w the Colonel, tall and erect,
the personification of manhood, indomitable will and courage, seated
upon his horse at the head of his regiment, and heard the ringing,
clarion notes of the bugle--the signal for the charge. Yes, he would
make one more supreme effort, and if that failed, well.... His cigar had
burned low. He tossed it over the veranda rail and rose with the
intention of retiring, when his attention was arrested by the faint
sound of a horse's hoofs on the highroad in the distance. Something
seemed to tell him to wait, and acting on the impulse, he paused and
listened. The sounds drew nearer, increasing in volume as the animal
approached, until a horseman finally turned in from the road at an easy
canter and drew rein before the _Posada_. Both man and horse were
covered with dust which shone white as snow in the moonlight; a proof
that they had traveled far during the day.

"_Buenas noches_, Senor," said the rider, a Mexican, swinging himself
from the saddle and ascending the steps to where Dick stood.

"Good evening," replied the latter in Spanish, eyeing the man curiously.

"I wish," continued the stranger, "to speak with one Senor Yankton who,
I was told, lives in Santa Fe. Perhaps, Senor, you can tell me where I
may find him?"

"I am Senor Yankton. What do you want?"

"Ah!" exclaimed the man, stepping back a pace and regarding Dick
critically. "Your appearance answers the description well, Senor, but
that is not enough--I must have proof." Just then a _vaquero_ on night
duty who had been lounging in the deep shadow at the far end of the
veranda came forward on hearing the sounds of voices.

"Diego," said Dick, addressing the latter, "tell this gentleman whether
I be Senor Yankton or not. He says he wishes to see him."

"Of a truth, Senor, here is the man you seek," answered Diego,
addressing the stranger.

"_Bueno_--good!" ejaculated the Mexican, pulling a sealed packet from
the inner pocket of his jacket. "I come from the Rio Plata, six days'
journey toward the west. I have been commissioned to deliver this to
you, Senor," and he handed the packet to Dick who, taking it, gave
instructions to Diego that the man and his horse be properly housed for
the night. Then, with an "_hasta la vista_," and "God be with you until
the morrow, Senor," he retired to his room. There, by the dim light of a
candle, he carefully scrutinized the address on the packet, but did not
recognize the writing. Nevertheles