s, discover the motive, find
out the various conspirators? What were they really after? Money
probably, but possibly revenge. What did the woman know which enabled
her to wield such influence over McDonald? What was the trap they
proposed springing? The Sergeant felt that he could solve these
problems if given an opportunity, but he was handicapped by his
position; he could not leave his troop, could not meet or mingle with
the suspected parties; was tied, hand and foot, by army discipline. He
could not even absent himself from the post without gaining special
permission. He swore to himself over the hopelessness of the
situation, as he tramped through the blackness toward the guard-house.
The sentinel glanced at his pass, scrutinizing it by the light of a
fire, and thrust the paper into his pocket. Hamlin advanced, and at
the corner saluted the officer of the day, who had just stepped out of
the guard-house door.

"Good evening, Sergeant," the latter said genially. "Just in from
town? I expect they are having some dance down there to-night."

"Yes, sir," hesitatingly, and then venturing the inquiry. "May I ask
if Major McDonald has returned to the post?"

"McDonald? No," he glanced at his watch. "He had orders to go east to
Ripley on the stage. That was due out about an hour ago."

"To Ripley? By stage?" the Sergeant repeated the words, dazed.
"Why--why, what has become of Miss McDonald?"

The officer smiled, shaking his head.

"I 'm sure I don't know, my man," he returned carelessly. "Come back
with Barrett and his lady-love, likely. Why?" suddenly interested by
the expression on the other's face. "What's happened? Is there
anything wrong?"

CHAPTER XXII

A DEEPENING MYSTERY

Startled and bewildered as Hamlin was by this sudden revealment, he at
once comprehended the embarrassment of his own position. He could not
confess all he knew, certainly not the fact that the girl had met him
secretly and had vanished while he was endeavoring to turn aside Mrs.
Dupont. He must protect her at all hazards. To gain time, and
self-control, he replied with a question:

"Did not Connors drive them down, sir?"

"Yes, the four of them."

"And Major McDonald knew then that he was ordered East?"

"No, the order came by telegram later. An orderly was sent down about
ten o'clock. But, see here, Sergeant, I am no Bureau of Information.
If you have anything to report, make it brief."

Hamlin g