testify that he did it on a bet. He'll probably win out all right.
There is nobody expected on the stage but that Miss Post and her
aunt. And the driver's an old hand. He knows better than to fight."

"There may be some cowboys coming up."

"That's Ranson's lookout. As Cahill says, the Red Rider takes his
chances."

"I wish there was something we could do now," Curtis protested,
petulantly. "I suppose we've just got to sit still and wait for him?"

"That's all," answered Crosby, and then leaped to his feet. "What's
that?" he asked. Out on the parade ground, a bugle-call broke
suddenly on the soft spring air. It rang like an alarm. The noise of
a man running swiftly sounded on the path, and before the officers
reached the doorway Sergeant Clancey entered it, and halted at
attention.

"The colonel's orders," panted the sergeant, "and the lieutenant's
are to take twenty men from G and H Troops, and ride to Kiowa to
escort the paymaster."

"The paymaster!" Crosby cried. "He's not coming till Thursday."

"He's just telegraphed from Kiowa City, lieutenant. He's ahead of his
schedule. He wants an escort for the money. He left Kiowa a few
minutes ago in the up stage."

The two lieutenants sprang forward, and shouted in chorus: "The