"He 's not thar now; been transferred to Wallace, but, I reckon, any o'
those army people would look after yer. Ye 've really made up yer mind
to try it, then?"

"Yes, yes; I positively cannot stay here. I shall go as far as Dodge
at least. If--if we are going to travel together, I ought to know your
name."

"Sure yer had," with a laugh. "I fergot all 'bout that--it's Moylan,
miss; William Moylan; 'Sutler Bill' they call me mostly, west o' the
river. Let's go out an' see 'bout thet stage."

As he rounded the table, Molly rose to her feet, and held out her hand.

"I am so glad I spoke to you, Mr. Moylan," she said simply. "I am not
at all afraid now. If you will wait until I get my hat, I 'll be down
in a minute."

"Sutler Bill" stood in the narrow hall watching her run swiftly
upstairs, twirling his hat in his hands, his good-natured face flushed.
Once he glanced in the direction of the bar-room, wiping his lips with
his cuff, and his feet shuffled. But he resisted the temptation, and
was still there when Miss McDonald came down.




CHAPTER IV

THE ATTACK