But when the party of Major Barnes came down from Sim Gage's ranch, questions were answered.

The forest had been fired again.

The soldiers swore the silent soldier oath of revenge.
Doctor Barnes did not pause even to help the women out of the car.

He hurried to the long, screened gallery in front of the residence and office of Waldhorn, chief engineer.
Waldhorn met him at the door, well-fed, suave, polite, a burly man, well-clad and bearing the marks of alertness and success.

Always of few words, he scarcely more than spoke at present, his mildly elevated eyebrows making inquiry of the dusty man before him.
"Yes, Doctor, or--ah, Major ?" he said, smilingly, insulting.
"Call it Major!" snapped Barnes.