The stable guard could have seen nothing from his station, and just below was the hard-packed road leading to the river and the straggling town.

There was nothing to trace, and Hamlin climbed back up the bluff completely baffled but desperately resolved to unlock the mystery.

The harder the solution appeared, the more determined he became to solve it.

As he came out, opposite the barrack entrance, a carriage drove in past the guard-house, the guard presenting arms, and circled the parade in the direction of officers' row.

It contained a soldier driver and two ladies, and the Sergeant's face blushed under its tan as he recognized Miss McDonald.