'Laramie ', by Charles King

'Laramie;', by Charles King 1
'Laramie;', by Charles King

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Title: 'Laramie;' or, The Queen of Bedlam.
Author: Charles King
Release Date: February 5, 2010 [EBook #31188]
Language: English
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"LARAMIE;"
OR,
THE
S
A
BYTORY
QUEEN
OF THE
OFSIOUX
BEDLAM.
WAR OF 1876.
CAPTAIN CHARLES KING, U.S.A.,
AUTHOR OF "THE COLONEL'S DAUGHTER," "MARION'S FAITH,"

"THE DESERTER,"
RANKS," ETC. "FROM THE
PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY. 1889.
Copyright, 1889, by J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY.
"LARAMIE"
OR,
THE QUEEN OF BEDLAM.
A STORY OF FRONTIER ARMY LIFE.
I.
The snow had gone from all the foot-hills and had long since disappeared
in the broad
going from the river bottom. It mountains,
neighboring was fast too--both the streams told plainly
of that,infor
along while
great, the surges
swift Platte rolled
under the Engineer Bridge, its smaller
tributary--the
called it--came"Larmie,"
brawlingas and thefoaming
soldiersdown its stony bed and sweeping
around
vehemence the back of thesome
that made fort withof the a wild
denizens of the south end decidedly
nervous. The rear
commanding windows
officer's houseoflooked the out upon a rushing torrent, and where
the surgeon
angle, lived,lashed
the waters at the against
south-west the shabby old board fence that had been
builtchildren
the in by-gone and days,
chickens partlyfrom to keep
tumbling into the stream when the water
was high, partly
marauding coyotes to keep
whenout the water was low. South and west the bare,
gray-brown
and limited the slopes
view. shut out the horizon
Eastward lay the broad, open valley beyond the
confluence
level along of thethe streams,--bare
crumbling banks, and bare and rolling along the line of the
foot-hills.
ridges, wereNorthward
tumbled up thelike
same brown
a mammoth wave a mile or so beyond the
river, while
limits of thebetween
garrison the northern
proper and the banks of the larger stream there lay a
level "flat," patched
with underbrush, andhere and there
streaked by a winding tangle of hoof- and wheel-
tracks yet
other, thatled,
crossed
one and andall,
re-crossed
to the distanteach bridge that spanned the stream,
andtines
the thence of bore away northward
a pitchfork, the one tolike the right going over the hills a three
days' march
along the "Wakpato the Schicha,"
Indian agencies the other up leading more to the west around a
rugged
stretching shoulder
away due of bluff,
northand for then
the head-waters of the Niobrara and the
shelterOnly
Butte. of theinjagged
shadowy flanks of Rawhide
clusters up and down the stream was there
anywhere
course, signwas
there of timber. Foliage, of and willow in favored nooks along
none. Cottonwood
the Platte
shoot forthwere
theirjusttinybeginning
pea-greentotendrils in answer to the caressing touch of
the May-day
been a monthsunshine.
of storm and Aprilbluster
had and huge, wanton wastes of snow,
whirling
bleak range andthat drifting
veileddown from the
the valley of the Laramie from the rays of the
westering
stroll sun; the
out from andfortanyand oneclimb
who chose to slope to the bluffs on that side,
the gentle
and to standwhereon
scaffolding by the rude were bleaching the bones of some Dakota brave,
glistening
the
silhouette
Indian
Mrs.
was
wind melting
an
Miller,
from
mourners.
officer's
against
sides
the
rays.
thewest,
of
cape,
major's
Somebody
That
the
theblowing
sky
and
grand
waswife,
close
that
not
was
old
freely
who
Randall
abypeak,
blanket
upthe
happened
over
there
Indian
fully
McLean
which
the
this
forty
ridges,
to
scaffolding;
very
be
the
had
miles
crossing
afternoon,--two
tall,
should
carefully
away,--all
slender
but
chill
thewrapped
even
parade
shape
the
one
atyoung
the
had
at
it
could easily see the gleaming,
sheen
somebodies.
distance
just
the
about
girl
prairie
moment,
after
thrown
Nellie
ofand
one
frosty
herup
about
Bayard
Their
could
long
knew
the
white
the
spin
heights.
figures
very
see
lest
that
slighter
across
they
well
thestill
were
were
keen
that
the
form.
defied
blacked
not
it in
A good-hearted woman was Mrs. Miller, and very much did she like the
doctor's
very muchsweet andthan
better pretty
shedaughter,
fancied the doctor himself, although, had she
been pressed
distrust of thefor a reason
senior medicalfor her
attendant of the garrison, Mrs. Miller might
have found itanswer.
satisfactory hard toHe givewas a widower, and "that made him interesting to
some people,"She
the situation. wasreally
her analysis of
knew nothing more detrimental to his character,
and yet
wife, she
and herwished
wishesheonhad thisnot lostwere
point his not entirely because of Elinor's
motherless
the girl hadstate.
spentItinwas the first
garrison sinceyear
the death of that loving mother nearly a
decade before.
lacking hearts fullThere were not and affection for the weeping little maiden
of sympathy
when
She had thatbeen
soretaken
affliction
to herbefell her. old home, reared and educated, and
mother's
possibly over-indulged
sometimes gladdened bythere, visitsand
from her handsome and distinguished
father.
was Dr.ABayard,
marked one manofinthe his"swells"
professionof the medical corps of the army, and
rapturously
the beautifulhad andhedelicate
been lovedwoman by whose heart he had won, somewhat to
the sorrow
not like theof her people.
army, and liked They didless in the long years of separation that
it still
followed.
his earlier Bayard
service was a man who
had secured many in a pleasant detail, and had been a
society leader
Newport, at Old Point
and Boston Harbor,Comfort,
and now,andin his advancing years and under
an administration
lost influence, he was withtaking
whichhis he turn
had at frontier service, and heartily
damning the
Laramie. Hisfates
deadthat wife'shadfather
landed washim at whose dictum was law in the
a man
political party
appealed to him in to
power.
urge theTheSecretary
doctor of War to revoke the orders which
consigned
Wyoming post, him to butthetheisolation of a had heard more than one account of
old gentleman
his widowedand
propensities son-in-law's
peccadilloes. It was his conviction that Newport was not
therather
he place delighted
for handsome in theDr. Bayard;
news that the doctor promptly sent him; but,
thoughthings
some a power in politics,for,
no politician, he was
wheninhis son-in-law begged him to use his
influence insaid
gentleman his no,--and
behalf, the oldhim why.
told
That gloomy November when Dr. Bayard left for the West he took his
revenge
his on the
daughter oldhim.
with people, for he took
It was a cruel, an almost savage blow, and one that was utterly unlooked
for. Fondand
mother, as proud
he hadas been
he wasof Elinor's
of his pretty child, the doctor had been
content
with her.toEvery
spendfew onlymonths
occasional
he came holidays
to visit them, or had her run down to
Newshops,
the York the
for theatres,
a brief tour andamong
the picture-galleries. She was enthusiastically
devoted
on earth toso him,
grand, andsothought
handsome, no manso accomplished. She believed herself the
most
child enviable
of so fondofand daughters
indulgent as the
a father. She gloried in the pride which he
manifested
in her budding in her success
beauty andatgraceful
school,ways. She welcomed his coming with
infinite
to drop anydelight,
otherand was ever
project whenreadypapa's brief letters and telegrams
summoned
feeling towardher the
to the city. her
doctor, Whatever their had never betrayed them to
grand-parents
her or sought toloyal
undeceive--her undermine--or
devotion; but rather
never had it occurred to them as a
possibility
paternal that and
claim he would
bear awayassertwith
his him the idol of their hearts, the image
of thefrom
won cherished
them so daughter
many years he had before. Proud old judge and senator as he
was,
so thestricken.
sore grandfather had never
He could been could not humble himself to unbend
not plead,
and ask forcause
sufficient mercy.he For
had good
denied andhis son-in-law the boon that had been so
confidently
chagrin and demanded,
exasperation and
Dr.inBayard
his had taken his revenge. It was too late
nowcharacteristics
for to prepare their of little
which Elinor
she had never dreamed, too late to warn her
thatfancy
her her superb father
painted. was not
In utter the hero in wretchedness of spirit, the old
consternation,
at
But,
discontent
arrived
companies
taken
leaving
couple ifwith
Dr.
in the
saw them,
Bayard
was
the
of
herearly
infantry
field
greatly
yetwas
borne winter,
column,
blissful
there
augmented
incensed
away, but
on
at
leaving
being
long
duty,
at with
tearful being
before
to
were
with
the
the
ordered
papa,
ordered
older
the
coming
snows
and
man
tonorthward
of
so
going
had
the
the
distant
unwelcome
begun
new
onceinto
ayear.
station
more
totheIttask
to
was
as
the
heaven
aLaramie,
disappear
Sioux
ofcrowded
caring
army,
country,
toin
for
and
all
guard
post
the
the
they
and
when
first
her
families
cavalry,
could
his
and
place,
heassistant
to
and
only
and
ofhis
comfort
all
Elinor
all
pray
the
was
butthem.
two
absentees as well as for the few men in the hospital. The sight of Dr.
Bayard,
dress anddignified, handsome,about
manner, tramping elegant in deep snow around the
in the
laundresses'
rather too muchquarters was one
malicious that to
delight afforded
a few of the denizens of the club-
room
of his at
ownthemisfortunes
store; but the contemplation
was beginning to bring the doctor himself to a
state of he
his life mind
hadstill less justifiable.
shunned All
the contemplation of poverty and distress. He was
now for the
sickness andfirst time seeing
suffering in surroundings that had nothing of refinement, and
he shrank,
selfish like the
creature thatsensitive and such contamination.
he was, from
It was hard news for Laramie when the telegraph flashed the tidings of the
savage
in fight upRiver
the Powder among the snows
country, but it was comfort to Dr. Bayard. He had
beggedsurgeon
young for an assistant
who hadtobeen replace
taken theto the front, and his request was
declinedgarrison
present on the ground
did notthat the size
warrant the of the of an additional medical officer.
detail
Bayardwhen
swore, ground thehis teeth,
paper and back to him, "Respectfully transmitted with
came
attention invited
of the medical to the endorsement
director,--which is approved." He could have testified
under oath now,
conviction, so strong
that his was histhe surgeon-general of the army, and the
father-in-law,
medical
were all director
in leagueoftothe department
annoy and humiliate him to the verge of distraction--
or resignation
the from the
fight with Crazy service.
Horse's bandButof Sioux brought unexpected aid and
comfort
to to the doctor ina large
his responsibilities; greatly addingof wounded and frozen soldiers
number
were being andtravois
ambulance brought
couldinhaul
as fast as and now he was shrewd enough to know that an assistant
them,
to be sent, and he would have
did not even ask. The young doctor who came back with
the wounded
frozen was himself
when only two days' somarch
badly away that he could be of no further aid.
Bayard wentupforward
snow-drifts through
the Platte to meetthehis new patients, saw them safely housed
in hospital,
the devoted and gave
efforts inhimself up toThe moment the assistant arrived he
their behalf.
was given
charge instructions
of the to take entire
soldiers' families and the "hangers on" of the post.
And now the 1st of May was come; many of the wounded were well
enoughoftoair
search beand
hobbling around
sunshine; many theadditional
fort in troops had passed Laramie on
their
moreway wereup to the front
expected, but and
theremany
still remained only the two infantry
companies of
intimation to trouble
"hold the fort."
there hadAtcome
the earliest
back from the East, where he had
beenenjoyed
had spending in the
some first longofleave
years he a stalwart young lieutenant by the
service,
name
no moreof McLean.
charm forBorder
him than warfare
it hadhadfor any other soldier who remembered
that everything
had it was one in to which
win and thenothing
Indian to lose. He had seen not a little of it,
with hard marching,
suffering, scouting,
through winter's coldandand summer's heat, in more than one
campaign
to give up in
thethe recent
leave, butpast.
harderIt was hardhis regiment take the field without
to have
him. It
been was withina some
defrauded sense measure,
of havingtherefore, that he found himself retained
at the fort,happened
company simply because
to be kepthis own
back on guard. The column had gone when
he
andsucceeded
his chagrininwas
reaching
bitterthe
when post,he found that, so far from following and
overtaking
Big Horn, hethem
wason the trail
ordered toto the command of his company in the
assume
place ofatCaptain
present the fort,Bruce, who, though
was rapidly breaking down with rheumatic trouble that
confined went
McLean him to tohis
thequarters.
major commanding, he also wrote to his colonel and
telegraphed to the adjutant,
no purpose. There must be an butofficer
all to with each company, even though it
be only to
ill-luck a post-guard,
have to be the andman.
it was his
And yet, three weeks after his return, Mr. McLean was by no means the
declared
The
winter,
Major
truculent
north-east,
fort
Miller
and
disgusted was
himself,
bearing
that
when
and crowded
anda few
of
the
his
andall
unhappy two
troops
of
itwith
the
was
the
companies
Sioux
officers'
officers
took
a facthe
subaltern the
and
patent
families
on
of
field
Cheyenne
duty
"foot."
toinall
at
March
at Fort
the
Not
Indians
garrison
time.
only
Robinson
the ladies
remaining
was
A large
that
this
(the
and
Nellie
force
the
children
post
atcase,
the
had
Bayard
which
been
remained,--a
but
agency
established
such
maintained
reconciled
on
was
was
White
there
the
sacred
thesource
here
threatening
to
River
himoverlook
charge
during
toof
tothe
comfort
the
for
situation.
and
the
and
overawe (?) the savages) had sent their families back to Laramie under
escort, and
received andthose gentle
housed andrefugees
welcomed were
with a hospitality and warmth that one
never
set sees outside
of officers' the army.
quarters, Everywas crowded to its full capacity, and a
therefore,
thing
in the that never before
chronicles of the had happened
old frontier post was now a matter of course. Even
"Bedlam," the ramshackle,
two-story frame rookery, once sacred to the bachelor element, had now
two of
one families quartered therein,
these comprised the wife,andmaiden sister, and three children of
Captain Forrest, of the
cavalry,--"refugees from Robinson." For several days after their arrival
they hadroof,--all
Miller's been housed underquarters,
the other Major except Dr. Bayard's, being crowded,--
and
fatherNellie Bayard
to invite Mrs.,hadMiss,
beggedandher
the little Forrests to make his house their
home.
her The doctor
permission willingly
to invite Missaccorded
Forrest, but drew the line at her unattractive
sister-in-lawtrio
unattractive andoftheyoungsters.
more than Before she had known Miss Forrest three
days,eagerness
less however,toNellie Bayard
ask her to be felt
her guest, and Mrs. Miller, as kind and
generous
so far as toa soul
say toasher,
ever"Don't."
lived, had gone
And yet it seemed so unkind, so utterly lacking in hospitality or courtesy.

After his second
commanding call atand
officer's, the a sprightly chat with this beaming, bright-eyed,
vivacious
Bayard hadyoung
ratherwoman,
pointedlyDr.inquired,--
"Nellie, dear, I thought you were to invite Miss Forrest to pay you a visit;
have you done so?"
"No, papa," was the hesitating answer. "I did mean to--but--don't you
expect You
week? Dr. and
know Mrs. Graham
you'll have early
to asknext
them."
"Oh, I know that, child, but the house is big. There are two spare rooms,
and even
you if we share
two might had toyour
take room
in more,
awhile, might you not?"
"We might, papa dear; but--I'm afraid I don't like her. That is, she doesn't
attract
thoughtme
herascharming
she did atthen."
first. I
"Tut, tut, tut! Why, what on earth's the matter with my little woman?"
asked
her as the
theydoctor, bendinghome.
were walking down over
"It isn't like you, Nell, to be censorious.
What's
at youngshe been doing?--making eyes
McLean?"
He might have judged better than that, had he reflected an instant. He

never yet
except as had
a merethought
child,ofand
hishe
daughter
did not mean for an instant to intimate that
her growing
lieutenant wasinterest in the
anything young
more than a "school-girl" fancy. She was old
enough,
speechauhowever,
srieux ,toand
take his thoughtless
it hurt her.
"Papa!" was her one, indignant word of remonstrance. She would not even
defend herself against such
accusation.
"I know!--I understand--I didn't mean it except as the merest joke, my

child," he
thought hurriedly
you'd laugh interposed.
at the idea.""I
McLean.
But
her
it
For
had
wasnecessary
apparent
ashe
a few
topic
would
known
That
days,
that
that
aversion
young
not
hesitancy
however,
she
hespeak
should
could
gentleman,
to Miss
of
or
that
not
open
it,
embarrassment
thoughtless
approach.
Forrest.
and
his
indeed,
hedoors
quickly
It Hitherto
was
had
speech
toin
an
true
accompanied
sought
her
officer
she
seemed
that
daily,
to
used
the
of
change
hourly
his
speedy
toto
them
rankle
own
tellthe
chat
the
him
coming
corps
inwith
all
his
subject,
of
and
gentle
that
about
evening
Dr.
profession.
fondly
her
and
daughter's
never
they
walks
Mrs.
loved
went
even
Graham
and
soul.
father.
toasking
talks
the
Never
Now
would
major's
with
other
before
there
Mr.
make
reason
to call for
upon the latest arrival among the refugees, but now she shrank from
mentioning
For eitherafter
several days Missthat
Forrest
talk itorseemed
him. as though she avoided not only
the subjects,At
themselves. butleast
the two
bothpersons
of them would have sworn to the latter part of
the statement,
wit's and McLean
end to account for it. was at his
Meantime, there being nowhere else to go, the Forrests had moved into
"Bedlam"
the family in of the same hall-way
Lieutenant withrefugees from Robinson; but while the
Post, also
Posts occupied
floor, the Forrests rooms
tookon thethe lower
four chambers overhead. Two young cavalry
officers
outbreakwere of thethecampaign,
occupantsbut upall
to their
the furniture and "traps" were
summarily moved
quartermaster's over to the
storehouse by order of the commanding officer,--and one
trip of one
job,--for thewagon did thewas
emergency entire
one that called for action, and Major Miller
was the
and a man to meet
Posts, it. Thewere
therefore, Forrests
now sole occupants of the south end of
"Bedlam,"
rooms wereandon Lieutenant
the ground-floorMcLean's two
of the north end. The hall-ways ran
entirely
on the westthrough
side from east to west,separated
into court-yards giving from each other by a high
board
one offence
similarand completely
make. On the enclosed
east side,byfronting the roadway, were broad
verandas
floors, andonthese
bothwere
first and
commonsecondproperty of the occupants of both halls. By
the rear
not passor westone
from door
hallthey could
to the other, on account of the intervening fence.
By theformed
story east door the veranda
a convenient on either McLean occupied the two rooms
thoroughfare.
on the north
brother side of this
infantryman, alsohall, and a occupied the two above him. The
a bachelor,
opposite homes
garrison rooms on both floors
of married werenow
officers the in the fields with their commands,
andthe
by their doors were kept
quartermaster. The locked
Forrests and Posts, with the Bedouin-like ease
of long
had experience
established on the frontier,
a dining-room in common on the ground-floor of the south
end, knocked
was and the temporary kitchen
up in the back yard. The south division, therefore, contained
achildren;
lively colony of women
the north and empty rooms and two lone bachelors.
halls, only
This very May-day afternoon on which our story opens, as Lieutenant

McLean
on and Miss
their stroll, MissBayard started
Forrest, with aforth
shawl hugged woman-fashion around
her shapely form,
constitutional wasdown
up and takingthe
a upper gallery. She came to the railing and
bent down,
kissing beaming,
her hand smiling, and
to them,--and a winsome smile she had,--then, as they
passed outstorehouse,
ordnance along the walk by thefor
she stood olda time looking after them.
That night, just after dusk, when Mr. McLean came bounding up the front
steps, intent
from his on getting
quarters, an album
and then returning to Mrs. Miller's, where he was
spending
find the evening,
the lamp he was
extinguished. Allsurprised to
was darkness as he opened the front door.
So, too,
was on the
no light in second
the hall,floor
and there
yet he could have sworn that both lamps were
burning half
o'clock, whenanhehour
wentbefore.
out at In
eight
his own room, the front one, however, the
very
turnedopposite
the lamp was
lowthethe
case.
lastHe hadbefore starting, and closed the front of
thing
his standing
the lock. He desk,
always turning the things
did these key in when leaving his quarters at night.
Now the
steady hanging
light lamp
all over thewas throwing
simple, soldiera room, and the desk was wide open.
The rear room, his bedchamber, was dark as usual, and his first thought
was for his papers.
pigeon-holes, These were
undisturbed. Twoindrawers
their had been pulled open; one was
now half closed,
remained whileits
with almost thefull
other
length, lying, tipped out, upon the shelving
desk. It was
tobacco, filled with Lynchburg
a bright-colored, fragrant brand much affected by pipe-smokers
Mr.
smoked
at McLean
that
him. He many
time, shook
and
stepped a pipe
an his
together
outidea
intohead
the in
occurredout
perplexity.
hall of that
to
and same
He and
shouted drawer.
up hisstairs,--
the comrade,
He had many
Lieutenant
a
"Hat!--O-o-o,
No
Hatton,
timeanswer.
bidden
werethe
intimates
Hatton!
latter to
You
who
comebeeninhere?"
and
help himself whenever he wanted to. Bachelor doors are always open in
the army, and
generally in thethelock.
deskStill
keyitwas
was not like Hatton to leave things in disorder
behind him,
McLean even
at his if heNo!
word. were to takeHatton, unless something very
It wasn't
unforeseen
Stepping had suddenly
quickly back into called him away.
the room he felt a draught of cool air, and saw
that the portire
the two rooms was thatbulging
hung between
slightly toward him. Instantly he stepped into
his bedroom,
struck a match, where all was
and saw, thedark,
moment its flash illumined surrounding
objects,
kept that was
locked the one
nowdoor
ajar.he generally
It led into the hall, and thither strode McLean.
Up to this
heard. Now, instant
fairlynot a sound
flying up thehad he creaky stairs, light as kittens', quick
old,
as terriers',heyet
noiseless, stealthy,heard
distinctly almost slippered footfalls. They whirled at the head
of the stairs,
hall-way and flashed
overhead and outthrough
on thethefront veranda, and he, instead of
pursuing,
floor, stoodbeating
his heart stone still, rooted
hard, to theclinching in amaze. What stunned
his hands
him was went
footfalls the fact
thethat
swishwith
ofthe
dainty silken skirts.
II.
It was full ten minutes before Mr. McLean reissued from his quarters on
his return
mean timetohethehadmajor's
searchedhouse. In theand summed up his losses. They
his desk
amounted to mere
postage-stamps andtrifles--a
perhapsfewfive dollars in currency--which happened to
be lying receptacle.
tobacco in the drawer aboveI his
"Lucky hadn't got my April pay yet!" thought he.
There were some
sleeve-buttons andhandsome
a scarf-pin or two in another drawer, but these had not
been touched,--the
interrupted too soon. pilferer
Some had been
letters and notes that were lying in the lower
pigeon-holes
objects had evidently
of scrutiny, but werebeenstill there--so far as he had time to count. He
had left aand
Millers', jolly
helittle
was gathering at the he had left them only at Mrs. Miller's
eager to return;
urgent
over hisrequest that he should
"scrap-book," in whichbring
he had a miscellaneous assortment of
photographs
scenes, of army friends
of autographs, andrhymes,
doggerel army and newspaper clippings, such as
"Spelling Tests" and
Pronunciation," and a"Feats in of others containing varied and useful
quantity
information.
resource It was
of his, and ahad
great standby
helped and away many an evening on the
to while
frontier.Nellie
telling Now,Bayard
Mrs. Miller
abouthad beenwas eager that she should see it. The
it, and
major, too,inand
all united theseveral
requestladies present,upon him to hurry back. As
and enjoined
"Bedlam"
there was no layreason
but a hundred yards away,
why he should not have returned in five minutes, but
it was
and fifteen
was, when he
as became thereappeared,
only young man in the room, the immediate centre
of combined question and
invective.
"What could have kept you so long?" "Where on earth have you been?"
"Were it
would anybody
say but Mr.
he had gone McLean,
down to the Iclub-room for a drink," etc. Nellie
Bayard
that alone to
occurred washersilent. The question
was finally asked by Mrs. Miller,--
"Why, Mr. McLean, how white you look! Have you seen a ghost?"
"No," he answered, laughing nervously. "I've seen nothing. It is dark as

Erebus outside,
something and Isee
I couldn't ranatinto
all,--something too tangible for a ghost."
"Who was it or what was it?"
"Odd!"
"That's
over
pardon,'
toward
what
said
and the
Gordon's
began
I'mmajor.
dying
hunting
quarters
"Some
to know.
forone
as
the
I Iwas
of
book
was
the
out
coming
that
men,
in the
was
do
here.
very
knocked
youWe
middle
think?
ran
outbeen
slap
offrom
the
into
over
under
each
parade,
other.
my
whizzed
paying
kitchen
arm,
I asang
and
ofand
right
visit
the
this
out,
this
to
on,--never
opposite
something
a'Halloo!
figure
sweetheart
quarters?"
just
answered
Beg
wasin scurrying
some at all."
"Well, no," answered McLean, coloring and hesitating. "It might have
been the
visit some
eastsweetheart going aover
side and taking to cut across the parade. It wasn't a
short
man."
"Oh! That's it, of course," chimed in Mrs. Brenham at once. "The
Johnsons have
her--who is a girl--Winnie
perpetually they
gadding call and I warrant it was she. Come!
about,
Let us see the scrap-book."
And so the party returned to the business of the evening and were soon
absorbed inHe
collection. thehad
pages
many of McLean's
a question to answer, and was kept from the seat
he longedside.
Bayard's to take, by Nellie
Where three or four women are gathered together over an
album of photographs
scrap-book of which heorisathe owner, no man need hope to escape for so
much as an
watching him instant. Yet she was
and wondering at what she saw,--the effort it cost him to
pay attention to
question--the their simplest
evident distraction that had seized upon him.
By and by tattoo sounded. The major went out with McLean to receive the
reports,
Mr. andcame
Hatton whentoo.
they returned
"Where have you been, Mr. Hatton?" asked Mrs. Miller. "We've been
looking for
wouldn't youa all
have bitethe
or evening,
a glass ofand
wine until you came in."
"Over at the Gordons'. They are having a little gathering too, mostly of the
Irefugees,--regular
was the only manhen convention.
there for over an hour."
"Who all were there?" inquired the hostess--her Southern birth and her
woman's interest
the garrison in the goings-on
manifesting of at one and the same time.
themselves
"Oh, about a dozen, all told," answered Mr. Hatton. "Mrs. Bruce and
Jeannie, girls,
Gordon Mrs. Mrs.
Forrest, Mrs.and
Wells, Post, the Miss Forrest. The little parlor was
finally
packed
o'clock,like
and aI ration-can
was glad tobyslip
nine
away at first call."
"A likely statement in view of the fact that Jeannie Bruce was there."
"Fact, though!" answered Hatton, with a knowing look on his handsome

face. He Jeannie
because did not want
Brucetowent
say ithome
was at "first call" and that he escorted her.
McLean would be sure to understand that point, however, thought Mr.

Hatton to himself,
possibility and to obviatesuggesting
of his mischievously the that solution of the matter it
might
Lookingbe around
well to in
tipsearch
him a ofwink.
his chum, Mr. Hatton was surprised at the
odd and wretched
McLean's face. Theexpression
tall youngonsubaltern had seated himself at last by
Nellie Bayard's
devoting himselfside, butas
to her, instead
was toofhave been expected, he was staring with
white
in face
every at Hatton and drinking
word.
"Why, what's the matter, old man? You look all struck of a heap!"
exclaimed Hatton, in genuine concern.
"Mr. McLean encountered a spook on his way over here," laughed the
embarrassment,
"What
have
"Hm!"
little
major,fun
been
nonsense,
responded
atthe
seeingMcLean's
Johnsons'
knew
thatmajor!"
her expense
lord
notWinnie
McLean, sharply
how
inina without
broad
toonreply.
interposed
one
grin.
being
of
"He "Coming
herran
his
accused
gad-abouts.
afoul
better
from
of
of
half.
scattering
aaWhy
flying
woman,
"Youdoknow
you
thatwe
is
Dutchwoman
and
settled
aadd
scandal?"
stinger.
was
to the
it mystified
long
Can't
mischief?"
out
ago
a fellow
on
that
because
the
that
have
parade
must
shea would
in the not
dark,stop and chat with him."
"You are only too ready to accuse one of us of starting malicious stories,"
replied his wife,
indignation. with honest
"It might be as well for you to consider the possible effect of
your own words."
"What possible effect--ill effect, that is--could my remark have had even if
repeated?"
amusement.demanded the major in
"Well, never you mind now; I'm glad we all understand one another here
at any rate,"
earnestly. answered
"Now Mrs. peace
let us have Miller,and a truce to the spook story. Mrs.
Taylor, now won't you sing?"
"Really, Mrs. Miller, I ought not to stay another moment. I left the nurse in
charge of well
perfectly my babies,
that by and
this Itime
know she is out at the back gate flirting with
ISergeant
do wishMurray.
you wouldIndeed,
confineMr.that
McLean,
altogether-too-utterly-attractive young
man
at ourtogate
the morn,
limits of the barracks.
noon, and night,He'sand whenever he's there my Maggie is
there
scream too, and the children
themselves hoarse andmightshe never hear. Why, I'm a perfect slave! I
can't go
those anywhere.
precious It'sfrom
babies just do for till midnight. I might as well have no
dawn
nurse atI all.
Miller. must Oh,
gono,
thisindeed,
minute.Mrs.
Indeed I must. But, Mr. Hatton, how did it
happen
in late?"that Miss Forrest only came
"More than I know, Mrs. Taylor. She said she was unable to come earlier
on account
didn't of letters
pay much or something.
attention. I
You see there were six women around me
already.
being anI've never known
undoubted the bliss
belle until this of
spring."
"Then I suppose, too, she stopped to dress. You know Fanny Forrest has
such beautiful
and she's dresses,
hardly Mrs. Miller,
had a chance to show one of them since she got here.
What did she wear this evening, Mr.
Hatton?"
"'Pon my soul, I don't know. It was a dress, of course, blue or green--or

something."
"Yes--something, undoubtedly; but what was it like? Did it----?"
"The idea of asking me to describe a woman's dress! Why, I don't know a

poplin from
suppose a polonaise,
there's though
a distinction I kind. All I know is that this one
of some
shimmered
No. 12 shot and had things
or Sioux all over
moccasin it like
beads, and it swished and rustled as she
walked through the hall and up the
stairs."
"Oh, I know,--that long silk princesse--electric blue--that came from New

York lastWhat?"
pardon. October and----Beg
"Not you, Mrs. Taylor. Go on!" said Mrs. Miller, pleasantly. "Mr. Hatton's
servant
the door.has just called
Wants for him
to see him at
a moment." And Hatton left the parlor with the
major at his heels.
An hour later, after seeing Nellie Bayard home, and striving in vain to be
like his to
hurried actual self, Mr. Just
his quarters. McLean
as he expected, Hatton was standing in front of
the open fireplace
furiously at a chunkypuffing
little brierwood pipe. He looked up from under his
but
into
and said
heavygetting
aneyebrows
easy
nothing.
into
chair,
an
The
asfirst
easy
occupant
McLeandivesting
old shooting-jacket.
cameofhimself
the
in, room
of filled
the
Thenhandsome
and
through
lighted
uniform
a cloud
his own
of
particular
"blouse"
fragrant
silently
"Well,
"What's Mac."
at
up,
smoke
he
"cutty,"
each
had
Hatton?"
other.
the
worn
and
twoItduring
threw
men
was Hatton
looked
himself
the evening,
who spoke first:
"Missed anything to-night?"
"Nothing to speak of," answered McLean, coloring. He had the hatred of

his race for the faintest equivocation.
"Well, I have, and I thought you might have been visited likewise. My
bureau andand
ransacked dressing-case havetwo
I'm out a good been
hundred dollars' worth.
"The devil you say!"
"Have you lost nothing?"
"Five dollars or so,--as I said, nothing I wanted to mention."
"Why?"
"Well--because."
"A woman's reason, Mac."
"How do you know a woman's the reason?" asked McLean, almost

fiercely,
had onlyas he started heard
imperfectly from the
his chair. Hemuttered words.
friend's
"I don't!--and that isn't what I said," replied Hatton, coolly. "But see
here,--now we'vetwo
stopped to emit gotordown
threetovoluminous
it," and he puffs of smoke from under his
thickthe
that moustache.
thief went"It would the
through appear
next-door premises despite the presence of
nurses and servants
children,--and and
then dropped some of his plunder here. Eh?" and he held
forth a dainty handkerchief.
McLean took it, his hands trembling, and a creeping, chilling sensation
running
finest through
fabric, hisand
sheer fingers. It was
soft and veryofsimply embroidered. It was without,
rather
the than"F.
letters with,
F." surprise lie found
in one corner. He raised it, and, not knowing what to say
for the
the moment,
delicate sat there
fragrance thatinhaling
hung about the white folds.
"Where'd you find it?" he finally asked.
"Just at the foot of your bureau, Mac. It was lying there when I came in,
half an hour ago."
"Then it's mine to dispose of at least," said McLean, as he rose promptly
from his chair,
fireplace, stepped
and tossed thequickly
dainty to
toythe
among the flames. The next instant the
last vestige
sight, of two
and the it was
menswept
stoodfrom
looking quietly into each other's eyes.
III.
The compact little post of Fort Laramie looked hardly big enough to
containunder
when, its population
the influencetwo of
days afterward
a warm sunshine and the sweet music of the
seemed
musicians
the
was
all
happened
Cheyenne,
brought
alive
men
by quarters
to
a
with
tofew
to
to
have
appear
a be
good
stop
romping
visiting
available.
gathered
andand
without
hundred
houses
band, all the women and childrenplay
officers
children
around
Aovercoats
amiles
of
small
few
every
into
and
the
airs
away,
battalion
the
with
parade.
conceivable
and
inenclosure;
and
honor
sauntering
theof
pitched
Guard-mounting
women
infantry
of its
pattern
otherwise,
groups
its
being
without
had
tents
except
the
marched
ofon
except
their
was
first
ladies
the
that
just
furs.
flat
old
up
which
to
over,
morning
The
was
chatting
from
the
Bruce,
north
little
modern
the
and
there
with
on
nearest
of
quadrangle,
thewhich
the
and
would
adjutant
thepost,
railway-station
ornamental,
few
ithave
was
and
cavaliers
surrounded
hadbeen
warm
this
ordered
was
nowho
enough
atman
as
theit for
to talk to, as Hatton and McLean were "marching on" and "marching off"
guard respectively,
adjutant, and the surgeon,
and quartermaster were all engaged in the old head-quarters
office with Major Miller.
While many of the ladies were seated in the sunshine on the piazzas, and
even
there "Bedlam"
were several waswho so ornamented,
were strolling up and down the board and gravel
walks,
was and of the
certainly these Fanny
most Forrest
striking in appearance. She was tall, stately in
carriage,
head wasand beautifully
carried proudlyformed.and her Her features were regular and fine. "But for
that hardness
might of expression
be a tearing beauty," was she the comment of more than one woman
who knew and
expression enviedexisted
certainly her; but andthatto her constant detriment. All manner of
conjectures
account had somewhat
for her been started to air and that hard, set look that so rarely
defiant
left her
and strove facetoexcept
please.whenNo one shereally
smiledknew much about her. Captain Forrest,
her brother,
men was one of
of his regiment, who theyears
popular before had become enamoured marryoftheand
namby-pamby
would though
pretty daughter of the old post chaplain. She happened to be the only
young
McPherson, lady inone theofbig garrison
those of
long winters just after the War of the Rebellion,
and Forresthad
prettiness was susceptible.
soon faded, and Herthere was no other attraction to eke it out;
but her and
gentle, husband was big-hearted
he strove hard not to let andher see he thought her changed. Still,
shethis
by wastime,a querulous,
poor girl,peevish
and herwoman numerous olive-branches had been more
than a stronger
managed. woman
Forrest's house couldwashavenot the jolliest in the garrison, and he was
given to drifting
consequence; butaway as a
the previous summer there came to him news that took
him suddenly
gone a month,Eastward.
and when He was
he returned he brought his tall, handsome, stylish
sister
out that withshehim,
wasand it washer
to make given
home with him henceforth,--unless, as said
the gossips,
her. Some other someman other man claimed
did,--two some others, in fact, and "a very pretty
quarrel
the bud as byitthe
stood"
prompt wasaction
only nipped in
of the commanding officer at Fort Robinson
that veryhad
officers winter. Two fallen
speedily youngin love with her, and in so doing had fallen out
with each
fight, other. Ithave
and would wasbeen almost butafor the colonel commanding; and yet it
was all
them absurd,
adrift. for she
Of her pastturned
she would both not
of speak, and no one cared to question
Forrest.inShe
uncle's New hadYork,
beenwas living all at herany one knew, and finally that had to be
that
changed.
her bronzed Sheandhadsoldierly
come out with and was his guest now; it was evident
brother,
that there
them; it was wastheorized
deep affectionby the between
ladies at Robinson that she had had some
unlucky
more love-affair,
believed andthrew
after she this was over thethe two devotees aforementioned. All
manner so
women of well
that alluring
know how baittowhichuse when inviting confidence was thrown to
her fromittime
refused to time, butofshe
and intimacies any kind, and only one thing saved her from
being ostracizeddresses.
sisterhood,--her by the garrison
"She must have had abundant means at some
time,"
are justsaid the ladies,
lovely, and all "for her dresses
her clothes are just the same way, very stylish in
make
No womanand most could expensive
quite break in material."
friendship with one who had such a mine of
fabulous interest
Saratogas. in her three
Nevertheless, all the letters from Robinson to Laramie, in
speaking
seeing, but--notof her, attractive."
said she was"If"worth anything," wrote one woman, "she is
actually
ladies in repellant in manner
the garrison." This was to halfherthestatus until late that spring, and then
cameMrs.
only another story,--a
Bruce received queer one,she
it, and butshowed the letter to her husband,
who bade
word of itsher to burnEre
contents. it andlong say no came,--to Mrs. Miller this time,--
another
and spokeofficers
by young of the odd losses
in the sustained
garrison. Mr. French, who lived under the same
roof with
robbed the Forrests,
twice. No clue to hadthebeen perpetrator. Then came the spring outbreak of
the Sioux,
Bull and Crazy the rush to join
Horse, the Sitting
news of the sharp fight late in March, and the
situation atApril
alarming. Robinson
brought became
the refugees to Laramie, and here, among others,
aAnd
eager
"One
step-mother,
tall,now
were thing
to
fine-looking
the resume
Miss
isand
certain,"
ForrestsForrest
his
thesoldier
and place
doctor
said
wasPosts.
the atwho
Mrs.
strolling
has
herhadbeen
side.
Gordon,
met
placidly
simply
It was
her
"iffor
hardly
devoted
Iup
were
the
andfair
first
Nellie
down
toto
time
her
the
Bayard
the
for
only
other
walk
thethe
Ilast
would
and
entirely
previous
women,
upon
not
three
wantdays."
themonopolizing
and
evening
to
fact.
have
theyherand
were for
was
the
not
a attention
evidently
slow to remarkof
"Yes, he seems decidedly smitten, Mrs. Gordon; but did we not hear that
Dr. Bayard
devoted was always
to some doingyoung
woman,--a the one preferred?" asked her next-door
aneighbor,
moment's who had just dropped in for
chat.
"Mrs. Miller certainly told me so; it was his reputation in the East, and
very possibly
such he is attracted
an undeniably now
stylish and by
handsome girl. She can't be so very young,
either.
her Look at those lines under
eyes."
"Yes, and when she turns her head her neck shows it; the throat is getting
stringy.
the officeHere
now.comes the doctor
I warrant fromevery other woman and goes straight to
he passes
her."
"Then it will be 'good-by, Mr. Mayhew,' to her present escort, I warrant
you for
use in return. Fanny
subalterns Forrest
except hasto
as fun nopass away the time."
"Yet she made eyes at Mr. McLean all that first day she was at the
Millers'.
Mrs. I think
Miller thatbear
cannot is really the reason
her. She won't speak of her if she can help it. Now
watch the doctor."
There were perhaps half a dozen ladies in the party at the moment, and all
eyes were fastened
distinguished on Dr.
form of the Bayard
tall andas he strode across the parade, his
handsome,advantage
excellent portly figure showing
in his to uniform. They saw him bare his
snug-fitting
head
to andForrest
Miss bow with
and courtier-like grace as he stopped and extended his
again to her escort
hand. Then,
bowed after a few
as gracefully words,and
as before he again
passed on in the direction of the
hospital.
"Certainly the most elegant man in manner and bearing we have seen at
Laramie
Mrs. for I don't
Gordon. know
"I don't when,"
wonder saidworships him."
Nellie
"She thinks her father simply perfect," was Mrs. Wells's reply. "I dread to
think what comes,
disillusion it will cost her when
as come it must. Why! Who is that he is talking with
now?"
At the north-west corner of the quadrangle, just beyond "Bedlam," the
doctor
man whohadworeencountered
an overcoat a stoutly-built
of handsome beaver fur thrown wide open
over the chest
spring-like in deference
mildness to the
of the morning, and who carried a travelling-bag of
leather in one cordial
of apparently hand. Afterchat athe moment
two men walked rapidly southward along
the gravel
piazzas upon path,them all eyes
as they fromcame,all the
and, passing one or two groups of ladies,
entered the
quarters, wheregatewayNellie at Bayard
the doctor'swith "the Gordon girls" happened to be
seatedWells
Mrs. on the veranda.
arose from Mrs. Gordonand
their chairs andgazed across the parade, in their
very
goingnatural
on "over curiosity to see what
at the doctor's." Theywassaw the stranger raise his cap, and
bow low over
extended to him, theand hand thenthatmake
Nelliea bobbing obeisance to each of the
Gordon
Then he girls
took as he was
a chair bypresented
Miss Bayard's to them.
side, while the servant came out
and relieved
bag, him of his
and the Gordon girlsovercoat
were seen and saying adieu. Nellie followed them to
the gate,
strangerbuthadtheynot evidently
come tofelt seethat
them, and that it was time to leave. The
ladiescoming
their on the homewith no piazza
little awaited
impatience, and Mrs. Gordon was prepared to
administer
when they werea sharp seenmaternal
to stopreproof
in answer to hails from the groups they. Everybody en route
wanted to
passedwho the fur-coated stranger was, and their progress homeward from
know
nothing
her,
whereat,
hand,
As
Roswell
the asouth-west
the
consequence,
andelder
short
Holmes,
facing
boremaiden
ofangle
down
north,
"running
ofevery
Chicago,
upon
ofstood
was, the
woman
the
the
two
the
gauntlet"
the
pair
big
strove
therefore, along
"wealthy
in
house
sudden
to
of
that
"cut
interrogations.
of
mine-owner
side
the
swoop
across
of
commanding
Laramie
from
lots"
and
Possibly
her
when
knew
cattle-
piazza
officer;
she
before
in came
tobut
the
anticipation
near
Mrs.
front
surrender
Mesdames
grower,"
the
Miller
gate,
south-eastern
had
their
and
Gordon
was
ofjust
the
they
information.
too
arrived
displeasure
and
had
experienced
corner,
Wells
toinstop
histhat
awaiting
own
anda
conveyance from Cheyenne, and had been invited to put up at the doctor's
quarters during his stay at the fort.
"Think of it!" exclaimed Mrs. Gordon, "a bachelor, only thirty-eight, and
worth a seized
Bayard million. No wonder Dr.
him!"
"The doctor knew him before, mother," put in her daughter. "Nellie wasn't
introduced
and told herathow
all. He
gladcame right
he was to up
see her again,--he looked it, too."
"They knew him in Chicago,--met him there on the way out," said the
younger.
Now, look!"I heard
Here comethe doctor
Fannysay so. and Mr. Mayhew, and she wants to
Forrest
know who
doesn't she'sthethestranger is; if I've
first person she met who didn't ask."
But Miss Forrest proved an exception to the rule, so far as questions were
concerned,
front of the at least.
gate, She stopped
looking in up at the group on the piazza.
beamingly
"Mrs. Gordon," she said, "Mr. Mayhew has invited me to walk down to
the camp
haven't of the
been battalion,
outside and, of
the limits as the
I post since we came, I should like to
go. They
'field kits'are to have
in half inspection
an hour. Don't in
you want to come with the girls? He says
there are half
gentlemen a dozen
down thereyoung
who are eager to see them----"
"Oh, mamma, do!" implored both girls in a breath.
"Why, I hardly know, Miss Forrest," answered Mrs. Gordon, hesitatingly.

