Cahill crossed the room to the door and, throwing it open, called,
"Corporal of the guard!"

As he spoke, Captain Carr and Mrs. Bolland, accompanied by Miss Post
and her aunt, were crossing the parade-ground. For a moment the post-
trader surveyed them doubtfully, and then, stepping out upon the
veranda, beckoned to them.

"Here's a paper I've signed, captain," he said; "I wish you'd witness
my signature. It's my testimony for the court-martial."

"Then someone else had better sign it," said Carr. "Might look
prejudiced if I did." He turned to the ladies. "These ladies are
coming in to see Ranson now. They'll witness it."

Miss Cahill, from the other end of the veranda, and the visitors
entered the room together.

"Mrs. Truesdale!" cried Ranson. "You are pouring coals of fire upon
my head. And Miss Post! Indeed, this is too much honor. After the way
I threatened and tried to frighten you last night I expected you to
hang me, at least, instead of which you have, I trust, come to tea."

"Nothing of the sort," said Mrs. Bolland, sternly. "These ladies
insisted on my bringing them here to say how sorry they are that they
talked so much and got you into this trouble. Understand, Mr.
Ranson," the colonel's wife added, with dignity, "that I am not here
officially as Mrs. Bolland, but as a friend of these ladies."

"You are welcome in whatever form you take, Mrs. Bolland," cried