the War Department would find any fault if we found a few."

The blood surged into the Lieutenant's face, but opposition only served
to increase his obstinacy.

"I prefer to rely on my own judgment," he said tartly. "From what this
man reports they are in stronger force than we are. Besides my
instructions were not to provoke hostilities."

Wasson grinned, revealing his yellow teeth.

"Sure not; they are so damned peaceable themselves."

"I prefer leaving Captain Maxwell to deal with the situation," Gaskins
went on pompously, ignoring the sneer, "as he outranks me, and I am
under strict instructions to return at once to the fort. Two of our
horses are disabled already, and Smiley is too sick to be left alone.
There are only sixteen men fit for duty, and three of those would have
to be detailed to look after him. I 'll not risk it. Well," he broke
off suddenly, and addressing a corporal who had just ridden up and
saluted, "have you buried the bodies?"

"Yes, sir; found these papers on them."

The Lieutenant thrust these into his jacket pocket.

"Very well, Hough. Form the men into column. Miss McDonald, you will
retain the horse you have, and I should be very glad to have you ride
with me. Oh, Corporal, was everything in the coach destroyed? Nothing
saved belonging to this lady?"