e all right now if you lads will only look after
him. This is going to reach Custer, and I'll take it!" He flung back
his ragged coat, his hand on the despatch-bag. "I 've earned the
right."

Brant reached forth his hand cordially. "That's true; you have.
What's more, if you 're able to make the trip, there is no one here who
will attempt to stop you. But now tell me how this thing happened. I
want to know the story before we get in."

For a moment Hampton remained silent, his thoughtful gaze on the
near-by videttes, his hands leaning heavily upon the saddle pommel.
Perhaps he did not remember clearly; possibly he could not instantly
decide just how much of that story to tell. Brant suspected this last
to be his difficulty, and he spoke impulsively.

"Hampton, there has been trouble and misunderstanding between us, but
that's all past and gone now. I sincerely believe in your purpose of
right, and I ask you to trust me. Either of us would give his life if
need were, to be of real service to a little girl back yonder in the
hills. I don't know what you are to her; I don't ask. I know she has
every confidence in you, and that is enough. Now, I want to do what is
right with both of you, and if you have a word to say to me regarding
this matter, I 'll treat it confidentially. This trip with Murphy has
some bearing upon Naida Gillis, has it not?"

"Yes."

"Will you tell me the story?"

The thoughtful gray eyes looked at him long and searchingly. "Brant,
do you love that girl?"

Just as unwaveringly the blue eyes returned the look. "I do. I have
asked her to become my wife."

"And her answer?"

"She said no; that a dead man was between us."

"Is that all you know?"

The younger man bent his head, his face grave and perplexed.
"Practically all."

Hampton wet his dry lips with his tongue, his breath quickening.

"And in that she was right," he said at last, his eyes lowered to the
ground. "I will tell you why. It was the father of Naida Gillis who
was convicted of the murder of Major Brant."

"Oh, my father? Is she Captain Nolan's daughter? But you say
'convicted.' Was there ever any doubt? Do you question his being
guilty?"

Hampton pointed in silence to the hideous creature behind them. "That
man could tell, but he has gone mad."

Brant endeavored to speak, but the words would not come; his brain
seemed paralyzed. Hampton held himself under better control.

"I have confidence, L