Beneath these winking eyes of guidance there burst the red glare of a fire.

Even as he saw it the pony fell, but the exhausted man had forgotten now everything but duty.

The knowledge that he had won the long struggle brought him new strength.

He wrenched his feet free from the stirrups, and ran forward, calling to the guard.

They met him, and he stood straight before them, every nerve taut--a soldier.
"I bring despatches from Custer," he said slowly, holding himself firm.
"Take me to General Sheridan." The corporal walked beside him, down the trampled road, questioning eagerly as they passed the line of shacks toward the double log house where the commander was quartered.