CHAPTER XIX.
A CONFERENCE AND A RESOLVE "To my mind, the risk would be extreme; and I greatly doubt the wisdom of the step." "But, William, what other alternative offers us any hope ?" "I confess I know not, for your last mistake has greatly aggravated the situation." I sat up hastily, for seemingly these words were spoken at the very side of the bunk on which I lay.

As I glanced about me I saw the room was vacant; so I knew the conference thus accidentally overheard must be taking place in an adjoining apartment.

I was thoroughly awake when Captain Heald's voice spoke again.
"You say a mistake,--what mistake ?" he questioned, as though aggrieved.
"I have done no more than simply obey the orders of my superior officer." "That may be true," broke in the gentler tones of Lieutenant Helm, "but of that we are unable to judge, for not one of your officers has been privileged to see those orders." "You shall see them now.

If I have been remiss in taking you into my confidence in these grave matters, it has been because of certain malcontents in the garrison with whom I hesitated to confer." There was a rustle of paper, and Heald read slowly.

I failed to distinguish the opening words, but as he reached the more important portion of the document his utterance grew deeper, and I heard distinctly this sentence: "Evacuate the post if practicable, and in that event distribute the property belonging to the United States in the Fort, and in the factory or agency, to the Indians in the neighborhood." There was a pause as he concluded.