THE PARTING They recrossed the stream carefully, the horses restless and hard to control in the current, the men riding on either side, grasping the bit of the girl's mount.

Others had joined the little squad of troopers on the bank, and welcomed them with a cheer.

The Lieutenant dismounted.
At sight of the girl's face he whipped off his hat, and came forward.
"Miss McDonald," he said, pleasantly greeting her, "I am Lieutenant Gaskins, and I have met your father--of the Sixth Infantry, is he not?
So glad to be of service, you know.

You were in the stage, I understand; a most remarkable escape." "I owe it all to Sergeant Hamlin," she replied, turning to glance toward the latter.

"He bore me away unconscious in his arms.