ette of
rank, then the gentleman conquered the soldier, and he drew off his
glove, and held out his hand.

"I can congratulate you, Miss McDonald," he exclaimed frankly. "I have
known Sergeant Hamlin for two years; he is a soldier and a gentleman."

The red blood swept into her cheeks, her eyes brightening.

"He is my soldier," she replied softly, "and the man I love."

They rode together down the steep hillside covered with its mantle of
snow to join the little body of troopers halted in the valley. Only
once did Elliott speak.

"You know Black Kettle's camp, Sergeant?"

"We were almost within sight of it, sir. I saw his pony herd
distinctly."

"Where was that?"

"On the Canadian, close to the mouth of Buffalo Creek."

"Did you learn anything as to the number of Indians with him?"

"Nothing definite, but it is a large encampment, not all Cheyennes."

"So we heard, but were unable to discover the exact situation. We have
been feeling our way forward cautiously. I fear it is going to be my
unpleasant duty to separate you and Miss McDonald. We shall need your
services as guide, and the lady will be far better off with the main
column. Indeed some of the empty wagons are to be sent back to Camp
Supply to-night, and probably Custer will deem it best that she return
with them. This winter campaigning is going to be rough work, outside
of the fighting. You know Custer, and his style; besides Sheridan is
himself at Camp Supply in command."

"You hear, Molly?"

"Yes; of course, I will do whatever General Custer deems best. Are
there any women at Camp Supply, Major?"

"Yes, a few; camp women mostly, although there may be also an officer's
wife or two--19th Kansas volunteers."

"Then it will be best for me to go there, if I can," she smiled. "I am
desperately in need of clothes."

"I suspected as much. I will arrange to give you a guard at once. And
you, Sergeant? As you are still under special orders, I presume I have
no authority to detain you in my command."

"I prefer to remain, sir," grimly. "Dupont, Miss McDonald's captor, is
alive and in Black Kettle's camp. We still have a feud to settle."

"Good; then that is arranged; ah, Miss McDonald, allow me to present
Lieutenant Chambers. Lieutenant, detail three men to guard the lady
back to the main column. Have her taken to General Custer at once."

"Very well, sir; and the command?"

Elliott looked at the Sergeant inquiringly.

"That