f
the reservation,--and one more Indian raid is over.

But at the ranch, while willing hands were dashing water on the flames,
Ralph and the lieutenant sprang inside the door-way just as Farron
lifted from a deep, cellar-like aperture in the middle of the floor a
sobbing yet wonderfully happy little maiden. She clung to him
hysterically, as he shook hands with one after another of the few
rescuers who had time to hurry in.

Wells, with bandaged head and arm, was sitting at his post, his "Henry"
still between his knees, and he looked volumes of pride and delight into
his young friend's sparkling eyes. Pete, of course, was nowhere to be
seen. Jake, with a rifle-bullet through his shoulder, was grinning pale
gratification at the troopers who came in, and then there was a moment's
silence as the captain entered.

Farron stepped forward and held forth his hand. Tears were starting from
his eyes.

"You've saved me and my little girl, captain. I never can thank you
enough."

"Bosh! Never mind us. Where's Ralph McCrea? There's the boy you can
thank for it all. _He_ led us!"

And though hot blushes sprang to the youngster's cheeks, and he, too,
would have disclaimed any credit for the rescue, the soldiers would not
have it so. 'Twas Ralph who dared that night-ride to bring the direful
news; 'twas Ralph who guided them by the shortest, quickest route, and
was with the foremost in the charge. And so, a minute after, when Farron
unclasped little Jessie's arms from about his own neck, he whispered in
her ear,--

"'Twas Ralph who saved us, baby. You must thank him for me, too."

And so, just as the sun was coming up, the little girl with big, dark
eyes whom we saw sitting in the railway station at Cheyenne, waiting
wearily and patiently for her father's coming, and sobbing her relief
and joy when she finally caught sight of Ralph, was once more nestling a
tear-wet face to his and clasping him in her little arms, and thanking
him with all her loyal, loving heart for the gallant rescue that had
come to them just in time.

Four days later there was a gathering at Laramie. The general had come;
the Fifth were there in camp, and a group of officers had assembled on
the parade after the brief review of the command. The general turned
from his staff, and singled out a captain of cavalry who stood close at
hand.

"McCrea, I want to see that boy of yours. Where is he?"

An orderly sped away to the group of spectators and return