e sat facing the river, continually lifting his head
to scan the opposite shore. There was probably a scouting detail
somewhere near at hand, either approaching from the east, alarmed by
the report of the fleeing stage crew, or else a detachment tracking
Roman Nose's warriors across those plains extending into the north.
The latter contingency was the more probable, judging from the Indians'
flight, and his own knowledge of the small reserve force left at Dodge.
Besides, ride as they might those two fleeing cowards of yesterday
could hardly have yet reached that shelter of safety and might not
confess the truth of their desertion even when they did arrive. A
pursuing force was the only real hope for escaping the necessity of a
hard tramp back over the trail. Well, the girl looked fit, and he
glanced toward her appreciatively.

In spite of the sad experiences of the past night she was a pleasant
spectacle, her eyes bright with excitement, her cheeks flushed under
the morning sun which flecked her dark, disordered hair with odd color.
Hers was a winsome face, with smiling lips, and frank good nature in
its contour. He was surprised to note how fresh and well she looked.

"Are you tired?"

"Not very. It seems more as though I had dreamed all this than
actually passed through the experience. Perhaps when I do realize, the
reaction will set in. But now I am strong, and--and not at all
frightened."

"Nor hungry?"

"It is hard to eat, but I am often that way." Her hand strayed to the
emptied haversack, and she turned it carelessly over, where it lay
beside her on the sand. "Why, this is an old Confederate sack, isn't
it? I hadn't noticed before; see, the 'C. S. A.' is on the flap."

"So it is; perhaps Moylan served in the South."

"I think not. I am sure this was never his, for he bought it at Dodge.
I remember he told me he would have to find something to carry our
lunch in." She pushed the flap farther back, then held it up to the
sunlight. "There are some other letters, but they are hardly
decipherable. I cannot read the first line at all, but the second is
somewhat plainer--'Fourth Texas Infantry.'"

Hamlin reached out his hand swiftly, and grasped the haversack,
forgetting everything else in suddenly aroused interest. The girl,
surprised, stared up into his face, as he closely studied the faded
inscription, his face expressing unconcealed amazement.

"Good God!" he ejaculated breathlessly. "It w