hurt. He did
me a kindness once, down at Cheyenne--saved me from insult and wrong.
His name is Crawford--Captain Jack, they call him!"

"Yes, I know him. No harm shall befall him, if I can help it."

"Thank you, Bill; you needn't be jealous of him, for it is only what he
did that makes me ask a favor for him!"

"I know it, Addie."

"No woman on earth can make me jealous of you. I've too much confidence
in your truth and love. But you'll not attack the party anywhere near
here?"

"No, not till they are far beyond all the military posts. I want no
pursuit when I do my work. Our animals are in good order for the
war-path now, and I want to keep them so. I'm drilling my braves at
every chance, so as to fit them to meet such men as Crook, Custer, and
Carr. All they want is drill and discipline to make them the best
soldiers in the world, and they're coming into it finely."

"Well, you were a soldier yourself long enough to know all that should
be done."

"A soldier too long, girl--too long a slave to men who held authority
only to abuse it," said Bill, in a bitter tone. "The cruelty exercised
on me then turned my best blood to gall, and made me what I am. I hate
the name, and my blood boils beyond all restraint when my eye falls upon
a uniform. Rightly have the Sioux called me the "Soldier Killer," for
never do I let one who wears the button escape if he comes within my
reach. But you must not stay too long. Good-night--I will not say
good-by, for we will meet again."

"Good-night, Bill."

"One word to your friend here," added the outlaw. "Follow the trail of
Chichester, about three hours back, whenever he moves. I will probably,
for three or four days, be about as far behind you. On the night of the
third or fourth day out, or, if it is bad weather for travel, a day or
two later, I will surround you, and take you and your friend prisoners,
to all appearances. But of course no harm will come to you, and you will
be free when the other work is done. Then I will close up and wipe out
Chichester's gang, saving the two who are to be spared. Then I will be
ready for the war-path, for I need the arms and ammunition these people
have to finish arming the drilled marines who are specially under me."

"All right, sir; we understand each other," said the Texan, wheeling his
horse to take the back trail.

Addie Neidic, as if from some uncontrollable reason, turned once more
toward her lover, and bending from her saddle,