"Cannot Mrs. Forrest go?"
"Ruth is never ready to go anywhere," answered Miss Forrest, half
laughingly,"She
emphasis. yet with a certain
is a slave to her rueful
babies, and as for Celestine, the nurse, she
is no help to her whatever."
"Of course you girls must have a 'matron,'" said Mrs. Gordon. "How long
will you be there, Mr. Mayhew?"
"Oh, just about half an hour or so, Mrs. Gordon. Then inspection will be
over, with
back and we fellows
you. It's justcan
forallthecome
walk, you know, and the pleasure it will
give a raftwas
Mayhew of second lieutenants."
a first lieutenant (Mr.year's standing.) "They'll bless me
of one
for bringing them down."
"Do let the girls go with us, Mrs. Gordon, and if you are too busy I'll see
Ruthhome
stay at once.
andI look
can make Celestine
after the children, though she cannot; and here come
Mr. Hatton
them, andwill
at least, Mr.be McLean. One us,"
glad to join of said Miss Forrest, with the
confidence
"Perhaps bothof handsome
of them. No. womanhood.
They are turning off across the parade. Call
them, Mr. Mayhew. Let no guilty man
escape."
Obediently Lieutenant Mayhew shouted to the two young officers who

had just
of the comecommanding.
major forth from the presence
Both were in undress uniform and sword-belts;
both
at thehad caughtgate
Gordons' sightatofthe
thesame
tall girl
instant, and, had any one disposed to be
critical been
somebody looking
would have on,been
thatjustified in saying they "sheered off" the very
next instant
within speaking so asdistance.
not to passMrs. herMiller,
by sitting where she could see the
change in their
whole affair, wasline of direction,
struck and watched them in no little curiosity as
by the sudden
they halted
Mayhew's
"What
"Come
"Can't; isI'm
over
it,call.
officer
in
Mayhew?"
here
recognition
aof
minute,
thesung
day."
ofyou
outand
Hatton.
McLean. I have a scheme to unfold."
"Well, you come, McLean. Miss Forrest wants to speak with you."
"Mac, there's no way out of it," growled Hatton between his set teeth;
"you've got to go."
"Be at the house in ten minutes, then. I'll join you there," said McLean,
glancing as
comrade over
hehis shoulders
started acrossatthe
hisspringy turf to obey the summons. "What
is it, Miss Forrest?"
"Good-morning Mrs.heGordon--Mrs.
inquired. Wells--everybody," he continued, as,
withobeisance
his forage-cap
to in
thehand, he made
various ladies of the party.
"I want you to prove how we Bedlamites stand by one another by placing
yourself
whole under
hour. Youmy orders
have for a or engagement, have you?"
no duty
McLean would have given--he knew not what--to be able to say he had; was something
rencontre
but thisunlooked for. He could easily have pleaded letters, or company
utterly
duty,brook.
not but evasion
"I havewas a trick
none," he couldanswered.
he quietly
"Then, for the honor of Bedlam, offer your services to these young ladies
and be they
where theirare
escort down
dying to camp,
to go."
"Why, Fanny Forrest! how dare you?" gasped Kate Gordon, the elder.
"Indeed, Miss Forrest, I will not have a detailed escort," indignantly

protested Jeannie, the younger.
"What illimitable effrontery!" was the muttered comment of Mrs. Wells,
whileto
what poor
sayMrs.
or doGordon hardlyand
in her amaze knew annoyance. McLean himself had
flushed crimson
influence under the combined
of embarrassment and the recollection of the long talk he and
Hatton hadtoo,
Mayhew, hadcould
but two nights
hardly before.
control his surprise, but he declared afterward,
when the matter
comment down atcame upthat
camp, for he would "give a heap to have that man
McLean's
hardly self-possession,"
an instant's delay thefor withvoice was heard above the voluble
latter's
protests of the two
ladies,--cordial, young
kindly, even entreating.
"I should like it, of all things. I want to run down and see the First in the
new field Gordon.
me, Mrs. rig. Do let the girls
Come, MissgoKate;
with come, Miss Jeannie. I'll leave my
sword at my quarters as we go."
"Didn't I tell you, Mr. Mayhew?" said Miss Forrest, with heightened color
andarm.
his a confident smile as she
"It is something took
to be a queen, if it's only the queen of Bedlam."
And though, rather than create a scene, Mrs. Gordon and her daughters
joinedBruce
Miss the party, and to
decided Mrs.
go,Wells
it wasandnoticed then and referred to afterward
that Mr.atMcLean
looked neveror
Miss Forrest sonoticed
much asher in any way at the time of this
occurrence.
story had gone It was hardly
all over thenight before
garrison, andtheadded to Miss Forrest's growing
unpopularity;Mrs.
kind-hearted and itMiller
was herself who exclaimed, on hearing the details in
the inevitably
which all suchexaggerated
narrative must form in "I declare! the title she has assumed
travel,
seems to fit her,--Queen of Bedlam,
indeed!"
The adoctor
been
had
scene
bureauin
large
ofofficials,
garrison,
Indian
was
cattle-range
hostility
giving
or
where
suchafarther
his
and
was
little
advent
depredation;
their
dinner
to the
dread
hadin
south,
created
honor
ofbut
their
beyond
such
ofmore
turbulent
hishad
the
friend
of become
aChugwater
flutter
charges
Mr. Holmes.
the
than
atlaxity
andthe
IV.discipline
Two
coming
comparatively
of
reservations,
daysofnow
anon
that,
inspector-general.
removed
had
thefrom
that
parttime
gentleman
from
of thetothe
time,
He
marauding parties of young warriors had been raiding from the agencies
during
the theRiver
Platte monthandof dashing
April, crossing
down on the outskirts of the great cattle-herds
south ofofScott's
valleys Bluffsand
Horsehead andBear
in the
Creeks. One party had even dared to attack
the ranches
Valley at thefar up the of
crossing Chugwater
the Cheyenne road; another had ridden all around
Fort
aboveLaramie,
and below;fording
and the Platte
several of them had made away with dozens of
head ofofcattle
brand bearingof
Mr. Holmes theChicago.
well-knownIt was to see what could be done toward
preventing
sort of thingthe recurrence
that brought Mr.of this
Holmes to Laramie. At least he said so, but
there quick
were were ladies in the garrison
to determine who worth more to him than a few
that something
hundred head
him to take ofdangerous
that cattle had ride
prompted
up from the railway. "He would never
have thought
Wells it worth
after a day while,"
of quiet said Mrs."had Nellie Bayard not been here."
observation,
Another thing to give color to this theory was the fact that, yielding to the
importunities
his of Major Miller
frequent telegraphic reportsand of Indian dashes on the neighboring
ranches,
ordered athe division
troop commander
of cavalry back from had patrol duty around the reservation,
and "The
very nightGrays"
before.had marchedparty
A scouting in theof an officer and twenty troopers rode
forth over
look that morning with orders
the Chugwater and the to intervening country around Eagle's Nest.
If Mr.
get backHolmes were inhere
to business, a hurry
was to excellent opportunity of driving half the
wayHolmes,
Mr. to Cheyennewho under
had been escort. But emphatic in his announcement that
somewhat
he could only
apparently wellstay one day,
content withwas his comfortable quarters under the doctor's
roof. for
said, He while
might upnow in stay
that longer,
part of the he country he might just as well look
over somethere
provided mines in the
were Black of
a chance Hills,
getting thither alive. Except for heavily
guarded
was at antrains, all communication
end between the scattered settlements of the Hills and the posts
along the
Pacific Platte and
Railway. Thethe Unionswarmed out from the reservations, attacking
Indians
everything that appeared
road, and sometimes along the entire "outfit"; after plundering and
capturing
scalping
fires of thetheir victimsand
wagons, they built lively
cheerfully roasted alive such of their prisoners as
hadfirst
the the ill-luck
place. Thenot road
to betokilled in Hills, either from Sidney or by way
the Black
of FortofLaramie,
ashes was lined
burned wagons, with
and, in the
lieu of mile-posts, was staked with little,
rude,
marking unpainted
the gravecrosses,
of some eachvictim of this savage warfare; and Mr. Holmes
was quite
would right
be far in his
safer andtheory that itto stay at Laramie until some big party
pleasanter
went hospitable
most up to the Hills.
in hisThe doctorinvitation
pressing was for him to make his house a
homeNellie
him. just aswas
longglad
as ittomight
win her please
beloved father's praise by doing what she
could to make
attractive to histhe armythe
guest; homestead
guest himself was courteous, well-bred and
cordial
friends in allmanner,
over thereadily
garrison; winning
and the only man to whom his protracted
visit becamewas
disquietude a matter of serious
poor Randall McLean. With a lover's intuition he saw that
the wealthyinChicagoan
interested sweet Nellie was deeplyand that her father eagerly favored the
Bayard,
suit.
Up to the hour of Mr. Holmes's arrival, there was not a day on which the
young
or one fellow
or morehad not enjoyed
delightful chatsawithwalkthe doctor's pretty daughter. He had
rivals;bachelor
no other there were at theatmoment
officers the post, with the exception of Hatton, who,
besides having
disposition a chivalrous
not to cut in where his comrade was interested, was popularly
supposed
of Miss Janet to beBruce.
the peculiar property
Now, however, since Mr. Holmes had taken up his abode under the
sculapian
found vineimpossible
it simply and fig-tree, McLean
to see the lady of his love except in general
despite
unobtrusive,
his
Roswell
Holmes
began
owntohis
company. had
substantial
Holmes
look
thirty-eight
Thearranged
itvery
wasin ominous
Chicagopatent
claims
thetoyears,
parlor;
goto
had
calling
before
McLean
was
and,
hadrarely
capitalist, at
full
the
when
that
that
end
consideration.
out
he
very
heofof
sought
meant
that
time,
reach
second
no
toand
ofNo
engage
other
the
papa
matter
day,
little
man
her
had
and
pink
atshould
for
when
what
aear,
and,evening
charm
hour
walk,
expressed
the
McLean
though
the
ititso
with
lieutenant
was
his
happened
of
courteous
decidedly
awish
the
lover's
dinner
called,
that
that
and
wooing
she
low
papa
came
there
should
in his
and
until
Mr.
was mind.
go
Mr.too.HeIt was not even invited.
Now there was nothing in this circumstance to which he should have

attached
Army any importance
quarters are small at whatever.
best, and a dining-room on the frontier big
enough
was to accommodate
in those days a decided a dozen
rarity.people
The doctor, after consultation with
Nellie
the and with
kitchen, had the presiding
decided upongoddess
ten as thein proper number to be seated at his
table.
crowding,Thereandwould then be
all might go no
off without confusion. Very proud was the
doctorand
plate of some moreprecious old family
modern and even more beautiful china with which he
adorned hisHe
occasions. table on state
wanted to make an impression on his wealthy guest, and
this was anHe
neglected. opportunity
gave muchnot to be too, to the composition of his party. The
thought,
commanding
must, of course, officer and hisCaptain
be invited. wife and Mrs. Bruce he decided upon
because
and, they were
for army folks,people of much
remarkably travel
well read and informed. They would
reflect credit
adjutant on his
and his wifeentertainment.
were also bidden The as being guests who would grace
board.
his own But he
junior anddid not invite
assistant, Dr.even
Weeks. "I can explain all that, Nellie. He
won't
if Holmesmind,"canhestay
said,
till"and besides,
the end of the week, I'll give another and have all
the
up atyoungsters."
that, for herShe had
heart brightened
misgave her a little at the thought of her most loyal
friendsshe
Then being left very
looked out ingrave
the cold.
again when his next words were spoken.
"And
to make now,
ourdear,
partywe want oneand
complete, more
no lady
one will do as well as Miss Forrest."
Poor Nellie! She knew not what to say. Her father was, of course,
cognizant
strange girl,of and
the growing dislike tosome
had pooh-poohed that of the stories that had been
brought in
woman to the
his officers'
ears. There was not
quarters whoma she would not rather have invited,
yet from
depths ofthe
hervery
soul first
that she
Missfelt in thewould be her father's choice. One
Forrest
timid
of little
Janet suggestion
Bruce, since hersheparents
made in favor
were to be of the party; but the doctor
promptly scouted it.
"Why, daughter, she's barely seventeen, a girl who would not be in society
at allwith
and anywhere in civilization;"
a sigh Nellie abandoned the point. "Besides," said the doctor as a
clincher,
affair; just"Ithink
want how
this amuch
'swell'
Miss Forrest's taste in dress will help out."
Certainly his judgment was warranted by her appearance the evening of

the dinner,
arrive, Fannywhen, the last
Forrest came guest to down the stairs and into the brightly
rustling
lighted
just parlor.
before It had
sunset, begun
and to rain
she had brought Celestine with her to hold the
umbrella hands
jewelled over her while her
gathered own
those costly skirts about her under the folds of the
gossamer
head thatThe
to feet. enveloped her from
girl, a bright, intelligent mulattress, followed her
mistress
the use ofupstairs to the
the ladies, androom
was set apart
busy for
removing her wraps when Nellie ran
up to inquire if she could be of any
assistance.
"Thank you heartily, Nellie," was the cordial answer. "How simply
exquisite you look smile
Forrest's winsome to-night!" and Missthan ever as she bent her head to
was brighter
kiss the
pale reluctant
under cheek
her touch. thatrun
"No, seemed
back to your guests. Celestine will put me
to rights
down in ainjiffy;
a minute,
don't and I'll be
wait."
And so Nellie returned to the parlor, and in a moment Celestine came

down
and andMiss
then passed out at light
Forrest's the front door,could be heard aloft as the guests
footfalls
grouped themselves
parlor,--the about
men in their the
full-dress uniforms, except, of course, their
civilian friend,--the
becoming ladies
dinner toilet. in their
Despite hermost
growing unpopularity every eye was
the
"Thought
are
forward
up
and and
women
superb!"
turnedspoke
saying
inyou
ahis
(withand
few
aeagerness
said
aspeech
most
Dr.
word
courteous
her
Bayard)
graceful
that
ofneck
onadmiration;
cost
words
theshowed
when
manner
himbefore
part Miss
ofmetaphorical
her
even
to meet
Forrest's
age,"
heMr.
turned
and
whispered
Holmes
silken
salt
welcome
back
infixed
skirts
his
tothe
Nellie's
her.
coffee
his
major
came
Captain
dark
for
side;
toeyes
the
his entre
was
asweeping
better
next
Bruce
upon
and
triumph.
Mrs.
three
her
half.
could
in
Miller
down
days.
"Why,
unmistakable
not the
The
unlimbered
refrain
her
stairs.
doctor
neck
from
approval,
Her
and
stepped
her
hobbling
arms
eye-glasses, mounted them on her prominent nose, gazed long and

earnestlywho
woman at the
wasself-possessed
the centre of theyounggroup, and then looked for sympathy to
Mrs.life
her Bruce--and
had Fannyfound it. Never
Forrest lookedinbetter than she did that night. Her eyes,
her color,
itself; her her smiles
mobile lipswere
curvedradiance
over teeth as white and gleaming as
crystalled
beautifullysnow.
moulded,Her bare
wereneck andtoarms,
set off wonderful advantage by the dress she
wore,--a
rare, marvellous
lustrous gown
black silk, thatoffell
rich,
from her rounded hips in sweeping folds
that the women
sufficiently could
admire, not their eyes gloated over the wealth of gold with
while
which the
bosom entire
to the very front
hemfrom
of thetheskirt was heavily embroidered. An aigrette
of
hergold
hair,shone
but not in athe dark masses
vestige of gold ofor gems appeared either at her throat or
in her ears.
carried a fanInofher jewelled
black handembroidered
silk, gold she like her dress, and the tiny
slippers
her robe that
werepeeped
of the from
same the hem of
material and embroidered in a miniature of the
same pattern.
"Fort Laramie never saw anything handsomer than that toilet," whispered
Mrs. Bruce
earliest to the major's
opportunity; and thewife at the
latter, kind soul, was sufficiently melted by
the sight
and to think
say, "How of her
I wish neighbors
Mrs. Jordan and Mrs. Wells were here to see it!"
The dinner went off merrily as chimes a marriage-bell. The doctor was in
his element when
well-appointed presiding
table; his cookat awas one whom he had had at Newport and
Boston
servitor Harbor,
as such and a very go;
characters reliable
his wines were, some of them, gifts from
wealthyheand
whom hadaristocratic
managed topatients
serve in the days when the sunshine of official
afavor
fundillumined
of anecdote his and
dailytable
life;talk;
he hadhis guests were responsive and full of
appreciation
provided for of the Nellie,
them. entertainment
in her shy maidenhood, was a lovely picture at
the head
who sat atofher
hisleft,
board;
wasand Holmes,
evidently more impressed than ever. A son-in-law
like that,ofrich,
a leader manly,
affairs in theandcity
educated,
where he made his home,--the very thought
lentjudges
the inspiration to the
and the doctor's
senators life.East
of the If had turned their backs upon him,
here he could
influence amongfindthenew power
active and
sons of the young and vigorous West. What a
pity!general
the What acommanding
pity! he thought, that were not here. He was coming, they
the division
all
day.knew,
Now,and might
if he be along
had only anyin time to be one of the guests this bright
arrived
evening,
effect whonot
might canhave
say been?
what the
It must have been just before tattoo--after they had been at the table a full
hour,
the and tongues
doctor's were and
good wine, loosened by and jest and merry talk were going
laughter
round--that
doctor's right Mrs. Miller, sitting
as became the ladyat of
thethe commanding officer, was
surprised
been closedto see the hall-door,
throughout which swing
the evening, had very slowly a few inches
inward. At
curtains thatthe same
hung moment
about the lace leading into the parlor swayed
the archway
noiselessly
back to theirtoward
normalher and then
position. settled the major, who was at Miss
Presently
Bayard's right,began
the hall-door, and with his back
to fidget and close to
look uneasily about. The doctor was just
telling a very
moment and shegood storynot
could at bear
the to interrupt him, but after the laughter and
applause
her had subsided
husband's rescue. she came to
"The major is keenly susceptible to colds, doctor, and I see he is fidgeting

a bit. shut?"
door Would you mind having that
"Which door, Mrs. Miller? Most assuredly. I thought it was closed. Here,
servant,
latches,"
"Perfectly
"I sprung"go
Robert," hede
tight,
said,
and
latch
calledsir.
seeapologetically.
myself
toAin't
ifhis
thecolored
been
to
front
keep
open
door
"Was
it from
dis
isitshut.
evenin'
shut?"
floppin'
Thehe
since
wind
open
asked,
Miss
sometimes
as as
itForrest
sometimes
Robertproves
done
too yere,"
returned
had
got
"All
does."
much
been
right.with
sent
for
was
Never
these
an
on
Robert's
injured
amind.
wild-goose
quartermaster's
prompt
You
air as
feel
of
chase.
reply.
no
onedraft
whonow, do you, major?"
"Not a particle. It was all fancy, probably." And the laughter and talk
began again.
Later that long-remembered evening, as they sat around a blazing log fire,
for the
by the rain,
nightthere
had been made mirth
was much chillyand chatter and gayety. Miss Forrest
developed
envied. Shea sang
new trait
with to make spirit
infinite her and a great deal of taste. Nellie's piano
hadWestern
the known no such performer
wilderness in
as the brilliant young woman in the lovely black
silk, whose
over fingers
the keys, went flashing
and whose voice came carolling forth in rich and wonderful
anotes.
deepItmezzo,
was a and
contralto, or atshe
the songs least
sung were well adapted to its low and
feeling
her much tones.
of theMr. Holmes
time as shestood overand applauded heartily when she had
played,
sung. "I did in
nightingale notthe
expect to find such
wilderness," a
he said.
"You were looking for a very different object, were you not?" said she,
raising her
scrutiny, dark
then eyes to them
dropping his inquickly
deep until the lashes swept her cheek.
"Possibly," he replied, with calm gravity. "I had several objects in view,
but I rejoice
enabled me toinhear
a visit
so that has a vocalist. I wonder no one spoke of your
cultured
singing before, Miss Forrest."
"Cease to wonder, Mr. Holmes. It is the first time I have seen a piano in
six monthsand
Robinson, or more.
I wouldWehave
had none at like singing if there had been one."
felt little
"May I ask where you studied music?"
"You may. It is evident that, like most people I know in civilization, you
are surprised to hear
accomplishments of kind other than shooting and riding in the army."
of any
Holmes laughed merrily. "You are loyal to the comrades of your adoption,
Miss frontier
your Forrest, life
andbegan
yet they
lesstell mea year ago."
than
"True; but I like the men I've met here, and might like the women if they
would
do not let
seemme.toAs yet, however,
agree, thanks to we
an unfortunate propensity of mine for
saying
my what
mind happens
at the moment;to bepossibly
uppermost in good and equally sufficient
for other
reasons.Mainly
music? You asked where
in New I studied
York and Munich."
"You have been abroad, then?"
"Years; as companion to an invalid aunt, thanks to whom I saw very little

of foreign
whom countries,
I would and but
have seen for
nothing."
"You changed the subject abruptly, a moment ago, Miss Forrest. You were
speaking
ladies of Forgive
here. your relations
me if Iwith
referthe
to it, for I was interested in what you told
me.
you Surely
are cananever
woman lackasfriends
gifted as
among her own sex. Have you never sought
to win Miss Bayard, for instance?"
There was a moment's pause. Then she looked full up into his face, her
fingers rippling over the keys as she
spoke.
"Mr. Holmes,
"The doctor ishas
calling
it never
us tooccurred
the dining-room,
to you that Miss
in friendship,
Forrest; may
as in
I offer
love,my
a
girl drew
prefer
He
arm?"
aroseofand
some
was
Nellie
slowly
went
his
one
Bayard's
only
with
back
muchreply,
him.
from
age
nearer
and
would
theher
she
piano
ownandyears?"
stood at his full height.
They found the entire party grouped about the table, which was now
decked with
beautiful a great punch-bowl
workmanship. A present,of the doctor explained with evident
pride, from
Russian Baronat
Legation Wallewski,
Washington,of the
whom he had had the honor of pulling
through
years a siege
before. of insomnia
It was two
more than anything else to display the beauty of this
costly gift that
once more he had
around called them
his board, but, since they were there, he would beg
them
his to fill
own their glasses with a not
composition,--"there's punch of
a headache in a Heidelberg tun of it,"--
anddistinguished
the pledged with donor.
them the health of
A ring came at the front door as Robert was standing, tray in hand, at his
master's
any elbow. "Say
one inquires I'm engaged,
for me," if and launched forth into some
said Bayard,
reminiscence
Wallewski andofBodisco
the daysand
when he and
others of that ilk were at Old Point Comfort
for a weekfrom
returning together. Robert,
the front hall, stood in silence, like the well-trained menial
he was, until
narration andhis
themaster
guests finished histhe toast. It was a performance of
had sipped
some
doctorminutes'
turned. duration, and at last the
"Who was it?" he said.
"Mr. McLean, sah."
"Wanted to see me."
"No, sah. The commanding officer, sah. He wouldn't come in; he's
standing
him, in themos'
but 'twas hall yet, sah. Said s'cuse
impawtant."
Major Miller instantly set down his punch-glass, and strode out through
the parlor
season into the front
of incessant hall.and
rumors It was a and the party could not forbear
alarms,
listening.
"Halloo, McLean! What's up?" they heard him say.
"A courier just in from the cavalry, sir. They've had a sharp fight over in
the Chug
Two men Valley, north
killed and of Hunton's.
Lieutenant Blunt wounded. The Indians went by way
of Eagle's
recross theNest,
Platteand willus.
below try Captain
to Terry is saddling up the Grays now,
and
withsent
him,me to tell you. May I go
sir?"
"I'll be down at once. Certainly, you may go. Terry has no lieutenant for
duty otherwise."
reappeared The major
an instant in the parlor, whither by this time all the party had
hastily
of dismaymoved
and uttering
anxiety, exclamations
for Blunt was a young officer beloved by every
one. "You'll
start excuse
the troop out inme, doctor.
pursuit I mustsaid Miller; and then, followed by
at once,"
his adjutant,
darkness. he plunged
When forth into
Nellie Bayard, thewhite cheeks, peeped timidly into the
with
hall itwithout
gone was empty. McLean
a look or wordhadfor her.
"By Jove, doctor, this sort of thing makes my pulses jump," exclaimed Mr.
Holmes
gone. the moment
"Can't I go andthe seemajor had I'd like to offer a prize to the troop--or
the start?
something."
"Of
A
began
his
"What's
moment
hand
course
fumbling
the
into
later
you
matter?"
those
can.
Mr.
in the
within
Holmes
I'll
asked
pockets,
go,the
too.
the
was
broad
doctor.
first
We'll
slipping
one
lapels,
all
"Want
and
go.
into
aIthen
look
another
know
his another.
beaver
ofthe
bewilderment
cigar?
ladies
overcoat
HeHere,
tried
wantthat
man!
the
to. had
Run raining
isn't
been
outside,
coming
There up
hanging
are
and
over
then
plenty
get
now."
his
threw
inyour
the
face.
inAnd
the
ithall.
wraps,
open
dining-room;
the
Then
and
ladies,
though
he
thrust
oneit and all, scurried away up the stairs.
let me get you one."
"No, no! It isn't that! I've smoked enough. Wait a moment." And again he
thrust his
"Hold hands
on till deep
I run up in
to the
my pockets.
room," he continued, and darted lightly up the
stairs. The ladies
down again weregrouped
and were all fluttering
in the lower hall as he came back, laughing,
but face.
his with an odd, white look about
"Holmes! Something's the matter. What have you lost? What's been
taken?"
"Nothing--nothing of any consequence. Come on. Let us hurry after the
major, or
Miller, we'll me,"
permit miss and
the fun. Mrs. his arm to the major's wife, who stood
he offered
nearest the door.
"No, but I insist on knowing what is missing, Holmes. It is my right to
know," called
struggled into the
his doctor, as he
army overcoat.
"Nothing but a cigar-case and an old pocket-book. I've mislaid them

somewhere
Come on." and there's no time to look.
"Mr. Holmes," said Mrs. Miller in a low tone, "I have abundant reason for
asking
was thatand--no! Tell me.
pocket-book andWhere
how much money was there in it?"
"In my overcoat-pocket, at sunset. Probably one hundred dollars or so. I

nevernot
will carry much
speak of it,inMrs.
that way. You
Miller?"
"To my husband I must, and this very night. You do not dream what
trouble we are in, with a thief in our very
midst."
"Some of the servants, I suppose," he said, carelessly.
But to his surprise she only bowed her head and was silent a moment, then
muttered rather than spoke the
words,--
"God knows. I only hope so!"
V.
"What a trump that young fellow McLean seems to be, doctor," said Mr.
Holmes,
as the tworeflectively, late that night
men were smoking a final cigar together.
"Oh, he's not a bad lot by any means," was the reply. "Good deal of a boy,
you know.
life. Doesn'tHas no experience
know anything, inoffact, except what professional knowledge
he picked
expect up at the
anything elsePoint.
of anYou can'tsubaltern whose army life has been
infantry
spent out in this God-forsaken
country."
garrison
"Why
hate
"That's
compelled
tastes
it werethe
and
do
not
all
clatter
associations.
you
antecedents,--you'd
very
as
forIalways
Nellie.
am
and
well.
to
racket
You
bring
run
Who
It isdown
are
and
galling
up
is unmarried,
there
curse
arush
this
daughter
toof
here,
country,
the
me
Chicago
fates
to
except
and
inthink
these
doctor?
that
can
more
possibly
of
come
landed
barbaric
her
It's
andhaving
and
ayou
more
Miss
glorious
wilds,
goinForrest,
to
every
asthe
spend
or
youarmy.
even
time
so
Icountry,
please.
to
Still,
much
who,
go
live
back
Iby
of
would
here
Ifbirth,
aher
you
to
magnificent
atit."
fair
not
were
all,--a
education,
young
mind
aman
man
country.
itlife
so
and
of
ofin
much
my
family
social
these
I declare
if and I
position, is fit to be an intimate or friend? What opportunities has a girl of

her--pardon
in such a millmy asegotism--parentage
this?"
Holmes almost choked over his cigar. He bent impulsively forward as

though to speak,
words, shook his but gulped
head, back his
and began puffing vigorously once more. He felt
that the
knew time
that hadher
with notheyet
was come. He no progress whatever. She had been
making
cordial, daughter
father's sweet, kind, as befitted
to her her but this day, as though her woman's
father's guest;
wit were
heart, fathoming
a suspicion ofthe secretand
reserve of distance
his had been creeping into her
manner
Then heand deepening
recalled toward night.
Miss Forrest's trenchant words; he remembered the white
face the
into thatempty
came back fromMcLean
hall. Was the peepthe man "nearer her own years" who had
alreadyHe
heart? found
had acome
lodgement
back full in her
of admiration for the young soldier whose
plucktoand
him begambition
for servicehadonprompted
a probably dangerous expedition, a pursuit of the
band thatand
comrade hadkilled
woundedtwo hisof his men. He wanted to know more of him.
"Speaking of young McLean, who is he? The name is one of the best."
"Oh, he's only distantly related to the main line, I fancy. The country is
full of them, but
theMcLeans. only a few
Of course, belongthey
I suppose to all hail from the old Highland clan,
but even there
demarcation the line
between of and gillie of the same name was broad as
chieftain
the border
had moneyitself. If the young
or influence fellowout well enough, provided he could
he'd come
travel a year, or
savoir-faire andso.heHe needs
can't polish,
travel because he's in debt and hasn't a penny in the world."
"How in debt? One would suppose a young fellow of his appearance could
live on hisI pay,
gambled. unless
rather he drank
fancied or given to that sort of thing."
he wasn't
"Oh, it isn't that; he's steady enough. The trouble with McLean is some
commissary
away with bystores that were
his sergeant made
when he was 'acting' here last winter. He could
hardly
sergeanthelp
wasit,anI suppose: theand hid his stealings completely, and made a
expert thief
very pretty
flour penny
and sugar andselling
coffeebacon andBlack Hills outfits going up the last
to these
year or so. When
quartermaster got the regimental
back and the stores were turned over to him, the
sergeant
was foundpromptly
short aboutskipped, and McLean
six hundred dollars' worth. They had a board of
survey
case lastonly
were winter, and issued
finally the orders inweeks
a few the ago just as he returned from
leave. He's got
his pay,--he hastonothing
make itelse."
all up out of
"Isn't that pretty rough on the youngster?"
"Yes, perhaps, but it's business. He won't have such confidence in human
naturehere
back again. If that
I could sergeant
account forwere
the disappearance of your porte-monnaie by
a surer
it hypothesis
or dropped it. Arethan
youthat
sureyou
youlost
dropped it?"
"Well, no, I can't be sure," said Holmes, knocking the ashes off his cigar,
"but it could
easily. have soearnestly
I was talking happened, allvery
the way home from the store, where we
stopped
you comingand
remember, back
I'mfrom stables,
getting absent-minded at times. Besides, how else
couldbeen
have it have gone,
in the supposing
pocket of the itovercoat
to when I hung it in the hall just
"He hasthe
is
before been
only
dressing
had Robert with
man
forme
years." whoover
dinner?hasYou
seven
been years,
in the and
have hallcame
to-night.
to meNowith
one acould
high have
character
never
come
were atin
heard
dinner."
from
from
ofthe
his
thefront
being
old First
while
even Artillery.
we
suspected I of dishonesty."
"No one without our knowledge. The door has a queer sort of latch or
lock.
let goSometimes in high
and blow open, butwinds
some itservant
wouldwho had lived here before we
came
it that put Robert
proved veryupeffective.
to a way No;
of catching
nobody was in the hall except McLean,
and of course
question. that is
Besides, heout
hadofnot
thetime. He was only there half a minute or so."
Mr. Holmes bowed without speaking. He remembered perfectly, however,

that McLean
Mr. it was nearer five
had to minutes
wait that the doctor was finishing that
there while
confounded
doctor story.
said, that Nevertheless,
was as the
out of the question.
"Oh, no!" he broke in hurriedly, "I cannot think any one here could have
taken it.my
among It will
otherturn upto-night,
traps somewhere or else I've dropped it. Don't think of it,
doctor;
than thethat
loss.distresses
Supposemewe far
turnworse
in now, and I'll look around my room once
more."
Half an hour later the doctor tapped softly at his guest's door.
"Found it?" he asked.
"No, not yet; going to bed," was the answer, accompanied by an

ostentatious yawn. "Good-night, doctor."
Mr. Holmes had indeed found no pocket-book. The discovery he made
was far
with less welcome.
sleeve-buttons to An amethyst
match, a piece pin
of personal property that he highly
valued, had disappeared
dressing-case. There were from
threehispairs of sleepless eyes in the doctor's
quarters
the when
call of the sentries
"Half-past twelvewere shouting
o'clock." Nellie Bayard, in her dainty little
white room, pillow
tear-stained was whispering
her prayerover a safety of Randall McLean, who was
for the
riding post-haste
Platte. Dr. Bayard,down the swollen
too excited to go to bed, had thrown himself on a sofa
and was plotting
planning for the
an alliance future
for his fairand
daughter that would mean power and
position
was forwith
sitting himself. And Mr.
darkened faceHolmes
at his bedside, gazing blankly at the
handkerchief
just in front ofhethe
had pickeda up
bureau, on the floorembroidered in one corner with
handkerchief
the letters R. McL.
*****
Over at the major's quarters were other sleepless eyes. It was late, nearly
midnight, when dictating
officer finished the commanding
his telegraphic despatches to department head-
quarters,
home Mrs.and whenwas
Miller he reached his up for him. A faithful and devoted
still sitting
spouse she
O'Dowd was,--something
order, of theto
and prone at times Peggy
order him about with scant ceremony,
but quickly
from resentfulShe
other sources. of any
couldslight
not bear that any man or woman should
suppose for embodiment
was not the an instant thatofher major
every attribute that became a soldier and a
man. She stood
knowledge between
of many him
a little and thesquabble or scandal rather than have
garrison
him annoyed by
consequence; buttales
nowthat
she were of no
had that to tell that concerned the honor and
welfare
she of the
felt that hewhole command,
must know and
at once.
"Major," she said to him when once they had gained the seclusion of the
marital
ever saidchamber,
anything"has Captain
further to you Bruce
about that story from Robinson last
winter?"
"N-nothing
"I
"but
the
have
know
letter
she
attached
that
and
I got.
much,"
he
I to
are
Now,
bade
some
very
answered
it
Mrs.
one
old
wasBruce
in
friends,
bad
Captain
Miller,
enough
destroy
aswho
you
Forrest's
that
the
dreaded
know,
these
letter
household;
and
things
she
thatshe
got
something
should
could
and
but things
say
not
have
more
no
well
areof
the same
would
more
avoid
occurred
worse
Mr. Hatton
about
telling
than
gladly
there,
kind
ever
to-day?"
it,"
me
have
was
pursued
and
now.
that
coming,
avoided
that
after
Have
Mrs.
suspicion
I the
you
and
told
Miller,
subject.
seen
her
should
of
"I've seen him, of course, but he didn't say anything on--on such a
subject."
"Now, I don't want you to blame Mr. Hatton, major. You must remember
that ahemother
like has always
to himsaid that I was
because I nursed him through the mountain fever, and
he has but
since; always confided
the other nightinwhile
me everhe was at the Gordons', the same night he
came to
went here
hisafter
roomtattoo, somebody
and stole from his trunk over one hundred and fifty
dollars in that
scarf-pin greenbacks andgave
his brother a beautiful
him."
"And he did not report it to me?" asked the major, impetuously.
"He did not then, though he meant to, because Mr. McLean induced him
to promise not to, because----"
"Well, because what? What reason could young McLean assign that could
justify
from thehiscommanding
concealing such a matter
officer?"
"Because he said it was cruel to allow a woman to be suspected, when she

