iting in a strange
drawing-room for the coming of relatives one has never seen, and of
whose personality one has but the vaguest idea, there is the uncertainty
of the reception. Will it be frank and hearty, or reserved and doubtful?
During the few minutes succeeding the giving of his and Buntline's cards
to the servant, Will rather wished that the elegant reception-room might
be metamorphosed into the Western prairie. But presently the entrance to
the parlor was brightened by the loveliest girl he had ever looked upon,
and following her walked a courtly, elegant gentleman. These were
Cousin Lizzie and Uncle Henry. There was no doubt of the quality of the
welcome; it was most cordial, and Will enjoyed a delightful visit with
his relatives. For his cousin he conceived an instant affection.
The love he had held for his mother--the purest and strongest of his
affections--became the heritage of this beautiful girl.

CHAPTER XXII. -- THEATRICAL EXPERIENCES.

THE Fifth Cavalry at Fort McPherson had been ordered to Arizona, and was
replaced by the Third Cavalry under command of General Reynolds. Upon
Will's return to McPherson he was at once obliged to take the field
to look for Indians that had raided the station during his absence
and carried off a considerable number of horses. Captain Meinhold and
Lieutenant Lawson commanded the company dispatched to recover the stolen
property. Will acted as guide, and had as an assistant T. B. Omohundro,
better known by his frontier name of "Texas Jack."

Will was not long in finding Indian tracks, and accompanied by six men,
he went forward to locate the redskin camp. They had proceeded but a
short distance when they sighted a small party of Indians, with horses
grazing. There were just thirteen Indians--an unlucky number--and Will
feared that they might discover the scouting party should it attempt
to return to the main command. He had but to question his companions
to find them ready to follow wheresoever he might lead, and they moved
cautiously toward the Indian camp.

At the proper moment the seven rushed upon the unsuspecting warriors,
who sprang for their horses and gave battle. But the rattle of the
rifles brought Captain Meinhold to the scene, and when the Indians saw
the reinforcements coming up they turned and fled. Six of their number
were dead on the plain, and nearly all of the stolen horses were
recovered. One soldier was killed, and this was one of the few occasions