to his
+experienced eyes the sad tale was already sufficiently clear--hunger,
+exposure, the horrible heart-breaking strain of hopeless endeavor, had
+caused this ending, this unspeakable tragedy of the barren waterless
+plain.  He had witnessed it all before, and hoped now for little.  The
+anxious lieutenant, bareheaded under the hot sun-glare, strode hastily
+across from beside the unconscious but breathing girl, and stood gazing
+doubtfully down upon them.
+
+"Any life, sergeant?" he demanded, his voice rendered husky by sympathy.
+
+"He doesn't seem entirely gone, sir," and Carson glanced up into the
+officer's face, his own eyes filled with feeling.  "I can distinguish
+just a wee bit of breathing, but it's so weak the pulse hardly stirs."
+
+"What do you make of it?"
+
+"Starving at the bottom, sir.  The only thing I see now is to get them
+down to water and food."
+
+The young officer glanced swiftly about him across that dreary picture
+of sun-burnt, desolate prairie stretching in every direction, his eyes
+pausing slightly as they surveyed the tops of the distant cottonwoods.
+
+"Sling blankets between your horses," he commanded, decisively.  "Move
+quickly, lads, and we may save one of these lives yet."
+
+He led in the preparation himself, his cheeks flushed, his movements
+prompt, decisive.  As if by some magic discipline the rude, effective
+litters were rapidly made ready, and the two seemingly lifeless bodies
+gently lifted from off the ground and deposited carefully within.  Down
+the long, brown slope they advanced slowly, a soldier grasping the rein
+and walking at each horse's head, the supporting blankets, securely
+fastened about the saddle pommels, swaying gently to the measured tread
+of the trained animals.  The lieutenant directed every movement, while
+Carson rode ahead, picking out the safest route through the short
+grass.  Beneath the protecting shadows of the first group of
+cottonwoods, almost on the banks of the muddy Bear Water, the little
+party let down their senseless burdens, and began once more their
+seemingly hopeless efforts at resuscitation.  A fire was hastily
+kindled from dried and broken branches, and broth was made, which was
+forced through teeth that had to be pried open.  Water was used
+unsparingly, the soldiers working with feverish eagerness, inspired by
+the constant admonitions of their officer, as well as their own
+curiosity to learn the facts hidden behind this tragedy.
+
+[Illustration: They advanced slowly, the supporting blankets swaying
+gently to the measured tread.]
+
+It was the dark eyes of the girl which opened first, instantly closing
+again as the glaring light swept into them.  Then slowly, and with
+wonderment, she gazed up into those strange, rough faces surrounding
+her, pausing in her first survey to rest her glance on the sympathetic
+countenance of the young lieutenant, who held her half reclining upon
+his arm.
+
+"Here," he exclaimed, kindly, interpreting her glance as one of fear,
+"you are all right and perfectly safe now, with friends to care for
+you.  Peters, bring another cup of that broth.  Now, miss, just take a
+sup or two of this, and your strength will come back in a jiffy.  What
+was the trouble?  Starving?"
+
+She did exactly as he bade her, every movement mechanical, her eyes
+fastened upon his face.
+
+"I--I reckon that was partly it," she responded at last, her voice
+faint and husky.  Then her glance wandered away, and finally rested
+upon another little kneeling group a few yards farther down stream.  A
+look of fresh intelligence swept into her face.
+
+"Is that him?" she questioned, tremblingly.  "Is--is he dead?"
+
+"He was n't when we first got here, but mighty near gone, I'm afraid.
+I've been working over you ever since."
+
+She shook herself free and sat weakly up, her lips tight compressed,
+her eyes apparently blind to all save that motionless body she could
+barely distinguish.  "Let me tell you, that fellow's a man, just the
+same; the gamest, nerviest man I ever saw.  I reckon he got hit, too,
+though he never said nothing about it.  That's his style."
+
+The deeply interested lieutenant removed his watchful eyes from off his
+charge just long enough to glance inquiringly across his shoulder.
+"Has the man any signs of a wound, sergeant?" he asked, loudly.
+
+"A mighty ugly slug in the shoulder, sir; has bled scandalous, but I
+guess it 's the very luck that's goin' to save him; seems now to be
+comin' out all right."
+
+The officer's brows knitted savagely.  "It begins to look as if this
+might be some of our business.  What happened?  Indians?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How far away?"
+
+"I don't know.  They caught us in a canyon somewhere out yonder, maybe
+three or four days ago; there was a lot killed, some of them soldiers.
+My dad was shot, and then that night he--he got me out up the rocks,
+and he--he was carrying me in his arms when I--I fainted, I saw there
+was blood on his shirt, and it was dripping down on the grass as he
+walked.  That's about all I know."
+
+"Who is the man?  What's his name?"
+
+The girl looked squarely into the lieutenant's eyes, and, for some
+reason which she could never clearly explain even to herself, lied
+calmly.  "I don't know; I never asked."
+
+Sergeant Carson rose stiffly from his knees beside the extended figure
+and strode heavily across toward where they were sitting, lifting his
+hand in soldierly salute, his heels clicking as he brought them sharply
+together in military precision.
+
+"The fellow is getting his eyes open, sir," he reported, "and is
+breathing more regular.  Purty weak yit, but he'll come round in time."
+He stared curiously down at the girl now sitting up unsupported, while
+a sudden look of surprised recognition swept across his face.
+
+"Great guns!" he exclaimed, eagerly, "but I know you.  You're old man
+Gillis's gal from Bethune, ain't ye?"
+
+The quickly uplifted dark eyes seemed to lighten the ghastly pallor of
+her face, and her lips trembled.  "Yes," she acknowledged simply, "but
+he's dead."
+
+The lieutenant laid his ungloved hand softly on her shoulder, his blue
+eyes moist with aroused feeling.
+
+"Never mind, little girl," he said, with boyish sympathy.  "I knew
+Gillis, and, now the sergeant has spoken, I remember you quite well.
+Thought all the time your face was familiar, but could n't quite decide
+where I had seen you before.  So poor old Gillis has gone, and you are
+left all alone in the world!  Well, he was an old soldier, could not
+have hoped to live much longer anyway, and would rather go fighting at
+the end.  We 'll take you back with us to Bethune, and the ladies of
+the garrison will look after you."
+
+The recumbent figure lying a few yards away half lifted itself upon one
+elbow, and Hampton's face, white and haggard, stared uncertainly across
+the open space.  For an instant his gaze dwelt upon the crossed sabres
+shielding the gilded "7" on the front of the lieutenant's scouting hat,
+then settled upon the face of the girl.  With one hand pressed against
+the grass he pushed himself slowly up until he sat fronting them, his
+teeth clinched tight, his gray eyes gleaming feverishly in their sunken
+sockets.
+
+"I'll be damned if you will!" he said, hoarsely.  "She 's my girl now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+A NEW PROPOSITION
+
+To one in the least inclined toward fastidiousness, the Miners' Home at
+Glencaid would scarcely appeal as a desirable place for long-continued
+residence.  But such a one would have had small choice in the matter,
+as it chanced to be the only hotel there.  The Miners' Home was
+unquestionably unique as regards architectural details, having been
+constructed by sections, in accordance with the rapid development of
+the camp, and enjoyed the further distinction--there being only two
+others equally stylish in town--of being built of sawn plank, although,
+greatly to the regret of its unfortunate occupants, lack of seasoning
+had resulted in wide cracks in both walls and stairway.  These were
+numerous, and occasionally proved perilous pitfalls to unwary
+travellers through the ill-lighted hall, while strict privacy within
+the chambers was long ago a mere reminiscence.  However, these
+deficiencies were to be discovered only after entering.  Without, the
+Miners' Home put up a good front,--which along the border is considered
+the chief matter of importance,--and was in reality the most
+pretentious structure gracing the single cluttered street of Glencaid.
+Indeed, it was pointed at with much civic pride by those citizens never
+compelled to exist within its yawning walls, and, with its ornament of
+a wide commodious porch, appeared even palatial in comparison with the
+log stable upon its left flank, or the dingy tent whose worm-eaten
+canvas flapped dejectedly upon the right.  Directly across the street,
+its front a perfect blaze of glass, stood invitingly the Occidental
+saloon; but the Widow Guffy, who operated the Miners' Home with a
+strong hand, possessed an antipathy to strong liquor, which
+successfully kept all suspicion of intoxicating drink absent from those
+sacredly guarded precincts, except as her transient guests imported it
+internally, in the latter case she naturally remained quiescent, unless
+the offender became unduly boisterous.  On such rare occasions Mrs.
+Guffy had always proved equal to the emergency, possessing Irish
+facility with either tongue or club.
+
+Mr. Hampton during the course of his somewhat erratic career had
+previously passed several eventful weeks in Glencaid.  He was neither
+unknown nor unappreciated at the Miners' Home, and having on previous
+occasions established his reputation as a spender, experienced little
+difficulty now in procuring promptly the very best accommodation which
+the house afforded.  That this arrangement was accomplished somewhat to
+the present discomfort of two vociferous Eastern tourists did not
+greatly interfere with his pleasurable interest in the situation.
+
+"Send those two fellows in here to argue it out," he said, languidly,
+after listening disgustedly to their loud lamentations in the hallway,
+and addressing his remarks to Mrs. Guffy, who had glanced into the room
+to be again assured regarding his comfort, and to express her deep
+regret over the unseemly racket.  "The girl has fallen asleep, and I 'm
+getting tired of hearing so much noise."
+
+"No, be hivings, an' ye don't do nuthin' of thet sort, Bob," returned
+the widow, good-naturedly, busying herself with a dust-rag.  "This is
+me own house, an' Oi've tended ter the loikes of them sort er fellers
+afore.  There'll be no more bother this toime.  Besides, it's a paceful
+house Oi'm runnin', an' Oi know ye'r way of sittling them things.  It's
+too strenurous ye are, Misther Hampton.  And what did ye do wid the
+young lady, Oi make bould to ask?"
+
+Hampton carelessly waved his hand toward the rear room, the door of
+which stood ajar, and blew a thick cloud of smoke into the air, his
+eyes continuing to gaze dreamily through the open window toward the
+distant hills.
+
+"Who's running the game over at the Occidental?" he asked,
+professionally.
+
+"Red Slavin, bad cess to him!" and her eyes regarded her questioner
+with renewed anxiety.  "But sure now, Bob, ye mustn't think of playin'
+yit awhoile.  Yer narves are in no fit shape, an' won't be fer a wake
+yit."
+
+He made no direct reply, and she hung about, flapping the dust-rag
+uneasily.
+
+"An' what did ye mane ter be doin' wid the young gyurl?" she questioned
+at last, in womanly curiosity.
+
+Hampton wheeled about on the hard chair, and regarded her quizzingly.
+"Mrs. Guffy," he said, slowly, "you've been a mother to me, and it
+would certainly be unkind not to give you a straight tip.  Do?  Why,
+take care of her, of course.  What else would you expect of one
+possessing my kindly disposition and well-known motives of
+philanthropy?  Can it be that I have resided with you, off and on, for
+ten years past without your ever realizing the fond yearnings of my
+heart?  Mrs. Guffy, I shall make her the heiress to my millions; I
+shall marry her off to some Eastern nabob, and thus attain to that high
+position in society I am so well fitted to adorn--sure, and what else
+were you expecting, Mrs. Guffy?"
+
+"A loikely story," with a sniff of disbelief.  "They tell me she 's old
+Gillis's daughter over to Bethune."
+
+"They tell you, do they?" a sudden gleam of anger darkening his gray
+eyes.  "Who tell you?"
+
+"Sure, Bob, an' thet 's nuthin' ter git mad about, so fur as I kin see.
+The story is in iverybody's mouth.  It wus thim sojers what brought ye
+in thet tould most ov it, but the lieutenant,--Brant of the Seventh
+Cavalry, no less,--who took dinner here afore he wint back after the
+dead bodies, give me her name."
+
+"Brant of the Seventh?"  He faced her fairly now, his face again
+haggard and gray, all the slight gleam of fun gone out of it.  "Was
+that the lad's name?"
+
+"Sure, and didn't ye know him?"
+
+"No; I noticed the '7' on his hat, of course, but never asked any
+questions, for his face was strange.  I didn't know.  The name, when
+you just spoke it, struck me rather queer.  I--I used to know a Brant
+in the Seventh, but he was much older; it was not this man."
+
+She answered something, lingering for a moment at the door, but he made
+no response, and she passed out silently, leaving him staring moodily
+through the open window, his eyes appearing glazed and sightless.
+
+Glencaid, like most mining towns of its class, was dull and dead enough
+during the hours of daylight.  It was not until after darkness fell
+that it awoke from its somnolence, when the scattered miners came
+swarming down from out the surrounding hills and turned into a noisy,
+restless playground the single narrow, irregular street.  Then it
+suddenly became a mad commixture of Babel and hell.  At this hour
+nothing living moved within range of the watcher's vision except a
+vagrant dog; the heat haze hung along the near-by slopes, while a
+little spiral of dust rose lazily from the deserted road.  But Hampton
+had no eyes for this dreary prospect; with contracted brows he was
+viewing again that which he had confidently believed to have been
+buried long ago.  Finally, he stepped quickly across the little room,
+and, standing quietly within the open doorway, looked long at the young
+girl upon the bed.  She lay in sound, motionless sleep, one hand
+beneath her cheek, her heavy hair, scarcely revealing its auburn hue in
+the gloom of the interior, flowing in wild disorder across the crushed
+pillow.  He stepped to the single window and drew down the green shade,
+gazed at her again, a new look of tenderness softening his stern face,
+then went softly out and closed the door.
+
+An hour later he was still sitting on the hard chair by the window, a
+cigar between his teeth, thinking.  The lowering sun was pouring a
+perfect flood of gold across the rag carpet, but he remained utterly
+unconscious as to aught save the gloomy trend of his own awakened
+memories.  Some one rapped upon the outer door.
+
+"Come in," he exclaimed, carelessly, and barely glancing up.  "Well,
+what is it this time, Mrs. Guffy?"
+
+The landlady had never before seen this usually happy guest in his
+present mood, and she watched him curiously.
+
+"A man wants ter see ye," she announced, shortly, her hand on the knob.
+
+"Oh, I'm in no shape for play to-night; go back and tell him so."
+
+"Sure, an' it's aisy 'nough ter see thet wid half an eye.  But this un
+isn't thet koind of a man, an' he's so moighty perlite about it Oi jist
+cud n't sind the loikes of him away.  It's 'Missus Guffy, me dear
+madam, wud ye be koind enough to convey me complimints to Misther
+Robert Hampton, and requist him to grant me a few minutes of his toime
+on an important matter?'  Sure, an' what do ye think of thet?"
+
+"Huh! one of those fellows who had these rooms?" and Hampton rose to
+his feet with animation.
+
+The landlady lowered her voice to an almost inaudible whisper.
+
+"It's the Reverend Howard Wynkoop," she announced, impressively,
+dwelling upon the name.  "The Reverend Howard Wynkoop, the Prasbytarian
+Missionary--wouldn't thet cork ye?"
+
+It evidently did, for Mr. Hampton stared at her for fully a minute in
+an amazement too profound for fit expression in words.  Then he
+swallowed something in his throat.
+
+"Show the gentleman up," he said, shortly, and sat down to wait.
+
+The Rev. Howard Wynkoop was neither giant nor dwarf, but the very
+fortunate possessor of a countenance which at once awakened confidence
+in his character.  He entered the room quietly, rather dreading this
+interview with one of Mr. Hampton's well-known proclivities, yet in
+this case feeling abundantly fortified in the righteousness of his
+cause.  His brown eyes met the inquisitive gray ones frankly, and
+Hampton waved him silently toward a vacant chair.
+
+"Our lines of labor in this vineyard being so entirely opposite," the
+latter said, coldly, but with intended politeness, "the honor of your
+unexpected call quite overwhelms me.  I shall have to trouble you to
+speak somewhat softly in explanation of your present mission, so as not
+to disturb a young girl who chances to be sleeping in the room beyond."
+
+Wynkoop cleared his throat uneasily, his naturally pale cheeks flushed.
+
+"It was principally upon her account I ventured to call," he explained
+in sudden confidence.  "Might I see her?"
+
+Hampton's watchful eyes swept the others face suspiciously, and his
+hands clinched.
+
+"Relative?" he asked gravely.
+
+The preacher shook his head.
+
+"Friend of the family, perhaps?"
+
+"No, Mr. Hampton.  My purpose in coming here is perfectly proper, yet
+the request was not advanced as a right, but merely as a special
+privilege."
+
+A moment Hampton hesitated; then he arose and quietly crossed the room,
+holding open the door.  Without a word being spoken the minister
+followed, and stood beside him.  For several minutes the eyes of both
+men rested upon the girl's sleeping form and upturned face.  Then
+Wynkoop drew silently back, and Hampton closed the door noiselessly.
+
+"Well," he said, inquiringly, "what does all this mean?"
+
+The minister hesitated as if doubtful how best to explain the nature of
+his rather embarrassing mission, his gaze upon the strong face of the
+man fronting him so sternly.
+
+"Let us sit down again," he said at last, "and I will try to make my
+purpose sufficiently clear.  I am not here to mince words, nor do I
+believe you to be the kind of a man who would respect me if I did.  I
+may say something that will not sound pleasant, but in the cause of my
+Master I cannot hesitate.  You are an older man than I, Mr. Hampton;
+your experience in life has doubtless been much broader than mine, and
+it may even be that in point of education you are likewise my superior.
+Nevertheless, as the only minister of the Gospel residing in this
+community it is beyond question my plain duty to speak a few words to
+you in behalf of this young lady, and her probable future.  I trust not
+to be offensive, yet cannot shirk the requirements of my sacred office."
+
+The speaker paused, somewhat disconcerted perhaps by the hardening of
+the lines in Hampton's face.
+
+"Go on," commanded Hampton, tersely, "only let the preacher part slide,
+and say just what you have to say as man to man."
+
+Wynkoop stiffened perceptibly in his chair, his face paling somewhat,
+but his eyes unwavering.  Realizing the reckless nature before him, he
+was one whom opposition merely inspired.
+
+"I prefer to do so," he continued, more calmly.  "It will render my
+unpleasant task much easier, and yield us both a more direct road for
+travel.  I have been laboring on this field for nearly three years.
+When I first came here you were pointed out to me as a most dangerous
+man, and ever since then I have constantly been regaled by the stories
+of your exploits.  I have known you merely through such unfriendly
+reports, and came here strongly prejudiced against you as a
+representative of every evil I war against.  We have never met before,
+because there seemed to be nothing in common between us; because I had
+been led to suppose you to be an entirely different man from what I now
+believe you are."
+
+Hampton stirred uneasily in his chair.
+
+"Shall I paint in exceedingly plain words the picture given me of you?"
+
+There was no response, but the speaker moistened his lips and proceeded
+firmly.  "It was that of a professional gambler, utterly devoid of
+mercy toward his victims; a reckless fighter, who shot to kill upon the
+least provocation; a man without moral character, and from whom any
+good action was impossible.  That was what was said about you.  Is the
+tale true?"
+
+Hampton laughed unpleasantly, his eyes grown hard and ugly.
+
+"I presume it must be," he admitted, with a quick side glance toward
+the closed door, "for the girl out yonder thought about the same.  A
+most excellent reputation to establish with only ten years of strict
+attendance to business."
+
+Wynkoop's grave face expressed his disapproval.
+
+"Well, in my present judgment that report was not altogether true," he
+went on clearly and with greater confidence.  "I did suppose you
+exactly that sort of a man when I first came into this room.  I have
+not believed so, however, for a single moment since.  Nevertheless, the
+naked truth is certainly bad enough, without any necessity for our
+resorting to romance.  You may deceive others by an assumption of
+recklessness, but I feel convinced your true nature is not evil.  It
+has been warped through some cause which is none of my business.  Let
+us deal alone with facts.  You are a gambler, a professional gambler,
+with all that that implies; your life is, of necessity, passed among
+the most vicious and degrading elements of mining camps, and you do not
+hesitate even to take human life when in your judgment it seems
+necessary to preserve your own.  Under this veneer of lawlessness you
+may, indeed, possess a warm heart, Mr. Hampton; you may be a good
+fellow, but you are certainly not a model character, even according to
+the liberal code of the border."
+
+"Extremely kind of you to enter my rooms uninvited, and furnish me with
+this list of moral deficiencies," acknowledged the other with affected
+carelessness.  "But thus far you have failed to tell me anything
+strikingly new.  Am I to understand you have some particular object in
+this exchange of amenities?"
+
+"Most assuredly.  It is to ask if such a person as you practically
+confess yourself to be--homeless, associating only with the most
+despicable and vicious characters, and leading so uncertain and
+disreputable a life--can be fit to assume charge of a girl, almost a
+woman, and mould her future?"
+
+For a long, breathless moment Hampton stared incredulously at his
+questioner, crushing his cigar between his teeth.  Twice he started to
+speak, but literally choked back the bitter words burning his lips,
+while an uncontrollable admiration for the other's boldness began to
+overcome his first fierce anger.
+
+"By God!" he exclaimed at last, rising to his feet and pointing toward
+the door.  "I have shot men for less.  Go, before I forget your cloth.
+You little impudent fool!  See here--I saved that girl from death, or
+worse; I plucked her from the very mouth of hell; I like her; she 's
+got sand; so far as I know there is not a single soul for her to turn
+to for help in all this wide world.  And you, you miserable, snivelling
+hypocrite, you little creeping Presbyterian parson, you want me to
+shake her!  What sort of a wild beast do you suppose I am?"
+
+Wynkoop had taken one hasty step backward, impelled to it by the fierce
+anger blazing from those stern gray eyes.  But now he paused, and, for
+the only time on record, discovered the conventional language of polite
+society inadequate to express his needs.
+
+"I think," he said, scarcely realizing his own words, "you are a damned
+fool."
+
+Into Hampton's eyes there leaped a light upon which other men had
+looked before they died,--the strange mad gleam one sometimes sees in
+fighting animals, or amid the fierce charges of war.  His hand swept
+instinctively backward, closing upon the butt of a revolver beneath his
+coat, and for one second he who had dared such utterance looked on
+death.  Then the hard lines about the man's mouth softened, the fingers
+clutching the weapon relaxed, and Hampton laid one opened hand upon the
+minister's shrinking shoulder.
+
+"Sit down," he said, his voice unsteady from so sudden a reaction.
+"Perhaps--perhaps I don't exactly understand."
+
+For a full minute they sat thus looking at each other through the fast
+dimming light, like two prize-fighters meeting for the first time
+within the ring, and taking mental stock before beginning their
+physical argument.  Hampton, with a touch of his old audacity of
+manner, was first to break the silence.
+
+"So you think I am a damned fool.  Well, we are in pretty fair accord
+as to that fact, although no one before has ever ventured to state it
+quite so clearly in my presence.  Perhaps you will kindly explain?"
+
+The preacher wet his dry lips with his tongue, forgetting himself when
+his thoughts began to crystallize into expression.
+
+"I regret having spoken as I did," he began.  "Such language is not my
+custom.  I was irritated because of your haste in rejecting my advances
+before hearing the proposition I came to submit.  I certainly respect
+your evident desire to be of assistance to this young woman, nor have I
+the slightest intention of interfering between you.  Your act in
+preserving her life was a truly noble one, and your loyalty to her
+interests since is worthy of all Christian praise.  But I believe I
+have a right to ask, what do you intend for the future?  Keep her with
+you?  Drag her about from camp to camp?  Educate her among the
+contaminating poison of gambling-holes and dance-halls?  Is her home
+hereafter to be the saloon and the rough frontier hotel? her ideal of
+manhood the quarrelsome gambler, and of womanhood a painted harlot?
+Mr. Hampton, you are evidently a man of education, of early refinement;
+you have known better things; and I have come to you seeking merely to
+aid you in deciding this helpless young woman's destiny.  I thought, I
+prayed, you would be at once interested in that purpose, and would
+comprehend the reasonableness of my position."
+
+Hampton sat silent, gazing out of the window, his eyes apparently on
+the lights now becoming dimly visible in the saloon opposite.  For a
+considerable time he made no move, and the other straightened back in
+his chair watching him.
+
+"Well!" he ventured at last, "what is your proposition?"  The question
+was quietly asked, but a slight tremor in the low voice told of
+repressed feeling.
+
+"That, for the present at least, you confide this girl into the care of
+some worthy woman."
+
+"Have you any such in mind?"
+
+"I have already discussed the matter briefly with Mrs. Herndon, wife of
+the superintendent of the Golden Rule mines.  She is a refined
+Christian lady, beyond doubt the most proper person to assume such a
+charge in this camp.  There is very little in such a place as this to
+interest a woman of her capabilities, and I believe she would be
+delighted to have such an opportunity for doing good.  She has no
+children of her own."
+
+Hampton flung his sodden cigar butt out of the window.  "I'll talk it
+over to-morrow with--with Miss Gillis," he said, somewhat gruffly.  "It
+may be this means a good deal more to me than you suppose, parson, but
+I 'm bound to acknowledge there is considerable hard sense in what you
+have just said, and I 'll talk it over with the girl."
+
+Wynkoop held out his hand cordially, and the firm grasp of the other
+closed over his fingers.
+
+"I don't exactly know why I didn't kick you downstairs," the latter
+commented, as though still in wonder at himself.  "Never remember being
+quite so considerate before, but I reckon you must have come at me in
+about the right way."
+
+If Wynkoop answered, his words were indistinguishable, but Hampton
+remained standing in the open door watching the missionary go down the
+narrow stairs.
+
+"Nervy little devil," he acknowledged slowly to himself.  "And maybe,
+after all, that would be the best thing for the Kid."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+"TO BE OR NOT TO BE"
+
+They were seated rather close together upon the steep hillside, gazing
+silently down upon squalid Glencaid.  At such considerable distance all
+the dull shabbiness of the mining town had disappeared, and it seemed
+almost ideal, viewed against the natural background of brown rocks and
+green trees.  All about them was the clear, invigorating air of the
+uplands, through which the eyes might trace for miles the range of
+irregular rocky hills, while just above, seemingly almost within touch
+of the extended hand, drooped the blue circling sky, unflecked by
+cloud.  Everywhere was loneliness, no sound telling of the labor of man
+reached them, and the few scattered buildings far below resembling mere
+doll-houses.
+
+They had conversed only upon the constantly changing beauty of the
+scene, or of incidents connected with their upward climb, while moving
+slowly along the trail through the fresh morning sunshine.  Now they
+sat in silence, the young girl, with cheeks flushed and dreamy eyes
+aglow, gazing far off along the valley, the man watching her curiously,
+and wondering how best to approach his task.  For the first time he
+began to realize the truth, which had been partially borne in upon him
+the previous evening by Wynkoop, that this was no mere child with whom
+he dealt, but a young girl upon the verge of womanhood.  Such knowledge
+began to reveal much that came before him as new, changing the entire
+nature of their present relationship, as well as the scope of his own
+plain duty.  It was his wont to look things squarely in the face, and
+unpleasant and unwelcome as was the task now confronting him, during
+the long night hours he had settled it once for all--the preacher's
+words were just.
+
+Observing her now, sitting thus in total unconsciousness of his
+scrutiny, Hampton made no attempt to analyze the depth of his interest
+for this waif who had come drifting into his life.  He did not in the
+least comprehend why she should have touched his heart with generous
+impulses, nor did he greatly care.  The fact was far the more
+important, and that fact he no longer questioned.  He had been a
+lonely, unhappy, discontented man for many a long year, shunned by his
+own sex, who feared him, never long seeking the society of the other,
+and retaining little real respect for himself.  Under such conditions a
+reaction was not unnatural, and, short as the time had been since their
+first meeting, this odd, straightforward chit of a girl had found an
+abiding-place in his heart, had furnished him a distinct motive in life
+before unknown.
+
+Even to his somewhat prejudiced eyes she was not an attractive
+creature, for she possessed no clear conception of how to render
+apparent those few feminine charms she possessed.  Negligence and total
+unconsciousness of self, coupled with lack of womanly companionship and
+guidance, had left her altogether in the rough.  He marked now the
+coarse ragged shoes, the cheap patched skirt, the tousled auburn hair,
+the sunburnt cheeks with a suggestion of freckles plainly visible
+beneath the eyes, and some of the fastidiousness of earlier days caused
+him to shrug his shoulders.  Yet underneath the tan there was the glow
+of perfect young health; the eyes were frank, brave, unflinching; while
+the rounded chin held a world of character in its firm contour.
+Somehow the sight of this brought back to him that abiding faith in her
+"dead gameness" which had first awakened his admiration.  "She's got it
+in her," he thought, silently, "and, by thunder! I 'm here to help her
+get it out."
+
+"Kid," he ventured at last, turning over a broken fragment of rock
+between his restless fingers, but without lifting his eyes, "you were
+talking while we came up the trail about how we 'd do this and that
+after a while.  You don't suppose I 'm going to have any useless girl
+like you hanging around on to me, do you?"
+
+She glanced quickly about at him, as though such unexpected expressions
+startled her from a pleasant reverie.  "Why, I--I thought that was the
+way you planned it yesterday," she exclaimed, doubtfully.
+
+"Oh, yesterday!  Well, you see, yesterday I was sort of dreaming;
+to-day I am wide awake, and I 've about decided, Kid, that for your own
+good, and my comfort, I 've got to shake you."
+
+A sudden gleam of fierce resentment leaped into the dark eyes, the
+unrestrained glow of a passion which had never known control.  "Oh, you
+have, have you, Mister Bob Hampton?  You have about decided!  Well, why
+don't you altogether decide?  I don't think I'm down on my knees
+begging you for mercy.  Good Lord!  I reckon I can get along all right
+without you--I did before.  Just what happened to give you such a
+change of heart?"
+
+"I made the sudden discovery," he said, affecting a laziness he was
+very far from feeling, "that you were too near being a young woman to
+go traipsing around the country with me, living at shacks, and having
+no company but gambling sharks, and that class of cattle."
+
+"Oh, did you?  What else?"
+
+"Only that our tempers don't exactly seem to jibe, and the two of us
+can't be bosses in the same ranch."
+
+She looked at him contemptuously, swinging her body farther around on
+the rock, and sitting stiffly, the color on her cheeks deepening
+through the sunburn.  "Now see here, Mister Bob Hampton, you're a
+fraud, and you know it!  Did n't I understand exactly who you was, and
+what was your business?  Did n't I know you was a gambler, and a 'bad
+man'?  Didn't I tell you plain enough out yonder,"--and her voice
+faltered slightly,--"just what I thought about you?  Good Lord!  I have
+n't been begging to stick with you, have I?  I just didn't know which
+way to turn, or who to turn to, after dad was killed, and you sorter
+hung on to me, and I let it go the way I supposed you wanted it.  But I
+'m not particularly stuck on your style, let me tell you, and I reckon
+there 's plenty of ways for me to get along.  Only first, I propose to
+understand what your little game is.  You don't throw down your hand
+like that without some reason."
+
+Hampton sat up, spurred into instant admiration by such independence of
+spirit.  "You grow rather good-looking, Kid, when you get hot, but you
+go at things half-cocked, and you 've got to get over it.  That's the
+whole trouble--you 've never been trained, and I would n't make much of
+a trainer for a high-strung filly like you.  Ever remember your mother?"
+
+"Mighty little; reckon she must have died when I was about five years
+old.  That's her picture."
+
+Hampton took in his hand the old-fashioned locket she held out toward
+him, the long chain still clasped about her throat, and pried open the
+stiff catch with his knife blade.  She bent down to fasten her loosened
+shoe, and when her eyes were uplifted again his gaze was riveted upon
+the face in the picture.
+
+"Mighty pretty, wasn't she?" she asked with a sudden girlish interest,
+bending forward to look, regardless of his strained attitude.  "And she
+was prettier than that even, the way I remember her best, with her hair
+all hanging down, coming to tuck me into bed at night.  Someway that's
+how I always seem to see her."
+
+The man drew a deep breath, and snapped shut the locket, yet still
+retained it in his hand.  "Is--is she dead?" he questioned, and his
+voice trembled in spite of steel nerves.
+
+"Yes, in St. Louis; dad took me there with him two years ago, and I saw
+her grave."
+
+"Dad?  Do you mean old Gillis?"
+
+She nodded, beginning dimly to wonder why he should speak so fiercely
+and stare at her in that odd way.  He seemed to choke twice before he
+could ask the next question.
+
+"Did he--old Gillis, I mean--claim to be your father, or her husband?"
+
+"No, I don't reckon he ever did, but he gave me that picture, and told
+me she was my mother.  I always lived with him, and called him dad.  I
+reckon he liked it, and he was mighty good to me.  We were at Randolph
+a long time, and since then he's been post-trader at Bethune.  That's
+all I know about it, for dad never talked very much, and he used to get
+mad when I asked him questions."
+
+Hampton dropped the locket from his grasp, and arose to his feet.  For
+several minutes he stood with his back turned toward her, apparently
+gazing down the valley, his jaw set, his dimmed eyes seeing nothing.
+Slowly the color came creeping back into his face, and his hands
+unclinched.  Then he wheeled about, and looked down upon her,
+completely restored to his old nature.
+
+"Then it seems that it is just you and I, Kid, who have got to settle
+this little affair," he announced, firmly.  "I 'll have my say about
+it, and then you can uncork your feelings.  I rather imagine I have n't
+very much legal right in the premises, but I 've got a sort of moral
+grip on you by reason of having pulled you out alive from that canyon
+yonder, and I propose to play this game to the limit.  You say your
+mother is dead, and the man who raised you is dead, and, so far as
+either of us know, there is n't a soul anywhere on earth who possesses
+any claim over you, or any desire to have.  Then, naturally, the whole
+jack-pot is up to me, provided I 've got the cards.  Now, Kid, waving
+your prejudice aside, I ain't just exactly the best man in this world
+to bring up a girl like you and make a lady out of her.  I thought
+yesterday that maybe we might manage to hitch along together for a
+while, but I 've got a different think coming to-day.  There 's no use
+disfiguring the truth.  I 'm a gambler, something of a fighter on the
+side, and folks don't say anything too pleasant about my peaceful
+disposition around these settlements; I have n't any home, and mighty
+few friends, and the few I have got are nothing to boast about.  I
+reckon there 's a cause for it all.  So, considering everything, I 'm
+about the poorest proposition ever was heard of to start a young
+ladies' seminary.  The Lord knows old Gillis was bad enough, but I 'm a
+damned sight worse.  Now, some woman has got to take you in hand, and I
+reckon I 've found the right one."
+
+"Goin' to get married, Bob?"
+
+"Not this year; it's hardly become so serious as that, but I 'm going
+to find you a good home here, and I 'm going to put up plenty of stuff,
+so that they 'll take care of you all right and proper."
+
+The dark eyes never wavered as they looked steadily into the gray ones,
+but the chin quivered slightly.
+
+"I reckon I 'd rather try it alone," she announced stubbornly.  "Maybe
+I might have stood it with you, Bob Hampton, but a woman is the limit."
+
+Hampton in other and happier days had made something of a study of the
+feminine nature, and he realized now the utter impracticability of any
+attempt at driving.
+
+"I expect it will go rather hard at first, Kid," he admitted craftily,
+"but I think you might try it a while just to sort of please me."
+
+"Who--who is she?" doubtfully.
+
+"Mrs. Herndon, wife of the superintendent of the 'Golden Rule' mine";
+and he waved his hand toward the distant houses.  "They tell me she's a
+mighty fine woman."
+
+"Oh, they do?  Then somebody's been stirring you up about me, have
+they?  I thought that was about the way of it.  Somebody wants to
+reform me, I reckon.  Well, maybe I won't be reformed.  Who was it,
+Bob?"
+
+"The Presbyterian Missionary," he confessed reluctantly, "a nervy
+little chap named Wynkoop; he came in to see me last night while you
+were asleep." He faced her open scorn unshrinkingly, his mind fully
+decided, and clinging to one thought with all the tenacity of his
+nature.
+
+"A preacher!" her voice vibrant with derision, "a preacher!  Well, of
+all things, Bob Hampton!  You led around by the nose in that way!  Did
+he want you to bring me to Sunday school?  A preacher!  And I suppose
+the fellow expects to turn me over to one of his flock for religious
+instruction.  He'll have you studying theology inside of a year.  A
+preacher!  Oh, Lord, and you agreed!  Well, I won't go; so there!"
+
+"As I understand the affair," Hampton continued, as she paused for
+breath, "it was Lieutenant Brant who suggested the idea of his coming
+to me.  Brant knew Gillis, and remembered you, and realizing your
+unpleasant situation, thought such an arrangement would be for your
+benefit."
+
+"Brant!" she burst forth in renewed anger; "he did, did he!  The
+putty-faced dandy!  I used to see him at Bethune, and you can bet he
+never bothered his head about me then.  No, and he didn't even know me
+out yonder, until after the sergeant spoke up.  What business has that
+fellow got planning what I shall do?"
+
+Hampton made no attempt to answer.  It was better to let her
+indignation die out naturally, and so he asked a question.  "What is
+this Brant doing at Bethune?  There is no cavalry stationed there."
+
+She glanced up quickly, interested by the sudden change in his voice.
+"I heard dad say he was kept there on some special detail.  His
+regiment is stationed at Fort Lincoln, somewhere farther north.  He
+used to come down and talk with dad evenings, because daddy saw service
+in the Seventh when it was first organized after the war."
+
+"Did you--did you ever hear either of them say anything about Major
+Alfred Brant?  He must have been this lad's father."
+
+"No, I never heard much they said.  Did you know him?"
+
+"The father, yes, but that was years ago.  Come, Kid, all this is only
+ancient history, and just as well forgotten.  Now, you are a sensible
+girl, when your temper don't get away with you, and I am simply going
+to leave this matter to your better judgment.  Will you go to Mrs.
+Herndon's, and find out how you like it?  You need n't stop there an
+hour if she is n't good to you, but you ought not to want to remain
+with me, and grow up like a rough boy."
+
+"You--you really want me to go, don't you?"
+
+"Yes, I want you to go.  It's a chance for you, Kid, and there is n't a
+bit of a show in the kind of a life I lead.  I never have been in love
+with it myself, and only took to it in the first place because the
+devil happened to drive me that way.  The Lord knows I don't want to
+lead any one else through such a muck.  So it is a try?"
+
+The look of defiance faded slowly out of her face as she stood gravely
+regarding him.  The man was in deadly earnest, and she felt the quiet
+insistence of his manner.  He really desired it to be decided in this
+way, and somehow his will had become her law, although such a suspicion
+had never once entered her mind.
+
+"You bet, if you put it that way," she consented, simply, "but I reckon
+that Mrs. Herndon is likely to wish I hadn't."
+
+Together, yet scarcely exchanging another word, the two retraced their
+steps slowly down the steep trail leading toward the little town in the
+valley, walking unconsciously the pathway of fate, the way of all the
+world.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+"I'VE COME HERE TO LIVE"
+
+Widely as these two companions differed in temperament and experience,
+it would be impossible to decide which felt the greater uneasiness at
+the prospect immediately before them.  The girl openly rebellious, the
+man extremely doubtful, with reluctant steps they approached that tall,
+homely yellow house--outwardly the most pretentious in Glencaid--which
+stood well up in the valley, where the main road diverged into numerous
+winding trails leading toward the various mines among the foothills.
+
+They were so completely opposite, these two, that more than one chance
+passer-by glanced curiously toward them as they picked their way onward
+through the red dust.  Hampton, slender yet firmly knit, his movements
+quick like those of a watchful tiger, his shoulders set square, his
+body held erect as though trained to the profession of arms, his gray
+eyes marking every movement about him with a suspicion born of
+continual exposure to peril, his features finely chiselled, with
+threads of gray hair beginning to show conspicuously about the temples.
+One would glance twice at him anywhere, for in chin, mouth, and eyes
+were plainly pictured the signs of strength, evidences that he had
+fought stern battles, and was no craven.  For good or evil he might be
+trusted to act instantly, and, if need arose, to the very death.  His
+attire of fashionably cut black cloth, and his immaculate linen, while
+neat and unobtrusive, yet appeared extremely unusual in that careless
+land of clay-baked overalls and dingy woollens.  Beside him, in vivid
+contrast, the girl trudged in her heavy shoes and bedraggled skirts,
+her sullen eyes fastened doggedly on the road, her hair showing ragged
+and disreputable in the brilliant sunshine.  Hampton himself could not
+remain altogether indifferent to the contrast.
+
+"You look a little rough, Kid, for a society call," he said.  "If there
+was any shebang in this mud-hole of a town that kept any women's things
+on sale fit to look at, I 'd be tempted to fix you up a bit."
+
+"Well, I'm glad of it," she responded, grimly.  "I hope I look so blame
+tough that woman won't say a civil word to us.  You can bet I ain't
+going to strain myself to please the likes of her."
+
+"You certainly exhibit no symptoms of doing so," he admitted, frankly.
+"But you might, at least, have washed your face and fixed your hair."
+
+She flashed one angry glance at him, stopping in the middle of the
+road, her head flung back as though ready for battle.  Then, as if by
+some swift magic of emotion, her expression changed.  "And so you're
+ashamed of me, are you?" she asked, her voice sharp but unsteady.
+"Ashamed to be seen walking with me?  Darn it!  I know you are!  But I
+tell you, Mr. Bob Hampton, you won't be the next time.  And what's
+more, you just don't need to traipse along another step with me now.  I
+don't want you.  I reckon I ain't very much afraid of tackling this
+Presbyterian woman all alone."
+
+She swung off fiercely, and the man chuckled softly as he followed,
+watchfully, through the circling, red dust cloud created by her hasty
+feet.  The truth is, Mr. Hampton possessed troubles and scruples of his
+own in connection with this contemplated call.  He had never met the
+lady; indeed, he could recall very few of her sex, combining
+respectability and refinement, whom he had met during the past ten
+years.  But he retained some memory of the husband as having been
+associated with a strenuous poker game at Placer, in which he also held
+a prominent place, and it would seem scarcely possible that the wife
+did not know whose bullet had turned her for some weeks into a
+sick-nurse.  For Herndon he had not even a second thought, but the
+possible ordeal of a woman's tongue was another matter.  A cordial
+reception could hardly be anticipated, and Hampton mentally braced
+himself for the worst.
+
+There were some other things, also, but these he brushed aside for the
+present.  He was not the sort of man to wear his heart upon his sleeve,
+and all his life long he had fought out his more serious battles in
+loneliness and silence.  Now he had work to accomplish in the open; he
+was going to stay with the Kid--after that, _quien sabe_?  So he smiled
+somewhat soberly, swore softly to himself, and strode on.  He had never
+yet thrown down his cards merely because luck had taken a bad turn.
+
+It was a cheerless-looking house, painted a garish yellow, having
+staring windows, and devoid of a front porch, or slightest attempt at
+shade to render its uncomely front less unattractive.  Hampton could
+scarcely refrain from forming a mental picture of the woman who would
+most naturally preside within so unpolished an abode--an angular,
+hard-featured, vinegar-tempered  creature, firm settled in her
+prejudices and narrowed by her creed.  Had the matter been left at that
+moment to his own decision, this glimpse of the house would have turned
+them both back, but the girl unhesitatingly pressed forward and turned
+defiantly in through the gateless opening.  He followed in silence
+along the narrow foot-path bordered by weeds, and stood back while she
+stepped boldly up on the rude stone slab and rapped sharply against the
+warped and sagging door.  A moment they stood thus waiting with no
+response from within.  Once she glanced suspiciously around at him,
+only to wheel back instantly and once more apply her knuckles to the
+wood.  Before he had conjured up something worth saying the door was
+partially opened, and a rounded dumpling of a woman, having rosy
+cheeks, her hair iron-gray, her blue eyes half smiling in uncertain
+welcome, looked out upon them questioningly.
+
+"I 've come to live here," announced the girl, sullenly.  "That is, if
+I like it."
+
+The woman continued to gaze at her, as if tempted to laugh outright;
+then the pleasant blue eyes hardened as their vision swept beyond
+toward Hampton.
+
+"It is extremely kind of you, I 'm sure," she said at last.  "Why is it
+I am to be thus honored?"
+
+The girl backed partially off the doorstep, her hair flapping in the
+wind, her cheeks flushed.
+
+"Oh, you need n't put on so much style about it," she blurted out.
+"You 're Mrs. Herndon, ain't you?  Well, then, this is the place where
+I was sent; but I reckon you ain't no more particular about it than I
+am.  There's others."
+
+"Who sent you to me?" and Mrs. Herndon came forth into the sunshine.
+
+"The preacher."
+
+"Oh, Mr. Wynkoop; then you must be the homeless girl whom Lieutenant
+Brant brought in the other day.  Why did you not say so at first?  You
+may come in, my child."
+
+There was a sympathetic tenderness apparent now in the tones of her
+voice, which the girl was swift to perceive and respond to, yet she
+held back, her independence unshaken.  With the quick intuition of a
+woman, Mrs. Herndon bent down, placing one hand on the defiant shoulder.
+
+"I did not understand, at first, my dear," she said, soothingly, "or I
+should never have spoken as I did.  Some very strange callers come
+here.  But you are truly welcome.  I had a daughter once; she must have
+been nearly your age when God took her.  Won't you come in?"
+
+While thus speaking she never once glanced toward the man standing in
+silence beyond, yet as the two passed through the doorway together he
+followed, unasked.  Once within the plainly furnished room, and with
+her arm about the girl's waist, the lines about her mouth hardened.  "I
+do not recall extending my invitation to you," she said, coldly.
+
+He remained standing, hat in hand, his face shadowed, his eyes
+picturing deep perplexity.
+
+"For the intrusion I offer my apology," he replied, humbly; "but you
+see I--I feel responsible for this young woman.  She--sort of fell to
+my care when none of her own people were left to look after her.  I
+only came to show her the way, and to say that I stand ready to pay you
+well to see to her a bit, and show her how to get hold of the right
+things."
+
+"Indeed!" and Mrs. Herndon's voice was not altogether pleasant.  "I
+understood she was entirely alone and friendless.  Are you that man who
+brought her out of the canyon?"
+
+Hampton bowed as though half ashamed of acknowledging the act.
+
+"Oh! then I know who you are," she continued, unhesitatingly.  "You are
+a gambler and a bar-room rough.  I won't touch a penny of your money.
+I told Mr. Wynkoop that I shouldn't, but that I would endeavor to do my
+Christian duty by this poor girl.  He was to bring her here himself,
+and keep you away."
+
+The man smiled slightly, not in the least disconcerted by her plain
+speech.  The cutting words merely served to put him on his mettle.
+"Probably we departed from the hotel somewhat earlier than the minister
+anticipated," he explained, quietly, his old ease of manner returning
+in face of such open opposition.  "I greatly regret your evident
+prejudice, madam, and can only say that I have more confidence in you
+than you appear to have in me.  I shall certainly discover some means
+by which I may do my part in shaping this girl's future, but in the
+meanwhile will relieve you of my undesired presence."
+
+He stepped without into the glare of the sunlight, feeling utterly
+careless as to the woman who had affronted him, yet somewhat hurt on
+seeing that the girl had not once lifted her downcast eyes to his face.
+Yet he had scarcely taken three steps toward the road before she was
+beside him, her hand upon his sleeve.
+
+"I won't stay!" she exclaimed, fiercely, "I won't, Bob Hampton.  I 'd
+rather go with you than be good."
+
+His sensitive face flushed with delight, but he looked gravely down
+into her indignant eyes.  "Oh, yes, you will, Kid," and his hand
+touched her roughened hair caressingly.  "She's a good, kind woman, all
+right, and I don't blame her for not liking my style."
+
+"Do--do you really want me to stick it out here, Bob?"
+
+It was no small struggle for him to say so, for he was beginning to
+comprehend just what this separation meant.   She was more to him than
+he had ever supposed, more to him than she had been even an hour
+before; and now he understood clearly that from this moment they must
+ever run farther apart--her life tending upward, his down.  Yet there
+was but one decision possible.  A life which is lonely and
+dissatisfied, a wasted life, never fully realizes how lonely,
+dissatisfied, and wasted it is until some new life, beautiful in young
+hope and possibility, comes into contact with it.  For a single instant
+Hampton toyed with the temptation confronting him, this opportunity of
+brightening his own miserable future by means of her degradation.  Then
+he answered, his voice grown almost harsh.  "This is your best chance,
+little girl, and I want you to stay and fight it out."
+
+Their eyes met, each dimly realizing, although in a totally different
+way, that here was a moment of important decision.  Mrs. Herndon
+darkened the doorway, and stood looking out.
+
+"Well, Mr. Bob Hampton," she questioned, plainly, "what is this going
+to be?"
+
+He glanced toward her, slightly lifting his hat, and promptly releasing
+the girl's clinging hand.
+
+"Miss Gillis consents to remain," he announced shortly, and, denying
+himself so much as another glance at his companion, strode down the
+narrow path to the road.  A moment the girl's eyes followed him through
+the dust cloud, a single tear stealing down her cheek.  Only a short
+week ago she had utterly despised this man, now he had become truly
+more to her than any one else in the wide, wide world.  She did not in
+the least comprehend the mystery; indeed, it was no mystery, merely the
+simple trust of a child naturally responding to the first unselfish
+love given it.  Perhaps Mrs. Herndon dimly understood, for she came
+forth quietly, and led the girl, now sobbing bitterly, within the cool
+shadows of the house.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+A LAST REVOLT
+
+It proved a restless day, and a sufficiently unpleasant one, for Mr.
+Hampton.  For a number of years he had been diligently training himself
+in the school of cynicism, endeavoring to persuade himself that he did
+not in the least care what others thought, nor how his own career
+ended; impelling himself to constant recklessness in life and thought.
+He had thus successfully built up a wall between the present and that
+past which long haunted his lonely moments, and had finally decided
+that it was hermetically sealed.  Yet now, this odd chit of a girl,
+this waif whom he had plucked from the jaws of death, had overturned
+this carefully constructed barrier as if it had been originally built
+of mere cardboard, and he was compelled again to see himself, loathe
+himself, just as he had in those past years.
+
+Everything had been changed by her sudden entrance into his life,
+everything except those unfortunate conditions which still bound him
+helpless.  He looked upon the world no longer through his cool, gray
+eyes, but out of her darker ones, and the prospect appeared gloomy
+enough.  He thought it all over again and again, dwelling in reawakened
+memory upon details long hidden within the secret recesses of his
+brain, yet so little came from this searching survey that the result
+left him no plan for the future.  He had wandered too far away from
+home; the path leading back was long ago overgrown with weeds, and
+could not now be retraced.  One thing he grasped clearly,--the girl
+should be given her chance; nothing in his life must ever again soil
+her or lower her ideals.  Mrs. Herndon was right, and he realized it;
+neither his presence nor his money were fit to influence her future.
+He swore between his clinched teeth, his face grown haggard.  The sun's
+rays bridged the slowly darkening valley with cords of red gold, and
+the man pulled himself to his feet by gripping the root of a tree.  He
+realized that he had been sitting there for hours, and that he was
+hungry.
+
+Down beneath, amid the fast awakening noise and bustle of early
+evening, the long discipline of the gambler reasserted itself--he got
+back his nerve.  It was Bob Hampton, cool, resourceful, sarcastic of
+speech, quick of temper, who greeted the loungers about the hotel, and
+who sat, with his back to the wall, in the little dining-room, watchful
+of all others present.  And it was Bob Hampton who strolled carelessly
+out upon the darkened porch an hour later, leaving a roar of laughter
+behind him, and an enemy as well.  Little he cared for that, however,
+in his present mood, and he stood there, amid the black shadows,
+looking contemptuously down upon the stream of coatless humanity
+trooping past on pleasure bent, the blue smoke circling his head, his
+gray eyes glowing half angrily.  Suddenly he leaned forward, clutching
+the rail in quick surprise.
