e a close call; I got the fever while in the hospital and
didn't know so much as my own name for several weeks. Then, when well
enough to write, I concluded to come myself, believing I could keep up
with any letter and you would be gladder to see me than to receive
anything I might send."

While these words were passing the steed remained motionless, but
Nellie had observed from the first that her parent had a companion.

"Father," she whispered, "you have some one with you."

"Yes, my child, I had forgotten it in my delight at meeting you."

A horseman was sitting as motionless as a statue in the trail behind
them, the form of himself and animal clearly outlined in the
obscurity. He had not spoken nor stirred since the coming of the girl.
The head of the steed was high, but beyond and above it loomed the
head and shoulders of the man sitting upright, like an officer of
dragoons. The gloom prevented a fair view of his countenance, but
Nellie fancied he was of pleasing appearance and wore a mustache.

Captain Dawson turned his head and looked over his shoulder, as if to
locate the man.

"That is Lieutenant Russell; he served under me during the latter
part of the war; he is my friend, Nellie, for he saved my life.
Lieutenant," added the captain, elevating his voice, "this is my
daughter Nellie of whom you heard me speak so often."

The young officer lifted his cap, the graceful gesture being plainly
seen and replied with a pleasant laugh.

"Miss Dawson, I am glad to become acquainted with you and hope I shall
soon be favored with a better view."

"And I hope to see more of the one that was the means of saving my
dear father," she was quick to reply.

"Well, I guess that was equal on both sides, for I should never have
reached this place but for him."

"Father, what is _that_?" abruptly asked Nellie, shrinking closer to
him; "have you a bear following you?"

That which caused the startled question was a huge animal, which came
slowly forward from the gloom in which he had been enveloped. The
horses showed no fear of him, and he sniffed at the skirts of the
girl.

"Don't be alarmed," replied her father; "you may consider him a lion
or tiger or both combined. He is Lieutenant Russell's dog Timon, one
of the biggest, fiercest, but most intelligent and affectionate of his
kind. We three are comrades, so you must accept him, too, as your
friend."

The two now gave rein to their horses and within briefer time