swiftly decided that the one explanation, the only
one, conceivable would be burglarious intent, to the utter amaze of
every man present, to the dismay of Felicie, who screamed aloud, the
head went suddenly up and back--oh, how well those who knew the Rays
knew that gesture!--the dark eyes flashed in hate and rage, and the
"miscreant's" voice rang out in defiance, triumph, almost exultation:

"What explanation? I'd have you know I'm the only man in this post who
has legal right in that room. Ask the lady herself."

Dwight's jaw was drooping. Slowly he turned to where Felicie, after one
short, half-stifled scream, stood staring wildly upon the prisoner, her
hands clasped to her frizzled head. "Ask--this--woman, you mean?" he
faltered, in the midst of almost breathless silence.

"That woman? No! _Ask my wife, who lies in that room!_"

Then, before any man could lay hand on and stop him, Dwight had sprung
forward and struck the miscreant down.

Next morning the guard report bore the name, as a prisoner under sentry
in hospital, of Private Blenke, of Company "C," and next night did
Private Skelton, another patient, a precious tale unfold.

It was true that Skelton had once served in the old --th Cavalry, and,
in common with many a man in his troop, had detested his first
lieutenant, Foster. It was true that there were now in the garrison of
Fort Minneconjou--two in the infantry and one in the cavalry--three men
who had an ancient grudge against that officer. It was true that the
sight of his hated face, hovering ever about the major's wife, had
revived all the old rancor. Two of the number had sworn that if ever a
time came when they could wreak their revenge upon him they would do it.
He had robbed one man of his sweetheart and two of their liberty, and
had driven these two into desertion. Skelton had once been rather
well-to-do, but drink and this trouble had ruined him. He had known
Blenke as much as a year, had been a "super" in a traveling show company
of which Blenke was a member. Blenke was a gymnast and trapeze performer
of some note, and not a bad actor in dialect and minor roles. The
company stranded. They were hundreds of miles from "home," without
money, hope, or credit. Skelton steered Blenke to a recruiting office,
and, once arrived at Minneconjou, Blenke became ambitious. He knew
nothing of the regular army before; now he was determined to become an
officer. Skelton alone knew anything of Blenke's past,