+
+"Kid," he exclaimed, harshly, "what does this mean?  What are you doing
+alone here?"
+
+She stopped instantly and glanced up, her face flushing in the light
+streaming forth from the open door of the Occidental.
+
+"I reckon I 'm alone here because I want to be," she returned,
+defiantly.  "I ain't no slave.  How do you get up there?"
+
+He extended his hand, and drew her up beside him into the shaded
+corner.  "Well," he said, "tell me the truth."
+
+"I 've quit, that's all, Bob.  I just couldn't stand for reform any
+longer, and so I 've come back here to you."
+
+The man drew a deep breath.  "Did n't you like Mrs. Herndon?"
+
+"Oh, she 's all right enough, so far as that goes.  'T ain't that; only
+I just didn't like some things she said and did."
+
+"Kid," and Hampton straightened up, his voice growing stern.  "I 've
+got to know the straight of this.  You say you like Mrs. Herndon well
+enough, but not some other things.  What were they?"
+
+The girl hesitated, drawing back a little from him until the light from
+the saloon fell directly across her face.  "Well," she declared,
+slowly, "you see it had to be either her or--or you, Bob, and I 'd
+rather it would be you."
+
+"You mean she said you would have to cut me out entirely if you stayed
+there with her?"
+
+She nodded, her eyes filled with entreaty.  "Yes, that was about it.  I
+wasn't ever to have anything more to do with you, not even to speak to
+you if we met--and after you 'd saved my life, too."
+
+"Never mind about that little affair, Kid," and Hampton rested his hand
+gently on her shoulder.  "That was all in the day's work, and hardly
+counts for much anyhow.  Was that all she said?"
+
+"She called you a low-down gambler, a gun-fighter, a--a miserable
+bar-room thug, a--a murderer.  She--she said that if I ever dared to
+speak to you again, Bob Hampton; that I could leave her house.  I just
+could n't stand for that, so I came away."
+
+Hampton never stirred, his teeth set deep into his cigar, his hands
+clinched about the railing.  "The fool!" he muttered half aloud, then
+caught his breath quickly.  "Now see here, Kid," and he turned her
+about so that he might look down into her eyes, "I 'm mighty glad you
+like me well enough to put up a kick, but if all this is true about me,
+why should n't she say it?  Do you believe that sort of a fellow would
+prove a very good kind to look after a young lady?"
+
+"I ain't a young lady!"
+
+"No; well, you 're going to be if I have my way, and I don't believe
+the sort of a gent described would be very apt to help you much in
+getting there."
+
+"You ain't all that."
+
+"Well, perhaps not.  Like an amateur artist, madam may have laid the
+colors on a little thick.  But I am no winged angel, Kid, nor exactly a
+model for you to copy after.  I reckon you better stick to the woman,
+and cut me."
+
+She did not answer, yet he read an unchanged purpose in her eyes, and
+his own decision strengthened.  Some instinct led him to do the right
+thing; he drew forth the locket from beneath the folds of her dress,
+holding it open to the light.  He noticed now a name engraven on the
+gold case, and bent lower to decipher it.
+
+"Was her name Naida?  It is an uncommon word."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And yours also?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Their eyes met, and those of both had perceptibly softened.
+
+"Naida," his lips dwelt upon the peculiar name as though he loved the
+sound.  "I want you to listen to me, child.  I sincerely wish I might
+keep you here with me, but I can't.  You are more to me than you dream,
+but it would not be right for me thus deliberately to sacrifice your
+whole future to my pleasure.  I possess nothing to offer you,--no home,
+no friends, no reputation.  Practically I am an outlaw, existing by my
+wits, disreputable in the eyes of those who are worthy to live in the
+world.  She, who was your mother, would never wish you to remain with
+me.  She would say I did right in giving you up into the care of a good
+woman.  Naida, look on that face in the locket, your mother's face.  It
+is sweet, pure, beautiful, the face of a good, true woman.  Living or
+dead, it must be the prayer of those lips that you become a good woman
+also.  She should lead you, not I, for I am unworthy.  For her sake,
+and in her name, I ask you to go back to Mrs. Herndon."
+
+He could perceive the gathering tears in her eyes, and his hand closed
+tightly about her own.  It was not one soul alone that struggled.
+
+"You will go?"
+
+"O Bob, I wish you wasn't a gambler!"
+
+A moment he remained silent.  "But unfortunately I am," he admitted,
+soberly, "and it is best for you to go back.  Won't you?"
+
+Her gaze was fastened upon the open locket, the fair face pictured
+there smiling up at her as though in pleading also.
+
+"You truly think she would wish it?"
+
+"I know she would."
+
+The girl gave utterance to a quick, startled breath, as if the vision
+frightened her.  "Then I will go," she said, her voice a mere whisper,
+"I will go."
+
+He led her down the steps, out into the jostling crowd below, as if she
+had been some fairy princess.  Men occasionally spoke to him, but
+seemingly he heard nothing, pressing his way through the mass of moving
+figures in utter unconsciousness of their presence.  Her locket hung
+dangling, and he slipped it back into its place and drew her slender
+form yet closer against his own, as they stepped forth into the black,
+deserted road.  Once, in the last faint ray of light which gleamed from
+the windows of the Miners' Retreat, she glanced up shyly into his face.
+It was white and hard set, and she did not venture to break the
+silence.  Half-way up the gloomy ravine they met a man and woman coming
+along the narrow path.  Hampton drew her aside out of their way, then
+spoke coldly.
+
+"Mrs. Herndon, were you seeking your lost charge?  I have her here."
+
+The two passing figures halted, peering through the darkness.
+
+"Who are you?"  It was the gruff voice of the man.
+
+Hampton stepped out directly in his path.  "Herndon," he said, calmly,
+"you and I have clashed once before, and the less you have to say
+to-night the better.  I am in no mood for trifling, and this happens to
+be your wife's affair."
+
+"Madam," and he lifted his hat, holding it in his hand, "I am bringing
+back the runaway, and she has now pledged herself to remain with you."
+
+"I was not seeking her," she returned, icily.  "I have no desire to
+cultivate the particular friends of Mr. Hampton."
+
+"So I have understood, and consequently relinquish here and now all
+claims upon Miss Gillis.  She has informed me of your flattering
+opinion regarding me, and I have indorsed it as being mainly true to
+life.  Miss Gillis has been sufficiently shocked at thus discovering my
+real character, and now returns in penitence to be reared according to
+the admonitions of the Presbyterian faith.  Do I state this fairly,
+Naida?"
+
+"I have come back," she faltered, fingering the chain at her throat, "I
+have come back."
+
+"Without Bob Hampton?"
+
+The girl glanced uneasily toward him, but he stood motionless in the
+gloom.
+
+"Yes--I--I suppose I must."
+
+Hampton rested his hand softly upon her shoulder, his fingers
+trembling, although his voice remained coldly deliberate.
+
+"I trust this is entirely satisfactory, Mrs. Herndon," he said.  "I can
+assure you I know absolutely nothing regarding her purpose of coming to
+me tonight.  I realize quite clearly my own deficiencies, and pledge
+myself hereafter not to interfere with you in any way.  You accept the
+trust, I believe?"
+
+She gave utterance to a deep sigh of resignation.  "It comes to me
+clearly as a Christian duty," she acknowledged, doubtfully, "and I
+suppose I must take up my cross; but--"
+
+"But you have doubts," he interrupted.  "Well, I have none, for I have
+greater faith in the girl, and--perhaps in God.  Good-night, Naida."
+
+He bowed above the hand the girl gave him in the darkness, and ever
+after she believed he bent lower, and pressed his lips upon it.  The
+next moment the black night had closed him out, and she stood there,
+half frightened at she knew not what, on the threshold of her new life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+AT THE OCCIDENTAL
+
+Hampton slowly picked his way back through the darkness down the silent
+road, his only guide those dim yellow lights flickering in the
+distance.  He walked soberly, his head bent slightly forward, absorbed
+in thought.  Suddenly he paused, and swore savagely, his disgust at the
+situation bursting all bounds; yet when he arrived opposite the beam of
+light streaming invitingly forth from the windows of the first saloon,
+he was whistling softly, his head held erect, his cool eyes filled with
+reckless daring.
+
+It was Saturday night, and the mining town was already alive.  The one
+long, irregular street was jammed with constantly moving figures, the
+numerous saloons ablaze, the pianos sounding noisily, the shuffling of
+feet in the crowded dance-halls incessant.  Fakers were everywhere
+industriously hawking their useless wares and entertaining the
+loitering crowds, while the roar of voices was continuous.  Cowboys
+from the wide plains, miners from the hidden gulches, ragged, hopeful
+prospectors from the more distant mountains, teamsters, and half-naked
+Indians, commingled in the restless throng, passing and repassing from
+door to door, careless in dress, rough in manner, boisterous in
+language.  Here and there amid this heterogeneous population of toilers
+and adventurers, would appear those attired in the more conventional
+garb of the East,--capitalists hunting new investments, or chance
+travellers seeking to discover a new thrill amid this strange life of
+the frontier.  Everywhere, brazen and noisy, flitted women, bold of
+eye, painted of cheek, gaudy of raiment, making mock of their sacred
+womanhood.  Riot reigned unchecked, while the quiet, sleepy town of the
+afternoon blossomed under the flickering lights into a saturnalia of
+unlicensed pleasure, wherein the wages of sin were death.
+
+Hampton scarcely noted this marvellous change; to him it was no
+uncommon spectacle.  He pushed his way through the noisy throng with
+eyes ever watchful for the faces.  His every motion was that of a man
+who had fully decided upon his course.  Through the widely opened doors
+of the Occidental streams of blue and red shirted men were constantly
+flowing in and out; a band played strenuously on the wide balcony
+overhead, while beside the entrance a loud-voiced "barker" proclaimed
+the many attractions within.  Hampton swung up the broad wooden steps
+and entered the bar-room, which was crowded by jostling figures, the
+ever-moving mass as yet good-natured, for the night was young.  At the
+lower end of the long, sloppy bar he stopped for a moment to nod to the
+fellow behind.
+
+"Anything going on to-night worth while, Jim?" he questioned, quietly.
+
+"Rather stiff game, they tell me, just started in the back room," was
+the genial reply.  "Two Eastern suckers, with Red Slavin sitting in."
+
+The gambler passed on, pushing rather unceremoniously through the
+throng of perspiring humanity.  He appeared out of place amid the rough
+element jostling him, and more than one glanced at him curiously, a few
+swearing as he elbowed them aside.  Scarcely noticing this, he drew a
+cigar from his pocket, and stuck it unlighted between his teeth.  The
+large front room upstairs was ablaze with lights, every game in full
+operation and surrounded by crowds of devotees.  Tobacco smoke in
+clouds circled to the low ceiling, and many of the players were noisy
+and profane, while the various calls of faro, roulette, keno, and
+high-ball added to the confusion and to the din of shuffling feet and
+excited exclamations.  Hampton glanced about superciliously, shrugging
+his shoulders in open contempt--all this was far too coarse, too small,
+to awaken his interest.  He observed the various faces at the tables--a
+habit one naturally forms who has desperate enemies in plenty--and then
+walked directly toward the rear of the room.  A thick, dingy red
+curtain hung there; he held back its heavy folds and stepped within the
+smaller apartment beyond.
+
+Three men sat at the single table, cards in hand, and Hampton
+involuntarily whistled softly behind his teeth at the first glimpse of
+the money openly displayed before them.  This was apparently not so bad
+for a starter, and his waning interest revived.  A red-bearded giant,
+sitting so as to face the doorway, glanced up quickly at his entrance,
+his coarse mouth instantly taking on the semblance of a smile.
+
+"Ah, Bob," he exclaimed, with an evident effort at cordiality; "been
+wondering if you wouldn't show up before the night was over.  You're
+the very fellow to make this a four-handed affair, provided you carry
+sufficient stuff."
+
+Hampton came easily forward into the full glow of the swinging oil
+lamp, his manner coolly deliberate, his face expressionless.  "I feel
+no desire to intrude," he explained, quietly, watching the uplifted
+faces.  "I believe I have never before met these gentlemen."
+
+Slavin laughed, his great white fingers drumming the table.
+
+"It is an acquaintance easily made," he said, "provided one can afford
+to trot in their class, for it is money that talks at this table
+to-night.  Mr. Hampton, permit me to present Judge Hawes, of Denver,
+and Mr. Edgar Willis, president of the T. P. & R.  I have no idea what
+they are doing in this hell-hole of a town, but they are dead-game
+sports, and I have been trying my best to amuse them while they're
+here."
+
+Hampton bowed, instantly recognizing the names.
+
+"Glad to assist," he murmured, sinking into a vacant chair.  "What
+limit?"
+
+"We have had no occasion to discuss that matter as yet," volunteered
+Hawes, sneeringly.  "However, if you have scruples we might settle upon
+something within reason."
+
+Hampton ran the undealt pack carelessly through his fingers, his lips
+smiling pleasantly.  "Oh, never mind, if it chances to go above my pile
+I 'll drop out.  Meanwhile, I hardly believe there is any cause for you
+to be modest on my account."
+
+The play opened quietly and with some restraint, the faces of the men
+remaining impassive, their watchful glances evidencing nothing either
+of success or failure.  Hampton played with extreme caution for some
+time, his eyes studying keenly the others about the table, seeking some
+deeper understanding of the nature of his opponents, their strong and
+weak points, and whether or not there existed any prior arrangement
+between them.  He was there for a purpose, a clearly defined purpose,
+and he felt no inclination to accept unnecessary chances with the
+fickle Goddess of Fortune.  To one trained in the calm observation of
+small things, and long accustomed to weigh his adversaries with care,
+it was not extremely difficult to class the two strangers, and Hampton
+smiled softly on observing the size of the rolls rather ostentatiously
+exhibited by them.  He felt that his lines had fallen in pleasant
+places, and looked forward with serene confidence to the enjoyment of a
+royal game, provided only he exercised sufficient patience and the
+other gentlemen possessed the requisite nerve.  His satisfaction was in
+noways lessened by the sound of their voices, when incautiously raised
+in anger over some unfortunate play.  He immediately recognized them as
+the identical individuals who had loudly and vainly protested over his
+occupancy of the best rooms at the hotel.  He chuckled grimly.
+
+But what bothered him particularly was Slavin.  The cool gray eyes,
+glancing with such apparent negligence across the cards in his hands,
+noted every slight movement of the red-bearded gambler, in expectation
+of detecting some sign of trickery, or some evidence that he had been
+selected by this precious trio for the purpose of easy plucking.
+Knavery was Slavin's style, but apparently he was now playing a
+straight game, no doubt realizing clearly, behind his impassive mask of
+a face, the utter futility of seeking to outwit one of Hampton's
+enviable reputation.
+
+It was, unquestionably, a fairly fought four-handed battle, and at
+last, thoroughly convinced of this, Hampton settled quietly down,
+prepared to play out his game.  The hours rolled on unnoted, the men
+tireless, their faces immovable, the cards dealt silently.  The stakes
+grew steadily larger, and curious visitors, hearing vague rumors
+without, ventured in, to stand behind the chairs of the absorbed
+players and look on.  Now and then a startled exclamation evidenced the
+depth of their interest and excitement, but at the table no one spoke
+above a strained whisper, and no eye ventured to wander from the board.
+Several times drinks were served, but Hampton contented himself with a
+gulp of water, always gripping an unlighted cigar between his teeth.
+He was playing now with apparent recklessness, never hesitating over a
+card, his eye as watchful as that of a hawk, his betting quick,
+confident, audacious.  The contagion of his spirit seemed to affect the
+others, to force them into desperate wagers, and thrill the lookers-on.
+The perspiration was beading Slavin's forehead, and now and then an
+oath burst unrestrained from his hairy lips.  Hawes and Willis sat
+white-faced, bent forward anxiously over the table, their fingers
+shaking as they handled the fateful cards, but Hampton played without
+perceptible tremor, his utterances few and monosyllabic, his calm face
+betraying not the faintest emotion.
+
+And he was steadily winning.  Occasionally some other hand drew in the
+growing stock of gold and bank notes, but not often enough to offset
+those continued gains that began to heap up in such an alluring pile
+upon his portion of the table.  The watchers began to observe this, and
+gathered more closely about his chair, fascinated by the luck with
+which the cards came floating into his hands, the cool judgment of his
+critical plays, the reckless abandon with which he forced success.  The
+little room was foul with tobacco smoke and electric with ill-repressed
+excitement, yet he played on imperturbably, apparently hearing nothing,
+seeing nothing, his entire personality concentrated on his play.
+Suddenly he forced the fight to a finish.  The opportunity came in a
+jack-pot which Hawes had opened.  The betting began with a cool
+thousand.  Then Hampton's turn came.  Without drawing, his cards yet
+lying face downward before him on the board, his calm features as
+immovable as the Sphinx, he quietly pushed his whole accumulated pile
+to the centre, named the sum, and leaned back in his chair, his eyes
+cold, impassive.  Hawes threw down his hand, wiping his streaming face
+with his handkerchief; Willis counted his remaining roll, hesitated,
+looked again at the faces of his cards, flung aside two, drawing to
+fill, and called loudly for a show-down, his eyes protruding.  Slavin,
+cursing fiercely under his red beard, having drawn one card, his
+perplexed face instantly brightening as he glanced at it, went back
+into his hip pocket for every cent he had, and added his profane demand
+for a chance at the money.
+
+A fortune rested on the table, a fortune the ownership of which was to
+be decided in a single moment, and by the movement of a hand.  The
+crowd swayed eagerly forward, their heads craned over to see more
+clearly, their breathing hushed.  Willis was gasping, his whole body
+quivering; Slavin was watching Hampton's hands as a cat does a mouse,
+his thick lips parted, his fingers twitching nervously.  The latter
+smiled grimly, his motions deliberate, his eyes never wavering.
+Slowly, one by one, he turned up his cards, never even deigning to
+glance downward, his entire manner that of unstudied indifference.
+One--two--three.  Willis uttered a snarl like a stricken wild beast,
+and sank back in his chair, his eyes closed, his cheeks ghastly.  Four.
+Slavin brought down his great clenched fist with a crash on the table,
+a string of oaths bursting unrestrained from his lips.  Five.  Hampton,
+never stirring a muscle, sat there like a statue, watching.  His right
+hand kept hidden beneath the table, with his left he quietly drew in
+the stack of bills and coin, pushing the stuff heedlessly into the side
+pocket of his coat, his gaze never once wandering from those stricken
+faces fronting him.  Then he softly pushed back his chair and stood
+erect.  Willis never moved, but Slavin rose unsteadily to his feet,
+gripping the table fiercely with both hands.
+
+"Gentlemen," said Hampton, gravely, his clear voice sounding like the
+sudden peal of a bell, "I can only thank you for your courtesy in this
+matter, and bid you all good-night.  However, before I go it may be of
+some interest for me to say that I have played my last game."
+
+Somebody laughed sarcastically, a harsh, hateful laugh.  The speaker
+whirled, took one step forward; there was the flash of an extended arm,
+a dull crunch, and Red Slavin went crashing backward against the wall.
+As he gazed up, dazed and bewildered, from the floor, the lights
+glimmered along a blue-steel barrel.
+
+"Not a move, you red brute," and Hampton spurned him contemptuously
+with his heel.  "This is no variety show, and your laughter was in poor
+taste.  However, if you feel particularly hilarious to-night I 'll give
+you another chance.  I said this was my last game; I'll repeat
+it--_this was my last game_!  Now, damn you! if you feel like it,
+laugh!"
+
+He swept the circle of excited faces, his eyes glowing like two
+diamonds, his thin lips compressed into a single straight line.
+
+"Mr. Slavin appears to have lost his previous sense of humor," he
+remarked, calmly.  "I will now make my statement for the third
+time--_this was my last game_.  Perhaps some of you gentlemen also may
+discover this to be amusing."
+
+[Illustration: "Mr. Slavin appears to have lost his previous sense of
+humor," he remarked, calmly.]
+
+The heavy, strained breathing of the motionless crowd was his only
+answer, and a half smile of bitter contempt curled Hampton's lips, as
+he swept over them a last defiant glance.
+
+"Not quite so humorous as it seemed to be at first, I reckon," he
+commented, dryly.  "Slavin," and he prodded the red giant once more
+with his foot, "I'm going out; if you make any attempt to leave this
+room within the next five minutes I 'll kill you in your tracks, as I
+would a mad dog.  You stacked cards twice to-night, but the last time I
+beat you fairly at your own game."
+
+He held aside the heavy curtains with his left hand and backed slowly
+out facing them, the deadly revolver shining ominously in the other.
+Not a man moved: Slavin glowered at him from the floor, an impotent
+curse upon his lips.  Then the red drapery fell.
+
+While the shadows of the long night still hung over the valley, Naida,
+tossing restlessly upon her strange bed within the humble yellow house
+at the fork of the trails, was aroused to wakefulness by the pounding
+of a horse's hoofs on the plank bridge spanning the creek.  She drew
+aside the curtain and looked out, shading her eyes to see clearer
+through the poor glass.  All she perceived was a somewhat deeper smudge
+when the rider swept rapidly past, horse and man a shapeless shadow.
+Three hours later she awoke again, this time to the full glare of day,
+and to the remembrance that she was now facing a new life.  As she lay
+there thinking, her eyes troubled but tearless, far away on the
+sun-kissed uplands Hampton was spurring forward his horse, already
+beginning to exhibit signs of weariness.  Bent slightly over the saddle
+pommel, his eyes upon these snow-capped peaks still showing blurred and
+distant, he rode steadily on, the only moving object amid all that
+wide, desolate landscape.
+
+
+
+
+_PART II_
+
+WHAT OCCURRED IN GLENCAID
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE ARRIVAL OF MISS SPENCER
+
+There was a considerable period when events of importance in Glencaid's
+history were viewed against the background of the opening of its first
+school.  This was not entirely on account of the deep interest
+manifested in the cause of higher education by the residents, but owing
+rather to the personality of the pioneer school-teacher, and the deep,
+abiding impress which she made upon the community.
+
+Miss Phoebe Spencer came direct to Glencaid from the far East, her
+starting-point some little junction place back in Vermont, although she
+proudly named Boston as her home, having once visited in that
+metropolis for three delicious weeks.  She was of an ardent,
+impressionable nature.  Her mind was nurtured upon Eastern conceptions
+of our common country, her imagination aglow with weird tales of the
+frontier, and her bright eyes perceived the vivid coloring of romance
+in each prosaic object west of the tawny Missouri.  All appeared so
+different from that established life to which she had grown
+accustomed,--the people, the country, the picturesque language,--while
+her brain so teemed with lurid pictures of border experiences and
+heroes as to reveal romantic possibilities everywhere.  The vast,
+mysterious West, with its seemingly boundless prairies, grand, solemn
+mountains, and frankly spoken men peculiarly attired and everywhere
+bearing the inevitable "gun," was to her a newly discovered world.  She
+could scarcely comprehend its reality.  As the apparently illimitable
+plains, barren, desolate, awe-inspiring, rolled away behind, mile after
+mile, like a vast sea, and left a measureless expanse of grim desert
+between her and the old life, her unfettered imagination seemed to
+expand with the fathomless blue of the Western sky.  As her eager eyes
+traced the serrated peaks of a snow-clad mountain range, her heart
+throbbed with anticipation of wonders yet to come.  Homesickness was a
+thing undreamed of; her active brain responded to each new impression.
+
+She sat comfortably ensconced in the back seat of the old, battered red
+coach, surrounded by cushions for protection from continual jouncing,
+as the Jehu in charge urged his restive mules down the desolate valley
+of the Bear Water.  Her cheeks were flushed, her wide-open eyes filled
+with questioning, her pale fluffy hair frolicking with the breeze, as
+pretty a picture of young womanhood as any one could wish to see.  Nor
+was she unaware of this fact.  During the final stage other long
+journey she had found two congenial souls, sufficiently picturesque to
+harmonize with her ideas of wild Western romance.
+
+These two men were lolling in the less comfortable seat opposite,
+secretly longing for a quiet smoke outside, yet neither willing to
+desert this Eastern divinity to his rival.  The big fellow, his arm run
+carelessly through the leather sling, his bare head projecting half out
+of the open window, was Jack Moffat, half-owner of the "Golden Rule,"
+and enjoying a well-earned reputation as the most ornate and artistic
+liar in the Territory.  For two hours he had been exercising his talent
+to the full, and merely paused now in search of some fresh inspiration,
+holding in supreme and silent contempt the rather feeble imitations of
+his less-gifted companion.  It is also just to add that Mr. Moffat
+personally formed an ideal accompaniment to his vivid narrations of
+adventure, and he was fully aware of the fact that Miss Spencer's
+appreciative eyes wandered frequently in his direction, noting his
+tanned cheeks, his long silky mustache, the somewhat melancholy gleam
+of his dark eyes--hiding beyond doubt some mystery of the past, the
+nature of which was yet to be revealed.  Mr. Moffat, always strong
+along this line of feminine sympathy, felt newly inspired by these
+evidences of interest in his tales, and by something in Miss Spencer's
+face which bespoke admiration.
+
+The fly in the ointment of this long day's ride, the third party, whose
+undesirable presence and personal knowledge of Mr. Moffat's past career
+rather seriously interfered with the latter's flights of imagination,
+was William McNeil, foreman of the "Bar V" ranch over on Sinsiniwa
+Creek.  McNeil was not much of a talker, having an impediment in his
+speech, and being a trifle bashful in the presence of a lady.  But he
+caught the eye,--a slenderly built, reckless fellow, smoothly shaven,
+with a strong chin and bright laughing eyes,--and as he lolled
+carelessly back in his bearskin "chaps" and wide-brimmed sombrero,
+occasionally throwing in some cool, insinuating comment regarding
+Moffat's recitals, the latter experienced a strong inclination to heave
+him overboard.  The slight hardening of McNeil's eyes at such moments
+had thus far served, however, as sufficient restraint, while the
+unobservant Miss Spencer, unaware of the silent duel thus being
+conducted in her very presence, divided her undisguised admiration,
+playing havoc with the susceptible heart of each, and all unconsciously
+laying the foundations for future trouble.
+
+"Why, how truly remarkable!" she exclaimed, her cheeks glowing.  "It's
+all so different from the East; heroism seems to be in the very air of
+this country, and your adventure was so very unusual.  Don't you think
+so, Mr. McNeil?"
+
+The silent foreman hitched himself suddenly upright, his face unusually
+solemn.  "Why--eh--yes, miss--you might--eh--say that.  He," with a
+flip of his hand toward the other, "eh--reminds me--of--eh--an old
+friend."
+
+"Indeed?  How extremely interesting!" eagerly scenting a new story.
+"Please tell me who it was, Mr. McNeil."
+
+"Oh--eh--knew him when I was a boy--eh--Munchausen."
+
+Mr. Moffat drew in his head violently, with an exclamation nearly
+profane, yet before he could speak Miss Spencer intervened.
+
+"Munchausen!  Why, Mr. McNeil, you surely do not intend to question the
+truth of Mr. Moffat's narrative?"
+
+The foreman's eyes twinkled humorously, but the lines of his face
+remained calmly impassive.  "My--eh--reference," he explained, gravely,
+"was--eh--entirely to the--eh--local color, the--eh--expert touches."
+
+"Oh!"
+
+"Yes, miss.  It's--eh--bad taste out here to--eh--doubt anybody's
+word--eh--publicly."
+
+Moffat stirred uneasily, his hand flung behind him, but McNeil was
+gazing into the lady's fair face, apparently unconscious of any other
+presence.
+
+"But all this time you have not favored me with any of your own
+adventures, Mr. McNeil.  I am very sure you must have had hundreds out
+on these wide plains."
+
+The somewhat embarrassed foreman shook his head discouragingly.
+
+"Oh, but I just know you have, only you are so modest about recounting
+them.  Now, that scar just under your hair--really it is not at all
+unbecoming--surely that reveals a story.  Was it caused by an Indian
+arrow?"
+
+McNeil crossed his legs, and wiped his damp forehead with the back of
+his hand.  "Hoof of a damn pack-mule," he explained, forgetting
+himself.  "The--eh--cuss lifted me ten feet."
+
+Moffat laughed hoarsely, but as the foreman straightened up quickly,
+the amazed girl joined happily in, and his own face instantly exhibited
+the contagion.
+
+"Ain't much--eh--ever happens out on a ranch," he said, doubtfully,
+"except dodgin' steers, and--eh--bustin' broncoes."
+
+"Your blame mule story," broke in Moffat, who had at last discovered
+his inspiration, "reminds me of a curious little incident occurring
+last year just across the divide.  I don't recall ever telling it
+before, but it may interest you, Miss Spencer, as illustrative of one
+phase of life in this country.  A party of us were out after bear, and
+one night when I chanced to be left all alone in camp, I did n't dare
+fall asleep and leave everything unguarded, as the Indians were all
+around as thick as leaves on a tree.  So I decided to sit up in front
+of the tent on watch.  Along about midnight, I suppose, I dropped off
+into a doze, for the first thing I heard was the hee-haw of a mule
+right in my ear.  It sounded like a clap of thunder, and I jumped up,
+coming slap-bang against the brute's nose so blamed hard it knocked me
+flat; and then, when I fairly got my eyes open, I saw five Sioux
+Indians creeping along through the moonlight, heading right toward our
+pony herd.  I tell you things looked mighty skittish for me just then,
+but what do you suppose I did with 'em?"
+
+"Eh--eat 'em, likely,"  suggested McNeil, thoughtfully, "fried with
+plenty of--eh--salt; heard they were--eh--good that way."
+
+Mr. Moffat half rose to his feet.
+
+"You damn--"
+
+"O Mr. McNeil, how perfectly ridiculous!" chimed in Miss Spencer.
+"Please do go on, Mr. Moffat; it is so exceedingly interesting."
+
+The incensed narrator sank reluctantly back into his seat, his eyes yet
+glowing angrily.  "Well, I crept carefully along a little gully until I
+got where them Indians were just exactly opposite me in a direct line.
+I had an awful heavy gun, carrying a slug of lead near as big as your
+fist.  Had it fixed up specially fer grizzlies.  The fellow creepin'
+along next me was a tremendous big buck; he looked like a plum giant in
+that moonlight, and I 'd just succeeded in drawin' a bead on him when a
+draught of air from up the gully strikin' across the back of my neck
+made me sneeze, and that buck turned round and saw me.  You wouldn't
+hardly believe what happened."
+
+"Whole--eh--bunch drop dead from fright?" asked McNeil, solicitously.
+
+Moffat glared at him savagely, his lips moving, but emitting no sound.
+
+"Oh, please don't mind," urged his fair listener, her flushed cheeks
+betraying her interest.  "He is so full of his fun.  What did follow?"
+
+The story-teller swallowed something in his throat, his gaze still on
+his persecutor.  "No, sir," he continued, hoarsely, "them bucks jumped
+to their feet with the most awful yells I ever heard, and made a rush
+toward where I was standing.  They was exactly in a line, and I let
+drive at that first buck, and blame me if that slug didn't go plum
+through three of 'em, and knock down the fourth.  You can roast me
+alive if that ain't a fact!  The fifth one got away, but I roped the
+wounded fellow, and was a-sittin' on him when the rest of the party got
+back to camp.  Jim Healy was along, and he'll tell you the same story."
+
+There was a breathless silence, during which McNeil spat meditatively
+out of the window.
+
+"Save any--eh--locks of their hair?" he questioned, anxiously.
+
+"Oh, please don't tell me anything about that!" interrupted Miss
+Spencer, nervously.  "The whites don't scalp, do they?"
+
+"Not generally, miss, but I--eh--didn't just know what Mr.
+Moffat's--eh--custom was."
+
+The latter gentleman had his head craned out of the window once more,
+in an apparent determination to ignore all such frivolous remarks.
+Suddenly he pointed directly ahead.
+
+"There's Glencaid now, Miss Spencer," he said, cheerfully, glad enough
+of an opportunity to change the topic of conversation.  "That's the
+spire of the new Presbyterian church sticking up above the ridge."
+
+"Oh, indeed!  How glad I am to be here safe at last!"
+
+"How--eh--did you happen to--eh--recognize the church?" asked McNeil
+with evident admiration.  "You--eh--can't see it from the saloon."
+
+Moffat disdained reply, and the lurching stage rolled rapidly down the
+valley, the mules now lashed into a wild gallop to the noisy
+accompaniment of the driver's whip.
+
+The hoofs clattered across the narrow bridge, and, with a sudden swing,
+all came to a sharp stand, amid a cloud of dust before a naked yellow
+house.
+
+"Here 's where you get out, miss," announced the Jehu, leaning down
+from his seat to peer within.  "This yere is the Herndon shebang."
+
+The gentlemen inside assisted Miss Spencer to descend in safety to the
+weed-bordered walk, where she stood shaking her ruffled plumage into
+shape, and giving directions regarding her luggage.  Then the two
+gentlemen emerged, Moffat bearing a grip-case, a bandbox, and a basket,
+while McNeil supported a shawl-strap and a small trunk.  Thus decorated
+they meekly followed her lead up the narrow path toward the front door.
+The latter opened suddenly, and Mrs. Herndon bounced forth with
+vociferous welcome.
+
+"Why, Phoebe Spencer, and have you really come!  I did n't expect you
+'d get along before next week.  Oh, this seems too nice to see you
+again; almost as good as going home to Vermont.  You must be completely
+tired out."
+
+"Dear Aunt Lydia; of course I 'm glad to be here.  But I 'm not in the
+least tired.  I 've had such a delightful trip."  She glanced around
+smilingly upon her perspiring cavaliers.  "Oh, put those things down,
+gentlemen--anywhere there on the grass; they can be carried in later.
+It was so kind of you both."
+
+"Hey, there!" sang out the driver, growing impatient, "if you two gents
+are aimin' to go down town with this outfit, you'd better be pilin' in
+lively, fer I can't stay here all day."
+
+Moffat glanced furtively aside at McNeil, only to discover that
+individual quietly seated on the trunk.  He promptly dropped his own
+grip.
+
+"Drive on with your butcher's cart," he called out spitefully.  "I
+reckon it's no special honor to ride to town."
+
+The pleasantly smiling young woman glanced from one to the other, her
+eyes fairly dancing, as the lumbering coach disappeared through the red
+dust.
+
+"How very nice of you to remain," she exclaimed.  "Aunt Lydia, I am so
+anxious for you to meet my friends, Mr. Moffat and Mr. McNeil.  They
+have been so thoughtful and entertaining all the way up the Bear Water,
+and they explained so many things that I did not understand."
+
+She swept impulsively down toward them, both hands extended, the bright
+glances of her eyes bestowed impartially.
+
+"I cannot invite you to come into the house now," she exclaimed,
+sweetly, "for I am almost like a stranger here myself, but I do hope
+you will both of you call.  I shall be so very lonely at first, and you
+are my earliest acquaintances.  You will promise, won't you?"
+
+McNeil bowed, painfully clearing his throat, but Moffat succeeded in
+expressing his pleasure with a well-rounded sentence.
+
+"I felt sure you would.  But now I must really say good-bye for this
+time, and go in with Aunt Lydia.  I know I must be getting horribly
+burned out here in this hot sun.  I shall always be so grateful to you
+both."
+
+The two radiant knights walked together toward the road, neither
+uttering a word.  McNeil whistled carelessly, and Moffat gazed intently
+at the distant hills.  Just beyond the gate, and without so much as
+glancing toward his companion, the latter turned and strode up one of
+the numerous diverging trails.  McNeil halted and stared after him in
+surprise.
+
+"Ain't you--eh--goin' on down town?"
+
+"I reckon not.  Take a look at my mine first."
+
+McNeil chuckled.  "You--eh--better be careful goin' up
+that--eh--gully," he volunteered, soberly, "the--eh--ghosts of them
+four--eh--Injuns might--eh--haunt ye!"
+
+Moffat wheeled about as if he had been shot in the back.  "You
+blathering, mutton-headed cowherd!" he yelled, savagely.
+
+But McNeil was already nearly out of hearing.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+BECOMING ACQUAINTED
+
+Once within the cool shadows of the livingroom, Mrs. Herndon again
+bethought herself to kiss her niece in a fresh glow of welcome, while
+the latter sank into a convenient rocker and began enthusiastically
+expressing her unbounded enjoyment of the West, and of the impressions
+gathered during her journey.  Suddenly the elder woman glanced about
+and exclaimed, laughingly, "Why, I had completely forgotten.  You have
+not yet met your room-mate.  Come out here, Naida; this is my niece,
+Phoebe Spencer."
+
+The girl thus addressed advanced, a slender, graceful figure dressed in
+white, and extended her hand shyly.  Miss Spencer clasped it warmly,
+her eyes upon the flushed, winsome face.
+
+"And is this Naida Gillis!" she cried.  "I am so delighted that you are
+still here, and that we are to be together.  Aunt Lydia has written so
+much about you that I feel as If we must have known each other for
+years.  Why, how pretty you are!"
+
+Naida's cheeks were burning, and her eyes fell, but she had never yet
+succeeded in conquering the blunt independence of her speech.  "Nobody
+else ever says so," she said, uneasily.  "Perhaps it's the light."
+
+Miss Spencer turned her about so as to face the window.  "Well, you
+are," she announced, decisively.  "I guess I know; you 've got
+magnificent hair, and your eyes are perfectly wonderful.  You just
+don't fix yourself up right; Aunt Lydia never did have any taste in
+such things, but I 'll make a new girl out of you.  Let's go upstairs;
+I 'm simply dying to see our room, and get some of my dresses unpacked.
+They must look perfect frights by this time."
+
+They came down perhaps an hour later, hand in hand, and chattering like
+old friends.  The shades of early evening were already falling across
+the valley.  Herndon had returned home from his day's work, and had
+brought with him the Rev. Howard Wynkoop for supper.  Miss Spencer
+viewed the young man with approval, and immediately became more than
+usually vivacious in recounting the incidents of her long journey,
+together with her early impressions of the Western country.  Mr.
+Wynkoop responded with an interest far from being assumed.
+
+"I have found it all so strange, so unique, Mr. Wynkoop," she
+explained.  "The country is like a new world to me, and the people do
+not seem at all like those of the East.  They lead such a wild,
+untrammelled life.  Everything about seems to exhale the spirit of
+romance; don't you find it so?"
+
+He smiled at her enthusiasm, his glance of undisguised admiration on
+her face.  "I certainly recall some such earlier conception," he
+admitted.  "Those just arriving from the environment of an older
+civilization perceive merely the picturesque elements; but my later
+experiences have been decidedly prosaic."
+
+"Why, Mr. Wynkoop! how could they be?  Your work is heroic.  I cannot
+conceive how any minister of the Cross, having within him any of the
+old apostolic fervor, can consent to spend his days amid the dreary
+commonplaces of those old, dead Eastern churches.  You, nobly battling
+on the frontier, are the true modern Crusaders, the Knights of the
+Grail.  Here you are ever in the very forefront of the battle against
+sin, associated with the Argonauts, impressing your faith upon the
+bold, virile spirits of the age.  It is perfectly grand!  Why the very
+men I meet seem to yield me a broader conception of life and duty; they
+are so brave, so modest, so active.  Is--is Mr. Moffat a member of your
+church?"
+
+The minister cleared his throat, his cheeks reddening.  "Mr. Moffat?
+Ah, no; not exactly.  Do you mean the mine-owner, Jack Moffat?"
+
+"Yes, I think so; he told me he owned a mine--the Golden Rule the name
+was; the very choice in words would seem, to indicate his religious
+nature.  He 's such a pleasant, intelligent man.  There is a look in
+his eyes as though he sorrowed over something.  I was in hopes you knew
+what it was, and I am very sure he would welcome your ministrations.
+You have the only church in Glencaid, I understand, and I wonder
+greatly he has never joined you.  But perhaps he may be prejudiced
+against your denomination.  There is so much narrowness in religion.
+Now, I am an Episcopalian myself, but I do not mean to permit that to
+interfere in any way with my church work out here.  I wonder if Mr.
+Moffat can be an Episcopalian.  If he is, I am just going to show him
+that it is clearly his duty to assist in any Christian service.  Is n't
+that the true, liberal, Western spirit, Mr. Wynkoop?"
+
+"It most assuredly should be," said the young pastor.
+
+"I left every prejudice east of the Missouri," she declared,
+laughingly, "every one, social and religious.  I 'm going to be a true
+Westerner, from the top of my head to the toe of my shoe.  Is Mr.
+McNeil in your church?"
+
+The minister hesitated.  "I really do not recall the name," he
+confessed at last, reluctantly.  "I scarcely think I can have ever met
+the gentleman."
+
+"Oh, you ought to; he is so intensely original, and his face is full of
+character.  He reminds me of some old paladin of the Middle Ages.  You
+would be interested in him at once.  He is the foreman of the 'Bar V'
+ranch, somewhere near here."
+
+"Do you mean Billy McNeil, over on Sinsiniwa Creek?" broke in Herndon.
+
+"I think quite likely, uncle; would n't he make a splendid addition to
+Mr. Wynkoop's church?"
+
+Herndon choked, his entire body shaking with ill-suppressed enjoyment.
+"I should imagine yes," he admitted finally.  "Billy McNeil--oh, Lord!
+There 's certainly a fine opening for you to do some missionary work,
+Phoebe."
+
+"Well, and I 'm going to," announced the young lady, firmly.  "I guess
+I can read men's characters, and I know all Mr. McNeil needs is to have
+some one show an interest in him.  Have you a large church, Mr.
+Wynkoop?"
+
+"Not large if judged from an Eastern standpoint," he confessed, with
+some regret.  "Our present membership is composed of eight women and
+three men, but the congregational attendance is quite good, and
+constantly increasing."
+
+"Only eight women and three men!" breathlessly.  "And you have been
+laboring upon this field for five years!  How could it be so small?"
+
+Wynkoop pushed back his chair, anxious to redeem himself in the
+estimation of this fair stranger.
+
+"Miss Spencer," he explained, "it is perhaps hardly strange that you
+should misapprehend the peculiar conditions under which religious labor
+is conducted in the West.  You will undoubtedly understand all this
+better presently.  My parish comprises this entire mining region, and I
+am upon horseback among the foothills and up in the ranges for fully a
+third of my time.  The spirit of the mining population, as well as of
+the cattlemen, while not actually hostile, is one of indifference to
+religious thought.  They care nothing whatever for it in the abstract,
+and have no use for any minister, unless it may be to marry their
+children or bury their dead.  I am hence obliged to meet with them
+merely as man to man, and thus slowly win their confidence before I
+dare even approach a religious topic.  For three long years I worked
+here without even a church organization or a building; and apparently
+without the faintest encouragement.  Now that we have a nucleus
+gathered, a comfortable building erected and paid for, with an
+increasing congregation, I begin to feel that those seemingly barren
+five years were not without spiritual value."
+
+She quickly extended her hands.  "Oh, it is so heroic, so
+self-sacrificing!  No doubt I was hasty and wrong.  But I have always
+been accustomed to so much larger churches.  I am going to help you,
+Mr. Wynkoop, in every way I possibly can--I shall certainly speak to
+both Mr. Moffat and Mr. McNeil the very first opportunity.  I feel
+almost sure that they will join."
+
+The unavoidable exigencies of a choir practice compelled Mr. Wynkoop to
+retire early, nor was it yet late when the more intimate family circle
+also dissolved, and the two girls discovered themselves alone.  Naida
+drew down the shades and lit the lamp.  Miss Spencer slowly divested
+herself of her outer dress, replacing it with a light wrapper, encased
+her feet snugly in comfortable slippers, and proceeded to let down her
+flossy hair in gleaming waves across her shoulders.  Naida's dark eyes
+bespoke plainly her admiration, and Miss Spencer shook back her hair
+somewhat coquettishly.
+
+"Do you think I look nice?" she questioned, smilingly.
+
+"You bet I do.  Your hair is just beautiful, Miss Spencer."
+
+The other permitted the soft strands to slip slowly between her white
+fingers.  "You should never say 'you bet,' Naida.  Such language is not
+at all lady-like.  I am going to call you Naida, and you must call me
+Phoebe.  People use their given names almost entirely out here in the
+West, don't they?"
+
+"I never have had much training in being a lady," the young girl
+explained, reddening, "but I can learn.  Yes, I reckon they do mostly
+use the first names out here."
+
+"Please don't say 'I reckon,' either; it has such a vulgar sound.  What
+is his given name?"
+
+"Whose?"
+
+"Why, I was thinking of Mr. Wynkoop."
+
+"Howard; I saw it written in some books he loaned me.  But the people
+here never address him in that way."
+
+"No, I suppose not, only I thought I should like to know what it was."
+
+There was a considerable pause; then the speaker asked, calmly, "Is he
+married?"
+
+"Mr. Wynkoop?  Why, of course not; he does n't care for women in that
+way at all."
+
+Miss Spencer bound her hair carefully with a bright ribbon.  "Maybe he
+might, though, some time.  All men do."
+
+She sat down in the low rocker, her feet comfortably crossed.  "Do you
+know, Naida dear, it is simply wonderful to me just to remember what
+you have been through, and it was so beautifully romantic--everybody
+killed except you and that man, and then he saved your life.  It's such
+a pity he was so miserable a creature."
+
+"He was n't!" Naida exclaimed, in sudden, indignant passion.  "He was
+perfectly splendid."
+
+"Aunt Lydia did n't think so.  She wrote he was a common gambler,--a
+low, rough man."
+
+"Well, he did gamble; nearly everybody does out here.  And sometimes I
+suppose he had to fight, but he wasn't truly bad."
+
+Miss Spencer's eyes evinced a growing interest.
+
+"Was he real nice-looking?" she asked.
+
+Naida's voice faltered.  "Ye--es," she said.  "I thought so.  He--he
+looked like he was a man."
+
+"How old are you, Naida?"
+
+"Nearly eighteen."
+
+Miss Spencer leaned impulsively forward, and clasped the other's hands,
+her whole soul responding to this suggestion of a possible romance, a
+vision of blighted hearts.  "Why, it is perfectly delightful," she
+exclaimed.  "I had no idea it was so serious, and really I don't in the
+least blame you.  You love him, don't you, Naida?"
+
+The girl flashed a shy look into the beaming, inquisitive face.  "I
+don't know," she confessed, soberly.  "I have not even seen him for
+such a long time; but--but, I guess, he is more to me than any one
+else--"
+
+"Not seen him?  Do you mean to say Mr. Hampton is not here in Glencaid?
+Why, I am so sorry; I was hoping to meet him."
+
+"He went away the same night I came here to live."
+
+"And you never even hear from him?"
+
+Naida hesitated, but the frankly displayed interest of the other won
+her complete girlish confidence.  "Not directly, but Mr. Herndon
+receives money from him for me.  He does n't let your aunt know
+anything about it, because she got angry and refused to accept any pay
+from him.  He is somewhere over yonder in the Black Range."
+
+Miss Spencer shook back her hair with a merry laugh, and clasped her
+hands.  "Why, it is just the most delightful situation I ever heard
+about.  He is just certain to come back after you, Naida.  I wouldn't
+miss being here for anything."
+
+They were still sitting there, when the notes of a softly touched
+guitar stole in through the open window.  Both glanced about in
+surprise, but Miss Spencer was first to recover speech.
+
+"A serenade!  Did you ever!" she whispered.  "Do you suppose it can be
+he?"  She extinguished the lamp and knelt upon the floor, peering
+eagerly forth into the brilliant moonlight.  "Why, Naida, what do you
+think?  It's Mr. Moffat.  How beautifully he plays!"
+
+Naida, her face pressed against the other window, gave vent to a single
+note of half-suppressed laughter.  "There 's going to be something
+happening," she exclaimed.  "Oh, Miss Spencer, come here quick--some
+one is going to turn on the hydraulic."
+
+Miss Spencer knelt beside her.  Moffat was still plainly visible, his
+pale face upturned in the moonlight, his long silky mustaches slightly
+stirred by the soft air, his fingers touching the strings; but back in
+the shadows of the bushes was seen another figure, apparently engaged
+upon some task with feverish eagerness.  To Miss Spencer all was
+mystery.
+
+"What is it?" she anxiously questioned.
+
+"The hydraulic," whispered the other.  "There 's a big lake up in the
+hills, and they 've piped the water down here.  It 's got a force like
+a cannon, and that fellow--I don't know whether it is Herndon or
+not--is screwing on the hose connection.  I bet your Mr. Moffat gets a
+shock!"
+
+"It's a perfect shame, an outrage!  I 'm going to tell him."
+
+Naida caught her sleeve firmly, her eyes full of laughter.  "Oh, please
+don't, Miss Spencer.  It will be such fun.  Let's see where it hits
+him!"
+
+For one single instant the lady yielded, and in it all opportunity for
+warning fled.  There was a sharp sizzling, which caused Moffat to
+suspend his serenade; then something struck him,--it must have been
+fairly in the middle, for he shut up like a jack-knife, and went
+crashing backwards with an agonized howl.  There was a gleam of shining
+water, something black squirming among the weeds, a yell, a volley of
+half-choked profanity, and a fleeing figure, apparently pursued by a
+huge snake.  Naida shook with laughter, clinging with both hands to the
+sill, but Miss Spencer was plainly shocked.
+
+"Oh, did you hear what--what he said?" she asked.  "Was n't it awful?"
+
+The younger nodded, unable as yet to command her voice.   "I--I don't
+believe he is an Episcopalian; do you?"
+
+"I don't know.  I imagine that might have made even a Methodist swear."
+
+The puckers began to show about the disapproving mouth, under the
+contagion of the other's merriment.  "Wasn't it perfectly ridiculous?
+But he did play beautifully, and it was so very nice of him to come my
+first night here.  Do you suppose that was Mr. Herndon?"
+
+Naida shook her head doubtfully.  "He looked taller, but I could n't
+really tell.  He 's gone now, and the water is turned off."
+
+They lit the lamp once more, discussing the scene just witnessed, while
+Miss Spencer, standing before the narrow mirror, prepared her hair for
+the night.  Suddenly some object struck the lowered window shade and
+dropped upon the floor.  Naida picked it up.
+
+"A letter," she announced, "for Miss Phoebe Spencer."
+
+"For me?  What can it be?  Why, Naida, it is poetry!  Listen:
+
+  Sweetest flower from off the Eastern hills,
+    So lily-like and fair;
+  Your very presence stirs and thrills
+    Our buoyant Western air;
+  The plains grow lovelier in their span,
+    The skies above more blue,
+  While the heart of Nature and of man
+    Beats quick response for you.
+
+
+"Oh, isn't that simply beautiful?  And it is signed 'Willie'--why, that
+must be Mr. McNeil."
+
+"I reckon he copied it out of some book," said Naida.
+
+"Oh, I know he didn't.  It possesses such a touch of originality.  And
+his eyes, Naida!  They have that deep poetical glow!"
+
+The light was finally extinguished; the silvery moonlight streamed
+across the foot of the bed, and the regular breathing of the girls
+evidenced slumber.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+UNDER ORDERS
+
+Many an unexpected event has resulted from the formal, concise orders
+issued by the War Department.  Cupid in the disguise of Mars has thus
+frequently toyed with the fate of men, sending many a gallant soldier
+forward, all unsuspecting, into a battle of the heart.