had no man in the brother, or father--to take her part."
garrison--husband,
"A woman! What? some servant?"
"Worse than that, major,--Miss Forrest."
Bang! dropped the heavy boot the major had just pulled from his foot,
and, one boot
he started off stood
up and and the other at
staring boot
hison,
wife in blank amaze.
"Listen, dear," she said, "heaven knows it is no pleasure to tell it. She was
seen, so my
quarters of theletter said,who
officer in the
was robbed at Red Cloud, the night he was
officer
know, inofthe
thesame
day. They lived,
building. you
The night Mr. Hatton's trunk was opened she
cameprobably
Very very late ittowasthe she
Gordons'.
with whom Mr. McLean collided out on the
parade,you
when though
beganI hushed you summarily
to joke about it, and Mr. Hatton hints that McLean could
tell more
firmly setifhis
helips
would, but saying
against he has a word. However, that was before to-
night. Now
because forhappened
it has somethingtoeven worse,
a guest within our gates. Mr. Holmes's porte-
monnaie
dollars waswith overfrom
taken one his
hundred
overcoat-pocket as it hung in the hall to-night,
and I having
were saw heryour go out there while
after-dinner you I saw her go out there and stand by
smoke.
the hat-rack
patting and pretend
and admiring thattobeautiful
be fur. My back was turned, but the
mirror over the mantel showed it."
"How do you know he lost it?"
"He told me confidentially that he was sure it was taken from his pocket,
but he ishetrying
believe lost ittothrough
make the
hisdoctor
own carelessness."
"Seems to me you have confidential relations all around, Eliza; what more
has been imparted to you as a
secret?"
for years,
"Nothing,"
heard
"That quite
she and
dresses
answered
enough,
comein out
combined
most
Mrs.here
extravagant
Miller,
towith
be paying
a what
burden
style;
we
noon
that
attention
allher
know,
shebrother,
has
whatever
tosuddenly
make
whome
to
hashad
the
feelfirst
to
portion
that
going
"What
quit
nothing
either
her
on,
isof
but
uncle's
itand
the
crime
that
hisremark;
the
pay,
'we
roof,
or'Queen
kleptomania
all
unless
where
"I
know?'"
have
ofyou
she
Bedlam'
count
lived
is isanat the bottom of it."
invalid wife and a riotous young brood as assets. She is strange, odd,
insolent,
all and defiant
friendship, in manner.
and refuses to tellShuns
anybody what was the cause of her
leaving New
more,--she York
has sentastwo
sheregistered
did. One thing
letters from here within the last three
days----"
"Now, how do you know that?" burst in the major, an angry light in his
eyes.
"Well, my dear, don't fly off at a tangent. It is a perfectly natural thing to
speak of. Hardly
registered letters."anybody ever sends
"That's not so; there are dozens sent by the officers and men after every
pay-day."
"I mean hardly any women, major. I'm not talking of the men. Hardly any
womanand
letter, ever
so sends
when ashe registered
sent two it was not at all strange that Mrs. Griffin
should speak
wife, and she of it to
told theGordon's
Mrs. steward'sSally, and so it came to me."
"Oh, yes. I'll be bound it reached you sooner or later," said the major
wrathfully.
goes "I'mord-blessed
on at this any otherifpost
anything
you women don't get hold of and knock
out position
his of shape.asI shall tell Griffin
postmaster won'tthat
be worth the powder to blow him into the
middle of the
his doesn't Platte
hold if that wife
her tongue. No,of
I won't listen to any more of it to-night,
anyway.
you haveItold
wantme."
to think over what
*****
And over at Bedlam there were lights still burning at one o'clock. One of
them
at the shone fromofMr.
north end theHatton's room He was officer of the day, and that
second floor.
accounted
from for it.window
the corner The other at beamed
the south, and a tall, graceful, womanly form,
wrappedagainst
leaning in a heavy shawl, was
the wooden pillar on the veranda. A beautiful face was
upturned
through theto the
riftsfew stars that
of clouds thatpeeped
angrily swept the heavens. Then, as one
jewelled
other hand clasped
encircled the cold,thewhite,
railing, the post, and in another moment the
wooden
shapely
great head
sobs wasthe
shook bowed upon
slender it, and
figure. There was the sudden rattle of an
infantryand
piazza, sword
Mr.atHatton,
the other end offorth
striding the from the hall-way, was startled to
see shadows
the a dim, feminine form spring
at the southern side from
and rush with sweeping skirts into the
shelter of the Forrests' hall-way.
"I thought I heard some one crying out here," he muttered, "and supposed
it wasnow
tears Mrs.that
Forrest. She's always
the captain is up inin the Indian country. But who would have
thought of Miss Forrest?"
VI.
An anxious day was that that followed the departure of Captain Terry and
his "grays"
down on their
the Platte. Themidnight
river wasride so high and swollen that it was certain that
the Indians
only amongcould haveand
the rocks forded
shoalsit up at Bull Bend, a day's march to the
north-west,
with and that
their plunder tointhegetting
shelterback of their reservation there was only one
point
recrossbelow
withoutLaramie
having where they and
to swim, could
that was full twenty-five miles down
stream.inAs
come of particulars
the fight with began to little detachment the previous day, the
Blunt's
It
them
chargers
being
duty
settlers
ranch
mutilated
major waxed more and more impossible
would
it
having
a
supplies
was
in
matter
seem
tired.
just
the
to extra
Chugwater
notify
before
that
It
of
from
was
common
ponies
there
Cheyenne,
the
Blunt
next
military
were
Valley
with
to
talk
and atthem,
among
his
were
had
least
authorities
wrathful.little
no
either
pounced
fifty
the
signal
command
that
old
well-armed
to
atsuch
carry
men
upon
of
once.
their
areached
and
force
the
in
But
coming,
plain
and
spoil
squaws,
inshould
perfectly-
this
the
view
orscene.
and
case
to
and
get
of
serve
two
so
no
away
as
mounted
change-mounts
from
coming
warning
hapless
Hunton's,
Despitethe"freighters,"
to
the
whatever
reservation
warriors
murdered
the
grave
ears
when
disparity
in
had
ofand
toiling
without
the
the
their
been
party,
scalped
agent,
own
in
up
given.
itnumbers,
many
with
whose
andThe
of
Blunt had galloped in to the attack, and found himself and his troopers in a
hornet's
but nest from
his nerve which nothing
and coolness had extricated them. Most of his horses were
killed promptly
Blunt in the fight that followed,
dismounted for and disposed them in a circle around
his men
their wounded
thereby managed comrades,
to "standand
off" the Indians, despite their frequent dashes
and incessant fire.
of siege-work After some
the savages had hours
given it up and gone whooping off up the
valley, and
shooting were
into the next heard of at Eagle's Nest. If he only had a hundred
stage-station
cavalry,
them offthought
and preventMiller, he return
their could head
to the reservation, where, once they
crossed
safe andthe lines,
could notthey were perfectly
be touched. All told, however, Terry could only take
with him some
glad indeed thirtyMcLean
to have men, and as he was
a volunteer.
It was about noon when the ambulances came in from the Chugwater,
bringing Mr.
wounded. TheBlunt and the
assistant otherof the post had ridden out with them at
surgeon
midnight,
news; and soon
now,after
whilethethereceipt
soldiersof were
the taken to the post hospital and
comfortably established
was carried up-stairs there,
in the northMr.hall
Blunt
of "Bedlam" and stowed away in the
room opposite
Forrest, Hatton's.
poor lady, nearlyMrs.
went into hysterics as the young soldier was
lifted her
night out soul
of thewas
ambulance. Day the
tortured with anddread that at any moment news might
come that
killed her husband was
or wounded,--and either
in the art of borrowing trouble she was more than
an adept.
loud Her lamentations
and voluble were soquietly but very positively took her by
that Miss Forrest
the arms
piazza andher
into marched
own room, her off
wherethe Celestine was "trotting" the baby to
sleep
on herand
ownnodding
account. onThe
the first
vergething
of a Mrs.
nap Forrest did was to whisk the half-
drowsing infant
attendant's arms,out
claspof her
it frantically to her breast, and then go parading up
andwondering
the down the room
little weeping over bringing on a wailing accompaniment
face, speedily
to herthan
more ownMiss
mournful
Forrestplaint.
could It stand.
was
"For mercy's sake, Ruth, don't drive that baby distracted! If you cannot
control your own
consideration tears,
for the have some
children. There!" she added, despairingly, "now
you've started
between Maud
the four and poor
of you, Vickie,
Mr.and if, is not made mad by night-time,
Blunt
he has the
spoke no nerves
hall-way at resounded
all." And aswith
she the melodious howl of the two elder
children,
on who,and
the prairie coming in from
hearing play
the maternal weepings, probably thought it no
lesschorus.
the than filial
Miss onForrest
their part to swell
made a rush for the door:
"Maud! Vickie! Stop this noise instantly. Don't you know poor Mr. Blunt
is lying inand
wounded the very
next sick?"
hall, badly
"Well, marmar's crying," sobbed Maud, with unanswerable logic; while

Victoria,
of after"I'm
the words, stuttering
cryingenunciation
because he's going to die," wound up with
sudden declaration
didn't care whether of rights
auntie by saying
liked sheshe'd cry all she wanted to; and,
it or not,
taking ahowled
maiden fresh start, the six-year-old
afresh.
It was too much for Miss Forrest's scant patience. Seizing the little
innocents
them downininto no gentle grasp,
the vacant she lugged on the south side of the lower
dining-room
hall, turned
bade the key
them make in the door,
themselves and
comfortable there until she chose to let them
out. Ifwhere
place they must
they howl,
wouldthere waslikely
be least the to disturb the sufferer at the other
end of the building.
unwarrantable pieceAfter which of authority she returned to her
of assumption
"I
"Shut
declare,
unhappy them Fanny,
up in theyoudining-room
sister-in-law. have absolutely
untilno
they
heart
stopattheir
all," noises,"
sobbed that
answered
lachrymose
sniffles
"Wh--what
Miss Forrest,
withhave
lady,
fruitless
calmly.
you
as she
done
efforts
mingled
with
to hush
my
tears
children?"
her
andinfant.
"You have no right whatever to punish my babies," indignantly protested

Mrs. Forrest
agree (and"You
with her). every
aremother
alwayswill
interfering with them, and I shall write to
Captain Forrest
complain of it." this very day and
"I wouldn't if I were you, Ruth, because yesterday your complaint was that
I neverwhat
matter took they
any notice
did." of them, no
"Well, you don't!" sobbed the lady of the house, abandoning the original
line of attack
against to defend herself
this unexpected sortie. Then, suddenly recalling the more recent
injury, "At
should, andleast
you you don'tyou
do when when you not. Let me go to them instantly.
should
Celestine,
had take baby." But Celestine
vanished.
"Give me the baby, Ruth, and go by all means. Then we can restore quiet
to this side of
least,"--and thetook
she house
withat firm hands the shrieking infant from the
mother's
the arms.
hall and Mrs. Forrest rushed
melodramatically down herself upon her offspring in
precipitated
dining-room.
the baby's wailings In ceased,
two minutes' timeMrs. Forrest reappeared, ready to
and when
resume the
released theattack after she
prisoners, having
was surprised and, it must be recorded, not
especially pleased
inconsolable infanttolaughing,
see her lately
crowing, and actually beaming with
happiness in her sister-in-law's arms.
"I suppose you've been feeding that child sugar," she said, as she stopped
short at the threshold.
"The sugar is in the dining-room, Ruth, not here."
"Well, candy, then, and you know I'd as soon you gave her poison."
"And yet you sent Celestine to my room for some for this very baby
yesterday."
"I didn't!"
"Then, as I have told you more than once, Ruth, Celestine's statements are
unreliable.
and she saidI found
you sentherher
in my room,candy for little Hal, and I gave it to her.
for some
I do not
room at all
when I'mlike
nother going to my
there."
"You are down on Celestine simply because she is mine, and you know it,
Fanny. It is so with
everything,--everybody that is at all dear to me. That is enough to set you
against them.
rescued CelestineMy dearfromold father when she was a mere baby (a favorite
bondage
paraphrase
describing the of Mrs. Forrest's
fact that one offorthat damsel's parents had officiated as cook
at a Southern
chaplain happenedhospitalto bewhere the in the war-days). Her mother lives with
on duty
his people
grown to thismy
up under hour,
eyesand she
and hasmy handmaiden, and the nurse of all
been
my children,
any one ever and neveragainst
breathed a wordher hasuntil you came; and you are always
doing it."
"Pardon me, Ruth. I have only twice referred to what I consider her
shortcomings.
you She was
and the children very neglectful
at Robinson, of perpetually going out in the
and was
eveningtroop,
Terry's with that
and soldier
now sheinisCaptain
getting to be as great a gad-about here. That,
it
do
"I
relic
"Hush!
Niobe
issuppose
not
my
however,I have
when
exert
Ruth.
right
isyou
of
your
he
to
noneImy
hear
will
comes
sayauthority
home
of that
try
the
myup.
and
doctor
Iand
do
Here,
over
blacken
affair,f-f-friends,"
notinher
buttake
want
theher
Ihall
baby,"
must
her
character
and
below.
prowling
find
and
Mrs.
some
she
For
and
Forrest
about
hugged
goodness'
other
haveamong
began
her
means
thesent
sake,
little
to
the
ofsob
out
do of
trunks
making
the
afresh.
try
fellowand
post,
and
close
look
her
andboxes
respect
aand
solittle
rob
imprinted
in less
my
my
us of
wishes."
room,
like
the
aakiss
last
modern
andupon
if you
his dimpled cheek. "I must run down and detain him a moment until you
can get straightened out."
Nothing loath was Dr. Bayard to spend some moments converse
in tte--tte
with Miss Forrest. She ushered
him into the dining-room,--the only reception-room the two households
could boast of under
circumstances, and mostthe stress of received his compliments on the
graciously
"conquests"
"Not only allofeyes,the previous
all heartsevening.
were charmed, Miss Forrest. Never even in
the palmiest
society have daysI seenofmore
Washington
elegant and becoming a toilet, and as for your
singing,--it
doctor looked,wasassimply
well asdivine."
spoke, The
his well-turned phrases. He was gallant,
debonair, dignified,
well-preserved fellowimpressive,--"a
for forty-five," as he was wont to say of himself. He
anxiouslythe
deplored inquired
state offoranxiety
her health,
and excitement in which they were
compelled
were some to live, thanked
consolations heaven that
vouchsafed themthere
in their exile and isolation, and
begged
him her to
should shebefindsurethe
and sendwas
strain for telling upon her nervous system; it was
marvellous
so well; his thatlittleshe shouldwas
daughter bearreally
up ill this morning and unable to leave
her room,
child. If it but
werethen notshe
for was a mere
the incomparable pleasure he--they all--found in
her presence
that Miss Forrest he could
werealmost wishunder the shelter of her uncle's
once more
hospitable
war's alarms."roofBy in New Yorkwhere
the way, and "free from
was Mr.--a--her uncle's residence?
"Mr. Courtlandt's?" she answered, promptly supplying the name. "In

Thirty-fourth
avenue." Street, just east of the
"To be sure; I know it well," answered the doctor. "A most refined and
aristocratic
sure I must neighborhood it is, and I'm
have met Mr. Courtlandt at the Union Club. He is near kin, I
think, toisthe
Croton, heVan Cortlandts, of
not?"
"Not very near, doctor, though I presume there is some distant

connection."
"Ah, doubtless. I recall him only vaguely. He belonged to a much older set
and wentAvery
society. man little
of theinto general
highest social connections, however, and of much
wealth."atAnd
keenly thehedoctor
her as glancedthis tentative.
propounded
"Yes, Mr. Courtlandt is nearly sixty now, and, as you say, doctor, he goes
very little
prefers hisinto general
library society.
and his booksHeand an occasional canter in the park to
any other
except hisentertainment.
game of whist In fact,
with some old cronies, that is about all the
entertainment
Aunt Laura, ishe seeks.
quite His wife, my
an invalid."
"And they have no children?"
"Yes, one; a son, who is now abroad. Shall we go up and see Mrs. Forrest
now,from
visit doctor? She
you. Mr.isBlunt's
lookingappearance
for a was a great shock to her."
It was growing dusky as they passed through the hall-way. The sun was
well down
banks in the west,
of rain-clouds and heavy
obscured the heavens. Miss Forrest turned the knob
andunpicturesque
the threw open theyard dooratleading
the rearinto
of the quarters. "A little light here will
be ancan
who improvement,"
that be?" she said. "Why!
As she
"Ah,
hand
moustache
the letter
my
inspoke,
salute.
man,
andof number
the
ahalt
He
soldier,
trooper,
was
there!"
ofawho
the
dark,
and
called
troop
had
had
swarthy
the
apparently
and
permitted
doctor;
regiment,
fellow,
been
and
hiswith
chin
all
obediently
seated
brilliantly
glittering
whiskers
on the
eyes
polished,
toback
soldier
grow.
and
steps,
was crossed
direction
turned
rather
The
adorned
striding
flat
and
his
offeatures.
stood
the
forage-cap,
sabres
hurriedly
gate.
attention,
of
HeHe
the
in
wore
and
had
the
cavalry
raising
his
the
started
and
his
up just as she opened the door.
undress uniform was scrupulously neat and well-fitting. The moment he

turned, Miss Forrest recognized him.
"Oh, it is Celestine's soldier friend!" she said.
"What are you doing here, my man?" asked the doctor, loftily.
"Nothing, sir," was the reply, both prompt and respectful. "The doctor
probably
in with thedoesn't
woundedremember
to-day me. I came Blunt's striker, sir."
at noon,--Mr.
"Well, Mr. Blunt's room is in the other division, and you ought to stay
there."
"I know, sir. I've only been here a moment," was the respectful answer. "I
wanted
have to ask
a little iceCelestine
if she hadtoany,
let me
but there's no one around the kitchen."
"Go over to my quarters and tell my man Robert to give you a big lump of
it. My house
corner. is yonder
Tell him at thesent you."
Dr. Bayard
The soldier saluted, faced about, and moved away, a trifle wearily this
time.
"He looks very tired," said Miss Forrest.
"I believe he is," answered the doctor. "Hold on a moment there!" he

called. "Were you out with Mr. Blunt's
command?"
"Yes, sir. All yesterday and last night. I had to sit up with the lieutenant all
night, sir, to bathe his wound."
"True, true. And of course you hadn't a wink of sleep. Go to your barracks
and get a nap.
Mr. Blunt I'mminutes,
in five going back
andtoI'll send the ice over right afterward."
"I thank the doctor, but I'm not sleepy. I'll get rest enough to-night," was
the reply,
saluted andand againaway.
turned the soldier
"How faithful and devoted those rough-looking fellows can be to their

officers!" said Miss Forrest.
"Yes," answered the doctor, musingly, as he gazed after the retreating
form. "Yes, very.
models,--and yet, Some of them
somewhere orare
other I think I have seen that man before.
Do you know his name?"
"No. I'll ask Celestine, if you wish to know. She ought to be up-stairs with
the children
over and seenow.
MissMay I not
Bayard run
presently."
"My Nellie? We shall be charmed. If you will only wait a moment until I
have seen to
delighted Mr. Blunt,
escort I shall
you. She be
is all alone unless Mrs. Miller has returned to
her, and the house
down-stairs. is deserted
Mr. Holmes is out somewhere with the major."
ringing
But
young
walked
Miss
lady
for
rapidly
Forrest
admission,
threwtodid
the
a light
not
big
andwrap
wait.
house
in theNo
over
atgathering
sooner
the
hersouth-west
shoulders,
had
darkness
the doctor
corner,
and,
of just
the
finished
noiselessly
hall-way
as thehis
bugle
brief
visit
was
opened
within,
to
VII.
find
sounding
to the
her
where
thebanister-rail,
sister-in-law
doorfirst
shewithout
had
callto
for
she
than
the
grope
retreat,
came
formality
thea moment
face
she ofto face with Mrs. Miller.
Cold and still the dawn is breaking. Faint, wan, and pallid is the feeble
gleamfarthat
hills overcomes
at thepeeping
east. Bare overand thedesolate
low look the barren slopes on every
hand.can
kind Noteye a tree, not a in
discover shrub
this of dim any and ghostly light. All is silence, too.
Even the coyotes
unearthly yelping who at odd have set up during
intervals their the night seem to have slunk
away
morning'sbefore suntheand coming
soughtofthe theshelter of their lurking-spots. Here on the
bleak ridge,
wrapped where three
in cavalry men, are lying prone, not a sound of any kind
overcoats,
beyond
to be heard.an occasional
Three hundred muffled yards word is them, down in the valley, some
behind
thirty
the shadowy
dense steeds arewhile
buffalo-grass, croppingtheir at riders, dismounted now, are huddled
together
stamp of for warmth.
a hoof and the Thesnortoccasional
of some impatient charger break the silence
here, where
front but cannot be heard
the picket out atAnother
is lying. the sound, soothing, monotonous,
ceaseless,
of the waking fallssoldiers,--the
constantly upon rushthe of ear
the swollen Platte over the rocks and
gravel the
away, of the
onlyfordpointa quarter-mile
below the fort where the renegade Sioux can recross
without
yet here swimming,
to try it. When andtheythey comeare not they will find Captain Terry, with
young
lurkingMcLean
behind the andcovering
thirty troopers,
ridge, ready and willing to dispute the
passage.
those good Through the darkness
gray steeds, flitting of likethe nightalong the shore, have come
ghosts
speeding
riders firstdown
at thethegoal,Platte
andtoonce landhere,theirand satisfied by scrutiny of the south
entrance
pony has to the fordwithin
appeared that nothe Indian
last twenty-four hours, Terry has posted his
lookoutshoppled
having on the ridge, and then, his horses, has cautioned the men to
and "half-lariated"
rest
belt on their "There
or spur. arms and nottelling,"
is no to throwhe offsays, "what moment they may come
along."
McLean, with his long Springfield rifle, has gone up to the ridge to join
the outlying
fellow is thispicket.
young A keen-eyed
soldier and a splendid shot, and the Indians who
succeedsouth
farther in crossing that next ridge
and approaching themaunobserved
mile will have to wear the cap
of the out
come "Invisible
on this Prince."
scout fullHeofhas purpose and ambition. Things have not gone
happily
few days. with him during
Profoundly the pastin spirits at the millstone of debt suddenly
depressed
saddled upon
peculations ofhim as the result
the deserting of
sergeant, he has the added misery of seeing
the sweet-faced
has fallen so deeply girl with
in love whom he
practically withdrawn from his daily life and
penned up within
for the evident her father's
object of compellinghouse her to entertain the devotion of a
rival, whose
make him a man wealth to beandfeared,--a
social positionman whom any woman, old or young,
might think
Already the twice
peoplebeforeat Laramierefusing. were discussing the possibilities,--some of
them not
were in his very presence;
lacking those to say, andthat,
thereeven if she had been more than half
inclinedattachment,
evident to reciprocate sheMcLean's
would be a fool not to accept Roswell Holmes,
with his wealth,
undoubted education,Aand
high character. second lieutenant in the army was all very
wellElinor
but for a girl
Bayardwhowas could of do no better,
excellent social position herself. Her mother's
peopleand
land, ranked with the
her father, best
despite , wasin
histhe
agalanterie
man distinguished in his profession and in society. It was
driving McLean wellnigh desperate. Not one word of love-making had
been
gentlebreathed
girl whobetween
so enjoyed himher andwalks
the and rides with him, but he knew well
that her woman's
told ere this how heart must
dear shehavewas to him, and it was no egotism or conceit
prompted
that she wouldhim to the such
not show beliefpleasure in his coming if he were utterly
indifferent Nellie
something to her. Bayard
Coquetry was deficient in; she was frank and truthful
seemed
in every look and word.
And yet, realizing what grounds he had for hope, McLean was utterly
downcast
before him. when he faced
It would takethe himsituation
a year--with the utmost economy he could
command--to
had pay off the
been so ruthlessly load that
heaped upon him. He realized that so long as he
right
of
than
even
story
few
met;
word
affairs
owed days
double
and
to
of ask
the
Launcelot
farewell
now
she
ready
a penny extent
any
her
had
he
inand
woman
age?
had
to
purposely
of--"A
theand
her
eager
Had
sought
the
worldor
tolove
to
McLean
abe
lily
touch
avoided
helay
this
his
that
maid
had his
perilous
wife.
of
was
not
noname
of
him,
her
Meantime,
read
Astolat?
her
trembling
duty
and
doom?"
of had
fortune
maidens
eagerly
Poor
here
treated
little
Hadfellow!
atand
was
who
he
hand,
her
him
avowedly;
not
this
feet.
worshipped
Inwith
affecting
read
bitterness
wealthy,
Whataloud
heto
well-educated,
mattered
men
to
of
coldness
had
be her
spirit
soset
ofoccupied
only
forth
more
he
on
it that
believed
athe
without
fortnight
than
well-preserved
in
he
fewpreparation
twice
wasoccasions
that
sobefore
probably
much
their
in thethe
years
up
as
man
when
last
more
ato they
the instant of starting that he had no time for a word with anybody. And
yet Mrs.
and Miller
spoken hadascalled
to him him aside
the group of officers and ladies gathered near the
Laramie
start, andbridge
Nellieto see thehad
Bayard little column
looked up wistfully at him as he rode by their
party, merelyinwaving
scouting-hat generalhissalutation. It hurt her sorely that he should have
gone
yet shewithout
scarceone
knewword
why.for her,--and
And now here they were, squarely across the Indian trail, and ready for
theirhave
not coming. Roswell Holmes
that distinction could thought McLean, as he tried the lock
at all events,
and
that breech-block
everything was of in
hisperfect
rifle toworking
see order. Come what might,--if it
were only
record Indians,--he
in this fight that meant to make
any woman a be proud of; and if he fell,--
might
well, he wouldn't
Sergeant have
Marsland's to pay for
stealings, or have the misery of seeing her borne off
by Holmes's
she probably big bank-account,
would be. Poor Mac! as He had yet to learn that a reputation as
an Indian-fighter
ephemeral is but an
and unsatisfactory asset as an adjunct to love-making.
Meanwhile, the dawn is broadening; the grayish pallor at the orient takes
on orange
of a warmer andtint, and asteals
crimson feebleupglow
the heavens. The slopes and swales
aroundvisible,
more the lonely outpostridge
the distant growmoremoresharply
and defined against the southern
sky. Off
river rollstoalong
the left,
in athe eastward,
silvery, mistythegleam; and their comrades, still
sheltered underthe
gather around thehorses
bluff, and
are look
beginning
to theto
bridles and "cinchas." Now the
red low
the blushhill-tops
deepensacross
and extends along
the Platte, and tinges the rolling prairie to the
south
the glowandiswest. A few
strong enoughminutes moreanand
to reveal old but well-defined trail leading
fromlittle
the the crest
distant ridgeMcLean
where straight isuplying.
to It seems to follow a south-westerly
course,along
doubt, and iswhich
the trail,
the beyond
marauders from the reservations have time and
again
gainedrecrossed with
the official their of
shelter plunder
those and
sacred limits.
"Why, sir," says Corporal Connor, who is lying there beside the young
officer,
over and"last October
scalped two awomen
party cameand three teamsters not three miles from the
post,
cattle.and
Weran off with
caught all their
up with them just across the Niobrara, and they dropped
the mules
driving andand horses
made they
a run forwere
it. We chased and gained on them every inch of
the way,
first, andbut
thenthey
theygot to whirled
just the linesabout and jeered at us and shook the
scalpsyou
name in our faces,
could andof,--in
think calledgoodus every
English, too," added the trooper
seriously;
the agency"and
and the lieutenant
pointed out two andofIthem
rode to the agent that very day, but he
didn't
dependeddareonarrest them. Hisbylife
his standing them through thick and thin. Look,
lieutenant! Look off there!"
Over to the southwest, dimly visible, three or four shadowy objects are
darting
that rapidly
spans over theindistant
the horizon ridge For one moment only they are
that direction.
revealed
seen, faintagainst the sky,
as far-away then can be sweeping down into the shallow
cloud-shadows,
valley
the and making
position for the river
of the outpost. above
Indians, beyond question! the advance guard of
the main
action hasbody;
come.and the time for
Instead of riding toward them, however,--instead of approaching the ford

by the
are mostnorthward
loping direct line,--these
from the scouts
point where the trail crosses the ridge, and
pushing
their for with
object the stream. McLeanofsees
the quickness thought. 'Tis not that they have made a
"dry
in camp"
haste during
to get the night,
to water and are
with their ponies. He knows well that in several of
lineand
to
they
satisfied
well-known
already
the coming
other
of
venture
cautiously
march
guarding
no
ravinesside?
of
foeman
trail
andso
there
cavalry,
We
boldly
of
the
peered
could
is
shod
isford.
"coulies" abundant
near,
down
and
over
just
horses
on"Confound
that
then
into
as
that
theirnow
water
well
in
tothe
ridge,
column
scurry
they
have
"swale."
at
it!"this
without
are
he
down
crossed
ofseason
exclaims.
dashing
twos,
Heinto
showing
knows
the
it
ofthe
over
will
Platte
the
"Why
bottom
well
year.
tell
so
toon
much
the
didn't
that
them
He
the
to
Platte
both
search
knows
as
wea to
in
wellhoof-prints.
feather
front
peer
for
beyond
think
engineer
that
across
and
ofof
shadow
itbridge,
not
rear
their
last
the
until
they
night,
war-bonnets,
skirting
If
of
and
they
doubt
areand
then
watching
find
had
bluffs
come
that
they
crept
the
would
troops
until
couldn't
down
for
up are
have spotted us. Now it's too late. Run back, corporal, and warn the
captain. I'll stay here and watch them."
Connor speeds briskly down the slope, and, even as they see him coming,
the men Terry
Captain lead their horses
has one footinto line.stirrup as the non-commissioned officer
in the
reaches
salute. him and his hand goes up in
"Lieutenant McLean's compliments, sir" (the invariable formula in

garrison,asand
soldiers not omitted
precise in the field"Three
as the corporal). by or four bucks are galloping
over to the river above us to look for
our tracks."
"How far above us, corporal?"
"Nigh on to a mile, sir."
"Sergeant Wallace, stay here with the platoon. Mount, you six men on the
right,can!"
you and come
And away after goes
me asCaptain
quick as Terry, full speed up the valley and
headingthree
minute closeofunder the bluffs. troopers
the designated In a are in a bunch at his heels, the
other three
From McLean'sscatteredpost along
he canthe seetrail.
both parties in the gathering light,--the
Indians,
beginning slowly and cautiously
the ascent to the bluffs, now,the captain and his men "speeding it" to
get first toand
moment, thehe scene.
sees Another
Terry spring from his horse, throw the reins to a
trooper,
the crest;and then,runoncrouching
hands and upknees,
towardpeep cautiously over, removing his hat
as he does to
"forward" so.hisThen
men, heslides
signals backward a yard or two, runs to his horse,
mounts,
yards gallops
farther alongsomethefour
foothundred
of the slope, then turns, rides half-way up, and
then
fromhe andsaddles,
their four of tossthe mentheirleap
reins to the two who remain mounted, and,
carbineand
bluffs in hand,
throw run nimbly up
themselves the upon the turf, almost at the top. Not
prone
two hundred
four yards away
Sioux warriors, withfrom them
trailing war-bonnets and brilliant display of
paintapproach,
they and glitter,and arewarily
"opening movingout" toward
as the summit. One instant more
and there at
fire-arms is athesudden
crest; flash of of bluish smoke puff out upon the rising
five jets
breeze;down
sailing five sputtering
the wind areports come later; and, while two of the warriors
few seconds
go whirling
circle, the otheroff intwoa wide, sweeping
are victims to their own unusual recklessness. One of
them,pommel,
high clingingbut desperately
reeling intohis thesaddle, urges his willing pony down the
slope;
and liesthe other has upon
stone-dead plunged the forward
sward. Even at the echo of the carbines,
however,
ridge a mile popping
away, up therefromcomeacross the into view a score of red and
whirling
glittering
broad, horsemen,
fan-shaped sweeping
course, at topdown
speedinof their racing ponies, yelling like
mad,
to theand lashing
rescue. Twotheir nimble
minutes steeds
of that gait, and the captain and his little squad
will be surrounded.
"Mount! mount!" shouts McLean, as he turns and rushes down the slope,
followednow,
"Lively by his picket-guard.
sergeant. Run to the captain. Don't wait for me!"
"Come on, all you fellers!" is Sergeant Wallace's characteristic rallying

cry;
like aand away
flock goes the
of quail. little troop,
McLean is in the saddle in an instant, and full tilt in
pursuit.
Not a moment too soon! Even before the leading troopers have reached
the twoboth
bluffs, "horse-holders"
above and below underthe thecaptain's position, the plumed and
ridge
an
of
nearest
body.
officer.
in,
quarters
the
eye.
then
painted and
There's
rearmost
Already
Wary
him
follow
with
taken
along
and
any
warriorstoo
their
to
him
these
much
watchful
one
follow
theold
have indaring
bluffs.
of
flank.
risk
tactics
them
him,
flashed the
inflankers
Two
Without
and
darting
Indians
ofon
up aof
fight
veering
surround.
the
have
thethe
right
mark
ittroopers
prompt
out,
to
opened
into
his
the
He
ascoming.
the
left
Highland
follow
never
aid
fire
teeth
he
ofon
heeds
his
rides
unhesitatingly;
Circling
of
the
chieftains
men
a straight
knot
their
pack
heout
of
of
would
to
at
be surrounded
horsemen,
the
others
mounted
right
manoeuvres;
foughtIndians
and
sheer
in Sioux,
left
the
when
who
off
old,
his
they
intoward
even
have
aim
McLean
the
old
propose
twinkling
is
days
to
appeared
to
their
follow
shouts
get
of
tomain
let
target
toof
an
close
him
to some
and
claymore. He never heeds the whistle of the bullets past his ears as one
after another
hurried shots the nearest
at him. Indians
Straight as atake
dart he flies at a tall savage who pops up
on theSpringfield
long ridge in front of him.
is slung The
now, and he grasps the gleaming revolver in his
hand. of
lever Twice the Indian
his Henry rifle fires,
workingthe like mad, but the bullets whiz harmlessly
by; then, with
dreading no timeshock,
the coming to reload, and quickly over his nimble piebald's
he ducks
neck just
way, and as
strives to lashofficer
the young him out of the
from some other hand
Receives but recks not of a wound,
and then troop-horse, pony, soldier, and savage are rolling in a confused
heapon
first upon
his the
feetturf.
and The Indian
limping is the
away; no redskin willingly faces white man
"steel to steel."
painfully to his McLean staggers
knees, brushes dust and clods from his blinded eyes with
one quick
draws dash
a bead onofhis
hisred
sleeve, and just as the latter turns to aim; there is a
antagonist
sudden flash and
Sioux throws report,
up his handsandwith
the one yell and tumbles headlong. Then a
mist seems
soldier's rising
eyes, the before the young
earth begins to reel and swim and whirl, and then all
grows
the dark, and he, too, is prostrate on
sward.
VIII.
They were having an anxious day of it at Laramie. Early in the morning a

bracetheir
from of ranchmen,
experiences stillofa-tremble
the night, made their way into the post and told
gruesome
Indians at stories
Eagle'sof the and
Nest doings of theThe Cheyenne stage, they said, was
beyond.
"jumped,"
load the driver
of passengers killed,alive
burned and in thethe vehicle itself. There might have
been
foughtonly fifty warriors
Lieutenant Blunt whenand his they
party in the Chug Valley, but they must
have been
there were heavily
two hundred re-enforced,
of themfor at the least count when they swept down
upon the
stage littleThey
station. partyfought
of heroes them at like
the tigers, said the ranchmen, but they
would probably
building over their have burned
heads and the "roasted the whole outfit" had it not been
that the coming
diverted of the stage
their attention. These hadwere the stories with which the two
worthies
other early had entertained
risers pendingthe theguard and of the commanding officer; and
appearance
these were
horrors andthe stories that, inspread
embellishments, added throughout the garrison, through
kitchen to breakfast-room,
community began to make as its the little
appearance down-stairs. Major Miller, a
veteran on
measure ofthe his frontier,
informants hadintaken a very thebrief interview. Aroused by the
summons
as officer of of the
Lieutenant Hatton,had
day the guard to first
whom conducted these harbingers of woe,
the major had shuffled
in shooting-jacket down-stairs
and slippers, and cross-examined them in his dining-
room.
the Both men
brimming lookedon
decanter wistfully at
his sideboard, and one of them "allowed" he
never felt so used
kind-hearted up in his life;lugged
post commander so theforth a demijohn and poured out two
stiffwhich
by nogginstheyofretold
whiskey, theirrefreshed
tale. Miller "gave them the rein" for five
minutes
result of and
which then cross-questioned,
proceeding as a
he soon dismissed them to the barracks and
breakfast, and announced
and the adjutant that there to Hatton
would be no change in the orders,--he didn't
believeheone-fourth
stage, said, wasn't of due
theiratstory.
Eagle's TheNest until four o'clock in the morning,
and these
burned at men
three.had It wasdeclared
utterlyit improbable that it came farther than
Phillips's
it was duecrossing
at midnight, of theand Chugwater,
where long where
before that time all the hands at the
station
couriershad andbeen warned,
fugitives, thatboth the byIndians were swarming up the valley. They
had cut on
course, thestriking
telegraph-wire,
the road,ofearly in the afternoon, and it was impossible
going;
seen
shared
where
flitted
story
by
old Red
chieftain,
the
until
from
duty
but
by
Cloud
blaze
the
it
hecalled
door
reached
was
Mach-pe-a-lo-ta,
dozen
to tell just how thingsand towilling
them.
all
heard
door
houses
the
his
hadLaramie
proportions
before
the
band.
to full
beenbet
appalling
surrounded
Women
the
of
that
was
women
call
the
offilled
shrieks
arecalled
for
stage
wholesale
and
with
guard-mounting,
with
was
of
children
athe
the
white,
thousand
safe,
fearful
massacre
victims.
whose
despite
horror-stricken
scene
warriors
and
The
and
closest
theat
major's
anFort
the
assertions
confidence,
protectors
faces
"boomed"
immediately
Phil
little Kearney
detachment
and anxious
of
were
thehowever,
impending
the
in
panic-stricken
far
1866,
ranchmen
ofeyes,
away
three
could
when
as
siege
on
companies
the
that
not
the
ranchmen's
of
ladies
they
be
fields
same
the fort
had
and butchered them within rifle range of the trembling wives and children
at the reached
story post; andthesodoctor's
by the time the it had assumed the dimensions of a
kitchen
colossal tragedy.
gathering They were just
in the breakfast-room,--Nellie a trifle pale and weary-looking,
the having
for doctor and Holmes
sat up so latea and
bit the worseso many cigars, but disposed to be
smoked
jovial
was not andonyouthful
the table,for allRobert
and that. Coffee
failed to respond to the tinkling of the
littlelamentation
and silver bell. Then
were sounds
heard inofthewoe
rear, and the doctor impatiently strode
to the door Robert
domestics. and shouted for hishis kinky wool bristling as though
responded,
electrified
their andhe
sockets; hiswas
eyes fairly starting
trembling fromto foot.
from head
"What's the matter, you rascal, and why do you not answer the bell?"
angrily demanded his master.
But it was "the Johnsons' Winnie" who responded. She had doubtless been
going the
waiting forrounds,
anotherand was only
chance to make
. Rushing
a dramatic
through
coup
the kitchen, she precipitated herself into
the breakfast-room. "Oh, Miss Nellie," she sobbed, "there's drefful news.
The Indiansinburned
everybody it, andthe stageshot
they've withCaptain Terry and Mr. McLean an' all the
soldiers with 'em, an'----"
"Silence, you babbling idiot!" shouted Dr. Bayard. "Stop your fool stories,
or I'll----"
"But it's God's truth, doctor. It's God's truth," protested Winnie,
desperately
part determined
of her morning's to be defrauded
sensation. of no Ask the sergeant of the
"Ask anybody.
guard. Yo'
brought thecan
newsseeyo'self."
the men what
"Pardon me, doctor," interrupted Mr. Holmes, in calm, quiet tones. "This
has
Missbeen too much
Bayard, ofAnd
I fear." a shock for he was by her side, holding a glass of
already
water toto
pointed herthepallid
door.lips. The doctor
"Leave the room, you pestilence in petticoats!" he ordered. "Go!" And,

having
create aaccomplished her desire
sensation, though balkedtoof the full fruition of the promised
enjoyment,
where Winnie
she only flewthat
prayed to "Bedlam,"
Celestine might not be before her with the
news.
to Meantime,His
his daughter. Dr.first
Bayard had was
impulse turned
to reprove her for her ready
credence of
notorious the storyasset
a gabbler theafloat by so"second girl." One glance at Elinor's
Johnsons'
pale features
changed and drooping
his disposition in amien
trice. Anxiously he stepped to her side, and
his practised
before a wordhand was at her
of question waspulse
uttered. Then he gently raised her head.
"Look up, daughter! Why, my little girl, this will never do! I don't believe
a word
must notoflet
this absurd be
yourself story, and you
alarmed by such fanciful pictures. Come, dear!
Mr. Holmes
morning. Letwill
me excuse
get youyou this room. Will you kindly touch that bell,
to your
Holmes,
rejoin youandin send Chloe Come,
a moment. to me?Nell?"
I'll
And half leading, half carrying, he guided her from the room and up the
stairs, whileface,
thoughtful Holmes,
stoodwith grave
gazing and
after them. It was some time before the
doctor him
joined reappeared, even after
in the chamber Chloe
of her young mistress. When he did the
breakfasttowas
anxious get cold, andstory
the true bothtomen
carewere too they breakfasted or not. Each
whether
took a swallow
hastened forth. of coffee, then
"That poor
shock
interestasinthat
any
little
fool
ofgirl
Terry's
of of
a wench
mine!"
party,gave
said
and her
yet
Dr. this
you
Bayard.
morning
might
"She
suppose
ishas
aptato
her
very
upset
own
nervous,
her
kith
sensitive
completely.
and
But
tortured."
kin
Holmes
had
organization,
Now,
been
would scalped
she
nothas
and
reply.
and
no
such
especial
a
Meantime, Winnie had reached "Bedlam," where, to her disgust, Celestine

hadbreakfast-table,
the already broached andtheMrs.
tidings to had been borne half fainting to her
Forrest
room.Forrest
Miss Pale, but calm and
returned andcollected,
began questioning the girl as to the sources of
her information,
hearing and itthat
this colloquy wasWinnie
on took heart of grace and impulsively
sprang
add herup the to
share steps
the into the hall-way
general sensation.toIt was with a feeling bordering on
exultation
account to that she found
be lacking the local
in several of the most startling and dramatic
particulars.
massacre ofCelestine had notcommand,
Captain Terry's heard of the
and it was her own proud privilege
to break
Here, the news
however, shetoovershot
Miss Forrest.
the mark, for that young lady looked
determinedly
colored informantincredulous, dismissed
as no longer worthyher of consideration, and, taking a light
wrap from
tapped the hat-rack
at Mrs. in the hall,
Post's door.
"Will you kindly look after Mrs. Forrest a moment in case she should need
anything?
Miller's I will
and go to Major
investigate these stories. They seem absurd."
And with that she sped swiftly around the parade, along the broad walk,
was quickly
and ushered into at
thethe major's
parlor. doorwere Dr. Bayard and Mr. Holmes in
There
earnest All
officer. talkthree
with arose
the commanding
and greeted her with marked courtesy.
"I am sorry that my wife is not here to welcome you, Miss Forrest," said
the major,
her "but with
and yourself the exception
the entire feminineofelement of this garrison is stampeded
this morning;
frightened the women
themselves outhave
of their senses. Have you come for Dr. Bayard?
I hope Mrs.asForrest
collapsed, has nothas. Mrs. Miller has gone to pull her out of a fit
Mrs. Gordon
of hysterics."
"Mrs. Forrest will need nothing more, I think, than an assurance that there
is little truth in these stories."
"Upon my word, Miss Forrest, I believe they are as groundless as--other
sensational
my ears. Two yarns that have come
badly-scared to are responsible for kindling the fire,
ranchmen
but the it
fanned nurse-maids
into a Chicagoand cooks have The Indians may have built a fire
conflagration.
down
but I'llthe
betroad beyond
it wasn't the Eagle's Nest,
stage. And as for Terry and McLean, we haven't a
word is
story ofbuilt
any kind
out offrom them. That
wind."
"Then will you pardon me, Dr. Bayard, if I suggest that it might be well if
some one in nurse
the hospital authority
whowere to warn
is with Mr. Blunt, to be sure and let no one
approach
flying him the
around withpost?
suchInews as had
fear he has abeen
restless night."
"A most thoughtful suggestion, my dear young lady, and, if you are going
home, I will
to Blunt escort
at once. Mayyou, and then
I have that go
pleasure?"
"I--had hoped to see Mrs. Miller, doctor, and think I will go to the east
side a moment and inquire for Mrs.
Gordon."
"By all means, Miss Forrest, and so will I," answered Bayard, bowing
magnificently.
Mr. Holmes? I "You will
will be excuse
home in a me,
quarter of an hour."
there's
"Certainly,
"A singularly
the sort
doctor,
handsome
of girl
certainly,"
to marry
and self-possessed
was
in the
thearmy.
prompt
She
young
reply,
haswoman
nerve
and both
and
that,
Major
courage
Mr. Miller
and
and
out
Holmes!"
Ibrains.
"And
suppose,
upon
Mr.
they
ByHolmes
the
remarked
the
Jove!
dopiazza
not
women
followed
That's
like
and
theher?"
don't
one
major.
stood
the
reason,
like
queried
two
watching
"Now,
her!"Holmes.
them as they walked away.
"Can't bear her, I judge, from what I hear. She dresses so handsomely, they
say, that she's
boundless an object
interest of
to them,--like or no like."
"Our friend the doctor seems decidedly an ardent admirer. He was

showing
last night,himself off in most
and evidently brilliant
for her colors
benefit."
"Oh, yes, I rather fancied as much. They would make a very distinguished
couple," said"and
reflectively, the colonel,
no bad match, despite the disparity in years. She refused
two
whoyoungsters
were readyup to at
cutRed
eachCloud
other's throats on her account. That's one
reason Ilike
woman admire
that,her
or sense. The idea
any woman, of a a second lieutenant!"
marrying
"You waited for your 'double bars,' major?" smilingly queried Mr.
Holmes.
"Oh, Lord, no!" laughed Miller. "Like most people who preach, I'm past
the practising
my graduationage. I was married
leave,--but things on
were different before the war. Army
people
on now.didn't live inwere
Our wives the style theywith
content put two rooms and a kitchen, a thousand
a year, and Now!"
Christmas. one newbut dress
the at
major stopped short, words failing him in the
contemplation
in the contrast. of mightiness as shown
"I'm no great judge of women," said Holmes, presently, "but that young
lady roused
there my interest
any tangible lastwhy
reasons night.
theyAre
should give her the cold shoulder?"
Miller colored in the effort to appear at ease.
"None that I have any personal knowledge of or feel like treating with
respect. There's
women's whims," noheaccounting for
added, sententiously. "Jupiter! Here it is nine o'clock,
and nothing
telegraph, fordone yet. cut
they've I can't
the wires. I've sent out scouts, but it may be
noon
we havebefore
to sitthey'll get back.
here with Meantime,
our hands tied, and the devil to pay generally in
garrison.
Miss Ah!over
Forrest theretogo'Bedlam.'
the doctor and
Isn't he a magnificent old cock? Just see
him
to thecourt her! Will you come with me
office?"
"I believe not, major. I think I'll walk around a little. I'm a trifle fidgety
myself
reliablethis
news.morning,
There'sand eager for is there, to my going down to the
no objection,
barracks andYou
ranchmen? interviewing those
know I'm something of a 'cow-puncher' myself, and may
be able
truth outtoofsqueeze
them." some grain of
"No, indeed! Go ahead, Mr. Holmes, and if you extract anything veritable
let me know."
Passing Bedlam, Mr. Holmes glanced up at the open gallery where the
hospital attendant
standing. happened
The doctor to bethe other hall with Miss Forrest, and was
had entered
doubtless majestically
to the nervous ailmentsministering
of her sister-in-law.
"How is Lieutenant Blunt this morning?" he asked.
boards
"He
"There
this
in his
morning.
had
waistcoat-pocket,
with
isano
hard
atruth
Be
musical
night,
sure
in the
sir,"
and
ring,
he
news
keep
was
fetched
andyou
the
everything
washave
low-toned
out
quickly
aheard,
glittering
ofpounced
answer.
the
if you
kind
gold
have
upon
"He
from
piece
was
been
by
Mr.
and
the
inafflicted
Blunt.
atossed
man,
high it
feverblushed
sleeping
with
Here!
deftly
who the
much
Can
to stories
now.
theyou
of
gallery.
and
Is
the
catch?"
sent
there
grinned
time,
around
It any
fell
And
but
awkwardly.
further
upon
he
the
fumbling
seems
post
the
news, Mr. Holmes?"
"I don't like to take this, sir," he said. "It's five dollars."
"Never mind what it is! It's worth a thousand times its weight if you keep
all such yarns from
lieutenant.--Oh! the
Good-morning, Mr. Hatton! I thought your rooms were
up-stairs," he said,
the infantryman as at that
stepped forthmoment
from the lower hall.
"They are, Mr. Holmes, but I have taken up my quarters temporarily in

