Evening star., 1905-11-11

Ever since her fathers appointment to
the command of western post, Mildred
Ambrecht had been longing to follow him,
longing to run away from Vassar and have
the chance to expand her strong young
lungs in the freer atmosphere of the land
beyond the Mississippi But the parental
mandate had required her to fulfill the last
duty before leaving college. And only when
this was done had she been permitted to
turn her face westward.
The coming of such bright face, such
happy hearted bit of vivacious young wo-
manhood, to the fort created a quiet sensa-
tion. and the young officers began at once
to manifest their appreciation. But the
sudden arrival of a young man from the
east, about two weeks later. served to cast
slight damper over the hopes of a certain
one OF the officers who had not yet allowed
his secret to escape from his own heart.
The visitor was quite young, even boy
ish In his ways, and Mildred addressed him
ally happened, she wished to humble him
bit, when, in tone of mock haughtiness
she would tiptoe to Mr.. Fielder"
Fielder had followed within twenty-four
hours after the receipt of the invitation
which Mildred had promised should come
from Maj. Ambrecht early as possible
after her arrival at the post, and he had
reached the fort on the of a little ex-
element which had come up, apparently
to relieve the dullness that had reigned for
some time.
Black Wolf and a few struggling follow
ers had committed a series of small depre-
dations which had become annoying and
now demanded serious reprimand. After
two or three days of work the band had
been rounded up and marched into the post.
where Mai. Ambrecht proceeded to give
them talk full OF gentle warning and
well-meant remonstrance.
Mildred and Fielder had secured a posi-
W thDV 1,,,I
band which to them presented an inter
esting spectacle. Fielder was toying with a
small but powerful reading glass which he
usually carried in his pocket, for very much
the same reason small boy would carry
spinning top On this occasion the spirit
OF mischief, always active in Fielder
prompted him to focus the rays of the sun
upon the bare, shaven head of Black Wolf
Tor the amusement of Mildred, who quickly
stuffed handkerchief into her mouth to
suppress any burst of mirth that might
chance to betray him.
The rigid body of Black Wolf sat I'M
moved for several seconds though his
scalp undsr the small round zone OF heat
must have been parching. But Fielder was
merGiless' and even an Indians stole rigid
ity has its looserlng point. Black Wolf
suddenly clapped his hand to his scalp
and bounded to his feet, looked round him
and above him, touched the scared spot on
MS head and resumed his seat. The glass
had quickly disappeared from Wills hand
and his innocent gaze had met the Indians
nntalterIngly
A few moments later the glass was
turned upon a new spot on the chiefs
head, and he soon repeated the antic he
had performed before, again resuming his
seat as much mystifed as ever But
Lieut. Smalley had caught the trick this
time, and he carefully raised a warning
finger toward Will at the same time NUT
tering under his breath: The young fool.
He doesn't know that he is playing with
most dangerous fire"
"One of my rivals. L presume" said
Fielder turning to Mildred. Fortunately
for me &c is not supreme in command
here"
HE is a very sensible young man, Mr..
Fielder"
Fielder laughed in low tone. well,
come and lean over here; we can have a
little more fun out of these copper skins"
When the third drop of fire alfghted
upon the head of Black Wolf he crossed
over and seated himself, new facing the