nald had departed for the West--carefully treasuring her
father's detailed letter of instruction--filled with interest and
enthusiasm. She was an army girl, full of confidence in herself and
delighted at the prospect of an unusual summer. Moreover, her natural
spirit of adventure had been considerably stimulated by the envious
comments of her schoolmates, who apparently believed her wondrously
daring to venture such a trip, the apprehensive advice of her teachers,
and much reading, not very judiciously chosen, relative to pioneer life
on the plains. The possible hardships of the long journey alone did
not appall her in the least. She had made similar trips before and had
always found pleasant and attentive companionship. Being a wholesome,
pleasant-faced girl, with eyes decidedly beautiful, and an attractive
personality, the making or new friendships was never difficult. Of
course the stage ride would be an entirely fresh and precarious
experience, but then her father would doubtless meet her before that,
or send some officer to act as escort. Altogether the prospect
appeared most delightful and alluring.

The illness of the principal of Sunnycrest had resulted in the closing
of the school some few days earlier than had been anticipated, and it
was so lonely there after the others had departed that Miss Molly
hastened her packing and promptly joined the exodus. Why not? She
could wait the proper date at Kansas City or Fort Ripley just as well,
enjoying herself meanwhile amid a new environment, and no doubt she
would encounter some of her father's army friends who would help
entertain her pleasantly. Miss McDonald was somewhat impulsive, and,
her interest once aroused, impatient of restraint.

As a result of this earlier departure she reached Ripley some two days
in advance of the prearranged schedule, and in spite of her young
strength and enthusiasm, most thoroughly tired out by the strain of
continuous travel. Her one remaining desire upon arrival was for a
bed, and actuated by this necessity, when she learned that the army
post was fully two miles from the town, she accepted proffered guidance
to the famous Gilsey House and promptly fell asleep. The light of a
new day gave her a first real glimpse of the surrounding dreariness as
she stood looking out through the grimy glass of her single window,
depressed and heartsick. The low, rolling hills, bare and desolate,
stretched to the horizon, the grass alre