The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1904-02-10
that lonely girl, self secluded at The
HnYs.' HAY himself. though weak.

1aJe 10y AlAsClA, IlouSH weak
was beginning to sit up. Dade, Blake
and Ray were all once more housed
in garrison. Truscott and, Billings.
with their hardy troopers, had taken
temporary station at the post, until
the general had decided upon tile dis
position of the array of surrendered
Indians. nearly 500 in number, now
confined under strong guard in the
quartcrmaster's corral at the flats,
with six 'head devils,' including
Eagle Wing, in the garrison prison.
All the officers, with two excep-
tions, were again for duty at Frayne.
Webb, laid by the heels at Beecher,
his feet severely frozen, and Beverly
Field, who, recalled from brief and
solemn visit to far southern home,
lad reached the post at nightfall of
the tenth. There had hardly been al
lowed him time to uplift single
prayer, to receive word of consola-
ton from the lips of friends and kim
dred who loved the honored father,
borne to his last resting place.
Come as soon as possible" read the
message wired him by Ray, and,
though the campaign was over, it was
evident that something was amiss,
and, with all his sorrow fresh upon
him, the lad, sore in body and soul.
had FASTENED to obey.
And it was Ray who received and
welcomed him and took him straight
way to his own cosy quarters, that
Mrs. Ray, and then the Blalles, might
add their sympathetic and cordial
greeting-ere it came to telling why
it was that these, his friends despite
that trouble that could not be talked
of, were now so earnest in their sym
pathy-before telling him that his
good name had become involved, that
there were allegations concerning
him which the chief had ordered
'pigeon-holed' until he should come
to face them. A pity it was that Bill
Hay could not have been there, too,
but his fever had left him far too
weak to leave his room. Only Ray
and Blake We're present and it was an
interview not soon, if ever, to be
forgotten.
I'm no hand at breaking things
gently, Field" said Ray, when finally
the three were closeted together in
the captains den. ''1t. used to worry
Webb that you were seen so often
riding with Miss-Miss Flower up to
Stabber's village, and, in the light of
what has since happened, you will
admit that he had reasons. Hear me
through" he continued, as Field, sit
ting bolt upright in the easy chair, es-
sayed to speak. Neither Capt. Blake
nor l believe one word to your dis
honor in the matter, but it looks as
though you had been made tool
of, and you are by no means the first
man. 1T was to see this fellow, Nor.
eau-Eagle Wing-whom you recog-
nized at the Elk-she was there so
frequently-wa it not?"
Into Fields pale face there had
come look of infinite distress. For
moment he hesitated, and little
beads began to start out on his fore
head.
Capt. Ray he finally said, "they
tell mel heard it from the driver
on the way up from Rock Springs
that Miss Flower is virtually prison.
er, that she had been in league with
the Sioux, and yet, until l can see
her-can secure my release from a
promise, L have to answer you as
answered you before-I cannot say"
Blake started impatiently and
heaved up from his lounging chair,
his long legs taking him in three
strides to the frost-covered window
at the front. Ray sadly shook his
dark, curly head.
''You are to see her, Field. The
general-bless him for TRIUMPH
wouldn't listen to word against you
in your absence; but that girl has in
volved everybody-you, her aunt, who
has been devotion itself to her, her
uncle, who was almost her slave. She
deliberately betrayed him into the
hands of the Sioux. In fact this red
robber and villain, Moreau, is the only
creature she hasn't tried to work.
and he abandoned her after she had
lied. sneaked and stolen for him."
Capt. Ray!" The cry came from
pallid lips, and the young soldier
started to his feet, appalled, at such
accusation.
every word of it is true," said
Ray. ''She joined him after his
wounds. She shared his escape from
the village at our approach. She was
with him when Blake nabbed them
at Bear Cliff. She was going with him
from here. What manner of girl was
that, Field, for you to be mixed up
with?"
"He is her half brother!" protested
Field, with kindling eyes. "She told
me-everything-told me of their
childhood together, and"
told you pack of internal LEST"
burst in Blake, no longer able to con-
tain himself. MADE you a eats paw;
led you even to taking her by night
to see him when she learned the band
were to jump for the mountains
used you, by God, as he used her, and,
like the Indian she is, she'd turn
and stab you now, if you stood in her
way or his. Why, Field, that brute's
!, -, T..