The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1913-06-26
CHAPTER x,.

- WVWnOWUt0NG0 " xU0 p00S.
Noylan must have had Miss Melon
aid In mind when he had stocked up
with food at Fort Dodge. and had
therefore chosen all the delicacies to
be found at that frontier post. These
were not extensive. consisting largely
Of canned goods. which. nevertheless.
made . brave show. and were clearly
enough not the ordinary fare of the
border. Hamlin had to smile at the
array. but Molly handled each article
almost with reverence. tears dimming
her eyes In memory.
"He-he bought these for me-" she
said softly. and looking across re-
proachfully at the sergeant 1T was
the best he could do
only. fear. he had q wrong concep-
ton of girls needs on the trail But
l reckon our combined appetites are
equal to it."
Il do not feel as though could
swallow q mouthful"
Under orders you will try. We
have hard day before US. young lady.
and some tramping to do afoot
wish knew where that horse turn
ed loose last night has drifted to: In
to the bluffs, probably. where the
grass is green. He would be Of some
help just now. Try this. Miss McDon-
aid. for lack of something better. 1
yearn for ham and coffee. but hardly
dare build q fire yet. The smoke
would be seen for miles away"
"If we were across the river We
could use the stage fre."
Yes. but there u . wide river now
ing between. Don't be afraid OF that
trip" noting the expression Of her
face. "It will be easy enough to cross
back by daylight. now that know
where the danger spots are"
II was not 80 terribly afraid last
night; hardly had time to realize
what was being done, did your
well. yes; 1t was risky business.
Awfully treacherous bottom and I was
trusting to. good luck"
The sergeant ate heartily, speaking
eocasionally 70 ~ to divert her mind.
but for the most part, busily thinking
aaA endeavoring to decide his next
move. He sat facing the river. con-
tinually lifting his head to scan the
Opposite shore. There was probably
q scouting detail somewhere near 1t
haAa. either approaching from the
eaM. alarmed BY the report of the
fleeing stage crew. oe else = detAch-
mont tracking Roman Noses war
riors across those plains extending
into the north. The latter contin.
gency was the more probable, judg-
ing from the Indians flight. and his
own knowledge Of the small reserve
force left at Dodge Besides. ride az
they might those two fleeing towards
OF yesterday could hardly have yet
reached that shelter Of safety and
might not confess the truth Of their
desertion even when they did arrive.
A pursuing force was the only real
hope for escaping the necessity Of
hard tramp back over the trail. Well.
the girl looked At, and he glanced to
ward her appreciatively.
In spite Of the sad experiences Of
the past night she was pleasant
spectacle. her eyes bright with ex-
citement. her cheeks flushed under
the morning sun which hecked her
dark, disordered hair with odd color.
Hers was a winsome face, with smil-
Ing lips. and frank good nature in its
contour. He was surprised to note
how fresh and we'll she looked.
Are you tired?'
"Not very. 1t seems more as though
I had dreamed all this than actually
passed through the experience Per
haps when I do realize. the reaction
will set in. But now I am strong. and
and not at all frightened"
Nor hungry"
ut is hard to eat, but am often
that way" Her hand strayed to the