-camp.
"Read it aloud," he said; "perhaps it won't sound quite so--reproachful
from you." And obediently she read:

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL.

CAMP NEAR HEAD OF CHEVLON'S CREEK,

December 2, 187--.

DEAR GENERAL ARCHER:

Referring to the final paragraph of your despatch to Department
Head-quarters, dated November --th, General Crook directs me to say
that he was unaware of the instructions given Lieutenant Willett,
aide-de-camp, to proceed to Camp Almy, and practically authorizing
him to make certain investigations. It was far from his desire that
anything should be done to even inferentially reflect upon the
conduct of scouting parties from the post under your control. From
reliable sources General Crook has full information as to the cause
of the apparent ill success of Lieutenant Harris. Neither was he,
nor were his scouts, to blame. It is the general's intention to see
you before returning to Prescott and give you the facts in his
possession; but meantime Lieutenant Harris has his entire
confidence, and so have the few Apache-Mohave scouts, especially
'Tonio, all of whom, it is feared, have in some way incurred your
disfavor.

Captain Stannard is away at this moment, but will assure you as to
the value and gallantry of Harris's effort in behalf of poor Mrs.
Bennett, and also that 'Tonio is almost equally entitled to credit.
It was far from General Crook's intention that Lieutenant Harris
should be impeded or hampered in the least. Lieutenant Willett has
rendered distinguished service in the Columbia country, but is a
stranger to the situation and the Indians we have to deal with, and
should not be permitted in any way to interfere with Lieutenant
Harris.

Orders were sent Willett some ten days ago to join us in the field,
but the couriers, returned to-day, report that he was not at
Prescott. If he should be still in your neighborhood, kindly inform
him of the general's desire, and give him sufficient escort. We
move toward Camp Apache to-morrow, and Stannard is already ahead in
hopes of rescuing the Bennett boys.

With the general's warmest regards,

Yours as ever,

BRIGHT.

"It's a very kind letter, dear," said she, kissing his wrinkled cheek.
"General Crook wouldn't wound you for the world."

"It isn't--that, Bella," he answered sadly. "I've wounded m