ampaigners are
two of the picket, and they have been especially cautioned to be on the
lookout for couriers coming back along the trail. They spring to their
feet, in readiness to welcome or repel, as the sentry rings out his
sharp and sudden challenge.

"Couriers from the corral," is the jubilant answer. "This Colonel
Maynard's outfit?"

"Ay, ay, sonny," is the unmilitary but characteristic answer. "What's
your news?"

"Got there in time, and saved what's left of 'em; but it's a hell-hole,
and you fellows are wanted quick as you can come,--thirty miles ahead.
Where's the colonel?"

The corporal of the guard goes back to the bivouac, leading the two
arrivals. One is a scout, a plainsman born and bred, the other a
sergeant of cavalry. They dismount in the timber and picket their
horses, then follow on foot the lead of their companion of the guard.
While the corporal and the scout proceed to the wagon-fly and fumble at
the opening, the tall sergeant stands silently a little distance in
their rear, and the occupants of a neighboring shelter--the counterpart
of the colonel's--begin to stir, as though their light slumber had been
broken by the smothered sound of footsteps. One of them sits up and
peers out at the front, gazing earnestly at the tall figure standing
easily there in the flickering light. Then he hails in low tones:

"That you, Mr. Jerrold? What is the matter?"

And the tall figure faces promptly towards the hailing voice. The
spurred heels come together with a click, the gauntleted hand rises in
soldierly salute to the broad brim of the scouting-hat, and a deep voice
answers, respectfully,--

"It is not Mr. Jerrold, sir. It is Sergeant McLeod, ----th Cavalry, just
in with despatches."

Armitage springs to his feet, sheds his shell of blankets, and steps
forth into the glade with his eyes fixed eagerly on the shadowy form in
front. He peers under the broad brim, as though striving to see the eyes
and features of the tall dragoon.

"Did you get there in time?" he asks, half wondering whether that was
really the question uppermost in his mind.

"In time to save the survivors, sir; but no attack will be made until
the infantry get there."

"Were you not at Sibley last month?" asks the captain, quickly.

"Yes, sir,--with the competitors."

"You went back before your regimental team, did you not?"

"I--No, sir: I went back with them."

"You were relieved from duty at Sibley and ordered back before