Major Belden frowned visibly at this news, and compressed his lips as though in anger; but he said nothing, and walked off in search of Sibyl Conrad. He soon found her seated upon the river bank, a book in one hand, a fishing rod in the other. “Well, Miss Sibyl, seeking food for both body and mind, I see,” he remarked pleasantly, as he walked up. “Yes, sir; and both are the most agreeable occupations I could be engaged in.” “I thought that you might be at least glad to see me, as I leave you to-morrow, or rather to-night, having been ordered to the fort to command a most dangerous expedition.” As he said this, the officer gazed down into the beautiful face to mark the effect of his words. But Sibyl quietly replied: “It is the glory of a soldier’s life to participate in dangerous service; so I have been told.” “True, Miss Sibyl, and it is a soldier’s duty to love, and also his pleasure, as I may safely say, for dearly do I love you. Pardon me, Sibyl, for thus abruptly speaking of this, to me, most important subject; but to-night I leave you upon a service from which I may never return, and if I fall, I would have you to know that I loved you more than all else in this world. If my life is spared, then, Sibyl, I beg you promise me to one day be my wife.” Major Belden had spoken earnestly, and apparently with deep feeling; but neither his words nor manner had touched the heart of Sibyl Conrad, who, rising from the bank, replied: “Major Belden, you surprise and pain me by your words, for I have no love to give you, and never can have, though I shall ever regard you most kindly as a friend.” “Curse your friendship, Sibyl Conrad!” said the humiliated and disappointed man. Wheeling quickly, he strode from the spot, leaving the girl more surprised by this new phase in his character than by his declaration of love. Half an hour later Major Belden rode forth from the settlement, his brow dark and lips compressed with internal emotion. As he reached the edge of the prairie he came upon Howard Lawrence. Bidding his men to ride slowly on, he called to the young man, and when they halted side by side he said: “Mr. Lawrence, can I ask, if you had a rival what would be your course with him?” Howard looked surprised, but answered almost fiercely: “I would overreach him by fair or foul means, even were he my brother!” “We think alike, Mr. Lawrence,” said the major. “Now, let me ask you what regard you have for that prairie rover, Buffalo Bill?” “None whatever, sir.” “Well, he is my rival,” the major declared. “I have been told that he is married, yet I am sure he has stolen the heart of the one woman I love.” “Then court-martial him for the crimes some say he has committed, and hang him to the nearest tree,” was the fierce answer. “Good advice, sir, and I will follow it; Mr. Lawrence, it will give me pleasure to see you at the fort as my guest, and I think together we can overreach this scout. Good day, sir.” “Good day, Major Belden.”