They were too closely cloaked," "Colonel Moylan's dragoons ?" I said anxiously.

"Do you think so ?" "The Sagamore did not think so, and dared not ask, but started instantly cross-country with the information.

I had been waiting to intercept him and bring him here to you, as I promised you, but missed him on the Bedford road, where he should have passed.

Therefore, I hastened hither to confess to you my failure, and chanced to overtake him but a moment since, as he crossed the dooryard yonder." Even in my growing anxiety, I was conscious of the faithfulness that this poor girl had displayed--this ragged child who had stood in the storm all night long on the Bedford road to intercept the Indian.
Faithful, indeed! For, having missed him, she had made her way here on foot merely to tell me that she could not keep her word to me.
"Has the Sagamore spoken with Colonel Sheldon ?" I asked gently.
"I do not know." "Will you tarry here till I return ?" "Have you further use of me, Mr.Loskiel ?" Her direct simplicity checked me.

After all, now that she had done her errand, what further use had I for her?
I did not even know why I had asked her to tarry here until my return; and searched my mind seeking the reason.