Eastern Colorado times., 1913-02-28

without even an officer whom I can
send to meet her, or turn her back.
II should go myself Il would mean
a court-martial."
Travers stared Into the darkness
through the open door. sncking at his
pipe.
by George. you are In . pickle"
he acknowledged slowly. II supposed
she had been headed on long ago.
Haven't heard you, mention the mat
ter since we farst got here. Where
do you suppose the lass is by now7'.
Near as can tell she would leave
Ripley the 18TH"
"Humph! Then starting tonight, q
good rider might intercept her at
Fort Dodge. She would be In no dan
ger travelling alone for that distance.
The regular stages are running yet.
suppose?"
Yes; 80 far. az 1 know"
Under guard?"
"Only from the Caches to Fort
Union: there has been no trouble
along the lower Arkansas yet. The
troops from Dodge are scouting the
country north, and we are supposed
to keep things clear Of hostiles down
this way" {, y, {.
Supposed to-yes; but we can't
patrol ave hundred miles of desert
with hundred men,. most OF them
dough-boys. The devils can break
through any time they get ready
you know that. At this minute there
isn't mile OF safe country between
Dodge and Union. II she was my
daughter"
You'd do what?" broke in McDon-
aid. jumping to- his feet. I'D give my
life to know what to dol"
why, I'd sent somebody to meet
her-to turn her back II that was pos
sible. Peyton would look after her.
there at Ripley until you. could ar
range"
That's easy enough to say. Travers.
but tell me who is there to send? Do
you chance to know an enlisted man
out yonder who would do-whom you
would trust to take care Of q young
girl alone?" ;,
The captain bent. his head. on one
hand, silent for some minutes.
They are tough lot: major; that's
fact. when you stop to call the roll.
Those recruits we got at Leavenworth
were mostly rough-necks-seIen Of
them In the guard-house tonight. Our
best men are all out" with a wave
OF his hand to the south. It's only
the rini-raff we've got left, at De-
vere."
You can't go?"
The captain rubbed his lame leg
regretfully.
mo; I'd risk It II could only ride.
but couldn't sit a saddle
"And my duty IL here; 1t would cost
me my commission" -. :;t,;i =
There was a long thoughtful silence.
both men moodily staring out
through the door. Away in the dark
ness unseen sentinels called the hour
Then Travers dropped one hand on
the others knee.
"Dan." he said swiftly. how about
that fellow who came in with dispatch
es from Union Just before dark? He
looked like real man."
II didn't see him. I was down river
with the wood-cutters all day"
Travers got up and paced the floor.
II remember now. What do you
say? Let's have him in. anyhow. They
never would have trusted him for that
ride II he hadn't been the right sort"
He strode over to the door, without
waiting an answer, Here. Carter"
he called, do you know where that
cavalryman Is who rode In from Fort
Union this afternoon7"
A face appeared in the glow Of
light. and q gloved hand rose to sa-
Lutte.
Hes asleep in 'B's' shack, SIR"
the orderly replied. said he'd been
on the trail two nights and day"
Reckon he had. and some riding at
that. Rout him out. will you? Tell him
the major wants to see him here ct
once"
The man wheeled as II on pivot.
and disappeared.
IF Carter could only ride" began
Mcdonald. but Travers interrupted
impatiently.
"If! But we all know he can't.
Worst ever saw. must have original
ly been sailor" He slowly refilled
his pipe. Nov. see here. Dan, it's
your daughter that's to be looked af-
ter. and therefore want you to size
this man up for yourself. don't pre-
topd to Lnou opvfhino O about hin, on1v