Until sunup the pards sat and smoked and discussed the events of the past few weeks. In some ways it had been one of the most remarkable of their exploits, but more real enjoyment had crept in with the danger and strife of the border life than either of the pards remembered on any previous expedition. “Thet thar queen o’ ther stars is sweet an’ purty ’nuff ter make er man fergit thet he likes ter chase Injuns,” remarked Nomad by way of explaining his present peace of mind. “Yah, yah! She am de sweetes’ li’l’ plum Ah ever seen in long dresses, ’cep’ li’l’ Miss Comfort down on de Popo-agie,” added Skibo loyally. For once Nomad and Skibo agreed. “What is Tootsie’s opinion of Miss Mona?” asked the scout. “Ther lad is wishin’ he was ’bout ten y’ars older, I’ll bet Hide-rack ergin er grasshopper,” laughed Nomad. “Ther bye sticks to her like death to er dead coon,” he added. Just then Tootsie’s bugle sounded from the top of the rock, and was followed by the merry laugh of the girl. The pards heard her exclaim: “You beat me up the rocks, Tootsie, but you couldn’t do it after breakfast.” “I could if Mrs. Sherley didn’t make the grub so good,” retorted the boy. Buffalo Bill stepped out in view and whistled, and was at once greeted with merry shouts of welcome as the pair hurried away to the underground passage. After Little Moonbeam had been told of the safe arrival at the fort of Lieutenant and Mrs. Avery, the scout went inside with the girl and Tootsie. There Little Moonbeam at once launched upon the subject nearest her heart. She told the scout of a strange discovery she had made while at work in one corner of the newly cultivated garden. She had unearthed a quantity of what she believed to be pure gold, from its color and weight. She wished the scout to examine it and pass judgment. Then the scout remembered the story told him by the general. He resolved, however, to make no mention of previous knowledge of the treasure. It was gold, without doubt, and he told the happy girl so. “Now I can go to school,” she cried, “and Mrs. Sherley and little Laughing Water with me, and Tootsie and his sisters and Buffalo Bill and his pards must come and visit us, and----” She paused for breath and the scout laughed: “You are a real girl, all right!” “Well, why shouldn’t I be happy, when the good fairies have provided a way for me to gratify my greatest desire--to go to school?” she demanded. “You should be happy, my dear child,” said the scout soberly. “And no one rejoices in your good fortune more than I. With my pards I shall be glad to escort you as far as Leavenworth on your way East. I think Lieutenant Avery and his wife will accompany you to the city where her parents live and arrange for your comfort and school course. The lieutenant will be granted a furlough to fully recover from his wounds.” “Oh, Mr. Cody! You have been arranging all this for me and without knowing where the money was coming from to pay the bills!”