McLean's,
with so as not
the creaking of to disturb
those Blunt old stairs. What is Mac's is mine,
ramshackle . Won't you
vicecome
versain?"
and
Mr. Holmes hesitated a moment. Then a sudden thought struck him. He
sprang lightly
ushered upsanctum
into the the stepsofand
thewas
young soldier, whom he had marked the
nightTerry's
with before troopers.
starting upon the scout
"So this is McLean's vine and fig-tree, is it?" said he, as he looked
curiously around.
sun-dried, "Ha! Can
golden leaf! Lynchburg
I have a pipe?"
"Most assuredly! Excuse me five minutes, while I run over to the guard-
house.a Then
have whiff I'll rejoin you,
together." and we'll
Another moment, and Mr. Holmes was sole
occupant of the premises.
He seemed to forget his desire for a smoke, and in its stead to become
possessed with aAfter
inquisitiveness. devilaof mildglance around the front room, with its bare,
rapid
barrack-like,
stepped soldier
quickly into furnishing, he in the rear and went unhesitatingly
the bed-chamber
to the out
came bureau. The upper
grudgingly and drawer
with much jar and friction, as the drawers of
frontier furniture
their best, but his are
firmapt to do
hand even atreduced it to subjection. A little pile
speedily
of handkerchiefs,
stood neatly
in the left-hand folded,
corner. He lifted the topmost, carried it to the
window,with
initials compared
those ofthetheembroidered
handkerchief he took from an inside pocket,
ascribbled a few
blank card, closely-written
carefully words
folded the on
handkerchief he had brought with him,
slipped
replacedthe card
both oninside theclosed
the pile, folds, the drawer, and was placidly puffing
away at his pipe when Hatton returned.
IX.
Late that afternoon the guard caught sight of a horseman loping rapidly up
the valley
bridge andthe
across heading
Laramie.for the
Long before he reached the post an orderly had
notified the commanding
that a courier officer
was coming,--doubtless from Captain Terry's party, and
Major Miller's
piazza, binocular appearance
in hand, and on his northsteadfastly over the distant flats to
gazing
the winding
sufficient to trail
bringalongstrong therepresentations
river, was of every household into view, all
eager
to heartowhat
see what
he mighthe was seeing
know. Mr.or Hatton came hurriedly over from
"Bedlam,"
side, and a took
peep his placethe
through by same
the major's
big glasses. Then, after a moment's
consultation,
down the steps theand twowalked
officers startedpast the quarters on the east side,
briskly
merely calling,
queries, "Somebody in answer
coming to the
withmany
news from Terry!" and by the time they
reached
north thethe
end, oldsomebody
blockhouse was at in
theplain view, urging his foam-flecked and
panting
he neared steed
the to a plunging
Laramie. The gallop as
hoofs thundered across the rickety wooden
bridge,
dozens of andshrill
the rider was hailed
and wailing by as he passed the laundresses' quarters,
voices
where the
turned out whole
to demand population had The adjutant had joined the
information.
of
the
one
mules,
"D----
tidings.
the
horseman
coyote
guard
those
so
"They'll
didwill
absurd
had
that
to start
the
have
come
one
women!"
questioners
a
commanding officer by this time,all
wail
whole
forth,
the of
garrison
anxious
pack,
growled
mourning
atand
"Sudstown,"
just
and
inthe
as
hysterics.
call
eager
major,
oneforth
several midnight
to
but
fiercely,
an
Here,
hear
inechoing
an
the
bray
Hatton!
instant
though
news.
will
"keen"
an
run
No
his
setIrish
down
man
from
in
in theburst
wail
discordant
every
little
cheek
there settlement,
and
Hibernian
group
paled
stop
upon
chorus
at
could
their
dread
the
and
hovel
acatch
ear,
infernal
whole
in
ofinan
the
and,
the
all
instant
"corral"
coming
noise.
reply
the
just as
the
ofofair rang with unearthly lamentations.
There isn't one in a dozen of 'em that has any idea of what has happened.
They're howling
principles. What on
thegeneral
devil does that man mean by telling his news before
he sees the commanding officer,
anyhow?"
Meantime, straight across the sandy flats and up the slope came the
courier, hisfrom
Half-way horse panting loudly.
"Sudstown" he was easily recognized,--Corporal Zook, of
"Terry's Reining
soldier. Grays," inandhisa horse,
tip-topthrowing the brown carbine over his shoulder
and quickly
stepped dismounting,
forward to the grouphe and, with the unfailing salute, handed his
commander a letter.
"How came you to tell those women anything?" asked Miller, his lips and
hands to
effort trembling
be calmlyslightly,
prepareddespite hisworst. "Don't you see you've started
for the
the whole
thought pack ofyou
I warned them to yowling?
never to do thatI again, when you came in with the
news of Lieutenant Robinson's
murder."
"The major did, sir; I had it in mind when I came in sight of those
Irishwomen
my this time,
lips, sir. They and wouldn't
are bound to makeopena row, whatever happens. I only
shook myZook,
Corporal head at them,fatigue,
despite sir." Andhard riding, and dust, appeared, if one
couldtojudge
eye, take abyrather
a slight twinkleview
humorous of theof this exposition of national traits.
Followed
Mr. Hattonbyhad twoobediently
or three ofhastened
the guard,to quell the tumult of lamentation, but
by the time
shanty he reached
the infection hadthe nearest
spread throughout the entire community, and--
women and
populace waschildren
weeping, alike--the
wailing,whole
and gnashing its teeth,--and no one knew
or caredbeen
Having to know exactly
wrought up why.
to a pitch of excitement by the rumors and rapid
moves ofshort
nothing the past
of a forty-eight
massacre couldhours,now quite satisfy Sudstown's lust for the
sensational,
actual cause and, defraudedbewailing,
for universal of the was none the less determined to
indulge
had moreinthan
the full
halfeffect.
an hourPoor Hatton and troublesome work before he
of stubborn
could begin
crowded to quell the
tenements, andracket in thethere was mischief to pay in the fort.
meantime
No sooner
floating ondid
the the
windIrish
thanwail
thecome
direst rumors were rushed from house to
house.
to handThehis courier
despatcheshad tobarely
Major had time and the major had not had time to
Miller,
read them, for
post-haste whenDr.aBayard,
messenger andcame
stood trembling and breathless at his door
while the punctilious
major-domo old his master. Holmes was reading at the moment in
went to call
the doctor's
sound library,
of excited and, and
voices at the
scurrying footfalls without, came forward into
the hall
room wasjustheard
as theto door
open.ofGlancing
Nellie's up, he caught sight of her at the head of
the stairs,--her
rippling down overhair dishevelled
her shoulders and
and nearly covering the dainty wrapper
she wore.
"Mr. Holmes! please see what has happened?" she cried, with wild anxiety
in her eyes.
noise, and see "I hear
men such dreadful
running down toward the laundresses' quarters."
But there was no need for him to ask. The messenger at the door was only
too eager.
"Oh, Miss Nellie!" she called, sobbing, half in eagerness, half in genuine
distress. "There's
news! There's suchcome
a man dreadful
in from Captain Terry's troop, and they've had
a terrible
lots of 'emfight, and Mr.
are killed. It'sMcLean
all true,an'
just as we heard it this----"
But here Mr. Holmes slammed the door in the foolish creature's face and
bound,
Nellie
them,
"How
Holmes
came running
they
could
Bayard
for,
as,bore
went tearing clasping
aIup
moment
have
tearfully
washersinking
the been
to
the
later,
the
tobalusters
stairs, sohim,
sofa
almost
mad
theyin
four to
atas
hastened
asay
her
with
senseless
to pretty
that
bring
bothmamma
forth
her
room,
to the
to
little
uponsuch
floor.
and
was
hands
the
then
taken
aChloe,
parade.
pandemonium
in
the
very
a doctor
too,
grasp
"Yes,"
illcame
and
that
he
as
seemed
running
reached
her
this?"
hastily
theyindidn't
was
tears,
answered,
loosening
to
them,
his
her
know
instead
exclamation
almost
aid,what
as
every
and,
of
a rejoicing
little
the
tobetween
second,
do
dead
to
boy
forto
faint
her.
findhe dreaded.
"Yes. So are all the women in garrison, I doubt not; though they're all
scared forI'llnothing,
mamma be thereI'll betasasoon
just dinner. Tell seen Major Miller. Here he comes
as I've
now."
The major, with his adjutant, and followed by his orderly, was coming
rapidly intothe
spoke, and thetwo
quadrangle
gentlemen as he
hastened forward to meet him. From half a
dozenrushing
were houses to women
questionor children
the commanding officer with wild, imploring
eyeshands
his and faltering
and armstongues. He waved
in energetic gyrations and warned them away.
"Go back! Go back! You distracted geese!" he called. "It's all a lie! There's
hardly been aTerry
mentioning. brushand
worth
his men are all safe. Now, do stop your nonsense!
But come
quickly with in
added, me,a lower
doctor," he "Come, Mr. Holmes. I want you both to
tone.
hear this. It'sBridgets
outrageous so like Terry. D---- those
down there! Did you ever hear anything like the row
they raised? And all for nothing."
"Has there been no fight at all?" asked Dr. Bayard.
"Yes,--a pretty lively one, too. McLean is shot and otherwise hurt, but
can't
to go be
ondangerously
in the pursuit. so,Three
for hehorses
wantedkilled and two troopers wounded;
that's to
more about theDoctor,
come. size of it, but there's
I want two ambulances to go down at once; and
will
Theysend
can half
ride aindozen
them.men as guard.
We have no more available troopers. Will you go
or send
get thereyour
muchassistant?
before tenYouorcannot
eleven o'clock, even if you trot all the way.
Betterso?"
think let Dr. Weeks go, don't you
"Whichever you prefer, major. Weeks has been devoting himself to Blunt,
though of course
him there. I couldwe
When could relieve
get back?"
"Not before noon to-morrow. The wounded are 'way down at Royal's
Ford,orwhere
two three Terry had pushed
men, and left them
onwith
after the Indians with the rest. They
tricked
humor."him, I fancy, and he isn't in good
By this time the quartet had entered the office, and there, handing the
despatchclose
orderly to his
theadjutant, and
door, the bidding
major thehimself at his desk; invited the
seated
others to draw
produced a mapupoftheir chairs;country and the trails to the Sioux
the Platte
Reservation over along
bade the adjutant the White
read aloud. This River, and officer proceeded to do:
the young
"ON THE TRAIL, NEAR NIOBRARA, 10.30 A.M.
"POST ADJUTANT, FORT LARAMIE:
"SIR,--Reaching Royal's Ford before daybreak, we posted lookouts and

headed
at dawn.offInthe
theIndians, who appeared
fight Lieutenant McLean, Sergeant Pierce, and Trooper
Murray
killed andwere
leftwounded; twoothers
on the field; Indianswounded, but carried off. After
skirmishing
drew off, andsomeweretime
nextatseen
longfarrange,
downtheythe Platte below the ford. I started
at once
four in pursuit,
miles when we but had gone itonly
discovered was only a small band, and that the main
body,
had with
got downconsiderable
to and were plunder,
crossing the ford. This led us to hasten back,
point.
they
and wewere
Now,
haveforced
however,
kepttoupabandon
thepursuit
hot horses
a good
arethis
to exhausted,
many horses andthey
wewere
havedriving
not even away.
gained
As
rested,
"Very
"GEORGE
soon
respectfully,
Iupon
will
as our
F.their
start
TERRY,
horses
on
fresh
your
return
and
ponies,
obedient
men
via
the although
are
north
servant,
bank. Please send ambulance, etc., for the wounded.
"Captain Commanding ."
To this military and matter-of-fact correspondence the auditors listened in

silence.
"Not much about that to stir up such a bobbery!" said the major, presently.
"How did you hear about McLean's wanting to join the pursuit?" inquired
Mr.make
to Holmes.
rather"Captain Terry seems
slight mention of him and the other wounded. I know
enough
there mustof Indian-fighting
have been sometosharpfeel sure
work when they leave two dead on the
field."
"So do I," answered the major, "and that is why I inquired of old Zook for
particulars.
ranks He is the last or
to be exaggerative man in the
sensational, and as for his captain,--well, this
despatch
Terry. Heishas
simply characteristic
a horror of anythingof'spread-eagle,' as he calls it, and will
never
it mustpraise officers orasmen;
be considered saysofthat
a matter course that they behaved well and did
their to
sure duty. Otherwise
prefer charges.heNow,
wouldDr.beBayard, if you will kindly send for Dr.
Weeks
and, I will give
meantime, him
will youhismake
instructions,
such preparations as may be necessary?"
This the "Chesterfield of the Medical Department" could not but

understand as a and
promptly arose hintsignified
to be off,his
andreadiness
he to carry out any wishes the
commanding
Holmes, officerand
too, arose might have.
started for the door with his host and entertainer,
and, though
back the if
and asked major callednot
he would himremain, he promptly refused, saying that
he greatly
doctor andwished
see the to accompanymade
preparations the in such cases.
But he tarried only a few moments with Bayard at the hospital, and when
the doctor
begged strove
to be to detain
excused him
a little he There was a matter, he said, he wanted
while.
to look into before
ambulances started.those
The post surgeon gazed after him in some
wonderment
tried as thewhat
to conjecture Chicagoan strode
could be away,
taking himand
back to the house at this
moment.
he knew of Nellie was attraction.
no other not to be seen, and
But Mr. Holmes had no idea of going to the surgeon's quarters. Over near
the block-house
with he saw
his little party Mr. Hatton
returning from their inglorious mission to Sudstown,--
lieutenant
the slope, whiledisgustedly
a brace ofclimbing
his assistants, the guards, were chuckling and
chatting
evidentlyinextracting
a low tonemore
together,
amusement from their recent duty than did the
officer
and of thehis
allaying day. JoiningbyHatton
anxiety telling him the particulars of Captain Terry's
despatch,--supplemented
information that McLean'sbyinjuries
the were not considered serious,--Mr.
Holmes
the men asked
in questpermission to send
of Zook, with one he
whom of desired very much to speak.
"He has gone to the stable, sir, to take care of his horse," said a corporal of
the guard.
"If you are in a hurry to see him, Mr. Holmes, perhaps the best way would
be to gothey
Yonder to the troop
are, down stables.
that slope to the north. He must attend to his
horse,--groom
can leave; and and then,care for him
I fancy, before
he will be he
mighty glad of something to eat.
I'll send
him for him
to come if you
as soon aswish, and tell his duties. Where will you have him
he's through
call,--at the doctor's?"
"No,time.
interested
"Certainly,
that I believe
I'm
inMr.this
going
not.
Holmes.
scout
Ifatitonce
and
isMy
allfight,
toroom,--that
theask
same
and
thewant
to
adjutant
is,
you,to
McLean's,
get
would
to his
takeyou
story
my
be mind
it.
sword,
ofThe
the
mydoor
affair.
and
seeing
get
is
himmajor
Terry
baldest
open,
the
Mac." atdoesn't
and
your
outline."
to
I'llquarters?
let
tell
bemeout
anything
go
ofIdown
your
am but
greatly
way
fortheby
"The ambulance is being put in readiness now. I'll go with you to Major
Miller's. What time can I best see the
corporal?"
"Right after retreat roll-call, just after sunset, I should say. He would like
time to spruce up a bit and get
supper."
"Then say nine o'clock. I must not leave my host alone at the dinner-table,
and I fear Miss Bayard will not be
down."
"Is Miss Bayard ill?" asked Mr. Hatton.
"Hardly that! She was greatly overcome by the shock of hearing this news
as it wascame
servant told her. Some
rushing in,idiot of a a courier was back from Captain Terry's
and said
command and that Mr. McLean
was killed."
"And she swooned or fainted?" asked Hatton, with evident interest.
"Very nearly," answered Mr. Holmes, with grave face and eyes that never
flinched. "I think
fallen down she would
the stairs, have
had she not been caught in the nick of time."
"That will be something poor Mac will hear with comfort."
"Yes," was the decided answer, after an instant of silence. "Yes. It would
comfort me ifthen,
Nine o'clock I were
Mr.inHatton,
his place.
and at your quarters."
Before dark the ambulances got away, Dr. Weeks and the lieutenant going
with them
short on horseback.
a post-prandial cigar,Cutting
Mr. Holmes left the surgeon to sip his coffee in
solitude
watch showedwhen ahim glance
that at
thehis
hour of nine was approaching. Quickly he
strode over
sprang up the toward "Bedlam,"
low flight of steps andto the veranda. To his surprise, the hall-
doorthere
but was wasclosed; he turnedLooking
no yielding. the knob,in through the side-lights, he could see
that a lamp
second floor, wasbutburning
that theon the
hall-lantern below had either been forgotten or
its light
steps, heextinguished.
decided to goRetracing his
to the quartermaster and ask if he could have the
key, butupbefore
strides he hadhetaken
the parade thirty that Hatton had told him that the
remembered
hall-door
closed. Thiswasstruck
neverhim
locked and and
as odd, rarely
he stopped to think it over in
connection
Standing withjust
there what he had
beyond thejust observed.
southern end of the big, faded white
rookery,
he lookedinvisible
up at thehimself
lights inin the
the rooms
darkness,
occupied by the Forrest family, and
wondered
and handsome how young
the self-possessed
lady, now occasionally alluded to as the "Queen of
Bedlam,"was
garrison hadunusually
borne thestill;
day. not
Thea sound of mirth, music, or laughter came
from thefrom
whisper barracks of the men;
the quarters notofficers
of the a around the parade. Somewhere,
perhaps Laramie,
rushing a mile away, a dogoutorbeyond
a coyote thewas yelping, but all within the old fort
was still as death.
the northern end ofSuddenly,
the veranda, fromthere came the sound of a latch or lock
quickly turned,
creaking wooden a light
floor,footfall
the swish on the
and swirl of silken skirts, coming toward
him rapidly.
eyes, but could Henotgazed with the
discern all his
advancing figure; so, struck by a sudden
impulse,
the southernhe sprang to the
steps, and veranda,
almost up with a woman's form, scurrying
collided
"I
Before
ranchmen
beg
past himpardon,
theinof
sounding
the
the Miss
presence
For----"
of tattoo
darkness. of he
the
that
began
Sioux
night,
toatthe
say;
Eagle's
stage
but Nest,
without
cameand
inafrom
had
word,
turned
Cheyenne.
with
sudden
out
X.
It
back
had
oftobeen
reach
leap
the strong
warned
the
of voice
slender
defences
byorfleeing
hand
shape atand
whisked
vanished into the southern hall-way.
"Phillips's," on the Chug, remaining there in security until the driver had
satisfied
clear. Nohimself
passengers that came
the coastdown waswith him, but he brought the mail; and,
as none
days, andhad thebeen
wiresreceived
were stillfordown,
two the major commanding turned out and
tramped to theand
stage-station combined
post-office the moment he was notified of the arrival.
Here,
being while the letters
distributed, he was andaccommodated
papers were with a chair in Mrs. Griffin's
littlehanded
was parlor, and in tohis
him own personalasmail
as rapidly the swift fingers of the postmistress
could sortthe
Outside, thestage-driver
various missives.was surrounded by a little crowd of soldiers,
scouts,
with and teamsters,
frontier descriptive and held forth
power on the adventures of the night previous.
He could Hills
a "Black "swar" the Sioux
outfit" not farhad burned
below Eagle's Nest, for he had come far
enough
glare in this side ofand
the skies, thehadChug to seethethecharred remnants just before
passed
sundown
along the this
roadvery
that evening.
there were Heanywhere
had heardfrom two to five hundred Indians
on the
the eagerraid;
talkandandMiller, listening
comparing the to
estimate of the ranch-people with the
experiences
readily madeofuphis hisown
mind campaigning,
that there were probably four or five score of
young
many, withwarriorstheirinmagazine
the party,--too
rifles, revolvers, and abundant ammunition, for
Terry
his to successfully
little detachment. "tackle"
The major with
rejoiced that the captain was sensible
enough tocrossing.
Niobrara discontinue Beyondthe pursuit at the
that there were numerous ridges, winding
ravines, even
two,--the veryaplaces
shallow forcaon or
ambuscade; and it would be an easy matter for a
smalland
back partygiveof the Sioux
pursuers to drop
a bloody welcome. No! Terry had done
admirably
square fighting,so long andashis
there was a chance
subsequent moves,of barring the one dash down-
streambody
main afterslipped
a "fooling
across party" whilehad
the ford, the been dictated by sound judgment.
He deplored
depleted the crippled
condition and command, however. Here was Blunt, one of
of his little
his best cavalry
wounded and in officers,
high fever; seriously
here was McLean, another admirable young
soldier, he and,
wounded; knewwithnot old
howBruceseriously
laid up with rheumatism, he had not a
company
adjutant and officer for duty at the
quartermaster, the doctor
post. The and his own energetic self were the
only twenty-four
next ones he could countasonbelonging
hours, for the to the garrison proper. The infantry
battalion
the flats so that hadacamped
short time before downwas on already beyond his jurisdiction, in
march
was withtoward
greatFetterman up the he
relief, therefore, Platte.
readItthat six troops of the --th Cavalry
had
under reached
ordersCheyenne,
to march toand were as soon as supplied with ammunition
Laramie
and equipments for sharp
field-service.
Presently he heard the suave tones of Dr. Bayard accosting Mrs. Griffin
withcourteous
and anxious inquiries
apologies forforhisintruding
letters, upon her during "business hours,"
but he had
papers beennow,
so long withouthad letters or of the arrival of the stage, Mr. Holmes
just heard
was visiting
kindly put anyhim,
mailandtherewouldmightshebe for Mr. Holmes in his box? Mrs.
Griffin wasand
courteous quite as susceptible
high-bred to
and flattering manners as any of her sex, and to
her thinking
compared no the
with manpost in all the army
surgeon in elegance of deportment. At his bidding
she would willingly
distribution of the mail have to left the any hands and come forth from behind
almost
the glass
with him.partition
She would to indulge
gladly havein a chat
invited him to step into the little parlor,
but the over
poring majorhiswas already
letters, andthere
she could not neglect her official duties in the
august presence
commander. Butof Mrs.the Griffin
post was all smiles as she handed out the doctor's
partially-completed
then, in a low tone, informedpacket, and him that Major Miller was in the little parlor
behind
wait the office,
there, and Dr.ifBayard,
he saw who fit tocould not abide being jostled by his
fellow-men
what or even the
he considered being seen among
common herd, eagerly availed himself of her offer.
Millera pleasant
with looked upnod, andand greeted him
immediately read to him the news of the coming
Cheyenne,
Outside
in
much
who
"Indian-bound"
hall-way,
vitreous
of athe
dozen
was
mental
in
barrier
in
and
in
the
then
cavalrythe
the
solace,
jamming
hall
daily
was
Black
bade
gathering
and
battalion still
apparently,
habit
him
Hillers,
corridor
inatpull
fromaof
had
work.
compact
receiving
up
and
the
ininIt
afront
one
faintest
cultivating
chair
was
mass
or
and
of
aand
two
good-natured,
in
the
expectation
responding
front
read
sauntering
dusty
the his
appearance
ofglass
the
letters
of
tochaffing,
little
soldiers
getting
partition
a dozen.
byof
window
the
aawere
man
And
the
letter,
bright
of
so
"astral"
crowd
but
the
teamsters,
swarming
whereat
laughing
world
there
had
burning
the
crowd,
was
or
about
laundresses,
rapidly
postmistress
anowoman
on
the
but
harm
increased.
the
porch
still
of
in
centre-table.
scouts,
one
behind
society
asking
andvery
Notand
herone
independent and self-satisfied, after the manner of the frontier, where

everyas
good man
hisinneighbor,
a mixed and gathering is as is as good as she chooses to hold
every woman
herself.
the It had made
commanding a passage
officer for
and afterward for the post surgeon, but that was
before it had Now
proportions. attained its Mr.
when present
Roswell Holmes paused at the outskirts with
Corporal Zook
the loungers by hisaround
looked side, some of hands in their pockets; some of the
with their
cowboys
dollars onwho had earned
his ranch nodded their
cheerily at sight of their employer; but this
was the
these United
were Statescitizens,
sovereign post-office,
and every man or woman of them, except
the half-dozen
mail was always enlisted
taken tomen whose had just as much right there as the
barracks,
capitalist
So did Mr.from Chicago,--and
Holmes. He returned knewthe it.
greetings as cheerily as they were
given; made
through, and no attemptwould
probably to push
have remained contentedly until the crowd
dispersed
notes of theand let himbugle
infantry in, had not the first call for tattoo summoned Zook
sounding
and the
way other soldiers to make their
to barracks.
"I'm a thousand times obliged to you, Corporal Zook, for all you've told
me,lieutenant
the and I assure I'm as
as you are. proud
Now, of not be here when the troop gets back
I may
to-morrow,--I
to may at
see if all is well have
the to go back
ranch; but after their ride they'll all be thirsty, and
when I'mI like
nothing verybetter
thirstythan
there's
a glass of cool lager. There is plenty of it on ice
at the trader's,
entertaining forand,--you
me, will do
you?"the And the corporal found his palm invaded
by a fold of crisp greenbacks.
"If it's for the troop, sir, I can't say no," answered Zook, with dancing eyes.
Pay-day
all, and hewas some
knew weeks
how "the off after would relish the trader's beer. "Now, if
fellers"
youaround
go wouldto like
thetoother
sit down, whyaway
side and not from this crowd? There are empty
benches
run, at the
sir; so stage-office.
good-night, I mustthanks."
and many
The office-window had just been thrown open and the distribution was
just begun.
before It would
his turn wouldbecome.
someHolmes
time knew perfectly well that, only for the
fun of the and
teamsters thing, somewould
scouts of thoseform a "queue," and, with unimpeachable
gravity,
inquire ifmarch
there up
wastoanything
the window and
for Red-Handed Bill, or Rip-Roaring Mike,
or the Hon.
Laramie G. Bullwhacker,
Plains. He wanted time of to think a bit before he returned to the
doctor's
from house, Zook
Corporal anyhow. He hadaccount
a detailed drawn of McLean's spirited and soldierly
conduct
was he whoin the fight;
killed thelearned
secondthat it in what was practically a hand-to-
warrior
hand painful
were struggle,andandsevere,
that his wounds
despite his effort to overcome and hide them
when
remarks thehad
pursuit
beenbegan.
echoing Hatton's
time and again through his memory. It would
indeed
how be comfort
shocked to McLean
and painfully to hearwas Nellie Bayard at the news of the
stricken
fight and
proved histhe
half probable
comfortdeath. If it that it was sorrow to his elderly rival,
to McLean
thought
"he'll soonHolmes with
be well, anda deep
'twillsigh,
be high time for me to vanish."
Pacing slowly up the road, he turned an angle of the old wooden building,
and found
square himselfThe
enclosure. alone
stars in awere
broad,shining brightly overhead, but there was
no moon
nook among andthe thestorehouses
darkness in and this offices was simply intense. The only
light came
shutter at a through
side-window the slatsback of of
thethe post-office. Merely glancing at it as
he passed,
bowed headHolmesand handswalkedclaspedon withbehind him, thinking deeply over the
situation.
that sweet,Had he come
youthful, too lateheart,
guileless to win or had he come only just in time to
see itof
light given
whattoheanother?
had seen Hadandhe, in theany right to speak of matters that had
heard,
bounden
to
soldierly
was
his
bureau--of
been
believe
stay
knowledge,
aplaced
gravely thief
and
that
duty
young
ain
help
the
heavily
handkerchief
distressedtheir
tobut
young
subaltern?
to
disclose
sweep
midst;
McLean
in soldier
him? debt certain
aside
despite
Wasembroidered
Despite
by
himself
itcould
the
the
hissuspicions,
the
stoppage
web
Bayard's
be
had
fact
guilty
with
that
been
that
of
was
display
detractions;
McLean's
of
his
there;
his
theft.
unquestionably
wallet
pay,--Mr.
certain
despite
He
initials;
was
despite
would
proofs?
the
Roswell
stolen
despite
discovery
Mrs.
not
weaving
from
Or the
wasthe
about
Miller's
the
on
fact
Holmes
believe
overcoat-pocket
that
it that
more
floor--in
itwhispered
could
itof
brave-faced,
wasthan
him,
not
known
front
all
even
find
confession
his,
when
ofthat
as
itclear-eyed,
his
the
in
ano
he
rival.
his
man's,
one,
had
that
heartto
there
part
to
Then there was another thing. Who was the silken-skirted woman he met
in the darkness
before,--the woman but an whom hour he or had
so attempted to accost, but who slipped
past him How
silence? like awas will-o'-the-wisp--in
it that the door to Hatton's hall was closed and locked,
when Hatton
open? Why was toldithim
that itthe was always
light in that lower hall was extinguished, and by
whom was italmost
gone thither done? immediately
Had he not after recovering from the surprise of his
encounter
the hospitalonattendant
the veranda, and found
grumblingly relighting it? The man had heard some
queer, swishing
explained, as he sound,
sat by Mr. he Blunt's bedside, and "something that sounded
like drawers
room below."being openedout
He stepped in the
in the hall, he said, just in time to hear the
lock of the frontgodoor
and somebody hastilyand
stealthily turned,
quickly out on the veranda, "swishing" all
the way.
along theTheupper ladies had two
gallery beenorover three times, to bring cool drinks to Mr.
Blunt's on,--Mrs.
getting door and inquire Post and how thehe was lady, Miss Forrest, he meant,--but
young
they wouldn't
McLean's rooms want anything inThe
down-stairs. Mr.man looked curiously up at Mr. Holmes
as he toldtoo,
puzzled hisbut tale. Holmes
bade him keep was quiet. Some one of the servants, perhaps,
who
but thewanted a match,shook
little soldier he suggested;
his head. Servants didn't wear dresses that
"swished" like that.
The crowd was beginning to thin considerably, as Holmes could tell by the
sound ofthat
decided receding
it wasvoices.
about time He for him to move and get his own mail,
whenand
dark he became
shapeless aware
crouching of something
along close under the post-office end of the
building
approaching and the slowly
window and cautiously
from which the light was streaming. At first he
thought
his it somethebig
side along dog of
cleats scratching
the wooden wall, but as he stood silently
observing
that the dim shadow
no quadruped was thusitwarily was evident
creeping toward him. Holmes stood
leaning
in againstshade
the deepest a storehouse platform roof; the figure was perhaps
of an over-hanging
twelve or
neared thethirteen
window, yards
the vagueaway, outlines
and, as itof the mysterious creature became
more easily discernible.
Immediately under the beams of light that shot across the dark enclosure
the figure
itself; a hand paused;
went slowly
up to the raised
head and whipped off a cap just as the crown
was tinged
within. Holmesby the gleam from
distinctly saw the reflection of the light on the brightly
polished
not makebrass of the device,
out whether the device but could
itself was the crossed rifles of the
infantry
hand wasorlaid sabresupon ofthe thesill,
cavalry.
the bodyThenslowly
the unbent, and the head was
raised until
forehead andtwo beady
a crop of eyes,
thick,under a lowcould peer in between the slats.
dark hair,
Oneobject
and lingering scrutiny
visible in theofroom, everythenperson down he crouched, and, almost on all-
fours,
the slippedHolmes
building, away tonow the corner
brisklyof striding in pursuit. Half-way back
acrossof
beam thelight,
court, thejust
latter'sas hefootentered
camethe down upon the edge of one of those
tough
sure toand elasticabout
be lying hoops, in such as areof commissary and quartermaster
the yards
storehouses,
eye it whirledand up in
and thestruck
twinklinghim withof ana sharp and audible snap. In an
instant
full the crouching
height and darted figure out of shotsighttoaround
its the corner. When Holmes
reached
man the frontwas
in uniform of the building,
visible. Cowboys not a and a scout or two remained. The
stage-driver
attraction, and was allagain
were the centreabout
grouped of him on the low piazza. Holmes
called
and one him
asked of the ranchmen
if he had seentoor one side,anything of a soldier who came
heard
suddenly
man shook around
his head.the corner,
Stepping butinside
the the office he met the major and his
host, Dr. Bayard,
well-formed, coloredwhile a tall,
girl stood in front of the little wicket, and a number
of loungers
place. still hung
The officers stoppedabout and the said they would wait until he got his
letters, and,
window, Mrs. as Griffin
he tookwas his just
placehanding
near thea little packet to the colored girl.
The light fell
addressed on thelegible
in bold, topmost hand letter,
to Miss Fanny Forrest; and Holmes could
plainly
on see the
the upper post-mark
corner, showing and that
deviceit came from the Red Cloud Agency,
thought
around
expressive
white
know
you lookin'
and old teeth,
me;
by
heI'm
Campway
of
to
for
with
himself,
disappointment
Celestine,--Miss
anything
ofaSidney
coquettish
Robinson. "I for
had
andthis
forgotten
at
toss
Cheyenne."
"Halloo!"Forrest's
getting
trash,"
of herthat
she
nothing
girl.
head
Quickly
we
said,
Miss
accosted
were
from
contemptuously
Griffin,
the
asher
girl
good
him:
beau;
turned
yere's
as
"Good-
cut
then,
Mr.
over
off the
from them
letters,
facing
evening,
Holmes
indicating
frontier Mr.
made
folks.
waitin'
Mr.
the
Holmes
now,Holmes.
some
two
"Han'
for
andor
his
laughing
anditthey
three
S'pose
to
mail.
showing
me
areintervening
Ain't
remark
an'
sending
youI'll
her
don't
nogive
use it to him."
But just at this moment there was a stir at the door. The loungers who had
never budged
Holmes an inch forback,
drew promptly Mr. making way for a tall young lady, who
entered,
dark eyesallgleaming,
aglow fromherafine,
rapidmobile
walk, lips
her wreathed with pleasant smiles
the instant
doctor, who, shecap
caught sightadvanced
in hand, of the to meet her. It was Miss Forrest
herself, and behind her came her escort,
the adjutant.
"I thought I heard Celestine's voice," she said, looking questioningly

around;
the and suddenly
girl had Holmes quickly noted
slunk back that a little group of camp-women.
behind
Finding
searchingit glance
uselessof
toher
evade the mistress, the girl came forth.
young
"Yes, Miss Fanny. I got your letters, miss," she said, but the confident tone
was gone.
look Holmes
in Miss marked
Forrest's the eye as she took the little packet with no
flashing
gentle
to hearhand. He was near
the low-spoken butenough,
clearly too,
enunciated words:
"And I told you never again to touch my letters. This must be the last
time."
XI.
Four days had passed since Terry's fight down the river. McLean,
painfully
plucky, had wounded, but very quiet
been re-established andold quarters at "Bedlam." Dr.
in his
Bayard,
visits, after
had one or twothe
relinquished somewhat formal
entire charge of the case to his assistant; so that
Dr. Weeks
and surgicalwas now theofmedical
attendant both the young officers in the north hall, while
his senior
care for thecontinued
wants of assiduously
the femininetocolony in the other. It may be said right
here, that, so
"refugees" thefar as those
Posts weresturdy
concerned, professional and personal attentions
from Dr. Bayard
unnecessary. Mrs.were
Postboth
was declared
a woman of admirable physique and
somewhat
not fancy theformidable
elaboratepersonality.
manners ofShe the did
surgeon at their first meeting, and
allowed
"His her lacktoofdevelop
Elegancy" appreciation of
into positive dislike before she had known him
a fortnight.
end" Now, since
had become the "north
a hospital, she was willing to admit the doctor to her
confidence,
incessant in for
the the good lady
preparation ofwas
comforting drinks or culinary dainties for
the two invalids;
measure but what was
of her indignation whentheshe discovered that Bayard's attentions at
"Bedlam"
south weretoconfined
hall and to the quarters?
Mrs. Forrest's
He had always been a specialist in the maladies of women and children, to

