MOLLY'S STORY The two rode steadily, following the trail left by Hamlin and Hughes earlier in the morning.

As there had been no wind, and the cold had crusted the snow, the tracks left by the two ponies were easily followed.

As they skirted the ridge the Indian pony herd could be distinguished, sufficiently close by this time to leave no doubt as to what they were.

Hamlin cautiously kept back out of sight in the breaks of the ridge, although his keen eyes, searching the upper valley, discovered no sign of pursuit.

Tired as Dupont's horse undoubtedly was, he might not yet have attained the Indian encampment, which, in truth, might be much farther away than Hughes had supposed.