been seen the two strangers whose odd movements led to
the going forth of the searching party. But it was half an hour later,
and light was growing dim in the valley, while the eastward crests of
the Mogollon were all ablaze, when a single rider was made out coming
homeward at speed. It was dusk at Almy when his panting horse struggled
painfully up the slope and, dismounting, a weary rider saluted the post
commander and handed him a note. By this time Mrs. Archer, Mrs.
Stannard and Lilian, too, were on the platform, and the mother's arm
stole instinctively about the daughter's slender waist, while every eye
was on the general as he quickly opened, then slowly read aloud the
pencilled words:

"We have the couriers safe. They are from up the Verde, badly
scared and worn out. Say they have been chased by Indians ever
since three o'clock, were almost out of ammunition. Lieutenant
Willett, venturing too far on the east side, while we were to the
west of the stream, must have encountered some of them. We heard
firing, and followed. Found his horse dead among the rocks and
Willett lying near, stunned, but certainly not shot. Could see
nothing of his assailants. Ambulance needed. Respectfully,

"STRONG."

Mrs. Archer's arm wound still closer about her daughter's trembling
form. Lilian said no word, but her face was white, her soft lips were
quivering. Mrs. Stannard sympathetically closed in on the other side,
as the general gave brief directions, and presently, between the two,
the girl walked slowly away, only the general following with his eyes.
Bentley went back once again to quietly tell the news to Harris, but
was ready when the ambulance stopped at his door. Lilian had been
persuaded to go and lie down, said Mrs. Archer, when her grave-faced
husband came home at dark. "That is best," was all he said, but he
turned and took his fond wife's face between his hands and kissed it
thrice, then went forth again to meet the coming couriers. It seems
their orders were to deliver their despatch in person to the commander
of Camp Almy, and, sending them on for refreshments, he read by the
light of a lantern the message from the commander of the District of
the Verde. Young warriors by the hundred were out, said the agent at
the reservation, even the Apache-Mohaves. Mail messengers, ranch people
and others had been murdered close to Camp Sandy. Friendly Indians
report soldiers killed in Dead Ma