be sure,
vital and we all
importance areknow
such of what
practitioners in our large garrisons. He was a
welcome
in visitor either
the sick-room at the
of every fireside
family or
homestead on the reservation--except
Mrs. but
call, Post's--whensoever
that his presencehe at chose to
Mrs. Forrest's should be requisite and
necessary three
twenty-four or was
hours four something
times everyMrs. Post could not be brought to
believe, andthe
inoculated herentire
scepticism speedily
community.
Mrs. Forrest declared she did not know how she could have lived through
the terrors
not been forofDr. theBayard's
past week had it and skilful ministrations. The doctor
delicate
himself
poor wasnervous
lady's understoodsystemto say
wasthat the unstrung, that she was in a hyper-
utterly
sensitive condition
readily develop intowhich
nervousmight
prostration unless she was carefully guarded.
The officers
they spoke ofofthe thematter
garrison, when
at all, which was not often, laughingly referred to
physician
was
seldom
something
more
too
Miss
now precipitate
personally
showing
Forrest
thanindeed,
in
one
they
finding
declined
aoccasion
in
interested.
were
marked
had
hisseen
excuses
wooing?
divided
Dr.
interest
treated
the admirable tactics of the astutefrom
Bayard's
Thefor
in
Twice
the
women,
him
in
their
frequent
his
start,
arm,
with
since
opinions.
junior,--the
when
but
and,
marked
professional
Hatton
that
on
they
That
brilliant
the
coldness
attendant
returned
did
other
Dr.visits
not
Bayard
and
hand,
speak
and
with
of
to
most
the
aaversion.
was
while
his
of
house
the
little
she
wherewas
matter
"smitten"
incomprehensible
What
escort,
seemed
wounded itto
bringing
to
was
one
officers.
with
the
repel
now
another,
matter?
Fanny
inapparent
theyoung
Twice
the
senior,
Forrest
Had
which
wounded,
while
woman
he
she
towas
was
all
been
was
Dr.had
he
had
Bayard
on
was known to be visiting at the Forrests', she was seen to come forth, and,
after an
down theirresolute
walk, as glance
thoughup sheand
had no other purpose in venturing out than
to escape
the youngfromlady her
hadelderly
walkedadmirer,
down the path away from the officers' quarters
and disappeared
direction from view
of the trader's in Some
store. the of the ladies were beginning to faute
, the
de doctor
mieux
believe that, himself in a flirtation with his lackadaisical patient; but it
was consoling
was speedily
only noted that
a few moments whenhe stayed
Miss Forrest left the premises, and the idea was
as speedily unless,
sisterhood, scoutedindeed,
by the entire
we except the lady herself. Poor Mrs. Forrest!
In these
she coulddays
not of her faded
forget the factbeauty,
that it was only a few years before that her
rosebud
eyes hadcomplexion
been the causeandof tender
manyblue a heartache among the young fellows in
the garrison
damsel, where
reigned she, theand
supreme; onlylives there a woman who, having once
queened
sex, it overabandon
can quite the hearts
theof thethat
idea opposite
her powers still exist?
Knowing, from plain declarations to that effect, that her spirited sister-in-
law totally
Bayard afterdisapproved
a conversation of Dr.
held with him the night McLean was returned
to the post,
flatter herselfMrs.
thatForrest was fainvisits
these frequent to to her were impelled by an interest
transcending
rapidly becomingthe professional
sentimental.and It really did her good; gave her something
to think her
rescued aboutfrombesides her woes;ways into which she was falling and
the slatternly
restored
mien; a faded coquetry
brightened her dreary to eyes
her dress and color to her pallid cheek, and
and lent
prompted her tobarricades
those domestic surround herself
againstwithunhallowed glances and unwarranted
sighs,--the
Forrest children.
flatly told herBut when
it was allFanny
nonsense, this encouraging Dr. Bayard's
visits on account
supposititious of some
malady, and that she was looking better than she had seen
her lookatinthe
offence sixfirst
months, the lady
statement andtook
alarm at the second, and between the two
a relapse
of course,was accomplished
triumphantly which, the justice of her position and the
established
ineffable cruelty of her sister's charge.
Fanny Forrest's life could hardly have been pleasant just then, said
superficial
who called commentators.
upon the lady of Totheevery woman
house in her invalid state, Mrs. Forrest
had somethingand
heartlessness to say
utterabout
lack ofthesympathy with which she was treated; and
who
wrotecanherdoubt
soldierthat the letters
husband made shefrequent complaint to the same effect?
Now, if had
Forrest in the
nodomestic
friend or circle Miss it was quite as bad without. With all
sympathizer,
her frankness,
with brilliancy,toand
all her willingness be dash,
cordial and friendly, there had arisen
between
the her aand
garrison the whole
strange, sisterhood
intangible, in
but impenetrable barrier. She was
welcome
inquire thenowhere,
cause. and was too proud to
This state of things could not go on long, as a matter of course. Sooner or

later
by the reasonand
somebody, would
thenbethedemanded
stories would come out. Mrs. Miller and Mrs.
Bruce, ashad
chapter, recorded in an together
covenanted earlier to keep the secret; but that mysterious
theft the had
doctor's night of the
made thedinner
formeratdetermine
the on another revelation to her lord
andMrs.
for master, the post
Bruce, commander. As womanfully--to hold her tongue, and
she struggled--well,
womanfully succeeded.
Two nights after McLean had been brought home and was lying in a
somewhat
commanding feverish
came condition,
in and softly thetapped
major at the door of the front room.
Hatton
by was seated
the light at the table
of the Argand, andreading
he arose at once and tiptoed to see who
was there.
"Oh! Come in, major," he said, in a low tone, throwing open the door.
"Is
"Not
"I
gazed
know;
McLean
"Come asleep,
keenly
I understand.
in." asleep?"
sir,
intobutHatton's
lying
whispered
It may
ineyes,
a be
sort
the
and
several
ofmajor.
Hatton
doze.
days
"I--I
Weeks
plainly
before
don't
issaw
trying
he'll
want
the
be
to
totrouble
well
disturb
fightenough
off
inhim.
his
I only talk,
fever."
to--to
commander's
wanted
won't
face.
to inquire."
it?" and the major
"I fear it may, sir. Weeks says he must be kept quiet and free from worry
of any kind."
The major paused, irresolute. He took off his forage-cap and mopped his
brow with
stood therehis handkerchief,
twisting then
the cap in his hands. He looked down the dim hall-
way,
door, then
then through
down atthe
hiscrack
boots,ofand
theall the time Hatton stood there holding
wide open
praying he the door,
would notyet hoping
come and
in. Something told the lieutenant that the
matter so plainly
commanding worrying
officer theneither he nor McLean could speak of if it
was one
could possibly be helped.
But Miller was in sore trouble, and he could not stand alone.
"Hatton!" he muttered, impulsively, "is the nurse there? Can you come out
with me? I--I
something thathave
givesheard
me a world of concern, something I must ask you
about.
ears areI can't talk offar
sometimes it here.
moreSick
acutemen's
than those of their sound and healthy
brothers. Can you come now?"
"I am alone with Mac just now, sir. I sent the attendant down to the post-
office and
cooped up the store.and
all day, Hewashadgrateful
been for a little fresh air. When he
returns----"
knew it mightandbeHatton
an hour stopped
beforevaguely.
the man He
got back. That would give him
time to think.
"Well. That will have to do. Come to my quarters then, and, if a lot of
women
want to are
see there, you--you
me about say you
something,--anything,--and I'll come out. I don't
want them And
anything." to dream
here I'm
the investigating
major stopped uneasily and glanced up-stairs;
then looked
"Who's inquiringly
up there?" at Hatton.
he asked.
"No one, sir, to my knowledge. Blunt's door is closed and he is sleeping.

Weeksand
since, wasstopped
there not
to ten
seeminutes
me on the way down. Why do you ask?"
"Why, I thought I heard something,--a woman's dress and light footfall. I

even
head thought I saw a shadow at the
of the stairs."
Hatton's heart gave a great thump, and he felt his face glowing under his
commander's gaze, but he answered
steadily.
"It is possible, sir. Mrs. Post and Miss Forrest both have been coming
along thethings
bringing upper to
gallery frequently,
both Blunt and McLean. Mrs. Post comes over to
inquire
in every
and out houras
as light oraso, and they
kitten. Shalltiptoe
I run up and see?"
"Oh, no,--no! If that's the explanation, it is simple enough. No, I'm all
upset. I--ICome
listening. fancied
tothere
me aswas some
soon onecan, Hatton. By the way, have you
as you
heard from Mr. Holmes?"
"No, sir. He was called suddenly to the ranch, and I presume he is there."
"I know, I know. But did he see McLean before he left?"
"See him! Yes, sir; but that's about all he could do. McLean was in no
And
to thethen
spot,
condition
Weeks the
tohis
hustled major
browout
receive
him went
moistening
away,
visitors, andclosing
somewhat with beads
the hall-door
of sweat that
unceremoniously." afterseemed
him. Hatton
starting
"Well.every
"Very
stood
from there
good,
That'sapore.
sir."
moment
all, just
Despite
now.
as though
his
I'll expect
rooted
you soon after tattoo."
secrecy, then, despite McLean's destruction of the evidence of her visit the
night of the
property, disappearance
despite of their to shield the sister of an absent
their determination
comrade
some wayfrom suspicion,
the story must or disgrace,
have gotten in
around. Possibly there were other
thefts of
which which hehad
suspicion knew nothing,
pointed in Possibly the vague confessions,
to her.
implicating
Mrs. Miller,no one,inwhich
taken he hadwith
connection made to of which he had no
events
knowledge,
chain had proved evidence
of circumstantial sufficientabout
to weave
her; aand now the commanding
officeron
down was aroused,
him, and poor andMac
wasyonder,
comingfor full details of their losses and
their anything
give knowledge to of the affair.
secure He would of that dreaded interview until
the postponement
he could talk
comrade, but over
whenmatters
would with
that behisa possibility? Just as soon as the
attendant returned,
commander, he must
and either makegoa to his breast of it or refuse to utter a word.
clean
What
of course would
a comrade he ask
if it were his, or expect sister, who was here alone and
Hatton's,
defenceless?
right! By heaven,
They must McLean
shield her, so far was
as shield of theirs could serve, until
Forrest himself
adviser could come to be her
and protector.
Then he, too, stopped, listened, and looked up the stairs. Then he, too,
started, sudden
major's but withturn
a start
wastoa which the
mere languid gesture. Hardly could he believe
his eyes;senses,
reeling hardlybut
could he trust
it was his
she,--Fanny Forrest,--not standing at the head of
the stairs,
upon him,but
hercoming
finger atswiftly down
her lips, her other hand gathering her skirts so that
they should
possible make
as she as littlequickly
swooped rustle asdown the stairs. Another instant, and she
was fiery
like at hiscoals,
side, her
her eyes
face gleaming
burning, her lips firm, set, and determined. He
waswho
she too much
brokestartled to speak.
the silence, It was
in words clear-cut and distinct yet soft and low.
"Mr. Hatton, I saw your major coming here. I have heard within two days
more than to
he wishes youseeknow. I know why
you to-night, and--yes, I listened. There is more at stake
than you
you; theredream of. Now,
is no time I hasten to time to answer questions. If you
to explain,--no
wouldgosave
don't neara Major
friend from
Millerwrong or ruin,
to-night. I adjure you, find some excuse. I'll
find attendant;
that one for you,
butifmark
it is only
whattoI say,
delaydon't go near Major Miller to-night, or
tell him what
Holmes youI--I've
returns. knowsentuntilfor
Mr.
him. Will you promise?"
"Promise!" he utters, slowly, a dazed look in his eyes. "Good God, Miss
Forrest!forI would
power CaptaindoForrest's
anythingsister,
in myand for him; but if--if this thing is
known, what can my silence avail?"
"Never mind Captain Forrest or Captain Forrest's sister! This is vital! Do
you Holmes
Mr. promise?willIt isbeonly
herefor
in atwenty-four
day. hours."
"What can his coming or going--pardon me! but I'm at a loss to see how
he is in any way concerned."
A manly step was heard on the porch without. She turned a glance of
terror
the at the
latch, buthall-door and flew
the step went to spring
on toward the south hall.
"It is the doctor," she said, falteringly. "He is going to our quarters, and I
must hurry
Hatton, tell back
no onetheI way
cameI to came.
you Mr.
here; and, as for the rest, I implore you
to be guidedwhipped
more,"--she by what Ifrom
say. her
Onepocket
thing a white silk handkerchief. "Put this
back among
anywhere his,--not
among themonotherwise."
top, but
And, thrusting
rushing
swift
hearing.
thought
"Hat, as
there
and
he
terriers;
A few
heard
are
"swishing"
the
spooks
moments,
and
McLean's
soft
inin
fabric
an
over
this
dazed
instant
voice,
the
old
into
and
floor,
rookery.
she
his
and
confounded,
hand,
was
her
entering
Ithrough
slippered
could
without
found
Hatton
have
the
another
feet
him
upper
sworn
twinkling
stood
propped
word
hall,
I there
heard
out
she
over
onon
aflew
his
up the
the
gazing
elbow,
woman's
rickety
gallery,
old
avacantly
queer
dress
wooden
flight,
andlook
and
beyond
after
light
stairs,
aon
woman's
her.
as
his
sight
her
kittens,
Then
face.
and
skirts
footfalls
he
on those creaking stairs just now. Has any one been in here?"
"N--no one, Mac."
"Gad! I'm not dreaming. It sounded just as it did the night--the night that
thing happened. You know, Hat."
XII.
Just at tattoo that evening Mrs. Miller was smitten with a sudden desire to
go over
child and been
hadn't see Nellie
out ofBayard.
the house,Theshe explained, since "the Grays" started
for the fray
Randall McLeandownwiththe Platte,
them. taking
She longed to see her and learn from her lips
how matters were
She wondered goingknew
if Nellie at home.
how her father was devoting himself to the
Forrests;
and obedientshe wondered
daughter would if the gentle
not rebel at the idea of such a possibility as
his becoming
Miss Forrest. She seriously attachedthe
had indulged to major in one very plain and startling
dissertation
young woman, on the
fromsubject of thatof which he was still suffering; but, worst
the effects
of all, herthrough
acquire, motherly heart words,
Nellie's longed looks,
to or actions, some idea as to whether
shethe
all really cared forOf
lieutenants. hercourse
pet among
Nellie liked--but did she love him? Of
McLean's
and sensitivedeep-rooted
little maiden,regard forMiller
Mrs. the shyhad not the shadow of a doubt.
Nellie had
mother to herno one, she
in this argued, to be
troublesome a and yet she was beginning to feel a
time,
species
knowledge of jealousy
that the in the and the Gordons and other good garrison
Bruces
people--maid
going continuallyand to
matron--had
and from the been seen quarters. Mrs. Miller thought
doctor's
she had a prior
confidences claim
of the on thepretty daughter, and did not relish it that others
doctor's
should enough
Oddly possiblytherebe before
was no her.
one calling on this night of nights; the major
had been at
business out,
theostensibly
office, buttosomething
attend to told her he was seeking information
as to the array
pointing to the of circumstances
fact that there was further evidence against Miss Forrest.
The bugles were sounding the call through the stillness of the early
summer yet
seemed night,
far though at Laramie
away, when summer
she heard him coming heavily up the steps to
the piazza.
by the veryWell the good
cadence of hislady knewjust what mood possessed him. It was
footfalls
slow,though
and, draggy,hespiritless
had almostto-night;
angrily and contemptuously checked her when
she began the
revelations, herstory
heartofyearned
these later
over him now. She went down to him, as he
sat there looking
twinkling drearily
lights across theout at the
parade.
"Come, major," she said, addressing him, as was a fancy of hers at times,
by the
the formalname.
Christian army title instead
"Come; I'm of
going over to the doctor's to see how
Nellie isI want
escort, to-night;
yourand, not thatAIglass
company. needofanhis old Madeira will do you good,
and he
You areisblue
always so glad
to-night, andtoso
offer
am it.
I. Come."
He resisted faintly. Hatton might be along any moment, and he had an

appointment
speedily with
settled him,
that by he said;the
calling butorderly,
she and telling him, should Mr.
Hatton
Dr. call, toand
Bayard's come over
let the at once
major to Then her obedient lord had no further
know.
objections
had bethoughtto urge,
him and
of thehe,doctor's
too, Madeira and those incomparable
Regalia
Wyoming Britannicas.
were thereNowherecigars to in match Bayard's, and it was easy to persuade
himselfdeliberate
better that he could
on the somatter
much in hand over the fragrance of the soothing
in
maid
reappeared
doctor
lips
hospitable
over
up-stairs
hadthegone
inMadeira,
Virginian
the
toto
inquire
Havana. Robert threw openparlor
the and
hospital,
style
with
if smilingly
Miss
ata sight
the decanter
he
Elinor
doorexplained,
of
admitted
the
could
of wine
commandant
see
but
to and
his
Mrs.
would
better
some
Miller;
and
soon
half
flaky
his
return.
and
that
wife,
"Angels'
then,
heThen
ushered
true
food"
he
believed
which
Forvanished.
atoreply
upon
"her
his
them
there
Southern
head
she
a Miller
silver
into
were
pointed
was
the
salver.
smacked
some
training,
leveller
parlor,
to things
the
Thesent
his
than
hall-way.
on
the
his."
"Come here just one moment. I want you to see where I stood, and how I
could view
hat-rack outwhat was going on at the
there."
Silently he stood by her side, glanced at the mirror, and noted the
reflection therein.
"It was just there his beautiful fur coat was hanging,--and the money in its
pocket," she said.
Then came the message from aloft, that, if Mrs. Miller would step up-
stairs,
her,--Miss MissBruce Bayard was would
already be glad
there;toandsee so the major was left alone. He
sat some
album or five
two,minutes
poured out looking
and drankover an another glass of wine, and bethought
himfelt
he thatlikeBayard
smoking had to toldgohimrightifinto
everhis study and help himself. Now was
the very him
brought time.toAthe dozen strides library-table littered with books,
broad-topped
pamphlets,
them papers of all kinds,
the inviting-looking brown and among
box. Another moment, and, ensconced in
the
Regaliabig easy-chair,
between hiswith lipsaandfragrant
a late New York paper in his hand, the major
wasday.
the forgetting the perplexities
The reading-lamp of lighted threw a bright glow upon the
he found
paper in hisinhand,
apartment darkness.but leftOutthe in the kitchen he could faintly hear the voices
of the domestics
crockery and glass andinthe soundofofcleaning, above-stairs the murmur of
process
softer
the tongues.
house on theAll in floor
first the frontwaspart of Presently, out on the parade the
silent.
bugler
"taps," began to soundlights,
to extinguish the signal,
and at the same moment Miller heard the click
of the
had latch
been noatfootsteps
the frontthat door. heThere
could hear, and he thought he might be
mistaken. click,
presently He listenedclick, itintently,
went again. and Odd, thought Miller. That is not the
way aitman
does sound enters
like histhe own
way house,
an honest norman enters any one else's. Click,
click,Some
now. again,one louderwasand moretrying
plainly forcibly
to open that door without attracting the
attention
now he should of the be occupants. What ifthe prowler? What if this should,
able to surprise
indeed, prove
larceny or worse? to beNow somewas oneanbent on time. The doctor was known to
excellent
be away,--over
Bayard was known at thetohospital.
be up-stairs, Missconfined to her room. Very probably
thethe
of thief
post had watchedknew
surgeon, the movements
he would be detained some time, and--there
were
parlor.allTherethosewas prettythatnicknacks
handsomeinsilver the in the dining-room (it was always
in the
bed at doctor's
night). What strongmore box likely
under than the that now was the time selected by
some
to slinksharp
throughsneak-thief
the shadows in theof garrison
the night to the doctor's quarters, slip in
thechattering
all front way and while the servants
laughing in thewerekitchen in the rear, and make off with his
plunder?heart
Miller's It was an inspiration.
fairly bounded at the thought. If the thief could enter now,
he
night could
of the have entered
dinner. Bybefore,--the
Jove! Did he not recall that sudden gust of cold air
that swept
midst of thefrom the hall
doctor's story?in theClick, click, snap! At it again, and no mistake
this time.
major stole Quickly
towardand the onhalltiptoe
where thehe could see the front door. It was his
hope, his
would belief effect
speedily now, that the thief and from the darkness of his lair the
an entrance;
major
him in,could follow seehim andonidentify
tiptoe to him,thelet
dining-room, there seize and confound
him in thethe
fastening very crimeact, onandsomeso, one guilty man, dispel at once and for all the
acloud
woman'sof suspicion
fair fame. thatClick,
hovered click, over
again. What was the matter? Would the
astubborn
'prenticelock hand, notand yield? or wasunsuited
his tools this to the job? In his wild impatience
he could
hurled have rushed
it open, but thattowouldthe door have and only spoiled the game. He could have
caught his
nothing. No,prowler,
patience! butpatience!
proved A burst of jolly Ethiopian laughter from
the distant
moment kitchen
other sounds drowned for a unnerved the operator at the door. Did
and possibly
he hear quick,
hurrying away?light There footsteps
was a broad "stoop" there, quite a wide veranda in
storm-door
themselves,
Then--there
suspense
hurled open
fact, since no had
thebut
it
the
longer,
wasbeen
the
door,--and
again.
unsightly creak
and,
removed.
springing
Surely
ofrecoiled
wooden theFordry
heinto
an
heard
in
woodwork
instant
mingling
thea hall
light
heunderneath
where
agony
certainly
footfall
the
and
on
thought
hanging
horror.
them.
the steps,--on
He
he
God
lampof
heard
listened
attempt
the
shed
heaven!
piazza
its
scurrying
had
broad
intently
There
itself.
apparently
glare
stood
footfalls.
another
He over
could
Fannybeen
moment,
every
Not
bear
Forrest!
abandoned.
the
object,
thesteps
but the
"Major Miller!" she gasped, affrighted at his vehemence and the ghastly
look with which
"How--how you he greeted
startled me!her.
Why, what has happened? where were you
going
the in such--why,
matter?" and nowmajor--what is
there was something imperious in the demand.
For all answer he could only pass his hand over his quivering face in a
dazed,rallying
Then, dumb sort of way he
suddenly, a moment.
stepped forward, giving his head a shake and
striving to be cool and calm.
"You are more startled than I, Miss Forrest. I never thought to find you at
that door."
"And why not me? I have not seen Nellie since her illness, and came over
at taps tomeinquire
receive if she would not
a moment."
"Why--why didn't you ring?" he hoarsely asked.
"Ring! What opportunity had I? My foot had hardly touched the piazza
before theyou
revealed door opened in mypardon
looking--well, face and
me, Major Miller--as if you had
suddenly encountered a ghost."
"Do you mean you have only just come?" he asked.
"Certainly."
"And you saw no one? There was no one here as you came in the gate?"
"Not a soul,--stop a minute though,--there was something----"
"Pray, what are you talking about, Major Miller, and to whom are you
talking?"
half at thisqueried the voice
very instant; andofbefore
his better
he could respond there came through
the gate-way
debonair, anddoctor.
portly up the steps the
"What!" exclaimed Bayard. "Miss Forrest! Ah, you truant, we've been
wondering
and where you were,
I. Ah, major!--Mrs. your
Miller. sister
Why, this is delightful! Now indeed am I
welcome
parlor, home!
said Come
the--but I'mright into my
no spider. Come, Miss Forrest, I know you want
to see my
Bruce withlittle
her.girl,--I
Major,left
youJeannie
and I want a glass of Madeira and Mrs. Miller
to bless
all want the
someoccasion, and then
music, don't we?we Come in, and welcome."
And so, half urging, half pushing, half leading, the doctor swept his trio of
visitors into the appearance
start at Miller's parlor. Despite at theherdoor, despite his preoccupation and
gloom, which
doctor's good wineseveral glasses
failed of the Miss Forrest remained after a brief
to dissipate,
visit to that
saying the invalid
she hadup-stairs
promisedand, Nellie, sang to them witchingly again and
again.
But that night, despatches flashed in from Fetterman that gave the major
another came
himself turn. The telegraph
running up with operator
the message just as the party at the doctor's
(considerably
time by new-comers augmented drawn bythither
this by Miss Forrest's voice) was breaking
up for thein
appeared night.
greatIndians
numbers hadalong the North Platte, threatening the road
had
to
but
away
weighing
door.
take
was
been
It
atthe
connecting was
sunrise;
told
attacked
sotrail,
time
heavily
hetwo
the could
but
and
indeed
and
there
on
innot
burned
posts,the
his
towere
be
andpresence
look
mind,
spared.
amidway
no
the
but
young
trainsituation
Morning
of
not
between
thegallants
for
common
asquarely
brought
moment
them.
to ride
foe
Terry
through
tidings
could
the
forth
major,
and
he
that
this
and
his
forget
the
time.
for
hard-
war-
the
her
worked
Hatton,
parties
time
startled
through.
Forrest.
being,
were
face
indeed,
Grays
It might
put
as
seen
were
he
aside
offered
be
only
threw
ready
necessary
the
seven
his
open
matter
inservices,
an
miles
that
tohour
send for
Another day brought with it a strong column of cavalry hastening up from

the railway
troops wereattoCheyenne, and these
be fully provided with rations and ammunition before
setting forth
whither they toward the Black
were ordered. Hills,
It was bustle and business for everybody. The
major said
subject no interrupted
of the more to Hatton on the but on the second day, as McLean
interview;
was lyingtolanguidly
listening the sounds in his bed, and heels without, and bemoaning his fate
of hoofs
that hesuch
when wasstirring
to be bedridden
times were here
ahead, his soldier servant came noiselessly
to askout
step thea little
lieutenant's
while to permission
see some tofriends in the cavalry. The attendant was
seated in thewas
permission front room,granted.
readily so the
"Is there anything the lieutenant wants, sir, before I go?"
"Nothing except a handkerchief. Give me one of those silk ones in this

corner of the drawer. They are softer."
The man handed the topmost of the pile, and went noiselessly away.
McLean out
dropped shook it open,
upon and a card
the coverlet. Surprised, he picked it up and slowly read
it, perplexity
annoyance and then
showing symptoms
plainly in hisof
face. Twice--thrice he read it through.
Then, stowing
began to think.it under his pillow, he
Dr. Weeks came in before a great while to renew the dressing on his
wound, too
talking andmuch.
asked him if he had not been
"I haven't been talking at all. Why do you ask?"
"Pulse a little quicker than it was. What have you been doing?"
"Nothing--to speak of. What is there to do but read and think?"
"You mustn't get to fretting because you can't go out with every
expedition,
but you can'tMac.
haveWe all pie
your know andyou'd
eat it.like
Youit,can't get shot in one fight and
expectquiet
keep to get intoI the
here, next.
think I canIf put
you'll
you in saddle again in a month,--much
quicker
must be than I can
patient, poor Blunt;
especially nowbut you
that you'll miss Hatton. He goes out with
the train-guard to-night."
"Hatton! To-night?" exclaimed the invalid.
"There you go again, Mac! What a bundle of tow you are, to be sure; I
might just as soon touch a match to a
magazine."
"Doctor, tell Hatton I want him,--must see him before he goes."
"Confound it, man, I told him to keep away. Why do you want him?"
"Because I must see him. You'll have a crazy man on your hands if you don't." And Weeks
decided
let this headstrong it besthave
Highlander to his way.
"Whatnight,
That is it, in
oldhis
man?"
field-dress
he asked.
and "Weeks
all readytold
to start,
me first
Hatton
to slip
gently
awaycame
without
to
hisweek,--and
asaying
McLean
"Send
comrade's
that
good-by,--I'll
looked
man then
bed-side.
away
outhunted
in
only
for
theame
be
front
while,"
gone
uproom.
and
hesaid
said.you wanted to see me."
"Now for it," groaned Hatton, between his teeth. "Something new, and he's
gotkeep
to holdmy
of it. How
story to in heaven am I
myself?"
Obediently at a word from Hatton, the hospital attendant took his cap and
stepped
forth hisoutside.
hand andThen
tookMcLean putsenior lieutenant.
that of the
"Hat, you and I have been good friends, haven't we?"
"Always, Mac."
"I've something to ask you. Something I must know. You remember the
night we burned that handkerchief?"
"I should say so."
"Have you ever seen--have you ever known of her ever being in here--or
around here since?"
Hatton hesitated.
"Tell me, Hat."
"I can't tell you, Mac. There's been the devil to pay. Some other things
stolen.I'm
man, Miller's gotI'm
thankful hold of it,for
going, and,
I'dold
have to tell what we know."
"Great God! and Forrest two weeks' march away,--least count! See here,
Hat! To-day
among I found something
my handkerchiefs--in a missing one that was returned. Do you
know how it got there?"
"Yes," slowly. "She herself gave it to me and asked me to put it there."
"You don't mean it! How could she, without exciting more suspicion? She
must have
make known ither
you connect would
withonly
what had happened here."
"Mac,--old man; it's no use! I can't keep it back from you. Why! She was
reckless
has goneof faranything
beyond Isuspicion.
might think.It isItcertainty. She was on the watch the
night
her Miller came
dress--her stepshere
youfor me.in
heard It the
washall. It may be kleptomania,--God
knows;
off but whatever
all disguise. it is, shetothrew
She listened Miller's orders that I should come to him at
tattoo;
was anddown
gone, then, the
she moment he I stood there at the door, and implored
flew to where
me, Mac,and
disgrace as Iruin
would
notsave her from
to go--not to tell him."
"And she was not out of her mind?"
"She is as sane as you or I, Mac, except on that one thing."
XIII.
trenchant
For
Weeks
help
she
of
matter,
wife
the
was
several
nurse
ofcase,
hardly
but
the
met
criticisms
him,
did
commanding
days
Dr.
byknew
not
Bayard's
aand
after
most
prevent
at
how
was
Hatton's
the
embarrassed
more
sense
officer.
toexpense
his
account
than
expressing
of
sudden
The
professional
of
perplexed
for
but
lady
the
departure
it.
earnest
younger
himself
herself
Mrs.when,
etiquette
Miller,
negative
Lieutenant
could
as
physician;
having
surprised
kind
would
not
on refrain
the
soul,
McLean
easily
and,
and
not
part
had
as
permit
from
of
awas
his
worse.
begged
obtained
assistant.
of
annoyed
telling
result
his of
opposing
her
High
toher
at
the
As
be
husband
what
remarks,
fever
approval
Weeks
allowed
his
hehad
junior
and
termed
was
to
Old
of
set
making
come
in
thein
in,
Miller
charge
apost
the
slight
and
over
some
surgeon,
Dr.
to
andthe
decided to do a thing to which, hitherto, he had always declared himself

averse,--namely,
surgical to require
staff a defence of his
of their policy in the matter. He would not do this
formally
to ask Dr.orBayard
officially, but what
at once he meant
possible objection there could be to Mrs.
Miller'sand
officer looking
doinginwhat
on the
sheyoung
could to promote his comfort. She was
welcome
him, and Mr.to goBlunt's
to Blunt's bedside,
wounds wereshe
of atold
more severe character than those
of thevirtually
was young infantryman, whom she
forbidden to see.
Miller's honest heart was filled full of perplexities and cares at this time,
and
triflethe best ofunder
irritable men are
suchapt to be a His brow was moody and his step
conditions.
more energetic
sallied than usual,
forth in search of hisassenior
he surgeon, this bright sunshiny morning.
No one
but was on
the front thewas
door Bayards'
open, piazza,
and, hearing subdued voices in the parlor, he
ventured
the inner to step
door insidealso
which andstood
tap atajar. It was at once thrown wide open by
Janet Bruce,
lighted whose
up with bonnie
pleasure face of him; she had always been a favorite of
at sight
his from the
romping maiddays whendresses.
in short she was a
"Why, Major Miller! Come right in. Nellie will be so glad to see you."
"What! Is Nellie here?" he asked, and stepping into the parlor, the gloom
vanishing fromeyes,
those smiling his face at sight over
he marched of to the sofa where Elinor lay, holding
forth to him a white and fragile
hand.
"Why, bless your heart, little lady! I'm rejoiced to see you down-stairs
again,"
been in he
thecheerily said.since
dumps ever "We'veyouallwere taken ill and remanded to bed. And
now
have Ibeen
suppose you and
condoling Janet
with eachhere
other. With McLean invalided and Hatton
on the war-path,
young women have I fear meindulging
been you two in tears. Hah! Blushing? Well, well, I
only wish
either. I werefellows,
Enviable Mac or both
Hatton
of them, to have two such pretty girls in
mourning
same, don'tfor their
you losemishaps. But to
your hearts allthose
the boys; neither of 'em is worth it."
And the major
of being chuckled
quizzical at the idea
and arch.
"Indeed, Major Miller," retorted Miss Bruce, with reddening cheeks and
spirited mien.
mourning at all,"We're
though notI'm
in not a whit ashamed of my anxiety about our
friends;
Mr. but isasten
Hatton foryears
calling them
older boys,
than you were when you were married,--Mrs.
Miller
McLean told
hasme so,--and
been Mr. years in the service to be spoken of
too many
disparagingly.
morning?" she Have
asked,you
withheard how he
a sudden is thisfrom rebuke to anxious
change
inquiry, flashing
half-averted face aasquick glance at his
she questioned.
"Not for two hours. I had hoped to find Dr. Bayard here. Do you know
where he is, Miss Nellie?"
"He said he was going to the hospital, major," was the hesitant reply, "but
I think
Mrs. he stopped
Forrest's, at Bedlam,--at
perhaps."
"Ah--yes, I remember. Mrs. Forrest does not get well rapidly. Has Miss
Forrestdown-stairs?"
came been over to see you since you
least,"--for
"She
The
was
languor
trouble
major
hardly
called,
in
andher
decided
with
congenial.
lack
but
sweet
papa
masculine
ofto
interest
face.
had
press
He "My
desired
remained
perversity
the
in Nellie
wife
question
meaisBayard's
to
few
he
right,"
keep
no
could
moments
further.
he
very
drooping
not
muttered
quiet.
vouchsafe
Something
chatting
eyes
Janet
to himself;
with
and
awas
in
sweeping
the
them,
reading
"she
to me,
manner
and
unmistakable
always
verdict
sawand
noted
as
is,
of
her."
to
with
in
both
she
asuch
signs
woman's
went
paternal
girls
things
of
to
told
anxiety
the
infallibility.
solicitude
at
him
door
the
andsubject
the
"There is small chance here for Holmes," he mentally added. "I only wish
young McLean
troubles." And the were out ofhearty
doctor's his voice was heard without, and the tread
of feet,
was andhall-way
in the the next eagerly
momentwelcoming
Bayard a visitor. Miller saw the glance
that passed
instant cloudbetween the girls
of distress and the Nellie's face. It was Roswell
that overspread
Holmes again.
"Why! When did you get back?" exclaimed the major, rising. "We had no
ideadirect
go of this. I supposedfrom
to Cheyenne you would
the ranch."
"It was my intention, major," answered Mr. Holmes, with grave courtesy,
"but lettersthat
preferable I received
I shouldmade
comeit back here, and the doctor kindly gives me an
abiding-place.
passed the major Excuse
by andme,"
wentand
onheand bent over the sofa and took Miss
Bayard's
tender hand andingreeted
intonation her with
every word, even while he bowed pleasantly to Miss
Bruce.
"Quite a surprise, wasn't it?" asked Dr. Bayard from the door-way. "Major,
I'm glad toand
morning, seeno you hereNellie
doubt this welcomed you, though she isn't able to play
theand
up hostess
aboutjust
in yet. We'll
a day havethough.
or two, her Holmes, old fellow, you can safely
hangthat
had your traps
latch in the hall
tinkered now. the
up since I'venight--the night of the dinner. Whoever
opened
on it theitnext
that time
nighthewill getIfooled
tries. had quite a row with Robert about it, and the
conceit
little." was taken out of him not a
"Why, how was this, doctor?" asked Miller, with immediate interest. "I
had not
been anyheard. Are there--have And
new developments?" therelowering his voice as he asked, the
major drew the post surgeon into the
hall-way.
"Nothing of consequence, major. Of course we all felt uncomfortable

awhen it was known
porte-monnaie fromthat
hisHolmes had lost as it hung here on the rack that
overcoat-pocket
night. Though
nothing hething
in it, the protests
mightthere wasbeen serious. You remember you
have
thought
during our thedinner.
hall-door had been
I believe opened
I was telling some story or other at the time,--
bad habit
Robert outoftomine,--and we sent
look. He came back and said it was tight shut, and couldn't
have been
fixed open,thebecause
it so that he had
latch could not be turned from outside. But Holmes
showed us next day that it could be."
"Then you think it had been tampered with,--that some garrison sneak-
thief had got in?"
"Well, that's what Holmes says and what Robert stoutly maintains, though
you can't to
anything seeindicate
a scratch orsuch
that a mark or had been used. No, major," and the
means
doctor
"I--I shook
have his head
another ominiously.
theory, but it's one too shadowy, too unsubstantial to
speak of. It is nothing but suspicion."
And Miller would not ask him what it was. Well knowing how the doctor
had beenitdevoting
Forrest, was withhimself
nothingtoshort
Missof amaze that the old soldier now heard
him him,
told speak.whom
Aftercould
all hisBayard
wife hadmean but the Queen of Bedlam?
Abruptly the major changed the subject, even while thinking how in his
own experience
opportunity he hadthe
to realize had recent
truth of what the doctor said. Somebody had
indeedhe"got
night sat fooled
there inon thethat
dimlatch"
lighttheof the doctor's library,--somebody who
as
"Bayard,"
affairs,
refuses
to be
before,
ofbut
evidently to
service
let
and
said
there's
Mrs.
had
the
expected now.
aMiller
worked
major,
tomatter
Of course,
entergo
"Iineffectually
Ias
am
want
inreadily
and
the
if to
there
see
last
askMcLean?
man
for
be
youany
several
to
about
interfere
good
She
while
minutes
and
hasinsufficient
we
been
the
before
are
details
always
outreason,
here.
of
abandoning
be
my
What
very
aI've
right
caught
subordinates'
nothing
fond
istothe
know."
in
ofreason
the
to
the
him,
say,
attempt,
act
management
and
Dr.
but
and naturally
Weeks
I unblushingly
and
thinkthen
I've
ofwants
onlytotorepudiate the same.
Bayard hesitated a moment. "Come out here on the piazza, major," he

presently
hear in thesaid. "I don't
parlor." Andwant themthe
together to two officers walked over to the
wooden
each railing
other. andevident
It was stood there
to thelooking at
post commander in an instant that what
hisno
of surgeon had to tell was
little importance something furthermore, that he shrank from
and something,
mentioning. Bayard's
the major's earnest andeyes fell before
troubled gaze; he was plainly studying how to put
his information
prejudice. fairlyheand
Suddenly without
looked up.
"First, while we are on the subject, let me finish about this latch business,
major. It istonot
irrelevant theentirely--entirely
other matter. You see I had to tell Robert why we made
such particular
door. Now the boy inquiries about
has been theme for years, and came to me with a
with
mostbody-servant
was unblemishedfor character. Why,and
the adjutant he quartermaster of the First Artillery
in the livelyand
Hamilton, oldhad
days at Fort opportunities for peculation; but those
unlimited
gentlemen But
suspicion. saidheheiswas simply and
sensitive, above
it worried him fearfully lest Mr. Holmes
should think
assistants he or
in the some had
kitchen of his
been searching those pockets. Now it was
simply
it on his account--to
was somebody convince
from outside him
that surreptitiously entered the hall while
we were
took all at dinner--that
the trouble Holmes
to test the latch, and with a little bit of stiff wire he
showed us how Robert's device could be
circumvented."
"And Holmes has no doubt it was so accomplished?" asked the major,

tentatively.
Bayard looked embarrassed. "I cannot say just what he does think, major,
because
of it. He he utterly
said it wasrefuses
absurdtotospeak
make such an ado about nothing, and
Ideclared
pursuedhethewould be seriously annoyed if
subject."
"But you admit you have a theory of your own?" and Miller keenly eyed
hisread
to medical officer
beneath thatassmooth
thoughand
striving
polished surface.
"I have what might be called an hypothesis, a vague theory, and a

suspicion
but for onethat would
or two be things
little entirely intangible
that have recently come to my knowledge."
"And those little things point to an inmate of the garrison, do they not?"
asked Miller,as
nonchalance with
he as much
could assume.
"I fear so," was the doctor's answer. "But you asked why Mrs. Miller was
urged just
room not to
yet;come
that to Mr.way
is the McLean's
Weeks put it to me when I overhauled him,
whichtoI did
came my at the Rest
ears. moment the matter
assured I was quite as ready to take umbrage at his
action,--more
could have been. so, But,
rather, than could
major, you you have heard his explanation, you
yourself
say no onewould have
but his been theshould
physician first tobe allowed to stay there. Weeks even
sentwith
up the him
hospital nursehimself."
all night away, and sat
"Has he been delirious?"
"Yes, and in his delirium he has been talking of things that have
completely
course stampeded
he could not givepoor
me Weeks. Of inkling of what they were, and I
the faintest
awould
could
her
that
Miller
and,
character
presence
the
ofdrag
bowed
course,
moment
not them
that
ask;that
his
she
they
the
from
butWeeks
head.
will
fever
should
theyhis
"I
appreciate
begged
lips.
had
weresubsides
beof
not
He
treated
Mrs.
thought
would
the
suchhe Miller
reasons.
will
as resign
sacred
of
benot
this,"
glad
Did
first.
confidences,
to to
he
think
Weeks
It
have
said;
was
oftell
her
"Mrs.
coming
for
and
you
aid,
fear
Weeks
Miller
for
when
to
hishe
said delirium
patient
nurse
looks
reasons
will
this be
toworn-out
him
me
might
as
cogent?"
sorry
yet
thatbegan?"
continue
awhile.
no
now.
as court-martial
I amWere
He
the
toassures
hear
subject
not his
of me
it,
in
"The night after Hatton left, or, rather, very early in the morning of the
next day. He
McLean's had beenduring
symptoms alarmedtheatevening, and ordered the nurse to wake
him if he saw
delirium. The any
manindications
came to him ofat three in the morning and said the
lieutenant was
once,--and wild. Weeks
ten minutes afterwent
he gotover at he sent the attendant away, and
there
shut himself up with his patient."
The major pondered a moment. "Is the man close-mouthed? Do you think
he could have
anything beforeheard much
he was sentofaway?"
"I know very little about him. He is a member of Captain Bruce's

company and
lieutenant; so Ivery
infermuch
fromattached to thetells me. Even if he had heard
what Weeks
anything
not likelythat
thisought not to
particular leakwould
man out, itbetray
is it; he would say nothing that
might ever harm McLean."
"Well, no! Not McLean, perhaps. Very possibly he might not know how it
would
ravingsharm him to
repeated. havethinking--I
I was his could not help thinking--that Mac had
been talking
thefts about--these recent
in garrison."
"And there have been more than this one at our house?" asked the doctor,
with
in hisconcern andface.
handsome surprise mingled
"Yes, two or three more, I regret to say, but I have not full particulars yet
and cannot speak of them."
Bayard clasped his hands with one of the melodramatic gestures so
peculiar to him.
"My God!" he muttered. "It was bad enough as I supposed it, but I had no
idea it had come to such a pass as
this."
"Bayard," said the major, after a moment of earnest thought, "this is a

matter
utmost that
caremust be handled with Not
and circumspection. the a vestige of suspicion must be
Ipermitted to circulate
have strictly enjoinedifsecrecy
we can upon
prevent it.
my--my informant, and I desire you
to regard
Tell Weeks this talk as confidential.
I appreciate and sustain him in this caution and thank him for
his effortsPoor
scandal. to stifle
Mac!anyThepossible
youngster would be horror-stricken if he knew
what secrets he had been blabbing."
"His troubles must have been weighing on his mind a long time," said the
doctor,
it. "and
I don't know yetthat
I never suspected
I ever saw a blither young fellow until about the time
the finding
was of that
announced. Heboard
didn'tofseem
survey
to expect that at all."
"Well,--neither did I. Of course, technically it had to go against him, but

we never of
stoppage dreamed it would result in
his pay."
"And yet his funds were all right, I'm told," said the doctor, musingly.
"One wouldthat
tendencies suppose that would
way they if he had
haveanycropped out when he had so much
public money passing through his
hands."
"Tendencies what way, doctor? I don't follow you."