+
+It was no pleasant assignment to duty which greeted First Lieutenant
+Donald Brant, commanding Troop N, Seventh Cavalry, when that regiment
+came once more within the environs of civilization, from its summer
+exercises in the field.  Bethune had developed into a somewhat
+important post, socially as well as from a strictly military
+standpoint, and numerous indeed were the attractions offered there to
+any young officer whose duty called him to serve the colors on those
+bleak Dakota prairies.  Brant frowned at the innocent words, reading
+them over again with gloomy eyes and an exclamation of unmitigated
+disgust, yet there was no escaping their plain meaning.  Trouble was
+undoubtedly brewing among the Sioux, trouble in which the Cheyennes,
+and probably others also, were becoming involved.  Every soldier
+patrolling that long northern border recognized the approach of some
+dire development, some early coup of savagery.  Restlessness pervaded
+the Indian country; recalcitrant bands roamed the "badlands";
+dissatisfied young warriors disappeared from the reservation limits and
+failed to return; while friendly scouts told strange tales of weird
+dances amid the brown Dakota hills.  Uneasiness, the spirit of
+suspected peril, hung like a pall over the plains; yet none could
+safely predict where the blow might first descend.
+
+Brant was not blind to all this, nor to the necessity of having in
+readiness selected bodies of seasoned troops, yet it was not in soldier
+nature to refrain from grumbling when the earliest detail chanced to
+fall to him.  But orders were orders in that country, and although he
+crushed the innocent paper passionately beneath his heel, five hours
+later he was in saddle, riding steadily westward, his depleted troop of
+horsemen clattering at his heels.  Up the valley of the Bear Water,
+slightly above Glencaid,--far enough beyond the saloon radius to
+protect his men from possible corruption, yet within easy reach of the
+military telegraph,--they made camp in the early morning upon a wooded
+terrace overlooking the stage road, and settled quietly down as one of
+those numerous posts with which the army chiefs sought to hem in the
+dissatisfied redmen, and learn early the extent of their hostile plans.
+
+Brant was now in a humor considerably happier than when he first rode
+forth from Bethune.  A natural soldier, sincerely ambitious in his
+profession, anything approximating to active service instantly aroused
+his interest, while his mind was ever inclined to respond with
+enthusiasm to the fascination of the plains and the hills across which
+their march had extended.  Somewhere along that journey he had dropped
+his earlier burden of regret, and the spirit of the service had left
+him cheerfully hopeful of some stern soldierly work.  He watched the
+men of his troop while with quip and song they made comfortable camp;
+he spoke a few brief words of instruction to the grave-faced first
+sergeant, and then strolled slowly up the valley, his own affairs soon
+completely forgotten in the beauty of near-by hills beneath the golden
+glory of the morning sun.  Once he paused and looked back upon ugly
+Glencaid, dingy and forlorn even at that distance; then he crossed the
+narrow stream by means of a convenient log, and clambered up the
+somewhat steep bank.  A heavy fringe of low bushes clung close along
+the edge of the summit, but a plainly defined path led among their
+intricacies.  He pressed his way through, coming into a glade where
+sunshine flickered through the overarching branches of great trees, and
+the grass was green and short, like that of a well-kept lawn.
+
+As Brant emerged from the underbrush he suddenly beheld a fair vision
+of young womanhood resting on the grassy bank just before him.  She was
+partially reclining, as if startled by his unannounced approach, her
+face turned toward him, one hand grasping an open book, the other
+shading her eyes from the glare of the sun.  Something in the graceful
+poise, the piquant, uplifted face, the dark gloss of heavy hair, and
+the unfrightened gaze held him speechless until the picture had been
+impressed forever upon his memory.  He beheld a girl on the verge of
+womanhood, fair of skin, the red glow of health flushing her cheeks,
+the lips parted in surprise, the sleeve fallen back from one white,
+rounded arm, the eyes honest, sincere, mysterious.  She recognized him
+with a glance, and her lips closed as she remembered how and when they
+had met before.  But there was no answering recollection within his
+eyes, only admiration--nothing clung about this Naiad to remind him of
+a neglected waif of the garrison.  She read all this in his face, and
+the lines about her mouth changed quickly into a slightly quizzical
+smile, her eyes brightening.
+
+"You should at least have knocked, sir," she ventured, sitting up on
+the grassy bank, the better to confront him, "before intruding thus
+uninvited."
+
+He lifted his somewhat dingy scouting hat and bowed humbly.
+
+"I perceived no door giving warning that I approached such presence,
+and the first shock of surprise was perhaps as great to me as to you.
+Yet, now that I have blundered thus far, I beseech that I be permitted
+to venture upon yet another step."
+
+She sat looking at him, a trim, soldierly figure, his face young and
+pleasant to gaze upon, and her dark eyes sensibly softened.
+
+"What step?"
+
+"To tarry for a moment beside the divinity of this wilderness."
+
+She laughed with open frankness, her white teeth sparkling behind the
+red, parted lips.
+
+"Perhaps you may, if you will first consent to be sensible," she said,
+with returning gravity; "and I reserve the right to turn you away
+whenever you begin to talk or act foolish.  If you accept these
+conditions, you may sit down."
+
+He seated himself upon the soft grass ledge, retaining the hat in his
+hands.  "You must be an odd sort of a girl," he commented, soberly,
+"not to welcome an honest expression of admiration."
+
+"Oh, was that it?  Then I duly bow my acknowledgment.  I took your
+words for one of those silly compliments by which men believe they
+honor women."
+
+He glanced curiously aside at her half-averted face.  "At first sight I
+had supposed you scarcely more than a mere girl, but now you speak like
+a woman wearied of the world, utterly condemning all complimentary
+phrases."
+
+"Indeed, no; not if they be sincerely expressed as between man and man."
+
+"How is it as between man and woman?"
+
+"Men generally address women as you started to address me, as if there
+existed no common ground of serious thought between them.  They
+condescend, they flatter, they indulge in fulsome compliment, they
+whisper soft nonsense which they would be sincerely ashamed to utter in
+the presence of their own sex, they act as if they were amusing babies,
+rather than conversing with intelligent human beings.  Their own notion
+seems to be to shake the rattle-box, and awaken a laugh.  I am not a
+baby, nor am I seeking amusement."
+
+He glanced curiously at her book.  "And yet you condescend to read love
+stories," he said, smiling.  "I expected to discover a treatise on
+philosophy."
+
+"I read whatever I chance to get my hands on, here in Glencaid," she
+retorted, "just as I converse with whoever comes along.  I am hopeful
+of some day discovering a rare gem hidden in the midst of the trash.  I
+am yet young."
+
+"You are indeed young," he said, quietly, "and with some of life's
+lessons still to learn.  One is that frankness is not necessarily
+flippancy, nor honesty harshness.  Beyond doubt much of what you said
+regarding ordinary social conversation is true, yet the man is no more
+to be blamed than the woman.  Both seek to be entertaining, and are to
+be praised for the effort rather than censured.  A stranger cannot
+instinctively know the likes and dislikes of one he has just met; he
+can feel his way only by commonplaces.  However, if you will offer me a
+topic worthy the occasion, in either philosophy, science, or
+literature, I will endeavor to feed your mind."
+
+She uplifted her innocent eyes demurely to his face.  "You are so kind.
+I am deeply interested just now In the Japanese conception of the
+transmigration of souls."
+
+"How extremely fortunate!  It chances to be my favorite theme, but my
+mental processes are peculiar, and you must permit me to work up toward
+it somewhat gradually.  For instance, as a question leading that way,
+how, in the incarnation of this world, do you manage to exist in such a
+hole of a place?--that is, provided you really reside here."
+
+"Why, I consider this a most delightful nook."
+
+"My reference was to Glencaid."
+
+"Oh!  Why, I live from within, not without.  Mind and heart, not
+environment, make life, and my time is occupied most congenially.  I am
+being faithfully nurtured on the Presbyterian catechism, and also
+trained in the graces of earthly society.  These alternate, thus
+preparing me for whatever may happen in this world or the next."
+
+His face pictured bewilderment, but also a determination to persevere.
+"An interesting combination, I admit.  But from your appearance this
+cannot always have been your home?"
+
+"Oh, thank you.  I believe not always; but I wonder at your being able
+to discern my superiority to these surroundings.  And do you know your
+questioning is becoming quite personal?  Does that yield me an equal
+privilege?"
+
+He bowed, perhaps relieved at thus permitting her to assume the
+initiative, and rested lazily back upon the grass, his eyes intently
+studying her face.
+
+"I suppose from your clothes you must be a soldier.  What is that
+figure 7 on your hat for?"
+
+"The number of my regiment, the Seventh Cavalry."
+
+Her glance was a bit disdainful as she coolly surveyed him from head to
+foot, "I should imagine that a strong, capable-appearing fellow like
+you might do much better than that.  There is so much work in the world
+worth doing, and so much better pay."
+
+"What do you mean?  Is n't a soldier's life a worthy one?"
+
+"Oh, yes, of course, in a way.  We have to have soldiers, I suppose;
+but if I were a man I 'd hate to waste all my life tramping around at
+sixteen dollars a month."
+
+He smothered what sounded like a rough ejaculation, gazing into her
+demure eyes as if she strongly suspected a joke hid in their depths.
+"Do--do you mistake me for an enlisted man?"
+
+"Oh, I did n't know; you said you were a soldier, and that's what I
+always heard they got.  I am so glad if they give you more.  I was only
+going to say that I believed I could get you a good place in McCarthy's
+store if you wanted it.  He pays sixty-five dollars, and his clerk has
+just left."
+
+Brant stared at her with open mooch, totally unable for the moment to
+decide whether or not that innocent, sympathetic face masked mischief.
+Before he succeeded in regaining confidence and speech, she had risen
+to her feet, holding back her skirt with one hand.
+
+"Really, I must go," she announced calmly, drawing back toward the
+slight opening between the rushes.  "No doubt YOU have done fully as
+well as you could considering your position in life; but this has
+proved another disappointment.  You have fallen, far, very far, below
+my ideal.  Good-bye."
+
+He sprang instantly erect, his cheeks flushed.  "Please don't go
+without a farther word.  We seem predestined to misunderstand.  I am
+even willing to confess myself a fool in the hope of some time being
+able to convince you otherwise.  You have not even told me that you
+live here; nor do I know your name."
+
+She shook her head positively, repressed merriment darkening her eyes
+and wrinkling the corners of her mouth.  "It would be highly improper
+to introduce myself to a stranger--we Presbyterians never do that."
+
+"But do you feel no curiosity as to who I may be?"
+
+"Why, not in the least; the thought is ridiculous.  How very conceited
+you must be to imagine such a thing!"
+
+He was not a man easily daunted, nor did he recall any previous
+embarrassment in the presence of a young woman.  But now he confronted
+something utterly unique; those quiet eyes seemed to look straight
+through him.  His voice faltered sadly, yet succeeded in asking: "Are
+we, then, never to meet again?  Am I to understand this to be your
+wish?"
+
+She laughed.  "Really, sir, I am not aware that I have the slightest
+desire in the matter.  I have given it no thought, but I presume the
+possibility of our meeting again depends largely upon yourself, and the
+sort of society you keep.  Surely you cannot expect that I would seek
+such an opportunity?"
+
+He bowed humbly.  "You mistake my purpose.  I merely meant to ask if
+there was not some possibility of our again coming together socially
+the presence of mutual friends."
+
+"Oh, I scarcely think so; I do not remember ever having met any
+soldiers at the social functions here--excepting officers.  We are
+extremely exclusive in Glencaid," she dropped him a mocking courtesy,
+"and I have always moved in the most exclusive set."
+
+Piqued by her tantalizing manner, he asked, "What particular social
+functions are about to occur that may possibly open a passage into your
+guarded presence?"
+
+She seemed immersed in thought, her face turned partially aside.
+"Unfortunately, I have not my list of engagements here," and she
+glanced about at him shyly.  "I can recall only one at present, and I
+am not even certain--that is, I do not promise--to attend that.
+However, I may do so.  The Miners' Bachelor Club gives a reception and
+ball to-morrow evening in honor of the new schoolmistress."
+
+"What is her name?" with responsive eagerness.
+
+She hesitated, as if doubtful of the strict propriety of mentioning it
+to a stranger.
+
+"Miss Phoebe Spencer," she said, her eyes cast demurely down.
+
+"Ah!" he exclaimed, in open triumph; "and have I, then, at last made
+fair capture of your secret?  You are Miss Phoebe Spencer."
+
+She drew back still farther within the recesses of the bushes, at his
+single victorious step forward.
+
+"I?  Why certainly not.  I am merely Miss Spencer's 'star' pupil, so
+you may easily judge something of what her superior attainments must
+necessarily be.  But I am really going now, and I sincerely trust you
+will be able to secure a ticket for to-morrow night; for if you once
+meet this Miss Spencer you will never yield another single thought to
+me, Mr.--Mr.--" her eyes dancing with laughter--"First Lieutenant
+Donald Brant."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+SILENT MURPHY
+
+Brant sprang forward, all doubt regarding this young woman instantly
+dissipated by those final words of mischievous mockery.  She had been
+playing with him as unconcernedly as if he were a mere toy sent for her
+amusement, and his pride was stung.
+
+But pursuit proved useless.  Like a phantom she had slipped away amid
+the underbrush, leaving him to flounder blindly in the labyrinth.  Once
+she laughed outright, a clear burst of girlish merriment ringing
+through the silence, and he leaped desperately forward, hoping to
+intercept her flight.  His incautious foot slipped along the steep edge
+of the shelving bank, and he went down, half stumbling, half sliding,
+until he came to a sudden pause on the brink of the little stream.  The
+chase was ended, and he sat up, confused for the moment, and half
+questioning the evidence of his own eyes.
+
+A small tent, dirty and patched, stood with its back against the slope
+of earth down which he had plunged.  Its flap flung aside revealed
+within a pile of disarranged blankets, together with some scattered
+articles of wearing apparel, while just before the opening, his back
+pressed against the supporting pole, an inverted pipe between his
+yellow, irregular teeth, sat a hideous looking man.  He was a withered,
+dried-up fellow, whose age was not to be guessed, having a skin as
+yellow as parchment, drawn in tight to the bones like that of a mummy,
+his eyes deep sunken like wells, and his head totally devoid of hair,
+although about his lean throat there was a copious fringe of iron-gray
+beard, untrimmed and scraggy.  Down the entire side of one cheek ran a
+livid scar, while his nose was turned awry.
+
+He sat staring at the newcomer, unwinking, his facial expression devoid
+of interest, but his fingers opening and closing in apparent
+nervousness.  Twice his lips opened, but nothing except a peculiar
+gurgling sound issued from the throat, and Brant, who by this time had
+attained his feet and his self-possession, ventured to address him.
+
+"Nice quiet spot for a camp," he remarked, pleasantly, "but a bad place
+for a tumble."
+
+The sunken eyes expressed nothing, but the throat gurgled again
+painfully, and finally the parted lips dropped a detached word or two.
+"Blame--pretty girl--that."
+
+The lieutenant wondered how much of their conversation this old mummy
+had overheard, but he hesitated to question him.  One inquiry, however,
+sprang to his surprised lips.  "Do you know her?"
+
+"Damn sight--better--than any one around here--know her--real name."
+
+Brant stared incredulously.  "Do you mean to insinuate that that young
+woman is living in this community under an assumed one?  Why, she is
+scarcely more than a child!  What do you mean, man?"
+
+The soldier's hat still rested on the grass where it had fallen, its
+military insignia hidden.
+
+"I guess--I know--what I--know," the fellow muttered.  "What
+'s--your--regiment?"
+
+"Seventh Cavalry."
+
+The man stiffened up as if an electric shock had swept through his limp
+frame.  "The hell!--and--did--she--call you--Brant?"
+
+The young officer's face exhibited his disgust.  Beyond doubt that
+sequestered nook was a favorite lounging spot for the girl, and this
+disreputable creature had been watching her for some sinister purpose.
+
+"So you have been eavesdropping, have you?" said Brant, gravely.  "And
+now you want to try a turn at defaming a woman?  Well, you have come to
+a poor market for the sale of such goods.  I am half inclined to throw
+you bodily into the creek.  I believe you are nothing but a common
+liar, but I 'll give you one chance--you say you know her real name.
+What is it?"
+
+The eyes of the mummy had become spiteful.
+
+"It's--none of--your damn--business.  I'm--not under--your orders."
+
+"Under my orders!  Of course not; but what do you mean by that?  Who
+and what are you?"
+
+The fellow stood up, slightly hump-backed but broad of shoulder, his
+arms long, his legs short and somewhat bowed, his chin protruding
+impudently, and Brant noticed an oddly shaped black scar, as if burned
+there by powder, on the back of his right hand.
+
+"Who--am I?" he said, angrily.  "I'm--Silent--Murphy."
+
+An expression of bewilderment swept across the lieutenant's face.
+"Silent Murphy!  Do you claim to be Custer's scout?"
+
+The fellow nodded.  "Heard--of me--maybe?"
+
+Brant stood staring at him, his mind occupied with vague garrison
+rumors connected with this odd personality.  The name had long been a
+familiar one, and he had often had the man pictured out before him,
+just such a wizened face and hunched-up figure, half crazed, at times
+malicious, yet keen and absolutely devoid of fear; acknowledged as the
+best scout in all the Indian country, a daring rider, an incomparable
+trailer, tireless, patient, and as tricky and treacherous as the wily
+savages he was employed to spy upon.  There could remain no reasonable
+doubt of his identity, but what was he doing there?  What purpose
+underlay his insinuations against that young girl?  If this was indeed
+Silent Murphy, he assuredly had some object in being there, and however
+hastily he may have spoken, it was not altogether probable that he
+deliberately lied.  All this flashed across his mind in that single
+instant of hesitation.
+
+"Yes, I've heard of you,"--and his crisp tone instinctively became that
+of terse military command,--"although we have never met, for I have
+been upon detached service ever since my assignment to the regiment.  I
+have a troop in camp below," he pointed down the stream, "and am in
+command here."
+
+The scout nodded carelessly.
+
+"Why did you not come down there, and report your presence in this
+neighborhood to me?"
+
+Murphy grinned unpleasantly.  "Rather be--alone--no report--been
+over--Black Range--telegraphed--wait orders."
+
+"Do you mean you are in direct communication with headquarters, with
+Custer?"
+
+The man answered, with a wide sweep of his long arm toward the
+northwest.  "Goin' to--be hell--out there--damn soon."
+
+"How?  Are things developing into a truly serious affair--a real
+campaign?"
+
+"Every buck--in the--Sioux nation--is makin'--fer the--bad lands," and
+he laughed noiselessly, his nervous fingers gesticulating.  "I--guess
+that--means--business."
+
+Brant hesitated.  Should he attempt to learn more about the young girl?
+Instinctively he appreciated the futility of endeavoring to extract
+information from Murphy, and he experienced a degree of shame at thus
+seeking to penetrate her secret.  Besides, it was none of his affair,
+and if ever it should chance to become so, surely there were more
+respectable means by which he could obtain information.  He glanced
+about, seeking some way of recrossing the stream.
+
+"If you require any new equipment," he said tersely, "we can probably
+supply you at the camp.  How do you manage to get across here?"
+
+Murphy, walking stiffly, led the way down the steep slope, and silently
+pointed out a log bridging the narrow stream.  He stood watching while
+the officer picked his steps across, but made no responsive motion when
+the other waved his hand from the opposite shore, his sallow face
+looking grim and unpleasant.
+
+"Damn--the luck!" he grumbled, shambling back up the bank.  "It
+don't--look--right.  Three of 'em--all here--at once--in this--cussed
+hole.  Seems if--this yere world--ought ter be--big 'nough--ter keep
+'em apart;--but hell--it ain't.  Might make--some trouble--if
+them--people--ever git--their heads--tergether talkin'.  Hell of a
+note--if the boy--falls in love with--her.  Likely to do it--too.
+Curse such--fool luck.  Maybe I--better talk--it over again--with
+Red--he's in it--damn near--as deep as--I am."  And he sank down again
+in his old position before the tent, continuing to mutter, his chin
+sunk into his chest, his whole appearance that of deep dejection,
+perhaps of dread.
+
+The young officer marched down the road, his heedless feet kicking up
+the red dust in clouds, his mind busied with the peculiar happenings of
+the morning, and that prospect for early active service hinted at in
+the brief utterances of the old scout.  Brant was a thorough soldier,
+born into the service and deeply enamored of its dangers; yet beyond
+this he remained a man, a young man, swayed by those emotions which
+when at full tide sweep aside all else appertaining to life.
+
+Just now the vision of that tantalizing girl continued to haunt his
+memory, and would not down even to the glorious hope of a coming
+campaign.  The mystery surrounding her, her reticence, the muttered
+insinuation dropping from the unguarded lips of Murphy, merely served
+to render her the more attractive, while her own naive witchery of
+manner, and her seemingly unconscious coquetry, had wound about him a
+magic spell, the full power of which as yet remained but dimly
+appreciated.  His mind lingered longingly upon the marvel of the dark
+eyes, while the cheery sound of that last rippling outburst of laughter
+reechoed in his ears like music.
+
+His had been a lonely life since leaving West Point and joining his
+regiment--a life passed largely among rough men and upon the desolate
+plains.  For months at a time he had known nothing of refinement, nor
+enjoyed social intercourse with the opposite sex; life had thus grown
+as barren and bleak as those desert wastes across which he rode at the
+command of his superiors.  For years the routine of his military duties
+had held him prisoner, crushing out the dreams of youth.  Yet, beneath
+his mask of impassibility, the heart continued to beat with fierce
+desire, biding the time when it should enjoy its own sweet way.
+Perhaps that hour had already dawned; certainly something new,
+something inspiring, had now come to awaken an interest unfelt before,
+and leave him idly dreaming of shadowed eyes and flushed, rounded
+cheeks.
+
+He was in this mood when he overtook the Rev. Howard Wynkoop and marked
+the thoughtful look upon his pale face.
+
+"I called at your camp," explained Wynkoop, after the first words of
+greeting had been exchanged, "as soon as I learned you were here in
+command, but only to discover your absence.  The sergeant, however, was
+very courteous, and assured me there would be no difficulty in
+arranging a religious service for the men, unless sudden orders should
+arrive.  No doubt I may rely on your cooeperation."
+
+"Most certainly," was the cordial response, "and I shall also permit
+those desiring to attend your regular Sunday services so long as we are
+stationed here.  How is your work prospering?"
+
+"There is much to encourage me, but spiritual progress is slow, and
+there are times when my faith falters and I feel unworthy of the
+service in which I am engaged.  Doubtless this is true of all labor,
+yet the minister is particularly susceptible to these influences
+surrounding him."
+
+"A mining camp is so intensely material seven days of the week that it
+must present a difficult field for the awakening of any religious
+sentiment," confessed Brant sympathetically, feeling not a little
+interested in the clear-cut, intellectual countenance of the other.  "I
+have often wondered how you consented to bury your talents in such a
+place."
+
+The other smiled, but with a trace of sadness in his eyes.  "I firmly
+believe that every minister should devote a portion of his life to the
+doing of such a work as this.  It is both a religious and a patriotic
+duty, and there is a rare joy connected with it."
+
+"Yet it was surely not joy I saw pictured within your face when we met;
+you were certainly troubled over some problem."
+
+Wynkoop glanced up quickly, a slight flush rising in his pale cheeks.
+"Perplexing questions which must be decided off-hand are constantly
+arising.  I have no one near to whom I can turn for advice in unusual
+situations, and just now I scarcely know what action to take regarding
+certain applications for church membership."
+
+Brant laughed.  "I hardly consider myself a competent adviser in
+matters of church polity," he admitted, "yet I have always been
+informed that all so desiring are to be made welcome in religious
+fellowship."
+
+"Theoretically, yes."  And the minister stopped still in the road,
+facing his companion.  "But this special case presents certain
+peculiarities.  The applicants, as I learn from others, are not leading
+lives above reproach.  So far as I know, they have never even attended
+church service until last Sunday, and I have some reason to suspect an
+ulterior motive.  I am anxious to put nothing in the way of any
+honestly seeking soul, yet I confess that in these cases I hesitate."
+
+"But your elders?  Do not they share the responsibility of passing upon
+such applications?"
+
+The flush on Mr. Wynkoop's cheeks deepened, and his eyes fell.
+"Ordinarily, yes; but in this case I fear they may prove unduly harsh.
+I--I feel--that these applications came through the special
+intercession of a certain young lady, and I am anxious not to hurt her
+feelings in any way, or to discourage her enthusiasm."
+
+"Oh, I see!  Would you mind telling me the names of the two gentlemen?"
+
+"Mr. John Moffat and Mr. William McNeil.  Unfortunately, I know neither
+personally."
+
+"And the young lady?"
+
+"A Miss Phoebe Spencer; she has but lately arrived from the East to
+take charge of our new school--a most interesting and charming young
+woman, and she is proving of great assistance to me in church work."
+
+The lieutenant cleared his throat, and emitted a sigh of suddenly
+awakened memory.  "I fear I can offer you no advice, for if, as I begin
+to suspect,--though she sought most bravely to avoid the issue and
+despatch me upon a false trail,--she prove to be that same fascinating
+young person I met this morning, my entire sympathies are with the
+gentlemen concerned.  I might even be strongly tempted to do likewise
+at her solicitation."
+
+"You?  Why, you arrived only this morning, and do you mean to say you
+have met already?"
+
+"I at least suspect as much, for there can scarcely exist two in this
+town who will fill the description.  My memory holds the vision of a
+fair young face, vivacious, ever changing in its expression, yet
+constantly both piquant and innocent; a perfect wealth of hair, a pair
+of serious eyes hiding mysteries within their depths, and lips which
+seem made to kiss.  Tell me, is not this a fairly drawn portrait of
+your Miss Spencer?"
+
+The minister gripped his hands nervously together.  "Your description
+is not unjust; indeed, it is quite accurate from a mere outer point of
+view; yet beneath her vivacious manner I have found her thoughtful, and
+possessed of deep spiritual yearnings.  In the East she was a
+communicant of the Episcopal Church."
+
+Brant did not answer him at once.  He was studying the minister's
+downcast face; but when the latter finally turned to depart, he
+inquired, "Do you expect to attend the reception to-morrow evening?"
+
+Wynkoop stammered slightly.  "I--I could hardly refuse under the
+circumstances; the committee sent me an especially urgent invitation,
+and I understand there is to be no dancing until late.  One cannot be
+too straight-laced out here."
+
+"Oh, never mind apologizing.  I see no reason why you need hesitate to
+attend.  I merely wondered if you could procure me an invitation."
+
+"Did she tell you about it?"
+
+"Well, she delicately hinted at it, and, you know, things are pretty
+slow here in a social way.  She merely suggested that I might possibly
+meet her again there."
+
+"Of course; it is given in her honor."
+
+"So I understood, although she sought to deceive me into the belief
+that she was not the lady.  We met purely by accident, you understand,
+and I am desirous of a more formal presentation."
+
+The minister drew in his breath sharply, but the clasp of his extended
+hand was not devoid of warmth.  "I will have a card of invitation sent
+you at the camp.  The committee will be very glad of your presence;
+only I warn you frankly regarding the lady, that competition will be
+strong."
+
+"Oh, so far as that is concerned I have not yet entered the running,"
+laughed Brant, in affected carelessness, "although I must confess my
+sporting proclivities are somewhat aroused."
+
+He watched the minister walking rapidly away, a short, erect figure,
+appearing slender in his severely cut black cloth.  "Poor little chap,"
+he muttered, regretfully.  "He's hard hit.  Still, they say all's fair
+in love and war."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+IN HONOR OF MISS SPENCER
+
+Mr. Jack Moffat, president of the Bachelor Miners' Pleasure Club, had
+embraced the idea of a reception for Miss Spencer with unbounded
+enthusiasm.  Indeed, the earliest conception of such an event found
+birth within his fertile brain, and from the first he determined upon
+making it the most notable social function ever known in that portion
+of the Territory.
+
+Heretofore the pastime of the Bachelors' Club had been largely
+bibulous, and the members thereof had exhibited small inclination to
+seek the ordinary methods of social relaxation as practised in
+Glencaid.  Pink teas, or indeed teas of any conceivable color, had
+never proved sufficiently attractive to wean the members from the
+chaste precincts of the Occidental or the Miners' Retreat, while the
+mysterious pleasure of "Hunt the Slipper" and "Spat in and Spat out"
+had likewise utterly failed to inveigle them from retirement.  But Mr.
+Moffat's example wrought an immediate miracle, so that, long before the
+fateful hour arrived, every registered bachelor was laboring
+industriously to make good the proud boast of their enthusiastic
+president, that this was going to be "the swellest affair ever pulled
+off west of the Missouri."
+
+The large space above the Occidental was secured for the occasion, the
+obstructing subdivisions knocked away, an entrance constructed with an
+outside stairway leading up from a vacant lot, and the passage
+connecting the saloon boarded up.  Incidentally, Mr. Moffat took
+occasion to announce that if "any snoozer got drunk and came up them
+stairs" he would be thrown bodily out of a window.  Mr. McNeil, who was
+observing the preliminary proceedings with deep interest from a pile of
+lumber opposite, sarcastically intimated that under such circumstances
+the attendance of club members would be necessarily limited.  Mr.
+Moffat's reply it is manifestly impossible to quote literally.  Mrs.
+Guffy was employed to provide the requisite refreshments in the
+palatial dining-hall of the hotel, while Buck Mason, the vigilant town
+marshal, popularly supposed to know intimately the face of every
+"rounder" in the Territory, agreed to collect the cards of invitation
+at the door, and bar out obnoxious visitors.
+
+These preliminaries having been duly attended to, Mr. Moffat and his
+indefatigable committee of arrangements proceeded to master the details
+of decoration and entertainment, drawing heavily upon the limited
+resources of the local merchants, and even invading private homes in
+search after beautifying material.  Jim Lane drove his buckboard one
+hundred and sixty miles to Cheyenne to gather up certain needed
+articles of adornment, the selection of which could not be safely
+confided to the inartistic taste of the stage-driver.  Upon his rapid
+return journey loaded down with spoils, Peg Brace, a cow-puncher in the
+"Bar O" gang, rode recklessly alongside his speeding wheels for the
+greater portion of the distance, apparently in most jovial humor, and
+so unusually inquisitive as to make Mr. Lane, as he later expressed it,
+"plum tired."  The persistent rider finally deserted him, however, at
+the ford over the Sinsiniwa, shouting derisively back from a safe
+distance that the Miners' Club was a lot of chumps, and promising them
+a severe "jolt" in the near future.
+
+Indeed, it was becoming more and more apparent that a decided feeling
+of hostility was fast developing between the respective partisans of
+Moffat and McNeil.  Thus far the feud merely smouldered, finding
+occasional expression in sarcastic speech, and the severance of former
+friendly relations, but it boded more serious trouble for the near
+future.  To a loyal henchman, Moffat merely condescended to remark,
+glancing disdainfully at a knot of hard riders disconsolately sitting
+their ponies in front of the saloon door, "We 've got them fellers
+roped and tied, gents, and they simply won't be ace-high with the
+ladies of this camp after our fandango is over with.  We're a holdin'
+the hand this game, an' it simply sweeps the board clean.  That duffer
+McNeil's the sickest looking duck I 've seen in a year, an' the whole
+blame bunch of cow-punchers is corralled so tight there can't a steer
+among 'em get a nose over the pickets."
+
+He glanced over the waiting scene of festivities with intense
+satisfaction.  From bare squalor the spacious apartment had been
+converted into a scene of almost gorgeous splendor.  The waxed floor
+was a perfect marvel of smoothness; the numerous windows had been
+heavily draped in red, white, and blue hangings; festoons of the same
+rich hues hung gracefully suspended from the ceiling, trembling to the
+least current of air; oil lamps, upheld by almost invisible wires,
+dangled in profusion; while within the far corner, occupying a slightly
+raised platform later to be utilized by the orchestra, was an imposing
+pulpit chair lent by the Presbyterian Church, resting upon a rug of
+skins, and destined as the seat of honor for the fair guest of the
+evening.  Moffat surveyed all this thoughtfully, and proceeded proudly
+to the hotel to don a "boiled" shirt, and in other ways prepare himself
+to do honor to his exalted office.  Much to the surprise of McNeil,
+lounging with some cronies on the shaded porch, he nodded to him
+genially, adding a hearty, "Hello there, Bill," as he passed carelessly
+by.
+
+The invited guests arrived from the sparsely settled regions round
+about, not a few riding for a hundred miles over the hard trails.  The
+majority came early, arrayed in whatsoever apparel their limited
+wardrobes could supply, but ready for any wild frolic.  The men
+outnumbered the gentler sex five to one, but every feminine
+representative within a radius of about fifty miles, whose
+respectability could possibly pass muster before the investigations of
+a not too critical invitation committee, was present amid the throng,
+attired in all the finery procurable, and supremely and serenely happy
+in the assured consciousness that she would not lack partners whenever
+the enticing music began.
+
+The gratified president of the Pleasure Club had occasion to expand his
+chest with just pride.  Jauntily twirling his silky mustaches, he
+pushed his way through the jostling, good-natured crowd already surging
+toward the entrance of the hall, and stepped briskly forth along the
+moonlit road toward the Herndon home, where the fair queen of the
+revels awaited his promised escort.  It was his hour of supreme
+triumph, and his head swam with the delicious intoxication of
+well-earned success, the plaudits of his admirers, and the fond
+anticipation of Miss Spencer's undoubted surprise and gratitude.  His,
+therefore, was the step and bearing of a conqueror, of one whose cup
+was already filled to the brim, and running over with the joy of life.
+
+The delay incident to the completion of an elaborate toilet, together
+with the seductive charms of a stroll through the moon-haunted night
+beneath the spell of bright eyes and whispered words, resulted in a
+later arrival at the scene of festivities than had been intended.  The
+great majority of the expected guests had already assembled, and were
+becoming somewhat restless.  No favored courtier ever escorted beloved
+queen with greater pride or ceremony than that with which Mr. Moffat
+led his blushing charge through the throng toward her chair of state.
+The murmuring voices, the admiring eyes, the hush of expectancy, all
+contributed to warm the cockles of his heart and to color his face with
+the glow of victory.  Glancing at his companion, he saw her cheeks
+flushed, her head held proudly poised, her countenance evidencing the
+enjoyment of the moment, and he felt amply rewarded for the work which
+had produced so glorious a result.  A moment he bent above her chair,
+whispering one last word of compliment into the little ear which
+reddened at his bold speech, and feasting his ardent eyes upon the
+flushed and animated countenance.  The impatient crowd wondered at the
+nature of the coming ceremony, and Mr. Moffat strove to recall the
+opening words of his introductory address.
+
+Suddenly his gaze settled upon one face amid the throng.  A moment of
+hesitation followed; then a quick whisper of excuse to the waiting
+divinity in the chair, and the perturbed president pressed his way
+toward the door.  Buck Mason stood there on guard, carelessly leaning
+against the post, his star of office gleaming beneath the light.
+
+"Buck," exclaimed Moffat, "how did that feller McNeil, and those other
+cow-punchers, get in here?  You had your orders."
+
+Mason turned his quid deliberately and spat at the open door.  "You bet
+I did, Jack," he responded cheerfully, yet with a trifle of
+exasperation evident in his eyes.  "And what's more, I reckon they was
+obeyed.  There ain't nobody got in yere ternight without they had a
+cyard."
+
+"Well, there has"; and Moffat forgot his natural caution in a sudden
+excess of anger.  "No invitations was sent them fellers.  Do you mean
+to say they come in through the roof?"
+
+Mason straightened up, his face darkening, his clinched fist thrashing
+the air just in front of Moffat's nose.
+
+"I say they come in yere, right through this door!  An' every mother's
+son of 'em, hed a cyard.  I know what I 'm a-talkin' about, you
+miserable third-class idiot, an' if you give me any more of your lip I
+'ll paste you good an' proper.  Go back thar whar you belong, an' tind
+to your part of this fandango; I'm a runnin' mine."
+
+Moffat hesitated, his brow black as a thunder cloud, but the crowd was
+manifestly growing restless over the delay, calling "Time!" and "Play
+ball!" and stamping their feet.  Besides, Buck was never known to be
+averse to a quarrel, and Moffat's bump of caution was well developed.
+He went back, nursing his wrath and cursing silently.  The crowd
+greeted his reappearance with prolonged applause, and some of the
+former consciousness of victory returned.  He glanced down into the
+questioning eyes of Miss Spencer, cleared his throat, then grasped her
+hand, and, as they stood there together, all his confidence came
+surging back.
+
+"Ladies and Gentlemen of Glencaid," he began gracefully, "as president
+of the Bachelor Miners' Pleasure Club, it affords me extreme
+gratification to welcome you to this the most important social event
+ever pulled off in this Territory.  It's going to be a swell affair
+from the crack of the starter's pistol to the last post, and you can
+bet on getting your money's worth every time.  That's the sort of
+hairpins we are--all wool and a yard wide.  Now, ladies and gents,
+while it is not designed that the pleasure of this evening be marred by
+any special formalities, any such unnatural restrictions as disfigure
+such functions in the effete East [applause], and while I am only too
+anxious to exclaim with the poet, 'On with the dance, let joy be
+unconfined' [great applause], yet it must be remembered that this
+high-toned outfit has been got up for a special, definite purpose, as a
+fit welcome to one who has come among us with the high and holy object
+of instructing our offspring and elevating the educational ideals of
+this community.  We, of this Bachelors' Club, may possess no offspring
+to instruct, but we sympathize with them others who have, and desire to
+show our interest in the work.  We have here with us to-night one of
+the loveliest of her sex, a flower of refinement and culture plucked
+from the Eastern hills, who, at the stern call of duty, has left her
+home and friends to devote her talents to this labor of love.  In her
+honor we meet, in her honor this room has been decorated with the
+colors of our beloved country, and to her honor we now dedicate the
+fleeting hours of this festal night.  It is impossible for her to greet
+you all personally, much as she wishes to do so, but as president of
+the Bachelor Miners' Pleasure Club, and also," with a deep bow to his
+blushing and embarrassed companion, "I may venture to add, as an
+intimate friend of our fair guest, I now introduce to you Glencaid's
+new schoolmistress--Miss Phoebe Spencer.  Hip!  Hip!  _Hurrah_!"
+
+Swinging his hand high above his head, the enthusiastic orator led the
+noisy cheers which instantly burst forth in unrestrained volume; and
+before which Miss Spencer shrank back into her chair, trembling, yet
+strangely happy.  Good humor swayed that crowd, laughter rippled from
+parted lips, while voices here and there began a spontaneous demand for
+a speech.  Miss Spencer shook her flossy head helplessly, feeling too
+deeply agitated to utter a word; and Moffat, now oblivious to
+everything but the important part he was playing in the brilliant
+spectacle, stepped before her, waving the clamorous assembly into
+temporary and expectant silence.
+
+"Our charming guest," he announced, in tones vibrant with authority,
+"is so deeply affected by this spontaneous outpouring of your good-will
+as to be unable to respond in words.  Let us respect her natural
+embarrassment; let us now exhibit that proud Western chivalry which
+will cause her to feel perfectly at home in our midst.  The orchestra
+will strike up, and amid the mazy whirling of the dance we will at once
+sink all formality, as becomes citizens of this free and boundless
+West, this land of gold, of sterling manhood, and womanly beauty.  To
+slightly change the poet's lines, written of a similar occasion:
+
+  "There was a sound of revelry by night,
+    And proud Glencaid had gathered then
+  Her beauty and her chivalry, and bright
+    The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men.
+
+"So, scatter out, gents, and pick up your partners for the first whirl.
+This is our turn to treat, and our motto is 'Darn the expense.'"
+
+He bent over, purposing to lead the lady of his heart forth to the
+earliest strains of the violins, his genial smile evidencing his
+satisfaction.
+
+"Say,--eh--just hold on--eh--a minute!"
+
+Moffat wheeled about, a look of amazement replacing his previous jovial
+smile.  His eyes hardened dangerously as they encountered the face of
+McNeil.  The latter was white about the lips, but primed for action,
+and not inclined to waste time in preliminaries.
+
+"Look here, this ain't your time to butt in--" began Moffat, angrily,
+but the other waved his hand.
+
+"Say, gents,--eh--that feller had his spiel all right--eh--ain't he?
+He wants to be--eh--the whole hog, but--eh,--I reckon this is
+a--eh--free country, ain't it?  Don't I have--eh--no show?"
+
+"Go on, Bill!"
+
+"Of course you do."
+
+"Make Jack Moffat shut up!"
+
+The justly indignant president of the Bachelors' Club remained
+motionless, his mouth still open, struggling to restrain those caustic
+and profane remarks which, in that presence, he dare not utter.  He
+instinctively flung one hand back to his hip, only to remember that all
+guns had been left at the door.  McNeil eyed him calmly, as he might
+eye a chained bear, his lips parted in a genial smile.
+
+"I--eh--ain't no great shakes of an--eh--orator," he began,
+apologetically, waving one hand toward his gasping rival, "like
+Mr.--eh--Moffat.  I can't sling words round--eh--reckless, like
+the--eh--gent what just had the floor, ner--eh--spout poetry, but I
+reckon--eh--I kin git out--eh--'bout what I got to say.  Mr. Moffat
+has--eh--told you what the--eh--Bachelor Miners' Club--eh--has been
+a-doin'.  He--eh--spread it on pretty blame thick, but--eh--I reckon
+they ain't--eh--all of 'em miners round this yere--eh--camp.  As
+the--eh--president of the--eh--Cattlemen's Shakespearian--eh--Reading
+Circle, I am asked to present to--eh--Miss Spencer a slight
+token--eh--of our esteem, and--eh--to express our pleasure
+at--eh--being permitted," he bowed to the choking Mr. Moffat, "eh--to
+participate in this--eh--most glorious occasion."
+
+He stepped forward, and dropped into Miss Spencer's lap a small
+plush-covered box.  Her fingers pressed the spring, and, as the lid
+flew open, the brilliant flash of a diamond dazzled her eyes.  She sat
+staring at it, unable for the moment to find speech.  Then the
+assemblage burst into an unrestrained murmur of admiration, and the
+sound served to arouse her.
+
+"Oh, how beautiful it all is!" she exclaimed, rapturously.  "I hardly
+know what to say, or whom to thank.  I never heard of anything so
+perfectly splendid before.  It makes me cry just to remember that it is
+all done for me.  Oh, Mr. Moffat, I want to thank, through you, the
+gentlemen of the Bachelors' Club for this magnificent reception.  I
+know I do not deserve it, but it makes me so proud to realize the
+interest you all take in my work.  And, Mr. McNeil, I beg you to return
+my gratitude to the gentlemen of the--the (oh, thank you)--the
+Cattlemen's Shakespearian Reading Circle (how very nice of you to have
+such an organization for the study of higher literature!) for this
+superb gift.  I shall never forget this night, or what it has brought
+me, and I simply cannot express my real feelings at all; I--I don't
+know what to say, or--or what to do."
+
+She paused, burying her face in her hands, her body shaken with sobs.
+Moffat, scarcely knowing whether to swear or smile, hastily signalled
+for the waiting musicians to begin.  As they swung merrily into waltz
+measure he stepped forward, fully confident of his first claim for that
+opening dance, and vaguely conscious that, once upon the floor with
+her, he might thus regain his old leadership.  Miss Spencer glanced up
+at him through her tears.
+
+"I--I really feel scarcely equal to the attempt," she murmured
+nervously, yet rising to her feet.  Then a new thought seemed suddenly
+to occur to her.  "Oh, Mr. Moffat, I have been so highly favored, and I
+am so extremely anxious to do everything I can to show my gratitude.  I
+know it is requesting so much of you to ask your relinquishment of this
+first dance with me to-night.  As president of the Bachelors' Club it
+is your right, of course, but don't you truly think I ought to give it
+to Mr. McNeil?  We were together all the way from the house, you know,
+and we had such a delightful walk.  You wouldn't truly mind yielding up
+your claim for just this once, would you?"
+
+Moffat did not reply, simply because he could not; he was struck dumb,
+gasping for breath, the room whirling around before him, while he
+stared at her with dazed, unseeing eyes.  His very helplessness to
+respond she naturally interpreted as acquiescence.
+
+"It is so good of you, Mr. Moffat, for I realize how you were counting
+upon this first dance, were n't you?  But Mr. McNeil being here as the
+guest of your club, I think it is perfectly beautiful of you to waive
+your own rights as president, so as to acknowledge his unexpected
+contribution to the joy of our evening."  She touched him playfully
+with her hand, the other resting lightly upon McNeil's sleeve, her
+innocent, happy face upturned to his dazed eyes.  "But remember, the
+next turn is to be yours, and I shall never forget this act of
+chivalry."
+
+It is doubtful if he saw her depart, for the entire room was merely an
+indistinct blur.  He was too desperately angry even to swear.  In this
+emergency, Mr. Wynkoop, dimly realizing that something unpleasant had
+occurred, sought to attract the attention of his new parishioner along
+happier lines.
+
+"How exceedingly strange it is, Mr. Moffat," he ventured, "that beings
+otherwise rational, and possessing souls destined for eternity, can
+actually appear to extract pleasure from such senseless exercises?  I
+do not in the least blame Miss Spencer, for she is yet young, and
+probably thoughtless about such matters, as the youthful are wont to
+be, but I am, indeed, rejoiced to note that you do not dance."
+
+Moffat wheeled upon him, his teeth grinding savagely together.  "Shut
+up!" he snapped, fiercely, and shaking off the pastor's gently
+restraining fingers, shouldered his passage through the crowd toward
+the door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THE LIEUTENANT MEETS MISS SPENCER
+
+Lieutenant Brant was somewhat delayed in reaching the scene of Miss
+Spencer's social triumph.  Certain military requirements were largely
+responsible for this delay, and he had patiently wrestled with an
+unsatisfactory toilet, mentally excoriating a service which would not
+permit the transportation of dress uniforms while on scouting detail.
+Nevertheless, when he finally stepped forth into the brilliant
+moonlight, he presented an interesting, soldierly figure, his face
+still retaining a bit of the boy about it, his blue eyes bright with
+expectancy.  That afternoon he had half decided not to go at all, the
+glamour of such events having long before grown dim, but the peculiar
+attraction of this night proved too strong; not thus easily could he
+erase from memory the haunting witchery of a face.  Beyond doubt, when
+again viewed amid the conventionalities, much of its imagined charm
+would vanish; yet he would see her once more, although no longer
+looking forward to drawing a prize.
+
+The dance was already in full swing, the exciting preliminaries having
+been largely forgotten in the exuberance of motion, when he finally
+pushed his way through the idle loungers gathered about the door, and
+gained entrance to the hall.  Many glanced curiously at him, attracted
+by the glitter of his uniform, but he recognized none among them, and
+therefore passed steadily toward the musicians' stand, where there
+appeared to be a few unoccupied chairs.
+
+The scene was one of color and action.  The rapid, pulsating music, the
+swiftly whirling figures, the quivering drapery overhead, the bright
+youthful faces, the glow of numerous lamps, together with the ceaseless
+voices and merry shuffling of feet, all combined to create a scene
+sufficiently picturesque.  It was altogether different from what he had
+anticipated.  He watched the speeding figures, striving in vain to
+distinguish the particular one whose charms had lured him thither.  He
+looked upon fair faces in plenty, flushed cheeks and glowing eyes
+skurried past him, with swirling skirts and flashes of neatly turned
+ankles, as these enthusiastic maids and matrons from hill and prairie
+strove to make amends for long abstinence.  But among them all he was
+unable to distinguish the wood-nymph whose girlish frankness and grace
+had left so deep an impression on his memory.  Yet surely she must be
+present, for, to his understanding, this whole gay festival was in her
+honor.  Directly across the room he caught sight of the Reverend Mr.
+Wynkoop conversing with a lady of somewhat rounded charms, and picked
+his way in their direction.
+
+The missionary, who had yet scarcely recovered from the shock of
+Moffat's impulsive speech, and who, in truth, had been hiding an
+agonized heart behind a smiling face, was only too delighted at any
+excuse which would enable him to approach Miss Spencer, and press aside
+those cavaliers who were monopolizing her attention.  The handicap of
+not being able to dance he felt to be heavy, and he greeted the
+lieutenant with unusual heartiness of manner.
+
+"Why, most assuredly, my dear sir, most assuredly," he said.  "Mrs.
+Herndon, permit me to make you acquainted with Lieutenant Brant, of the
+Seventh Cavalry."
+
+The two, thus introduced, bowed, and exchanged a few words, while Mr.
+Wynkoop busied himself in peering about the room, making a great
+pretence at searching out the lady guest, who, in very truth, had
+scarcely been absent from his sight during the entire evening.
+
+"Ah!" he ejaculated, "at last I locate her, and, fortunately, at this
+moment she is not upon the floor, although positively hidden by the men
+clustering about her chair.  You will excuse us, Mrs. Herndon, but I
+have promised Lieutenant Brant a presentation to your niece."
+
+They slipped past the musicians' stand, and the missionary pressed in
+through the ring of admirers.
+
+"Why, Mr. Wynkoop!" and she extended both hands impulsively.  "And only
+to think, you have never once been near me all this evening; you have
+not congratulated me on my good fortune, nor exhibited the slightest
+interest!  You don't know how much I have missed you.  I was just
+saying to Mr. Moffat--or it might have been Mr. McNeil--that I was
+completely tired out and wished you were here to sit out this dance
+with me."
+
+Wynkoop blushed and forgot the errand which had brought him there, but
+she remained sufficiently cool and observant.  She touched him gently
+with her hand.
+
+"Who is that fine-looking young officer?" she questioned softly, yet
+without venturing to remove her glance from his face.
+
+Mr. Wynkoop started.  "Oh, exactly; I had forgotten my mission.  He has
+requested an introduction."  He drew the lieutenant forward.
+"Lieutenant Brant, Miss Spencer."
+
+The officer bowed, a slight shadow of disappointment in his eyes.  The
+lady was unquestionably attractive, her face animated, her reception
+most cordial, yet she was not the maiden of the dark, fathomless eyes
+and the wealth of auburn hair.
+
+"Such a pleasure to meet you," exclaimed Miss Spencer, her eyes
+uplifted shyly, only to become at once modestly shaded behind their
+long lashes.  "Do you know, Lieutenant, that actually I have never
+before had the privilege of meeting an officer of the army.  Why, we in
+the East scarcely realize that we possess such a body of brave men.
+But I have read much regarding the border, and all the dreams of my
+girlhood seem on the point of realization since I came here and began
+mingling in its free, wild life.  Your appearance supplies the one
+touch of color that was lacking to make the picture complete.  Mr.
+Moffat has done so much to make me realize the breadth of Western
+experience, and now, I do so hope, you will some time find opportunity
+to recount to me some of your army exploits."
+
+The lieutenant smiled.  "Most gladly; yet just now, I confess, the
+music invites me, and I am sufficiently bold to request your company
+upon the floor."
+
+Miss Spencer sighed regretfully, her eyes sweeping across those
+numerous manly faces surrounding them.  "Why, really, Lieutenant Brant,
+I scarcely see how I possibly can.  I have already refused so many this
+evening, and even now I almost believe I must be under direct
+obligation to some one of those gentlemen.  Still," hesitatingly, "your
+being a total stranger here must be taken into consideration.  Mr.
+Moffat, Mr. McNeil, Mr. Mason, surely you will grant me release this
+once?"
+
+There was no verbal response to the appeal, only an uneasy movement;
+but her period of waiting was extremely brief.
+
+"Oh, I knew you would; you have all been so kind and considerate."  She
+arose, resting her daintily gloved hand upon Brant's blue sleeve, her
+pleased eyes smiling up confidingly into his.  Then with a charming
+smile, "Oh, Mr. Wynkoop, I have decided to claim your escort to supper.
+You do not care?"
+
+Wynkoop bowed, his face like a poppy.
+
+"I thought you would not mind obliging me in this.  Come, Lieutenant."
