The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1913-11-04

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 rife.
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 alone!"
THAT is nothing; the valley is
swept clean, and | 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 was goin'
long. I'm sure tired o. this sorter
scoutin', am. Down below the
Cimarron is the only place yen have
ter watch out close, Brick Them
Comanches an Apaches are the worst
lot"
II know-night riders themselves,
but know the trail. Can you outfit
me, lieutenant"
Gaskins smiled grimly. but with no
trace Of humor. His eyes were upon
the girl, still leaning over her POM
mel.
"Tll outfit you all right" he said
brusquely. land with no great regret,
either. And | 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.
IL shall prefer charges, you under
stand" almost savagely. 'Helm, give
this fellow that extra rifle, 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 deflantly "Bein
"a I 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, yor
Brick take this critter. Oh shut
up! I'll git to Dodge all right. Won
hurt me none to walk"
The eyes of the two men met under
standingly, and Hamlin took the reir
in his hand. Gasltins started to speak
but thought better of it. A momen
he stood, irresolute, and then swung
up into saddle, his glance ignoring the
sergeant.
Attention! company" he command
cd 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 int
her eyes. Don't worry about me-
am an old hand"
"And l am to see you again?"
81 shall never run away, surely. an,
hope for the best"
Miss Mcdonald" broke In Gaskin
impa,ientiy. the msn are alread,
moving"
Eyes," her eyes still upon the Sc
geants uncovered face, Il am coming
Don't imagine shall ever forget" sh
murmured hastily, 'or that | wi
not be glad to meet you anywhere"
Some time | may put you to I'll
test" he answered soberly. IF an
trouble comes, trust Wasson-he is
real man."
lie stood there, one arm throw
over the neck of the horse, watchir
them ride away up the trail. I'll
lieutenant and the girl were togeth'
at the rear of the short column, an
he seemed to be talking earnestl
Hamlin never moved, or took his eye
from her until they disappeared oyt
the ridge. Just as they dipped dow
out of sight she turned and wave
one hand. Then the mans gaze swel
over the debris of the burned stag
and the two mounds of earth. Eye
these mute evidences of TRACED
scarcely sufIiced TO make him realii
all that had occurred in this lone
spot. He could not seem to separa
his thought from the cavalcade whlC
had Just departed, leaving behind Il
memory of that farewell wave of q
hand. To him it marked the end
dream, the return to life distast
full and lonely.
Mechanically the sergeant load
his rife, and strapped the old CO
federate haversack to his saddle po
mel, staring again, half unbelievir
at the faded inscription undernea
the flap. Yet the sight Of those i
tiers awoke him, bringing to
bronzed face a new look of determlr
ton. He swung into the saddle, al
o rifle across his knees, his eyes stut
ing the desolate distance, rode we
ward along the deserted trail.