frontiersman and fellow-citizen,--Lynch. They are scattering
like Apaches through the mountains and will reassemble and count noses
later on. Thanks to you and 'C' troop, they have lost all they had
gained and their leaders besides. No, sir, they won't stop this side
of the Mexican line."

"There's one, Wing, I hope to heaven they'll never lose sight of till
they run him down."

"Who's that, sir?"

"The fellow who was enlisted in 'C' troop last winter at Tucson and
who deserted last night to join this gang. He drove for the stage
company last year and was discharged. He gave his name as Bland."

"Bland! Henry Bland!" exclaimed Sergeant Wing, leaping to his feet in
uncontrollable excitement. "Do you mean it, sir? Had he enlisted? Do
you mean that he was the man Miss Harvey spoke of,--the disguised
soldier she called him?"

And Drummond, amazed at Wing's emotion, gazed up to see the sergeant's
features working almost convulsively, his face paling, his eyes full
of intense anxiety.

"Why, I cannot doubt it, sergeant. He ran away from us on the
discovery of Donovan's body and rode straight for Moreno's, beating us
there probably by an hour or so, for no one happened to miss him."

Wing's hands were raised on high in a gesture almost tragic, then
dropped helplessly by his side. With a stifled groan the tall soldier
turned abruptly away and went striding towards the opening of the
canon, leaving Drummond wondering and perplexed.

When, quarter of an hour later, the sergeant returned, bringing with
him some improvised splints and bandages, and Drummond believed it his
duty to make inquiry as to whether he knew Bland and what was the
cause of his excitement, Wing turned his grave, troubled face and
looked his young superior straight in the eye.

"Mr. Drummond, I have known that man for good and for ill many a long
year. If our fellows have killed him, let his crimes die with him. If
he is brought in alive,--brought to trial,--I may have to speak, but
not now, sir. Bear with me, lieutenant,--not now."

Was Drummond dreaming? He could have declared that tears were starting
in the sergeant's eyes as he turned hastily away, unable for the
moment to continue the setting and bandaging of the broken arm.

"Take your own time, Wing," said the young officer, gently. "Speak or
keep silent as you will. You have earned the right." And the sergeant
mutely thanked him.

The primitive surgery of the frontier took little time,