le, nor her passing interest in his army
career. All that was the natural result of his having saved her life.
He possessed no egotism which permitted him to think otherwise. Years
of discipline had drilled into him a consciousness of the impassable
gulf between the private and the officer's daughter. The latter might
be courteous, kindly disposed, even grateful for services rendered, but
it must end there. The Major would see that it did, would resent
bitterly any presumption. No, there was nothing else possible. If
they met--as meet they must in that contracted post--it would be most
formal, a mere exchange of reminiscence, gratitude expressed by a smile
and pleasant word. He could expect no more; might esteem himself
fortunate, indeed, to receive even that recognition. Meanwhile he
would endeavor to strike Le Fevre's trail. There were other interests
in the world to consider besides Molly McDonald, and his memory drifted
away to a home he had not visited in years. But thought would not
concentrate there, and there arose before him, as he lay there, the
face of Lieutenant Gaskins, wearing the same expression of insolent
superiority as when they had parted out yonder on the Santa Fe trail.

"The cowardly little fool," he muttered bitterly under his breath,
gripping the window frame. "It will require more than his money to
bring her happiness, and I 'll never stand for that. Lord! She 's too
sensible ever to love him. Good God--what's that!"

It leaped out of the black night---three flashes, followed instantly by
the sharp reports. Then a fourth--this time unmistakably a
musket--barked from behind officers' row. In the flare, Hamlin thought
he saw two black shadows running. A voice yelled excitedly, "Post Six!
Post Six!" With a single leap the Sergeant was across the sill, and
dropped silently to the ground. Still blinded by the light he ran
forward, jerking his revolver from the belt. As he passed the corner
of the barracks the sentry fired again, the red flash cleaving the
night in an instant's ghastly vividness. It revealed a woman shrinking
against the yellow stone wall, lighted up her face, then plunged her
again into obscurity.

The Sergeant caught the glimpse, half believing the vision a phantasy
of the brain; he had seen her face, white, frightened, agonized, yet it
could not have been real. He tripped over the stone wall and half
fell, but ran on, his mind in a turmoil, but certain some