s all right. She's the gamest little woman that
ever crossed the Wyoming line. Hadn't been for her these boys would have
been across the divide hours ago. She's a plumb thoroughbred. Wouldn't
give up an inch. All day she has generaled this thing; played a mighty
weak hand for a heap more than it was worth. Sand? Seh: she's grit clear
through, if anybody asks you." And Denver told the story of the
day, making much of her unflinching courage and nothing of her men's
readiness to back whatever steps she decided upon.

It was ten minutes past eleven when a smooth young, apple-cheeked lad in
khaki presented himself before Helen Messiter with a bow never invented
outside of West Point.

"I am Lieutenant Beecher. Governor Raleigh presents his compliments by
me, Miss Messiter, and is very glad to be able to put at your service
such forces as are needed to quiet the town."

"You were in time?" she breathed.

"With about five minutes to spare. I am having the prisoners brought
here for the night if you do not object. In the morning I shall
investigate the affair, and take such steps as are necessary. In
the meantime you may rest assured that there will be no further
disturbance."

"Thank you I am sure that with you in command everything will now be all
right, and I am quite of your opinion that the prisoners had better stay
here for the night. One of them is wounded, and ought to be given the
best attention. But, of course, you will see to that, lieutenant."

The young man blushed. This was the right kind of appreciation. He
wished his old classmates at the Point could hear how implicitly this
sweet girl relied on him.

"Certainly. And now, Miss Messiter, if there is nothing you wish, I
shall retire for the night. You may sleep with perfect confidence."

"I am sure I may, lieutenant." She gave him a broadside of trusting eyes
full of admiration. "But perhaps you would like me to see my foreman
first, just to relieve my mind. And, as you were about to say, his
friend might be brought in, too, since they are together."

The young man promptly assented, though he had not been aware that he
was about to say anything of the kind.

They came in together, Bannister supported by McWilliams's arm. The eyes
of both mistress and maid brimmed over with tears when they saw them.
Helen dragged forward a chair for the sheepman, and he sank into it.
From its depths he looked up with his rare, sweet smile.

"I've heard about it," he