"Why, fairly
Miller in the sprang
way these--these
up from the little
railthefts
on which
and his
he was
delirious
leaning,
utterances
his eyes
would
hesitatingly.
distended
"In God's
seemname,
with
to indicate,"
wonderment
Bayard, what
saidand
Bayard,
arepain.
you talking about?" he gasped.
"About this sad case of McLean's, major, as I supposed you were."
"You don't mean that your theory involves him? You don't mean it--it is of
himself,
these of his
thefts, connection
that with
he has been telling in his delirium?"
"Why, Major Miller, I supposed of course you understood--I--I, of course,

accuse
he havenobody, but ofabout
been talking whombut could
himself? That was certainly my
understanding of it."
For one moment the old major stood there looking into the staff-officer's
eyes,--amaze,
all mingled in consternation, distress, face. Then without a word he
his florid, weather-beaten
turnedand
steps andhurried
stumbled away
from downThe
the gate. the trim, spruce orderly, standing on the
walk
in without,
salute raisedattention
and stood his gloved hand
as the commanding officer passed him, then
"fell in" ten
followed paces
in his behind
tracks. Butand
for once in his life the major neither saw nor
returned
salutation.a soldier's respectful
XIV.
The fever had left him, and Randall McLean, very white and "peaked"
looking,
and was sitting
enjoying proppedMrs.
the wine-jelly up inMiller
bed had brought with her own hands.
She hadand
spirits, hopedwastodistressed
find him to in see
better
how downcast and listless he was. Just
what evilMrs.
garrison spellMiller
had fallen
couldupon the
not explain. The major for two or three days
had been
would utterly
give her nounlike
goodhimself,
reason. Theand cavalry battalion that had reached the
postflats
the and togone
the into
northcamp
was down
almostonready to push on toward the Black Hills,
and
him though
that he she
oughthadattwice reminded
least to invite the field and staff officers to dinner, her
usuallyhe
saying social spouse unequal
felt utterly had declined,
to it. The lethargy and gloom at post "head-
quarters"
entire seemed
garrison. to pervade
Nobody the doing anything to dispel it. The band
felt like
played blithely enough
guard-mounting and againat in the sunshiny afternoons, but nobody came
outused
as and todanced
be theonwaytheatbroad piazzas
Laramie. Nellie Bayard was beginning to sit out
on
withtheJanet
veranda
Bruce in as
a big
her easy-chair
constant companion, and the Gordon girls, those
indomitablyvisitors;
occasional jolly creatures,
but as Miss as Kate, the elder, expressed herself,
"Laramie
now. is nothing
The women andbut one bigare
children hospital
the only able-bodied men in it." Nellie
was kind
cordial toand
them,civil,
butand
theytried
wereto"smart"
be enough to see she had no heart for
rattling small
comments on talk and and
matters crispthings at the post, and much preferred to be left
alone to her undisturbed
confidential chats with "Bonnie Jean." Blunt was slowly mending, and Dr.
Weeks
an was week,
anxious havingwhen
a little
hisrest after were demanded for another patient in
services
Bedlam,--no
queen herself.less a person than the
In view of the fact that Dr. Bayard was the recognized family physician
and had beenattending
assiduously and was Mrs.
still Forrest, it was considered nothing short of an
intentional
part that sheslight
should on send
the young lady'sIt was Mrs. Post who came over to
for Weeks.
Blunt'sdoctor
junior door when she knew
was there, the him to come with her and see Miss
and asked
Forrest.
been For two
confined to days the latter
her room had to see any physician, and declaring
refusing
that
foundin all
Mrs.thePost's
physicministrations
she needed, she but now the time seemed to have come
when medical
necessary. aid was really
Dr. Bayard's face, when he was told by Mrs. Post that Weeks
was
neglected
But
reappeared
conversation
observed
Mrs.
a studyMiller
to
it,
attake
worth
and
there
Laramie,
was
his
now
seeing.
just
proffered
puzzled
the
was summoned and in attendance, before
he cold
It
andwas
over
gun-fire
arm,
had
Miss
not
still
developed
and
Forrest
a serious
another
atfor
retreat,
over
met
into
ailment
matter.
half
on
and
fever,
the
an
then,
The
atboard-walk
hour
and
all,to
evening
said
she
they
the had
surprise
Mrs.
strolled
near
ofbeen
the
Post.
persuaded
or
day
"Bedlam,"
of
around
two.
many
Mr.
Miss
the
Holmes
lookers-on,
to
Forrest
had
deserted
keep
a so
few
in
had
unexpectedly
parade
she
bed
moments'
caught
was
fortalking
a cold
day and
earnestly together. It was the hour when most of the garrison families were
in the
tea as dining-rooms,
might be the custom at dinner or household; but more than one good lady
of the
found
the it necessary
table and go to to thepop upwindow
front from to see if Mr. Holmes and Miss
Forrest were
together. It wasstillthe
walking
morning andafter
talking
this mysterious consultation that the
cold
who developed;
had promptly anddecided
those kindly
that thespirits
handsome but penniless New York girl
was setting
Nellie Bayard herwith
cap the to cut out millionaire were balked in their hopes of
Chicago
seeing furtherof
circumstance developments
her keeping her by the
room and not again meeting Mr. Holmes,
who, afterastwo
departed or threeand
suddenly days' visit,
unexpectedly as he came. The presence of a
large battalion
of warning the of cavalry
Indians hadfrom
away the effect
the neighborhood and made travel again
comparatively safe.
And now, having patted up his pillows and settled him carefully back
upon them,
attempt Mrs. Miller
of cheering had begun
her "pet the as the major had called him. First
lieutenant,"
she strovethe
detailing to terms
rouse in hiswhich
interest by Terry had officially commended his
Captain
gallantry
at Royall'sand zealbut
Ford; in the
he hadfightheard
downit all before through Dr. Weeks, and,
though
with theappreciative,
comfort she he did not Then
expected. beamshe tried to tell him of Major Miller's
warm-heartedinand
endorsement commendatory
forwarding Terry's report; but he had heard of that too; the
adjutant
there washad told him
nothing newaboutin it. it,
Whatanddid it amount to, after all? said Mac to
himself. No
follow? What goodhow
matter result can
zealously a fellow may serve in the field,--no
matter
hardshipswhathedangers
may endure, he may encounter,
wounds he may receive, Indians he may kill or
capture,--in
land of ours this blessed republican
the principle is too well established that promotion in the line
goes only by
staff--like seniority, andby
kissing--mainly to favor.
the Not even a "brevet," he well knew,
could be
action won by
against daring
savage conduct
foes; and, to insum the matter up in a few words, the
men who stood
advancement in the
the best
armychance for who studiously avoided excitement
were those
of any in
found kind, especially
Western that to They
campaigns. be all understood this thing at Laramie
just as well as
appreciated hishesoldierly
did, andconduct
therefore for what it was really worth.
"But the major thinks it may be the means of removing that stoppage
against your "Surely
Mrs. Miller. pay, Mr.the
McLean,"
general said
will do something to secure recognition
or reward."
"I fear not, Mrs. Miller," was the doleful answer; "that is just about the last
thing
apt to this
do; government
what I've gotofbefore
ours isme is the prospect of having to live for a
yearpay
my or more
rakedon
in 'board
month wages,' and see
after month to make up for the stealings of a rascal
too sharpItfor
suspect. any be
would of us even
hard to time, but--it's rough now, and no
at any
mistake."
away as heAnd poor Mac turned his head
spoke.
There was silence a moment. The womanly heart was touched at his
despair andSuddenly
cheer him. suffering,she
yetbent
impotent to as he lay there, so white and weary
over him
looking.
"Mac, don't, don't worry so. I can't bear to see you troubled. I know--I
can'tindeed,--indeed
and help knowing--what's
I think the
youmatter;
have cause to hope rather than despair.
Did you know he had gone away
again?"
"Yes. Weeks told me."
get well,
"She
shrank
Mac,
attempted
mind
when
says that
cares
and
to
they
from
accept
and
Nellie
Ito
were
nothing
have
him.
be
letitseemed
more
unavoidably
us
reason
as
Now,
whatever
have
final.
that
if
to
inexpressibly
you
The
he
she
know
were
out
for
thrown
has
lastwhat
him.
inturned
two
simply
thetogether,
Janet
relieved
adays
sunshine
considerate
against
her
Bruce
offather's
and
his
byahim,
the
is
visit
day
was
and
with
change
friend,
and
or
he
then
thorough
two,
her
Janet
avoided
simply
she
in
all
and
his
says
the
could
then
her
bright
time,
she
all
not
Mac,
but
gentleman
knows
the
and
manner.
we'll
time,
like
laughing
see
and
he
him.
Come,
if
only
she
has
he
a few
Everybody
and
told
is.
seen
conversed
old
But
long
friendly.
me
itfellow,
it
and
she
talks
islikes
with
made
because
almost
Janet
cheer
with
her
him,
upher
uphe
hisand
has
won't help matters. She's a child yet, and almost too young to fall in love
with anybody.
seen You know
next to nothing of theshe has
world."
"That is just what stings and torments me so, Mrs. Miller," answered
McLean, with unexpected
is what weighs upon my heart energy.
and "That
soul. She has seen very little of the
world. She isHer
motherless. young,
fatherinexperienced,
does not like me, and and I know it, and simply because
he saw
and, my deep
having otherinterest
views, inheher,
was determined to break it off in the bud.
What possible
friendless, right
utterly have I--poor,
without position or influence, saddled with this
mountain
win such aofgirl
uncontracted
as she for mydebt--to
wife?seekWhattohave I to offer but misfortune
and trouble?
useless. No, Mrs.
If I have stoodMiller,
between it is alland such a future as he could offer
her
her,millstone
the God forgivethatme.
wasI to
didbenot
hungknowabout my neck. I did not dream of his
existence.
could prayIheaven
just drifted in, and now I
she hasn't."
Again he turned away, with something very like a sob in his weak voice,
and buried his face in his arm.
"Mac," she persisted, "I'm not going to sit here and see you accusing
yourself
me of wrong-doing
tell you that if she does in care
this way. Let and I believe she does, Nellie
for you,
Bayard
one roomwould
and arather
kitchenbe than
your live
wifeininopulence in New York or Chicago.
What's
loyally,more, she would
faithfully, waitwere
until you for you
thoroughly on your feet again, with this
debtBayard's
Dr. paid andplans
a little
forlaid
her,by.
heAs for
is worldly enough, of course, to seek such
wealth as Roswell
daughter; but the manHolmes's
himself forishis
changing his mind. You should have seen
him devoting
Forrest himself
out here to Miss Now, there's a girl who would appreciate his
one evening.
money and spend it for him like a
duchess."
But McLean was silent.
"Did you get to know her at all well?" asked Mrs. Miller presently.
"Very slightly indeed."
"And yet, living in the same building with her, as you and Mr. Hatton did,
I fancied you would see her quite
frequently."
"I didn't. I believe Hat did."
"Yes--his rooms being up-stairs, and opening on that gallery where she
used to that
natural promenade so see
he should much, it was
more of her. It worried Jeannie Bruce not a little.
I never
for Mr. knew
Hattonwhether she cared
or not until Miss Forrest took to parading up and down in
front of his rooms."
"Hat says she never came as far as his window. She turned about before
she reached the hall-door always."
"Tell me, Mac. Do you think Mr. Hatton liked her?"
McLean's pale face flushed a little. He felt that questions were trembling
"Oh!
McLean
on herI lips
answer, don't
fairly
and mean
which
thesquirmed
asthing
he
one he likes
did inhehis
not Janet
nesttonot
wish
could Bruce;
under
do the
what
was sheets.
I meant
Thiswas--well,
equivocate. was just the
youdrift
or
"I'dhad
you--well--trusted
he orrather
both
dreaded.
you'd
of you--did
How
wait
her?"
and
he
you
wished
ask
feelhim,"
that he finally said.
Weeks would come in and tell her they were talking too much and would
be surebut
again, to throw him was
no Weeks into to
a fever
be had; he had gone home for a rest, and
probably would
afternoon. not appear
He glanced againinto
uneasily until
the front room.
"No! The hospital attendant is not there, Mac. I sent him off on an errand.
You need not be
hearing,--and, afraid he
besides, of his
has heard you talk about her. I thought you
ought to know."
"Has heard me talk about her,--Miss Forrest? What on earth do you mean,
Mrs.
turnedMiller?"
toward And nowface
her, his he had
filled with anxiety and alarm.
"Don't worry, Mac. I found it out instantly. You know he is a married man,
and his wife
laundress forhas
overbeen
fivemy
years. You talked about her when you were
delirious,--not very
much,--nothing--nothing I did not already know; but Dr. Weeks turned
him away and
the moment took care
Lachlan offor
went youhim
fromand told him you were talking wild, and
of course
him why hehiswas
wifenot
wormed
neededoutforoftwo days, and, little by little, what you had
said.I Luckily
and she came
put a stopper right
on her to me,
tongue."
"My God! My God! What have I done?" moaned McLean, as he threw his
arm
Whatover
havehisI revealed,
eyes. "What didMiller?
Mrs. I say? I must know."
"Nothing; again I assure you, nothing that we--that is--I--did not already
have good
know. cause
It came to to
mesuspect and
from Robinson, Mac, before you dreamed of
anything of the
responsible. Shekind,
mustsohaveyouaare in nothere's
mania, wise no other explanation for it; but
we're
one isgoing to keep
to know until itCaptain
all quiet. No gets back at the end of the campaign.
Forrest
Then
be he will
made. Butbe told,
isn't and restitution
it dreadful?"
For all answer McLean would only shake his head. He was stunned--
horrified at thought
he had made. of the
He could notwild
bearrevelation
to speak of it. Yet now he felt that he must
know how much he had let fall.
"It is the last time that fellow Lachlan shall enter this room," he muttered
between
send himhis teeth.
back "I'llcompany
to his have Weeks
this very day."
"No, don't blame Lachlan. The poor fellow meant no harm. He only told it
as evidence
your delirium.of He
the does
extremity of the truth with regard to her, though I
not dream
fear not
had his come
wife does.
awayWhy, fromMac,
Robinsonif theywhen they did, the whole post would
have been in an
disappearing all uproar. Things were
the time,--money and valuables,--and since they left there
it has You
here. all stopped,
and Mr. but has begun
Hatton are not the only losers. Mr. Holmes confessed to
me that
been his porte-monnaie
stolen from his fur overcoathad the night we were there at the doctor's,
and
it I saw
and her standing
pretending by it,it;patting
to admire and I know that she has been sending
registered letters
constantly comingaway,to herand thatthe
from bills areMrs. Griffin told me so. And then
East.
Mr. Hatton--well,
confided in me in youeverknow
so many he has
things--he told me a good deal before he
wentyou
that away.haveNo, indeed,anything
revealed Mac. It isn't
I did not know. It is only that I felt you
ought to be told of it."
But McLean could not be comforted. "Who else knows of this?" he
from
knows
"I have
don't
Robinson.
presently most
told
know,--that
the
about
asked. major.
And itnight
all,
perhaps
We and
Hatton
hadhas
there
talked
most
told
areme,
itreason
one
allIover
or
suppose,--the
to
two
before
believe
who your
suspect,
innight
her
illness.
guilt.
the
but major
that
Mrs.
Whenis
Bruce
all.
did
came
off. Mr.
you
Youtoknows,
Hatton
become
see
knowme,for
about
isand
convinced?"
the
sheHatton
it?"
one
too who
getsbegged
letters
"The major told me he had gone to see you about some evidence you had;
Mr. Hattonthat
explained metyou
himwere
at the door and
asleep. Was that the night you mean, Mr.
McLean?convinced
became Was that that
the night thatthe
she was youthief?"
"That was the night."
"But what happened then to convince you? I ought to know. It is far better
that I half
cruel should know than have this
belief."
"I--Mrs. Miller, forgive me, but it is a matter I cannot speak of. Hatton and
I 'shook to
nothing hands' on itofwe
any one would
our say
knowledge, and I cannot speak of it. Wait until
he returns. He
to-morrow. Youought
knowtohebeonly
backwent with the guard to the stockade up on
Sage Creek.
march. If he It's
willonly threewell
tell you, days'and good; but I will not say anything
more,--just now, at any rate."
There came a quick step along the wooden piazza without, a tap at the
door, and over
Glancing Dr. Weeks peered in.
her shoulder, Mrs. Miller saw that his face was white,--that
he was beckoning
presently arose andtowenther; into
and she
the front room. She heard hoof-beats
passing the
hurrying feethouse at a rapid
and excited trot. She
voices, and heard
then the young doctor stretched forth
his
her hand at the
into the hall.door-way and led
"Stay with McLean as much as you can, and keep this from him if
possible. God
through, A courier
knowsis how,
just induring
who gotthe night. Hatton and his party were
corralled
Butte. yesterday
Several beyond
of them Rawhide
are killed already. The cavalry start at once, and I
go with them."
XV.
For a man who prided himself on the ease and self-possession which made
him so distinguished
society, Dr. Bayard could a feature
not butin confess to himself that the sudden orders
which
him in sent his assistant
a somewhat away left position. The care of Weeks's patients
embarrassing
now devolved
among upon the
these patients was senior,
one who and much needed his attention, but whom
he shrank fromanother
McLean,--and seeing,--Randall
whom he greatly desired to attend, but who shrank
from seeing him,--Miss Forrest.
Mrs. Miller was still at the bedside of the former when Dr. Bayard nerved
himself to make
To his great relief, thethenecessary call. had fallen into a fitful doze and was
young soldier
unconscious
Miller, in lowoftones,
his presence.
describedMrs. his condition; and the doctor was content to
go without
though other
he left examination,
directions with the attendant as to what was to be done
when thetopatient
repaired awaked. rooms,
Mrs. Forrest's Next heand was measurably soothed and
flattered
bade her bypayher noappreciative
attention to the reception.
rumorsHe rushing through the post, and
dinned intoasher
Celestine, to affrighted
the probable earsfatebyof Hatton and his little command. He
pointedwhom
ladies out toheher, hadasbeenhe had to other to attend that gruesome afternoon,
summoned
that it was
Hatton hadnot been the"corralled"
first time Mr. by the Sioux, and that he had always
successfully
distance, andkepthis ownthemcommand
at respectful under cover, until the rescuers in shape of
cavalry
true thatcould
in thisreach
instance the scene.
the attackIt is seemed to have been fierce and sudden,
and the
two mencourier
who were gavekilledthe names of but, said he, as that attack was
instantly;
his
indefinitely.
Forty-two
trains
main
them,
they
and
repelled, and Hatton lost no timecertainly
men
the
had
trouble,
through
and
Indians
into
neglected
the
hours
The
a said
spring
the
little
had
wasn't
cavalry
Indian
the
to
hollow,
surrounded
atfill
doctor.
Box
very
would
country,
the he
Elder,
long
barrel
What
believed
them
compared
ifclose
in on
with
they
some
their
and
to
the
gettingonly
reach
the
distance
wagon
Major
with
Niobrara
had
road,
them
other
water
Miller
and
from
there
early
and
sieges
the
for
any
believed
was
the
in
canteen
their
the
those
Rawhide
spring
somorning,
much
that
carried
or
theyeach
infantrymen
wounded,
and
water
by
stream,
that
the
could
along
then
little
man.
would
all
"stand
the
the
had
streams
would
Ifbe
route
that
wounded
sustained
off"
thego
were
running
that
end
the
well.
the
possibly
Indians
might,
of
in There
it.
escorting
case,
into was the
indeed, have to suffer a day or so, but he anticipated nothing worse. He

had talked
before it allforth
setting overonwith
his Miller
rounds, and knew just what to say. Most women
were reassured
hopeful, but Mrs. andForrest's
renderedspirits were at low ebb and she required
consolation
lingered withinher,double allowance.
nothing Bayardthat Miss Forrest might come into
loath, hoping
the family
version sitting-room
of affairs to hearEven
at the front. his after Mrs. Forrest was talked out, and
the fontpumped
nearly of her ready tears
dry, he heldwas
his ground, examining Maud's and Vickie's
juvenile
Hal tongues
to that and dandling
youngster's baby But no one came along the hall whose
keen delight.
steppatience
his soundedgavelike out.
hers, and at last
"And how is Miss Forrest this afternoon?" he asked.
"Still confined to her room and bed, doctor, but she says she means to get
up and
you dress
think this evening.
it prudent for herNow,
to godo
out in the night air?"
"On general principles, Mrs. Forrest," answered the doctor, slowly and
impressively,
have "I should
no knowledge saymerits
of the no, butofIthis case. You will remember that my
services
the youngwere
ladyvirtually
in favordeclined
of those by
of the assistant."
"I know, doctor, I know. Fanny is simply the most incomprehensible

creature
her at all,I and
everit's met. I cannot
useless for understand
me to talk to her. I told her that you were the
family
her thatphysician,
a simple regard and pointedfor theout to
proprieties ought to show her how much
better
of it would be
a gentleman so tomuchcall younger;
you instead but she pays no attention to anything I
say. She never has."
Bayard winced not a little at the invidious comparison on the score of age,
but, nowhe
opened, that the subject
desired was
to "prospect" a little. There was another view to be
taken, and
amour propreone. far more flattering
Probably, to his of a woman who had recognized the lover in his
in the coyness
Miss Forrest had looks and admitted
tacitly language,his claim to be regarded as such by
summoning another, not aIflover,
attend her professionally. to
this hypothesis proved correct he would have
some grounds
however, for hope.
he greatly desiredTwotothings,
know before taking the plunge. First, was it
possible that
proposed Mr. Courtlandt
leaving her a lump of his large fortune? Second, was it possible
thatanother?
to she hadHe already
well knewgiven that
her heart
on neither point would Miss Forrest be
confidential
her sister-in-law;with but,so weakon the a vessel as
other hand,--and the doctor reasoned well,--
he
herfelt sure that,
to having in order
Fanny as antoinmate
reconcile
of their household, Captain Forrest had
beenwithdrawn
had compelledhis to tell
sisterherfrom
whysuchhe luxurious surroundings in New York
and brought
fare as a soldier her on to share
the farhis humbleHe had heard from a dozen sources
frontier.
how Forrest
truckled to hishad almost painfully
querulous wife; always pleading, explaining, conciliating;
always
leaving fearful
unsaid of or saying
undone,orsomething,
doing, or the doing or neglecting of which
was bring
and sure toonwounda floodher of sensitive
tears andsoulreproaches. "If she were my wife," said
blunt old
home Bruce,
to that doting"I'dfather
pack her she'soffalways prating about, and I'd keep her
there until she
discretion. It isarrived
simply at yearstoofsee a big, stalwart, soldierly fellow like
pitiful
Forrest
ringed bullled around
by that by the noseand
ridiculous likelackadaisical
a creature." Beyond doubt
there would
happiness allhave
around been if far morehad firmly set down his foot and refused to
Forrest
be longer
and caprices.the There
victimwould of her doubtless
whims have been a few days of sore
lamentation
restored to herandfather's
despairing armsappeals
(where to shebewas not at all wanted, that
taken
been
the
other
accomplish
weakness.
case;
happier
spouses,
estimablethereto
but,
"Poor,
her
in
alike
was
successor
object,
obeying
ecclesiasticpoor
most
notoriously
fellow!"
and
others,
him.
havingtowas
herLike
shrank
subservient
she
onlysainted
thoroughly
many
wasfrom
mother);
saying
recentlyanother
to
in
thethe
unison
ordeal.
tobut
husband,
wishes
herself
inwith
Bruce
the
of
this
her
end
poor
Mrs.
himself,
very
husband
she
Forrest
Bruce;
day.
would
soin
havecondemnation
was
savagely
but
his
"With
a--such
she
atrespected
such
times
never
a critical
sharper
a conscious
fool
had
himof
for
for
to
ofthe
far
resort
Forrest's
aa sister!"
weakness
more
wife
of his
toand
and
tears
dutysuch
ofin
to
So confident was Bayard of his ground that he had decided, days since, on
his plan
ask directofquestions,
attack. Heforwould not
her husband had doubtless pledged her to secrecy.
He would delicately
unhesitatingly speak but
of Miss Forrest as though he had full knowledge of
her past,
could readand
in he
thefelt assured
patient's thateven
face, he in the unlikely event of her silence,
whether or no hishe
correct. Besides, theories were an inquiry or two of an old New York
had ventured
associate
had known and
theclub-fellow,
Courtlandtsawell.
man who
"We must not judge Miss Forrest harshly, dear lady," he soothingly
remarked,
and apparentafter a moment
hesitation. "I of deep thought
confess that I felt a little aggrieved at first when
she sawthe
despite fit to
factsummon Dr.inWeeks
that I was the house as your physician two or three
times her
over, a day; but, after
motives werethinking
apparentitand--quite
all natural. You probably did not
knowMr.
with thatCourtlandt,
I was well didacquainted
you?"
"No! were you?" asked Mrs. Forrest, with dilating eyes. "And Fanny
knew,--and did not tell me----"
"Yes. We were members of the same club, and I used to see a great deal of
him before
very comingand
long before, West."
it wasIt only
was seeing, but Bayard did not care to
explain
that this. He wished
his acquaintance withto the
convey the idea had been recent and
old gentleman
confidential, and he succeeded.
"How strange that you should be here--where she is. I'm sure Captain
Forrest has
Did--did younoever
ideaspeak
of it, with
doctor.
her about--the Courtlandts?"
"Yes, once. Of course she did not care to talk of the matter at first. It was
only when she found
Mr. Courtlandt that
so well, I knew
that she became at all communicative."
"And did she talk of her affair--of Mr. Courtlandt--the younger one I
mean?"
"My dear Mrs. Forrest! We could hardly expect a young lady to be
communicative
course onsome
there were such things
a topicIas that.not
could Of help knowing, and that is why I
say we ought
harshly not to
now. Her judge herof last year was not calculated to make a girl
experience
look upon
eyes, thecontrast
and the world with kindlier
between the life she leads now and that she led
under her kinsman's
dishearten any woman."roof is enough to
"I'm sure I do everything I possibly can to make her content and happy,"
impetuously
"And exclaimed
it's all her own fault Mrs. Forrest.
if she isn't. She--she needn't have come at all.
Mr. Courtlandt
Captain Forresttold
that her and told
it should make no difference; but she is self-willed
and obstinate,
but she must quitandhis nothing would do
roof forever and come to be a burden on her brother,
who has
under quite enough
already." ("Hum!" to stagger
thought Bayard at this juncture, "how little she
realizes
"Mr. the truthhad
Courtlandt of that
beenassertion!")
devoted to her from her childhood, had lavished
everything
her, sent heronabroad,
her, had educated
provided for her in every way, and--she rewarded him
by taking
against histhis
son,silly
whom prejudice
she ought to have had sense enough to know he
expected her to marry."
Bayard's pulse gave a leap, but his fine face made no sign. Professional
imperturbability
itself. She pausedalone expressed
one instant for breath. Then it occurred to her that
forbidden
"And
your
"Then husband
perhaps yet,
she Mrs.
sheground
ought
have
was Forrest,
toand
had
have
broadly revealing
her
would
left marry
before.
you
trenching that
ahave
man
Iwhich
on know
had
to her
whom
she
her--a
husband
says
she
woman
she
could
had
never
ofbidden
not
such
dreamed
lookher
up?--
of
keep
open
superior
whose
its being
inviolate.
book,
character
habits
attainments
herand
uncle's
were
Bayard
promptly
and,so,
plan
and
pardon
let
read
character--would
or
us
took
her
say,
me,
the
like
unsettled?"
initiative
an before she could question.
hope,--never dreamed that the young man was in earnest. It was all
nonsense
whom shetodid
saynotshelook
couldn't
up to marry a man He is only a year younger than
and respect.
she is, and
younger lotsthemselves,--especially
than of girls marry men when such a fortune was involved.
Why!everything
them Mr. Courtlandt would
he had in thehave left if she would only have consented."
world,
"But women form their own ideals, dear lady, and she may have had a
man in and
honor, viewlove.
whom shethat
Is not did alook up to, theory?" And the doctor's eyes,
reasonable
full of sympathy
watched and deference,
his impulsive patient narrowly withal. How well he knew her!
She fell instantly into the trap.
"But she hadn't! I could forgive her easily if that were so, but she told the
captain
that she itcould
was purely
not andand simply
would not marry Philip Courtlandt or any man like
him."
"But I fancied from what--from various circumstances--that the young
man
so, inwas
fact.very dissipated--dangerously
Would you counsel your sister to marry such a man?"
"Well, why not? He has been wild, I know. My husband looked into the
whole case,
sustains her.and,
Phil of course, hehad to go into a retreat once, but I believe it
Courtlandt
was because
father shethat
was sure treated him so.
she could His and make a man of him, and he
reform
almost implored
gray hairs herhis
and save to take
boy. pity
I tellon hisI think it was sheer ingratitude. Even
you
if she would
there couldn't have
have reformed
been all thathim,
money." And Mrs. Forrest sighed
pathetically athard-hearted
hard-headed, thought of the thousands
sister her Bayard, congratulating
had refused.
himself on
another hison
point success
whichthus far, hadinformation,--a
he desired still vital point.
"What seems so bad about the whole matter," he said, after a sympathetic
echo of the lady's
disappointment ofsigh,
old Mr."is Courtlandt.
the No doubt, despite their cousinship,
this has long
scheme; and itbeen
musthismake
cherished
him--at least I do not wonder that it makes him
a trifle bitter against her."
"Why, doctor, that is one of the queerest things to me! One would suppose
that anytrygirl
would andofrepay
ordinary
and gratitude
appreciate such devotion as has been lavished on
her.toShe
try be simply
loving torepels
her. people
I'm surewhoI've tried every way in my power. Of
course,
said someat first he things,--at
severe was very bitter
least and
she so told Captain Forrest,--but she has
no right
him. He to treasure
said he hadthem
reared upand
against
educated and cherished her purposely to
be
and,theassalvation
she would ofnot
his have
wayward son,he said she could not live under his
the son,
roof. Then
liberal he had always
allowance, besides given
payingher thea most extraordinary bills, and she
hurt him to
refusing fearfully--I know she did--by
accept it afterward. He has sent it to her even here, and she
almost
are Maud hurls
anditVickie
back atwithout
him,--and here dress to their names," wailed Mrs.
a decent
Forrest in somewhat
conclusion, irrelevant
and the tears welled again from her weary eyes.
Bayard was again silent a moment, waiting for his patient to recover her
composure
comfort and her
to think tongue.
that, It was
at least, Mr. Courtlandt's munificence was still a
fact. But how about the future?
"Anything that might tend to widen the breach between them would, of
course,
said; beIdeplorable,"
"but infer, from the he presently
fact that he continues to send her allowance to
her, that he
liberally forwill
her be apt will."
in his to provide
"He
after
And
"I amwould
this
what
heartily
question
has
do glad
anything
passed
the
to know
doctor
sheforcannot
her,
that
could
I've
she
and
not
no
iswill
so
answer.
doubt,
much
not accept
despite
After
betteraher
this
penny
fewingratitude;
afternoon.
moments'
from him.but
she has
Now
that?"
thought,
These what
are
told
heanxious
can
arose
Captain
oneasdays
say
ifForrest
to
to
for
go.
a us
girl
that
all,
likeand it
is not to be wondered at that so many of our ladies are prostrated. Will you
kindly say
inquire toher,
after her and
that am
I called to to think we will soon be able to
rejoiced
welcome
you mighther sayout
to again?
her thatAnd, Mrs.gladden
it would Forrest, my little girl if she would come
over and
Elinor hassitbeen
withvery
her or sing to her.to-day, owing, no doubt, to the fact that
low-spirited
Jeannie
much ofBruce hassince
the time beenHatton
in tearsleft. Good-afternoon, Mrs. Forrest. Good-
by, littletook
doctor ones."
his And
leave.the courtly
As he descended the stairs with characteristic deliberation and dignity,

Celestine came
dining-room andforth
met from thethe foot of the stairs.
him at
"Mr. Holmes is come, doctor," she said, showing her white teeth. "Specks
he'll beupglad
sittin' to find
again. Missno
T'warn't Nellie
use 'n Miss Fanny t' try to catch him, 'n' I told
her soout
He's when she was
yahnder writin'
along with to him. Miller now."
Major
And though the doctor frowned majestically and strode by the gabbling
hussy without astart
uncomfortable word, it gave
to hear herhim an What had happened that Fanny
words.
Forrest should
Roswell be writing
Holmes? This was now to
something to be looked into.
XVI.
It was nearly two days before authentic news came in from the Niobrara,
where"corralled."
been Hatton's little Justcommand
as at first had reported, the Indians in overwhelming
numbers
upon the had suddenlyfrom
detachment chargedbehind downa ridge that lay full half a mile to the
east of the in
crouching road;
a dry while others, had picked off the leading soldiers,--the
watercourse,
two men
scout the thrown
trail andout to thethe
secure front
main to body against surprise. Hatton, all told,
hadtwo
the onlyfar twenty
in themen,advance and hadthe fallfor of
an instant flurried their comrades back
at the
run wagons.
these lumberingTherevehicles,
was no time empty to though they were, into the familiar,
old "prairie
but, while some fort,"ofinthesquare
teamstersor circle;
sprang from their saddles and took refuge
under theirand
their arms wagons,
joinedothers seized in a sharp fire upon the charging and
the soldiers
yelling
of warriors,
compelling themwith totheveerusualand effect
wheel and scamper away, still keeping up
a lively
mule teamfusillade
and wagon of their wentown. One off full tilt across the prairie pursued
tearing
by a score
exultant of jeering,
braves, and was laughing,
finallyand "rounded up" and captured by them a mile
away to the
promptly west; himself
availed and Hatton of the hadepisode to make a rush with his entire
party
yards for
easta of little
thehillock
road. He threehadhundred
marked the spot before and knew its
possibilities
than five minutes for defence,
he had and his mentheresheltered
in less in an oval "dip" along the crest
and yet commanding
approaches the
in every direction. From here they not only successfully
"stood off"the
prevented every attack
Indians until dark,
reaching but of the slain and securing the
the bodies
coveted trophy
covered of theirwho
the teamsters scalps,were andsent down to unhitch and secure the
mules. When away
scout slipped night came
with news a half-breed
of the "corral," and Hatton found that two
of his
and thatmenfewwere severely
of them had any woundedwater in their canteens. The river was full
six miles
nor springtowas the close
south.atNeither
hand, and stream
with characteristic improvidence the
teamsters hadatfailed
water-barrels to fill their
the stockade before starting. "What was the use, with the
Niobrara only a did
away?" Bitterly fewHatton
hours' march reproach himself for his neglect in having left
so importantbut
themselves, a matter
there wasto thenomen sense in fretting over the past. Something
water
darkness,
would
down
in
crept
Every
invested
all.out
for
to
The
now
beexamine
in
of
the
crawling
had
darkness
their
and
the
morrow's
crept
then
mountain-passes
hillock
the
out
out
grew
had to be done at once to providethey
water-barrels,
to
siege.
and
citadel,
the
could
black
succeeded
wagons
Theyand
hear
and
of heard
the
and
impenetrable.
at
the
inin
last,
Big
an
found
galloping
scalping
the
attempt
about
Horn
exultant
notrange
ten
the
Heavy
more
beat
to o'clock,
run
whoops
two
of
and
than
clouds
them
pony-hoofs,
dead
came
half
aofaway
sergeant
soldiers.
the
a barrel
orand
savages,
They
fire
of
overspread
sweeping
knew
whodirty,
them.
had
knew
thatbrackish,
who,
been
down
Hatton
they
the
thatsent
under
heavens,
were
very
across
himself
ill-flavored
with
closely
cover
soon
the
aand
ventured
couple
the
treeless
ofathe
fluid
Indians
moaning
ofprairie.
wind
men to see what was going on at the wagons, came running back
breathless.
one of themThehadwagons
been runwere
off gone!
by theEvery
Indians under cover of the wind and
darkness;
over to theand presently,
south-east, half aof
a glare mile
flame arose, and the white tops became
for a moment
capering nakedvisible,
forms and dancing,
around them, and then the cotton duck attracted the
eager,
moment fiery
thetongues, and in another
flames seemed to leap high in the air, but the performers in
the aboriginal
shelter. ballet scurried
The soldiers for rifles for nine hundred yards, and the
sighted their
little hillwith
minute blazed and discharge
a rapid sputtered that
half sent
a leaden messengers whistling
through theabout
humming burning wagon-covers
the ears and
of the revellers.
Fifteen minutes later, Hatton resolved on a bold move. Mounting his

wounded
little party,men on mules,
soldiers, and leading
teamsters, his
and quadrupeds, he slipped away from the
hillock,
east of theand, keeping
road, groped well to the the darkness back to the high range
through
overlooking
Fork" of the the valleys
South of "Old
Cheyenne andWoman's
Hat Creek to the eastward; and morning
found
spring him bivouacked
not ten miles from at athe
little
stockade. Thither, of course, the Indians
trailedthey
again and attacked
followedand at daybreak.
besieged and Therewere repulsed, again and again; and
there an
after at dawn
all-nighton the second
march, day,
the trumpets of the cavalry rang the signal of
rescue,
the Sioux andwhirling
the charging troopers
in scattered sentover the bold and beautiful upland.
bands
Thebrave
its little commander
detachment was was prostrate
safe, but with a rifle-bullet through the thigh
and another
declared in the shoulder.
it impossible Dr. Weeks
to attempt to move him back to Laramie; and in a
litter made with the
saddle-blankets lariats
menand carried their wounded leader back to the stockade
at the head
there, wroteofWeeks,
Sage Creek,
he might andhave to remain a month, and there, unless
otherwise
men wouldordered,
remain the
withother
him,wounded
Weeks himself attending them in his
improvised field-hospital.
Major Miller and Dr. Bayard, after brief consultation, had decided that the
young
The surgeon's
stockade wasideas
wellwere
guardedsound.and provisioned. Medical and surgical
supplies
under werecavalry
strong promptly forwarded
escort, and that same day the entire cavalry battalion
struck its tents
northward overand
the moved away had taken. Once more was Laramie left
route Hatton
with
hardly only a handfulofficer
a company of men forand
duty.
Old Bruce turned out, despite his rheumatics, and announced that he was
game
the for any garrison
circumstances. service
Roswell under who had stowed a box of wine and
Holmes,
several boxes of with
supply-wagons, cigars hisincompliments
the to Dr. Weeks and his patients, and
who hadofremained
instead going to at theLaramie
front solely because of an odd turn in local events,
now declared
considered that hesecond
a brevet must be lieutenant, and besought Dr. Bayard's
permission
to solicit thetoloan
visitofhis
hispatient,
uniforms, Mr. sword,
McLean, etc. Major Miller laughed
gleefully
was at the to
beginning idea,
pluckandupallheart
the garrison
again, for Hatton's wounds were
pronounced not dangerous,
and all the infantry people were though painful,
proud of the way he and McLean had
upheldand
Bruce the Elinor
honor ofhadtheir
hadcorps. Jeannie
long hours of who knows what delicious
confidenceMcLean
sympathy. and tearfulwasexchange
reported of doing very well; Blunt was improving;
Miss Forrest
gallery. was taking
Everybody seemed the inairbetter
on thespirits, despite a certain constraint
and mystery that overhung
garrison,--everybody, with onethe exception--Dr. Bayard.
"Mr. McLean is improving so rapidly that he is able to sit up already and

