nd was wounded; he accused you,
did he not? But why bring us into the affair?"

"Because some woman was directly concerned in it. Whoever she may be,
the officers of the fort are convinced that she probably fired the
shot; that the Lieutenant knows her identity, and is endeavoring to
shield her from discovery."

"Why do they think that? What reason can they have for such a
conclusion? Was she seen?"

"Her footprints were plainly visible, and the revolver used was a small
one--a '36'--such as a woman alone would carry in this country. I have
said so to no one else, but I saw her, crouching in the shadow of the
barrack wall."

"You--you saw her? Recognized her?"

"Yes."

"And made no attempt at arrest? Have not even mentioned the fact to
others? You must have a reason?"

"I have, Mrs. Dupont, but we will not discuss it now. I merely wish
you to comprehend that if it is to be war between us, I am in
possession of weapons."

She had not lost control of herself, yet there was that about her
hesitancy of speech, her quick breathing, which evidenced her surprise
at this discovery. It told him that he had played a good hand, had
found a point of weakness in her armor. The mystery of it remained
unsolved, but this woman knew who had shot Gaskins; knew, and had every
reason to guard the secret. He felt her eyes anxiously searching his
face, and laughed a little bitterly.

"You perceive, madam," he went on, encouraged by her silence, "I am not
now exactly the same unsuspecting youth with whom you played so easily
years ago. I have learned some of life's lessons since; among them how
to fight fire with fire. It is a trick of the plains. Do you still
consider it necessary for your happiness to remain the guest of the
McDonalds?"

She straightened up, turning her eyes away.

"Probably not for long, but it is no threat of yours which influences
me. It does not even interest me to know who shot Lieutenant Gaskins.
He is a vulgar little prig, only made possible by the possession of
money. However, when I decide to depart, I shall probably do so
without consulting your pleasure." She hesitated, her voice softening
as though in change of mood. "Yet I should prefer parting with you in
friendship. In asking you to meet me to-night I had no intention of
quarrelling; merely yielded to an impulse of regret for the past--"

The heavy curtain draping the window was drawn aside, permitting the
light from withi