The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1913-03-27

ly, but with a new light In them. She
had not forgotten now the danger was
over; she meant him to realize her
friendship.
ut seems to me the only safe
course for you to take, Miss Melon
aid" he said slowly. endeavoring to
keep the note of triumph out Of his
voice. your father Is perfectly safe.
and will join you within a few days. I
would not dare attempt your protec-
ton farther west"
"You are not going with US then?"
she questioned in surprise.
Not If Lieutenant Gaskins will
furnish me with horse and rifle.
must report at Union, and, on the
way, tell your father where you are"
"But the danger! oh, you mustn't
attempt such a ride alonel"
THAT is nothing; the valley ia
swept clean, and l shall do most of
my riding at night. Any plainsman
could do the trick-hey, Sam?"
WATSON nodded, chewing solemnly
On the tobacco in his cheek.
He'll make the trip all right, MISS
he drawled lazily. wish l was goin'
long. I'm sure tired o. this sorter
scoutin', l am. Down below the
Cimarron is the only place yell have
ter watch out close, Brick Them
Comanches an Apaches are the worst
lot"
81 know-night riders themselves
but I know the trail. Can you outfit
me, lieutenant?"
Gaskins smiled grimly, but with nc
trace Of humor. His eyes were upon
the girl. still leaning over her pom,
mel.
I'll outfit you all right" he said
b%rusquely, land with no great regret,
either. And l shall report finding
you here in disobedience to orders"
Very well, sir"
Molly's brown eyes swept to the
lieutenant's face, her form straighten'
ing In the saddle, her lips pressed
tightly together. Gaskins fronted the
sergeant, stung into anger by the
mans quiet response.
II shall prefer charges, you under
stand" almost ~savagely. Helm, give
this fellow that extra rife, and am
munition belt. McMasters, you will
let him have your horse"
WATSON rolled out Of his saddle,
muttering something indistinctly,
which might have been an oath.
81 amt goin' ter stand fer that
leftenant." he said defiantly. "Bein'
az l amt no enlisted man, an this
yere is my boss, Brick Hamlin don't
start on no such ride on that lame
brute O. McMasters'. Here, you
Brick take this critter. OH shut
up! I'll git to Dodge all right. Won't
hurt me none to walk"
The eyes of the two men met under
standingly, and Hamlin took the rein
in his hand. Gaskins started to speak.
but thought better Of It. A moment
he stood, %irresolute, and then swung
up into saddle, his glance ignoring the
sergeant.
Attention! company" he command
ed sharply. by column four
march,"
The girl spurred her horse forward
and held out her hand.
"Good-by," she said, falteringly
"you-will be careful"
"Of course" and he smiled up into
her eyes,. Don't worry about me-
am an old hand"
"And I am to see you again?"
81 shall never run away, surely. and
I hope for the best"
Miss Mcdonald" broke in Gaskins
impatiently. the men are already
moving"
"Yes," her eyes still upon the ser
geant's uncovered face, Il am coming
Don't imagine I shall eve forget" sht
murmured hastily, "or that l will
not be glad to meet you anywhere"
Some time 1 may put you to tn
test" he answered soberly. "If any
trouble comes, trust Wasson-he Is 6
real man."
He stood there, one arm thrown
over the neck of the horse. watching
them ride away up the trail. The
lieutenant and the girl were together
at the real of>the short column, ant
he seemed to be talking earnestly
Hamlin lever moved, or took his eyes
from her until they disappeared over
the ridge. Just as they dipped dowr
out of sight she turned and waved
one hand. Then the mans gaze swept
over the debris of the burned stage
and the two mounds Of earth. Ever
these mute evidences of tragedy
scarcely suficed to make him realize
all that had occurred In this lonely
spot. He could not seem to separate
his thought from the cavalcade which
had just departed, leaving behind the
memory of that farewell wave Of the
hand. To him 1t marked the end o.
a dream, the return to a life distaste
full and lonely.
Mechanically the sergeant loaded
| his rife, and strapped the old Con
federate haversack to his saddle pom
mel. staring again, half ~unbelieving,
at the faded inscription underneath
the flap. Yet the sight of those let
tera awoka him. bringing tn his