sir." But the soldier was obviously embarrassed. "I gather,
though, from what I could understand, that 'Tonio thinks he's
mistrusted. He says he will not come in till Big Chief comes himself.
He means General Crook, sir."

There was silence a moment. It was for the post commander to speak if
anybody, and Archer sat studying the veteran trooper before him.
Officers of experience knew the value of expert opinion to be had for
the asking among sergeants with war records behind them, and Turner's
right bower, into whose sanctum at barracks only his intimates
ventured, save with cap in hand and "sir" on their lips, was a man of
mark in the regiment.

"Sergeant Malloy," said Archer, "did 'Tonio tell you why he was
mistrusted?"

"I think he was trying to, sir, but I am new at his language and none
too good at signs."

Again did it seem as though Malloy had understood more readily than he
cared to admit, or would presume to say. It was very late. The day had
been long and trying. With all its matter-of-fact, nonchalant ease of
manner during the few hours under fire, the personnel of Camp Almy,
officer and man, had been subjected to something of a strain night and
day for nearly a week, and now was ready to turn in and sleep, but
Archer and those with him were convinced that in Sergeant Malloy there
lived a witness who, better even than Lieutenant Harris, could throw
light on 'Tonio's singular and inexplicable behavior. There was not one
of their number who did not believe, and in the absence of Harris would
hesitate to say, that Willett had seen 'Tonio taking deliberate aim
when the shot was fired that downed both his horse and himself. This
was enough to warrant their doubt of 'Tonio's loyalty. All that was
lacking was something to establish a motive--an explanation--for a
murderous and treasonable deed. An unwilling witness was Sergeant
Malloy, therefore the more persistent should be the examination, and
after a moment's reflection Archer spoke again:

"Sergeant, you have formed an impression, I think, and I should be glad
to have the benefit of it. Did--he mean that--Lieutenant Harris
distrusted him?"

"No, sir." On this point the sergeant was confident.

"Did he mention any one--in particular?"

"I gathered that he thought that all the officers of the post, from the
general down, with perhaps two exceptions, distrusted him."

"And these two--were?"

"Captain Stannard, sir, and Captain Turner."

"I see," said