What could the fellow have meant?
Was there, indeed, some secret in the life history of this young girl ?--some story of shame, perhaps?
If so, did Hampton know about it?
Already daylight rested white and solemn over the silent valley, and only a short distance away lay the spot where the crippled scout had made his solitary camp.

Almost without volition the young officer turned that way, crossed the stream by means of the log, and clambered up the bank.

But it was clear at a glance that Murphy had deserted the spot.

Convinced of this, Brant retraced his steps toward the camp of his own troop, now already astir with the duties of early morning.
Just in front of his tent he encountered his first sergeant.
"Watson," he questioned, as the latter saluted and stood at attention, "do you know a man called Silent Murphy ?" "The scout?
Yes, sir; knew him as long ago as when he was corporal in your father's troop.

He was reduced to the ranks for striking an officer." Brant wheeled in astonishment.