+
+Miss Spencer, when she desired to be, was a most vivacious companion,
+and always an excellent dancer.  Brant easily succumbed to her sway,
+and became, for the time being, a victim to her charms.  They circled
+the long room twice, weaving their way skilfully among the numerous
+couples, forgetful of everything but the subtile intoxication of that
+swinging cadence to which their feet kept such perfect time,
+occasionally exchanging brief sentences in which compliment played no
+insignificant part.  To Brant, as he marked the heightened color
+flushing her fair cheeks, the experience brought back fond memories of
+his last cadet ball at the Point, and he hesitated to break the mystic
+spell with abrupt questioning.  Curiosity, however, finally mastered
+his reticence.
+
+"Miss Spencer," he asked, "may I inquire if you possess such a
+phenomenon as a 'star' pupil?"
+
+The lady laughed merrily, but her expression became somewhat puzzled.
+"Really, what a very strange question!  Why, not unless it might be
+little Sammy Worrell; he can certainly use the longest words I ever
+heard of outside a dictionary.  Why, may I ask?  Are you especially
+interested in prodigies?"
+
+"Oh, not in the least; certainly not in little Sammy Worrell.  The
+person I had reference to chances to be a young woman, having dark
+eyes, and a wealth of auburn hair.  We met quite by accident, and the
+sole clew I now possess to her identity is a claim she advanced to
+being your 'star' pupil."
+
+Miss Spencer sighed somewhat regretfully, and her eyes fell.  "I fear
+it must have been Naida, from your description.  But she is scarcely
+more than a child.  Surely, Lieutenant, it cannot be possible that you
+have become interested in her?"
+
+He smiled pleasantly.  "At least eighteen, is she not?  I was somewhat
+impressed with her evident originality, and hoped to renew our slight
+acquaintanceship here in more formal manner.  She is your 'star' pupil,
+then?"
+
+"Why, she is not really in my school at all, but I outline the studies
+she pursues at home, and lend her such books as I consider best adapted
+for her reading.  She is such a strange girl!"
+
+"Indeed?  She appeared to me to be extremely unconventional, with a
+decided tendency for mischief.  Is that your meaning?"
+
+"Partially.  She manages to do everything in a different way from other
+people.  Her mind seems peculiarly independent, and she is so
+unreservedly Western in her ways and language.  But I was referring
+rather to her taste in books--she devours everything."
+
+"You mean as a student?"
+
+"Well, yes, I suppose so; at least she appears to possess the faculty
+of absorbing every bit of information, like a sponge.  Sometimes she
+actually startles me with her odd questions; they are so unexpected and
+abstruse, falling from the lips of so young a girl.  Then her ideas are
+so crude and uncommon, and she is so frankly outspoken, that I become
+actually nervous when I am with her.  I really believe Mr. Wynkoop
+seeks to avoid meeting her, she has shocked him so frequently in
+religious matters."
+
+"Does she make light of his faith?"
+
+"Oh, no, not that exactly, at least it is not her intention.  But she
+wants to know everything--why we believe this and why we believe that,
+doctrines which no one else ever dreams of questioning, and he cannot
+seem to make them clear to her mind.  Some of her questions are so
+irreverent as to be positively shocking to a spiritually minded person."
+
+They lapsed into silence, swinging easily to the guidance of the music.
+His face was grave and thoughtful.  This picture just drawn of the
+perverse Naida had not greatly lowered her in his estimation, although
+he felt instinctively that Miss Spencer was not altogether pleased with
+his evident interest in another.  It was hardly in her nature patiently
+to brook a rival, but she dissembled with all the art of a clever
+woman, smiling happily up into his face as their eyes again met.
+
+"It is very interesting to know that you two met in so unconventional a
+way," she ventured, softly, "and so sly of her not even to mention it
+to me.  We are room-mates, you know, and consequently quite intimate,
+although she possesses many peculiar characteristics which I cannot in
+the least approve.  But after all, Naida is really a good-hearted girl
+enough, and she will probably outgrow her present irregular ways, for,
+indeed, she is scarcely more than a child.  I shall certainly do my
+best to guide her aright.  Would you mind giving me some details of
+your meeting?"
+
+For a moment he hesitated, feeling that if the girl had not seen fit to
+confide her adventure to this particular friend, it was hardly his
+place to do so.  Then, remembering that he had already said enough to
+arouse curiosity, which might easily be developed into suspicion, he
+determined his course.  In a few words the brief story was frankly
+told, and apparently proved quite amusing to Miss Spencer.
+
+"Oh, that was Naida, beyond a doubt," she exclaimed, with a laugh of
+satisfaction.  "It is all so characteristic of her.  I only wonder how
+she chanced to guess your name; but really the girl appears to possess
+some peculiar gift in thus discerning facts hidden from others.  Her
+instincts seem so finely developed that at times she reminds me of a
+wild animal."
+
+This caustic inference did not please him, but he said nothing, and the
+music coming to a pause, they slowly traversed the room.
+
+"I presume, then, she is not present?" he said, quietly.
+
+Miss Spencer glanced into his face, the grave tone making her
+apprehensive that she might have gone too far.
+
+"She was here earlier in the evening, but now that you remind me of it,
+I do not recall having noticed her of late.  But, really, Lieutenant,
+it is no part of my duty to chaperon the young girl.  Mrs. Herndon
+could probably inform you of her present whereabouts."
+
+Miss Spencer was conscious of the sting of failure, and her face
+flushed with vexation.  "It is extremely close in here, don't you
+think?" she complained.  "And I was so careless as to mislay my fan.  I
+feel almost suffocated."
+
+"Did you leave it at home?" he questioned.  "Possibly I might discover
+a substitute somewhere in the room."
+
+"Oh, no; I would never think of troubling you to such an extent.  No
+doubt this feeling of lassitude will pass away shortly.  It was very
+foolish of me, but I left the fan with my wraps at the hotel.  It can
+be recovered when we go across to supper."
+
+In spite of Miss Spencer's quiet words of renunciation, there was a
+look of pleading in her shyly uplifted eyes impossible to resist.
+Brant promptly surrendered before this masked battery.
+
+"It will be no more than a pleasure to recover it for you," he
+protested, gallantly.
+
+The stairs leading down from the hall entrance were shrouded in
+darkness, the street below nearly deserted of loiterers, although
+lights streamed forth resplendently from the undraped windows of the
+Occidental and the hotel opposite.  Assisted in his search by Mrs.
+Guffy, the officer succeeded in recovering the lost fan, and started to
+return.  Just without the hotel door, under the confusing shadows of
+the wide porch, he came suddenly face to face with a young woman, the
+unexpected encounter a mutual and embarrassing surprise.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+AN UNUSUAL GIRL
+
+The girl was without wraps, her dress of some light, fleecy material
+fitting her slender figure exquisitely, her head uncovered; within her
+eyes Brant imagined he could detect the glint of tears.  She spoke
+first, her voice faltering slightly.
+
+"Will you kindly permit me to pass?"
+
+He stepped instantly to one side, bowing as he did so.
+
+"I beg your pardon for such seeming rudeness," he said, gravely.  "I
+have been seeking you all the evening, yet this unexpected meeting
+caught me quite unawares."
+
+"You have been seeking me?  That is strange.  For what reason, pray?"
+
+"To achieve what you were once kind enough to suggest as possible--the
+formality of an introduction.  It would seem, however, that fate makes
+our meetings informal."
+
+"That is your fault, not mine."
+
+"I gladly assume all responsibility, if you will only waive the
+formality and accept my friendship."
+
+Her face seemed to lighten, while her lips twitched as if suppressing a
+smile.  "You are very forgetful.  Did I not tell you that we
+Presbyterians are never guilty of such indiscretions?"
+
+"I believe you did, but I doubt your complete surrender to the creed."
+
+"Doubt!  Only our second time of meeting, and you already venture to
+doubt!  This can scarcely be construed into a compliment, I fear."
+
+"Yet to my mind it may prove the very highest type of compliment," he
+returned, reassured by her manner.  "For a certain degree of
+independence in both thought and action is highly commendable.  Indeed,
+I am going to be bold enough to add that it was these very attributes
+that awakened my interest in you."
+
+"Oh, indeed; you cause me to blush already.  My frankness, I fear, bids
+fair to cost me all my friends, and I may even go beyond your pardon,
+if the perverse spirit of my nature so move me."
+
+"The risk of such a catastrophe is mine, and I would gladly dare that
+much to get away from conventional commonplace.  One advantage of such
+meetings as ours is an immediate insight into each other's deeper
+nature.  For one I shall sincerely rejoice if you will permit the good
+fortune of our chance meeting to be alone sponsor for our future
+friendship.  Will you not say yes?"
+
+She looked at him with greater earnestness, her young face sobered by
+the words spoken.  Whatever else she may have seen revealed there, the
+countenance bending slightly toward her was a serious, manly one,
+inspiring respect, awakening confidence.
+
+"And I do agree," she said, extending her hand in a girlish impulse.
+"It will, at least, be a new experience and therefore worth the trial.
+I will even endeavor to restrain my rebellious spirit, so that you will
+not be unduly shocked."
+
+He laughed, now placed entirely at his ease.  "Your need of mercy is
+appreciated, fair lady.  Is it your desire to return to the hall?"
+
+She shook her head positively.  "A cheap, gaudy show, all bluster and
+vulgarity.  Even the dancing is a mere parody.  I early tired of it."
+
+"Then let us choose the better part, and sit here on the bench, the
+night our own."
+
+He conducted her across the porch to the darkest corner, where only
+rifts of light stole trembling in between the shadowing vines, and
+there found convenient seats.  A moment they remained in silence, and
+he could hear her breathing.
+
+"Have you truly been at the hall," she questioned, "or were you merely
+fibbing to awaken my interest?"
+
+"I truly have been," he answered, "and actually have danced a measure
+with the fair guest of the evening."
+
+"With Phoebe Spencer!  And yet you dare pretend now to retain an
+interest in me?  Lieutenant Brant, you must be a most talented
+deceiver, or else the strangest person I ever met.  Such a miracle has
+never occurred before!"
+
+"Well, it has certainly occurred now; nor am I in this any vain
+deceiver.  I truly met Miss Spencer.  I was the recipient of her most
+entrancing smiles; I listened to her modulated voice; I bore her off, a
+willing captive, from a throng of despairing admirers; I danced with
+her, gazing down into her eyes, with her fluffy hair brushing my cheek,
+yet resisted all her charms and came forth thinking only of you."
+
+"Indeed?  Your proof?"
+
+He drew the white satin fan forth from his pocket, and held it out
+toward her with mock humility.  "This, unbelieving princess.
+Despatched by the fair lady in question to fetch this bauble from the
+dressing-room, I forgot my urgent errand in the sudden delight of
+finding you."
+
+"The case seems fully proved," she confessed, laughingly, "and it is
+surely not my duty to punish the culprit.  What did you talk about?
+But, pshaw, I know well enough without asking--she told you how greatly
+she admired the romance of the West, and begged you to call upon her
+with a recital of your own exploits.  Have I not guessed aright?"
+
+"Partially, at least; some such expressions were used."
+
+"Of course, they always are.  I do not know whether they form merely a
+part of her stock in trade, or are spoken earnestly.  You would laugh
+to hear the tales of wild and thrilling adventure which she picks up,
+and actually believes.  That Jack Moffat possesses the most marvellous
+imagination for such things, and if I make fun of his impossible
+stories she becomes angry in an instant."
+
+"I am afraid you do not greatly admire this Miss Spencer?"
+
+"Oh, but I do; truly I do.  You must not think me ungrateful.  No one
+has ever helped me more, and beneath this mask of artificiality she is
+really a noble-hearted woman.  I do not understand the necessity for
+people to lead false lives.  Is it this way in all society--Eastern
+society, I mean?  Do men and women there continually scheme and flirt,
+smile and stab, forever assuming parts like so many play-actors?"
+
+"It is far too common," he admitted, touched by her naive questioning.
+"What is known as fashionable social life has become an almost pitiful
+sham, and you can scarcely conceive the relief it is to meet with one
+utterly uncontaminated by its miserable deceits, its shallow
+make-believes.  It is no wonder you shock the nerves of such people;
+the deed is easily accomplished."
+
+"But I do not mean to."  And she looked at him gravely, striving to
+make him comprehend.  "I try so hard to be--be commonplace, and--and
+satisfied.  Only there is so much that seems silly, useless, pitifully
+contemptible that I lose all patience.  Perhaps I need proper training
+in what Miss Spencer calls refinement; but why should I pretend to like
+what I don't like, and to believe what I don't believe?  Cannot one act
+a lie as well as speak one?  And is it no longer right to search after
+the truth?"
+
+"I have always felt it was our duty to discover the truth wherever
+possible," he said, thoughtfully; "yet, I confess, the search is not
+fashionable, nor the earnest seeker popular."
+
+A little trill of laughter flowed from between her parted lips, but the
+sound was not altogether merry.
+
+"Most certainly I am not.  They all scold me, and repeat with manifest
+horror the terrible things I say, being unconscious that they are evil.
+Why should I suspect thoughts that come to me naturally?  I want to
+know, to understand.  I grope about in the dark.  It seems to me
+sometimes that this whole world is a mystery.  I go to Mr. Wynkoop with
+my questions, and they only seem to shock him.  Why should they?  God
+must have put all these doubts and wonderings into my mind, and there
+must be an answer for them somewhere.  Mr. Wynkoop is a good man, I
+truly respect him.  I want to please him, and I admire his intellectual
+attainments; but how can he accept so much on faith, and be content?
+Do you really suppose he is content?  Don't you think he ever questions
+as I do? or has he actually succeeded in smothering every doubt?  He
+cannot answer what I ask him; he cannot make things clear.  He just
+pulls up a few, cheap, homely weeds,--useless common things,--when I
+beg for flowers; he hands them to me, and bids me seek greater faith
+through prayer.  I know I am a perfect heathen,--Miss Spencer says I
+am,--but do you think it is so awful for me to want to know these
+things?"
+
+He permitted his hand to drop upon hers, and she made no motion of
+displeasure.
+
+"You merely express clearly what thousands feel without the moral
+courage to utter it.  The saddest part of it all is, the deeper we
+delve the less we are satisfied in our intellectual natures.  We merely
+succeed in learning that we are the veriest pygmies.  Men like Mr.
+Wynkoop are simply driven back upon faith as a last resort, absolutely
+baffled by an inpenetrable wall, against which they batter mentally in
+vain.  They have striven with mystery, only to meet with ignominious
+defeat.  Faith alone remains, and I dare not deny that such faith is
+above all knowledge.  The pity of it is, there are some minds to whom
+this refuge is impossible.  They are forever doomed to be hungry and
+remain unfed; thirsty, yet unable to quench their thirst."
+
+"Are you a church member?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Do you believe those things you do not understand?"
+
+He drew a deep breath, scarcely knowing at that moment how best to
+answer, yet sincerely anxious to lead this girl toward the light.
+
+"The majority of men do not talk much about such matters.  They hold
+them sacred.  Yet I will speak frankly with you.  I could not state in
+words my faith so that it would be clearly apprehended by the mind of
+another.  I am in the church because I believe its efforts are toward
+righteousness, because I believe the teachings of Christ are perfect.
+His life the highest possible type of living, and because through Him
+we receive all the information regarding a future existence which we
+possess.  That my mind rests satisfied I do not say; I simply accept
+what is given, preferring a little light to total darkness."
+
+"But here they refuse to accept any one like that.  They say I am not
+yet in a fit state of mind."
+
+"Such a judgment would seem to me narrow.  I was fortunate in coming
+under the influence of a broad-minded religious teacher.  To my
+statement of doubts he simply said: 'Believe what you can; live the
+very best you can, and keep your mind open toward the light.'  It seems
+to me now this is all that anyone can do whose nature will not permit
+of blind, unquestioning faith.  To require more of ordinary human
+beings is unreasonable, for God gave us mind and ability to think."
+
+There was a pause, so breathless they could hear the rustle of the
+leaves in the almost motionless air, while the strains of gay music
+floating from the open windows sounded loud and strident.
+
+"I am so glad you have spoken in that way," she confessed.  "I shall
+never feel quite so much alone in the world again, and I shall see
+these matters from a different viewpoint.  Is it wrong--unwomanly, I
+mean--for me to question spiritual things?"
+
+"I am unable to conceive why it should be.  Surely woman ought to be as
+deeply concerned in things spiritual as man."
+
+"How very strange it is that we should thus drift into such an intimate
+talk at our second meeting!" she exclaimed.  "But it seems so easy, so
+natural, to converse frankly with some people--they appear to draw out
+all that is best in one's heart.  Then there are others who seem to
+parch and wither up every germ of spiritual life."
+
+"There are those in the world who truly belong together," he urged,
+daringly.  "They belong to each other by some divine law.  They may
+never be privileged to meet; but if they do, the commingling of their
+minds and souls is natural.  This talk of ours to-night has, perhaps,
+done me as much good as you."
+
+"Oh, I am so glad if it has!  I--I do not believe you and Miss Spencer
+conversed in this way?"
+
+"Heaven forbid!  And yet it might puzzle you to guess what was the main
+topic of our conversation."
+
+"Did it interest you?"
+
+"Deeply."
+
+"Well, then, it could not be dress, or men, or Western romance, or
+society in Boston, or the beautiful weather.  I guess it was books."
+
+"Wrong; they were never mentioned."
+
+"Then I shall have to give up, for I do not remember any other subjects
+she talks about."
+
+"Yet it was the most natural topic imaginable--yourself."
+
+"You were discussing me?  Why, how did that happen?"
+
+"Very simply, and I was wholly to blame.  To be perfectly honest, Miss
+Naida, I attended the dance to-night for no other object than to meet
+you again.  But I had argued myself into the belief that you were Miss
+Spencer.  The discovery of my mistake merely intensified my
+determination to learn who you really were.  With this purpose, I
+interviewed Miss Spencer, and during the course of our conversation the
+facts of my first meeting with you became known."
+
+"You told her how very foolish I acted?"
+
+"I told her how deeply interested I had become in your outspoken
+manner."
+
+"Oh! And she exclaimed, 'How romantic!'"
+
+"Possibly; she likewise took occasion to suggest that you were merely a
+child, and seemed astonished that I should have given you a second
+thought."
+
+"Why, I am eighteen."
+
+"I told her I believed you to be of that age, and she ignored my
+remark.  But what truly surprised both of us was, how you happened to
+know my name."
+
+The girl did not attempt to answer, and she was thankful enough that
+there was not sufficient light to betray the reddening of her cheeks.
+
+"And you do not mean, even now, to make clear the mystery?" he asked.
+
+"Not--now," she answered, almost timidly.  "It is nothing much, only I
+would rather not now."
+
+The sudden sound of voices and laughter in the street beneath brought
+them both to their feet.
+
+"Why, they are coming across to supper," she exclaimed, in surprise.
+"How long we have been here, and it has seemed scarcely a moment!  I
+shall certainly be in for a scolding, Lieutenant Brant; and I fear your
+only means of saving me from being promptly sent home in disgrace will
+be to escort me in to supper."
+
+"A delightful punishment!"  He drew her hand through his arm, and said:
+"And then you will pledge me the first dance following?"
+
+"Oh, you must n't ask me.  Really, I have not been on the floor
+to-night; I am not in the mood."
+
+"Do you yield to moods?"
+
+"Why, of course I do.  Is it not a woman's privilege?  If you know me
+long it will be to find me all moods."
+
+"If they only prove as attractive as the particular one swaying you
+to-night, I shall certainly have no cause for complaint.  Come, Miss
+Naida, please cultivate the mood to say yes, before those others
+arrive."
+
+She glanced up at him, shaking her dark hair, her lips smiling.  "My
+present mood is certainly a good-natured one," she confessed, softly,
+"and consequently it is impossible to say no."
+
+His hand pressed hers, as the thronging couples came merrily up the
+steps.
+
+"Why, Naida, is this you, child?  Where have you been all this time?"
+It was Miss Spencer, clinging to Mr. Wynkoop's arm.
+
+"Merely sitting out a dance," was the seemingly indifferent answer;
+then she added sweetly, "Have you ever met my friend, Lieutenant Brant,
+of the Seventh Cavalry, Phoebe?  We were just going in to supper."
+
+Miss Spencer's glance swept over the silent young officer.  "I believe
+I have had the honor.  It was my privilege to be introduced to the
+gentleman by a mutual friend."
+
+The inward rush of hungry guests swept them all forward in laughing,
+jostling confusion; but Naida's cheeks burned with indignation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE REAPPEARANCE OF AN OLD FRIEND
+
+After supper the Lieutenant and Naida danced twice together, the young
+girl's mood having apparently changed to one of buoyant, careless
+happiness, her dark eyes smiling, her lips uttering freely whatever
+thought came uppermost.  Outwardly she pictured the gay and merry
+spirit of the night, yet to Brant, already observing her with the
+jealousy of a lover, she appeared distrait and restless, her
+affectation of abandon a mere mask to her true feelings.  There was a
+peculiar watchfulness in her glances about the crowded room, while her
+flushed cheeks, and the distinctly false note in her laughter, began to
+trouble him not a little.  Perhaps these things might have passed
+unnoted but for their contrast with the late confidential chat.
+
+He could not reconcile this sudden change with what he believed of her.
+It was not carried out with the practised art of one accustomed to
+deceit.  There must be something real influencing her action.  These
+misgivings burdened his mind even as he swung lightly with her to the
+music, and they talked together in little snatches.
+
+He had forgotten Miss Spencer, forgotten everything else about him,
+permitting himself to become enthralled by this strange girl whose name
+even he did not know.  In every way she had appealed to his
+imagination, awakening his interest, his curiosity, his respect, and
+even now, when some secret seemed to sway her conduct, it merely served
+to strengthen his resolve to advance still farther in her regard.
+There are natures which welcome strife; they require opposition,
+difficulty, to develop their real strength.  Brant was of this breed.
+The very conception that some person, even some inanimate thing, might
+stand between him and the heart of this fair woman acted upon him like
+a stimulant.
+
+The last of the two waltzes ended, they walked slowly through the
+scattering throng, he striving vainly to arouse her to the former
+independence and intimacy of speech.  While endeavoring bravely to
+exhibit interest, her mind too clearly wandered, and there was borne in
+slowly upon him the distasteful idea that she would prefer being left
+alone.  Brant had been secretly hoping it might become his privilege to
+escort her home, but now he durst not breathe the words of such a
+request.  Something indefinable had arisen between them which held the
+man dumb and nerveless.  Suddenly they came face to face with Mrs.
+Herndon, and Brant felt the girl's arm twitch.
+
+"I have been looking everywhere for you, Naida," Mrs. Herndon said, a
+slight complaint in her voice.  "We were going home."
+
+Naida's cheeks reddened painfully.
+
+"I am so sorry if I have kept you waiting," her words spoken with a
+rush, "but--but, Lieutenant Brant was intending to accompany me.  We
+were just starting for the cloak-room."
+
+"Oh, indeed!"  Mrs. Herndon's expression was noncommittal, while her
+eyes surveyed the lieutenant.
+
+"With your permission, of course," he said.
+
+"I hardly think I have any need to interfere."
+
+They separated, the younger people walking slowly, silently toward the
+door.  He held her arm, assisting her to descend the stairway, his lips
+murmuring a few commonplaces, to which she scarcely returned even
+monosyllabic replies, although she frequently flashed shy glances at
+his grave face.  Both realized that some explanation was forthcoming,
+yet neither was quite prepared to force the issue.
+
+"I have no wraps at the hotel," she said, as he attempted to turn that
+way.  "That was a lie also; let us walk directly down the road."
+
+He indulged in no comment, his eyes perceiving a pathetic pleading in
+her upturned face.  Suddenly there came to him a belief that the girl
+was crying; he could feel the slight tremor of her form against his
+own.  He glanced furtively at her, only to catch the glitter of a
+falling tear.  To her evident distress, his heart made instant and
+sympathetic response.  With all respect influencing the action, his
+hand closed warmly over the smaller one on his sleeve.
+
+"Little girl," he said, forgetting the shortness of their acquaintance
+in the deep feeling of the moment, "tell me what the trouble is."
+
+"I suppose you think me an awful creature for saying that," she blurted
+out, without looking up.  "It wasn't ladylike or nice, but--but I
+simply could n't help it, Lieutenant Brant."
+
+"You mean your sudden determination to carry me home with you?" he
+asked, relieved to think this might prove the entire difficulty.
+"Don't let that worry you.  Why, I am simply rejoiced at being
+permitted to go.  Do you know, I wanted to request the privilege all
+the time we were dancing together.  But you acted so differently from
+when we were beneath the vines that I actually lost my nerve."
+
+She looked up, and he caught a fleeting glimpse into her unveiled eyes.
+
+"I did not wish you to ask me."
+
+"What?"  He stopped suddenly.  "Why then did you make such an
+announcement to Mrs. Herndon?"
+
+"Oh, that was different," she explained, uneasily.  "I had to do that;
+I had to trust you to help me out, but--but I really wanted to go home
+alone."
+
+He swept his unbelieving eyes around over the deserted night scene, not
+knowing what answer to return to so strange an avowal.  "Was that what
+caused you to appear so distant to me in the hall, so vastly different
+from what you had been before?"
+
+She nodded, but with her gaze still upon the ground.
+
+"Miss Naida," he said, "it would be cowardly for me to attempt to dodge
+this issue between us.  Is it because you do not like me?"
+
+She looked up quickly, the moonlight revealing her flushed face.
+
+"Oh, no, no! you must never think that.  I told you I was a girl of
+moods; under those vines I had one mood, in the hall another.  Cannot
+you understand?"
+
+"Very little," he admitted, "for I am more inclined to believe you are
+the possessor of a strong will than that you are swayed by moods.
+Listen.  If I thought that a mere senseless mood had caused your
+peculiar treatment of me to-night, I should feel justified in yielding
+to a mood also.  But I will not lower you to that extent in my
+estimation; I prefer to believe that you are the true-hearted, frankly
+spoken girl of the vine shadow.  It is this abiding conviction as to
+your true nature which holds me loyal to a test.  Miss Naida, is it now
+your desire that I leave you?"
+
+He stepped aside, relinquishing her arm, his hat in hand, but she did
+not move from where he left her.
+
+"It--it hurts me," she faltered, "for I truly desire you to think in
+that way of me, and I--I don't know what is best to do.  If I tell you
+why I wished to come alone, you might misunderstand; and if I refuse,
+then you will suspect wrong, and go away despising me."
+
+"I sincerely wish you might repose sufficient confidence in me as a
+gentleman to believe I never betray a trust, never pry into a lady's
+secret."
+
+"Oh, I do, Lieutenant Brant.  It is not doubt of you at all; but I am
+not sure, even within my own heart, that I am doing just what is right.
+Besides, it will be so difficult to make you, almost a stranger,
+comprehend the peculiar conditions which influence my action.  Even now
+you suspect that I am deceitful--a masked sham like those others we
+discussed to-night; but I have never played a part before, never
+skulked in the dark.  To-night I simply had to do it."
+
+Her voice was low and pleading, her eyes an appeal; and Brant could not
+resist the impulse to comfort.
+
+"Then attempt no explanation," he said, gently, "and believe me, I
+shall continue to trust you.  To-night, whatever your wish may be, I
+will abide by it.  Shall I go, or stay?  In either case you have
+nothing to fear."
+
+She drew a deep breath, these open words of faith touching her more
+strongly than would any selfish fault-finding.
+
+"Trust begets trust," she replied, with new firmness, and now gazing
+frankly into his face.  "You can walk with me a portion of the way if
+you wish, but I am going to tell you the truth,--I have an appointment
+with a man."
+
+"I naturally regret to learn this," he said, with assumed calmness.
+"But the way is so lonely I prefer walking with you until you have some
+other protector."
+
+She accepted his proffered arm, feeling the constraint in his tone, the
+formality in his manner, most keenly.  An older woman might have
+resented it, but it only served to sadden and embarrass her.  He began
+speaking of the quiet beauty of the night, but she had no thought of
+what he was saying.
+
+"Lieutenant Brant," she said, at last, "you do not ask me who the man
+is."
+
+"Certainly not, Miss Naida; it is none of my business."
+
+"I think, perhaps, it might be; the knowledge might help you to
+understand.  It is Bob Hampton."
+
+He stared at her.  "The gambler?  No wonder, then, your meeting is
+clandestine."
+
+She replied indignantly, her lips trembling.  "He is not a gambler; he
+is a miner, over in the Black Range.  He has not touched a card in two
+years."
+
+"Oh, reformed has he?  And are you the instrument that has worked such
+a miracle?"
+
+Her eyes fell.  "I don't know, but I hope so."  Then she glanced up
+again, wondering at his continued silence.  "Don't you understand yet?"
+
+"Only that you are secretly meeting a man of the worst reputation, one
+known the length and breadth of this border as a gambler and fighter."
+
+"Yes; but--but don't you know who I am?"
+
+He smiled grimly, wondering what possible difference that could make.
+"Certainly; you are Miss Naida Herndon."
+
+"I?  You have not known?  Lieutenant Brant, I am Naida Gillis."
+
+He stopped still, again facing her.  "Naida Gillis?  Do you mean old
+Gillis's girl?  Is it possible you are the same we rescued on the
+prairie two years ago?"
+
+She bowed her head.  "Yes; do you understand now why I trust this Bob
+Hampton?"
+
+"I perhaps might comprehend why you should feel grateful to him, but
+not why you should thus consent to meet with him clandestinely."
+
+He could not see the deep flush upon her cheeks, but he was not deaf to
+the pitiful falter in her voice.
+
+"Because he has been good and true to me," she explained, frankly,
+"better than anybody else in all the world.  I don't care what you say,
+you and those others who do not know him, but I believe in him; I think
+he is a man.  They won't let me see him, the Herndons, nor permit him
+to come to the house.  He has not been in Glencaid for two years, until
+yesterday.  The Indian rising has driven all the miners out from the
+Black Range, and he came down here for no other purpose than to get a
+glimpse of me, and learn how I was getting on.  I--I saw him over at
+the hotel just for a moment--Mrs. Guffy handed me a note--and I--I had
+only just left him when I encountered you at the door.  I wanted to see
+him again, to talk with him longer, but I couldn't manage to get away
+from you, and I didn't know what to do.  There, I've told it all; do
+you really think I am so very bad, because--because I like Bob Hampton?"
+
+He stood a moment completely nonplussed, yet compelled to answer.
+
+"I certainly have no right to question your motives," he said, at last,
+"and I believe your purposes to be above reproach.  I wish I might give
+the same credit to this man Hampton.  But, Miss Naida, the world does
+not often consent to judge us by our own estimation of right and wrong;
+it prefers to place its own interpretation on acts, and thus often
+condemns the innocent.  Others might not see this as I do, nor have
+such unquestioning faith in you."
+
+"I know," she admitted, stubbornly, "but I wanted to see him; I have
+been so lonely for him, and this was the only possible way."
+
+Brant felt a wave of uncontrollable sympathy sweep across him, even
+while he was beginning to hate this man, who, he felt, had stolen a
+passage into the innocent heart of a girl not half his age, one knowing
+little of the ways of the world.  He saw again that bare desert, with
+those two half-dead figures clasped in each other's arms, and felt that
+he understood the whole miserable story of a girl's trust, a man's
+perfidy.
+
+"May I walk beside you until you meet him?" he asked.
+
+"You will not quarrel?"
+
+"No; at least not through any fault of mine."
+
+A few steps in the moonlight and she again took his arm, although they
+scarcely spoke.  At the bridge she withdrew her hand and uttered a
+peculiar call, and Hampton stepped forth from the concealing bushes,
+his head bare, his hat in his hand.
+
+"I scarcely thought it could be you," he said, seemingly not altogether
+satisfied, "as you were accompanied by another."
+
+The younger man took a single step forward, his uniform showing in the
+moonlight.  "Miss Gillis will inform you later why I am here," he said,
+striving to speak civilly.  "You and I, however, have met before--I am
+Lieutenant Brant, of the Seventh Cavalry."
+
+Hampton bowed, his manner somewhat stiff and formal, his face
+inpenetrable.
+
+"I should have left Miss Gillis previous to her meeting with you,"
+Brant continued, "but I desired to request the privilege of calling
+upon you to-morrow for a brief interview."
+
+"With pleasure."
+
+"Shall it be at ten?"
+
+"The hour is perfectly satisfactory.  You will find me at the hotel."
+
+"You place me under obligations," said Brant, and turned toward the
+wondering girl.  "I will now say good-night, Miss Gillis, and I promise
+to remember only the pleasant events of this evening."
+
+Their hands met for an instant of warm pressure, and then the two left
+behind stood motionless and watched him striding along the moonlit road.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE VERGE OF A QUARREL
+
+Brant's mind was a chaos of conflicting emotions, but a single abiding
+conviction never once left him--he retained implicit faith in her, and
+he purposed to fight this matter out with Hampton.  Even in that
+crucial hour, had any one ventured to suggest that he was in love with
+Naida, he would merely have laughed, serenely confident that nothing
+more than gentlemanly interest swayed his conduct.  It was true, he
+greatly admired the girl, recalled to memory her every movement, her
+slightest glance, her most insignificant word, while her marvellous
+eyes constantly haunted him, yet the dawn of love was not even faintly
+acknowledged.
+
+Nevertheless, he manifested an unreasonable dislike for Hampton.  He
+had never before felt thus toward this person; indeed, he had possessed
+a strong man's natural admiration for the other's physical power and
+cool, determined courage.  He now sincerely feared Hampton's power over
+the innocent mind of the girl, imagining his influence to be much
+stronger than it really was, and he sought after some suitable means
+for overcoming it.  He had no faith in this man's professed reform, no
+abiding confidence in his word of honor; and it seemed to him then that
+the entire future of the young woman's life rested upon his deliverance
+of her from the toils of the gambler.  He alone, among those who might
+be considered as her true friends, knew the secret of her infatuation,
+and upon him alone, therefore, rested the burden of her release.  It
+was his heart that drove him into such a decision, although he
+conceived it then to be the reasoning of the brain.
+
+And so she was Naida Gillis, poor old Gillis's little girl!  He stopped
+suddenly in the road, striving to realize the thought.  He had never
+once dreamed of such a consummation, and it staggered him.  His thought
+drifted back to that pale-faced, red-haired, poorly dressed slip of a
+girl whom he had occasionally viewed with disapproval about the
+post-trader's store at Bethune, and it seemed simply an impossibility.
+He recalled the unconscious, dust-covered, nameless waif he had once
+held on his lap beside the Bear Water.  What was there in common
+between that outcast, and this well-groomed, frankly spoken young
+woman?  Yet, whoever she was or had been, the remembrance of her could
+not be conjured out of his brain.  He might look back with repugnance
+upon those others, those misty phantoms of the past, but the vision of
+his mind, his ever-changeable divinity of the vine shadows, would not
+become obscured, nor grow less fascinating.  Let her be whom she might,
+no other could ever win that place she occupied in his heart.  His mind
+dwelt upon her flushed cheeks, her earnest face, her wealth of glossy
+hair, her dark eyes filled with mingled roguery and thoughtfulness,--in
+utter unconsciousness that he was already her humble slave.  Suddenly
+there occurred to him a recollection of Silent Murphy, and his strange,
+unguarded remark.  What could the fellow have meant?  Was there,
+indeed, some secret in the life history of this young girl?--some story
+of shame, perhaps?  If so, did Hampton know about it?
+
+Already daylight rested white and solemn over the silent valley, and
+only a short distance away lay the spot where the crippled scout had
+made his solitary camp.  Almost without volition the young officer
+turned that way, crossed the stream by means of the log, and clambered
+up the bank.  But it was clear at a glance that Murphy had deserted the
+spot.  Convinced of this, Brant retraced his steps toward the camp of
+his own troop, now already astir with the duties of early morning.
+Just in front of his tent he encountered his first sergeant.
+
+"Watson," he questioned, as the latter saluted and stood at attention,
+"do you know a man called Silent Murphy?"
+
+"The scout?  Yes, sir; knew him as long ago as when he was corporal in
+your father's troop.  He was reduced to the ranks for striking an
+officer."
+
+Brant wheeled in astonishment.  "Was he ever a soldier in the Seventh?"
+
+"He was that, for two enlistments, and a mighty tough one; but he was
+always quick enough for a fight in field or garrison."
+
+"Has he shown himself here at the camp?"
+
+"No, sir; didn't know he was anywhere around.  He and I were never very
+good friends, sir."
+
+The lieutenant remained silent for several moments, endeavoring to
+perfect some feasible plan.
+
+"Despatch an orderly to the telegraph-office," he finally commanded,
+"to inquire if this man Murphy receives any messages there, and if they
+know where he is stopping.  Send an intelligent man, and have him
+discover all the facts he can.  When he returns bring him in to me."
+
+He had enjoyed a bath and a shave, and was yet lingering over his
+coffee, when the two soldiers entered with their report.  The sergeant
+stepped aside, and the orderly, a tall, boyish-looking fellow with a
+pugnacious chin, saluted stiffly.
+
+"Well, Bane," and the officer eyed his trim appearance with manifest
+approval, "what did you succeed in learning?"
+
+"The operator said this yere Murphy hed never bin thar himself, sir,
+but there wus several messages come fer him.  One got here this
+mornin'."
+
+"What becomes of them?"
+
+"They're called fer by another feller, sir."
+
+"Oh, they are!  Who?"
+
+"Red Slavin wus the name he give me of thet other buck."
+
+When the two had disappeared, Brant sat back thinking rapidly.  There
+was a mystery here, and such actions must have a cause.  Something
+either in or about Glencaid was compelling Murphy to keep out of
+sight--but what?  Who?  Brant was unable to get it out of his head that
+all this secrecy centred around Naida.  With those incautiously spoken
+words as a clew, he suspected that Murphy knew something about her, and
+that knowledge was the cause for his present erratic actions.  Perhaps
+Hampton knew; at least he might possess some additional scrap of
+information which would help to solve the problem.  He looked at his
+watch, and ordered his horse to be saddled.
+
+It did not seem quite so simple now, this projected interview with
+Hampton, as it had appeared the night before.  In the clear light of
+day, he began to realize the weakness of his position, the fact that he
+possessed not the smallest right to speak on behalf of Naida Gillis.
+He held no relationship whatsoever to her, and should he venture to
+assume any, it was highly probable the older man would laugh
+contemptuously in his face.  Brant knew better than to believe Hampton
+would ever let go unless he was obliged to do so; he comprehended the
+impotence of threats on such a character, as well as his probable
+indifference to moral obligations.  Nevertheless, the die was cast, and
+perhaps, provided an open quarrel could be avoided, the meeting might
+result in good to all concerned.
+
+Hampton welcomed him with distant but marked courtesy, having evidently
+thought out his own immediate plan of action, and schooled himself
+accordingly.  Standing there, the bright light streaming over them from
+the open windows, they presented two widely contrasting personalities,
+yet each exhibiting in figure and face the evidences of hard training
+and iron discipline.  Hampton was clothed in black, standing straight
+as an arrow, his shoulders squared, his head held proudly erect, while
+his cool gray eyes studied the face of the other as he had been
+accustomed to survey his opponents at the card-table.  Brant looked the
+picture of a soldier on duty, trim, well built, erect, his resolute
+blue eyes never flinching from the steady gaze bent upon ham, his
+bronzed young face grave from the seriousness of his mission.  Neither
+was a man to temporize, to mince words, or to withhold blows; yet each
+instinctively felt that this was an occasion rather for self-restraint.
+In both minds the same thought lingered--the vague wonder how much the
+other knew.  The elder man, however, retained the better self-control,
+and was first to break the silence.
+
+"Miss Gillis informed me of your kindness to her last evening," he
+said, quietly, "and in her behalf I sincerely thank you.  Permit me to
+offer you a chair."
+
+Brant accepted it, and sat down, feeling the calm tone of
+proprietorship in the words of the other as if they had been a blow.
+His face flushed, yet he spoke firmly.  "Possibly I misconstrue your
+meaning," he said, with some bluntness, determined to reach the gist of
+the matter at once.  "Did Miss Gillis authorize you to thank me for
+these courtesies?"
+
+Hampton smiled with provoking calmness, holding an unlighted cigar
+between his fingers.  "Why, really, as to that I do not remember.  I
+merely mentioned it as expressing the natural gratitude of us both."
+
+"You speak as if you possessed full authority to express her mind as
+well as your own."
+
+The other bowed gravely, his face impassive.  "My words would quite
+naturally bear some such construction."
+
+The officer hesitated, feeling more doubtful than ever regarding his
+own position.  Chagrined, disarmed, he felt like a prisoner standing
+bound before his mocking captor.  "Then I fear my mission here is
+useless."
+
+"Entirely so, if you come for the purpose I suspect," said Hampton,
+sitting erect in his chair, and speaking with more rapid utterance.
+"To lecture me on morality, and demand my yielding up all influence
+over this girl,--such a mission is assured of failure.  I have listened
+with some degree of calmness in this room already to one such address,
+and surrendered to its reasoning.  But permit me to say quite plainly,
+Lieutenant Brant, that you are not the person from whom I will quietly
+listen to another."
+
+"I had very little expectation that you would."
+
+"You should have had still less, and remained away entirely.  However,
+now that you are here, and the subject broached, it becomes my turn to
+say something, and to say it clearly.  It seems to me you would exhibit
+far better taste and discrimination if from now on you would cease
+forcing your attentions upon Miss Gillis."
+
+Brant leaped to his feet, but the other never deigned to alter his
+position.
+
+"Forcing my attentions!" exclaimed the officer.  "God's mercy, man! do
+you realize what you are saying?  I have forced no attentions upon Miss
+Gillis."
+
+"My reference was rather to future possibilities.  Young blood is
+proverbially hot, and I thought it wise to warn you in time."
+
+Brant stared into that imperturbable face, and somehow the very sight
+of its calm, inflexible resolve served to clear his own brain.  He felt
+that this cool, self-controlled man was speaking with authority.
+
+"Wait just a moment," he said, at last.  "I wish this made perfectly
+clear, and for all time.  I met Miss Gillis first through pure
+accident.  She impressed me strongly then, and I confess I have since
+grown more deeply interested in her personality.  I have reasons to
+suppose my presence not altogether distasteful to her, and she has
+certainly shown that she reposed confidence in me.  Not until late last
+night did I even suspect she was the same girl whom we picked up with
+you out on the desert.  It came to me from her own lips and was a total
+surprise.  She revealed her identity in order to justify her proposed
+clandestine meeting with you."
+
+"And hence you requested this pleasant conference," broke in Hampton,
+coolly, "to inform me, from your calm eminence of respectability, that
+I was no fit companion for such a young and innocent person, and to
+warn me that you were prepared to act as her protector."
+
+Brant slightly inclined his head.
+
+"I may have had something of that nature in my mind."
+
+"Well, Lieutenant Brant," and the older man rose to his feet, his eyes
+still smiling, "some might be impolite enough to say that it was the
+conception of a cad, but whatever it was, the tables have unexpectedly
+turned.  Without further reference to my own personal interests in the
+young lady, which are, however, considerable, there remain other
+weighty reasons, that I am not at liberty to discuss, which make it
+simply impossible for you to sustain any relationship to Miss Gillis
+other than that of ordinary social friendship."
+
+"You--you claim the right--"
+
+"I distinctly claim the right, for the reason that I possess the right,
+and no one has ever yet known me to relinquish a hold once fairly
+gained.  Lieutenant Brant, if I am any judge of faces you are a
+fighting man by nature as well as profession, but there is no
+opportunity for your doing any fighting here.  This matter is
+irrevocably settled--Naida Gillis is not for you."
+
+Brant was breathing hard.  "Do you mean to insinuate that there is an
+understanding, an engagement between you?" he faltered, scarcely
+knowing how best to resent such utterance.
+
+"You may place your own construction upon what I have said," was the
+quiet answer.  "The special relations existing between Miss Gillis and
+myself chance to be no business of yours.  However, I will consent to
+say this--I do enjoy a relationship to her that gives me complete
+authority to say what I have said to you.  I regret having been obliged
+by your persistency to speak with such plainness, but this knowledge
+should prove sufficient to control the actions of a gentleman."
+
+For a moment the soldier did not answer, his emotions far too strong to
+permit of calm utterance, his lips tightly shut.  He felt utterly
+defeated.  "Your language is sufficiently explicit," he acknowledged,
+at last.  "I ask pardon for my unwarranted intrusion."
+
+At the door he paused and glanced back toward that motionless figure
+yet standing with one hand grasping the back of the chair.
+
+"Before I go, permit me to ask a single question," he said, frankly.
+"I was a friend of old Ben Gillis, and he was a friend to my father
+before me.  Have you any reason to suspect that he was not Naida
+Gillis's father?"
+
+Hampton took one hasty step forward.  "What do you mean?" he exclaimed,
+fiercely, his eyes two coals of fire.
+
+Brant felt that the other's display of irritation gave him an
+unexpected advantage.
+
+"Nothing that need awaken anger, I am sure.  Something caused me to
+harbor the suspicion, and I naturally supposed you would know about it.
+Indeed, I wondered if some such knowledge might not account for your
+very deep interest in keeping her so entirely to yourself."
+
+Hampton's fingers twitched in a nervousness altogether unusual to the
+man, yet when he spoke his voice was like steel.  "Your suspicions are
+highly interesting, and your cowardly insinuations base.  However, if,
+as I suppose, your purpose is to provoke a quarrel, you will find me
+quite ready to accommodate you."
+
+An instant they stood thus, eye to eye.  Suddenly Brant's memory veered
+to the girl whose name would be smirched by any blow struck between
+them, and he forced back the hasty retort burning upon his lips.
+
+"You may be, Mr. Hampton," he said, standing like a statue, his back to
+the door, "but I am not.  As you say, fighting is my trade, yet I have
+never sought a personal quarrel.  Nor is there any cause here, as my
+only purpose in asking the question was to forewarn you, and her
+through you, that such a suggestion had been openly made in my hearing.
+I presume it was a lie, and wished to be able to brand it so."
+
+"By whom?"
+
+"A fellow known as Silent Murphy, a government scout."
+
+"I have heard of him.  Where is he?"
+
+"He claimed to be here waiting orders from Custer.  He had camp up the
+Creek two days ago, but is keeping well out of sight for some reason.
+Telegrams have been received for him at the office but another man has
+called for them."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Red Slavin."
+
+"The cur!" said Hampton.  "I reckon there is a bad half-hour waiting
+for those two fellows.  What was it that Murphy said?"
+
+"That he knew the girl's real name."
+
+"Was that all?"
+
+"Yes; I tried to discover his meaning, but the fellow became suspicious
+and shut up like a clam.  Is there anything in it?"
+
+Hampton ignored the question.  "Lieutenant Brant," he said, "I am glad
+we have had this talk together, and exceedingly sorry that my duty has
+compelled me to say what I have said.  Some time, however, you will
+sincerely thank me for it, and rejoice that you escaped so easily.  I
+knew your father once, and I should like now to part on friendly
+relations with his son."
+
+He held out his hand, and, scarcely knowing why he did so, Brant placed
+his own within its grasp, and as the eyes of the two men met, there was
+a consciousness of sympathy between them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+A SLIGHT INTERRUPTION
+
+The young officer passed slowly down the dark staircase, his mind still
+bewildered by the result of the interview.  His feelings toward Hampton
+had been materially changed.  He found it impossible to nurse a dislike
+which seemingly had no real cause for existence.  He began besides to
+comprehend something of the secret of his influence over Naida; even to
+experience himself the power of that dominating spirit.  Out of
+controversy a feeling of respect had been born.
+
+Yet Brant was far from being satisfied.  Little by little he realized
+that he had gained nothing, learned nothing.  Hampton had not even
+advanced a direct claim; he had dodged the real issue, leaving the
+soldier in the dark regarding his relationship to Naida, and erecting a
+barrier between the other two.  It was a masterpiece of defence,
+puzzling, irritating, seemingly impassable.  From the consideration of
+it all, Brant emerged with but one thought clearly defined--whoever she
+might prove to be, whatever was her present connection with Hampton, he
+loved this dark-eyed, auburn-haired waif.  He knew it now, and never
+again could he doubt it.  The very coming of this man into the field of
+contest, and his calm assumption of proprietorship and authority, had
+combined to awaken the slumbering heart of the young officer.  From
+that instant Naida Gillis became to him the one and only woman in all
+this world.  Ay, and he would fight to win her; never confessing defeat
+until final decision came from her own lips.  He paused, half inclined
+to retrace his steps and have the matter out.  He turned just in time
+to face a dazzling vision of fluffy lace and flossy hair beside him in
+the dimly lighted hall.
+
+"Oh, Lieutenant Brant!" and the vision clung to his arm tenderly.  "It
+is such a relief to find that you are unhurt.  Did--did you kill him?"
+
+Brant stared.  "I--I fear I scarcely comprehend, Miss Spencer.  I have
+certainly taken no one's life.  What can you mean?"
+
+"Oh, I am so glad; and Naida will be, too.  I must go right back and
+tell the poor girl, for she is nearly distracted.  Oh, Lieutenant, is
+n't it the most romantic situation that ever was?  And he is such a
+mysterious character!"
+
+"To whom do you refer?  Really, I am quite in the dark."
+
+"Why, Mr. Hampton, of course.  Oh, I know all about it.  Naida felt so
+badly over your meeting this morning that I just compelled her to
+confide her whole story to me.  And didn't you fight at all?"
+
+"Most assuredly not," and Brant's eyes began to exhibit amusement;
+"indeed, we parted quite friendly."
+
+"I told Naida I thought you would.  People don't take such things so
+seriously nowadays, do they?  But Naida is such a child and so full of
+romantic notions, that she worried terribly about it.  Is n't it
+perfectly delightful what he is going to do for her?"
+
+"I am sure I do not know."
+
+"Why, had n't you heard?  He wants to send her East to a
+boarding-school and give her a fine education.  Do you know,
+Lieutenant, I am simply dying to see him; he is such a perfectly
+splendid Western character."
+
+"It would afford me pleasure to present you," and the soldier's
+downcast face brightened with anticipation.
+
+"Do--do you really think it would be proper?  But they do things so
+differently out here, don't they?  Oh, I wish you would."
+
+Feeling somewhat doubtful as to what might be the result, Brant knocked
+upon the door he had just closed, and, in response to the voice within,
+opened it.  Hampton sat upon the chair by the window, but as his eyes
+caught a glimpse of the returned soldier with a woman standing beside
+him, he instantly rose to his feet.
+
+"Mr. Hampton," said Brant, "I trust I may be pardoned for again
+troubling you, but this is Miss Spencer, a great admirer of Western
+life, who is desirous of making your acquaintance."
+
+Miss Spencer swept gracefully forward, her cheeks flushed, her hand
+extended.  "Oh, Mr. Hampton, I have so wished to meet with you ever
+since I first read your name in Aunt Lydia's letters--Mrs. Herndon is
+my aunt, you know,--and all about that awful time you had with those
+Indians.  You see, I am Naida Gillis's most particular friend, and she
+tells me so much about you.  She is such a dear, sweet girl!  She felt
+so badly this morning over your meeting with Lieutenant Brant, fearing
+you might quarrel!  It was such a relief to find him unhurt, but I felt
+that I must see you also, so as to relieve Naida's mind entirely.  I
+have two special friends, Mr. Moffat and Mr. McNeil,--perhaps you know
+them?--who have told me so much about these things.  But I do think the
+story of your acquaintance with Naida is the most romantic I ever heard
+of,--exactly like a play on the stage, and I could never forgive myself
+if I failed to meet the leading actor.  I do not wonder Naida fairly
+worships you."