willresponse
his need his to uniform
Holmes's himself,"
laughing wassuggestion, but both Major Miller and
the speaker
surgeon
with
intimating
ideas
had
knew
officer.
practically
the
into
that
Now
that
doctor,
gentlemanhis
the
that
inhis
that
head?
surgeon
surprise.
McLean
forbidden
the
patient
thepost
addressedFor
cavalry
was
One
was
was
the
commander
his
trying
first
on
might
lookedthe
had
wife
the
guilty
time
gone
to
atto
have
mend.
divert
mention
had
inparty
out
hazarded
several
become
Miller
suspicion
tointhe
again.
these
days
eyed
front
almost
theHe
from
recent
the
assertion
him
and
longed
major
distrustful
Miss
narrowly.
more
mysterious
that
was
to
Forrest
troops
know
itofEver
was
his
to
a matter
since
motives.
larcenies?
tempted
what
the
werewounded
she
marching
theto
of
What
strange
would
What
reopen
regret
andcould
up
say
could
conversation
unsuspecting
tothe
from
or
the
he
subject
have
think
post
the
mean railway,
put
ifwhich
by
held
she
suchall
he
anxiety as to his immediate surroundings was dispelled, and the major

could not
strange avoid driftinginback
complications which to two
the of the prominent people of his
military
taken bailiwick
a great likingwere to Mr.involved.
Holmes,Heand hadhad striven to open the way for
that gentleman
faintest inclination in case he had
to speak ofthehis losses; but, though the civilian instantly
saw
soldierwhatwas theaiming
simple-minded
at, he changed old the subject, and it presently became
plainspeak
not to theabout
commanderthe matter thatatheall.would
Miller could not well seek his advice
withouthetelling
which believed of theMr.other
Holmesthefts to of
know nothing, and yet he felt that as
commanding
say to the visitor officer
howitmuchwas his he duty to the occurrence and how earnestly
regretted
he was striving
offender. But Holmes to discover
wouldthe not give him a chance. He was doing a little
ferreting on his own account.
As for the doctor, two things had conspired to make him blue and
unhappy.
her gallery, Missas has Forrest
beenwas said,upbutandwas outnever
on in her sister's room when the
doctor called;services
professional declinedwith his courteous thanks and the assurance that no
physician
be excusedwas when necessary,
he sent ayet beggedby
message to Celestine asking if she would not
see him.
and, Then he wrote
remembering her a note,
her antipathy to the mulatto girl, he sent it by Robert,
charging
she was not himintothe take it to her door
sitting-room, butifto deliver it in person and wait for an
answer. Robertwith
promenading found Mrs. herPost on the upper gallery, and people who had
been
to do saying
with her thatat Mrs.
RobinsonPost had
werenothing
surprised at the growing intimacy
between
note withthem a grave now. andRobert
courtlypresented
Virginiathe bow, then withdrew to a little
distanceOver
answer. and respectfully
at the Gordons' awaited
a groupher of ladies, old and young, watched
the scene
eyes. with curious
Everybody knew and thatspeculative
Miss Forrest had declined to see Dr. Bayard
duringthat,
noted her illness.
while the Everybody had element of the garrison flocked to
entire feminine
inquire for
nobody went Nellie
to see in Fanny
her invalid
Forrest.state,
Now, what could this strange girl be
doing with letters
Chesterfield"? Even fromMrs. "Dr.
Post watched her narrowly as she hurriedly read
the lines Her
missive. of the eyesdoctor's
seemed elegant
to dilate, her color heightened and a little frown
set itself
she looked darkly on her brow;
up brightly after abut moment's thought, and spoke kindly and
pleasantly to the waiting messenger,--
"There is no answer, at least not now, Robert. Thank the doctor and tell
him I am very much better."
And so, empty-handed, he returned to his master, who waited expectant in
hisaffront,--such
an study. The message was hiswas almost
pride and self-esteem; and for nearly an hour he
sat there pondering
characteristics of theovergirl the
who,strange
despite the story of her poverty and
dependence,
him to the quick had thatso fascinated
she shouldhim. It cut him, when he knew well that
so avoid
between
been her and Mr.
an exchange Holmes
of notes. Mr.there had had seen fit to preserve a
Holmes
mysterious silence
circumstance, as to this
and finally, significant
apparently by appointment, Mr. Holmes had
called atand
arrival, Bedlam the evening
had enjoyed a long after
andhisuninterrupted conversation with Miss
Forrest
Now what outdidon the thisupper
portend?gallery.
It was Celestine who gave him this very
interesting
lower hall, information
and, despite as hisherepellant
entered mien,
the that enterprising domestic was
sufficiently
venture on aalow judge andofconfidential
character totone of voice in addressing him. He had
scowledher
bidden malignantly
hold her peace at herasand he had
passed her by, but Celestine was in no
wise
was on dismayed.
his returnShe fromknewhis her
visitman.
that Ithe sent his note, and then, in the
gloom andover
pondered silence of his library,
the palpable rebuff. Over across the hall he could hear the
soft voices
now intimate of friend
his daughter
Jean. Theyand her were cooing and murmuring together in
someingirlish
was no mood confidences
to appreciate,whichand he with which he could feel no sympathy
from
announce
awould
Presently
there
timethe
was
whatever.the
besunshine
able
Bayard
no
that
chat
Then misjudging
he
towent
insit
had
heard
of out
blithely
camethe
just
the
onparade;
the
come
the
manly
Holmes tone,
on,piazza
from
Jeannie
and
such
voice
he
Mr.
inwas
heard
agrowing
Bruce
McLean's
day
thehim
orand
tremor
two,
deeper
cheerily
Holmes
room,
and
ofand
tenderness
that
that
enter
being
softer.
Mrs.
that
the
the
young
The
Miller
of
parlor,
gentleman
was
principals,
which
words
every nursing
syllable.
called
were
and wasand
inindistinguishable,
him
that
hearty,
Faint,
then
doing
like
young
came
cordial
afar
finely,
mother.
lassie
between,
a message
and
tones
but
homeward.
Forand
monosyllabic were Nellie's replies, but soon the father knew she was
answering
last throughcame
long. Holmes her tears.
to theIthall,
did not
turned and spoke once more to her,--no
touch of reproach,
pleading, but with anoring
tinge
of of
manly sympathy and protecting care in every
word; Bayard
sentence: could me
"It makes not only
but hear
moreonefirmly your friend, little girl,--and his,
too." And then
the breeze he strode again,
and sunshine forth into
and no man who met him knew that he had
tempted hishad
Something fatetold
andhim,
lost. days before, that Miss Forrest's words were
prophetic,--Nellie
one nearer her ownBayard
years. would prefer
It was to satisfy himself that Randall McLean was that enviable somebody
that he
and, had sought
though she hadthis interview;
admitted nothing and he had not questioned, he had
readonly
that in herrecently
tears andhadblushes a truth admitted to herself. Now he saw his
she tremblingly
way clearly to the end.
But to Bayard the abrupt close of the murmured interview meant a
possibility
dismay. That that filled
one hopehim with be
should double
dashed to earth this morning was an evil
sufficient
should be unto the day.
followed That
by the it
conviction that his daughter had utterly
declined togentleman
estimable consider this
as awealthy
suitor forand
hermost
hand was a bitter, bitter
disappointment;
refused Roswell but that she
Holmes, should
with all hishave
advantages, because of Randall
McLean--with
could bear. what?--was more than he
Just as she was hurrying to her room, still weeping, he interposed.
"My little Nell!--my precious!" he cried, in tenderest tones, as he folded

her inIshis
this? arms. "Isthat
it possible it somy
hopeless as
little daughter's heart has been stolen away--
right
it?" under my eyes--and I never saw
For an answer she only clung to him, hiding her bonny face, weeping the
more violently. Speak she could not.
"Nell! Nellie!" he pleaded, "try and tell me, dear. You don't know what it
meansyour
fears to me! You causes
silence don't know whatchild--tell me--that it isn't Mr. McLean."
me! My
No answer--only closer nestling; only added tears.
"Nell, my own little one! If you knew with what awful dread I waited! If
you knew
you--to us what this meant
all! Speak to me,todaughter.
me--to Tell me it isn't that unhappy young
man."
And now, startled, shocked, she lifts her brimming eyes in wonderment to
her father's
through the face, gazing
mist of tears.at him
"Why unhappy?" she almost gasps. "Why--why not Mr. McLean, papa?"
For a moment Bayard stands as though stunned. Then slowly relaxes the
clasp of
away, his armshisand
covering turns
face withdrearily
his hands.
"My God!" he moans. "This is retribution, this is punishment! Blinder

through
melodramatic
"Not
"Then
man
than toa promise
the word,--from
whom
itveriest
all. Nellie!"
misery.
I me
could
moleno
me,"
ever
"There
word
he she
have cries,
Iconsent
shall
whispers
is turning
been nogo,
engagement!
tomy
give
low.
suddenly
child!
you.
"HePromise
My
sent
There
toward
child!
mehas
me!
aher
my
little
been
again
I child!
cannot
note
nothing
ashis
she
tell
stands
said,
yesterday
can
you
namesee
why
has
isthere
it,
clouded;
there?
just
through
papa;
trembling
yet,
Tell
but
his
but
Jeannie.
Ime!"
honor
he
have
atishisnot
not
Indeed,
is the
answered.
you It doesn't ask anything."
tarnished; he stands accused of crime. Nellie--my God! you must hear it

sooner or later."
But now she draws away from him and leans upon the balusters, looking
intosanity.
his his face as though she doubted
"Father!" she slowly speaks at length, "I could no more believe such a
thing of him--than I could of you."
A quick, springy step is suddenly heard on the wooden walk without, the
rattle of ananinfantry
the steps, sword
imperative against at the door. Elinor speeds away to hide
rat-tat-tat
herthe
in flushed cheeks
solitude of herand tearful
room. eyes quickly composes his features to their
Bayard
conventional
the gloom of thecalm and recedes
library. Roberttomajestically stalks through the hall and
opens the door.
"Dr. Bayard in?" asks the brusque voice of the adjutant. "Ah, doctor,"
continues
straightway that officer,
into marching
the den, "Major Miller is at the gate and on his way to
visit be
will Mr.present
McLean. Heinterview,
at the begs that you
as it is on a matter of much importance."
"Very well, Mr. Adjutant," answers Bayard, gravely, as though divining

the solemn
am import of
at your service their errand. "I
at once."
XVII.
An odd despatch was that which went by the single wire of the military
telegraph
that night.line
It wasto Fort
known Fetterman
that a smalllate escort would leave that point early in
the morning,engoing
staff-officer route through
to join withcolumn
the field a now busily engaging the hostile Indians along the
foot-hills of the Big northern
Horn range. Major Miller asked the commanding
officerofathorsemen
brace Fettermantotoawait hold theback a
arrival of a courier just leaving Laramie,
and bearing an
confidential important
letter and commanding the department, who was
to the general
with hismiles
eighty troopsbyin thethe field.
river It was
road; the over
night was dark and the skies overcast.
There mightcertainly
route; there be Indians were along the
no soldiers, for, with the exception of eight or
ten men,
were withallhimof Captain
scoutingTerry's on the troop
north side of the Platte and over near the
Sioux reservations.
single trooper, armed Allonlythe with
same,the a revolver and unburdened by the usual
blankets
as light asand field kit,--riding
a racer,--was to make almost
the run and reach Fetterman the next
afternoon.
This was the result of the interview with Lieutenant McLean, a conference
at which
Mrs. were
Miller, Dr.present
Bayard, Major
and theandadjutant. Why Mrs. Miller, the wife of the
commanding
been present in officer, should have
any capacity, it is not the province of the narrator to
defend.
and Shefor
caring hadthebeenyoung assiduously
officer innursing
his weak and wounded condition. She
had shrewd
her him where and he could not
relentless escape
questionings. She was enabled to tell him much
that
thingsHatton had told thought
she certainly her and he a few
had and therefore said he had. She was
further
from enabled and
Robinson to tellallhimtheyofportended;
the letters of Mr. Holmes's loss and what she
had seenwith
meeting in theMissmirror;
Forrestof her owndarkness of the doctor's hall; of the
in the
registered letters
everybody knew sent Mrs.away Forrest whenhadn't a penny except the captain's pay, and
that she hadthat
announced openly and repeatedly
her sister-in-law had now come to be a burden, too, having
quarrelled
East. And so,with herby
little relatives
little, shein the
had drawn from McLean the story of
discovery
could
major
merely
kleptomania
distant
Dr.
Mrs.
Hatton's farewell words and the meant
Bayard
Miller
not
into
East.
wanted
be
of
immediate
because
decided
Miller
was
mistaken
thethat
card
the decided
Captain
of
to
sole
in
action.
in
his
bethe
the
explanation)
present
rank
handkerchief.
to
Forrest
guilt
She
see
in because
the
of
McLean
should
her
service
toMajesty
well.
make
Then,
of
come
atMcLean's
and
once,
She
restitution,
fortified
at
of
his
intended
once,
taking
Bedlam,
professional
great
with
compel
his
and
noMrs.
reluctance
adjutant
this
public
then
his
Miller
toto
intelligence,
reopened
exposure,
much-afflicted
remove
jot
connection
tell down
whather
he
the
the
nowith
to
knew
and
statements
unnecessary
subject
some
sister
the
firmly
andofficer
safe
and
(for,
because
convinced
made,
retreat
prodded
of
disgrace.
incourse,
question.
and
she
in the
the
that
Sheshe
conceived it her duty to prompt him; and this was the quartet that swooped
down upon the
defenceless poor fellow
condition in his
late that sunshiny afternoon. No wonder his
recovery was delayed!
The most stunned and bewildered man of the party while the painful
interview
Bayard. He was
hadingone
progress
in thewas Dr.
confident expectation that McLean was to be
confronted
guilt, with the
and offered theevidences
chance ofofimmediate
his resignation. His patient was
sufficiently removed
danger-line to enable from
him to thesustain the shock, and he had not interposed.
It was
end to too late,on
matters therefore,
that pleatowhen
put anto his horror-stricken ears was revealed
the
hadevidence against
so enthralled andthe woman
piqued who
him. Miller led him away in a semi-dazed
condition after
conference, andthe close
then of the
at last the doctor's vehement emotions found tongue.
"And all this time you have been suspecting that poor young fellow!" said
thehis
in major, with a touch of reproach
voice.
There was silence an instant. The doctor stopped short and leaned against
the fence his
quarters, in front of the adjutant's
face purpling with wrath and indignation, his lips twitching,
his hands
him clinched.
in amaze, Miller
and then looked
came at
the outburst:
"Suspect him! By heaven, sir! What it was before is nothing to what I feel
now! That
should haveinstolen
his depravity
was badhe enough; but that now, to cover his tracks, he
should accuse
defenceless and defame
woman a Look at his story, and tell me could
is infamy!
anything
Her be more was
handkerchief pitiful and in
found mendacious?
his bureau the night of the robbery. Where
is the handkerchief
burned it! He foundnow?
a noteHeon a card from her hidden in the handkerchief
she had given
the drawer. Hatton
Where to replace
is the card? Hein burned it! He 'purposely destroyed all
evidence Who
Quixote! against her.' her
found A sham
handkerchief in his bureau? Who saw the
burning?Who
drawer? Whotold
put him
the handkerchief in the Who heard her beg that you
of her confession?
should be delayed
investigation? Who,ininyour
fact, is corroborating witness to everything and
anything
believes, he
andalleges, butyou
I believe, the can
mannever
he reach again. Hatton is failing
rapidly."
"How could he have heard that?" asked Miller, with mingled wrath and
stupefaction
doctor's in his face,--wrath
contemptuous disregardatofthe
all other opinions, and stupefaction at
the suddenly presented view of the
case.
"The attendant, sir, was down at the telegraph office when the news came
in, andinsisted
latter he hadon to being
tell McLean;
told thethe
truth. Weeks fears blood-poisoning, and if
that has
him. Thensetwhere
in nothing canyour
will be saveevidence against this most foully wronged
lady?"
"Hush!" exclaimed Miller, quickly, with a warning, sidelong glance
toward Bedlam.
following "Come withlook,
his commander's me!"the
And,
doctor saw, standing close together,
leaning
and on the
gazing southern
down balustrade
upon them in evident interest and equally evident
surprise, Fanny Forrest
Holmes. Silently andand
he turned Mr.accompanied
Roswell the major until he reached
his own gateway, and then stopped.
"I presume there is nothing further I can do just now, and, with your
permission,
think this allsir, I will leave you. I want to
over."
"Do so,
known
"The
young soul
and
McLean
doctor.
ofinnocent
honor
And,
at all.
and
girl
when
Wetruth,
when
have
yousir,
all
are
known
would
heready,
hashim
not
tocome
offer
nearly
be writing
and
herfive
see
is alove-letters
years,
me.
millstone
Let
andmehe
of
and
only
has
debt
say this
ever
honor
destroying
and
this parting-shot
abeen
tarnished
and
to in
truth."
you:
the
our
peace
name."
You
eyes
the have
doctor
of
the
And
mind
soul
hardly
majestically
with
of
ofa turned away.
"So that's where the shoe pinches!" thought Miller, as he entered his
quarters,
by wherewife.
his excited presently he was joined
"He isn't half as prostrated as you thought he'd be," she instantly
exclaimed, as she entered
course it wouldn't be Mac the
if heroom.
were"Of
not greatly distressed, but I have
promised
out him thatForrest
until Captain not a word shall and
gets here, leakthat then he is to see him himself.
Isn't nothing
Can it dreadful
be about
done?"Mr. Hatton?
"I am to see Bayard again by and by. This affair has completely unstrung
him, for Ihenever
smitten; is evidently
dreameddeeply
it had gone so far. Now that letter must be
written
the to the
office. Yougeneral, and
must not I amagoing
know thing to
about it, or about this affair. Of
course you will
questions." And be
so besieged
the majorwith
sallied forth.
Darkness was settling down. The sunset-gun had been fired just as they
left McLean's.
should By this time
be entertaining the doctor
his guest at dinner, and Miller wondered how even
"Chesterfield"
occasion would rally
and preserve to the and courtliness after the shock of the
his suavity
last hour.
was ButofMiller
the last had no that
three shocks ideahad
thatassailed
it him in quick succession and
with and
day, increasing severity of
never dreamed thatthevery
gulf of distress in which poor Bayard was
plunged.
library andHethrown
had gone at once
himself to his
in the easy-chair in an attitude of profound
dejection,
Chloe barely
entered paying
to say thatattention
Miss Nellie when
begged to be excused from coming
down Robert
Then to dinner, as shetofelt
entered asktoo ill. he serve dinner or wait until Mr.
should
Holmes But
bluntly. came in.minutes
five "Wait!" passed;
said Bayard,
the dinner would be overdone; so Robert
slipped
and outsaw
Miller in search of theover
him going truant,
to Bedlam. But the upper gallery was
empty; Mr. Holmes
had disappeared; theand Miss came
adjutant Forreststriding up from the guard-house, and
together the two officers turned
away.
"Orderly," said the major, to the attendant soldier following at his heels,
"find
chargeSergeant Freeman,
of the cavalry who is in and tell him I want him at once. Then
detachment,
go and get your supper."
Meantime, realizing that the dinner-hour was at hand, and knowing the
punctilious
Holmes hadideas of his abruptly
somewhat host, Mr.bidden adieu to the young lady with
whom he had "I
conversation. been in see
must suchyou
interesting
again about Hatton if possible, and just as
soon
means.as If
I have
all thefound
four out
werewhat this at McLean's room the mischief is
together
probably
unless it bedone, but I'll see
forbidden." Hehimwasatturning
once away without more words, when
something
seemed in her him.
to detain deep,He dark eyes
held forth his hand.
"Miss Forrest, I cannot tell you how I appreciate the honor you have done
me in this
means confidence.
of my making moreIt may be one
than the man happy. One word, where is
Celestine now?"
"She should be in the dining-room, setting the table for tea. Good-by, then,
till tattoo. See him if you can."
"Indeed I will," he answered, and bowing over the slender, richly-jewelled
hand
he she so
slowly franklyit,placed
released in his,away.
and turned
gate,the
"In
stairs.
yonder,
brasses
Turning
unpicturesqueness
propped
"If
dining-room,
of
I'm
atthat
his
the
vastly
forage-cap.
was
in
foot
most
mistaken,
not
of
ofisthe
the
inebriate
Miss
she?"
yards,
stairs,
I thought
Celestine
and
muttered
style
the
he
shestrode
coal-
they
against
was
I Holmes
saw
all
and
talking
tohad
this
the
its
wood-sheds,
to
bark-covered
to
moment
rear
with
himself,
bedoor,
ata soldier
retreat
scurrying
and
the
as he
post,
rough,
looked
roll-call,
there.
ranand
inlightly
Ifrom
out
the direction
saw
but
through
unpainted
clinging
this
the fellow
glint
the
thereto
board
hall
side-light
ofmissed
the
with
and
fences;
wood-piles
sunset
down
but
upon
it."the
a on
the
single
the
dismantled
the
out
hinge. At this half-closed aperture suddenly appeared the mulatto girl,

stopped,
the variousturned,
back gave a quick
windows glance atwaved her hand to a dim, soldierly
of Bedlam,
form justtoward
striding discernible in the twilight
the northern end of the garrison, then she came scurrying
to the door, and burst in, panting.
"Ah, Celestine! That you?" asked Holmes, pleasantly. "I thought to find
youask
to in for
theadining-room, and stopped
glass of water."
At sight of him the girl had almost recoiled, but his cheery voice reassured
her.
"Laws, Mr. Holmes! I done thought 'twas a ghost," she laughed, but turned
quickly into
hurried fromthehim as she spokefilling
dining-room, and a goblet with a trembling hand. He
drank
and the water
strolled withleisurely; thankeddeliberation
his accustomed her, through the hall and out
across her
notice the breathlessness
piazza, never appearing to Once outside the steps, however, his
or agitation.
deliberation was caststrides
with rapid, nervous aside,heand
hastened up the walk,--out past the old
ordnance of
windows storehouse andestablishment,
the trader's the lighted turned sharply to the west, and,
sure enough,
brisk, dapper,coming toward
slim-built littlehim wasina his snugly-fitting undress uniform.
soldier
Holmes
out stopped short,
his cigar-case whipped
and wind-matches, thrust a Partaga between his teeth,
struck
him anda light as theglare
the broad soldier
frompassed
the north window fell full upon the dapper
shape
was theand well-carried
natty forage-caphead.
withThere
the gleaming cross-sabres; there was the
dark face,black
glittering there eyes,
the heavy brows, theand imperial, the close-curling hair, of
the moustache
the very
into man he
the parlor had seenback
windows peeping
of Mrs. Griffin's little post-office the night
of his talk with Corporal Zook.
Ten minutes later and he was tapping at McLean's door. It was opened by
the
onlyhospital attendant,--slowly and
a few inches.
"Can I see the lieutenant?" he asked.
"I am very sorry," whispered the man, mindful of the visitor's prodigality
in the past
favors. and hopeful
"I have of future
strict orders to admit nobody to-night until the doctor sees
him again.
well, The
sir, and Dr.lieutenant isn'ttosoadminister sedatives before he left. I think
Bayard had
he is only
may sleeping just now,
be trying to." though he
Holmes paused, reluctant and a little irresolute.
"Is there nothing I can do or say, sir, if he wakes?" asked the attendant.
"Can you give him a letter and say nothing about it to anybody?"
"Certainly I can,--if it's one that won't harm him."
"It will do him good, unless I'm mistaken; and he ought to have it to-night:
he'll at
you sleep better forRobert!
tattoo.--Ah, it. I'll give it tohave known you'd be in search of me
I might
andbe
I'll that I was
there delaying dinner. Say
instantly."
"I don't
Meantime,
hand,
paper at
assay
that
he Sergeant
copied
that,
officer's
sir,the
exactly;
Freeman
desk,
despatch
while
but
hadhis
he's
the
reported
commander
adjutant
the lightest
to Major
was
had
man
scratching
slowly
Miller
in theas
and
troop
away
directed,
and
across
has
andfastest
thoughtfully
"You
the
could
room,
was
say
make
standing
that
his
horse
itdictated.
pen
Parsons
quicker
now
attention,
racingin
than
is the
the
over
anybody
cap
post.
best
theinman
He else,
to send,
but----"
sergeant?"
"But what? Doesn't he want to go? Is he afraid?" asked the major,

impatiently.
The sergeant flushed a little, as he promptly answered,--
"It isn't that, sir. He wants to go. There's no man in the troop, sir, that
would be safe in saying he didn't want to
go."
"Then why do you hesitate?"
"Because we don't know Parsons well, sir; he hasn't been with us more'n a
year. He
striker tillwas
theLieutenant Blunt's
lieutenant was wounded, but Captain Terry had him returned
to theof
short troop
menbecause
and hadweso were
muchsoscouting to do. Then Parsons got into the
office as
where hecompany clerk,
is now, sir. and that's
He writes a fine hand and seemed to know all about
papers."
"Where had he served before joining you?" asked the major.
"Nowhere, sir. He says he learned what he knows in the adjutant's office at

St. Louis
the barracks,
cavalry where
depot. He's they
been had I think, on a Mississippi steamboat,
a barber,
but he can ride well."
"Well, let Parsons be the man. If he wants to go I see no reason why he
shouldn't.and
mounted Tellready
him to
at report
tattoo."here
But it was nearly ten o'clock before Parsons was ready,--a singular fact
when it is remembered
to go,--and Mr. Holmes,that whohehad
wanted
stopped a moment to speak with Miss
Forrestfound
tattoo, as thesufficient
bugle ceased playing
interest in their chat to detain him until just as the
signal
the still"Lights out"Then
night-air. was aringing on trotting briskly into the garrison and
horse came
over to athe
caught adjutant's
glimpse office.
of the riderHolmes
as he shot under the gallery and through the
gleam
That facefrom the lower windows.
again!
Ten minutes afterward this inquisitive civilian was at the store, and,
singling
who wereout one of half
laughing and adrinking
dozen cowboys
at the bar, he beckoned him to come
outside. The
barkeeper, inothers followed,
obedience fororders,
to post the was closing up his shop. Holmes
led hisloungers
of the silent follower beyond earshot
at the door-way.
"Did you see the soldier who rode past here just now?"
"Yes, sir."
"Drake, I've picked you out for service that I can intrust to no one else.
You'vefor
ready never failed
a long rideme yet. Are you
to-night?"
"Anything you want, Mr. Holmes."
"That man's orders are to go with all speed to Fetterman and, after resting
easily
know,
after
Cheyenne
there quitting
returning.
if you
or have
Laramie
Fetterman,
twenty-four He'll
to follow
hours,go
City,
let
there
to wherever
him
to Cheyenne.
takeall
itgo;
right,
wire
heIgoes,
me
believe,
Here's
from
andfifty
but
Chugwater,
thewhat
dollars.
moment
he If
does
but
you
hedon't
jumps
there
strike
andsettlements
lose
the
XVIII.
trail."
track
after
trackand
he
ofleaves
him.
starts
putI'll
there
the
forjoin
the
sheriff
I you
want
railway
on
attohis
Three days slipped away without noticeable changes in the situation at

Laramie.when
evening It wasthe late on Tuesday
courier rode away with his despatch, and on Wednesday
afternoon
flashed thethe wire from
tidings of hisFetterman
safe arrival there and the prompt transmission of
the packet
that had leftinfor
pursuit of theatescort
the north morn. Miller breathed more freely, as did his
good wife, asofnow
great source the onus
distress would of be
thisshifted to other shoulders. "A family
affair
the of much
more importance--no
than probable connectionless than
of one of his household with a series of
extensiveForrest,
Captain thefts--demanded
if a possiblethat thing, be sent hither at once," was the burden
of theifmajor's
that, a possibleletter, andthe
thing, he general
knew would find means of ordering the
captain
give no in on some
inkling of the duty which
real nature would
of the ordeal awaiting him. Thursday
afternoon,
his late, Parsons
return, would probably wasrestto start
or campon at the deserted huts of the
ranchmen at as
"Lapperell," LatheBont, possibly at
frontiersmen the the little stream the French
termed La Prle,
trappers
and shouldhadreach
yearsthe before namedtime Friday evening, though there was no
fort some
hurryfit,
saw and
to he
resthad
hisfull authority,
horse anotherifnight
he at Bull Bend or anywhere he
pleased.
that matterNoaone in authority
thought, but it was wasexactly
giving that matter that kept Roswell
Holmes
he wouldonrather
the watch
have goneat Laramie
away. when
To his keen eyes it was evident that,
despiteand
jovial all courteous
Bayard's efforts
as ever, toheappear
was in sore perplexity. Nellie, too, was
again keeping
Bruce, with whiteher room,
face and andred-rimmed
Jeannie eyes, was the only companion she
really
had welcomed.
come, and theThursday
letter he was nightto have handed in for McLean's benefit
and
Anypeace of mind
hour might was still
enable him withheld.
to speak positively, whereas now he could
only theorize.
assured him that Meantime,
the youngMrs. Miller
officer who "had been temporarily set back by
the badvery
doing news from
well underMr.theHatton" was of better tidings. On Thursday
influence
morningthe
brought a despatch
welcomefrom the stockade
information from Dr. Weeks that Hatton's rugged
constitution
enemy; he wasseemed
gaining proof against the
again.
Meantime, not a word did Miller, Bayard, or the adjutant breathe of that
conference
Mr. Holmeswith McLean,
nor Miss andcould
Forrest neither form the faintest idea of what had
takenfrankly
had place. exchanged
They had their them, theories
and what andcaused Mrs. Miller infinite amaze
and
was the
thisgarrison
growingacompanionship
new excitementbetween the Chicago millionaire and the
"Queen
had theyofbeen Bedlam."
seen onThrice now
the, gallery
and once,tte--tte
leaning on his arm, she had appeared on the walk. To
the ladies there was no theory so popular as the one that she was setting
her cap
that Nelliefor Bayard
him in good earnest now
was confined to her room; and when Mrs. Miller met
him she She
subject. longedcouldto speak uponthank
well-nigh the any woman who could draw this
formidable
ground to her rival away and
wounded andleave the
deeply-smitten lieutenant; but could she see
himMiss
of becoming
Forrest,entangled
knowingin the she
what toilsdid of that young woman's dreadful
moral affliction?
which she could warn Therehim.
wasShe no wayhad inpledged her word to the major that not
a whisper
though Mrs. should
Bruceescape, and
had managed to derive from a conversation with her
that Captain
it was Forrest had
accomplished beenfeminine
by that sent for,device, now so successfully imitated
by the so-called
public interviewers
press, of making of theand hazarding suggestions which could
assertions
not be truthfully
longed to take Holmes denied.intoTheherladyconfidence,--and could not; and Holmes
longed
been madeto ask her what
against McLeanallegations
and how hadhe had borne them,--yet dared not.
Both to him
that was the and the Queen
explanation of Bedlam
of the simultaneous gathering, at the quarters of
the young officer,
commandant, of theand adjutant. Holmes boldly inquired of the doctor
surgeon,
what
he washad taken place,
interested asserting
in McLean andthatwanted to help him, if he was in trouble;
and in great
doctor embarrassment
had begged to be excusedthe from reply. He would not deny that
trouble,--but
Friday
old-fashioned-looking
back
possibly
two girls.
McLeanseat,
afternoon
expected,
Instantly
while
was thereBayard
came,
was
Miss
he reined
affair--rolled
in trouble,--innothing
warm,
himself
Forrest
insunshiny,
grave tangible
his
came
handled
eager
outout
of
as
and
the
horses,
on
the
yet.
reins.
delightful.
the
garrison
Nothing
gallery
almost
There
with
At
was
bringing
and
was
four
Nellie
to
waved
a be
vacant
o'clock
them
said
Bayard
heror
the
doneJeannie
better
doctor's
and
place
hand
upon until--well,
and
their
beside
and carriage--an
smiled
able
haunches,
Bruce
him,
tocordial
until
be
and,
smiling
about.
open,
and
he
just
greeting
was
called
on
as
easy,
he
much
theup totothe
her:
"This is the best piece of luck that has befallen me since I came to
Laramie.
not I've caught
be engaged. you when
Do come youus,
and join could
Miss Forrest! I'm taking my little
invalid outdo
and it will foryou,
a drive
too,ina the sunshine,
world of good. Do come!"
But Miss Forrest's clear voice was heard in prompt and positive regret. It
was impossible:
engagement that she hadoccupy
would an her a full hour, and while she thanked the
doctor--thanked
stopping for her,them all--for
it could not be. "I am so glad to see you out again, Miss
Nellie,"
hope she called.
to have "Now,
you come andI shall
spend an hour with me over here."
The doctor could hardly conceal his chagrin. Again he begged. Again his
offer was Nellie
declined. courteously but faint
gave but positively
response to Miss Forrest's greetings.
Jeannie Bruce
finally the looked
horses fixedly
received away,and
a sharp andmost unnecessary touch of the lash,
and went bounding
"Bedlam" in a style away from small credit on the merits of the driver,
that reflected
andfair
his thatpassengers.
nearly bruised the backs of
Reclining half dressed, in a big easy-chair, Randall McLean heard the

crash of the
whirr-r-r horses'
of the hoofs
wheels on and the
the gravelly road in front, and demanded of the
attendant an account of the party.
"The doctor, sir, and the two young ladies--out for a drive."
McLean was silent for a moment. Mrs. Miller had gone home some time
before on household
the doctor was by thiscarestimeintent,
out of andthe garrison. It left the patient master of
the situation.
"Get this chair out on the gallery," he presently said, as he slowly raised
himself to
support his feet
against theand leaned
table. "Putfor a robe and pillow in it. Then come back and
help me out."
The soldier demurred and would have argued, but Mr. McLean silenced
him, and presently,
fatigue-coat and with in ahis bestsilk
white bluehandkerchief around his neck and his
fatigue-cap
young tilted
officer, over on
leaning onetheeye, the
attendant's arm, slowly made his way into
the open air and
comfortably was soon
ensconced in the big arm-chair again. Several men of his
company, smoking
quarters across on the piazza
the parade, arose, of putthe
away their pipes, and came over to
stand attention
popular and and
lieutenant, saluteto their
say how glad they were to see him able to sit up
again. It
lonely touched
heart to seeMcLean's
the pleasure sad and the trust and faith in their brown,
honest
up faces,
to his eyesandas hetheheld
tearsout came welling
his hand, calling them by name to step up on
the gallery
better where
and give eachhe man
coulda see themthough feeble response to the hearty
cordial
pressure
he bade theof their brawny
attendant, hands.
after Then
a little chat about Mr. Hatton's condition and
theand
in more
give hopeful
them anews,
drinktooftake them
Monongahela; but Corporal Stein promptly
declined:
they camehe wouldn't
with havewhen
that hope, it thought
their sole wish was to congratulate their
young
two of officer;
them, not and,so though
sensitive one asorthe corporal, doubtless took him to task at
a later moment,
upheld him now.they Theyone and all
would not go in and drink, but presently returned to
their barracks,
reflection comforted
that they had done withthe theproper thing.
"Mr.Mr.
Meantime,
that
young
alongMcLean,
the
gentleman
McLean
wooden
Misshow
Forrest
must
was
floor,
rejoiced
wondering
bethe
hadsitting
rustle
Iseen
amupto
about
their
ofand
see
feminine
approach,
you
what
taking
sitting
time
skirts,
theand,
the
air.
up!
and
carriage
hearing
Five
This
almost
minutes
is simply
the
would
before
voices
afterhe
on the
the
return,
could
voice
delightful."
men
of
turn,
lower
hewere
the
heard
the
Queen
gallery,
gone,
cordial,
a quick,
of
and
readily
Bedlam:
musical
as
light
that
divined
footstep
For an instant he knew not what to say--how to greet her. Heavens! what
thoughts
went of that
surging gloomy
through hiscouncil
brain. He tried to speak, tried to conceal his
grievous
face embarrassment,
flushed painfully andbut thehisthingaunt
hand he extended in acknowledgment
of hers was
promptly cold asa ice.
brought The
chair, setnurse
it close by the side of the big arm-chair; then
as promptlythanked
gracefully vanished, himasand
shetook it. This was a contingency that had not
occurred
His wholetoideaMcLean for an
had been to instant.
be where he could see Nellie's face, possibly
receiveword
joyous a smileor and
two bow,
on herpossibly
return. aHe had been able for the time being to
forget
part heall
had about
beenMiss Forresttoand
compelled thein surrounding her with that web of
play
evidence
this most and suspicion,
inopportune and now,
moment, at stood this gracious and graceful girl
here
smiling at his side.
For a few moments more it was she who did most of the talking; Hatton,
Captain
down theTerry's
Platte Grays, and her
furnishing the with
fight abundant material for blithe comment
congratulations.
and solemnity of mien His constraint
she attributed to physical suffering combined with
distress of mind
she believed overbeen
to have the charges
laid at his door; and, while avoiding all mention
of that to
desire subject,
show himit wasbyher earnest
every trick of woman's infinite variety and shade of
manner thatfor
admiration shehishad nothingconduct,
soldierly but and trust and friendship for him in
his troubles. Poor
unresponsive, and Mac was but vague,
embarrassed in his acknowledgments, and then--she
noted how his
wandering awayeyesup were constantly
the road, and, with woman's quick intuition, divined
that he was
purpose thanoutto there
watchforfornotheother
return of the doctor's carriage.
Presently it came in sight, driving rapidly, and, recalling everything that

she had
their heard
recent from
talks of Mr. Holmes distrust
the doctor's in and antipathy toward McLean,
Miss
to theForrest quickly
end of the arose
gallery. and
She hadstepped
determined that the young soldier should
not be balked
as that in so
of seeing andmodest a hope
being seen by the girl he loved. She felt assured that
unless
in somehewaywasthesignalled or checked
doctor would drive by "full tilt," and, with the quickness
of thought,
The sight ofshe
Fannyhad Forrest,
formed her plan. at the north end of the gallery and
standing
holding
exact aloft her
gesture white
of the palm
Indian andin frontiersman
the signalling "stop," was enough
to make
team backhimonbring
their the powerful
haunches directly in front of the steps, and, before a
word could
there, be said
flushing in explanation,
feebly, was Randall McLean, striving to lift himself from
his nestthe
salute oflady
robes ofand
his pillows,
heart. and
Lachlan stepped quickly forward from the hall and, with him on one side
and Miss
other, McLeanForrest wassmiling on the
half lifted to the railing, where he could look right into
the bonnie
Nellie Bayard,facesitting
he longed to see.
nearest him, flushed crimson at the first glimpse at
the tall,
hand gauntclosed
tightly figure,beneath
and herthe little
lap-robe on the sturdier fingers of Miss
Bruce. A
instant in joyous
her eyes, light
anddanced
died out only as one
quickly as the flush upon her cheek at
sight of Miss
arm. Was this,Forrest's
then, thesupporting
engagement which prevented her acceptance of
thewhich
in doctor'stheoffer?
hero of Washerthis the way
girlish dreams should be restored to her,--with
that bewilderingly
fascinating New York handsome
girl at hisandside, almost possessively supporting and
exhibiting
the doctor too,him?and Thethesight
same hadidea stung
about the engagement seemed to flash
through his head.
"This will never do, Mr. McLean," he sternly spoke, "you are in no
condition
you to venture
in a minute. Get out;
backI'llto be
your over to see
room as quick as you can." And with
these words
again, and the hecarriage
whippedflashed
up his away.team Nellie had not spoken a word.
For a moment
turned
party,
"This
intentions,
is
her
with
allcolor
and
my
questioning
they
fault,
depend
fluttering,
stood
allupon
my
eyes
there
herstupidity,
it,
toeyes
stunned.
good
his glowing,
silent
shall
Mr.McLean
companion.
McLean;
yetand
come
her
gazed
Iof
white
might
She,
this,
bitterly
teeth
too,
have
for now
was
after
setting
known.
gazing
Ithe
have
retreating
fixedly
firmly.
him:
aForgive
crow Then
to
after
mepick
vehicle
for
the
impulsively
with
the
doctor's
a sake
moment,
Dr. Bayard,
of
little
she
mythen
turned
good to
and I mean to see him before he sees you. Are you going in,--at once?"
"Yes. There's nothing else to do," he answered, wearily, hopelessly,

wretchedly, as he slowly turned away.
"Mr. McLean!" she exclaimed, with sudden and irrepressible excitement
of manner.
only. There's"Stop!--one
somethingmoment
I must say to you. Lachlan, please step inside the
hall,"you
call sheinhurriedly
plenty ofcontinued.
time before "I'll
the doctor can get here. Now, Mr.
McLean,I listen!
trouble. I know something
know something of your
of the toils by which you have been
surrounded,
treated; but letandmehow
tellunjustly
you thatyou the have been you have most feared is the
very man
man of allfriend.
steadfast othersLook!
who stands your now. Coming fast, too--from the
He's coming
telegraph
he brings.office.
One moreI almost
thingknowI mustwhat
say itwhile
is yet there is time. I could not
help seeing
bound up inhow your
Nellie heart was
Bayard. Nay, don't turn away in such despair. I read her
better
you thanthan
better you you
do, and I know
think. I tell you brighter days are near. Keep up a
brave heart, remember
your name; Mr. McLean. 'TheRemember
race of Clan Gillian--the fearless and free.' I
tell you
envy youthat
thewere
truthIIaread
maninI could
Nellie Bayard's eyes. All is coming out well,
and of
full there's
goodmy handwith
wishes and myit." heart
He took it wonderingly, silently. Good heavens! Was this the woman who,
through
accused his testimony,crimes?
of degrading stood Was it possible that she could have been the
criminal,
could andthose
write yet at the very time
mysterious words upon the hidden card--proffering aid
and friendship?
woman was thisWhat manner ofwith excitement at his side, her glowing
now quivering
eyes fastened
advancing formonof
theRoswell
rapidlyHolmes? What meant she by speaking of the
man he most
steadfast feared as his most
friend?
Just as Major and Mrs. Miller with Dr. Bayard stepped upon the broad
gallery
and of Bedlam
stopped at its southern
in embarrassment at end
sight of the group at the other, Mr.
Holmes in
placing had
herbounded up the stepsdespatch,
hand a telegraphic and, held forth his own to Randall
McLean.
"Read it aloud!" was all he said, and eagerly she obeyed:
"CHUGWATER, Friday, 4 P.M.
"ROSWELL HOLMES, ESQ., Fort Laramie.--Parsons streaking it for

