es, that we are engaged; I am proud to have them know."

The truth was shining in her eyes, glowing on her cheeks. She leaned
forward.

"Kiss me, and believe!"

"Molly, Molly," he whispered. "Never will I doubt again."

They could perceive the blue of the overcoats as they rode over the
ridge, and at their sudden appearance the little column of horsemen
came to a halt. Hamlin flung up one hand in signal, and the two urged
their ponies down the side of the hill. Three men spurred forth to
meet them, spreading out slightly as though still suspicious of some
trick, but, as they drew near, the leader suddenly waved his hand, and
they dashed forward.

"Hamlin! Glad to see you again," the first rider greeted the Sergeant
cordially. "Can this be Major McDonald's daughter."

"Yes, Major Elliott; I can repeat the story as we ride along, sir. You
are the advance of Custer's expedition, I presume?"

"We are; the others are some miles behind, moving slowly so that the
wagons can keep within touch. Wonderful the way those wagons have
pushed ahead over the rough country. Have only missed camp twice since
we left Dodge."

"When was that, sir?"

"Before the blizzard all except your troop were at Camp Supply; they
had joined since, and it was then we heard about your trip down here.
What became of your men, Sergeant?"

"Wasson and one private were killed, sir; the other private was frozen
so badly I had to leave him in shelter on the Cimarron."

"By gad, it sounds interesting; and so you tackled the villains alone,
and had some fight at that before rescuing Miss McDonald. Well, the
story will keep until we make camp again. However," and he bent low
over the lady's hand, "I must congratulate Miss McDonald on her
escaping without any serious injury."

"That is not all I should be congratulated upon, Major Elliott," she
said quietly.

"No--eh--perhaps I do not understand."

"I desire that you shall; I refer to my engagement to Sergeant Hamlin."

The officer glanced in some bewilderment from her face to that of the
silent trooper.

"You--you mean matrimonial?" he stammered, plainly embarrassed, unable
so suddenly to grasp the peculiar situation. "Hamlin, what--what does
this mean?"

"Miss Molly and I have known each other for some time," explained the
Sergeant bluntly. "Out here alone we discovered we were more than
friends. That is all, sir."

For an instant Elliott hesitated, held by the strange etiqu