e Lancasters--a history in which
Marylyn was shrewdly made the dainty central figure.

At five o'clock, everything being in readiness, a livelier activity
prevailed. The out-going troop was routed from bed and fortified with a
hot breakfast. By six, "boots and saddles" had sounded. And, soon, the
detachment--protected from the cold by blanket-coats, and with black
cutties burning down the whole length of its double line--was leading
the wagon-train at a good jog toward the west.

The men went gladly, accepting the long ride as a welcome relief to the
stagnation of a garrison winter. To them, the possible dangers of the
trip were a mere matter of course, though Guy V. Henry's march of a
twelvemonth before--a terrible march from Fort Robinson into the Black
Hills--was fresh in their memory. Captain Oliver commanded, B Troop
being his own. He was a brave man, but one who let his heart influence
his better judgment, who was neither as acute as a soldier should be nor
as cautious. Yet his commanding officer selected him for the duty--the
choice insured his remaining behind when the campaign of the coming
summer opened; when there would arrive from the "States" a certain loyal
little wife and her seven babies.

An hour after the cavalry clattered out of Brannon, faithful Shadrach
limped home. The approach of the pung did not frighten Dallas. For, long
before it crossed the coulee, as she walked noiselessly to and fro
across the dirt floor, she heard her father's voice urging the white
horse on. She did not understand the quick return, but prepared for it
by building up the fire and swinging the coffee-pail into place.

The old men heard her story before they stepped from the sleigh. The
evangelist, as he listened, thanked his God for Lounsbury. The
section-boss, on the contrary, was made so angry by the recital of
Matthews' attack that he called down every manner of punishment upon the
latter, and revelled in multiple plans for a sweet revenge.

"Jes' let thet scalawag call again," he cried, shaking a crutch toward
Shanty Town. "Ah ain't much on my laigs these days, but Ah'm right good
yet with my pistol arm!"

"Without _His_ arm----" began David Bond.

A wondering cry from Dallas stopped him. He turned to see her pointing
at the northern sky.

A strange, wild light was creeping up from the horizon and tinting the
heavens. A filmy veil was mounting the zenith, and swinging gently.
Swiftly the glory grew. The veil bec