+
+"I most certainly appreciate your frankly expressed interest, Miss
+Spencer," he said, standing with her hand still retained in his, "and
+am exceedingly glad there is one residing in this community to whom my
+peculiar merits are apparent.  So many are misjudged in this world,
+that it is quite a relief to realize that even one is appreciative, and
+the blessing becomes doubled when that one chances to be so very
+charming a young woman."
+
+Miss Spencer sparkled instantly, her cheeks rosy.  "Oh, how very
+gracefully you said that!  I do wish you would some time tell me about
+your exploits.  Why, Mr. Hampton, perhaps if you were to call upon me,
+you might see Naida, too.  I wish you knew Mr. Moffat, but as you
+don't, perhaps you might come with Lieutenant Brant."
+
+Hampton bowed.  "I would hardly venture thus to place myself under the
+protection of Lieutenant Brant, although I must confess the former
+attractions of the Herndon home are now greatly increased.  From my
+slight knowledge of Mr. Moffat's capabilities, I fear I should be found
+a rather indifferent entertainer; yet I sincerely hope we shall meet
+again at a time when I can 'a tale unfold.'"
+
+"How nice that will be, and I am so grateful to you for the promise.
+By-the-bye, only this very morning a man stopped me on the street,
+actually mistaking me for Naida."
+
+"What sort of a looking man, Miss Spencer?"
+
+"Large, and heavily set, with a red beard.  He was exceedingly polite
+when informed of his mistake, and said he merely had a message to
+deliver to Miss Gillis.  But he refused to tell it to me."
+
+The glances of the two men met, but Brant was unable to decipher the
+meaning hidden within the gray eyes.  Neither spoke, and Miss Spencer,
+never realizing what her chatter meant, rattled merrily on.
+
+"You see there are so many who speak to me now, because of my public
+position here.  So I thought nothing strange at first, until I
+discovered his mistake, and then it seemed so absurd that I nearly
+laughed outright.  Isn't it odd what such a man could possibly want
+with her?  But really, gentlemen, I must return with my news; Naida
+will be so anxious.  I am so glad to have met you both."
+
+Hampton bowed politely, and Brant conducted her silently down the
+stairway.  "I greatly regret not being able to accompany you home," he
+explained, "but I came down on horseback, and my duty requires that I
+return at once to the camp."
+
+"Oh, indeed! how very unfortunate for me!"  Even as she said so, some
+unexpected vision beyond flushed her cheeks prettily.  "Why, Mr.
+Wynkoop," she exclaimed, "I am so glad you happened along, and going my
+way too, I am sure.  Good morning, Lieutenant; I shall feel perfectly
+safe with Mr. Wynkoop."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+THE DOOR OPENS, AND CLOSES AGAIN
+
+In one sense Hampton had greatly enjoyed Miss Spencer's call.  Her
+bright, fresh face, her impulsive speech, her unquestioned beauty, had
+had their effect upon him, changing for the time being the gloomy trend
+of his thoughts.  She was like a draught of pure Spring air, and he had
+gratefully breathed it in, and even longed for more.
+
+But gradually the slight smile of amusement faded from his eyes.
+Something, which he had supposed lay securely hidden behind years and
+distance, had all at once come back to haunt him,--the unhappy ghost of
+an expiated crime, to do evil to this girl Naida.  Two men, at least,
+knew sufficient of the past to cause serious trouble.  This effort by
+Slavin to hold personal communication with the girl was evidently made
+for some definite purpose.  Hampton was unable to decide what that
+purpose could be.  He entertained no doubt regarding the enmity of the
+big gambler, or his desire to "get even" for all past injuries; but how
+much did he know?  What special benefit did he hope to gain from
+conferring with Naida Gillis?  Hampton decided to have a face-to-face
+interview with the man himself; he was accustomed to fight his battles
+in the open, and to a finish.  A faint hope, which had been growing
+dimmer and dimmer with every passing year, began to flicker once again
+within his heart.  He desired to see this man Murphy, and to learn
+exactly what he knew.
+
+
+He had planned his work, and was perfectly prepared to meet its
+dangers.  He entered the almost deserted saloon opposite the hotel,
+across the threshold of which he had not stepped for two years, and the
+man behind the bar glanced up apprehensively.
+
+"Red Slavin?" he said.  "Well, now see here, Hampton, we don't want no
+trouble in this shebang."
+
+"I 'm not here seeking a fight, Jim," returned the inquirer, genially.
+"I merely wish to ask 'Red' an unimportant question or two."
+
+"He's there in the back room, I reckon, but he's damn liable to take a
+pot shot at you when you go in."
+
+Hampton's genial smile only broadened, as he carelessly rolled an
+unlighted cigar between his lips.
+
+"It seems to me you are becoming rather nervous for this line of
+business, Jim.  You should take a good walk in the fresh air every
+morning, and let up on the liquor.  I assure you, Mr. Slavin is one of
+my most devoted friends, and is of that tender disposition he would not
+willingly injure a fly."
+
+He walked to the door, flung it swiftly and silently open, and stepping
+within, closed it behind him with his left hand.  In the other
+glittered the steel-blue barrel of a drawn revolver.
+
+"Slavin, sit down!"
+
+The terse, imperative words seemed fairly to cut the air, and the
+red-bearded gambler, who had half risen to his feet, an oath upon his
+lips, sank back into his seat, staring at the apparition confronting
+him as if fascinated.  Hampton jerked a chair up to the opposite side
+of the small table, and planted himself on it, his eyes never once
+deserting the big gambler's face.
+
+"Put your hands on the table, and keep them there!" he said.  "Now, my
+dear friend, I have come here in peace, not war, and take these slight
+precautions merely because I have heard a rumor that you have indulged
+in a threat or two since we last parted, and I know something of your
+impetuous disposition.  No doubt this was exaggerated, but I am a
+careful man, and prefer to have the 'drop,' and so I sincerely hope you
+will pardon my keeping you covered during what is really intended as a
+friendly call.  I regret the necessity, but trust you are resting
+comfortably."
+
+"Oh, go to hell!"
+
+"We will consider that proposition somewhat later."  Hampton laid his
+hat with calm deliberation on the table.  "No doubt, Mr. Slavin,--if
+you move that hand again I 'll fill your system with lead,--you
+experience some very natural curiosity regarding the object of my
+unanticipated, yet I hope no less welcome, visit."
+
+Slavin's only reply was a curse, his bloodshot eyes roaming the room
+furtively.
+
+"I suspected as much," Hampton went on, coolly.  "Indeed, I should have
+felt hurt had you been indifferent upon such an occasion.  It does
+credit to your heart, Slavin.  Come now, keep your eyes on me!  I was
+about to gratify your curiosity, and, in the first place, I came to
+inquire solicitously regarding the state of your health during my
+absence, and incidentally to ask why you are exhibiting so great an
+interest in Miss Naida Gillis."
+
+Slavin straightened up, his great hands clinching nervously, drops of
+perspiration appearing on his red forehead.  "I don't understand your
+damned fun."
+
+Hampton's lips smiled unpleasantly.  "Slavin, you greatly discourage
+me.  The last time I was here you exhibited so fine a sense of humor
+that I was really quite proud of you.  Yet, truly, I think you do
+understand this joke.  Your memory can scarcely be failing at your
+age.--Make another motion like that and you die right there!  You know
+me.--However, as you seem to shy over my first question, I 'll honor
+you with a second,--Where's Silent Murphy?"
+
+Slavin's great square jaws set, a froth oozing from between his thick
+lips, and for an instant the other man believed that in his paroxysm of
+rage he would hurl himself across the table.  Then suddenly the
+ungainly brute went limp, his face grown haggard.
+
+"You devil!" he roared, "what do you mean?"
+
+Surprised as Hampton was by this complete breaking down, he knew his
+man far too well to yield him the slightest opportunity for treachery.
+With revolver hand resting on the table, the muzzle pointing at the
+giant's heart, he leaned forward, utterly remorseless now, and keen as
+an Indian on the trail.
+
+"Do you know who I am?"
+
+The horror in Slavin's eyes had changed to sullenness, but he nodded
+silently.
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+There was no reply, although the thick lips appeared to move.
+
+"Answer me, you red sneak!  Do you think I am here to be played with?
+Answer!"
+
+Slavin gulped down something which seemed threatening to choke him, but
+he durst not lift a hand to wipe the sweat from his face.  "If--if I
+didn't have this beard on you might guess.  I thought you knew me all
+the time."
+
+Hampton stared at him, still puzzled.  "I have certainly seen you
+somewhere.  I thought that from the first.  Where was it?"
+
+"I was in D Troop, Seventh Cavalry."
+
+"D Troop?  Brant's troop?"
+
+The big gambler nodded.  "That's how I knew you, Captain," he said,
+speaking with greater ease, "but I never had no reason to say anything
+about it round here.  You was allers decent 'nough ter me."
+
+"Possibly,"--and it was plainly evident from his quiet tone Hampton had
+steadied from his first surprise,--"the boot was on the other leg, and
+you had some good reason not to say anything."
+
+Slavin did not answer, but he wet his lips with his tongue, his eyes on
+the window.
+
+"Who is this fellow Murphy?"
+
+"He was corporal in that same troop, sir."  The ex-cavalryman dropped
+insensibly into his old form of speech.  "He knew you too, and we
+talked it over, and decided to keep still, because it was none of our
+affair anyhow."
+
+"Where is he now?"
+
+"He left last night with army despatches for Cheyenne."
+
+Hampton's eyes hardened perceptibly, and his fingers closed more
+tightly about the butt of his revolver.  "You lie, Slavin!  The last
+message did not reach here until this morning.  That fellow is hiding
+somewhere in this camp, and the two of you have been trying to get at
+the girl.  Now, damn you, what is your little game?"
+
+The big gambler was thinking harder then, perhaps, than he had ever
+thought in his life before.  He was no coward, although there was a
+yellow, wolfish streak of treachery in him, and he read clearly enough
+in the watchful eyes glowing behind that blue steel barrel a merciless
+determination which left him nerveless.  He knew Hampton would kill him
+if he needed to do so, but he likewise realized that he was not likely
+to fire until he had gained the information he was seeking.  Cunning
+pointed the only safe way out from this difficulty.  Lies had served
+his turn well before, and he hoped much from them now.  If he only knew
+how much information the other possessed, it would be easy enough.  As
+he did not, he must wield his weapon blindly.
+
+"You 're makin' a devil of a fuss over little or nuthin'," he growled,
+simulating a tone of disgust.  "I never ain't hed no quarrel with ye,
+exceptin' fer the way ye managed ter skin me at the table bout two
+years ago.  I don't give two screeches in hell for who you are; an'
+besides, I reckon you ain't the only ex-convict a-ranging Dakota either
+fer the matter o' that.  No more does Murphy.  We ain't no bloomin'
+detectives, an' we ain't buckin' in on no business o' yourn; ye kin
+just bet your sweet life on thet."
+
+"Where is Murphy, then?  I wish to see the fellow."
+
+"I told you he'd gone.  Maybe he didn't git away till this mornin', but
+he's gone now all right.  What in thunder do ye want o' him?  I reckon
+I kin tell ye all thet Murphy knows."
+
+For a breathless moment neither spoke, Hampton fingering his gun
+nervously, his eyes lingering on that brutal face.
+
+"Slavin," he said at last, his voice hard, metallic, "I 've figured it
+out, and I do know you now, you lying brute.  You are the fellow who
+swore you saw me throw away the gun that did the shooting, and that
+afterwards you picked it up."
+
+There was the spirit of murder in his eyes, and the gambler cowered
+back before them, trembling like a child.
+
+"I--I only swore to the last part, Captain," he muttered, his voice
+scarcely audible.  "I--I never said I saw you throw---"
+
+"And I swore," went on Hampton, "that I would kill you on sight.  You
+lying whelp, are you ready to die?"
+
+Slavin's face was drawn and gray, the perspiration standing in beads
+upon his forehead, but he could neither speak nor think, fascinated by
+those remorseless eyes, which seemed to burn their way down into his
+very soul.
+
+"No?  Well, then, I will give you, to-day, just one chance to
+live--one, you dog--one.  Don't move an eyelash!  Tell me honestly why
+you have been trying to get word with the girl, and you shall go out
+from here living.  Lie to me about it, and I am going to kill you where
+you sit, as I would a mad dog.  You know me, Slavin--now speak!"
+
+So intensely still was it, Hampton could distinguish the faint ticking
+of the watch in his pocket, the hiss of the breath between the giant's
+clinched teeth.  Twice the fellow tried to utter something, his lips
+shaking as with the palsy, his ashen face the picture of terror.  No
+wretch dragged shrieking to the scaffold could have formed a more
+pitiful sight, but there was no mercy in the eyes of the man watching
+him.
+
+"Speak, you cringing hound!"
+
+Slavin gripped his great hands together convulsively, his throat
+swelling beneath its red beard.  He knew there was no way of escape.
+"I--I had to do it!  My God, Captain, I had to do it!"
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I had to, I tell you.  Oh, you devil, you fiend!  I 'm not the one you
+'re after--it's Murphy!"
+
+For a single moment Hampton stared at the cringing figure.  Then
+suddenly he rose to his feet in decision.  "Stand up!  Lift your hands
+first, you fool.  Now unbuckle your gun-belt with your left hand--your
+left, I said!  Drop it on the floor."
+
+There was an unusual sound behind, such as a rat might have made, and
+Hampton glanced aside apprehensively.  In that single second Slavin was
+upon him, grasping his pistol-arm at the wrist, and striving with hairy
+hand to get a death-grip about his throat.  Twice Hampton's left drove
+straight out into that red, gloating face, and then the giant's
+crushing weight bore him backward.  He fought savagely, silently, his
+slender figure like steel, but Slavin got his grip at last, and with
+giant strength began to crunch his victim within his vise-like arms.
+There was a moment of superhuman strain, their breathing mere sobs of
+exhaustion.  Then Slavin slipped, and Hampton succeeded in wriggling
+partially free from his death-grip.  It was for scarcely an instant,
+yet it served; for as he bent aside, swinging his burly opponent with
+him, some one struck a vicious blow at his back; but the descending
+knife, missing its mark, sunk instead deep into Slavin's breast.
+
+Hampton saw the flash of a blade, a hand, a portion of an arm, and then
+the clutching fingers of Slavin swept him down.  He reached out blindly
+as he fell, his hand closing about the deserted knife-hilt.  The two
+crashed down together upon the floor, the force of the fall driving the
+blade home to the gambler's heart.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE COHORTS OF JUDGE LYNCH
+
+Hampton staggered blindly to his feet, looking down on the motionless
+body.  He was yet dazed from the sudden cessation of struggle, dazed
+still more by something he had seen in the instant that deadly knife
+flashed past him.  For a moment the room appeared to swim before his
+eyes, and he clutched at the overturned table for support, Then, as his
+senses returned, he perceived the figures of a number of men jamming
+the narrow doorway, and became aware of their loud, excited voices.
+Back to his benumbed brain there came with a rush the whole scene, the
+desperation of his present situation.  He had been found alone with the
+dead man.  Those men, when they came surging in attracted by the noise
+of strife, had found him lying on Slavin, his hand clutching the
+knife-hilt.  He ran his eyes over their horrified faces, and knew
+instantly they held him the murderer.
+
+The shock of this discovery steadied him.  He realized the meaning, the
+dread, terrible meaning, for he knew the West, its fierce, implacable
+spirit of vengeance, its merciless code of lynch-law.  The vigilantes
+of the mining camps were to him an old story; more than once he had
+witnessed their work, been cognizant of their power.  This was no time
+to parley or to hesitate.  He had seen and heard in that room that
+which left him eager to live, to be free, to open a long-closed door
+hiding the mystery of years.  The key, at last, had fallen almost
+within reach of his fingers, and he would never consent to be robbed of
+it by the wild rage of a mob.  He grabbed the loaded revolver lying
+upon the floor, and swung Slavin's discarded belt across his shoulder.
+If it was to be a fight, he would be found there to the death, and God
+have mercy on the man who stopped him!
+
+"Stand aside, gentlemen," he commanded.  "Step back, and let me pass!"
+
+They obeyed.  He swept them with watchful eyes, stepped past, and
+slammed the door behind him.  In his heart he held them as curs, but
+curs could snap, and enough of them might dare to pull him down.  Men
+were already beginning to pour into the saloon, uncertain yet of the
+facts, and shouting questions to each other.  Totally ignoring these,
+Hampton thrust himself recklessly through the crowd.  Half-way down the
+broad steps Buck Mason faced him, in shirt sleeves, his head uncovered,
+an ugly "45" in his up-lifted hand.  Just an instant the eyes of the
+two men met, and neither doubted the grim purpose of the other.
+
+"You've got ter do it, Bob," announced the marshal, shortly, "dead er
+alive."
+
+Hampton never hesitated.  "I 'm sorry I met you.  I don't want to get
+anybody else mixed up in this fuss.  If you'll promise me a chance for
+my life, Buck, I 'll throw up my hands.  But I prefer a bullet to a
+mob."
+
+The little marshal was sandy-haired, freckle-faced, and all nerve.  He
+cast one quick glance to left and right.  The crowd jammed within the
+Occidental had already turned and were surging toward the door; the
+hotel opposite was beginning to swarm; down the street a throng of men
+was pouring forth from the Miners' Retreat, yelling fiercely, while
+hurrying figures could be distinguished here and there among the
+scattered buildings, all headed in their direction.  Hampton knew from
+long experience what this meant; these were the quickly inflamed
+cohorts of Judge Lynch--they would act first, and reflect later.  His
+square jaws set like a trap.
+
+"All right, Bob," said the marshal.  "You're my prisoner, and there 'll
+be one hell of a fight afore them lads git ye.  There's a chance
+left--leg it after me."
+
+Just as the mob surged out of the Occidental, cursing and struggling,
+the two sprang forward and dashed into the narrow space between the
+livery-stable and the hotel.  Moffat chanced to be in the passage-way,
+and pausing to ask no questions, Mason promptly landed that gentleman
+on the back of his head in a pile of discarded tin cans, and kicked
+viciously at a yellow dog which ventured to snap at them as they swept
+past.  Behind arose a volley of curses, the thud of feet, an occasional
+voice roaring out orders, and a sharp spat of revolver shots.  One ball
+plugged into the siding of the hotel, and a second threw a spit of sand
+into their lowered faces, but neither man glanced back.  They were
+running for their lives now, racing for a fair chance to turn at bay
+and fight, their sole hope the steep, rugged hill in their front.
+Hampton began to understand the purpose of his companion, the quick,
+unerring instinct which had led him to select the one suitable spot
+where the successful waging of battle against such odds was
+possible--the deserted dump of the old Shasta mine.
+
+With every nerve strained to the uttermost, the two men raced side by
+side down the steep slope, ploughed through the tangled underbrush, and
+toiled up the sharp ascent beyond.  Already their pursuers were
+crowding the more open spaces below, incited by that fierce craze for
+swift vengeance which at times sweeps even the law-abiding off their
+feet.  Little better than brutes they came howling on, caring only in
+this moment to strike and slay.  The whole affair had been like a flash
+of fire, neither pursuers nor pursued realizing the half of the story
+in those first rapid seconds of breathless action.  But back yonder lay
+a dead man, and every instinct of the border demanded a victim in
+return.
+
+At the summit of the ore dump the two men flung themselves panting
+down, for the first time able now to realize what it all meant.  They
+could perceive the figures of their pursuers among the shadows of the
+bushes below, but these were not venturing out into the open--the first
+mad, heedless rush had evidently ended.  There were some cool heads
+among the mob leaders, and it was highly probable that negotiations
+would be tried before that crowd hurled itself against two desperate
+men, armed and entrenched.  Both fugitives realized this, and lay there
+coolly watchful, their breath growing more regular, their eyes
+softening.
+
+"Whut is all this fuss about, anyhow?" questioned the marshal,
+evidently somewhat aggrieved.  "I wus just eatin' dinner when a feller
+stuck his head in an' yelled ye'd killed somebody over at the
+Occidental."
+
+Hampton turned his face gravely toward him.  "Buck, I don't know
+whether you'll believe me or not, but I guess you never heard me tell a
+lie, or knew of my trying to dodge out of a bad scrape.  Besides, I
+have n't anything to gain now, for I reckon you 're planning to stay
+with me, guilty or not guilty, but I did not kill that fellow.  I don't
+exactly see how I can prove it, the way it all happened, but I give you
+my word as a man, I did not kill him."
+
+Mason looked him squarely in the eyes, his teeth showing behind his
+stiff, closely clipped mustache.  Then he deliberately extended his
+hand, and gripped Hampton's.  "Of course I believe ye.  Not that you
+'re any too blame good, Bob, but you ain't the kind what pleads the
+baby act.  Who was the feller?"
+
+"Red Slavin."
+
+"No!" and the hand grip perceptibly tightened.  "Holy Moses, what
+ingratitude!  Why, the camp ought to get together and give ye a vote of
+thanks, and instead, here they are trying their level best to hang you.
+Cussedest sorter thing a mob is, anyhow; goes like a flock o' sheep
+after a leader, an' I bet I could name the fellers who are a-runnin'
+that crowd.  How did the thing happen?"
+
+Both men were intently observing the ingathering of their scattered
+pursuers, but Hampton answered gravely, telling his brief story with
+careful detail, appreciating the importance of reposing full confidence
+in this quiet, resourceful companion.  The little marshal was all grit,
+nerve, faithfulness to duty, from his head to his heels.
+
+"All I really saw of the fellow," he concluded, "was a hand and arm as
+they drove in the knife.  You can see there where it ripped me, and the
+unexpected blow of the man's body knocked me forward, and of course I
+fell on Slavin.  It may be I drove the point farther in when I came
+down, but that was an accident.  The fact is, Buck, I had every reason
+to wish Slavin to live.  I was just getting out of him some information
+I needed."
+
+Mason nodded, his eyes wandering from Hampton's expressive face to the
+crowd beginning to collect beneath the shade of a huge oak a hundred
+yards below.
+
+"Never carry a knife, do ye?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Thought not; always heard you fought with a gun.  Caught no sight of
+the feller after ye got up?"
+
+"All I saw then was the crowd blocking the door-way.  I knew they had
+caught me lying on Slavin, with my hand grasping the knife-hilt, and,
+someway, I couldn't think of anything just then but how to get out of
+there into the open.  I 've seen vigilantes turn loose before, and knew
+what was likely to happen!"
+
+"Sure.  Recognize anybody in that first bunch?"
+
+"Big Jim, the bartender, was the only one I knew; he had a bung-starter
+in his hand."
+
+Mason nodded thoughtfully, his mouth puckered.  "It's him, and half a
+dozen other fellers of the same stripe, who are kickin' up all this
+fracas.  The most of 'em are yonder now, an' if it wus n't fer leavin'
+a prisoner unprotected, darn me if I wud n't like to mosey right down
+thar an' pound a little hoss sense into thet bunch o' cattle.  Thet's
+'bout the only thing ye kin do fer a plum fool, so long as the law
+won't let ye kill him."
+
+They lapsed into contemplative silence, each man busied with his own
+thought, and neither perceiving clearly any probable way out of the
+difficulty.  Hampton spoke first.
+
+"I 'm really sorry that you got mixed up in this, Buck, for it looks to
+me about nine chances out of ten against either of us getting away from
+here unhurt."
+
+"Oh, I don't know.  It's bin my experience thet there's allers chances
+if you only keep yer eyes skinned.  Of course them fellers has got the
+bulge; they kin starve us out, maybe they kin smoke us out, and they
+kin sure make things onpleasant whenever they git their long-range guns
+to throwin' lead permiscous.  Thet's their side of the fun.  Then, on
+the other hand, if we kin only manage to hold 'em back till after dark
+we maybe might creep away through the bush to take a hand in this
+little game.  Anyhow, it 's up to us to play it out to the limit.
+Bless my eyes, if those lads ain't a-comin' up right now!"
+
+A half-dozen men were starting to climb the hillside, following a dim
+trail through the tangled underbrush.  Looking down upon them, it was
+impossible to distinguish their faces, but two among them, at least,
+carried firearms.  Mason stepped up on to the ore-dump where he could
+see better, and watched their movements closely.
+
+"Hi, there!" he called, his voice harsh and strident.  "You fellers are
+not invited to this picnic, an' there'll be somethin' doin' if you push
+along any higher."
+
+The little bunch halted instantly just without the edge of the heavy
+timber, turning their faces up toward the speaker.  Evidently they
+expected to be hailed, but not quite so soon.
+
+"Now, see here, Buck," answered one, taking a single step ahead of the
+others, and hollowing his hand as a trumpet to speak through, "it don't
+look to us fellers as if this affair was any of your funeral, nohow,
+and we 've come 'long ahead of the others just on purpose to give you a
+fair show to pull out of it afore the real trouble begins.  _Sabe_?"
+
+"Is thet so?"
+
+The little marshal was too far away for them to perceive how his teeth
+set beneath the bristly mustache.
+
+"You bet!  The boys don't consider thet it's hardly the square deal
+your takin' up agin 'em in this way.  They 'lected you marshal of this
+yere camp, but it war n't expected you'd ever take no sides 'long with
+murderers.  Thet's too stiff fer us to abide by.  So come on down,
+Buck, an' leave us to attend to the cuss."
+
+"If you mean Hampton, he's my prisoner.  Will you promise to let me
+take him down to Cheyenne fer trial?"
+
+"Wal, I reckon not, old man.  We kin give him a trial well 'nough right
+here in Glencaid," roared another voice from out the group, which was
+apparently growing restless over the delay.  "But we ain't inclined to
+do you no harm onless ye ram in too far.  So come on down, Buck, throw
+up yer cards; we've got all the aces, an' ye can't bluff this whole
+darn camp."
+
+Mason spat into the dump contemptuously, his hands thrust into his
+pockets.  "You 're a fine-lookin' lot o' law-abidin' citizens, you are!
+Blamed if you ain't.  Why, I wouldn't give a snap of my fingers fer the
+whole kit and caboodle of ye, you low-down, sneakin' parcel o' thieves.
+Ye say it wus yer votes whut made me marshal o' this camp.  Well, I
+reckon they did, an' I reckon likewise I know 'bout whut my duty under
+the law is, an' I'm a-goin' to do it.  If you fellers thought ye
+'lected a chump, this is the time you git left.  This yere man, Bob
+Hampton, is my prisoner, an' I'll take him to Cheyenne, if I have ter
+brain every tough in Glencaid to do it.  Thet's me, gents."
+
+"Oh, come off; you can't run your notions agin the whole blame moral
+sentiment of this camp."
+
+"Moral sentiment!  I 'm backin' up the law, not moral sentiment, ye
+cross-eyed beer-slinger, an' if ye try edgin' up ther another step I
+'ll plug you with this '45.'"
+
+There was a minute of hesitancy while the men below conferred, the
+marshal looking contemptuously down upon them, his revolver gleaming
+ominously in the light.  Evidently the group hated to go back without
+the prisoner.
+
+"Oh, come on, Buck, show a little hoss sense," the leader sang out.
+"We 've got every feller in camp along with us, an' there ain't no show
+fer the two o' ye to hold out against that sort of an outfit."
+
+Mason smiled and patted the barrel of his Colt.
+
+"Oh, go to blazes!  When I want any advice, Jimmie, I'll send fer ye."
+
+Some one fired, the ball digging up the soft earth at the marshal's
+feet, and flinging it in a blinding cloud into Hampton's eyes.  Mason's
+answer was a sudden fusilade, which sent the crowd flying
+helter-skelter into the underbrush.  One among them staggered and half
+fell, yet succeeded in dragging himself out of sight.
+
+"Great Scott, if I don't believe I winged James!" the shooter remarked
+cheerfully, reaching back into his pocket for more cartridges.  "Maybe
+them boys will be a bit more keerful if they once onderstand they 're
+up agin the real thing.  Well, perhaps I better skin down, fer I reckon
+it's liable ter be rifles next."
+
+It was rifles next, and the "winging" of Big Jim, however it may have
+inspired caution, also developed fresh animosity in the hearts of his
+followers, and brought forth evidences of discipline in their approach.
+Peering across the sheltering dump pile, the besieged were able to
+perceive the dark figures cautiously advancing through the protecting
+brush; they spread out widely until their two flanks were close in
+against the wall of rock, and then the deadly rifles began to spit
+spitefully, the balls casting up the soft dirt in clouds or flattening
+against the stones.  The two men crouched lower, hugging their pile of
+slag, unable to perceive even a stray assailant within range of their
+ready revolvers.  Hampton remained cool, alert, and motionless,
+striving in vain to discover some means of escape, but the little
+marshal kept grimly cheerful, creeping constantly from point to point
+in the endeavor to get a return shot at his tormentors.
+
+"This whole blame country is full of discharged sojers," he growled,
+"an' they know their biz all right.  I reckon them fellers is pretty
+sure to git one of us yit; anyhow, they 've got us cooped.  Say, Bob,
+thet lad crawling yonder ought to be in reach, an' it's our bounden
+duty not to let the boys git too gay."
+
+Hampton tried the shot suggested, elevating considerable to overcome
+distance.  There was a yell, and a swift skurrying backward which
+caused Mason to laugh, although neither knew whether this result arose
+from fright or wound.
+
+"'Bliged ter teach 'em manners onct in a while, or they 'll imbibe a
+fool notion they kin come right 'long up yere without no invite.  'T
+ain't fer long, no how, 'less all them guys are ijuts."
+
+Hampton turned his head and looked soberly into the freckled face,
+impressed by the speaker's grave tone.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Fire, my boy, fire.  The wind's dead right fer it; thet brush will
+burn like so much tinder, an' with this big wall o' rock back of us, it
+will be hell here, all right.  Some of 'em are bound to think of it
+pretty blame soon, an' then, Bob, I reckon you an' I will hev' to take
+to the open on the jump."
+
+Hampton's eyes hardened.  God, how he desired to live just then, to
+uncover that fleeing Murphy and wring from him the whole truth which
+had been eluding him all these years!  Surely it was not justice that
+all should be lost now.  The smoke puffs rose from the encircling
+rifles, and the hunted men cowered still lower, the whistling of the
+bullets in their ears.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+"SHE LOVES ME; SHE LOVES ME NOT"
+
+Unkind as the Fates had proved to Brant earlier in the day, they
+relented somewhat as the sun rose higher, and consented to lead him to
+far happier scenes.  There is a rare fortune which seems to pilot
+lovers aright, even when they are most blind to the road, and the young
+soldier was now most truly a lover groping through the mists of doubt
+and despair.
+
+It was no claim of military duty which compelled him to relinquish Miss
+Spencer so promptly at the hotel door, but rather a desire to escape
+her ceaseless chatter and gain retirement where he could reflect in
+quiet over the revelations of Hampton.  In this quest he rode slowly up
+the valley of the Bear Water, through the bright sunshine, the rare
+beauty of the scene scarcely leaving the slightest impress on his mind,
+so busy was it, and so preoccupied.  He no longer had any doubt that
+Hampton had utilized his advantageous position, as well as his
+remarkable powers of pleasing, to ensnare the susceptible heart of this
+young, confiding girl.  While the man had advanced no direct claim, he
+had said enough to make perfectly clear the close intimacy of their
+relation and the existence of a definite understanding between them.
+With this recognized as a fact, was he justified in endeavoring to win
+Naida Gillis for himself?  That the girl would find continued happiness
+with such a man as Hampton he did not for a moment believe possible;
+that she had been deliberately deceived regarding his true character he
+felt no doubt.  The fellow had impressed her by means of his
+picturesque personality, his cool, dominating manner, his veneer of
+refinement; he had presumed on her natural gratitude, her girlish
+susceptibility, her slight knowledge of the world, to worm his way into
+her confidence, perhaps even to inspire love.  These probabilities, as
+Brant understood them, only served to render him more ardent in his
+quest, more eager to test his strength in the contest for a prize so
+well worth the winning.  He acknowledged no right that such a man as
+Hampton could justly hold over so innocent and trustful a heart.  The
+girl was morally so far above him as to make his very touch a
+profanation, and at the unbidden thought of it, the soldier vowed to
+oppose such an unholy consummation.  Nor did he, even then, utterly
+despair of winning, for he recalled afresh the intimacy of their few
+past meetings, his face brightening in memory of this and that brief
+word or shy glance.  There is a voiceless language of love which a
+lover alone can interpret, and Brant rode on slowly, deciphering its
+messages, and attaining new courage with every step of his horse.
+
+All the world loves a lover, and all the fairies guide him.  As the
+officer's eyes, already smiling in anticipated victory, glanced up from
+the dusty road, he perceived just ahead the same steep bank down which
+he had plunged in his effort at capturing his fleeing tormentor.  With
+the sight there came upon him a desire to loiter again in the little
+glen where they had first met, and dream once more of her who had given
+to the shaded nook both life and beauty.  Amid the sunshine and the
+shadow he could picture afresh that happy, piquant face, the dark coils
+of hair, those tantalizing eyes.  He swung himself from the saddle,
+tied a loose rein to a scrub oak, and clambered up the bank.
+
+With the noiseless step of a plainsman he pushed in through the
+labyrinths of bush, only to halt petrified upon the very edge of that
+inner barrier.  No figment of imagination, but the glowing reality of
+flesh and blood, awaited him.  She had neither seen nor heard his
+approach, and he stopped in perplexity.  He had framed a dozen speeches
+for her ears, yet now he could do no more than stand and gaze, his
+heart in his eyes.  And it was a vision to enchain, to hold lips
+speechless.  She was seated with unstudied grace on the edge of the
+bank, her hands clasped about one knee, her sweet face sobered by
+thought, her eyes downcast, the long lashes plainly outlined against
+the clear cheeks.  He marked the graceful sweep of her dark,
+close-fitting dress, the white fringe of dainty underskirt, the small
+foot, neatly booted, peeping from beneath, and the glimpse of round,
+white throat, rendered even fairer by the creamy lace encircling it.
+Against the darker background of green shrubs she resembled a picture
+entitled "Dreaming," which he dimly recalled lingering before in some
+famous Eastern gallery, and his heart beat faster in wonderment at what
+the mystic dream might be.  To draw back unobserved was impossible,
+even had he possessed strength of will sufficient to make the attempt,
+nor would words of easy greeting come to his relief.  He could merely
+worship silently as before a sacred shrine.  It was thus she glanced up
+and saw him with startled eyes, her hands unclasping, her cheeks
+rose-colored.
+
+"Lieutenant Brant, you here?" she exclaimed, speaking as if his
+presence seemed unreal.  "What strange miracles an idle thought can
+work!"
+
+"Thoughts, I have heard," he replied, coming toward her with head
+uncovered, "will sometimes awaken answers through vast distances of
+time and space.  As my thought was with you I may be altogether to
+blame for thus arousing your own.  From the expression of your face I
+supposed you dreaming."
+
+She smiled, her eyes uplifted for a single instant to his own.  "It was
+rather thought just merging into dream, and there are few things in
+life more sweet.  I know not whether it is the common gift of all
+minds, but my day-dreams are almost more to me than my realities."
+
+"First it was moods, and now dreams."  He seated himself comfortably at
+her feet.  "You would cause me to believe you a most impractical
+person, Miss Naida."
+
+She laughed frankly, that rippling peal of unaffected merriment which
+sounded so like music to his ears.  "If that were only true, I am sure
+I should be most happy, for it has been my fortune so far to conjure up
+only pleasure through day-dreaming--the things I like and long for
+become my very own then.  But if you mean, as I suspect, that I do not
+enjoy the dirt and drudgery of life, then my plea will have to be
+guilty.  I, of course, grant their necessity, yet apparently there are
+plenty who find them well worth while, and there should be other work
+for those who aspire.  Back of what you term practical some one has
+said there is always a dream, a first conception.  In that sense I
+choose to be a dreamer."
+
+"And not so unwise a choice, if your dreams only tend toward results."
+He sat looking into her animated face, deeply puzzled by both words and
+actions.  "I cannot help noticing that you avoid all reference to my
+meeting with Mr. Hampton.  Is this another sign of your impractical
+mind?"
+
+"I should say rather the opposite, for I had not even supposed it
+concerned me."
+
+"Indeed!  That presents a vastly different view from the one given us
+an hour since.  The distinct impression was then conveyed to both our
+minds that you were greatly distressed regarding the matter.  Is it
+possible you can have been acting again?"
+
+"I?  Certainly not!" and she made no attempt to hide her indignation.
+"What can you mean?"
+
+He hesitated an instant in his reply, feeling that possibly he was
+treading upon thin ice.  But her eyes commanded a direct answer, and he
+yielded to them.
+
+"We were informed that you experienced great anxiety for fear we might
+quarrel,--so great, indeed, that you had confided your troubles to
+another."
+
+"To whom?"
+
+"Miss Spencer.  She came to us ostensibly in your name, and as a
+peacemaker."
+
+A moment she sat gazing directly at him, then she laughed softly.
+
+"Why, how supremely ridiculous; I can hardly believe it true, only your
+face tells me you certainly are not in play.  Lieutenant Brant, I have
+never even dreamed of such a thing.  You had informed me that your
+mission was one of peace, and he pledged me his word not to permit any
+quarrel.  I had the utmost confidence in you both."
+
+"How, then, did she even know of our meeting?"
+
+"I am entirely in the dark, as mystified as you," she acknowledged,
+frankly, "for it has certainly never been a habit with me to betray the
+confidence of my friends, and I learned long since not to confide
+secrets to Miss Spencer."
+
+Apparently neither cared to discuss the problem longer, yet he remained
+silent considering whether to venture the asking of those questions
+which might decide his fate.  He was uncertain of the ground he
+occupied, while Miss Naida, with all her frankness, was not one to
+approach thoughtlessly, nor was the sword of her tongue without sharp
+point.
+
+"You speak of your confidence in us both," he said, slowly.  "To me the
+complete trust you repose in Mr. Hampton is scarcely comprehensible.
+Do you truly believe in his reform?"
+
+"Certainly.  Don't you?"
+
+The direct return question served to nettle and confuse him.  "It is,
+perhaps, not my place to say, as my future happiness does not directly
+depend on the permanence of his reformation.  But if his word can be
+depended upon, your happiness to a very large extent does."
+
+She bowed.  "I have no doubt you can safely repose confidence in
+whatever he may have told you regarding me."
+
+"You indorse, then, the claims he advances?"
+
+"You are very insistent; yet I know of no good reason why I should not
+answer.  Without at all knowing the nature of those claims to which you
+refer, I have no hesitancy in saying that I possess such complete
+confidence in Bob Hampton as to reply unreservedly yes.  But really,
+Lieutenant Brant, I should prefer talking upon some other topic.  It is
+evident that you two gentlemen are not friendly, yet there is no reason
+why any misunderstanding between you should interfere with our
+friendship, is there?"
+
+She asked this question with such perfect innocence that Brant believed
+she failed to comprehend Hampton's claims.
+
+"I have been informed that it must," he explained.  "I have been told
+that I was no longer to force my attentions upon Miss Gillis."
+
+"By Bob Hampton?"
+
+"Yes.  Those were, I believe, his exact words.  Can you wonder that I
+hardly know how I stand in your sight?"
+
+"I do not at all understand," she faltered.  "Truly, Lieutenant Brant,
+I do not.  I feel that Mr. Hampton would not say that without a good
+and sufficient reason.  He is not a man to be swayed by prejudice; yet,
+whatever the reason may be, I know nothing about it."
+
+"But you do not answer my last query."
+
+"Perhaps I did not hear it."
+
+"It was, How do I stand in your sight?  That is of far more importance
+to me now than any unauthorized command from Mr. Hampton."
+
+She glanced up into his serious face shyly, with a little dimple of
+returning laughter.  "Indeed; but perhaps he might not care to have me
+say.  However, as I once informed you that you were very far from being
+my ideal, possibly it may now be my duty to qualify that harsh
+statement somewhat."
+
+"By confessing that I am your ideal?"
+
+"Oh, indeed, no!  We never realize our ideals, you know, or else they
+would entirely cease to be ideals.  My confession is limited to a mere
+admission that I now consider you a very pleasant young man."
+
+"You offer me a stone when I cry unto you for bread," he exclaimed.
+"The world is filled with pleasant young men.  They are a drug on the
+market.  I beg some special distinction, some different classification
+in your eyes."
+
+"You are becoming quite hard to please," her face turned partially
+away, her look meditative, "and--and dictatorial; but I will try.  You
+are intelligent, a splendid dancer, fairly good-looking, rather bright
+at times, and, no doubt, would prove venturesome if not held strictly
+to your proper place.  Take it all in all, you are even interesting,
+and--I admit--I am inclined to like you."
+
+The tantalizing tone and manner nerved him; he grasped the white hand
+resting invitingly on the grass, and held it firmly within his own.
+"You only make sport as you did once before.  I must have the whole
+truth."
+
+"Oh, no; to make sport at such a time would be sheerest mockery, and I
+would never dare to be so free.  Why, remember we are scarcely more
+than strangers.  How rude you are! only our third time of meeting, and
+you will not release my hand."
+
+"Not unless I must, Naida," and the deep ringing soberness of his voice
+startled the girl into suddenly uplifting her eyes to his face.  What
+she read there instantly changed her mood from playfulness to earnest
+gravity.
+
+"Oh, please do not--do not say what you are tempted to," her voice
+almost pleading.  "I cannot listen; truly I cannot; I must not.  It
+would make us both very unhappy, and you would be sure to regret such
+hasty words."
+
+"Regret!" and he yet clung to the hand which she scarcely endeavored to
+release, bending forward, hoping to read in her hidden eyes the secret
+her lips guarded.  "Am I, then, not old enough to know my own mind?"
+
+"Yes--yes; I hope so, yes; but it is not for me; it can never be for
+me--I am no more than a child, a homeless waif, a nobody.  You forget
+that I do not even know who I am, or the name I ought rightfully to
+bear.  I will not have it so."
+
+"Naida, sweetheart!" and he burst impetuously through all bonds of
+restraint, her flushed cheeks the inspiration to his daring.  "I will
+speak, for I care nothing for all this.  It is you I love--love
+forever.  Do you understand me, darling?  I love you!  I love you!"
+
+For an instant,--one glad, weak, helpless, forgetful instant,--she did
+not see him, did not even know herself; the very world was lost.  Then
+she awoke as if from a dream, his strong arms clasped about her, his
+lips upon hers.
+
+"You must not," she sobbed.  "I tell you no!  I will not consent; I
+will not be false to myself.  You have no right; I gave you no right."
+
+He permitted her to draw away, and they stood facing each other, he
+eager, mystified, thrilling with passion almost beyond mastery, she
+trembling and unstrung, her cheeks crimson, her eyes filled with mute
+appeal.
+
+"I read it in your face," he insisted.  "It told of love."
+
+"Then my face must have lied," she answered, her soft voice tremulous,
+"or else you read the message wrongly.  It is from my lips you must
+take the answer."
+
+"And they kissed me."
+
+"If so, I knew it not.  It was by no volition of mine.  Lieutenant
+Brant, I have trusted you so completely; that was not right."
+
+"My heart exonerates me."
+
+"I cannot accept that guidance."
+
+"Then you do not love me."
+
+She paused, afraid of the impulse that swept her on.  "Perhaps," the
+low voice scarcely audible, "I may love you too well."
+
+"You mean there is something--some person, perhaps--standing between?"
+
+She looked frankly at him.  "I do mean just that.  I am not heartless,
+and I sincerely wish we had never met; but this must be the end."
+
+"The end?  And with no explanation?"
+
+"There is no other way."  He could perceive tears in her eyes, although
+she spoke bravely.  "Nor can I explain, for all is not clear even to
+me.  But this I know, there is a barrier between us insurmountable; not
+even the power of love can overcome it; and I appeal to you to ask me
+no more."
+
+It was impossible for him to doubt her sober earnestness, or the depth
+of her feelings; the full truth in her words was pictured upon her
+face, and in the pathetic appeal of her eyes.  She extended both hands.
+
+"You will forgive me?  Truly, this barrier has not been raised by me."
+
+He bowed low, until his lips pressed the white fingers, but before he
+could master himself to utter a word in reply, a distant voice called
+his name, and both glanced hastily around.
+
+"That cry came from the valley," he said.  "I left my horse tied there.
+I will go and learn what it means."
+
+She followed him part of the way through the labyrinth of underbrush,
+hardly knowing why she did so.  He stood alone upon the summit of the
+high bluff whence he could look across the stream.  Miss Spencer stood
+below waving her parasol frantically, and even as he gazed at her, his
+ears caught the sound of heavy firing down the valley.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+PLUCKED FROM THE BURNING
+
+That Miss Spencer was deeply agitated was evident at a glance, while
+the nervous manner in which she glanced in the direction of those
+distant gun shots, led Brant to jump to the conclusion that they were
+in some way connected with her appearance.
+
+"Oh, Lieutenant Brant," she cried, excitedly, "they are going to kill
+him down there, and he never did it at all.  I know he didn't, and so
+does Mr. Wynkoop.  Oh, please hurry!  Nobody knew where you were, until
+I saw your horse tied here, and Mr. Wynkoop has been hunting for you
+everywhere.  He is nearly frantic, poor man, and I cannot learn where
+either Mr. Moffat or Mr. McNeil is, and I just know those dreadful
+creatures will kill him before we can get help."
+
+"Kill whom?" burst in Brant, springing down the bank fully awakened to
+the realization of some unknown emergency.  "My dear Miss Spencer, tell
+me your story quickly if you wish me to act.  Who is in danger, and
+from what?"
+
+The girl burst into tears, but struggled bravely through with her
+message.
+
+"It's those awful men, the roughs and rowdies down in Glencaid.  They
+say he murdered Red Slavin, that big gambler who spoke to me this
+morning, but he did n't, for I saw the man who did, and so did Mr.
+Wynkoop.  He jumped out of the saloon window, his hand all bloody, and
+ran away.  But they 've got him and the town marshal up behind the
+Shasta dump, and swear they're going to hang him if they can only take
+him alive.  Oh, just hear those awful guns!"
+
+"Yes, but who is it?"
+
+"Bob Hampton, and--and he never did it at all."
+
+Before Brant could either move or speak, Naida swept past him, down the
+steep bank, and her voice rang out clear, insistent.  "Bob Hampton
+attacked by a mob?  Is that true, Phoebe?  They are fighting at the
+Shasta dump, you say?  Lieutenant Brant, you must act--you must act
+now, for my sake!"
+
+She sprang toward the horse, nerved by Brant's apparent slowness to
+respond, and loosened the rein from the scrub oak.  "Then I will myself
+go to him, even if they kill me also, the cowards!"
+
+But Brant had got his head now.  Grasping her arm and the rein of the
+plunging horse, "You will go home," he commanded, with the tone of
+military authority.  "Go home with Miss Spencer.  All that can possibly
+be done to aid Hampton I shall do--will you go?"
+
+She looked helplessly into his face.  "You--you don't like him," she
+faltered; "I know you don't.  But--but you will help him, won't you,
+for my sake?"
+
+He crushed back an oath.  "Like him or not like him, I will save him if
+it be in the power of man.  Now will you go?"
+
+"Yes," she answered, and suddenly extended her arms.  "Kiss me first."
+
+With the magical pressure of her lips upon his, he swung into the
+saddle and spurred down the road.  It was a principle of his military
+training never to temporize with a mob--he would strike hard, but he
+must have sufficient force behind him.  He reined up before the
+seemingly deserted camp, his horse flung back upon its haunches, white
+foam necking its quivering flanks.
+
+"Sergeant!"  The sharp snap of his voice brought that officer forward
+on the run.  "Where are the men?"
+
+"Playin' ball, most of 'em, sir, just beyond the ridge."
+
+"Are the horses out in herd?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Sound the recall; arm and mount every man; bring them into Glencaid on
+the gallop.  Do you know the old Shasta mine?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Half-way up the hill back of the hotel.  You 'll find me somewhere in
+front of it.  This is a matter of life or death, so jump lively now!"
+
+He drove in his spurs, and was off like the wind.  A number of men were
+in the street, all hurrying forward in the same direction, but he
+dashed past them.  These were miners mostly, eager to have a hand in
+the man-hunt.  Here and there a rider skurried along and joined in the
+chase.  Just beyond the hotel, half-way up the hill, rifles were
+speaking irregularly, the white puffs of smoke blown quickly away by
+the stiff breeze.  Near the centre of this line of skirmishers a denser
+cloud was beginning to rise in spirals.  Brant, perceiving the largest
+group of men gathered just before him, rode straight toward them.  The
+crowd scattered slightly at his rapid approach, but promptly closed in
+again as he drew up his horse with taut rein.  He looked down into
+rough, bearded faces.  Clearly enough these men were in no fit spirit
+for peace-making.
+
+"You damn fool!" roared one, hoarsely, his gun poised as if in threat,
+"what do you mean by riding us down like that?  Do you own this
+country?"
+
+Brant flung himself from the saddle and strode in front of the fellow.
+"I mean business.  You see this uniform?  Strike that, my man, and you
+strike the United States.  Who is leading this outfit?"
+
+"I don't know as it's your affair," the man returned, sullenly.  "We
+ain't takin' no army orders at present, mister.  We 're free-born
+American citizens, an' ye better let us alone."
+
+"That is not what I asked you," and Brant squared his shoulders, his
+hands clinched.  "My question was, Who is at the head of this outfit?
+and I want an answer."
+
+The spokesman looked around upon the others near him with a grin of
+derision.  "Oh, ye do, hey?  Well, I reckon we are, if you must know.
+Since Big Jim Larson got it in the shoulder this outfit right yere hes
+bin doin' most of the brain work.  So, if ye 've got anythin' ter say,
+mister officer man, I reckon ye better spit it out yere ter me, an'
+sorter relieve yer mind."
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+The fellow expectorated vigorously into the leaves under foot, and
+drawing one hairy hand across his lips, flushed angrily to the
+unexpected inquiry.
+
+"Oh, tell him, Ben.  What's the blame odds?  He can't do ye no hurt."
+
+The man's look became dogged.  "I 'm Ben Colton, if it 'll do ye any
+good to know."
+
+"I thought I had seen you somewhere before," said Brant,
+contemptuously, and then swept his glance about the circle.  "A nice
+leader of vigilantes you are, a fine representative of law and order, a
+lovely specimen of the free-born American citizen!  Men, do you happen
+to know what sort of a cur you are following in this affair?"
+
+"Oh, Ben's all right."
+
+"What ye got against him, young feller?"
+
+"Just this," and Brant squarely fronted the man, his voice ringing like
+steel.  "I 've seen mobs before to-day, and I 've dealt with them.  I
+'m not afraid of you or your whole outfit, and I 've got fighting men
+to back me up.  I never yet saw any mob which was n't led and incited
+by some cowardly, revengeful rascal.  Honest men get mixed up in such
+affairs, but they are invariably inflamed by some low-down sneak with
+an axe to grind.  I confess I don't know all about this Colton, but I
+know enough to say he is an army deserter, a liar, a dive-keeper, a
+gambler, and, to my certain knowledge, the direct cause of the death of
+three men, one a soldier of my troop.  Now isn't he a sweet specimen to
+lead in the avenging of a supposed crime?"
+
+Whatever else Colton might have failed in, he was a man of action.
+Like a flash his gun flew to the level, but was instantly knocked aside
+by the grizzled old miner standing next him.
+
+"None o' that, Ben," he growled, warningly.  "It don't never pay to
+shoot holes in Uncle Sam."
+
+Brant smiled.  He was not there just then to fight, but to secure delay
+until his own men could arrive, and to turn aside the fierce mob spirit
+if such a result was found possible.  He knew thoroughly the class of
+men with whom he dealt, and he understood likewise the wholesome power
+of his uniform.
+
+"I really would enjoy accommodating you, Colton," he said, coolly,
+feeling much more at ease, "but I never fight personal battles with
+such fellows as you.  And now, you other men, it is about time you woke
+up to the facts of this matter.  A couple of hundred of you chasing
+after two men, one an officer of the law doing his sworn duty, and the
+other innocent of any crime.  I should imagine you would feel proud of
+your job."
