you, and her
through you, that such a suggestion had been openly made in my hearing.
I presume it was a lie, and wished to be able to brand it so."

"By whom?"

"A fellow known as Silent Murphy, a government scout."

"I have heard of him. Where is he?"

"He claimed to be here waiting orders from Custer. He had camp up the
Creek two days ago, but is keeping well out of sight for some reason.
Telegrams have been received for him at the office but another man has
called for them."

"Who?"

"Red Slavin."

"The cur!" said Hampton. "I reckon there is a bad half-hour waiting
for those two fellows. What was it that Murphy said?"

"That he knew the girl's real name."

"Was that all?"

"Yes; I tried to discover his meaning, but the fellow became suspicious
and shut up like a clam. Is there anything in it?"

Hampton ignored the question. "Lieutenant Brant," he said, "I am glad
we have had this talk together, and exceedingly sorry that my duty has
compelled me to say what I have said. Some time, however, you will
sincerely thank me for it, and rejoice that you escaped so easily. I
knew your father once, and I should like now to part on friendly
relations with his son."

He held out his hand, and, scarcely knowing why he did so, Brant placed
his own within its grasp, and as the eyes of the two men met, there was
a consciousness of sympathy between them.

CHAPTER X

A SLIGHT INTERRUPTION

The young officer passed slowly down the dark staircase, his mind still
bewildered by the result of the interview. His feelings toward Hampton
had been materially changed. He found it impossible to nurse a dislike
which seemingly had no real cause for existence. He began besides to
comprehend something of the secret of his influence over Naida; even to
experience himself the power of that dominating spirit. Out of
controversy a feeling of respect had been born.

Yet Brant was far from being satisfied. Little by little he realized
that he had gained nothing, learned nothing. Hampton had not even
advanced a direct claim; he had dodged the real issue, leaving the
soldier in the dark regarding his relationship to Naida, and erecting a
barrier between the other two. It was a masterpiece of defence,
puzzling, irritating, seemingly impassable. From the consideration of
it all, Brant emerged with but one thought clearly defined--whoever she
might prove to be, whatever was her present connection with Hampton, he
l