he walked along the trail, his cloak thrown back and his sword
tucked under his arm. The doctor, who carried a Modoc bullet in some
inaccessible part of his scarred body, growled good-naturedly at the
need of walking, and the men, enveloped in their army-blue overcoats,
marched easily by fours. Reaching the station, the lieutenant called
the agent aside, and with him inspected, on a siding, a long platform
car on which benches had been placed and secured. Then he took his seat
in the station and quietly waited, occasionally twisting his long blond
mustache. The doctor took a cigar with the agent, and the men walked
about or sat on the edge of the platform. One of them, who obtained a
surreptitious glance at his silent commander, told his companions that
there was trouble ahead for somebody.

"That's just the way the leftenant looked, boys," said he, "when we was
laying for them Apaches that raided Jones's Ranch and killed the women
and little children."

In a short time the officer looked at his watch, formed his men, and
directed them to take their places on the seats of the car. They had
hardly done so when the whistle of the approaching train was heard.
When it came up, the conductor, who had his instructions from Sinclair,
had the engine detached and backed on the siding for the soldiers' car,
which thus came between it and the foremost baggage car when the train
was again made up. As arranged, it was announced that the troops were
to be taken a certain distance to join a scouting party, and the
curiosity of the passengers was but slightly excited. The soldiers sat
quietly in their seats, their repeating rifles held between their
knees, and the officer in front. Sinclair joined the latter, and had a
few words with him as the train moved on. A little later, when the
stars were shining brightly overhead, they passed into the express car,
and sent for the conductor and other trainmen, and for Foster. In a few
words Sinclair explained the position of affairs. His statement was
received with perfect coolness, and the men only asked what they were
to do.

"I hope, boys," said Sinclair, "that we are going to put this gang
to-night where they will make no more trouble. Lieutenant Halsey will
bear the brunt of the fight, and it only remains for you to stand by
the interests committed to your care. Mr. Express Agent, what help do
you want?" The person addressed, a good-natured giant, girded with a
cartridge belt, smiled a