"Mr. Hayne! Was he with them?"

"He was on the train, and came in at once to offer his services. Grimes
says he was invaluable."

"But Mr. Hayne was East on leave: I _know_ he was. He was promoted to my
company last month,--confound the luck!--and was to have six months'
leave before joining. I wish it was six years. Where is he now?" And the
captain peered excitedly around from under his shaggy cap. Oddly, too,
his face was paling.

"He left as soon as I took charge. I don't know where he's gone; but
it's God's mercy he was with these poor fellows. His skill and care have
done everything for them. Where did he get his knowledge?"

"I've no idea," said Captain Rayner, gruffly, and in evident ill humor.
"He is the last man I expected to see this day or for days to come. Is
there anything else I can do, doctor?"

"Nothing, thank you, captain." And the little surgeon hastened back to
his charges, followed by some of the younger officers, eager to be of
assistance in caring for their disabled comrades. Rayner himself
hesitated a moment, then turned about and trudged heavily back along the
wind-swept platform. The train had pulled away, and was out of sight in
the whirl of snow over the Western prairies. He went to his own
substantial wagon, and shouted to the driver, who sat muffled in buffalo
fur on the box,--

"Get around there to the freight-house and report to the doctor. There
are a lot of frozen cavalrymen to be taken out to the hospital. Don't