n his robes,
sick, body and soul. And then the old regiment marched over to the
mission to guard prisoners and property, and another was sent scouting
after scattering little war parties, and Connell, who had again been
serving with the general, got word to Geordie that orders had come
putting an end to his "holiday," and calling him East to his legitimate
duty. Could Geordie get over to see him, and the disarming of Big
Foot's band, on the morrow?

Graham showed the missive to his captain, and Lane took it to the
colonel. "Let Graham go," said the latter. "There's nothing to be done
here."

And so it happened that once again the two chums were together, and
this time on a momentous and perilous day.

They saw from the hill-side the scowling braves of Big Foot, led forth
from camp and seated on the ground, shrouded in their blankets, in
long, curving lines. They saw the designated troops of a rival regiment
drawn up in silent array, facing the sullen warriors. They saw the
women and children of the latter huddled at the edge of the Indian
camp, while officers, sergeants, and soldiers were sent searching
through the frowzy lodges for secreted arms. Through their glasses they
saw the old medicine-man, in the centre of the Indian ranks, glancing
furtively, savagely, right and left, his lips moving in muttered
incantation, while the searchers among the lodges came forth from one
after another, baffled, empty-handed, suspicious. Why had not some one
suggested it would be wise to search, individually, each brave before
conducting him to the line?

"There's going to be trouble, Con!" cried Graham, suddenly dropping his
field-glass. "Look! There goes McCrea!" And surely enough, at that very
instant, as though he, too, had noted the ominous signs, their elder
comrade came galloping diagonally across the front, heading straight
for the spot where stood the commander of the silent little battalion.
"He's going to warn them," answered Connell. "Let's join him."

[Illustration: "UP WENT TWO LITTLE PUFFS OF EARTH"]

And just as he spoke, and before either could turn to the waiting
horses, up into air went the hands of the chanter, up went two little
puffs of earth, sand, and gravel as he tossed them on high; and before
even they could come sifting and showering downward, up in a flash
sprang the muttering line, off went every blanket, and out leaped a
warrior, armed and painted for battle. Suddenly they whirled on the
sea