from their saddles, consulted in eager whispers. Their men fidgeted
with their reins, and stared with amazed eyes at their officers.
Lieutenant Crosby was openly smiling, "He's got away with it," he
whispered. "Patten missed the stage, thank God, and he's met nothing
worse than these women."

"We MUST make a bluff at following him," whispered Curtis.

"Certainly not! Our orders are to report to Colonel Patten, and act
as his escort."

"But he's not at Kiowa; that fellow says so."

"He telegraphed the Colonel from Kiowa," returned Crosby. "How could
he do that if he wasn't there?" He turned upon Hunk Smith. "When did
you leave Henderson's?" he demanded.

"Seven o'clock," answered Hunk Smith, sulkily. "Say, if you young
fellows want to catch--"

"And Patten telegraphed at eight," cried Crosby. "That's it. He
reached Kiowa after the stage had gone. Sergeant Clancey!" he called.

The Sergeant pushed out from the mass of wondering troopers.

"When did the paymaster say he was leaving Kiowa?"

"Leaving at once, the telegram said," answered Clancey.

"'Meet me with escort before I reach the buttes.' That's the message