r how zealously a fellow may serve in the
field,--no matter what dangers he may encounter, hardships he may
endure, wounds he may receive, Indians he may kill or capture,--in this
blessed republican land of ours the principle is too well established
that promotion in the line goes only by seniority, and to the
staff--like kissing--mainly by favor. Not even a "brevet," he well
knew, could be won by daring conduct in action against savage foes;
and, to sum the matter up in a few words, the men who stood the best
chance for advancement in the army were those who studiously avoided
excitement of any kind, especially that to be found in Western
campaigns. They all understood this thing at Laramie just as well as he
did, and therefore appreciated his soldierly conduct for what it was
really worth.

"But the major thinks it may be the means of removing that stoppage
against your pay, Mr. McLean," said Mrs. Miller. "Surely the general
will do something to secure recognition or reward."

"I fear not, Mrs. Miller," was the doleful answer; "that is just about
the last thing this government of ours is apt to do; what I've got
before me is the prospect of having to live for a year or more on
'board wages,' and see my pay raked in month after month to make up for
the stealings of a rascal too sharp for any of us even to suspect. It
would be hard at any time, but--it's rough now, and no mistake." And
poor Mac turned his head away as he spoke.

There was silence a moment. The womanly heart was touched at his
despair and suffering, yet impotent to cheer him. Suddenly she bent
over him as he lay there, so white and weary looking.

"Mac, don't, don't worry so. I can't bear to see you troubled. I
know--I can't help knowing--what's the matter; and indeed,--indeed I
think you have cause to hope rather than despair. Did you know he had
gone away again?"

"Yes. Weeks told me."

"She cares nothing whatever for him. Janet Bruce is with her all the
time, Mac, and she told me she almost shrank from him. Now, if he were
simply her father's friend, she could not but like him. Everybody likes
him, Mac, and I have reason to know what a considerate and thorough
gentleman he is. But it is because he has attempted to be more that she
has turned against him, and Janet says she knows he has seen it and
made up his mind to accept it as final. The last two days of his visit
he avoided her all the time, only conversed with her when they were
unavoidab