Lieutenant Worth listened, with stern face and flashing eyes. Then he said: “Our first duty is to care for our worn-out cattle. “Then we will have supper, and, afterward, hold a council of war, Bill, and decide what must be done, for Miss Fallon shall be rescued; yes, and that villain, Lamar, must be hanged. “Those two duties must and shall be done!” CHAPTER VI. THE FORGED LETTER. Lucille Fallon was surprised when she received a letter by mail, posted at Pioneer City, and addressed in the well-known hand of her lawyer. It was short, and merely told her that certain legal technicalities having arisen that required her signature, and her father’s, to papers he held, he had decided to come himself and get them, and had reached Pioneer City, where, on account of an attack of rheumatism, he was compelled to halt and ask the sergeant and herself to come to him. Lucille expressed her surprise that any business had been so important as to bring the lawyer out to the wild West, but she concluded to go, and regretted the absence of her father. Perhaps she could do without him, and, if not, she would urge the lawyer to return with her to the fort, where he would be well cared for. There were no other passengers, and with a small satchel as her only baggage, she mounted to the box with Jack Jessop and rolled away from the fort. She enjoyed the bright morning and beautiful scenery immensely, and Jack was glad to entertain his fair companion. The bridge was crossed over the river, and then began the pull up a long hill. Suddenly, as though by magic, a score of forms arose, it appeared from the ground. They came from behind trees and rocks, and they came like so many apparitions. They were all dressed in buckskin, wore slouch hats and masks, while they carried rifles in their hands and were armed with a belt of weapons as well. They were all on foot, save one. That one was mounted on a fine horse, and came out from behind a group of rocks. He sat his horse splendidly, wore a belt of arms, but carried no rifle. A broad sombrero sheltered his head, his hair fell upon his shoulders, and he was dressed in a black suit with gold-coin buttons. His face was masked completely, and his hands were covered with red gauntlet gloves. There was no mistaking the man, for it was Captain Eagle, chief of the Red Hand Riders. “That imp of Satan, ther chief o’ ther Red Hands, by all that’s holy!” growled Jack Jessop. Lucille turned pale, yet remained perfectly calm, while she said: “He has little to rob me of, Jack.” Up to the coach rode the chief, while he bent low in his saddle and said: “We have the pleasure of meeting, Miss Fallon.” “The pleasure is all yours, sir.” “And, Jack, you and I have met before,” resumed the chief, paying no attention to Lucille’s sarcastic reply to his salutation. “Yes, and some day we’ll meet once too often for your good, cap,” said Jack.