Cheyenne.
his heels. Has plenty money. Close at
"DRAKE."
XIX.
Whatever sensation or suppressed mystery may have existed at the post

prior to the
despatch receipt of that
announcing the brief
the soldier, Parsons, had "bolted," it was all as
nothing compared
excitements of the with
weekthe that followed. Miller's first impulse, when Mr.
Holmes
paper in placed
his hands,the brown
was to scrap
inquire ofhow it happened that a civilian should
concern
of his men,himself
eitherwith
in orthe
outmovements
of garrison, but something in the expression of
calmly
"There
to
when
interest
wonder
Mr.
still
past
is
wasaHolmes
so
what
matter
him
indeed
weak,
it
onall
behind
assured
the
brewing,
it could
was
way
Miss Forrest's face as she walked all
soon
him
mean,
tothis
and
her
that
evident
which
that
and
room,
there
the
toto
I go
and
was,
ought
ordinarily
more
ininand
to
the
eyes
know,
the
upbraid
kindling
genial
than
twoisthose
went
and
her
there
eyes
pet
jovial
of
off
not?"
ofDr.
thiswas
popular
gave
therefore
together
lieutenant
Bayard
major him
wasthat
and
arm
his
decided
for
powerfully
something
respected
quiet
in
venturing
arm,pause.
inquiry;
leaving
gentleman
moved.
offrom
unusual
andMrs.
his
In room
ten
Miller
minutes the two men were at the telegraph office and the operator was
"calling"
after Cheyenne.
another Anearnest
brief and hour later,
talk with Miss Forrest on the upper gallery
of "Bedlam,"
travelling Mr. rolled
wagon Holmes's
into the garrison and away he went. At midnight
he was changing
Chug." horses
The next day at "The
he was at Cheyenne and wired the major from that
point. Two days
heard from more and
at Denver, and he was
then there was silence.
At the end of the week Private Parsons, of Terry's Grays, who had been
carried forasthree
mornings "on or four successive
detached service," then as "absent without leave," was
formally
and it began accounted for as "deserted,"
to be whispered about the garrison that grave and decidedly
sensational
sudden reasons attended
disappearance. his had a long and private interview with
Dr. Bayard
the commanding
him a letter received officer,
fromwho Mr.showed
Holmes, and went home to Nellie with a
dazed
The lookofon
sight his distinguished
Randall McLean, seated face. on the front piazza, and in blithe
conversation
her friend Miss with that young
Bruce, lady and
for an instant caused him to halt short at his own
gate, but, mastering
possessed him, the doctor whatever emotion
marched straight up to that rapidly recuperating
officer,
feet andwho showwas duetrying
respect to find
to thehismaster of the house, and, bidding him
keep his
hand andseat, bent over
confused him moreand took thanhis
a little by the unexpected and really
inexplicable warmth of his greeting.
McLean, who had been accustomed to constraint and coldness of manner
on
at athe
losspart of the post
to account forsurgeon,
the sudden waschange. Nellie, whose sweet eyes had
marked hurried
father's with nocoming,
little uneasiness
flushed withher relief and shy delight at this
unlooked-for
to use her ownwelcome; expression andwhen
Jeannie Bruce,
telling of it afterward, was "all taken
aback." She
between them and Mrs. Miller
planned that Mr.hadMcLean should walk over with the latter,
earlyforinathe
out afternoon,
little airing and justtoas
trythough
his legs after their unaccustomed rest.
Nellie
out on and Miss Bruce
the piazza at thewere moment to happen
(and the details of this portion of the plan
were left Jean"
"Bonnie to theherself,
ingenuity who of well knew that it must be accomplished
without
her shy anda germ of suspicion
sensitive on theand
little friend), partMcLean
of was to be escorted in by
Mrs. Miller,
leave, promising who to was comepresently
back for to him in a few moments. Then, when the
ice was broken
beginning to feel andmoreNellie was after the mysterious estrangement and this
at ease
sudden Jean,
friend, reappearance
too, was of to her old away and the pair be left alone. Arch
be called
plotters
had chosenthatthethesehourwomen
when are! They almost invariably took his siesta, and
the doctor
both ladies
friends on no had warnedtotheir
account select that opportunity to rush over and
congratulate the lieutenant
convalescence,--a thing theon his girls would have been sure to do. Miss
Gordon
Bruce had gone
Mrs. Miller if shesodidfar not
as to ask it might be well to "post" Miss Forrest,
think
who had been
conversing withalmost daily seen
Mr. McLean since he began to sit out on the gallery
again;
that butwas
there Mrs.noMiller
need promptly
to tell Miss replied
Forrest anything. "She has more sense
than all of were
together," the resttheofsurprising
us put words of the reply, "as I have excellent
reasons to know."
What could have happened to so radically change Mrs. Miller's estimate
of and regard
Bedlam?" wasfor JeantheBruce's
"Queennaturalof question of her mother that night, and
Mrs.
to Bruceand
answer was notinbetray
a quandary how that had been confided to her. From
the secret
having avoideditand
Fanny Forrest, wasdistrusted
now noticeableMiss to the entire garrison that Mrs.
Miller
than was exerting herself to be more
civil.
It was too late to change the plan of the afternoon's campaign when the
Bayard's
quarters
the
"It
afterward.
comewas
girls
extreme--almost
major'sagain
just
as
more
with
Be
soon
as
and
orderly that
the
than
though
"sun
ascompliments
cameasapossible.
oppressive--courtesy
quarter
ithimself"
he
may,
wasit
around Although
of
trying
toon
isof
that
certain
Dr.their
the
time,
tocommanding
he
make
piazza,
that
and
was
of after
manner
amends
changed
gone
andurging
being
officer
nearly
to
fortheir
his
something,"
unaccountably
McLean
an
and
unbidden
apprehension
hour,
a request
tohetake
saida
that the
returned
into
guest.
Miss
good
cordial
wonderment
Bruce,
rest
in
doctor
before
where
hisinmonologue
join
telling
McLean
he
andhim
wassecret
ofat
and
had
it(for
hisjoy
tobeen
thebywith
younger officer hardly knew how to express himself under the

circumstances),
Jeannie Bruce wasthesodoctor
utterlyfinally vanished.
"taken aback" by it all that for some minutes
she totally
little drama.forgot
Then,her part in the
suddenly recalling
she was to
theplay,
rledespite the appeal and protest and dismay in
Elinor's pleading eyes, Miss Bruce, too, sped away and the two were left
alone.
galleryFrom the south
at Bedlam Missend of thelooked smilingly upon the scene and
Forrest
would
by fain have
blowing a kissrewarded
to her, butBonnie Jeaneyes were focussed on a little party
Jeannie's
of horsemen
front just dismounting
of the commanding in They might bring news from the
officer's.
cantonment,--perhaps
her own particular hero, a little note from
Mr. Hatton.
Nearing them she recognized the leader as a sergeant of Captain Terry's

troop, and knew
appearance of thewell
menfrom
and the
theirtrim
smooth-shaven cheeks and chins that they
were just setting
returning from theforth,
field.not
Thejust
adjutant came hurrying down the steps of the
major's
the gate,quarters justhis
and raised as forage-cap
she reachedat sight of her.
"You can start at once, sergeant," she heard him say. "Now remember: to-
morrowfor
enough evening
you towill
landbeyour
timeparty at Fort Russell. Report on arrival to the
commanding
none officer,
of your men andinto
to go permit
Cheyenne until he sends you. Then you are to
return here
intrusted to with
yourwhatever
care." may be
She was not at all surprised on reaching home to find her mother and Mrs.
Miller
the watching
departure withcavalrymen.
of the eager eyes McLean and Nellie Bayard saw it too,
and it agave
about them
whole hoursomething to talk and paved the way for another talk the
that afternoon,
next day--and the next.
That night, in quick succession, the telegraph brought four despatches to
Laramie. Aswent
messenger in duty
firstbound, the
to the commanding officer, who held out his hand for
all four and
accorded was
only surprised
two. "Theseatarebeing
for Miss Forrest, sir," said the messenger.
The major
own, broke
glanced thefirst,
at the envelope of his his fingers with delight and
and snapped
exultation.
"They've got him, Lizzie!" he chuckled to his eager helpmate. Then he
tore open in
vanished theanother. Thethe
instant; glad look
light of hope, relief, and satisfaction fled from
his eyes"My
cheeks. and the
God!"color
hefrom his as his hand fell by his side.
muttered,
"What is it, dear?" she queried, anxiously.
"Forrest is coming--post-haste. Will be here to-morrow night. Now she's

got to be told."
"Then, as it is all my fault, I must be the one," was the reply.
But even as they were discussing the matter, irresolute, distressed, there
was a ring
moment whoat the bell;enter
should and in
thea parlor, holding in her hand those fateful
telegrams, but Misstoward
She came straight Forrest herself?
them--smiling, and Mrs. Miller and her half-
dazed major arose to greet her.
"I suppose I may be taken into official confidences to-night; may I not,
major?"
has she said,
probably wired gayly.
us news"Mr.which
Holmeswe can exchange. I congratulate you on
"Your
"They
that
first,
the his
because
diamonds!"
were
porte-monnaie
yourecovery
can taken
rejoice ofyour
of Mrs.
from
withexclaimed
Forrest's
and
my his
deserter,
me room--from
in thethe
beautiful
prostrated
andmajor and
recovery my
amethyst
condition,
of locked
hisdiamonds."
my good
set
trunk--the
and
wife
were
because
in
stolen
anight
breath.
at
from
first
of Dr.
Mr.
I
"When--how
you
Bayard's
Holmes.
suspected
not tell
Idinner,--the
her
did
us?"
were
servant
not tell
theysame
any
Celestine
taken?
one
night
atWhy
and did
thought I could force her into restoring them without letting poor Ruth
know anything
speak about
of it, for the nextit.discovery
Then I couldn't
I made simply stunned me and made me
ill. Then,and
Holmes, finally, I told
he took theMr.
matter in charge. You have heard from my
brother, too?"
rejoiced at his she askedfor
coming, eagerly.
it will "I
doamher a world of good, and she is wild
with
How excitement and happiness
was it all managed, major?now.He wrote to me a fortnight ago that with
the prospect
before them itofwas
incessant fighting
impossible for him to ask for leave of absence, and
begging
in me toand
my power help
saveRuth
herinfrom
every way of any kind. You see how I was
worry
placed. And
virtually now,in,
ordered allhe
of wires
a sudden,
me, heandiscan attribute it to nothing but
dangerous
it for him? illness
Iknow on youher part. Did you get
did."
Miller and his wife looked at her, then at one another in dumb amaze.
What could
himself hethis
to tell say?brave
Howand
could he force
spirited and self-sacrificing girl of the cloud
of suspicion
been with which she had
enveloped!
"Tell me about the diamonds," gasped Mrs. Miller to gain time. "Were
they valuable?
must have been.Though of course
Everything theyis so beautiful and--well, I must say
of yours
it all now--costly."
"They were a present from my uncle, Mr. Courtlandt," she answered,
simply.
anything"II valued
had. Thethem more
trunk wasthan
entered by false keys, and the diamonds
were taken
spirited outMy
away. of their locked case
first suspicion and to Celestine and her soldier
attached
friend. They
Robinson. hadcame
Then been this
aroused before
stunning at
surprise in my discovery next day, and
a week ofNow,
distress. greatofindecision
course, theand
inspiration of the villany is captured, though
more thanas
Celestine ever do Iconfederate,
being suspect or possibly principal actor. She has been
utterly dafthaunting
constantly the last four days and for a letter that never comes."
the post-office
"She will be wild enough when she knows the truth," said Miller, hoarsely.
"The scoundrel
Denver, where hehad
was a wife in tracked and jailed. It was she who offered
finally
the diamonds
manage thingsinwell,
pawn. andThey didhave
should not waited, for he had over two hundred
dollars,--must
and Mr. Holmes have
werehad,--for
not the you
only losers here."
"Who were the others?" she quickly asked.
"Mr. Hatton and Mr. McLean."
"Mr. McLean! Oh, the shame of it!" Miss Forrest paced rapidly up and
down theher
flashing, parlor floor,
cheeks her eyes
flushed, her hands nervously twisting the filmy
handkerchief
was somethingshe carried.
utterly Her excitement
foreign to her, and neither Miller nor his wife could
understand
by it. Suddenly,
uncontrollable impulse,as she
though
stopped before and faced them.
"Major Miller!" she exclaimed, "I must tell you something. I had made up
my mindtotomy
not add dofaint
it yesterday.
popularity It will
here, but I respect you and Mrs. Miller. Ifriends, and I want his
knowadvice.
your you areHow am I to make amends to Mr. McLean? What am I to say
to him?
few daysDoof you
idiocyknow I wasthatmade
for ato believe that you suspected him of the
thefts?on
found andtheit floor
was his handkerchief
behind my trunk.I What will the man think of me? tellAnd
him. I cannot
must sit by
him
It
easy-chair
heard
dear
ago
yetwas
IDr.
day
young
of
more
Bayard--he
after
soand
extraordinary
lady,
than
day,
hidtry
Miller
see
her
who
andhim,
face
could
led
hear
a in
complication
speak
you
me
her
stand.
in
patiently.
with
hands.
your
"Miss
him,
suspicions,
"You
asYou
Forrest!
this
andcover
have
has
haveMiss
been!
for
me
been
myhe
with
Forrest!"
heart
never
far
toldshame
more
hammering
me
have
so--left
he
sinned
andI
out friend,
his
exclaimed,
confusion.
been
against
herethe
crushed
sowords,
than
worried
and
Never
assinning.
and
his
'He
youand
humbled
wife
inthinks
thought
my
distressed!
Asank
few
life
you
tohim
hours
into
have
find
areMy
to
an
I be a thief.'"
that he had been so blind and unjust. But I would gladly exchange places
with him,
been weakfor I've been
enough to beworse.
made I'veto look with other's eyes and not my own.
McLean
grave was indeed
suspicion, involvedasincompared with that which surrounded
but nothing
another,--a
our woman who
utmost sympathy andwas entitled because
protection to her natural protector was in
the
whofield far from
did find herand
friends side,--a womanin my young officers,--McLean and
protectors
Hatton,--God
stoutly refusedbless 'em
to tell for it!until
a thing for they
it was dragged from them by official
inquiry,
every and then
tangible theyofhad
piece burnedagainst her. She was at Robinson last
evidence
winter, anddisappearing.
constantly money and valuables werewere heard trailing in dark hall-
Silken skirts
ways
room at of night; her formofficers.
the plundered was seenThe in the
stories followed her to Laramie. The
night McLean
robbed her silken andskirts
Hatton werewereheard trailing up the north hall of Bedlam
and her
Her feet scurrying
handkerchief was over
foundthe at gallery.
McLean's bureau, and, while they were all
waiting for
McLean her atcollided
himself Mrs. Gordon's,
with a feminine shape in the darkness out on the
aparade,
word as and it slipped
though away
fearing without The night of the robbery at Bayard's
detection.
she
nightwas
shealone up-stairs.
was seen enteringAnother
the hall-way without ringing the bell or
knocking
who was in at the
the Bayards'
door. Another evening
library, listened I, for ten minutes to some one who
was striving
make a secrettoentrance
pick thewhile
lock andElinor was confined to her room and the
doctor
mile was atknown
away to be a At
the hospital. quarter of a
last, wearying of waiting for the thief to
effect an
seeing him entrance
or her in andthepermit
hall, Iofsprang
my out upon the piazza and found--you.
Then
Hattonthat
andnight
wring I strove
from himto seehis knowledge of what had been going on in
Bedlam.
go. You imploredmade
You, unwittingly, him him
not toand, through him, McLean believe it was
your ownand,
conceal; trouble
thoughyouIsought
thank God to I was utterly mistaken, utterly wrong in
my belief,
Miss Forrest.I crave
It wasyour forgiveness,
I who urged that your brother be sent here at once,
though
Mrs. the general
Forrest's believes
account, that heit was on put an end to these peculations and
might
restore
recoveredwhatfrom property couldwho
you,--you be have suffered a loss far greater than all the
othersabout
word put together
it." and never said a
And poor Miller, who had never made so long a speech in his life before,
turned chokingly
Miller spoke, andaway. Then Mrs.
Miss Forrest's dilated eyes were turned slowly from the
major's
form bulky
upon theshape to the
sofa and thematronly
woe-begone face that appeared from behind
the handkerchief.
cheeks had paled and Missher
Forrest's
lips were parted. She had seized and was leaning
uponword
one the back of aspoken.
had she chair, but
Asnot
Mrs. Miller's voice was heard, it seemed as
though abrought
muscles slight contraction of the frown upon her white forehead, but she
about a decided
listened in utter silence.
"Indeed, Miss Forrest, you musn't blame the major too much. He wouldn't
have listened
you--if--if to a word
it hadn't beenagainst
for me. I was all at fault. But I couldn't have
believed
been a wordletters
for those against
fromyouRobinson.
had it notThey--they----"
And here Mrs. Miller had recourse to her handkerchief, and Miss Forrest
stretched
urge forth
her say noher hand
more. as though
There to
was intense silence in the parlor a moment.
Then through
came thesound
the sudden open windows
of a scuffle, a woman's shriek, a sudden fall,
voluble
familiar curses
tones, and ravings
the rushinofCelestine's
many feet toward Bedlam.
Seizing his cap and hurrying thither, the major pushed his way through an
excited
The groupofonthe
sergeant theguard,
lowerlantern
gallery.in hand, was wonderingly
firmly
the
single
prisoner
quarters
word
clung
attempted
contemplating "thief!"
were
tothe
theclustered
wrist
toand
spring
Scotch never
of"striker"
around
the
away.
relaxed
struggling,
them,
McLean
hishardly
Lachlan,grasp
swearing
came
whoknowing
until
limping
girl,
the despite
major
what
to theto
bade
scene
her
say,him
for
adjurations
Lachlan
do
from
quarters
"I found
so,the
butcontented
just
her
direction
instantly
torummaging
asletMiss
her
of
himself
renewed
Forrest,
go.
the in
Other
doctor's
with
the
ittoo,
as
bureau,
men
the
his
appeared,
from
sir." and him Lachlan addressed:
And then Miss Forrest's quiet voice was heard as soon as the major's
ordersprotestations
loud to bring a gag
andhad silenced the
accusations of the negress.
"It is as we supposed, major. That is the skirt of an old silk I gave her last
winter."
An hour later Celestine was locked in a room at the laundress's quarters,
where stoutan"Mrs.
organized Sergeant
Amazon guardFlynn"
of heroines, who, like herself, had followed
the drumthe
assured formajor
manythe
a year; whowould never escape from their clutches,
prisoner
and
nonewhose motto appeared
but Irishwomen to be,
on guard "Put
to-night."
XX.
Confessions, of various sorts, were the order of the day at Laramie during
the week that
important followed
arrest, and then thisthe fortnight of accusation was at an end.
Parsons,
his returntheto deserter,
the post under led offescort
the day afterlittle squad sent down from
of the
Terry's
He wastroopstubbornto meet and himsilentatatCheyenne.
first, but when told by the corporal of the
guard
on himthat
theCelestine
moment she hadheard
"gonehe back
had a wife at Denver, and had more than
given
it was him
timeaway,"
to denyhesome concluded that
of the accusations heaped upon his head by the
furious
had victim
indeed of hishis
obeyed wiles.
beckThe andgirlwill, and shielded him even in the days of
suspense
desertion;that but followed
no word can his describe the rage of her jealousy, the fury of
her hate,when
tongue the recklessness
she found that of he
herhad used her only as a tool to enrich
another
told woman,--his
his story lawful wife.
to an interested Parsons
audience as though he had rather enjoyed the
celebrity
Major he had
Miller, Dr.acquired, and
Bayard, Captain Forrest, and Mr. Roswell Holmes were
his
beenmost attentive
a corporal in listeners.
the Marine HeCorps
had at the Washington Navy-Yard, and
had seen Dr.
Reduced to theBayard
ranksmany for some a time.
offence, he had become an officer's
servant, and where
mess-room, was employedBayard must at thehave seen him frequently, as the doctor
rarely missed
barracks. Heretheir festivities atbegan
his peculations the and were discovered. He deserted
and"barber"
to got to St. onLouis,
a boat;where he began
got married and into more trouble; fled to Denver
and
him;found people's
so, leaving hiswits
wifetoo sharp forherself as best she could, he ran up to
to support
Cheyenne
cavalry. and enlisted
Doors and windows, in the desks and trunks, were found lying open
everywhere
speedily at Robinson;
induced to learn Celestine
the business, wasand proved an adept. He warned
her she would
laughed and said be she
suspected,
knew how but to shehoodwink folks. They kept up their
partnership
and hiding the at Laramie,
valuablesheshe receiving
brought him; but he was sure the doctor had
recognized
danger, andhim; he was he determined
knew there was to slip away the first chance that came,
especially
The Fettermanafter despatch
securing gave the diamonds.
him the longed-for opportunity. Celestine
was quieted
soon by thehad
as the thing promise
blownthat, overas and he was safe, he would get word to
hermoney,
of where to andjointhen him,they send
wouldher be plenty
married and live happily ever after. On
the way at
stopped back from Fetterman
an abandoned hut nearhe Bull Bend, where he had hidden his
plunder
money and on thejewelswayinup, hisstowed the then pushed for Hunton's on the
saddle-bags,
Chug;
his gothard
horse safely to byLodgein thePolenight, rodewhere he left him at a ranch and
Creek,
secured the
keeping wellloanto theof another.
west of Fort ThenRussell and never going near Cheyenne,
he crossed
made his way the toUnionDenver.Pacific
But andthere, to his dismay, the "Rocky Mountain"
detective
for him, and officials
everywere on the had
precaution watchbeen vain. He was captured; Miss
Forrest's diamonds,
amethysts, Mr. Holmes's
and Mr. Hatton's pins were found secreted in his possession,
gone,--gambling,--and
Celestine,
against
fairly
been
was
though most of the money wasthe
truth,
victimized
back
Lachlan
she
tiger-cat
in the
no and
by
longer
garrison
that
athen
manthat
she
sought
Miss
who
and
was
was, Forrest,
had
to
all.
had
circumstances
conceal
aHe
at
wife
never
but
firstto
anything.
the
filled
share
knew
Irish
ofthe
the
that
his
laundresses
She
air
profits
capture
Mr.
with
seemed
Holmes
of
shrieks
were
only
her
benthad
made
of
only
atracked
rage
jeered
known,
plundering.
onvolume
heaping
and
athim
taunted
her;
loud
ofupOnce
all
evidence
and,
accusations,
vengeance
the
hermade
when
way
withagainst
to
and
the
having
upon
realize
first
deserter
rolled
him.thatupwas
this
him. 'Twas he who corrupted her; he who taught her to steal; he who
showed
told her her howMiss
to wear to pick locks; silk
Forrest's he who
skirts and steal her handkerchiefs and
leave them
found; he whowhere theyinwould
let her to thebedoctor's the night of the dinner and stole the
porte-monnaie
while she went from the fur
up-stairs andcoat
took the amethysts from Mr. Holmes's room.
She wasn't
all she had afraid.
to do was If any oneshe
to say camehad returned for something she had lost
when accompanying
'Twas he who told herMiss Forrest.
to take some of McLean's handkerchiefs and drop
one in Mr.
would Holmes's
be sure to get room where
it, "'cause Dr.heBayard wanted to get rid of Mr.
McLeanMiss
against and Forrest;"
would believe 'twas nothing
he who tried to pick that latch again and get in
and
was steal the doctor's
interrupted by Miss silver, but coming, and had just time to slink away
Forrest's
on tiptoe
house; around
'twas he whothe corner
gave her of keys
the to open Miss Forrest's trunk and
showed
little boxherthathow
heldtoherpickdiamonds,
the lock ofandthehe who bade her lose one of
McLean's
Oh, yes! Shehandkerchiefs
was ready tobehindswearthe
fire,trunk.
murder, and treason against him--her
scoundrelly
day deceiver.
this precious pair In
hadone short in saddling each other with the
succeeded
iniquities
back, and of allthe
othergarrison for a were
suspicions monthat an end.
But there was still another feather in Mr. Holmes's cap. He had known
theseplaced
had Denvermuchdetectives
valuableforbusiness
years andin their hands. He had munificently
rewardedinevery
efficient man who
the present hadand
chase been
capture; had had the pleasure of restoring
to Miss Forrestsetting
well-repaired in a newthe case and of which she had been despoiled, and
diamonds
then he sought McLean.
"Did you ever get a little card I left in your drawer one night while I was
here with Mr. Hatton?" he asked.
McLean looked up in eager interest. "A card?--yes, but never dreamed it
was from you.
told--it Indeed
came fromI an
thought--I
entirely different source, and it has puzzled me
more than words can tell you."
"It was perhaps a piece of officiousness on my part, but we were in a
peculiar
thefts stateon.
going justI stowed
then withit inallone
these
of your handkerchiefs while Hatton was
out. What did you do with it!"
"Burned it--long ago. I couldn't understand at all. It said that one who had
been as hard pressed
was--pecuniarily, as I
I supposed--wanted to be my friend, and----"
"Yes, that's about it! I suppose you couldn't see your way clear to
accepting help from me----"
"I didn't know it was your card or your writing. No initials appeared. The
card was
Hatton otherwise
and blank, and
I--well--there's no sense in telling the absurdity of our beliefs
at that time. We were all at sea."
"Let all that pass," said Holmes, with a grave smile on his face. "The man
that hasn't
another beengarrison
in this a fool induring
one waythe or
last month or so is not on my list of
acquaintances,
myself. What I and
wantI think
now isI know
a description of Sergeant Marsland. One of
my Denver
spotted himfriends thinks
as a swell he hasdown at El Paso."
gambler
And so, that night, a full pen-picture of the lamented commissary-sergeant

was wired
later to Denver.
a special detective Twowasdays
speeding southward; and though Roswell
Holmes
about hishad leftaffairs
other Fort Laramie
long beforeand the
goneresult was known, and long before
Wyoming
for
that
Then
starry
of
thethe
renewed
a came
"rich
nights
Mayandtorrents
haul!"
July,
slow-movingapplause
made
military
its
had
drowsy
were
blazing
wheelsand
been
justice
gone
ofenthusiastic
and
sunshine
made
had
and
soothing
on
rolled
with
the
tempered
praise
them
by
far-away
thethe
two
when
the
by
softer
later
clouds
Texan
the
themelody
snow-cooled
culprits
telegraph
and
frontier.
storms
of
before
the
brought
of
swift-
the
courts,
to
Marsland
been
breezes
rushing
human
thegathered
commanding
it
jealousies
from
Laramie.
was
andthe
his
over
in at
mountain-peaks,
name
The
and
one
"one
officer
suspicions.
roar
that
thousand
fell
and
the
came
swoop."
news
fury
dollars
up
The
and itshad
crowded garrison had undergone a valuable experience. The social circle

of the
the post hadoflearned
fallibility feminine a lesson as to
and masculine--judgment. Bruce was slyly
ridiculing
to the views Miller because of
and theories of his
his better
surrender
half, and, even while resenting
verbally the
excluded from factallthat he had been
participation in the momentous affairs of the early
summer,
thankful in washisknown
innermost to beheart
devoutly
that he had not been drawn into the snarl.
Bruce was
Captain hand now,
Forrest in glovewho,with having set his house in order and silenced the
querulous
the loss of complaints
Celestine, was of his wifetoatget back to his troop. Between Forrest
eager
andaMcLean,
up feeling oftoo, therefriendship.
cordial had sprungForrest had heard from his sister's lips
the storyher
burned ofhandkerchief
how he and Hatton had in every way to shield her in his
and striven
absence, to
warmed andthemthe more
cavalryman's heart express. To Miller and McLean he
than he could
told the
with herstory
uncle,ofpretty
his sister's
muchdifferences
in effect as Mrs. Forrest told the doctor. It was
Courtlandt's
marry because sonofshehiswould
repeated notlapses into inebriety, and Courtlandt's
bounty
she could shenotwouldtake nothelonger
son. The accept since letters she had mailed contained
registered
the
manremittances
persisted inthe sorrowful
sending her andold she persisted in returning. Dr. Bayard,
too, had cavalry
stalwart shown vast cordiality
brother, to the seemed to share his sister's views, and
but Forrest
only moderately responded.
Poor Bayard! Again and again did he curse the cruel fates that had exiled
him to this outlying,
incomprehensible barbarous,Again and again did he bemoan the
community.
blunders he had made.
claircissementthat In the the arrest of Celestine and Parsons he had striven to pose as
followed
Miss Forrest andthe tochampion
redouble his of devotions. There was no doubt of his
devotion: the
completely grandiosebyold
fascinated thebeau was daring, and self-control of that
brilliancy,
indomitable
the first shock Queen
and aoffew Bedlam.
hours of After
solitude, in which she refused to see or
talk with from
emerged anybody, Miss in
her room Forrest had to welcome her brother on his arrival,
readiness
and
couldnodetect
one inthe allfaintest
that garrison
sign of resentment or discomposure in her
manner. If anything,
approachable to people sheshewascould
rathernotmore
fancy than at any time before, and,
nowJohnsons
and that the Bruces and Gordons
and everybody seemed in mad competition to see who could
be most
her, cordialbecame
it speedily and friendly withthat it was their offishness, not hers, that
apparent
had
visit.kept
Mrs.themPostasunder
had found earlier
her in
out,hershe proudly asserted, just as soon as she
cameher,
with to live
andunder
it wasthe now sameher roof
privilege to claim precedence over the others
of the large
sudden sisterhood.
popularity of theBut all this
young lady in question was no great comfort to
Bayard, who
impossible tofound
see herit alone.
almostShe would gladly have gone to spend hours
with Elinor,
strong, for "her whoMajesty,"
was still as farshe
from was often playfully referred to, was
disposed
sweet-faced to be verybut
child; fond of that
Elinor seemed to shrink from her a little. She feared
that herinfather
deeply love hadagain,really
and fallen
if so who could resist him? She admired Miss
Forrest
but not asanda could
secondbemother.
very fond of her,
Another matter that stood in the way of going
thither was
seemed the fact
to track her that Bayard and the situation was becoming
everywhere,
unendurable.
in at the Millers' Onewhennight,she at was
last, there,
he dropped
and promptly, when she retired,
offered
him, tookto his
escort
arm, herwalked
home.slowlyShe thanked
with him to the south hall of Bedlam,
and there
knows justbidwhathimwas adieu. No of
talked oneon that eventful walk, but it was the last he
ever sought
Bayard was witha moody,her, and for weeks
miserable man. All Laramie swore he had proposed
and
couldhad been rejected,
positively tell. but no one
Elinor redoubled her loving ways from that time, and strove to cheer and
gladden him,
repellant. Therebutwas
he was
onlyalmost
one thing, he declared to her, that made him
ato
himself
hither,
that
were
what
consent,
matter
Mr.
McLean
he
replaced
McLean.
only
wretched, on
himself
in
but his
which
to
andhe
was
by
see
father-
rebuffed
If
had
thattheir
ahis
her
she
gentleman,
been
was little
and
won
would
money
him,
her when
mother-in-law
girl
away
only
saying
value,
had
ahe
splendid
inbe
attachmentdecided
won
turn,
without
she
sensible,
Elinor's
and,
was
he
officer,
as
had
aby
her
and
debt
mere
wrested
mother.
all
without
mother
see
in
that
child.
the
how
was
McLean
this
had
aworld;
McLean
absurd
vice
horrible,
sweet
decided
or
but
had
that
child
a he
by
was,
before
from
an
meanness,
was
spoken
declared
army
poor,--he
he
their
her.
to
could
lieutenant.
hehim
arms
and,
Poor
would
was
smile
manfully
now
and
Bayard!
nothing,
wait
He
again,
brought
thathad
any
and
the
Tobut
to
in
reasonable
revenge
asked
her
stolen
admit
fact,
that his
was
but
stores
time, but claimed the privilege of visiting her as a suitor, and this he
would
did haveuntil
refuse, refused, and for
her pallor anda few days
tearful eyes so upbraided him that he gave
up in despair.
poured out herMeantime
heart to the sheloving
had grandparents at home, and they took her
part, and,welcomed
actually almost to the hernews
surprise,that she had a lover. The judge wrote to
Bayard
him since (the firstdifference
their time he had theso honoredwinter), saying he knew "the stock"
previous
well and expressing
approval his hearty
of Nellie's choice. As to her future, he said, that was his business.
It made no
whether Mr.difference
McLean was to him rich or poor. That matter was one he could settle
to suitshe
know himself. It washer
"had given a comfort
heart totoa steadfast, loyal, and honest man." And
so,
andhaving
made him stirred up his
wince to hisson-in-law
heart's content, the old statesman bade him
stand no
young longer inthat
gentleman the way,
he, too, butwould
tell thebe glad to know him; and this letter,
that evening,
placed "old Chesterfield"
in his daughter's hand and then magnanimously gave her his
blessing. It
McLean, wasthenot
said to be but
doctor, shown to not tell her why. He was afraid the
he did
youngand
lines fellow would
see what theread
judge between the at when he spoke of the loyalty
was driving
and honesty of Nellie's lover.
Heavens! What billing and cooing there was at Laramie all that late
summer and
blushed and bloomed
autumn! How whenJeannie Bruce finally landed Mr. Hatton at
the ambulance
her side,daily
blissful and he walktook in his
herlimping
society!but How Nellie Bayard's soft cheeks grew
rounder
wore andand
away, rosierhow as her
the sweet
autumn eyes softened and glowed as they gazed up
into thewhom
soldier manlyshe facewas of the
justyoungbeginning to learn (very shyly and hesitatingly
yet, and
could onlytowhen
hear) none but he
call "Randall." Rapturous confidences were those in which
she and Jeannie
engaged. BlissfulBruceweredaily the glances with which they rewarded Miss Forrest
for her warm andDelightful
congratulations. cordial were the hours they presently began to spend
withfrontier
old her; andpost dismal,
whendismal
October was the and those three young women with
came
appropriate
together: Elinor escort to were
spendspirited
the winter away with her grandparents and make who
knows
for the what
military elaborate
wedding preparations
which was to come off in the following May;
Jeannie
and Bruce
indulge in to pay her
similar, a longfarvisit
though less lavish, shopping on her own
account;
roof of oldand Mr. Miss Forrest towho
Courtlandt, return to theit as a solace to his declining
begged
years
McLean, andand fast-failing
Hatton went health. Thethe
with doctor,
party as far as Cheyenne and saw
them, withoftheir
Stannard, the friends
cavalry,Major safelyand aboardMrs.the train for Omaha, and then with
solemn visages
desolation of theirreturned
post totoworry the through the winter as best they could.
Telegrams
told fromand
of the safe Omaha happy and Chicago
flight of the eastward travellers, and soon the
letters began
think?" wrotetoboth come. the "What
younger dogirls,
you "who do you suppose was at
Chicago to meet us but Mr. Holmes?"
"All's well that ends well!" quoth Mr. Hatton, one evening soon after, as
he blew a cloud
sun-cured" of "Lynchburg
tobacco-smoke across the top of the old Argand and tossed
McLean
has gone atoCheyenne paper. "Celestine
the penitentiary, and here's the sentence of the court in the
case
yearsofapiece."
Marsland andwell
"All's Parsons,--five
that ends well!" for those were glad and hopeful
and happy
winter worehearts,
away as andtheanother
long, longMay-day came around; and the sunshine
dancedold
grand onpeak;
the snow and thecrests of the Laramie again tossed high its brawling
foaming
surges;the
away andfew theremaining
south wind swept
drifts, searching them out in the depths of the
bare
tender ravines and bringing
little tufts of green--the to light
baby buffalo-grass: and one day there came
a wild surprise,
swarmed to Mrs.and the ladies
Miller's for confirmation of the news that went from lip
to lip,--the
had indeed newsat lastthat "her Majesty"
surrendered, and that Roswell Holmes had wooed and
won "The Queen of Bedlam."
*****
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'Laramie;', by Charles King
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'Laramie ', by Charles King

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'Laramie;', by Charles King

Author: Charles King

Release Date: February 5, 2010 [EBook #31188]

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*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 'LARAMIE;' ***

Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This

CAPTAIN CHARLES KING, U.S.A.,

AUTHOR OF "THE COLONEL'S DAUGHTER," "MARION'S FAITH,"

PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY. 1889.

Copyright, 1889, by J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY.

THE QUEEN OF BEDLAM.

A STORY OF FRONTIER ARMY LIFE.

And yet it seemed so unkind, so utterly lacking in hospitality or courtesy.

He might have judged better than that, had he reflected an instant. He

"I know!--I understand--I didn't mean it except as the merest joke, my

This very May-day afternoon on which our story opens, as Lieutenant

"No," he answered, laughing nervously. "I've seen nothing. It is dark as

"Who was it or what was it?"

"Fact, though!" answered Hatton, with a knowing look on his handsome

McLean would be sure to understand that point, however, thought Mr.

"'Pon my soul, I don't know. It was a dress, of course, blue or green--or

"The idea of asking me to describe a woman's dress! Why, I don't know a

"Oh, I know,--that long silk princesse--electric blue--that came from New

"Missed anything to-night?"

"Nothing to speak of," answered McLean, coloring. He had the hatred of

"The devil you say!"

"Have you lost nothing?"

"Five dollars or so,--as I said, nothing I wanted to mention."

"A woman's reason, Mac."

"How do you know a woman's the reason?" asked McLean, almost

"Where'd you find it?" he finally asked.

"Oh, mamma, do!" implored both girls in a breath.

"Why, I hardly know, Miss Forrest," answered Mrs. Gordon, hesitatingly.

Obediently Lieutenant Mayhew shouted to the two young officers who

"Indeed, Miss Forrest, I will not have a detailed escort," indignantly

Now there was nothing in this circumstance to which he should have

Certainly his judgment was warranted by her appearance the evening of

And so Nellie returned to the parlor, and in a moment Celestine came

eye-glasses, mounted them on her prominent nose, gazed long and

"The major is keenly susceptible to colds, doctor, and I see he is fidgeting

"May I ask where you studied music?"

"You have been abroad, then?"

"Years; as companion to an invalid aunt, thanks to whom I saw very little

"Who was it?" he said.

"Mr. McLean, sah."

"Wanted to see me."

let me get you one."

"Nothing but a cigar-case and an old pocket-book. I've mislaid them

"In my overcoat-pocket, at sunset. Probably one hundred dollars or so. I

"Some of the servants, I suppose," he said, carelessly.

"God knows. I only hope so!"

position, is fit to be an intimate or friend? What opportunities has a girl of

Holmes almost choked over his cigar. He bent impulsively forward as

"Isn't that pretty rough on the youngster?"

Mr. Holmes bowed without speaking. He remembered perfectly, however,

"Found it?" he asked.

"No, not yet; going to bed," was the answer, accompanied by an

"And he did not report it to me?" asked the major, impetuously.

"Because he said it was cruel to allow a woman to be suspected, when she

"A woman! What? some servant?"

"Worse than that, major,--Miss Forrest."

"Well, marmar's crying," sobbed Maud, with unanswerable logic; while

* START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 'LARAMIE;' *