. Was
that the night you mean, Mr. McLean? Was that the night that you became
convinced that she was the thief?"

"That was the night."

"But what happened then to convince you? I ought to know. It is far
better that I should know than have this cruel half belief."

"I--Mrs. Miller, forgive me, but it is a matter I cannot speak of.
Hatton and I 'shook hands' on it we would say nothing to any one of our
knowledge, and I cannot speak of it. Wait until he returns. He ought to
be back to-morrow. You know he only went with the guard to the stockade
up on Sage Creek. It's only three days' march. If he will tell you,
well and good; but I will not say anything more,--just now, at any
rate."

There came a quick step along the wooden piazza without, a tap at the
door, and Dr. Weeks peered in. Glancing over her shoulder, Mrs. Miller
saw that his face was white,--that he was beckoning to her; and she
presently arose and went into the front room. She heard hoof-beats
passing the house at a rapid trot. She heard hurrying feet and excited
voices, and then the young doctor stretched forth his hand at the
door-way and led her into the hall.

"Stay with McLean as much as you can, and keep this from him if
possible. A courier is just in who got through, God knows how, during
the night. Hatton and his party were corralled yesterday beyond Rawhide
Butte. Several of them are killed already. The cavalry start at once,
and I go with them."

XV.

For a man who prided himself on the ease and self-possession which made
him so distinguished a feature in society, Dr. Bayard could not but
confess to himself that the sudden orders which sent his assistant away
left him in a somewhat embarrassing position. The care of Weeks's
patients now devolved upon the senior, and among these patients was one
who much needed his attention, but whom he shrank from seeing,--Randall
McLean,--and another whom he greatly desired to attend, but who shrank
from seeing him,--Miss Forrest.

Mrs. Miller was still at the bedside of the former when Dr. Bayard
nerved himself to make the necessary call. To his great relief, the
young soldier had fallen into a fitful doze and was unconscious of his
presence. Mrs. Miller, in low tones, described his condition; and the
doctor was content to go without other examination, though he left
directions with the attendant as to what was to be done when the
patient awaked. Next he repaired to Mrs. Forrest's rooms, and wa