his arm in that of
Harris, and would not be denied. The general caught sight of them, and
a smile like sunshine lighted up his beaming face. "That's right,
Stannard. This way, Capitan Chiquito! We all want you." And then,
though by dozens now--officers, agent, interpreter and territorial
officials--they were swarming about the impassive central figure, they
gave way right and left that the two friends might meet, and 'Tonio,
turning from Archer's handclasp, saw his young champion and leader, and
the stern, dark features melted, the bold, fearless, challenging eyes
softened on the instant. He would have sprung forward to some act of
Indian homage, but Harris was too quick and checked him. Their eyes
met. Then both hands--all four hands--went out at once.

It was at this juncture, as certain of the department staff began to
bethink themselves of important duties awaiting them at their offices,
that one of the old-time characters of the old army, a field officer of
distinction in the war days, was heard to express himself somewhat as
follows: "Well, whereaway is Willett now?"--a question that had
occurred to every member present, and to many a man and woman without
the council, but this was its first audible expression.

"Willett," said the general calmly, yet in tone that all beneath the
canopy could hear, "made known to me days ago that he desired to
withdraw his accusation, but I had my reason for insisting. As to the
question, where is Willett?--he is here to testify, if need be, before
a civil court. We have still to settle with Sanchez."

Moreover, as the Indians finally moved away, Bright and Harris both
escorting 'Tonio, there were emissaries of the agency at their heels,
for in 'Tonio's train walked both Ramon and Alvarez, on whom it might
be well to keep an eye.

But 'Tonio's trial--"'Tonio's triumph," as Blake declared it--was not
yet over for the day. The watchspring saws and tiny file found on
Sanchez, when finally taken, had explained the method of that McDowell
escape. With these and with bacon-rind to grease them, only a little
time and labor had been needed, nor was there ever found proof against
Corporal Collins, or the sentry, that either had connived at the
subsequent escape of 'Tonio. He had awakened and found his undesired
cellmate missing, and the window was clear. So that way he could have
gone, though there were many who believed the door itself had been
opened to him. In any event, he saw fre