father?"

"Oh, yes, I can put your mind at ease so far as he is concerned. I
presume you were endeavoring to reach his post when this unfortunate
affair occurred."

"Yes."

"Sheridan has ordered Devere abandoned for the present, and the Major's
troops are to return to Dodge. No doubt we shall be in the field
within a week or two. But we can cultivate acquaintance later; now I
must straighten out this affair." He bowed again, and turned stiffly
toward Hamlin, who had dismounted, his manner instantly changing. He
was a short, heavily built man, cleanly shaven, with dark, arrogant
eyes, and prominent chin.

"You are a sergeant of the Seventh, you said," he began brusquely.
"What were you doing here?"

"My troop is stationed at Fort Union," was the quiet response. "I
carried despatches to Devere, and while there was requested by Major
McDonald to intercept his daughter and turn her back."

"Were you subject to Major McDonald's orders?"

"It was not an order, but a request."

"Oh, indeed; a mere pleasure excursion."

"It has hardly turned out that way, sir, and conditions seemed to