+
+"Innocent?  Hell!"
+
+"That is what I said.  You fellows have gone off half-cocked--a mob
+generally does.  Both Miss Spencer and Mr. Wynkoop state positively
+that they saw the real murderer of Red Slavin, and it was not Bob
+Hampton."
+
+The men were impressed by his evident earnestness, his unquestioned
+courage.  Colton laughed sneeringly, but Brant gave him no heed beyond
+a quick, warning glance.  Several voices spoke almost at once.
+
+"Is that right?"
+
+"Oh, say, I saw the fellow with his hand on the knife."
+
+"After we git the chap, we 'll give them people a chance to tell what
+they know."
+
+Brant's keenly attentive ears heard the far-off chug of numerous
+horses' feet.
+
+"I rather think you will," he said, confidently, his voice ringing out
+with sudden authority.
+
+He stepped back, lifted a silver whistle to his lips, and sounded one
+sharp, clear note.  There was a growing thunder of hoofs, a quick,
+manly cheer, a crashing through the underbrush, and a squad of eager
+troopers, half-dressed but with faces glowing in anticipation of
+trouble, came galloping up the slope, swinging out into line as they
+advanced, their carbines gleaming in the sunlight.  It was prettily,
+sharply performed, and their officer's face brightened.
+
+"Very nicely done, Watson," he said to the expectant sergeant.  "Deploy
+your men to left and right, and clear out those shooters.  Make a good
+job of it, but no firing unless you have to."
+
+The troopers went at it as if they enjoyed the task, forcing their
+restive horses through the thickets, and roughly handling more than one
+who ventured to question their authority.  Yet the work was over in
+less time than it takes to tell, the discomfited regulators driven
+pell-mell down the hill and back into the town, the eager cavalrymen
+halting only at the command of the bugle.  Brant, confident of his
+first sergeant in such emergency, merely paused long enough to watch
+the men deploy, and then pressed straight up the hill, alone and on
+foot.  That danger to the besieged was yet imminent was very evident.
+The black spiral of smoke had become an enveloping cloud, spreading
+rapidly in both directions from its original starting-point, and
+already he could distinguish the red glare of angry flames leaping
+beneath, fanned by the wind into great sheets of fire, and sweeping
+forward with incredible swiftness.  These might not succeed in reaching
+the imprisoned men, but the stifling vapor, the suffocating smoke held
+captive by that overhanging rock, would prove a most serious menace.
+
+He encountered a number of men running down as he toiled anxiously
+forward, but they avoided him, no doubt already aware of the trouble
+below and warned by his uniform.  He arrived finally where the ground
+was charred black and covered with wood ashes, still hot under foot and
+smoking, but he pressed upward, sheltering his eyes with uplifted arm,
+and seeking passage where the scarcity of underbrush rendered the zone
+of fire less impassable.  On both sides trees were already wrapped in
+flame, yet he discovered a lane along which he stumbled until a fringe
+of burning bushes extended completely across it.  The heat was almost
+intolerable, the crackling of the ignited wood was like the reports of
+pistols, the dense pall of smoke was suffocating.  He could see
+scarcely three yards in advance, but to the rear the narrow lane of
+retreat remained open.  Standing there, as though in the mouth of a
+furnace, the red flames scorching his face, Brant hollowed his hands
+for a call.
+
+"Hampton!"  The word rang out over the infernal crackling and roaring
+like the note of a trumpet.
+
+"Ay!  What is it?"  The returning voice was plainly not Hampton's, yet
+it came from directly in front, and not faraway.
+
+"Who are you?  Is that you, Marshal?"
+
+"Thet's the ticket," answered the voice, gruffly, "an' just as full o'
+fight es ever."
+
+Brant lifted his jacket to protect his face from the scorching heat.
+There was certainly no time to lose in any exchange of compliments.
+Already, the flames were closing in; in five minutes more they would
+seal every avenue of escape.
+
+"I 'm Brant, Lieutenant Seventh Cavalry," he cried, choking with the
+thickening smoke.  "My troop has scattered those fellows who were
+hunting you.  I 'll protect you and your prisoner, but you 'll have to
+get out of there at once.  Can you locate me and make a dash for it?
+Wrap your coats around your heads, and leave your guns behind."
+
+An instant he waited for the answer, fairly writhing in the intense
+heat, then Mason shouted, "Hampton 's been shot, and I 'm winged a
+little; I can't carry him."
+
+It was a desperately hard thing to do, but Brant had given his promise,
+and in that moment of supreme trial, he had no other thought than
+fulfilling it.  He ripped off his jacket, wrapped it about his face,
+jammed a handkerchief into his mouth, and, with a prayer in his heart,
+leaped forward into the seemingly narrow fringe of fire in his front.
+Head down, he ran blindly, stumbling forward as he struck the ore-dump,
+and beating out with his hands the sparks that scorched his clothing.
+The smoke appeared to roll higher from the ground here, and the
+coughing soldier crept up beneath it, breathing the hot air, and
+feeling as though his entire body were afire.  Mason, his countenance
+black and unrecognizable, his shirt soaked with blood, peered into his
+face.
+
+"Hell, ain't it!" he sputtered, "but you're a dandy, all right."
+
+"Is Hampton dead?"
+
+"I reckon not.  Got hit bad, though, and clear out of his head."
+
+Brant cast one glance into the white, unconscious face of his rival,
+and acted with the promptness of military training.
+
+"Whip off your shirt, Mason, and tie it around your face," he
+commanded, "Lively now!"
+
+He bound his silk neckerchief across Hampton's mouth, and lifted the
+limp form partially from the ground.  "Help me to get him up.  There,
+that will do.  Now keep as close as you can so as to steady him if I
+trip.  Straight ahead--run for it!"
+
+They sprang directly into the lurid flames, bending low, Brant's hands
+grasping the inert form lying across his shoulder.  They dashed
+stumbling through the black, smouldering lane beyond.  Half-way down
+this, the ground yet hot beneath their feet, the vapor stifling, but
+with clearer breaths of air blowing in their faces, Brant tripped and
+fell.  Mason beat out the smouldering sparks in his clothing, and
+assisted him to stagger to his feet once more.  Then together they bore
+him, now unconscious, slowly down below the first fire-line.
+
+[Illustration: Together they bore him, now unconscious, slowly down
+below the first fire-line.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE DOOR CLOSES
+
+Totally exhausted, the two men dropped their heavy burden on the earth.
+Mason swore as the blood began dripping again from his wound, which had
+been torn open afresh in his efforts to bear Hampton to safety.  Just
+below them a mounted trooper caught sight of them and came forward.  He
+failed to recognize his officer in the begrimed person before him,
+until called to attention by the voice of command.
+
+"Sims, if there is any water in your canteen hand it over.  Good; here,
+Marshal, use this.  Now, Sims, note what I say carefully, and don't
+waste a minute.  Tell the first sergeant to send a file of men up here
+with some sort of litter, on the run.  Then you ride to the Herndon
+house--the yellow house where the roads fork, you remember,--and tell
+Miss Naida Gillis (don't forget the name) that Mr. Hampton has been
+seriously wounded, and we are taking him to the hotel.  Can you
+remember that?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then off with you, and don't spare the horse."
+
+He was gone instantly, and Brant began bathing the pallid, upturned
+face.
+
+"You'd better lie down, Marshal," he commanded.  "You're pretty weak
+from loss of blood, and I can do all there is to be done until those
+fellows get here."
+
+In fifteen minutes they appeared, and five minutes later they were
+toiling slowly down to the valley, Brant walking beside his still
+unconscious rival.  Squads of troopers were scattered along the base of
+the hill, and grouped in front of the hotel.  Here and there down the
+street, but especially about the steps of the Occidental, were gathered
+the discomfited vigilantes, busily discussing the affair, and cursing
+the watchful, silent guard.  As these caught sight of the little party
+approaching, there were shouts of derision, which swelled into triumph
+when they perceived Hampton's apparently lifeless form, and Mason
+leaning in weakness on the arm of a trooper.  The sight and sound
+angered Brant.
+
+"Carry Hampton to his room and summon medical attendance at once," he
+ordered.  "I have a word to say to those fellows."
+
+Seeing Mr. Wynkoop on the hotel porch, Brant said to him: "Miss Spencer
+informed me that you saw a man leap from the back window of the
+Occidental.  Is that true?"
+
+The missionary nodded.
+
+"Good; then come along with me.  I intend breaking the back of this
+lynching business right here and now."
+
+He strode directly across the street to the steps of the Occidental,
+his clothing scarcely more than smouldering rags.  The crowd stared at
+him sullenly; then suddenly a reaction came, and the American spirit of
+fair play, the frontier appreciation of bulldog courage, burst forth
+into a confused murmur, that became half a cheer.  Brant did not mince
+his words.
+
+"Now, look here, men!  If you want any more trouble we 're here to
+accommodate you.  Fighting is our trade, and we don't mind working at
+it.  But I wish to tell you right now, and straight off the handle,
+that you are simply making a parcel of fools of yourselves.  Slavin has
+been killed, and nine out of ten among you are secretly glad of it.  He
+was a curse to this camp, but because some of his friends and
+cronies--thugs, gamblers, and dive-keepers--accuse Bob Hampton of
+having killed him, you start in blindly to lynch Hampton, never even
+waiting to find out whether the charge is the truth or a lie.  You act
+like sheep, not American citizens.  Now that we have pounded a little
+sense into some of you, perhaps you'll listen to the facts, and if you
+must hang some one put your rope on the right man.  Bob Hampton did not
+kill Red Slavin.  The fellow who did kill him climbed out of the back
+window of the Occidental here, and got away, while you were chasing the
+wrong man.  Mr. Wynkoop saw him, and so did your schoolteacher, Miss
+Spencer."
+
+Then Wynkoop stepped gamely to the front.  "All that is true, men.  I
+have been trying ever since to tell you, but no one would listen.  Miss
+Spencer and I both saw the man jump from the window; there was blood on
+his right arm and hand.  He was a misshapen creature whom neither of us
+ever saw before, and he disappeared on a run up that ravine.  I have no
+doubt he was Slavin's murderer."
+
+No one spoke, the crowd apparently ashamed of their actions.  But Brant
+did not wait for any outward expression.
+
+"Now, you fellows, think that over," he said.  "I intend to post a
+guard until I find out whether you are going to prove yourselves fools
+or men, but if we sail in again those of you who start the trouble can
+expect to get hurt, and pay the piper.  That's all."
+
+In front of the hotel porch he met his first sergeant coming out.
+
+"What does the doctor say about Hampton?"
+
+"A very bad wound, sir, but not necessarily fatal; he has regained
+consciousness."
+
+"Has Miss Gillis arrived?"
+
+"I don't know, sir; there's a young woman cryin' in the parlor."
+
+The lieutenant leaped up the steps and entered the house.  But it was
+Miss Spencer, not Naida, who sprang to her feet.
+
+"Oh, Lieutenant Brant; can this be truly you!  How perfectly awful you
+look!  Do you know if Mr. Hampton is really going to die?  I came here
+just to find out about him, and tell Naida.  She is almost frantic,
+poor thing."
+
+Though Brant doubted Miss Spencer's honesty of statement, his reply was
+direct and unhesitating.  "I am informed that he has a good chance to
+live, and I have already despatched word to Miss Gillis regarding his
+condition.  I expect her at any moment."
+
+"How very nice that was of you!  Oh, I trembled so when you first went
+to face those angry men!  I don't see how you ever dared to do it.  I
+did wish that either Mr. Moffat or Mr. McNeil could have been here to
+go with you.  Mr. Moffat especially is so daring; he is always risking
+his life for some one else--and no one seems able to tell me anything
+about either of them."  The lady paused, blushing violently, as she
+realized what she had been saying.  "Really you must not suppose me
+unmaidenly, Lieutenant," she explained, her eyes shyly lifting, "but
+you know those gentlemen were my very earliest acquaintances here, and
+they have been so kind.  I was so shocked when Naida kissed you,
+Lieutenant; but the poor girl was so grateful to you for going to the
+help of Bob Hampton that she completely forgot herself.  It is simply
+wonderful how infatuated the poor child is with that man.  He seems
+almost to exercise some power of magic over her, don't you think?"
+
+"Why frankly, Miss Spencer, I scarcely feel like discussing that topic
+just now.  There are so many duties pressing me--" and Brant took a
+hasty step toward the open door, his attentive ear catching the sound
+of a light footstep in the hallway.  He met Naida just without, pale
+and tearless.  Both her hands were extended to him unreservedly.
+
+"Tell me, will he live?"
+
+"The doctor thinks yes."
+
+"Thank God!  Oh, thank God!"  She pressed one hand against her heart to
+control its throbbing.  "You cannot know what this means to me."  Her
+eyes seemed now for the first time to mark his own deplorable
+condition.  "And you?  You have not been hurt, Lieutenant Brant?"
+
+He smiled back into her anxious eyes.  "Nothing that soap and water and
+a few days' retirement will not wholly remedy.  My wounds are entirely
+upon the surface.  Shall I conduct you to him?"
+
+She bowed, apparently forgetful that one of her hands yet remained
+imprisoned in his grasp.  "If I may go, yes.  I told Mrs. Herndon I
+should remain here if I could be of the slightest assistance."
+
+They passed up the staircase side by side, exchanging no further
+speech.  Once she glanced furtively at his face, but its very calmness
+kept the words upon her lips unuttered.  At the door they encountered
+Mrs. Guffy, her honest eyes red from weeping.
+
+"This is Miss Gillis, Mrs. Guffy," explained Brant.  "She wishes to see
+Mr. Hampton if it is possible."
+
+"Sure an' she can thet.  He's been askin' after her, an' thet pretty
+face would kape any man in gud spirits, I 'm thinkin'.  Step roight in,
+miss."
+
+She held the door ajar, but Naida paused, glancing back at her
+motionless companion, a glint of unshed tears showing for the first
+time in her eyes.  "Are you not coming also?"
+
+"No, Miss Naida.  It is best for me to remain without, but my heart
+goes with you."
+
+Then the door closed between them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+THE RESCUE OF MISS SPENCER
+
+While Hampton lingered between life and death, assiduously waited upon
+by both Naida and Mrs. Guffy, Brant nursed his burns, far more serious
+than he had at first supposed, within the sanctity of his tent, longing
+for an order to take him elsewhere, and dreading the possibility of
+again having to encounter this girl, who remained to him so perplexing
+an enigma.  Glencaid meanwhile recovered from its mania of lynch-law,
+and even began exhibiting some faint evidences of shame over what was
+so plainly a mistake.  And the populace were also beginning to exhibit
+no small degree of interest in the weighty matters which concerned the
+fast-culminating love affairs of Miss Spencer.
+
+Almost from her earliest arrival the extensive cattle and mining
+interests of the neighborhood became aggressively arrayed against each
+other; and now, as the fierce personal rivalry between Messrs. Moffat
+and McNeil grew more intense, the breach perceptibly widened.  While
+the infatuation of the Reverend Mr. Wynkoop for this same fascinating
+young lady was plainly to be seen, his chances in the race were not
+seriously regarded by the more active partisans upon either side.  As
+the stage driver explained to an inquisitive party of tourists, "He 's
+a mighty fine little feller, gents, but he ain't got the git up an' git
+necessary ter take the boundin' fancy of a high-strung heifer like her.
+It needs a plum good man ter' rope an' tie any female critter in this
+Territory, let me tell ye."
+
+With this conception of the situation in mind, the citizens generally
+settled themselves down to enjoy the truly Homeric struggle, freely
+wagering their gold-dust upon the outcome.  The regular patrons of the
+Miners' Retreat were backing Mr. Moffat to a man, while those claiming
+headquarters at the Occidental were equally ardent in their support of
+the prospects of Mr. McNeil.  It must be confessed that Miss Spencer
+flirted outrageously, and enjoyed life as she never had done in the
+effete East.
+
+In simple truth, it was not in Miss Spencer's sympathetic disposition
+to be cruel to any man, and in this puzzling situation she exhibited
+all the impartiality possible.  The Reverend Mr. Wynkoop always felt
+serenely confident of an uninterrupted welcome upon Sunday evenings
+after service, while the other nights of the week were evenly
+apportioned between the two more ardent aspirants.  The delvers after
+mineral wealth amid the hills, and the herders on the surrounding
+ranches, felt that this was a personal matter between them, and acted
+accordingly.  Three-finger Boone, who was caught red-handed timing the
+exact hour of Mr. Moffat's exit from his lady-love's presence, was
+indignantly ducked in the watering-trough before the Miners' Retreat,
+and given ten minutes in which to mount his cayuse and get safely
+across the camp boundaries.  He required only five.  Bad-eye Connelly,
+who was suspected of having cut Mr. McNeil's lariat while that
+gentleman tarried at the Occidental for some slight refreshments while
+on his way home, was very promptly rendered a fit hospital subject by
+an inquisitive cowman who happened upon the scene.
+
+On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings the Miners' Retreat was a
+scene of wild hilarity, for it was then that Mr. Moffat, gorgeously
+arrayed in all the bright hues of his imported Mexican outfit, his long
+silky mustaches properly curled, his melancholy eyes vast wells of
+mysterious sorrow, was known to be comfortably seated in the Herndon
+parlor, relating gruesome tales of wild mountain adventure which paled
+the cheeks of his fair and entranced listener.  Then on Tuesday,
+Thursday, and Saturday nights, when Mr. McNeil rode gallantly in on his
+yellow bronco, bedecked in all the picturesque paraphernalia of the
+boundless plains, revolver swinging at thigh, his wide sombrero
+shadowing his dare-devil eyes, the front of the gay Occidental blazed
+with lights, and became crowded to the doors with enthusiastic herders
+drinking deep to the success of their representative.
+
+It is no more than simple justice to the fair Phoebe to state that she
+was, as her aunt expressed it, "in a dreadful state of mind."  Between
+these two picturesque and typical knights of plain and mountain she
+vibrated, unable to make deliberate choice.  That she was ardently
+loved by each she realized with recurring thrills of pleasure; that she
+loved in return she felt no doubt--but alas! which?  How perfectly
+delightful it would be could she only fall into some desperate plight,
+from which the really daring knight might rescue her!  That would cut
+the Gordian knot.  While laboring in this state of indecision she must
+have voiced her ambition in some effective manner to the parties
+concerned, for late one Wednesday night Moffat tramped heavily into the
+Miners' Retreat and called Long Pete Lumley over into a deserted corner
+of the bar-room.
+
+"Well, Jack," the latter began expectantly, "hev ye railly got the
+cinch on that cowboy at last, hey?"
+
+"Dern it all, Pete, I 'm blamed if I know; leastwise, I ain't got no
+sure prove-up.  I tell ye thet girl's just about the toughest piece o'
+rock I ever had any special call to assay.  I think first I got her
+good an' proper, an' then she drops out all of a sudden, an' I lose the
+lead.  It's mighty aggravating let me tell ye.  Ye see it's this way.
+She 's got some durn down East-notion that she's got ter be rescued,
+an' borne away in the arms of her hero (thet's 'bout the way she puts
+it), like they do in them pesky novels the Kid 's allers reading and so
+I reckon I 've got ter rescue her!"
+
+"Rescue her from whut, Jack?  Thar' ain't nuthin' 'round yere just now
+as I know of, less it's rats."
+
+The lover glanced about to make sure they were alone.  "Well, ye see,
+Pete, maybe I 'm partly to blame.  I 've sorter been entertainin' her
+nights with some stories regardin' road-agents an' things o' thet sort,
+while, so fur as I kin larn, thet blame chump of a McNeil hes been
+fillin' her up scandalous with Injuns, until she 's plum got 'em on the
+brain.  Ye know a feller jist hes ter gas along 'bout somethin' like
+thet, fer it's no fool job ter entertain a female thet's es frisky es a
+young colt.  And now, I reckon as how it's got ter be Injuns."
+
+"Whut's got ter be Injuns?"
+
+"Why thet outfit whut runs off with her, of course.  I reckon you
+fellers will stand in all right ter help pull me out o' this hole?"
+
+Long Pete nodded.
+
+"Well, Pete, this is 'bout whut's got ter be done, es near es I kin
+figger it out.  You pick out maybe half a dozen good fellers, who kin
+keep their mouths shet, an' make Injuns out of 'em.  'Tain't likely she
+'ll ever twig any of the boys fixed up proper in thet sorter
+outfit--anyhow, she'd be too durned skeered.  Then you lay fer her, say
+'bout next Wednesday, out in them Carter woods, when she 's comin' home
+from school.  I 'll kinder naturally happen 'long by accident 'bout the
+head o' the gulch, an' jump in an' rescue her.  _Sabe_?"
+
+Lumley gazed at his companion with eyes expressive of admiration.  "By
+thunder, if you haven't got a cocoanut on ye, Jack!  Lord, but thet
+ought to get her a flyin'!  Any shootin'?"
+
+"Sure!"  Moffat's face exhibited a faint smile at these words of
+praise.  "It wouldn't be no great shucks of a rescue without, an' this
+hes got ter be the real thing.  Only, I reckon, ye better shoot high,
+so thar' won't be no hurt done."
+
+When the two gentlemen parted, a few moments later, the conspiracy was
+fully hatched, all preliminaries perfected, and the gallant rescue of
+Miss Spencer assured.  Indeed, there is some reason now to believe that
+this desirable result was rendered doubly certain, for as Moffat moved
+slowly past the Occidental on his way home, a person attired in chaps
+and sombrero, and greatly resembling McNeil, was in the back room,
+breathing some final instructions to a few bosom friends.
+
+"Now don't--eh--any o' you fellers--eh--go an' forget the place.  Jump
+in--eh--lively.  Just afore she--eh--gits ter thet thick
+bunch--eh--underbrush, whar' the trail sorter--eh--drops down inter the
+ravine.  An' you chumps wanter--eh--git--yerselves up so she can't pipe
+any of ye off--eh--in this yere--eh--road-agent act.  I tell ye, after
+what thet--eh--Moffat's bin a-pumpin' inter her, she's just got ter
+be--eh--rescued, an' in blame good style, er--eh--it ain't no go."
+
+"Oh, you rest easy 'bout all thet, Bill," chimed in Sandy Winn, his
+black eyes dancing in anticipation of coming fun.  "We 'll git up the
+ornariest outfit whut ever hit the pike."
+
+The long shadows of the late afternoon were already falling across the
+gloomy Carter woods, while the red sun sank lower behind old Bull
+Mountain.  The Reverend Howard Wynkoop, who for more than an hour past
+had been vainly dangling a fishing-line above the dancing waters of
+Clear Creek, now reclined dreamily on the soft turf of the high bank,
+his eyes fixed upon the distant sky-line.  His thoughts were on the
+flossy hair and animated face of the fair Miss Spencer, who he
+momentarily expected would round the edge of the hill, and so deeply
+did he become sank in blissful reflection as to be totally oblivious to
+everything but her approach.
+
+Just above his secret resting-place, where the great woods deepen, and
+the gloomy shadows lie darkly all through the long afternoons, a small
+party of hideously painted savages skulked silently in ambush.
+Suddenly to their strained ears was borne the sound of horses' hoofs;
+and then, all at once, a woman's voice rang out in a single shrill,
+startled cry.
+
+"Whut is up?" questioned the leading savage, hoarsely.  "Is he a-doin'
+this little job all by hisself?"
+
+"Dunno," answered the fellow next him, flipping his quirt uneasily;
+"but I reckon as how it's her as squealed, an' we 'd better be gitting
+in ter hev our share o' the fun."
+
+The "chief," with an oath of disgust, dashed forward, and his band
+surged after.  Just below them, and scarcely fifty feet away, a
+half-score of roughly clad, heavily bearded men were clustered in the
+centre of the trail, two of their number lifting the unconscious form
+of a fainting woman upon a horse.
+
+"Cervera's gang, by gosh!" panted the leading savage.  "How did they
+git yere?"
+
+"You bet!  She's up agin the real thing," ejaculated a voice beside
+him.  "Let's ride 'em off the earth!  Whoop!"
+
+With wild yells to awaken fresh courage, the whole band plunged
+headlong down the sharp decline, striking the surprised "road-agents"
+with a force and suddenness which sent half of them sprawling.
+Revolvers flashed, oaths and shouts rang out fiercely, men clinched
+each other, striking savage blows.  Lumley grasped the leader of the
+other party by the hair, and endeavored to beat him over the head with
+his revolver butt.  Even as he uplifted his hand to strike, the man's
+beard fell off, and the two fierce combatants paused as though
+thunderstruck.
+
+"Hold on yere, boy!" yelled Lumley.  "This yere is some blame joke.
+These fellers is Bill McNeil's gang."
+
+"By thunder! if it ain't Pete Lumley," ejaculated the other.  "Whut did
+ye hit me fer, ye long-legged minin' jackass?"
+
+The explanation was never uttered.  Out from the surrounding gloom of
+underbrush a hatless, dishevelled individual on foot suddenly dashed
+into the centre of that hesitating ring of horsemen.  With skilful
+twist of his foot he sent a dismounted road-agent spinning over
+backward, and managed to wrench a revolver from his hand.  There was a
+blaze of red flame, a cloud of smoke, six sharp reports, and a wild
+stampede of frantic horsemen.
+
+Then the Reverend Howard Wynkoop flung the empty gun disdainfully down
+into the dirt, stepped directly across the motionless outstretched
+body, and knelt humbly beside a slender, white-robed figure lying close
+against the fringe of bushes.  Tenderly he lifted the fair head to his
+throbbing bosom, and gazed directly down into the white, unconscious
+face.  Even as he looked her eyes unclosed, her body trembling within
+his arms.
+
+"Have no fear," he implored, reading terror in the expression of her
+face.  "Miss Spencer--Phoebe--it is only I, Mr. Wynkoop."
+
+"You!  Have those awful creatures gone?"
+
+"Yes, yes; be calm, I beg you.  There is no longer the slightest
+danger.  I am here to protect you with my life if need be."
+
+"Oh, Howard--Mr. Wynkoop--it is all so strange, so bewildering; my
+nerves are so shattered!  But it has taught me a great, great lesson.
+How could I have ever been so blind?  I thought Mr. Moffat and Mr.
+McNeil were such heroes, and yet now in this hour of desperate peril it
+was you who flew gallantly to my rescue!  It is you who are the true
+Western knight!"
+
+And Mr. Wynkoop gazed down into those grateful eyes, and modestly
+confessed it true.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+THE PARTING HOUR
+
+To Lieutenant Brant these proved days of bitterness.  His sole comfort
+was the feeling that he had performed his duty; his sustaining hope,
+that the increasing rumors of Indian atrocity might soon lead to his
+despatch upon active service.  He had called twice upon Hampton, both
+times finding the wounded man propped up in bed, very affable, properly
+grateful for services rendered, yet avoiding all reference to the one
+disturbing element between them.
+
+Once he had accidentally met Naida, but their brief conversation left
+him more deeply mystified then ever, and later she seemed to avoid him
+altogether.  The barrier between them no longer appeared as a figment
+of her misguided imagination, but rather as a real thing neither
+patience nor courage might hope to surmount.  If he could have
+flattered himself that Naida was depressed also in spirit, the fact
+might have proved both comfort and inspiration, but to his view her
+attitude was one of almost total indifference.  One day he deemed her
+but an idle coquette; the next, a warm-hearted woman, doing her duty
+bravely.  Yet through it all her power over him never slackened.  Twice
+he walked with Miss Spencer as far as the Herndon house, hopeful that
+that vivacious young lady might chance to let fall some unguarded hint
+of guidance.  But Miss Spencer was then too deeply immersed in her own
+affairs of the heart to waste either time or thought upon others.
+
+The end to this nervous strain came in the form of an urgent despatch
+recalling N Troop to Fort Abraham Lincoln by forced marches.  The
+commander felt no doubt as to the full meaning of this message, and the
+soldier in him made prompt and joyful response.  Little Glencaid was
+almost out of the world so far as recent news was concerned.  The
+military telegraph, however, formed a connecting link with the War
+Department, so that Brant knew something of the terrible condition of
+the Northwest.  He had thus learned of the consolidation of the hostile
+savages, incited by Sitting Bull, into the fastness of the Big Horn
+Range; he was aware that General Crook was already advancing northward
+from the Nebraska line; and he knew it was part of the plan of
+operation for Custer and the Seventh Cavalry to strike directly
+westward across the Dakota hills.  Now he realized that he was to be a
+part of this chosen fighting force, and his heart responded to the
+summons as to a bugle-call in battle.
+
+Instantly the little camp was astir, the men feeling the enthusiasm of
+their officers.  With preparations well in hand, Brant's thoughts
+veered once again toward Naida--he could not leave her, perhaps ride
+forth to death, without another effort to learn what was this
+impassable object between them.  He rode down to the Herndon house with
+grave face and sober thought.  If he could only understand this girl;
+if he could only once look into her heart, and know the meaning of her
+ever-changing actions, her puzzling words!  He felt convinced he had
+surprised the reflection of love within her eyes; but soon the
+reflection vanished.  The end was ever the same--he only knew he loved
+her.
+
+He recalled long the plainly furnished room into which Mrs. Herndon
+ushered him to await the girl's appearance--the formal look of the
+old-fashioned hair-cloth furniture, the prim striped paper on the
+walls, the green shades at the windows, the clean rag carpet on the
+floor.  The very stiffness chilled him, left him ill at ease.  To calm
+his spirit he walked to a window, and stood staring out into the warm
+sunlight.  Then he heard the rustle of Naida's skirt and turned to meet
+her.  She was pale from her weeks of nursing, and agitated for fear of
+what this unexpected call might portend.  Yet to his thought she
+appeared calm, her manner restrained.  Nor could anything be kinder
+than her first greeting, the frankly extended hand, the words
+expressive of welcome.
+
+"Mr. Wynkoop informed me a few minutes ago that you had at last
+received your orders for the north," she said, her lips slightly
+trembling.  "I wondered if you would leave without a word of farewell."
+
+He bowed low.  "I do not understand how you could doubt, for I have
+shown my deep interest in you even from the first.  If I have lately
+seemed to avoid you, it has only been because I believed you wished it
+so."
+
+A slight flush tinged the pallor of her cheeks, while the long lashes
+drooped over the eyes, concealing their secrets.
+
+"Life is not always as easy to live aright as it appears upon the
+surface," she confessed.  "I am learning that I cannot always do just
+as I should like, but must content myself with the performance of duty.
+Shall we not be seated?"
+
+There was an embarrassing pause, as though neither knew how to get
+through the interview.
+
+"No doubt you are rejoiced to be sent on active service again," she
+said, at last.
+
+"Yes, both as a soldier and as a man, Miss Naida.  I am glad to get
+into the field again with my regiment, to do my duty under the flag,
+and I am equally rejoiced to have something occur which will tend to
+divert my thoughts.  I had not intended to say anything of this kind,
+but now that I am with you I simply cannot restrain the words.  This
+past month has been, I believe, the hardest I have ever been compelled
+to live through.  You simply mystify me, so that I alternately hope and
+despair.  Your methods are cruel."
+
+"Mine?" and she gazed at him with parted lips.  "Lieutenant Brant, what
+can you mean?  What is it I have done?"
+
+"It may have been only play to you, and so easily forgotten," he went
+on, bitterly.  "But that is a dangerous game, very certain to hurt some
+one.  Miss Naida, your face, your eyes, even your lips almost
+continually tell me one thing; your words another.  I know not which to
+trust.  I never meet you except to go away baffled and bewildered."
+
+"You wish to know the truth?"
+
+"Ay, and for ail time!  Are you false, or true?  Coquette, or woman?
+Do you simply play with hearts for idle amusement, or is there some
+true purpose ruling your actions?"
+
+She looked directly at him, her hands clasped, her breath almost
+sobbing between the parted lips.  At first she could not speak.  "Oh,
+you hurt me so," she faltered at last.  "I did not suppose you could
+ever think that.  I--I did not mean it; oh, truly I did not mean it!
+You forget how young I am; how very little I know of the world and its
+ways.  Perhaps I have not even realized how deeply in earnest you were,
+have deceived myself into believing you were merely amusing yourself
+with me.  Why, indeed, should I think otherwise?  How could I venture
+to believe you would ever really care in that way for such a waif as I?
+You have seen other women in that great Eastern world of which I have
+only read--refined, cultured, princesses, belonging to your own social
+circle,--how should I suppose you could forget them, and give your
+heart to a little outcast, a girl without a name or a home?  Rather
+should it be I who might remain perplexed and bewildered."
+
+"I love you," he said, with simple honesty.  "I seek you for my wife."
+
+She started at these frankly spoken words, her hands partially
+concealing her face, her form trembling.  "Oh, I wish you hadn't said
+that!  It is not because I doubt you any longer; not that I fail to
+appreciate all you offer me.  But it is so hard to appear ungrateful,
+to give nothing in return for so vast a gift."
+
+"Then it is true that you do not love me?"
+
+The blood flamed suddenly up into her face, but there was no lowering
+of the eyes, no shrinking back.  She was too honest to play the coward
+before him.
+
+"I shall not attempt to deceive you," she said, with a slow
+impressiveness instantly carrying conviction.  "This has already
+progressed so far that I now owe you complete frankness.  Donald Brant,
+now and always, living or dead, married or single, wherever life may
+take us, I shall love you."
+
+Their eyes were meeting, but she held up her hand to restrain him from
+the one step forward.
+
+"No, no; I have confessed the truth; I have opened freely to you the
+great secret of my heart.  With it you must be content to leave me.
+There is nothing more that I can give you, absolutely nothing.  I can
+never be your wife; I hope, for your sake and mine, that we never meet
+again."
+
+She did not break down, or hesitate in the utterance of these words,
+although there was a piteous tremble on her lips, a pathetic appeal in
+her eyes.  Brant stood like a statue, his face grown white.  He did not
+in the least doubt her full meaning of renunciation.
+
+"You will, at least, tell me why?"  It was all that would come to his
+dry lips.
+
+She sank back upon the sofa, as though the strength had suddenly
+deserted her body, her eyes shaded by an uplifted hand.
+
+"I cannot tell you.  I have no words, no courage.  You will learn some
+day from others, and be thankful that I loved you well enough to resist
+temptation.  But the reason cannot come to you from my lips."
+
+He leaned forward, half kneeling at her feet, and she permitted him to
+clasp her hand within both his own.  "Tell me, at least, this--is it
+some one else?  Is it Hampton?"
+
+She smiled at him through a mist of tears, a smile the sad sweetness of
+which he would never forget.  "In the sense you mean, no.  No living
+man stands between us, not even Bob Hampton."
+
+"Does he know why this cannot be?"
+
+"He does know, but I doubt if he will ever reveal his knowledge;
+certainly not to you.  He has not told me all, even in the hour when he
+thought himself dying.  I am convinced of that.  It is not because he
+dislikes you, Lieutenant Brant, but because he knew his partial
+revealment of the truth was a duty he owed us both."
+
+There was a long, painful pause between them, during which neither
+ventured to look directly at the other.
+
+"You leave me so completely in the dark," he said, finally; "is there
+no possibility that this mysterious obstacle can ever be removed?"
+
+"None.  It is beyond earthly power--there lies between us the shadow of
+a dead man."
+
+He stared at her as if doubting her sanity.
+
+"A dead man!  Not Gillis?"
+
+"No, it is not Gillis.  I have told you this much so that you might
+comprehend how impossible it is for us to change our fate.  It is
+irrevocably fixed.  Please do not question me any more; cannot you see
+how I am suffering?  I beseech your pity; I beg you not to prolong this
+useless interview.  I cannot bear it!"
+
+Brant rose to his feet, and stood looking down upon her bowed head, her
+slender figure shaken by sobs.  Whatever it might prove to be, this
+mysterious shadow of a dead man, there could be no doubting what it now
+meant to her.  His eyes were filled with a love unutterable.
+
+"Naida, as you have asked it, I will go; but I go better, stronger,
+because I have heard your lips say you love me.  I am going now, my
+sweetheart, but if I live, I shall come again.  I know nothing of what
+you mean about a dead man being between us, but I shall know when I
+come back, for, dead or alive, no man shall remain between me and the
+girl I love."
+
+"This--this is different," she sobbed, "different; it is beyond your
+power."
+
+"I shall never believe so until I have faced it for myself, nor will I
+even say good-bye, for, under God, I am coming back to you."
+
+He turned slowly, and walked away.  As his hand touched the latch of
+the door he paused and looked longingly back.
+
+"Naida."
+
+She glanced up at him.
+
+"You kissed me once; will you again?"
+
+She rose silently and crossed over to him, her hands held out, her eyes
+uplifted to his own.  Neither spoke as he drew her gently to him, and
+their lips met.
+
+"Say it once more, sweetheart?"
+
+"Donald, I love you."
+
+A moment they stood thus face to face, reading the great lesson of
+eternity within the depths of each other's eyes.  Then slowly, gently,
+she released herself from the clasp of his strong arms.
+
+"You believe in me now?  You do not go away blaming me?" she
+questioned, with quivering lips.
+
+"There is no blame, for you are doing what you think right.  But I am
+coming back, Naida, little woman; coming back to love and you."
+
+An hour later N Troop trotted across the rude bridge, and circled the
+bluff, on its way toward the wide plains.  Brant, riding ahead of his
+men, caught a glimpse of something white fluttering from an open window
+of the yellow house fronting the road.  Instantly he whipped off his
+campaign hat, and bowing to the saddle pommel, rode bareheaded out of
+sight.  And from behind the curtain Naida watched the last horseman
+round the bluff angle, riding cheerfully away to hardship, danger, and
+death, her eyes dry and despairing, her heart scarcely beating.  Then
+she crept across the narrow room, and buried her face in the coverlet
+of the bed.
+
+
+
+
+_PART III_
+
+ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+MR. HAMPTON RESOLVES
+
+Mr. Bob Hampton stood in the bright sunshine on the steps of the hotel,
+his appreciative gaze wandering up the long, dusty, unoccupied street,
+and finally rising to the sweet face of the young girl who occupied the
+step above.  As their eyes met both smiled as if they understood each
+other.  Except for being somewhat pale, the result of long, inactive
+weeks passed indoors, Mr. Hampton's appearance was that of perfect
+health, while the expression of his face evidenced the joy of living.
+
+"There is nothing quite equal to feeling well, little girl," he said,
+genially, patting her hand where it rested on the railing, "and I
+really believe I am in as fine fettle now as I ever have been.  Do you
+know, I believe I 'm perfectly fit to undertake that little detective
+operation casually mentioned to you a few days ago.  It 's got to be
+done, and the sooner I get at it the easier I'll feel.  Fact is, I put
+in a large portion of the night thinking out my plans."
+
+"I wish you would give it up all together, Bob," she said, anxiously.
+"I shall be so dull and lonely here while you are gone."
+
+"I reckon you will, for a fact, as it's my private impression that
+lovely Miss Spencer does n't exert herself over much to be entertaining
+unless there happens to be a man in sight.  Great guns! how she did
+fling language the last time she blew in to see me!  But, Naida, it
+isn't likely this little affair will require very long, and things are
+lots happier between us since my late shooting scrape.  For one thing,
+you and I understand each other better; then Mrs. Herndon has been
+quite decently civil.  When Fall comes I mean to take you East and put
+you in some good finishing school.  Don't care quite as much about it
+as you did, do you?"
+
+"Yes, I think I do, Bob."  She strove bravely to express enthusiasm.
+"The trouble is, I am so worried over your going off alone hunting
+after that man."
+
+He laughed, his eyes searching her face for the truth.  "Well, little
+girl, he won't exactly be the first I 've had call to go after.
+Besides, this is a particular case, and appeals to me in a sort of
+personal way.  It you only knew it, you're about as deeply concerned in
+the result as I am, and as for me, I can never rest easy again until
+the matter is over with."
+
+"It's that awful Murphy, is n't it?"
+
+"He's the one I'm starting after first, and one sight at his right hand
+will decide whether he is to be the last as well."
+
+"I never supposed you would seek revenge, like a savage," she remarked,
+quietly.  "You never used to be that way."
+
+"Good Lord, Naida, do you think I 'm low down enough to go out hunting
+that poor cuss merely to get even with him for trying to stick me with
+a knife?  Why, there are twenty others who have done as much, and we
+have been the best of friends afterwards.  Oh, no, lassie, it means
+more than that, and harks back many a long year.  I told you I saw a
+mark on his hand I would never forget--but I saw that mark first
+fifteen years ago.  I 'm not taking my life in my hand to revenge the
+killing of Slavin, or in any memory of that little misunderstanding
+between the citizens of Glencaid and myself.  I should say not.  I have
+been slashed at and shot at somewhat promiscuously during the last five
+years, but I never permitted such little affairs to interfere with
+either business, pleasure, or friendship.  If this fellow Murphy, or
+whoever the man I am after may prove to be, had contented himself with
+endeavoring playfully to carve me, the account would be considered
+closed.  But this is a duty I owe a friend, a dead friend, to run to
+earth this murderer.  Do you understand now?  The fellow who did that
+shooting up at Bethune fifteen years ago had the same sort of a mark on
+his right hand as this one who killed Slavin.  That's why I'm after
+him, and when I catch up he'll either squeal or die.  He won't be very
+likely to look on the matter as a joke."
+
+"But how do you know?"
+
+"I never told you the whole story, and I don't mean to now until I come
+back, and can make everything perfectly clear.  It would n't do you any
+good the way things stand now, and would only make you uneasy.  But if
+you do any praying over it, my girl, pray good and hard that I may
+discover some means for making that fellow squeal."
+
+She made no response.  He had told her so little, that it left her
+blindly groping, yet fearful to ask for more.  She stood gazing
+thoughtfully past him.
+
+"Have you heard anything lately, Bob, about the Seventh?" she asked,
+finally.  "Since--since N Troop left here?"
+
+He answered with well-simulated carelessness.  "No; but it is most
+likely they are well into the game by this time.  It's bound to prove a
+hard campaign, to judge from all visible indications, and the trouble
+has been hatching long enough to get all the hostiles into a bunch.  I
+know most of them, and they are a bad lot of savages.  Crook's column,
+I have just heard, was overwhelmingly attacked on the Rosebud, and
+forced to fall back.  That leaves the Seventh to take the brunt of it,
+and there is going to be hell up north presently, or I 've forgotten
+all I ever knew about Indians.  Sitting Bull is the arch-devil for a
+plot, and he has found able assistants to lead the fighting.  I only
+wish it were my luck to be in it.  But come, little girl, as I said, I
+'m quite likely to be off before night, provided I am fortunate enough
+to strike a fresh trail.  Under such conditions you won't mind my
+kissing you out here, will you?"
+
+She held up her lips and he touched them softly with his own.  Her eyes
+were tear-dimmed.  "Oh, Bob, I hate so to let you go," she sobbed,
+clinging to him.  "No one could have been more to me than you have
+been, and you are all I have left in the world.  Everything I care for
+goes away from me.  Life is so hard, so hard!"
+
+"Yes, little girl, I know," and the man stroked her hair tenderly, his
+own voice faltering.  "It's all hard; I learned that sad lesson long
+ago, but I 've tried to make it a little bit easier for you since we
+first came together.  Still, I don't see how I can possibly help this.
+I 've been hunting after that fellow a long while now, a matter of
+fifteen years over a mighty dim trail, and it would be a mortal sin to
+permit him to get away scot-free.  Besides, if this affair only manages
+to turn out right, I can promise to make you the happiest girl in
+America.  But, Naida, dear, don't cling to me so; it is not at all like
+you to break down in this fashion," and he gently unclasped her hands,
+holding her away from him, while he continued to gaze hungrily into her
+troubled face.  "It only weakens me at a time when I require all my
+strength of will."
+
+"Sometimes I feel just like a coward, Bob.  It's the woman of it; yet
+truly I wish to do whatever you believe to be best.  But, Bob, I need
+you so much, and you will come back, won't you?  I shall be so lonely
+here, for--for you are truly all I have in the world."
+
+With one quick, impulsive motion he pressed her to him, passionately
+kissing the tears from her lowered lashes, unable longer to conceal the
+tremor that shook his own voice.  "Never, never doubt it, lassie.  It
+will not take me long, and if I live I come straight back."
+
+He watched her slender, white-robed figure as it passed slowly down the
+deserted street.  Once only she paused, and waved back to him, and he
+returned instant response, although scarcely realizing the act.
+
+"Poor little lonely girl! perhaps I ought to have told her the whole
+infernal story, but I simply haven't got the nerve, the way it reads
+now.  If I can only get it straightened out, it'll be different."
+
+Mechanically he thrust an unlighted cigar between his teeth, and
+descended the steps, to all outward appearance the same reckless,
+audacious Hampton as of old.  Mrs. Guffy smiled happily from an open
+window as she observed the square set of his shoulders, the easy,
+devil-may-care smile upon his lips.
+
+The military telegraph occupied one-half of the small tent next the
+Miners' Retreat, and the youthful operator instantly recognized his
+debonair visitor.
+
+"Well, Billy," was Hampton's friendly greeting, "are they keeping you
+fairly busy with 'wars and rumors of wars' these days?"
+
+"Nuthin' doin', just now," was the cheerful reply.  "Everything goin'
+ter Cheyenne.  The Injuns are gittin' themselves bottled up in the Big
+Horn country."
+
+"Oh, that's it?  Then maybe you might manage to rush a message through
+for me to Fort A. Lincoln, without discommoding Uncle Sam?" and Hampton
+placed a coin upon the rough table.
+
+"Sure; write it out."
+
+"Here it is; now get it off early, my lad, and bring the answer to me
+over at the hotel.  There 'll be another yellow boy waiting when you
+come."
+
+The reply arrived some two hours later.
+
+
+"FORT A. LINCOLN, June 17, 1876.
+
+"HAMPTON, Glencaid:
+
+"Seventh gone west, probably Yellowstone.  Brant with them.  Murphy,
+government scout, at Cheyenne waiting orders.
+
+"BITTON, Commanding."
+
+
+He crushed the paper in his hand, thinking--thinking of the past, the
+present, the future.  He had borne much in these last years, much
+misrepresentation, much loneliness of soul.  He had borne these
+patiently, smiling into the mocking eyes of Fate.  Through it all--the
+loss of friends, of profession, of ambition, of love, of home--he had
+never wholly lost hold of a sustaining hope, and now it would seem that
+this long-abiding faith was at last to be rewarded.  Yet he realized,
+as he fronted the facts, how very little he really had to build
+upon,--the fragmentary declaration of Slavin, wrung from him in a
+moment of terror; an idle boast made to Brant by the surprised scout; a
+second's glimpse at a scarred hand,--little enough, indeed, yet by far
+the most clearly marked trail he had ever struck in all his vain
+endeavor to pierce the mystery which had so utterly ruined his life.
+To run this Murphy to cover remained his final hope for retrieving
+those dead, dark years.  Ay, and there was Naida!  Her future, scarcely
+less than his own, hung trembling in the balance.
+
+The sudden flashing of that name into his brain was like an electric
+shock.  He cursed his inactivity.  Great God! had he become a child
+again, to tremble before imagined evil, a mere hobgoblin of the mind?
+He had already wasted time enough; now he must wring from the lips of
+that misshapen savage the last vestige of his secret.
+
+The animal within him sprang to fierce life.  God! he would prove as
+wary, as cunning, as relentless as ever was Indian on the trail.
+Murphy would never suspect at this late day that he was being tracked.
+That was well.  Tireless, fearless, half savage as the scout
+undoubtedly was, one fully his equal was now at his heels, actuated by
+grim, relentless purpose.  Hampton moved rapidly in preparation.  He
+dressed for the road, for hard, exacting service, buckling his loaded
+cartridge-belt outside his rough coat, and testing his revolvers with
+unusual care.  He spoke a few parting words of instruction to Mrs.
+Guffy, and went quietly out.  Ten minutes later he was in the saddle,
+galloping down the dusty stage road toward Cheyenne.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+THE TRAIL OF SILENT MURPHY
+
+The young infantryman who had been detailed for the important service
+of telegraph operator, sat in the Cheyenne office, his feet on the rude
+table his face buried behind a newspaper.  He had passed through two
+eventful weeks of unremitting service, being on duty both night and
+day, and now, the final despatches forwarded, he felt entitled to enjoy
+a period of well-earned repose.
+
+"Could you inform me where I might find Silent Murphy, a government
+scout?"
+
+The voice had the unmistakable ring of military authority, and the
+soldier operator instinctively dropped his feet to the floor.
+
+"Well, my lad, you are not dumb, are you?"
+
+The telegrapher's momentary hesitation vanished; his ambition to become
+a martyr to the strict laws of service secrecy was not sufficiently
+strong to cause him to take the doubtful chances of a lie.  "He was
+here, but has gone."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"The devil knows.  He rode north, carrying despatches for Custer."
+
+"When?"
+
+"Oh, three or four hours ago."
+
+Hampton swore softly but fervently, behind his clinched teeth.
+
+"Where is Custer?"
+
+"Don't know exactly.  Supposed to be with Terry and Gibbons, somewhere
+near the mouth of the Powder, although he may have left there by this
+time, moving down the Yellowstone.  That was the plan mapped out.
+Murphy's orders were to intercept his column somewhere between the
+Rosebud and the Big Horn, and I figure there is about one chance out of
+a hundred that the Indians let him get that far alive.  No other scout
+along this border would take such a detail.  I know, for there were two
+here who failed to make good when the job was thrown at them--just
+naturally faded away," and the soldier's eyes sparkled.  "But that old
+devil of a Murphy just enjoys such a trip.  He started off as happy as
+ever I see him."
+
+"How far will he have to ride?"
+
+"Oh, 'bout three hundred miles as the crow flies, a little west of
+north, and the better part of the distance, they tell me, it's almighty
+rough country for night work.  But then Murphy, he knows the way all
+right."
+
+Hampton turned toward the door, feeling fairly sick from
+disappointment.  The operator stood regarding him curiously, a question
+on his lips.
+
+"Sorry you didn't come along a little earlier," he said, genially.  "Do
+you know Murphy?"
+
+"I 'm not quite certain.  Did you happen to notice a peculiar black
+scar on the back of his right hand?"
+
+"Sure; looks like the half of a pear.  He said it was powder under the
+skin."
+
+A new look of reviving determination swept into Hampton's gloomy
+eyes--beyond doubt this must be his man.
+
+"How many horses did he have?"
+
+"Two."
+
+"Did you overhear him say anything definite about his plans for the
+trip?"
+
+"What, him?  He never talks, that fellow.  He can't do nothing but
+sputter if he tries.  But I wrote out his orders, and they give him to
+the twenty-fifth to make the Big Horn.  That's maybe something like
+fifty miles a day, and he's most likely to keep his horses fresh just
+as long as possible, so as to be good for the last spurt through the
+hostile country.  That's how I figure it, and I know something about
+scouting.  You was n't planning to strike out after him, was you?"
+
+"I might risk it if I only thought I could overtake him within two
+days; my business is of some importance."
+
+"Well, stranger, I should reckon you might do that with a dog-gone good
+outfit.  Murphy 's sure to take things pretty easy to-day, and he's
+almost certain to follow the old mining trail as far as the ford over
+the Belle Fourche, and that's plain enough to travel.  Beyond that
+point the devil only knows where he will go, for then is when his hard
+ridin' begins."
+
+The moment the operator mentioned that odd scar on Murphy's hand, every
+vestige of hesitation vanished.  Beyond any possibility of doubt he was
+on the right scent this time.  Murphy was riding north upon a mission
+as desperate as ever man was called upon to perform.  The chance of his
+coming forth alive from that Indian-haunted land was, as the operator
+truthfully said, barely one out of a hundred.  Hampton thought of this.
