pose is clear enough to my
mind, and seamed with treachery. Well, Heald, from my knowledge of
Indian nature I must say that whoever goes forth now to confer with
yonder redskins has a desperate mission; but if you are still
determined upon such a conference, I will take my chances with you. 'T
is given unto man but once to die."

"No, William," replied Captain Heald, with more firmness. "It is your
part to remain here in protection of your niece, my wife; and if my own
officers refuse to volunteer in this service, I shall go forth alone to
meet the chiefs. It is my duty as commandant."

"Two of your officers are here," said Wells, "and they can probably
answer for themselves. Ensign Ronan is not present."

"He is acting as officer of the day," returned Heald, somewhat stiffly,
"and is therefore not eligible for such service. Perhaps one of the
officers here present possesses courage enough for the venture?"

Apparently neither cared to express himself, after such an insinuation.
At last one, whose voice I recognized as that of Surgeon Van Voorhis,
gave utterance to his refusal.

"As the only medical officer of the garrison, I feel justified in
declining to go upon so desperate an expedition," he said gravely. "It
would expose not only my own life to unnecessary peril, but the lives
of many others as well."

"And what say you, Lieutenant Helm? Have you also personal scruples?"

I could detect a tremor in the younger officer's voice, as he answered
promptly.

"Captain Heald has before this seen me in time of danger," he said
quietly, "and can have no reason for ascribing cowardice to me. But I
will frankly say this, sir, and with all respect to my commanding
officer, I believe such conference as now proposed with the hostile
Indians yonder, at this late day, to be perfectly useless, and that
every hour's delay since the receipt of orders to evacuate the post has
only tended to increase our danger and lessen our hope of escape. I
feel now that our only chance of safety lies in defending this stockade
against attack until a rescue party from the East can reach us. I have
a young wife among the women of this garrison; to her I owe allegiance,
as well as to the flag I serve. Feeling as I do, Captain Heald, as a
soldier I will obey any command you give, and will go forth upon this
mission if ordered to do so, either in your company or alone; but I
cannot volunteer for such service. I believe it to be fool