+He durst not venture all he was so earnestly striving after--love,
+reputation, honor--to the chance of a stray Sioux bullet.  No! and he
+remembered Naida again, her dark, pleading eyes searching his face.  To
+the end, to the death if need were, he would follow!
+
+The memory of his old plains craft would not permit any neglect of the
+few necessaries for the trip.  He bought without haggling over prices,
+but insisted on the best.  So it was four in the afternoon when he
+finally struck into the trail leading northward.  This proved at first
+a broad, plainly marked path, across the alkali plain.  He rode a
+mettlesome, half-broken bronco, a wicked-eyed brute, which required to
+be conquered twice within the first hour of travel; a second and more
+quiet animal trailed behind at the end of a lariat, bearing the
+necessary equipment.  Hampton forced the two into a rapid lope,
+striving to make the most possible out of the narrow margin of daylight
+remaining.
+
+He had, by persistent questioning, acquired considerable information,
+during that busy hour spent in Cheyenne, regarding the untracked
+regions lying before him, as well as the character and disposition of
+the man he pursued.  Both by instinct and training he was able to
+comprehend those brief hints that must prove of vast benefit in the
+pathless wilderness.  But the time had not yet arrived for him to dwell
+on such matters.  His thoughts were concentrated on Murphy.  He knew
+that the fellow was a stubborn, silent, sullen savage, devoid of
+physical fear, yet cunning, wary, malignant, and treacherous.  That was
+what they said of him back in Cheyenne.  What, then, would ever induce
+such a man to open his mouth in confession of a long-hidden crime?  To
+be sure, he might easily kill the fellow, but he would probably die,
+like a wild beast, without uttering a word.
+
+There was one chance, a faint hope, that behind his gruff, uncouth
+exterior this Murphy possessed a conscience not altogether dead.  Over
+some natures, and not infrequently to those which seem outwardly the
+coarsest, superstition wields a power the normal mind can scarcely
+comprehend.  Murphy might be spiritually as cringing a coward as he was
+physically a fearless desperado.  Hampton had known such cases before;
+he had seen men laugh scornfully before the muzzle of a levelled gun,
+and yet tremble when pointed at by the finger of accusation.  He had
+lived sufficiently long on the frontier to know that men may become
+inured to that special form of danger to which they have grown
+accustomed through repetition, and yet fail to front the unknown and
+mysterious.  Perhaps here might be discovered Murphy's weak point.
+Without doubt the man was guilty of crime; that its memory continued to
+haunt him was rendered evident by his hiding in Glencaid, and by his
+desperate attempt to kill Hampton.  That knife-thrust must have been
+given with the hope of thus stopping further investigation; it alone
+was sufficient proof that Murphy's soul was haunted by fear.
+
+"Conscience doth make cowards of us all."  These familiar words floated
+in Hampton's memory, seeming to attune themselves to the steady gallop
+of his horse.  They appealed to him as a direct message of guidance.
+The night was already dark, but stars were gleaming brilliantly
+overhead, and the trail remained easily traceable.  It became terribly
+lonely on that wilderness stretching away for unknown leagues in every
+direction, yet Hampton scarcely noted this, so watchful was he lest he
+miss the trail.  To his judgment, Murphy would not be likely to ride
+during the night until after he had crossed the Fourche.  There was no
+reason to suspect that there were any hostile Indians south of that
+stream, and probably therefore the old scout would endeavor to conserve
+his own strength and that of his horses, for the more perilous travel
+beyond.  Hampton hastened on, his eyes peering anxiously ahead into the
+steadily increasing gloom.
+
+About midnight, the trail becoming obscure, the rider made camp,
+confident he must have already gained heavily on the man he pursued.
+He lariated his horses, and flinging himself down on some soft turf,
+almost immediately dropped asleep.  He was up again before daylight,
+and, after a hasty meal, pressed on.  The nature of the country had
+changed considerably, becoming more broken, the view circumscribed by
+towering cliffs and deep ravines.  Hampton swung forward his
+field-glasses, and, from the summit of every eminence, studied the
+topography of the country lying beyond.  He must see before being seen,
+and he believed he could not now be many miles in the rear of Murphy.
+
+Late in the afternoon he reined up his horse and gazed forward into a
+broad valley, bounded with precipitous bluffs.  The trail, now scarcely
+perceptible, led directly down, winding about like some huge snake,
+across the lower level, toward where a considerable stream of water
+shone silvery in the sun, half concealed behind a fringe of willows.
+Beyond doubt this was the Belle Fourche.  And yonder, close in against
+those distant willows, some black dots were moving.  Hampton glued his
+anxious eyes to the glass.  The levelled tubes clearly revealed a man
+on horseback, leading another horse.  The animals were walking.  There
+could be little doubt that this was Silent Murphy.
+
+Hampton lariated his tired horses behind the bluff, and returned to the
+summit, lying flat upon the ground, with the field-glass at his eyes.
+The distant figures passed slowly forward into the midst of the
+willows, and for half an hour the patient watcher scanned the surface
+of the stream beyond, but there was no sign of attempted passage.  The
+sun sank lower, and finally disappeared behind those desolate ridges to
+the westward.  Hampton's knowledge of plains craft rendered Murphy's
+actions sufficiently clear.  This was the Fourche; beyond those waters
+lay the terrible peril of Indian raiders.  Further advance must be made
+by swift, secret night riding, and never-ceasing vigilance.  This was
+what Murphy had been saving himself and his horses for.  Beyond
+conjecture, he was resting now within the shadows of those willows,
+studying the opposite shore and making ready for the dash northward.
+Hampton believed he would linger thus for some time after dark, to see
+if Indian fires would afford any guidance.  Confident of this, he
+passed back to his horses, rubbed them down with grass, and then ate
+his lonely supper, not venturing to light a fire, certain that Murphy's
+eyes were scanning every inch of sky-line.
+
+Darkness came rapidly, while Hampton sat planning again the details of
+his night's work.  The man's spirits became depressed by the gloom and
+the silence.  Evil fancies haunted his brain.  His mind dwelt upon the
+past, upon that wrong which had wrecked his life, upon the young girl
+he had left praying for his safe return, upon that miserable creature
+skulking yonder in the black night.  Hampton could not remember when he
+had ever performed such an act before, nor could he have explained why
+he did so then, yet he prayed--prayed for the far-off Naida, and for
+personal guidance in the stern work lying before him.  And when he rose
+to his feet and groped his way to the horses, there remained no spirit
+of vengeance in his heart, no hatred, merely a cool resolve to succeed
+in his strange quest.  So, the two animals trailing cautiously behind,
+he felt his slow way on foot down the steep bluff, into the denser
+blackness of the valley.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+THE HAUNTING OF A CRIME
+
+Murphy rested on his back in the midst of a thicket of willows, wide
+awake, yet not quite ready to ford the Fourche and plunge into the
+dense shadows shrouding the northern shore.  Crouched behind a log, he
+had so far yielded unto temptation as to light his pipe.
+
+Murphy had been amid just such unpleasant environments many times
+before, and the experience had grown somewhat prosaic.  He realized
+fully the imminent peril haunting the next two hundred miles, but such
+danger was not wholly unwelcome to his peculiar temperament; rather it
+was an incentive to him, and, without a doubt, he would manage to pull
+through somehow, as he had done a hundred times before.  Even
+Indian-scouting degenerates into a commonplace at last.  So Murphy
+puffed contentedly at his old pipe.  Whatever may have been his
+thoughts, they did not burst through his taciturnity, and he reclined
+there motionless, no sound breaking the silence, save the rippling
+waters of the Fourche, and the occasional stamping of his horses as
+they cropped the succulent valley grass.
+
+But suddenly there was the faint crackle of a branch to his left, and
+one hand instantly closed over his pipe bowl, the other grasping the
+heavy revolver at his hip.  Crouching like a startled tiger, with not a
+muscle moving, he peered anxiously into the darkness, his arm half
+extended, scarcely venturing to breathe.  There came a plain,
+undisguised rustling in the grass,--some prowling coyote, probably;
+then his tense muscles immediately relaxed, and he cursed himself for
+being so startled, yet he continued to grasp the "45" in his right
+hand, his eyes alert.
+
+"Murphy!"
+
+That single word, hurled thus unexpectedly out of the black night,
+startled him more than would a volley of rifles.  He sprang half erect,
+then as swiftly crouched behind a willow, utterly unable to articulate.
+In God's name, what human could be out there to call?  He would have
+sworn that there was not another white man within a radius of a hundred
+miles.  For the instant his very blood ran cold; he appeared to shrivel
+up.
+
+"Oh, come, Murphy; speak up, man; I know you're in here."
+
+That terror of the unknown instantly vanished.  This was the familiar
+language of the world, and, however the fellow came to be there, it was
+assuredly a man who spoke.  With a gurgling oath at his own folly,
+Murphy's anger flared violently forth into disjointed speech, the
+deadly gun yet clasped ready for instant action.
+
+"Who--the hell--are ye?" he blurted out.
+
+The visitor laughed, the bushes rustling as he pushed toward the sound
+of the voice.  "It's all right, old boy.  Gave ye quite a scare, I
+reckon."
+
+Murphy could now dimly perceive the other advancing through the
+intervening willows, and his Colt shot up to the level.  "Stop!--ye
+take another--step an' I 'll--let drive.  Ye tell me--first--who ye be."
+
+The invader paused, but he realized the nervous finger pressing the
+trigger and made haste to answer.  "It's all right, I tell ye.  I 'm
+one o' Terry's scouts."
+
+"Ye are?  Jist the same--I've heard--yer voice--afore."
+
+"Likely 'nough.  I saw service in the Seventh."
+
+Murphy was still a trifle suspicious.  "How'd ye git yere?  How 'd ye
+come ter know--whar I wus?"
+
+The man laughed again.  "Sorter hurts yer perfessional feelins, don't
+it, old feller, to be dropped in on in this unceremonious way?  But it
+was dead easy, old man.  Ye see I happened thro' Cheyenne only a couple
+o' hours behind ye, with a bunch o' papers fer the Yellowstone.  The
+trail's plain enough out this far, and I loped 'long at a pretty fair
+hickory, so thet I was up on the bluff yonder, and saw ye go into camp
+yere just afore dark.  You wus a-keepin' yer eyes skinned across the
+Fourche, and naturally didn't expect no callers from them hills behind.
+The rest wus nuthin', an' here I am.  It's a darn sight pleasanter ter
+hev company travellin', ter my notion.  Now kin I cum on?"
+
+Murphy reluctantly lowered his Colt, every movement betraying
+annoyance.  "I reckon.  But I 'd--a damn sight--rather risk it--alone."
+
+The stranger came forward without further hesitation.  The night was
+far too dark to reveal features, but to Murphy's strained vision the
+newcomer appeared somewhat slender in build, and of good height.
+
+"Whar'd--ye say ye--wus bound?"
+
+"Mouth o' the Powder.  We kin ride tergether fer a night or two."
+
+"Ye kin--do as ye--please, but--I ain't a huntin'--no company,--an' I'm
+a'--goin' 'cross now."
+
+He advanced a few strides toward his horses.  Then suddenly he gave
+vent to a smothered cry, so startling as to cause the stranger to
+spring hastily after him.
+
+"Oh!  My God!  Oh!  Look there!"
+
+"What is it, man?"
+
+"There!  there!  The picture!  Don't you see?"
+
+"Naw; I don't see nuthin'.  Ye ain't gone cracked, hev ye?  Whose
+picture?"
+
+"It's there!--O Lord!--it's there!  My God! can't ye see?--An' it's his
+face--all a-gleamin' with green flames--Holy Mary--an' I ain't seen
+it--afore in--fifteen year!"
+
+He seemed suddenly to collapse, and the stranger permitted him to drop
+limp to the earth.
+
+"Darn if I kin see anythin', old man, but I 'll scout 'round thar a
+bit, jest ter ease yer mind, an' see what I kin skeer up."
+
+He had hardly taken a half-dozen steps before Murphy called after him:
+"Don't--don't go an' leave me--it's not there now--thet's queer!"
+
+The other returned and stood gazing down upon his huddled figure.
+"You're a fine scout! afeard o' spooks.  Do ye take these yere turns
+often?  Fer if ye do, I reckon as how I 'd sooner be ridin' alone."
+
+Murphy struggled to his feet and gripped the other's arm.  "Never hed
+nuthin' like it--afore.  But--but it was thar--all creepy--an'
+green--ain't seen thet face--in fifteen year."
+
+"What face?"
+
+"A--a fellow I knew--once.  He--he's dead."
+
+The other grunted, disdainfully.  "Bad luck ter see them sort," he
+volunteered, solemnly.  "Blame glad it warn't me es see it, an' I don't
+know as I keer much right now 'bout keepin' company with ye fer very
+long.  However, I reckon if either of us calculates on doin' much
+ridin' ternight, we better stop foolin' with ghosts, an' go ter
+saddlin' up."
+
+They made rapid work of it, the newcomer proving somewhat loquacious,
+yet holding his voice to a judicious whisper, while Murphy relapsed
+into his customary sullen silence, but continued peering about
+nervously.  It was he who led the way down the bank, the four horses
+slowly splashing through the shallow water to the northern shore.
+Before them stretched a broad plain, the surface rocky and uneven, the
+northern stars obscured by ridges of higher land.  Murphy promptly gave
+his horse the spur, never once glancing behind, while the other
+imitated his example, holding his animal well in check, being
+apparently the better mounted.
+
+They rode silently.  The unshod hoofs made little noise, but a loosened
+canteen tinkled on Murphy's led horse, and he halted to fix it,
+uttering a curse.  The way became more broken and rough as they
+advanced, causing them to exercise greater caution.  Murphy clung to
+the hollows, apparently guided by some primitive instinct to choose the
+right path, or else able, like a cat, to see the way through the gloom,
+his beacon a huge rock to the northward.  Silently hour after hour,
+galloping, trotting, walking, according to the ground underfoot, the
+two pressed grimly forward, with the unerring skill of the border, into
+the untracked wilderness.  Flying clouds obscured the stars, yet
+through the rifts they caught fleeting glimpses sufficient to hold them
+to their course.  And the encroaching hills swept in closer upon either
+hand, leaving them groping their way between as in a pocket, yet ever
+advancing north.
+
+Finally they attained to the steep bank of a considerable stream, found
+the water of sufficient depth to compel swimming, and crept up the
+opposite shore dripping and miserable, yet with ammunition dry.  Murphy
+stood swearing disjointedly, wiping the blood from a wound in his
+forehead where the jagged edge of a rock had broken the skin, but
+suddenly stopped with a quick intake of breath that left him panting.
+The other man crept toward him, leading his horse.
+
+"What is it now?" he asked, gruffly.  "Hev' ye got 'em agin?"
+
+The dazed old scout stared, pointing directly across the other's
+shoulder, his arm shaking desperately.
+
+"It's thar!--an' it's his face!  Oh, God!--I know it--fifteen year."
+
+The man glanced backward into the pitch darkness, but without moving
+his body.
+
+"There 's nuthin' out there, 'less it's a firefly," he insisted, in a
+tone of contempt.  "You're plum crazy, Murphy; the night's got on yer
+nerves.  What is it ye think ye see?"
+
+"His face, I tell ye!  Don't I know?  It's all green and ghastly, with
+snaky flames playin' about it!  But I know; fifteen years, an' I ain't
+fergot."
+
+He sank down feebly--sank until he was on his knees, his head craned
+forward.  The man watching touched the miserable, hunched-up figure
+compassionately, and it shook beneath his hand, endeavoring to shrink
+away.
+
+"My God! was thet you?  I thought it was him a-reachin' fer me.  Here,
+let me take yer hand.  Oh, Lord!  An' can't ye see?  It's just there
+beyond them horses--all green, crawlin', devilish--but it's him."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Brant!  Brant--fifteen year!"
+
+"Brant?  Fifteen years?  Do you mean Major Brant, the one Nolan killed
+over at Bethune?"
+
+"He--he didn't--"
+
+The old man heaved forward, his head rocking from side to side; then
+suddenly he toppled over on his face, gasping for breath.  His
+companion caught him, and ripped open the heavy flannel shirt.  Then he
+strode savagely across in front of his shrinking horse, tore down the
+flaring picture, and hastily thrust it into his pocket, the light of
+the phosphorus with which it had been drawn being reflected for a
+moment on his features.
+
+"A dirty, miserable, low-down trick," he muttered.  "Poor old devil!
+Yet I've got to do it, for the little girl."
+
+He stumbled back through the darkness, his hat filled with water, and
+dashed it into Murphy's face.  "Come on, Murphy!  There's one good
+thing 'bout spooks; they don't hang 'round fer long at a time.  Likely
+es not this 'un is gone by now.  Brace up, man, for you an' I have got
+ter get out o' here afore mornin'."
+
+Then Murphy grasped his arm, and drew himself slowly to his feet.
+
+"Don't see nuthin' now, do ye?"
+
+"No.  Where's my--horse?"
+
+The other silently reached him the loose rein, marking as he did so the
+quick, nervous peering this way and that, the starting at the slightest
+sound.
+
+"Did ye say, Murphy, as how it wasn't Nolan after all who plugged the
+Major?"
+
+"I 'm damned--if I did.  Who--else was it?"
+
+"Why, I dunno.  Sorter blamed odd though, thet ghost should be
+a-hauntin' ye.  Darn if it ain't creepy 'nough ter make a feller
+believe most anythin'."
+
+Murphy drew himself up heavily into his saddle.  Then all at once he
+shoved the muzzle of a "45" into the other's face.  "Ye say nuther
+word--'bout thet, an' I 'll make--a ghost outer ye--blame lively.  Now,
+ye shet up--if ye ride with me."
+
+They moved forward at a walk and reached a higher level, across which
+the night wind swept, bearing a touch of cold in its breath as though
+coming from the snow-capped mountains to the west.  There was renewed
+life in this invigorating air, and Murphy spurred forward, his
+companion pressing steadily after.  They were but two flitting shadows
+amid that vast desolation of plain and mountain, their horses' hoofs
+barely audible.  What imaginings of evil, what visions of the past, may
+have filled the half-crazed brain of the leading horseman is
+unknowable.  He rode steadily against the black night wall, as though
+unconscious of his actions, yet forgetting no trick, no skill of the
+plains.  But the equally silent man behind clung to him like a shadow
+of doom, watching his slightest motion--a Nemesis that would never let
+go.
+
+When the first signs of returning day appeared in the east, the two
+left their horses in a narrow canyon, and crept to the summit of a
+ridge.  Below lay the broad valley of the Powder.  Slowly the misty
+light strengthened into gray, and became faintly tinged with crimson,
+while the green and brown tints deepened beneath the advancing light,
+which ever revealed new clefts in the distant hills.  Amid those more
+northern bluffs a thin spiral of blue smoke was ascending.  Undoubtedly
+it was some distant Indian signal, and the wary old plainsman watched
+it as if fascinated.  But the younger man lay quietly regarding him, a
+drawn revolver in his hand.  Then Murphy turned his head, and looked
+back into the other's face.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THE VERGE OF CONFESSION
+
+Murphy uttered one sputtering cry of surprise, flinging his hand
+instinctively to his hip, but attempted no more.  Hampton's ready
+weapon was thrusting its muzzle into the astounded face, and the gray
+eyes gleaming along the polished barrel held the fellow motionless.
+
+"Hands up!  Not a move, Murphy!  I have the drop!"  The voice was low,
+but stern, and the old frontiersman obeyed mechanically, although his
+seamed face was fairly distorted with rage.
+
+"You!  Damn you!--I thought I knew--the voice."
+
+"Yes, I am here all right.  Rather odd place for us to meet, isn't it?
+But, you see, you've had the advantage all these years; you knew whom
+you were running away from, while I was compelled to plod along in the
+dark.  But I 've caught up just the same, if it has been a long race."
+
+"What do ye--want me fer?"  The look in the face was cunning.
+
+"Hold your hands quiet--higher, you fool!  That's it.  Now, don't play
+with me.  I honestly didn 't know for certain I did want you, Murphy,
+when I first started out on this trip.  I merely suspected that I
+might, from some things I had been told.  When somebody took the
+liberty of slashing at my back in a poker-room at Glencaid, and drove
+the knife into Slavin by mistake, I chanced to catch a glimpse of the
+hand on the hilt, and there was a scar on it.  About fifteen years
+before, I was acting as officer of the guard one night at Bethune.  It
+was a bright starlit night, you remember, and just as I turned the
+corner of the old powder-house there came a sudden flash, a report, a
+sharp cry.  I sprang forward only to fall headlong over a dead body;
+but in that flash I had seen the hand grasping the revolver, and there
+was a scar on the back of it, a very peculiar scar.  It chanced I had
+the evening previous slightly quarrelled with the officer who was
+killed; I was the only person known to be near at the time he was shot;
+certain other circumstantial evidence was dug up, while Slavin and one
+other--no, it was not you--gave some damaging, manufactured testimony
+against me.  As a result I was held guilty of murder in the second
+degree, dismissed the army in disgrace, and sentenced to ten years'
+imprisonment.  So, you see, it was not exactly you I have been hunting,
+Murphy,--it was a scar."
+
+Murphy's face was distorted into a hideous grin.  "I notice you bear
+exactly that kind of a scar, my man, and you spoke last night as if you
+had some recollection of the case."
+
+The mocking grin expanded; into the husky voice crept a snarl of
+defiance, for now Murphy's courage had come back--he was fronting flesh
+and blood.  "Oh, stop preachin'--an' shoot--an' be damned ter ye!"
+
+"You do me a grave injustice, Murphy.  In the first place, I do not
+possess the nature of an Indian, and am not out for revenge.  Your
+slashing at me down in Glencaid has n't left so much as a sting behind.
+It's completely blotted out, forgotten.  I haven't the slightest desire
+to kill you, man; but I do want to clear my name of the stain of that
+crime.  I want you to tell the whole truth about that night's work at
+Bethune; and when you have done so, you can go.  I 'll never lay a
+finger on you; you can go where you please."
+
+"Bah!--ye ain't got no proof--agin me--'sides, the case is closed--it
+can't be opened agin--by law."
+
+"You devil!  I 'd be perfectly justified in killing you," exclaimed
+Hampton, savagely.
+
+Murphy stared at him stupidly, the cunning of incipient insanity in his
+eyes.  "En' whar--do ye expect--me ter say--all this, pervidin', of
+course--I wus fule 'nough--ter do it?"
+
+"Up yonder before Custer and the officers of the Seventh, when we get
+in."
+
+"They'd nab me--likely."
+
+"Now, see here, you say it is impossible for them to touch you, because
+the case is closed legally.  Now, you do not care very much for the
+opinion of others, while from every other standpoint you feel perfectly
+safe.  But I 've had to suffer for your crime, Murphy, suffer for
+fifteen years, ten of them behind stone walls; and there are others who
+have suffered with me.  It has cost me love, home, all that a man holds
+dear.  I 've borne this punishment for you, paid the penalty of your
+act to the full satisfaction of the law.  The very least you can do in
+ordinary decency is to speak the truth now.  It will not hurt you, but
+it will lift me out of hell."
+
+Murphy's eyes were cunning, treacherously shifting under the thatch of
+his heavy brows; he was like an old rat seeking for any hole of refuge.
+"Well--maybe I might.  Anyhow, I'll go on--with ye.  Kin I sit up?  I
+'m dog tired--lyin' yere."
+
+"Unbuckle your belt, and throw that over first."
+
+"I'm damned--if I will.  Not--in no Injun--country."
+
+"I know it's tough," retorted Hampton, with exasperating coolness, his
+revolver's muzzle held steady; "but, just the same, it's got to be
+done.  I know you far too well to take chances on your gun.  So
+unlimber."
+
+"Oh, I--guess not," and Murphy spat contemptuously.  "Do ye think--I 'm
+afeard o' yer--shootin'?  Ye don't dare--fer I 'm no good ter ye--dead."
+
+"You are perfectly right.  You are quite a philosopher in your way.
+You would be no good to me dead, Murphy, but you might prove fully as
+valuable maimed.  Now I 'm playing this game to the limit, and that
+limit is just about reached.  You unlimber before I count ten, you
+murderer, or I 'll spoil both your hands!"
+
+The mocking, sardonic grin deserted Murphy's features.  It was sullen
+obstinacy, not doubt of the other's purpose, that paralyzed him.
+
+"Unlimber!  It's the last call."
+
+With a snarl the scout unclasped his army belt, dropped it to the
+ground, and sullenly kicked it over toward Hampton.  "Now--now--you,
+you gray-eyed--devil, kin I--sit up?"
+
+The other nodded.  He had drawn the fangs of the wolf, and now that he
+no longer feared, a sudden, unexplainable feeling of sympathy took
+possession of him.  Yet he drew farther away before slipping his own
+gun into its sheath.  For a time neither spoke, their eyes peering
+across the ridge.  Murphy sputtered and swore, but his victorious
+companion neither spoke nor moved.  There were several distant smokes
+out to the northward now, evidently the answering signals of different
+bands of savages, while far away, beneath the shadow of the low bluffs
+bordering the stream, numerous black, moving dots began to show against
+the light brown background.  Hampton, noticing that Murphy had stopped
+swearing to gaze, swung forward his field-glasses for a better view.
+
+"They are Indians, right enough," he said, at last.  "Here, take a
+look, Murphy.  I could count about twenty in that bunch, and they are
+travelling north."
+
+The older man adjusted the tubes to his eyes, and looked long and
+steadily at the party.  Then he slowly swung the glasses toward the
+northwest, apparently studying the country inch by inch, his jaws
+working spasmodically, his unoccupied hand clutching nervously at the
+grass.
+
+"They seem--to be a-closin' in," he declared, finally, staring around
+into the other's face, all bravado gone.  "There's anuther lot--bucks,
+all o' 'em--out west yonder--an' over east a smudge is--just startin'.
+Looks like--we wus in a pocket--an' thar' might be some--har-raisin'
+fore long."
+
+"Well, Murphy, you are the older hand at this business.  What do you
+advise doing?"
+
+"Me?  Why, push right 'long--while we kin keep under cover.
+Then--after dark--trust ter bull luck an' make--'nuther dash.  It's
+mostly luck, anyhow.  Thet canyon just ahead--looks like it leads a
+long way--toward the Powder.  Its middling deep down, an' if there
+ain't Injuns in it--them fellers out yonder--never cud git no sight at
+us.  Thet's my notion--thet ivery mile helps in this--business."
+
+"You mean we should start now?"
+
+"Better--let the cattle rest--first.  An'--if ye ever feed prisoners--I
+'d like ter eat a bite--mesilf."
+
+They rested there for over two hours, the tired horses contentedly
+munching the succulent grass of the _coulee_, their two masters
+scarcely exchanging a word.  Murphy, after satisfying his appetite,
+rested flat upon his back, one arm flung over his eyes to protect them
+from the sun.  For a considerable time Hampton supposed him asleep,
+until he accidentally caught the stealthy glance which followed his
+slightest movement, and instantly realized that the old weasel was
+alert.  Murphy had been beaten, yet evidently remained unconquered,
+biding his chance with savage stoicism, and the other watched him
+warily even while seeming to occupy himself with the field-glass.
+
+At last they saddled up, and, at first leading their horses, passed
+down the _coulee_ into the more precipitous depths of the narrow
+canyon.  This proved hardly more than a gash cut through the rolling
+prairie, rock strewn, holding an insignificant stream of brackish
+water, yet was an ideal hiding-place, having ample room for easy
+passage between the rock walls.  The men mounted, and Hampton, with a
+wave of his hand, bade the old scout assume the lead.
+
+Their early advance was slow and cautious, as they never felt certain
+what hidden enemies might lurk behind the sharp corners of the winding
+defile, and they kept vigilant eyes upon the serrated sky-line.  The
+savages were moving north, and so were they.  It would be remarkably
+good fortune if they escaped running into some wandering band, or if
+some stray scout did not stumble upon their trail.  So they continued
+to plod on.
+
+It was fully three o'clock when they attained to the bank of the
+Powder, and crouched among the rocks to wait for the shades of night to
+shroud their further advance.  Murphy climbed the bluff for a wider
+view, bearing Hampton's field-glasses slung across his shoulder, for
+the latter would not leave him alone with the horses.  He returned
+finally to grunt out that there was nothing special in sight, except a
+shifting of those smoke signals to points farther north.  Then they lay
+down again, Hampton smoking, Murphy either sleeping or pretending to
+sleep.  And slowly the shadows of another black night swept down and
+shut them in.
+
+It must have been two hours later when they ventured forth.  Silence
+and loneliness brooded everywhere, not so much as a breath of air
+stirring the leaves.  The unspeakable, unsolvable mystery of it all
+rested like a weight on the spirits of both men.  It, was a disquieting
+thought that bands of savages, eager to discover and slay, were
+stealing among the shadows of those trackless plains, and that they
+must literally feel their uncertain way through the cordon, every sound
+an alarm, every advancing step a fresh peril.  They crossed the swift,
+deep stream, and emerged dripping, chilled to the marrow by the icy
+water.  Then they swung stiffly into the wet saddles, and plunged, with
+almost reckless abandon, through the darkness.  Murphy continued to
+lead, the light tread of his horse barely audible, Hampton pressing
+closely behind, revolver in hand, the two pack-horses trailing in the
+rear.  Hampton had no confidence in his sullen, treacherous companion;
+he looked for early trouble, yet he had little fear regarding any
+attempt at escape now.  Murphy was a plainsman, and would realize the
+horror of being alone, unarmed, and without food on those demon-haunted
+prairies.  Besides, the silent man behind was astride the better animal.
+
+Midnight, and they pulled up amid the deeper gloom of a great,
+overhanging bluff, having numerous trees near its summit.  There was
+the glow of a distant fire upon their left, which reddened the sky, and
+reflected oddly on the edges of a vast cloud-mass rolling up
+threateningly from the west.  Neither knew definitely where they were,
+although Murphy guessed the narrow stream they had just forded might be
+the upper waters of the Tongue.  Their horses stood with heads hanging
+wearily down, their sides rising and falling; and Hampton, rolling
+stiffly from the saddle, hastily loosened his girth.
+
+"They 'll drop under us if we don't give them an hour or two," he said,
+quietly.  "They 're both dead beat."
+
+Murphy muttered something, incoherent and garnished with oaths, and the
+moment he succeeded in releasing the buckle, sank down limp at the very
+feet of his horse, rolling up into a queer ball.  The other stared, and
+took a step nearer.
+
+"What's the matter?  Are you sick, Murphy?"
+
+"No--tired--don't want ter see--thet thing agin."
+
+"What thing?"
+
+"Thet green, devilish,--crawlin' face--if ye must know!"  And he
+twisted his long, ape-like arms across his eyes, lying curled up as a
+dog might.
+
+For a moment Hampton stood gazing down upon him, listening to his
+incoherent mutterings, his own face grave and sympathetic.  Then he
+moved back and sat down.  Suddenly the full conception of what this
+meant came to his mind--_the man had gone mad_.  The strained cords of
+that diseased brain had snapped in the presence of imagined terrors,
+and now all was chaos.  The horror of it overwhelmed Hampton; not only
+did this unexpected denouement leave him utterly hopeless, but what was
+he to do with the fellow?  How could he bring him forth from there
+alive?  If this stream was indeed the Tongue, then many a mile of rough
+country, ragged with low mountains and criss-crossed by deep ravines,
+yet stretched between where they now were and the Little Big Horn,
+where they expected to find Custer's men.  They were in the very heart
+of the Indian country,--the country of the savage Sioux.  He stared at
+the curled-up man, now silent and breathing heavily as if asleep.  The
+silence was profound, the night so black and lonely that Hampton
+involuntarily closed his heavy eyes to shut it out.  If he only might
+light a pipe, or boil himself a cup of black coffee!  Murphy never
+stirred; the horses were seemingly too weary to browse.  Then Hampton
+nodded, and sank into an uneasy doze.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+ALONE WITH THE INSANE
+
+Beneath the shade of uplifted arms Murphy's eyes remained unclosed.
+Whatever terrors may have dominated that diseased brain, the one
+purpose of revenge and escape never deserted it.  With patient cunning
+he could plan and wait, scheme and execute.  He was all animal now,
+dreaming only of how to tear and kill.
+
+And he waited long in order to be perfectly sure, unrolling inch by
+inch, and like a venomous snake, never venturing to withdraw his
+baleful eyes from his unconscious victim.  He was many minutes
+thoroughly satisfying himself that Hampton actually slept.  His every
+movement was slow, crafty, cowardly, the savage in his perverted nature
+becoming more and more manifest.  It was more beast than man that
+finally crept forward on all-fours, the eyes gleaming cruel as a cat's
+in the night.  It was not far he was compelled to go, his movements
+squirming and noiseless.  Within a yard of the peacefully slumbering
+man he rose up, crouching on his toes and bending stealthily forward to
+gloat over his victim.  Hampton stirred uneasily, possibly feeling the
+close proximity of that horrible presence.  Then the maniac took one
+more stealthy, slouching step nearer, and flung himself at the exposed
+throat, uttering a fierce snarl as his fingers clutched the soft flesh.
+Hampton awoke, gasping and choking, to find those mad eyes glaring into
+his own, those murderous hands throttling him with the strength of
+madness.
+
+At first the stupefied, half-awakened man struggled as if in delirium,
+scarcely realizing the danger.  He was aware of suffering, of horror,
+of suffocation.  Then the brain flashed into life, and he grappled
+fiercely with his dread antagonist.  Murphy snapped like a mad dog, his
+lips snarling curses; but Hampton fought silently, desperately, his
+brain clearing as he succeeded in wrenching those claws from his
+lacerated throat, and forced his way up on to one knee.  He felt no
+hatred toward this crazed man striving to kill him; he understood what
+had loosed such a raging devil.  But this was no time to exhibit mercy;
+Murphy bit and clawed, and Hampton could only dash in upon him in the
+effort to force him back.  He worked his way, inch by inch, to his
+feet, his slender figure rigid as steel, and closed in upon the other;
+but Murphy writhed out of his grasp, as a snake might.  The younger man
+realized now to the full his peril, and his hand slipped down to the
+gun upon his hip.  There was a sudden glint in the faint starlight as
+he struck, and the stunned maniac went down quivering, and lay
+motionless on the hard ground.  For a moment the other remained
+standing over him, the heavy revolver poised, but the prostrate figure
+lay still, and the conqueror slipped his weapon back into its leather
+sheath with a sigh of relief.
+
+The noise of their struggle must have carried far through that solemn
+stillness, and no one could guess how near at hand might be bands of
+prowling savages.  Yet no sound came to his strained ears except the
+soft soughing of the night wind through the trees, and the rustling of
+grass beneath the tread of the horses.  With the quick decision of one
+long accustomed to meet emergencies, Hampton unbuckled the lariat from
+one of the led animals, and bound Murphy's hands and limbs securely.
+
+As he worked he thought rapidly.  He comprehended the extreme
+desperation of their present situation.  While the revolver blow might
+possibly restore Murphy to a degree of sanity, it was far more probable
+that he would awaken violent.  Yet he could not deliberately leave this
+man to meet a fate of horror in the wilderness.  Which way should they
+turn?  Enough food, if used sparingly, might remain to permit of a
+hasty retreat to Cheyenne, and there would be comparatively little
+danger in that direction.  All visible signs indicated that the
+scattered Indian bands were rapidly consolidating to the northward,
+closing in on those troops scouting the Yellowstone, with determination
+to give early battle.  Granting that the stream they were now on should
+prove to be the Tongue, then the direct route toward where Custer was
+supposed to be would be northwest, leading ever deeper into the lonely
+wilderness, and toward more imminent peril.  Then, at the end of that
+uncertain journey, they might easily miss Custer's column.  That which
+would have been quickly decided had he been alone became a most serious
+problem when considered in connection with the insane, helpless scout.
+But then, there were the despatches!  They must be of vital importance
+to have required the sending of Murphy forth on so dangerous a ride;
+other lives, ay, the result of the entire campaign, might depend upon
+their early delivery.  Hampton had been a soldier, the spirit of the
+service was still with him, and that thought brought him to final
+decision.  Unless they were halted by Sioux bullets, they would push on
+toward the Big Horn, and Custer should have the papers.
+
+He knelt down beside Murphy, unbuckled the leather despatch-bag, and
+rebuckled it across his own shoulder.  Then he set to work to revive
+the prostrate man.  The eyes, when opened, stared up at him, wild and
+glaring; the ugly face bore the expression of abject fear.  The man was
+no longer violent; he had become a child, frightened at the dark.  His
+ceaseless babbling, his incessant cries of terror, only rendered more
+precarious any attempt at pressing forward through a region overrun
+with hostiles.  But Hampton had resolved.
+
+Securely strapping Murphy to his saddle, and packing all their
+remaining store of provisions upon one horse, leaving the other to
+follow or remain behind as it pleased, he advanced directly into the
+hills, steering by aid of the stars, his left hand ever on Murphy's
+bridle rein, his low voice of expostulation seeking to calm the other's
+wild fancies and to curb his violent speech.  It was a weird, wild ride
+through the black night, unknown ground under foot, unseen dangers upon
+every hand.  Murphy's aberrations changed from shrieking terror to a
+wild, uncontrollable hilarity, with occasional outbursts of violent
+anger, when it required all Hampton's iron will and muscle to conquer
+him.
+
+At dawn they were in a narrow gorge among the hills, a dark and gloomy
+hole, yet a peculiarly safe spot in which to hide, having steep, rocky
+ledges on either side, with sufficient grass for the horses.  Leaving
+Murphy bound, Hampton clambered up the front of the rock to where he
+was able to look out.  All was silent, and his heart sank as he
+surveyed the brown sterile hills stretching to the horizon, having
+merely narrow gulches of rock and sand between, the sheer nakedness of
+the picture unrelieved by green shrub or any living thing.  Then,
+almost despairing, he slid back, stretched himself out amid the soft
+grass, and sank into the slumber of exhaustion, his last conscious
+memory the incoherent babbling of his insane companion.
+
+He awoke shortly after noon, feeling refreshed and renewed in both body
+and mind.  Murphy was sleeping when he first turned to look at him, but
+he awoke in season to be fed, and accepted the proffered food with all
+the apparent delight of a child.  While he rested, their remaining
+pack-animal had strayed, and Hampton was compelled to go on with only
+the two horses, strapping the depleted store of provisions behind his
+own saddle.  Then he carefully hoisted Murphy into place and bound his
+feet beneath the animal's belly, the poor fellow gibbering at him, in
+appearance an utter imbecile, although exhibiting periodic flashes of
+malignant passion.  Then he resumed the journey down one of those
+sand-strewn depressions pointing toward the Rosebud, pressing the
+refreshed ponies into a canter, confident now that their greatest
+measure of safety lay in audacity.
+
+Apparently his faith in the total desertion of these "bad lands" by the
+Indians was fully justified, for they continued steadily mile after
+mile, meeting with no evidence of life anywhere.  Still the travelling
+was good, with here and there little streams of icy water trickling
+over the rocks.  They made most excellent progress, Hampton ever
+grasping the bit of Murphy's horse, his anxious thought more upon his
+helpless companion in misery than upon the possible perils of the route.
+
+It was already becoming dusk when they swept down into a little nest of
+green trees and grass.  It appeared so suddenly, and was such an
+unexpected oasis amid that surrounding wilderness, that Hampton gave
+vent to a sudden exclamation of delight.  But that was all.  Instantly
+he perceived numerous dark forms leaping from out the shrubbery, and he
+wheeled his horses to the left, lashing them into a rapid run.  It was
+all over in a moment--a sputtering of rifles, a wild medley of cries, a
+glimpse of savage figures, and the two were tearing down the rocks, the
+din of pursuit dying away behind them.  The band were evidently all on
+foot, yet Hampton continued to press his mount at a swift pace, taking
+turn after turn about the sharp hills, confident that the hard earth
+would leave no trace of their passage.
+
+Then suddenly the horse he rode sank like a log, but his tight grip
+upon the rein of the other landed him on his feet.  Murphy laughed, in
+fiendish merriment; but Hampton looked down on the dead horse, noting
+the stream of blood oozing out from behind the shoulder.  A stray Sioux
+bullet had found its mark, but the gallant animal had struggled on
+until it dropped lifeless; and the brave man it had borne so long and
+so well bent down and stroked tenderly the unconscious head.  Then he
+shifted the provisions to the back of the other horse, grasped the
+loose rein once more in his left hand, and started forward on foot.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN
+
+N Troop, guarding, much to their emphatically expressed disgust, the
+more slowly moving pack-train, were following Custer's advancing column
+of horsemen down the right bank of the Little Big Horn.  The troopers,
+carbines at knee, sitting erect in their saddles, their faces browned
+by the hot winds of the plains, were riding steadily northward.  Beside
+them, mounted upon a rangy chestnut, Brant kept his watchful eyes on
+those scattered flankers dotting the summit of the near-by bluff.
+Suddenly one of these waved his hand eagerly, and the lieutenant went
+dashing up the sharp ascent.
+
+"What is it, now, Lane?"
+
+"Somethin' movin' jist out yonder, sir," and the trooper pointed into
+the southeast.  "They're down in a _coulee_ now, I reckon; but will be
+up on a ridge agin in a minute.  I got sight of 'em twice afore I
+waved."
+
+The officer gazed earnestly in the direction indicated, and was almost
+immediately rewarded by the glimpse of some indistinct, dark figures
+dimly showing against the lighter background of sky.  He brought his
+field-glasses to a focus.
+
+"White men," he announced, shortly.  "Come with me."
+
+At a brisk trot they rode out, the trooper lagging a pace to the rear,
+the watchful eyes of both men sweeping suspiciously across the prairie.
+The two parties met suddenly upon the summit of a sharp ridge, and
+Brant drew in his horse with an exclamation of astonishment.  It was a
+pathetic spectacle he stared at,--a horse scarcely able to stagger
+forward, his flanks quivering from exhaustion, his head hanging limply
+down; on his back, with feet strapped securely beneath and hands bound
+to the high pommel, the lips grinning ferociously, perched a misshapen
+creature clothed as a man.  Beside these, hatless, his shoes barely
+holding together, a man of slender figure and sunburnt face held the
+bridle-rein.  An instant they gazed at each other, the young officer's
+eyes filled with sympathetic horror, the other staring apathetically at
+his rescuer.
+
+"My God!  Can this be you, Hampton?" and the startled lieutenant flung
+himself from his horse.  "What does it mean?  Why are you here?"
+
+Hampton, leaning against the trembling horse to keep erect, slowly
+lifted his hand in a semblance of military salute.  "Despatches from
+Cheyenne.  This is Murphy--went crazy out yonder.  For God's
+sake--water, food!"
+
+"Your canteen, Lane!" exclaimed Brant.  "Now hold this cup," and he
+dashed into it a liberal supply of brandy from a pocket-flask.  "Drink
+that all down, Hampton."
+
+The man did mechanically as he was ordered, his hand never relaxing its
+grasp of the rein.  Then a gleam of reawakened intelligence appeared in
+his eyes; he glanced up into the leering countenance of Murphy, and
+then back at those others.  "Give me another for him."
+
+Brant handed to him the filled cup, noting as he did so the strange
+steadiness of the hand which accepted it.  Hampton lifted the tin to
+the figure in the saddle, his own gaze directed straight into the eyes
+as he might seek to control a wild animal.
+
+"Drink it," he commanded, curtly, "every drop!"
+
+For an instant the maniac glared back at him sullenly; then he appeared
+to shrink in terror, and drank swiftly.
+
+"We can make the rest of the way now," Hampton announced, quietly.
+"Lord, but this has been a trip!"
+
+Lane dismounted at Brant's order, and assisted Hampton to climb into
+the vacated saddle.  Then the trooper grasped the rein of Murphy's
+horse, and the little party started toward where the pack-train was
+hidden in the valley.  The young officer rode silent and at a walk, his
+eyes occasionally studying the face of the other and noting its drawn,
+gray look.  The very sight of Hampton had been a shock.  Why was he
+here and with Murphy?  Could this strange journey have anything to do
+with Naida?  Could it concern his own future, as well as hers?  He felt
+no lingering jealousy of this man, for her truthful words had forever
+settled that matter.  Yet who was he?  What peculiar power did he wield
+over her life?
+
+"Is Custer here?" said Hampton.
+
+"No; that is, not with my party.  We are guarding the pack-train.  The
+others are ahead, and Custer, with five troops, has moved to the right.
+He is somewhere among those ridges back of the bluff."
+
+The man turned and looked where the officer pointed, shading his eyes
+with his hand.  Before him lay only the brown, undulating waves of
+upland, a vast desert of burnt grass, shimmering under the hot sun.
+
+"Can you give me a fresh horse, a bite to eat, and a cup of coffee,
+down there?" he asked, anxiously.  "You see I 've got to go on."
+
+"Go on?  Good God! man, do you realize what you are saying?  Why, you
+can hardly sit the saddle!  You carry despatches, you say?  Well, there
+are plenty of good men in my troop who will volunteer to take them on.
+You need rest."
+
+"Not much," said Hampton.  "I'm fit enough, or shall be as soon as I
+get food.  Good Lord, boy, I am not done up yet, by a long way!  It's
+the cursed loneliness out yonder," he swept his hand toward the
+horizon, "and the having to care for him, that has broken my heart.  He
+went that way clear back on the Powder, and it's been a fight between
+us ever since.  I 'll be all right now if you lads will only look after
+him.  This is going to reach Custer, and I'll take it!"  He flung back
+his ragged coat, his hand on the despatch-bag.  "I 've earned the
+right."
+
+Brant reached forth his hand cordially.  "That's true; you have.
+What's more, if you 're able to make the trip, there is no one here who
+will attempt to stop you.  But now tell me how this thing happened.  I
+want to know the story before we get in."
+
+For a moment Hampton remained silent, his thoughtful gaze on the
+near-by videttes, his hands leaning heavily upon the saddle pommel.
+Perhaps he did not remember clearly; possibly he could not instantly
+decide just how much of that story to tell.  Brant suspected this last
+to be his difficulty, and he spoke impulsively.
+
+"Hampton, there has been trouble and misunderstanding between us, but
+that's all past and gone now.  I sincerely believe in your purpose of
+right, and I ask you to trust me.  Either of us would give his life if
+need were, to be of real service to a little girl back yonder in the
+hills.  I don't know what you are to her; I don't ask.  I know she has
+every confidence in you, and that is enough.  Now, I want to do what is
+right with both of you, and if you have a word to say to me regarding
+this matter, I 'll treat it confidentially.  This trip with Murphy has
+some bearing upon Naida Gillis, has it not?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you tell me the story?"
+
+The thoughtful gray eyes looked at him long and searchingly.  "Brant,
+do you love that girl?"
+
+Just as unwaveringly the blue eyes returned the look.  "I do.  I have
+asked her to become my wife."
+
+"And her answer?"
+
+"She said no; that a dead man was between us."
+
+"Is that all you know?"
+
+The younger man bent his head, his face grave and perplexed.
+"Practically all."
+
+Hampton wet his dry lips with his tongue, his breath quickening.
+
+"And in that she was right," he said at last, his eyes lowered to the
+ground.  "I will tell you why.  It was the father of Naida Gillis who
+was convicted of the murder of Major Brant."
+
+"Oh, my father?  Is she Captain Nolan's daughter?  But you say
+'convicted.'  Was there ever any doubt?  Do you question his being
+guilty?"
+
+Hampton pointed in silence to the hideous creature behind them.  "That
+man could tell, but he has gone mad."
+
+Brant endeavored to speak, but the words would not come; his brain
+seemed paralyzed.  Hampton held himself under better control.
+
+"I have confidence, Lieutenant Brant, in your honesty," he began,
+gravely, "and I believe you will strive to do whatever is best for her,
+if anything should happen to me out yonder.  But for the possibility of
+my being knocked out, I would n't talk about this, not even to you.
+The affair is a long way from being straightened out so as to make a
+pleasant story, but I 'll give you all you actually require to know in
+order to make it clear to her, provided I shouldn't come back.  You
+see, she doesn't know very much more than you do--only what I was
+obliged to tell to keep her from getting too deeply entangled with you.
+Maybe I ought to have given her the full story before I started on this
+trip.  I 've since wished I had, but you see, I never dreamed it was
+going to end here, on the Big Horn; besides, I did n't have the nerve."
+
+He swept his heavy eyes across the brown and desolate prairie, and back
+to the troubled face of the younger man.  "You see, Brant, I feel that
+I simply have to carry these despatches through.  I have a pride in
+giving them to Custer myself, because of the trouble I 've had in
+getting them here.  But perhaps I may not come back, and in that case
+there would n't be any one living to tell her the truth.  That thought
+has bothered me ever since I pulled out of Cheyenne.  It seems to me
+that there is going to be a big fight somewhere in these hills before
+long.  I 've seen a lot of Indians riding north within the last four
+days, and they were all bucks, rigged out in war toggery, Sioux and
+Cheyennes.  Ever since we crossed the Fourche those fellows have been
+in evidence, and it's my notion that Custer has a heavier job on his
+hands, right at this minute, than he has any conception of.  So I want
+to leave these private papers with you until I come back.  It will
+relieve my mind to know they are safe; if I don't come, then I want you
+to open them and do whatever you decide is best for the little girl.
+You will do that, won't you?"
+
+He handed over a long manila envelope securely sealed, and the younger
+man accepted it, noticing that it was unaddressed before depositing it
+safely in an inner pocket of his fatigue jacket.
+
+"Certainly, Hampton," he said.  "Is that all?"
+
+"All except what I am going to tell you now regarding Murphy.  There is
+no use my attempting to explain exactly how I chanced to find out all
+these things, for they came to me little by little during several
+years.  I knew Nolan, and I knew your father, and I had reason to doubt
+the guilt of the Captain, in spite of the verdict of the jury that
+condemned him.  In fact, I knew at the time, although it was not in my
+power to prove it, that the two principal witnesses against Nolan lied.
+I thought I could guess why, but we drifted apart, and finally I lost
+all track of every one connected with the affair.  Then I happened to
+pick up that girl down in the canyon beyond the Bear Water, and pulled
+her out alive just because she chanced to be of that sex, and I could
+n't stand to see her fall into Indian clutches.  I did n't feel any
+special interest in her at the time, supposing she belonged to Old
+Gillis, but she somehow grew on me--she's that kind, you know; and when
+I discovered, purely by accident, that she was Captain Nolan's girl,
+but that it all had been kept from her, I just naturally made up my
+mind I 'd dig out the truth if I possibly could, for her sake.  The
+fact is, I began to think a lot about her--not the way you do, you
+understand; I'm getting too old for that, and have known too much about
+women,--but maybe somewhat as a father might feel.  Anyhow, I wanted to
+give her a chance, a square deal, so that she would n't be ashamed of
+her own name if ever she found out what it was."
+
+He paused, his eyes filled with memories, and passed his hand through
+his uncovered hair.
+
+"About that time I fell foul of Murphy and Slavin there in Glencaid,"
+he went on quickly, as if anxious to conclude.  "I never got my eyes on
+Murphy, you know, and Slavin was so changed by that big red beard that
+I failed to recognize him.  But their actions aroused my suspicions,
+and I went after them good and hard.  I wanted to find out what they
+knew, and why those lies were told on Nolan at the trial.  I had an
+idea they could tell me.  So, for a starter, I tackled Slavin,
+supposing we were alone, and I was pumping the facts out of him
+successfully by holding a gun under his nose, and occasionally jogging
+his memory, when this fellow Murphy got excited, and _chasseed_ into
+the game, but happened to nip his partner instead of me.  In the course
+of our little scuffle I chanced to catch a glimpse of the fellow's
+right hand, and it had a scar on the back of it that looked mighty
+familiar.  I had seen it before, and I wanted to see it again.  So,
+when I got out of that scrape, and the doctor had dug a stray bullet
+out of my anatomy, there did n't seem to be any one left for me to
+chase excepting Murphy, for Slavin was dead.  I was n't exactly sure he
+was the owner of that scar, but I had my suspicions and wanted to
+verify them.  Having struck his trail, I reached Cheyenne just about
+four hours after he left there with these despatches for the Big Horn.
+I caught up with the fellow on the south bank of the Belle Fourche, and
+being well aware that no threats or gun play would ever force him to
+confess the truth, I undertook to frighten him by trickery.  I brought
+along some drawing-paper and drew your father's picture in phosphorus,
+and gave him the benefit in the dark.  That caught Murphy all right,
+and everything was coming my way.  He threw up his hands, and even
+agreed to come in here with me, and tell the whole story, but the poor
+fellow's brain could n't stand the strain of the scare I had given him.
+He went raving mad on the Powder; he jumped on me while I was asleep,
+and since then every mile has been a little hell.  That's the whole of
+it to date."
+
+They were up with the pack-train by now, and the cavalrymen gazed with
+interest at the new arrivals.  Several among them seemed to recognize
+Murphy, and crowded about his horse with rough expressions of sympathy.
+Brant scarcely glanced at them, his grave eyes on Hampton's stern face.
+
+"And what is it you wish me to do?"
+
+"Take care of Murphy.  Don't let him remain alone for a minute.  If he
+has any return of reason, compel him to talk.  He knows you, and will
+be as greatly frightened at your presence and knowledge as at mine.
+Besides, you have fully as much at stake as any one, for in no other
+way can the existing barrier between Naida and yourself be broken down."
+
+Insisting that now he felt perfectly fit for any service, the impatient
+Hampton was quickly supplied with the necessary food and clothing,
+while Murphy, grown violently abusive, was strapped on a litter between
+two mules, a guard on either side.  Brant rode with the civilian on a
+sharp trot as far as the head of the pack-train, endeavoring to the
+very last to persuade the wearied man to relinquish this work to
+another.
+
+"Foster," he said to the sergeant in command of the advance, "did you
+chance to notice just what _coulee_ Custer turned into when his column
+swung to the right?"
+
+"I think it must have been the second yonder, sir; where you see that
+bunch of trees.  We was a long ways back, but I could see the boys
+plain enough as they come out on the bluff up there.  Some of 'em waved
+their hats back at us.  Is this man goin' after them, sir?"
+
+"Yes, he has despatches from Cheyenne."
+
+"Well, he ought ter have no trouble findin' the trail.  It ought ter be
+'bout as plain as a road back in God's country, sir, fer there were
+more than two hundred horses, and they'd leave a good mark even on hard
+ground."
+
+Brant held out his hand.  "I'll certainly do all in my power, Hampton,
+to bring this out right.  You can rely on that, and I will be faithful
+to the little girl.  Now, just a word to guide you regarding our
+situation here.  We have every reason for believing that the Sioux are
+in considerable force in our front somewhere, and not far down this
+stream.  Nobody knows just how strong they are, but it looks to me as
+if we were pretty badly split up for a very heavy engagement.  Not that
+I question Custer's plan, you understand, only he may be mistaken about
+what the Indians will do.  Benteen's battalion is out there to the
+west; Reno is just ahead of us up the valley; while Custer has taken
+five troops on a detour to the right across the bluffs, hoping to come
+down on the rear of the Sioux.  The idea is to crush them between the
+three columns.  No one of these detachments has more than two hundred
+men, yet it may come out all right if they only succeed in striking
+together.  Still it 's risky in such rough country, not knowing exactly
+where the enemy is.  Well, good luck to you, and take care of yourself."
+
+The two men clasped hands, their eyes filled with mutual confidence.
+Then Hampton touched spurs to his horse, and galloped swiftly forward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+THE FIGHT IN THE VALLEY
+
+Far below, in the heart of the sunny depression bordering the left bank
+of the Little Big Horn, the stalwart troopers under Reno's command
+gazed up the steep bluff to wave farewell to their comrades
+disappearing to the right.  Last of all, Custer halted his horse an
+instant, silhouetted against the blue sky, and swung his hat before
+spurring out of sight.
+
+The plan of battle was most simple and direct.  It involved a nearly
+simultaneous attack upon the vast Indian village from below and above,
+success depending altogether upon the prompt cooeperation of the
+separate detachments.  This was understood by every trooper in the
+ranks.  Scarcely had Custer's slender column of horsemen vanished
+across the summit before Reno's command advanced, trotting down the
+valley, the Arikara scouts in the lead.  They had been chosen to strike
+the first blow, to force their way into the lower village, and thus to
+draw the defending warriors to their front, while Custer's men were to
+charge upon the rear.  It was an old trick of the Seventh, and not a
+man in saddle ever dreamed the plan could fail.
+
+A half-mile, a mile, Reno's troops rode, with no sound breaking the
+silence but the pounding of hoofs, the tinkle of accoutrements.  Then,
+rounding a sharp projection of earth and rock, the scattered lodges of
+the Indian village already partially revealed to those in advance, the
+riders were brought to sudden halt by a fierce crackling of rifles from
+rock and ravine, an outburst of fire in their faces, the wild,
+resounding screech of war-cries, and the scurrying across their front
+of dense bodies of mounted warriors, hideous in paint and feathers.
+Men fell cursing, and the frightened horses swerved, their riders
+struggling madly with their mounts, the column thrown into momentary
+confusion.  But the surprised cavalrymen, quailing beneath the hot fire
+poured into them, rallied to the shouts of their officers, and swung
+into a slender battle-front, stretching out their thin line from the
+bank of the river to the sharp uplift of the western bluffs.  Riderless
+horses crashed through them, neighing with pain; the wounded begged for
+help; while, with cries of terror, the cowardly Arikara scouts lashed
+their ponies in wild efforts to escape.  Scarcely one hundred and fifty
+white troopers waited to stem as best they might that fierce onrush of
+twelve hundred battle-crazed braves.
+
+For an almost breathless space those mingled hordes of Sioux and
+Cheyennes hesitated to drive straight home their death-blow.  They knew
+those silent men in the blue shirts, knew they died hard.  Upon that
+slight pause pivoted the fate of the day; upon it hung the lives of
+those other men riding boldly and trustfully across the sunlit ridges
+above.  "Audacity, always audacity," that is the accepted motto for a
+cavalryman.  And be the cause what it may, it was here that Major Reno
+failed.  In that supreme instant he was guilty of hesitancy, doubt,
+delay.  He chose defence in preference to attack, dallied where he
+should have acted.  Instead of hurling like a thunderbolt that handful
+of eager fighting men straight at the exposed heart of the foe, making
+dash and momentum, discipline and daring, an offset to lack of numbers,
+he lingered in indecision, until the observing savages, gathering
+courage from his apparent weakness, burst forth in resistless torrent
+against the slender, unsupported line, turned his flank by one fierce
+charge, and hurled the struggling troopers back with a rush into the
+narrow strip of timber bordering the river.
+
+Driven thus to bay, the stream at their back rendering farther retreat
+impossible, for a few moments the light carbines of the soldiers met
+the Indian rifles, giving back lead for lead.  But already every chance
+for successful attack had vanished; the whole narrow valley seemed to
+swarm with braves; they poured forth from sheltering _coulees_ and
+shadowed ravines; they dashed down in countless numbers from the
+distant village.  Custer, now far away behind the bluffs, and almost
+beyond sound of the firing, was utterly ignored.  Every savage chief
+knew exactly where that column was, but it could await its turn; Gall,
+Crazy Horse, and Crow King mustered their red warriors for one
+determined effort to crush Reno, to grind him into dust beneath their
+ponies' hoofs.  Ay, and they nearly did it!
+
+In leaderless effort to break away from that swift-gathering cordon,
+before the red, remorseless folds should close tighter and crush them
+to death, the troopers, half of them already dismounted, burst from
+cover in an endeavor to attain the shelter of the bluffs.  The deadly
+Indian rifles flamed in their faces, and they were hurled back, a mere
+fleeing mob, searching for nothing in that moment of terror but a
+possible passageway across the stream.  Through some rare providence of
+God, they chanced to strike the banks at a spot where the river proved
+fordable.  They plunged headlong in, officers and men commingled, the
+Indian bullets churning up the water on every side; they struggled
+madly through, and spurred their horses up the steep ridge beyond.  A
+few cool-headed veterans halted at the edge of the bank to defend the
+passage; but the majority, crazed by panic and forgetful of all
+discipline, raced frantically for the summit.  Dr. De Wolf stood at the
+very water's edge firing until shot down; McIntosh, striving vainly to
+rally his demoralized men, sank with a bullet in his brain; Hodgson,
+his leg broken by a ball, clung to a sergeant's stirrup until a second
+shot stretched him dead upon the bank.  The loss in that wild retreat
+(which Reno later called a "charge") was heavy, the effect
+demoralizing; but those who escaped found a spot well suited for
+defence.  Even as they swung down from off their wounded, panting
+horses, and flung themselves flat upon their faces to sweep with
+hastily levelled carbines the river banks below, Benteen came trotting
+gallantly down the valley to their aid, his troopers fresh and eager to
+be thrown forward on the firing-line.  The worst was over, and like
+maddened lions, the rallied soldiers of the Seventh, cursing their
+folly, turned to strike and slay.
+
+The valley was obscured with clouds of dust and smoke, the day
+frightfully hot and suffocating.  The various troop commanders, gaining
+control over their men, were prompt to act.  A line of skirmishers was
+hastily thrown forward along the edge of the bluff, while volunteers,
+urged by the agonized cries of the wounded, endeavored vainly to
+procure a supply of water from the river.  Again and again they made
+the effort, only to be driven back by the deadly Indian rifle fire.
+This came mostly from braves concealed behind rocks or protected by the
+timber along the stream, but large numbers of hostiles were plainly
+visible, not only in the valley, but also upon the ridges.  The firing
+upon their position continued incessantly, the warriors continually
+changing their point of attack.  By three o'clock, although the
+majority of the savages had departed down the river, enough remained to
+keep up a galling fire, and hold Reno strictly on the defensive.  These
+reds skulked in ravines, or lined the banks of the river, their
+long-range rifles rendering the lighter carbines of the cavalrymen
+almost valueless.  A few crouched along the edge of higher eminences,
+their shots crashing in among the unprotected troops.
+
+As the men lay exposed to this continuous sniping fire, above the
+surrounding din were borne to their ears the reports of distant guns.
+It came distinctly from the northward, growing heavier and more
+continuous.  None among them doubted its ominous meaning.  Custer was
+already engaged in hot action at the right of the Indian village.  Why
+were they kept lying there in idleness?  Why were they not pushed
+forward to do their part?  They looked into each other's faces.  God!
+They were three hundred now; they could sweep aside like chaff that
+fringe of red skirmishers if only they got the word!  With hearts
+throbbing, every nerve tense, they waited, each trooper crouched for
+the spring.  Officer after officer, unable to restrain his impatience,
+strode back across the bluff summit, amid whistling bullets, and
+personally begged the Major to speak the one word which should hurl
+them to the rescue.  They cried like women, they swore through clinched
+teeth, they openly exhibited their contempt for such a commander, yet
+the discipline of army service made active disobedience impossible.
+They went reluctantly back, as helpless as children.
+
+It was four o'clock, the shadows of the western bluffs already
+darkening the river bank.  Suddenly a faint cheer ran along the lines,
+and the men lifted themselves to gaze up the river.  Urging the tired
+animals to a trot, the strong hand of a trooper grasping every
+halter-strap, Brant was swinging his long pack-train up the
+smoke-wreathed valley.  The out-riding flankers exchanged constant
+shots with the skulking savages hiding in every ravine and coulee.
+Pausing only to protect their wounded, fighting their way step by step,
+N Troop ran the gantlet and came charging into the cheering lines with
+every pound of their treasure safe.  Weir of D, whose dismounted
+troopers held that portion of the line, strode a pace forward to greet
+the leader, and as the extended hands of the officers met, there echoed
+down to them from the north the reports of two heavy volleys, fired in
+rapid succession.  The sounds were clear, distinctly audible even above
+the uproar of the valley.  The heavy eyes of the two soldiers met,
+their dust-streaked faces flushed.
+
+"That was a signal, Custer's signal for help!" the younger man cried,
+impulsively, his voice full of agony.  "For God's sake, Weir, what are
+you fellows waiting here for?"
+
+The other uttered a groan, his hand flung in contempt back toward the
+bluff summit.  "The cowardly fool won't move; he's whipped to death
+now."
+
+Brant's jaw set like that of a fighting bulldog.
+
+"Reno, you mean?  Whipped?  You have n't lost twenty men.  Is this the
+Seventh--the Seventh?--skulking here under cover while Custer begs
+help?  Doesn't the man know?  Doesn't he understand?  By heaven, I 'll
+face him myself!  I 'll make him act, even if I have to damn him to his
+face."
+
+He swung his horse with a jerk to the left, but even as the spurs
+touched, Weir grasped the taut rein firmly.
+
+"It's no use, Brant.  It's been done; we've all been at him.  He's
+simply lost his head.  Know?  Of course he knows.  Martini struck us
+just below here, as we were coming in, with a message from Custer.  It
+would have stirred the blood of any one but him--Oh, God! it's
+terrible."
+
+"A message?  What was it?"
+
+"Cook wrote it, and addressed it to Benteen.  It read: 'Come on.  Big
+village.  Be quick.  Bring packs.'  And then, 'P. S.--Bring packs.'
+That means they want ammunition badly; they're fighting to the death
+out yonder, and they need powder.  Oh, the coward!"
+
+Brant's eyes ran down the waiting line of his own men, sitting their
+saddles beside the halted pack-animals.  He leaned over and dropped one
+hand heavily on Weir's shoulder.  "The rest of you can do as you
+please, but N Troop is going to take those ammunition packs over to
+Custer if there's any possible way to get through, orders or no
+orders."  He straightened up in the saddle, and his voice sounded down
+the wearied line like the blast of a trumpet.
+
+"Attention!  N Troop!  Right face; dress.  Number four bring forward
+the ammunition packs.  No, leave the others where they are; move
+lively, men!"
+
+He watched them swing like magic into formation, their dust-begrimed
+faces lighting up with animation.  They knew their officer, and this
+meant business.
+
+"Unsling carbines--load!"
+
+Weir, the veteran soldier, glanced down that steady line of ready
+troopers, and then back to Brant's face.  "Do you mean it?  Are you
+going up those bluffs?  Good Heavens, man, it will mean a
+court-martial."
+
+"Custer commands the Seventh.  I command the pack-train," said Brant.
+"His orders are to bring up the packs.  Perhaps I can't get through
+alone, but I 'll try.  Better a court-martial than to fail those men
+out there.  Going?  Of course I 'm going.  Into line--take
+intervals--forward!"
+
+"Attention, D Troop!"  It was Weir's voice, eager and determined now.
+Like an undammed current his orders rang out above the uproar, and in a
+moment the gallant troopers of N and D, some on foot, some in saddle,
+were rushing up the face of the bluff, their officers leading, the
+precious ammunition packs at the centre, all alike scrambling for the
+summit, in spite of the crackling of Indian rifles from every side.
+Foot by foot they fought their way forward, sliding and stumbling,
+until the little blue wave burst out against the sky-line and sent an
+exultant cheer back to those below.  Panting, breathless from the hard
+climb, their carbines spitting fire while the rapidly massing savages
+began circling their exposed position, the little band fought their way
+forward a hundred yards.  Then they halted, blocked by the numbers
+barring their path, glancing back anxiously in hope that their effort
+would encourage others to join them.  They could do it; they could do
+it if only the rest of the boys would come.  They poured in their
+volleys and waited.  But Reno made no move.  Weir and Brant, determined
+to hold every inch thus gained, threw the dismounted men on their faces
+behind every projection of earth, and encircled the ridge with flame.
+If they could not advance, they would not be driven back.  They were
+high up now, where they could overlook the numerous ridges and valleys
+far around; and yonder, perhaps two miles away, they could perceive
+vast bodies of mounted Indians, while the distant sound of heavy firing
+was borne faintly to their ears.  It was vengeful savages shooting into
+the bodies of the dead, but that they did not know.  Messenger after
+messenger, taking life in hand, was sent skurrying down the bluff, to
+beg reinforcements to push on for the rescue, swearing it was possible.
+But it was after five o'clock before Reno moved.  Then cautiously he
+advanced his column toward where N and D Troops yet held desperately to
+the exposed ridge.  He came too late.  That distant firing had ceased,
+and all need for further advance had ended.  Already vast forces of
+Indians, flushed with victory and waving bloody scalps, were sweeping
+back across the ridges to attack in force.  Scarcely had reinforcements
+attained the summit before the torrent of savagery burst screeching on
+their front.
+
+From point to point the grim struggle raged, till nightfall wrought
+partial cessation.  The wearied troopers stretched out their lines so
+as to protect the packs and the field hospital, threw themselves on the
+ground, digging rifle-pits with knives and tin pans.  Not until nine
+o'clock did the Indian fire slacken, and then the village became a
+scene of savage revel, the wild yelling plainly audible to the soldiers
+above.  Through the black night Brant stepped carefully across the
+recumbent forms of his men, and made his way to the field hospital.  In
+the glare of the single fire the red sear of a bullet showed clearly
+across his forehead, but he wiped away the slowly trickling blood, and
+bent over a form extended on a blanket.
+
+"Has he roused up?" he questioned of the trooper on guard.
+
+"Not to know nuthin', sir.  He's bin swearin' an' gurglin' most o' ther
+time, but he's asleep now, I reckon."
+
+The young officer stood silent, his face pale, his gaze upon the
+distant Indian fires.  Out yonder were defeat, torture, death, and
+to-morrow meant a renewal of the struggle.  His heart was heavy with
+foreboding, his memory far away with one to whom all this misfortune
+might come almost as a death-blow.  It was Naida's questioning face
+that haunted him; she was waiting for she knew not what.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+THE OLD REGIMENT
+
+By the time Hampton swung up the _coulee_, he had dismissed from his
+attention everything but the business that had brought him there.  No
+lingering thought of Naida, or of the miserable Murphy, was permitted
+to interfere with the serious work before him.  To be once again with
+the old Seventh was itself inspiration; to ride with them into battle
+was the chief desire of his heart.  It was a dream of years, which he
+had never supposed possible of fulfilment, and he rode rapidly forward,
+his lips smiling, the sunshine of noonday lighting up his face.
+
+He experienced no fear, no premonition of coming disaster, yet the
+reawakened plainsman in him kept him sufficiently wary and cautious.
+The faint note of discontent apparent in Brant's concluding
+words--doubtless merely an echo of that ambitious officer's dislike at
+being put on guard over the pack-train at such a moment--awoke no
+response in his mind.  He possessed a soldier's proud confidence in his
+regiment--the supposition that the old fighting Seventh could be
+defeated was impossible; the Indians did not ride those uplands who
+could do the deed!  Then there came to him a nameless dread, that
+instinctive shrinking which a proud, sensitive man must ever feel at
+having to face his old companions with the shadow of a crime between.
+In his memory he saw once more a low-ceiled room, having a table
+extending down the centre, with grave-faced men, dressed in the full
+uniform of the service, looking at him amid a silence like unto death;
+and at the head sat a man with long fair hair and mustache, his proud
+eyes never to be forgotten.  Now, after silent years, he was going to
+look into those accusing eyes again.  He pressed his hand against his
+forehead, his body trembled; then he braced himself for the interview,
+and the shuddering coward in him shrank back.
+
+He had become wearied of the endless vista of desert, rock, and plain.
+Yet now it strangely appealed to him in its beauty.  About him were
+those uneven, rolling hills, like a vast storm-lashed sea, the brown
+crests devoid of life, yet with depressions between sufficient to
+conceal multitudes.  Once he looked down through a wide cleft in the
+face of the bluff, and could perceive the head of the slowly advancing
+pack-train far below.  Away to the left something was moving, a dim,
+shapeless dash of color.  It might be Benteen, but of Reno's columns he
+could perceive nothing, nor anything of Custer's excepting that broad
+track across the prairies marked by his horses' hoofs.  This track
+Hampton followed, pressing his fresh mount to increased speed,
+confident that no Indian spies would be loitering so closely in the
+rear of that body of cavalry, and becoming fearful lest the attack
+should occur before he could arrive.
+
+He dipped over a sharp ridge and came suddenly upon the rear-guard.
+They were a little squad of dusty, brown-faced troopers, who instantly
+wheeled into line at sound of approaching hoofs, the barrels of their
+lowered carbines glistening in the sun.  With a swing of the hand, and
+a hoarse shout of "Despatches!" he was beyond them, bending low over
+his saddle pommel, his eyes on the dust cloud of the moving column.
+The extended line of horsemen, riding in column of fours, came to a
+sudden halt, and he raced swiftly on.  A little squad of officers,
+several of their number dismounted, were out in front, standing grouped
+just below the summit of a slight elevation, apparently looking off
+into the valley through some cleft In the bluff beyond.  Standing among
+these, Hampton perceived the long fair hair, and the erect figure clad
+in the well-known frontier costume, of the man he sought,--the proud,
+dashing leader of light cavalry, that beau ideal of the _sabreur_, the
+one he dreaded most, the one he loved best,--Custer.  The commander
+stood, field-glasses in hand, pointing down into the valley, and the
+despatch bearer, reining in his horse, his lips white but resolute,
+trotted straight up the slope toward him.  Custer wheeled, annoyed at
+the interruption, and Hampton swung down from the saddle, his rein
+flung across his arm, took a single step forward, lifting his hand in
+salute, and held forth the sealed packet.
+
+"Despatches, sir," he said, simply, standing motionless as a statue.
+
+The commander, barely glancing toward him, instantly tore open the long
+official envelope and ran his eyes over the despatch amid a hush in the
+conversation.
+
+"Gentlemen," he commented to the little group gathered about him, yet
+without glancing up from the paper in his hand, "Crook was defeated
+over on the Rosebud the seventeenth, and forced to retire.  That will
+account for the unexpected number of hostiles fronting us up here,
+Cook; but the greater the task, the greater the glory.  Ah, I thought
+as much.  I am advised by the Department to keep in close touch with
+Terry and Gibbons, and to hold off from making a direct attack until
+infantry can arrive in support.  Rather late in the day, I take it,
+when we are already within easy rifle-shot.  I see nothing in these
+orders to interfere with our present plans, nor any military necessity
+for playing hide and seek all Summer in these hills.  That looks like a
+big village down yonder, but I have led the dandy Seventh into others
+just as large."
+
+He stopped speaking, and glanced up inquiringly into the face of the
+silent messenger, apparently mistaking him for one of his own men.
+
+"Where did you get this?"
+
+"Cheyenne, sir."
+
+"What!  Do you mean to say you brought it through from there?"
+
+"Silent Murphy carried it as far as the Powder River.  He went crazy
+there, and I was compelled to strap him.  I brought it the rest of the
+way."
+
+"Where is Murphy?"
+
+"Back with the pack-train, sir.  I got him through alive, but entirely
+gone in the head."
+
+"Run across many hostiles in that region?"
+
+"They were thick this side the Rosebud; all bucks, and travelling
+north."
+
+"Sioux?"
+
+"Mostly, sir, but I saw one band wearing Cheyenne war-bonnets."
+
+A puzzled look slowly crept into the strong face of the abrupt
+questioner, his stern, commanding eyes studying the man standing
+motionless before him, with freshly awakened interest.  The gaze of the
+other faltered, then came back courageously.
+
+"I recognize you now," Custer said, quietly.  "Am I to understand you
+are again in the service?"
+
+"My presence here is purely accidental, General Custer.  The
+opportunity came to me to do this work, and I very gladly accepted the
+privilege."
+
+The commander hesitated, scarcely knowing what he might be justified in
+saying to this man.
+
+"It was a brave deed, well performed," he said at last, with soldierly
+cordiality, "although I can hardly offer you a fitting reward."
+
+The other stood bareheaded, his face showing pale under its sunburn,
+his hand trembling violently where it rested against his horse's mane.
+
+"There is little I desire," he replied, slowly, unable to altogether
+disguise the quiver in his voice, "and that is to be permitted to ride
+once more into action in the ranks of the Seventh."
+
+The true-hearted, impulsive, manly soldier fronting him reddened to the
+roots of his fair hair, his proud eyes instantly softening.  For a
+second Hampton even imagined he would extend his hand, but the other
+paused with one step forward, discipline proving stronger than impulse.
+
+"Spoken like a true soldier," he exclaimed, a new warmth in his voice.
+"You shall have your wish.  Take position in Calhoun's troop yonder."
+
+Hampton turned quietly away, leading his horse, yet had scarcely
+advanced three yards before Custer halted him.
+
+"I shall be pleased to talk with you again after the fight," he said,
+briefly, as though half doubting the propriety of such words.
+
+The other bowed, his face instantly brightening.  "I thank you
+sincerely."
+
+The perplexed commander stood motionless, gazing after the receding
+figure, his face grown grave and thoughtful.  Then he turned to the
+wondering adjutant beside him.
+
+"You never knew him, did you, Cook?"
+
+"I think not, sir; who is he?"
+
+"Captain Nolan--you have heard the story."
+
+The younger officer wheeled about, staring, but the despatch bearer had
+already become indistinguishable among the troopers.
+
+"Is that so?" he exclaimed, in evident surprise.  "He has a manly face."
+
+"Ay, and he was as fine a soldier as ever fought under the flag,"
+declared Custer, frankly.  "Poor devil!  The hardest service I was ever
+called upon to perform was the day we broke him.  I wonder if Calhoun
+will recognize the face; they were good friends once."
+
+He stopped speaking, and for a time his field-glasses were fastened
+upon a small section of Indian village nestled in the green valley.
+Its full extent was concealed by the hills, yet from what the watchers
+saw they realized that this would prove no small encampment.
+
+"I doubt if many warriors are there," he commented, at last.  "They may
+have gone up the river to intercept Reno's advance, and if so, this
+should be our time to strike.  But we are not far enough around, and
+this ground is too rough for cavalry.  There looks to be considerable
+level land out yonder, and that _coulee_ ought to lead us into it
+without peril of observation from below.  Return to your commands,
+gentlemen, and with the order of march see personally that your men
+move quietly.  We must strike quick and hard, driving the wedge home
+with a single blow."
+
+His inquiring gaze swept thoughtfully over the expectant faces of his
+troop commanders.  "That will be all at present, gentlemen; you will
+require no further instructions until we deploy.  Captain Calhoun, just
+a word, please."
+
+The officer thus directly addressed, a handsome, stalwart man of middle
+age, reined in his mettlesome horse and waited.
+
+"Captain, the messenger who has just brought us despatches from
+Cheyenne is a civilian, but has requested permission to have a share in
+this coming fight.  I have assigned him to your troop."
+
+Calhoun bowed.
+
+"I thought it best to spare you any possible embarrassment by saying
+that the man is not entirely unknown to you."
+
+"May I ask his name?"
+
+"Robert Nolan."
+
+The strong, lion-like face flushed under its tan, then quickly lit up
+with a smile.  "I thank you.  Captain Nolan will not suffer at my
+hands."
+
+He rode straight toward his troop, his eyes searching the ranks until
+they rested upon the averted face of Hampton.  He pressed forward, and
+leaned from the saddle, extending a gauntleted hand.  "Nolan, old man,
+welcome back to the Seventh!"
+
+For an instant their eyes met, those of the officer filled with manly
+sympathy, the other's moistened and dim, his face like marble.  Then
+the two hands clasped and clung, in a grip more eloquent than words.
+The lips of the disgraced soldier quivered, and he uttered not a word.
+It was Calhoun who spoke.
+
+"I mean it all, Nolan.  From that day to this I have believed in
+you,--have held you friend."
+
+For a moment the man reeled; then, as though inspired by a new-born
+hope, he sat firmly erect, and lifted his hand in salute.  "Those are
+words I have longed to hear spoken for fifteen years.  They are more to
+me than life.  May God help me to be worthy of them.  Oh, Calhoun,
+Calhoun!"
+
+For a brief space the two remained still and silent, their faces
+reflecting repressed feeling.  Then the voice of command sounded out in
+front; Calhoun gently withdrew his hand from the other's grasp, and
+with bowed head rode slowly to the front of his troop.
+
+In column of fours, silent, with not a canteen rattling, with scabbards
+thrust under their stirrup leathers, each man sitting his saddle like a
+statue, ready carbine flung forward across the pommel, those sunburnt
+troopers moved steadily down the broad _coulee_.  There was no pomp, no
+sparkle of gay uniforms.  No military band rode forth to play their
+famous battle tune of "Garryowen"; no flags waved above to inspire
+them, yet never before or since to a field of strife and death rode
+nobler hearts or truer.  Troop following troop, their faded, patched
+uniforms brown with dust, their campaign hats pulled low to shade them
+from the glare, those dauntless cavalrymen of the Seventh swept across
+the low intervening ridge toward the fateful plain below.  The troopers
+riding at either side of Hampton, wondering still at their captain's
+peculiar words and action, glanced curiously at their new comrade,
+marvelling at his tightly pressed lips, his moistened eyes.  Yet in all
+the glorious column, no heart lighter than his, or happier, pressed
+forward to meet a warrior's death.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+THE LAST STAND
+
+However daring the pen, it cannot but falter when attempting to picture
+the events of those hours of victorious defeat.  Out from the scene of
+carnage there crept forth no white survivor to recount the heroic deeds
+of the Seventh Cavalry.  No voice can ever repeat the story in its
+fulness, no eye penetrate into the heart of its mystery.  Only in
+motionless lines of dead, officers and men lying as they fell while
+facing the foe; in emptied carbines strewing the prairie; in scattered,
+mutilated bodies; in that unbroken ring of dauntless souls whose
+lifeless forms lay clustered about the figure of their stricken chief
+on that slight eminence marking the final struggle--only in such tokens
+can we trace the broken outlines of the historic picture.  The actors
+in the great tragedy have passed beyond either the praise or the blame
+of earth.  With moistened eyes and swelling hearts, we vainly strive to
+imagine the whole scene.  This, at least, we know: no bolder, nobler
+deed of arms was ever done.
+
+It was shortly after two o'clock in the afternoon when that compact
+column of cavalrymen moved silently forward down the concealing
+_coulee_ toward the more open ground beyond.  Custer's plan was
+surprise, the sudden smiting of that village in the valley from the
+rear by the quick charge of his horsemen.  From man to man the
+whispered purpose travelled down the ranks, the eager troopers greeting
+the welcome message with kindling eyes.  It was the old way of the
+Seventh, and they knew it well.  The very horses seemed to feel the
+electric shock.  Worn with hard marches, bronzed by long weeks of
+exposure on alkali plains, they advanced now with the precision of men
+on parade, under the observant eyes of the officers.  Not a canteen
+tinkled, not a sabre rattled within its scabbard, as at a swift,
+noiseless walk those tried warriors of the Seventh pressed forward to
+strike once more their old-time foes.
+
+Above them a few stray, fleecy clouds flecked the blue of the arching
+sky, serving only to reveal its depth of color.  On every side extended
+the rough irregularity of a region neither mountain nor plain, a land
+of ridges and bluffs, depressions and ravines.  Over all rested the
+golden sunlight of late June; and in all the broad expanse there was no
+sign of human presence.
+
+With Custer riding at the head of the column, and only a little to the
+rear of the advance scouts, his adjutant Cook, together with a
+volunteer aide, beside him, the five depleted troops filed resolutely
+forward, dreaming not of possible defeat.  Suddenly distant shots were
+heard far off to their left and rear, and deepening into a rumble,
+evidencing a warm engagement.  The interested troopers lifted their
+heads, listening intently, while eager whispers ran from man to man
+along the closed files.
+
+"Reno is going in, boys; it will be our turn next."
+
+"Close up!  Quiet there, lads, quiet," officer after officer passed the
+word of command.
+
+Yet there were those among them who felt a strange dread--that firing
+sounded so far up the stream from where Reno should have been by that
+time.  Still it might be that those overhanging bluffs would muffle and
+deflect the reports.  Those fighting men of the Seventh rode steadily
+on, unquestioningly pressing forward at the word of their beloved
+leader.  All about them hovered death in dreadful guise.  None among
+them saw those cruel, spying eyes watching from distant ridges, peering
+at them from concealed ravines; none marked the rapidly massing hordes,
+hideous in war-paint, crowded into near-by _coulees_ and behind
+protecting hills.
+
+It burst upon them with wild yells.  The gloomy ridges blazed into
+their startled faces, the dark ravines hurled at them skurrying
+horsemen, while, wherever their eyes turned, they beheld savage forms
+leaping forth from hill and _coulee_, gulch and rock shadow.  Horses
+fell, or ran about neighing; men flung up their hands and died in that
+first awful minute of consternation, and the little column seemed to
+shrivel away as if consumed by the flame which struck it, front and
+flank and rear.  It was as if those men had ridden into the mouth of
+hell.  God only knows the horror of that first moment of shrinking
+suspense--the screams of agony from wounded men and horses, the dies of
+fear, the thunder of charging hoofs, the deafening roar of rifles.
+
+Yet it was for scarcely more than a minute.  Men trained, strong, clear
+of brain, were in those stricken lines--men who had seen Indian battle
+before.  The recoil came, swift as had been the surprise.  Voice after
+voice rang out in old familiar orders, steadying instantly the startled
+nerves; discipline conquered disorder, and the shattered column rolled
+out, as if by magic, into the semblance of a battle line.  On foot and
+on horseback, the troopers of the Seventh turned desperately at bay.
+
+It was magnificently done.  Custer and his troop-commanders brought
+their sorely smitten men into a position of defence, even hurled them
+cheering forward in short, swift charges, so as to clear the front and
+gain room in which to deploy.  Out of confusion emerged discipline,
+confidence, _esprit de corps_.  The savages skurried away on their
+quirt-lashed ponies, beyond range of those flaming carbines, while the
+cavalry-men, pausing from vain pursuit, gathered up their wounded, and
+re-formed their disordered ranks.
+
+"Wait till Reno rides into their village," cried encouraged voices
+through parched lips.  "Then we'll give them hell!"
+
+Safe beyond range of the troopers' light carbines, the Indians, with
+their heavier rifles, kept hurling a constant storm of lead, hugging
+the gullies, and spreading out until there was no rear toward which the
+harassed cavalrymen could turn for safety.  One by one, continually
+under a heavy fire, the scattered troops were formed into something
+more nearly resembling a battle line--Calhoun on the left, then Keogh,
+Smith, and Yates, with Tom Custer holding the extreme right.  The
+position taken was far from being an ideal one, yet the best possible
+under the circumstances, and the exhausted men flung themselves down
+behind low ridges, seeking protection from the Sioux bullets, those
+assigned to the right enjoying the advantage of a somewhat higher
+elevation.  Thus they waited grimly for the next assault.
+
+Nor was it long delayed.  Scarcely had the troopers recovered, refilled
+their depleted cartridge belts from those of their dead comrades, when
+the onslaught came.  Lashing their ponies into mad gallop, now sitting
+erect, the next moment lying hidden behind the plunging animals,
+constantly screaming their shrill war-cries, their guns brandished in
+air, they swept onward, seeking to crush that thin line in one terrible
+onset.  But they reckoned wrong.  The soldiers waited their coming.
+The short, brown-barrelled carbines gleamed at the level in the
+sunlight, and then belched forth their message of flame into the very
+faces of those reckless horsemen.  It was not in flesh and blood to
+bear such a blow.  With screams of rage, the red braves swerved to left
+and right, leaving many a dark, war-bedecked figure lying dead behind
+them, and many a riderless pony skurrying over the prairie.  Yet their
+wild ride had not been altogether in vain; like a whirlwind they had
+struck against Calhoun on the flank, forcing his troopers to yield
+sullen ground, thus contracting the little semicircle of defenders,
+pressing it back against that central hill.  It was a step nearer the
+end, yet those who fought scarcely realized its significance.  Exultant
+over their seemingly successful repulse, the men flung themselves again
+upon the earth, their cheers ringing out above the thud of retreating
+hoofs.
+
+"We can hold them here, boys, until Reno comes," they shouted to each
+other.
+
+The skulking red riflemen crept ever closer behind the ridges, driving
+their deadly missiles into those ranks exposed in the open.  Twice
+squads dashed forth to dislodge these bands, but were in turn driven
+back, the line of fire continually creeping nearer, clouds of smoke
+concealing the cautious marksmen lying prone in the grass.  Custer
+walked up and down the irregular line, cool, apparently unmoved,
+speaking words of approval to officers and men.  To the command of the
+bugle they discharged two roaring volleys from their carbines, hopeful
+that the combined sound might reach the ears of the lagging Reno.  They
+were hopeful yet, although one troop had only a sergeant left in
+command, and the dead bodies of their comrades strewed the plain.
+
+Twice those fierce red horsemen tore down upon them, forcing the thin,
+struggling line back by sheer strength of overwhelming numbers, yet no
+madly galloping warrior succeeded in bursting through.  The hot brown
+barrels belched forth their lightnings into those painted faces, and
+the swarms of savagery melted away.  The living sheltered themselves
+behind the bodies of their dead, fighting now in desperation, their
+horses stampeded, their ammunition all gone excepting the few
+cartridges remaining in the waist-belts.  From lip to lip passed the
+one vital question: "In God's name, where is Reno?  What has become of
+the rest of the boys?"
+
+It was four o'clock.  For two long hours they had been engaged in
+ceaseless struggle; and now barely a hundred men, smoke-begrimed,
+thirsty, bleeding, half their carbines empty, they still formed an
+impenetrable ring around their chief.  The struggle was over, and they
+realized the fact.  When that wave of savage horsemen swept forth again
+it would be to ride them down, to crush them under their horses'
+pounding hoofs.  They turned their loyal eyes toward him they loved and
+followed for the last time, and when he uttered one final word of
+undaunted courage, they cheered him faintly, with parched and fevered
+lips.
+
+Like a whirlwind those red demons came,--howling wolves now certain of
+their prey.  From rock and hill, ridge, ravine, and _coulee_, lashing
+their half-crazed ponies, yelling their fierce war-cries, swinging
+aloft their rifles, they poured resistlessly forth, sweeping down on
+that doomed remnant.  On both flanks of the short slender line struck
+Gall and Crazy Horse, while like a thunderbolt Crow-King and
+Rain-in-the-Face attacked the centre.  These three storms converged at
+the foot of the little hill, crushing the little band of troopers.
+With ammunition gone, the helpless victims could meet that mighty
+on-rushing torrent only with clubbed guns, for one instant of desperate
+struggle.  Shoulder to shoulder, in ever-contracting circle, officers
+and men stood shielding their commander to the last.  Foot by foot,
+they were forced back, treading on their wounded, stumbling over their
+dead; they were choked in the stifling smoke, scorched by the flaming
+guns, clutched at by red hands, beaten down by horses' hoofs.  Twenty
+or thirty made a despairing dash, in a vain endeavor to burst through
+the red enveloping lines, only to be tomahawked or shot; but the most
+remained, a thin struggling ring, with Custer in its centre.  Then came
+the inevitable end.  The red waves surged completely across the crest,
+no white man left alive upon the field.  They had fought a good fight;
+they had kept the faith.
+
+Two days later, having relieved Reno from his unpleasant predicament in
+the valley, Terry's and Gibbons's infantry tramped up the ravine, and
+emerged upon the stricken field.  In lines of motionless dead they read
+the fearful story; and there they found that man we know.  Lying upon a
+bed of emptied cartridge-shells, his body riddled with shot and
+mutilated with knives, his clothing torn to rags, his hands grasping a
+smashed and twisted carbine, his lips smiling even in death, was that
+soldier whom the Seventh had disowned and cast out, but who had come
+back to defend its chief and to die for its honor,--Robert Hampton
+Nolan.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+THE CURTAIN FALLS
+
+Bronzed by months of scouting on those northern plains, a graver, older
+look upon his face, and the bars of a captain gracing the shoulders of
+his new cavalry jacket, Donald Brant trotted down the stage road
+bordering the Bear Water, his heart alternating between hope and dread.
+He was coming back as he had promised; yet, ardently as he longed to
+look into the eyes of his beloved, he shrank from the duty laid upon
+him by the dead.
+
+The familiar yellow house at the cross-roads appeared so unattractive
+as to suggest the thought that Naida must have been inexpressibly
+lonely during those months of waiting.  He knocked at the sun-warped
+door.  Without delay it was flung open, and a vision of flushed face
+and snowy drapery confronted him.
+
+"Why, Lieutenant Brant!  I was never more surprised in my life.  Do,
+pray, come right in.  Yes, Naida is here, and I will have her sent for
+at once.  Oh, Howard, this is Lieutenant Brant, just back from his
+awful Indian fighting.  How very nice that he should happen to arrive
+just at this time, is n't it?"
+
+The young officer, as yet unable to discover an opportunity for speech,
+silently accepted Mr. Wynkoop's extended hand, and found a convenient
+chair, as Miss Spencer hastened from the room to announce his arrival.
+
+"Why 'just at this time'?" he questioned.
+
+Mr. Wynkoop cleared his throat.  "Why--why, you see, we are to be
+married this evening--Miss Spencer and myself.  We--we shall be so
+delighted to have you witness the ceremony.  It is to take place at the
+church, and my people insist upon making quite an affair out of the
+occasion--Phoebe is so popular, you know."
+
+The lady again bustled in, her eyes glowing with enthusiasm.  "Why, I
+think it is perfectly delightful.  Don't you, Howard?  Now Lieutenant
+Brant and Naida can stand up with us.  You will, won't you, Lieutenant?"
+
+"That must be left entirely with Miss Naida for decision," he replied,
+soberly.  "However, with my memory of your popularity I should suppose
+you would have no lack of men seeking such honor.  For instance, one of
+your old-time 'friends' Mr. William McNeil."
+
+The lady laughed noisily, regardless of Mr. Wynkoop's look of
+annoyance.  "Oh, it is so perfectly ridiculous!  And did n't you know?
+have n't you heard?"
+
+"Nothing, I assure you."
+
+"Why he--he actually married the Widow Guffy.  She 's twice his age,
+and has a grown-up son.  And to think that I supposed he was so nice!
+He did write beautiful verses.  Is n't it a perfect shame for such a
+man to throw himself away like that?"
+
+"It would seem so.  But there was another whose name I recall--Jack
+Moffat.  Why not have him?"
+
+Miss Spencer glanced uneasily at her chosen companion, her cheeks
+reddening.  But that gentleman remained provokingly silent, and she was
+compelled to reply.
+
+"We--we never mention him any more.  He was a very bad man."
+
+"Indeed?"
+
+"Yes; it seems he had a wife and four children he had run away from,
+back in Iowa.  Perhaps that was why his eyes always looked so sad.  She
+actually advertised for him in one of the Omaha papers.  It was a
+terrible shock to all of us.  I was so grateful to Howard that he
+succeeded in opening my eyes in time."
+
+Mr. Wynkoop placed his hand gently upon her shoulder.  "Never mind,
+dearie," he said, cheerfully.  "The West was all so strange to you, and
+it seemed very wonderful at first.  But that is all safely over with
+now, and, as my wife, you will forget the unpleasant memories."
+
+And Miss Spencer, totally oblivious to Brant's presence, turned
+impulsively and kissed him.
+
+There was a rustle at the inner door, and Naida stood there.  Their
+eyes met, and the color mounted swiftly to the girl's cheeks.  Then he
+stepped resolutely forward, forgetful of all other presence, and
+clasped her hand in both his own.  Neither spoke a word, yet each
+understood something of what was in the heart of the other.
+
+"Will you walk outside with me?" he asked, at last.  "I have much to
+say which I am sure you would rather hear alone."
+
+She bent her head, and with a brief word of explanation to the others,
+the young officer conducted her forth into the bright July sunshine.
+They walked in silence side by side along the bank of the little
+stream.  Brant glanced furtively toward the sweet, girlish face.  There
+was a pallor on her countenance, a shadow in her eyes, yet she walked
+with the same easy grace, her head firmly poised above her white
+throat.  The very sadness marking her features seemed to him an added
+beauty.
+
+He realized where they were going now, where memory had brought them
+without conscious volition.  As he led her across the rivulet she
+glanced up into his face with a smile, as though a happy recollection
+had burst upon her.  Yet not a word was spoken until the barrier of
+underbrush had been completely penetrated, and they stood face to face
+under the trees.  Then Brant spoke.
+
+"Naida," he said, gravely, "I have come back, as I said I would, and
+surely I read welcome in your eyes?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And I have come to say that there is no longer any shadow of the dead
+between us."
+
+She looked up quickly, her hands clasped, her cheeks flushing.  "Are
+you sure?  Perhaps you misunderstand; perhaps you mistake my meaning."
+
+"I know it all," he answered, soberly, "from the lips of Hampton."
+
+"You have seen him?  Oh, Lieutenant Brant, please tell me the whole
+truth.  I have missed him so much, and since the day he rode away to
+Cheyenne not one word to explain his absence has come back to me.  You
+cannot understand what this means, how much he has become to me through
+years of kindness."
+
+"You have heard nothing?"
+
+"Not a word."
+
+Brant drew a long, deep breath.  He had supposed she knew this.  At
+last he said gravely:
+
+"Naida, the truth will prove the kindest message, I think.  He died in
+that unbroken ring of defenders clustered about General Custer on the
+bluffs of the Little Big Horn."
+
+Her slight figure trembled so violently that he held her close within
+his arms.
+
+"There was a smile upon his face when we found him.  He performed his
+full duty, Naida, and died as became a soldier and a gentleman."
+
+"But--but, this cannot be!  I saw the published list; his name was not
+among them."
+
+"The man who fell was Robert Nolan."
+
+Gently he drew her down to a seat upon the soft turf of the bank.  She
+looked up at him helplessly, her mind seemingly dazed, her eyes yet
+filled with doubt.
+
+"Robert Nolan?  My father?"
+
+He bent over toward her, pressing his lips to her hair and stroking it
+tenderly with his hand.
+
+"Yes, Naida, darling; it was truly Robert Hampton Nolan who died in
+battle, in the ranks of his old regiment,--died as he would have chosen
+to die, and died, thank God! completely cleared of every stain upon his
+honor.  Sit up, little girl, and listen while I tell you.  There is in
+the story no word which does not reflect nobility upon the soldier's
+daughter."
+
+She uplifted her white face.  "Tell me," she said, simply, "all you
+know."
+
+He recounted to her slowly, carefully, the details of that desperate
+journey northward, of their providential meeting on the Little Big
+Horn, of the papers left in his charge, of Hampton's riding forward
+with despatches, and of his death at Custer's side.  While he spoke,
+the girl scarcely moved; her breath came in sobs and her hands clasped
+his.
+
+"These are the papers, Naida.  I opened the envelope as directed, and
+found deeds to certain properties, including the mine in the Black
+Range; a will, duly signed and attested, naming you as his sole heir,
+together with a carefully prepared letter, addressed to you, giving a
+full account of the crime of which he was convicted, as well as some
+other matters of a personal nature.  That letter you must read alone as
+his last message, but the truth of all he says has since been proved."
+
+She glanced up at him quickly.  "By Murphy?"
+
+"Yes, by Murphy, who is now lying in the hospital at Bethune, slowly
+recovering.  His sworn deposition has been forwarded to the Department
+at Washington, and will undoubtedly result in the honorable replacing
+of your father's name on the Army List.  I will tell you briefly the
+man's confession, together with the few additional facts necessary to
+make it clear.
+
+"Your father and mine were for many years friends and army comrades.
+They saw service together during the great war, and afterward upon the
+plains in Indian campaigning.  Unfortunately a slight misunderstanding
+arose between them.  This, while not serious in itself, was made bitter
+by the interference of others, and the unaccountable jealousies of
+garrison life.  One night they openly quarrelled when heated by wine,
+and exchanged blows.  The following evening, your father chancing to be
+officer of the guard and on duty, my father, whose wife had then been
+dead a year, was thoughtless enough to accompany Mrs. Nolan home at a
+late hour from the post ball.  It was merely an act of ordinary
+courtesy; but gossips magnified the tale, and bore it to Nolan.  Still
+smarting from the former quarrel, in which I fear my father was in the
+wrong, he left the guard-house with the openly avowed intention of
+seeking immediate satisfaction.  In the meanwhile Slavin, Murphy, and a
+trooper named Flynn, who had been to town without passes, and were
+half-drunk, stole through the guard lines, and decided to make a
+midnight raid on the colonel's private office.  Dodging along behind
+the powder-house, they ran suddenly upon my father, then on the way to
+his own quarters.  Whether they were recognized by him, or whether
+drink made them reckless of consequences, is unknown, but one of the
+men instantly fired.  Then they ran, and succeeded in gaining the
+barracks unsuspected."
+
+She sat as if fascinated by his recital.
+
+"Your father heard the shot, and sprang toward the sound, only to fall
+headlong across my father's lifeless body.  As he came down heavily,
+his revolver was jarred out of its holster and dropped unnoticed in the
+grass.  An instant later the guard came running up, and by morning
+Captain Nolan was under arrest, charged with murder.  The
+circumstantial evidence was strong--his quarrel with the murdered man,
+his heated language a few moments previous, the revolver lying beside
+the body, having two chambers discharged, and his being found there
+alone with the man he had gone forth to seek.  Slavin and Flynn both
+strengthened the case by positive testimony.  As a result, a court
+martial dismissed the prisoner in disgrace from the army, and a civil
+court sentenced him to ten years' imprisonment."
+
+"And my mother?"  The question was a trembling whisper from quivering
+lips.
+
+"Your mother," he said, regretfully, "was an exceedingly proud woman,
+belonging to a family of social prominence in the East.  She felt
+deeply the causeless gossip connecting her name with the case, as well
+as the open disgrace of her husband's conviction.  She refused to
+receive her former friends, and even failed in loyalty to your father
+in his time of trial.  It is impossible now to fix the fault clearly,
+or to account for her actions.  Captain Nolan turned over all his
+property to her, and the moment she could do so, she disappeared from
+the fort, taking you with her.  From that hour none of her old
+acquaintances could learn anything regarding her whereabouts.  She did
+not return to her family in the East, nor correspond with any one in
+the army.  Probably, utterly broken-hearted, she sought seclusion in
+some city.  How Gillis obtained possession of you remains a mystery."
+
+"Is that all?"
+
+"Everything."
+
+They kept silence for a long while, the slow tears dropping from her
+eyes, her hands clasped in her lap.  His heart, heavy with sympathy,
+would not permit him to break in upon her deep sorrow with words of
+comfort.
+
+"Naida," he whispered, at last, "this may not be the time for me to
+speak such words, but you are all alone now.  Will you go back to
+Bethune with me--back to the old regiment as my wife?"
+
+A moment she bowed her head before him; then lifted it and held out her
+hands.  "I will."
+
+"Say to me again what you once said."
+
+"Donald, I love you."
+
+Gently he drew her down to him, and their lips met.
+
+The red sun was sinking behind the fringe of trees, and the shadowed
+nook in which they sat was darkening fast.  He had been watching her in
+silence, unable to escape feeling a little hurt because of her grave
+face, and those tears yet clinging to her lashes.
+
+"I wish you to be very happy, Naida dear," he whispered, drawing her
+head tenderly down until it found rest upon his shoulder.
+
+"Yes, I feel you do, and I am; but it cannot come all at once, Donald,
+for I have lost so much--so much.  I--I hope he knows."
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 17614.txt or 17614.zip *******
+
+
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/6/1/17614
+
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://www.gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:
+https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
diff --git a/17614.zip b/17614.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1b3afe2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/17614.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fd75655
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #17614 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/17614)