At that moment Dell came hurriedly into the room. The colonel noticed that she had her revolvers in her belt-holsters. She was also carrying a pair of silver spurs. “One good thing about me,” said she, “is that I travel light. Whenever I decide to make a move, I don’t usually have to rustle even my spurs or my hardware.” Seating herself, she began buckling the spurs to her small heels. “My goodness, child,” cried Mrs. Colonel, “what are you going to do?” “Ride,” answered Dell, bending down and pulling at the spur-straps. “Ride!” palpitated Mrs. Colonel, with a wild look at her husband. “Why, haven’t you heard Geronimo is loose, and that----” “That’s why I’m going,” said Dell. “You’re mad,” almost screamed Mrs. Colonel. “The Double D Ranch isn’t in danger, Dell,” said the colonel. “Not with the Double D boys to take care of the cattle and the ranch-house. I don’t think that for a minute.” “Then why are you leaving us?” “Because Buffalo Bill and his pards _may_ have escaped, and because, if they have or have not, they may need me. I told you I was Buffalo Bill’s girl pard.” The colonel started back, astounded. “What good can you do Buffalo Bill and his pards?” he demanded. “Cody is an old Indian-fighter, and so is Nick Nomad. The little Piute, too, has been in the army, and all that an Apache knows he knows.” “Nevertheless, colonel,” said Dell resolutely, “I’m going.” “Madness! I’m boss here, and I command you to remain at the post.” A steely glint came into Dell’s eyes. “You’re boss of the military; but, as for the army, I don’t belong. I’m my own boss, colonel.” The colonel braced himself. “You’re the daughter of my old friend, and I shall not allow you to put yourself in peril.” “Peril!” The girl laughed. “Do you think that peril and I are strangers? If you lived nearer the Double D, you’d find plenty to tell you that Dell Dauntless knows how to take care of herself.” “Be reasonable, can’t you?” stormed the colonel, one eye on Mrs. Colonel, who was weeping copiously in a handkerchief. “You don’t see my duty as I see it, that’s all,” said Dell. “Do you think I could rest easy a moment after the news received in that telegram?” “I was a fool to tell you anything about it.” “You were not, Colonel Grayson. You were just the good, generous friend to me that you have always been. Don’t make a fuss now,” she wheedled, pulling her gauntlets from the breast of her buckskin blouse and swiftly drawing them on. “Remember”--and with gauntleted hand she slapped at one of the holsters--“I have something to defend myself with.” “Defend fiddlesticks! I’ll not have this folly perpetrated at Grant! What--what do you intend to do?” “My room is over the porch,” explained Dell. “While I was up there, getting my spurs and my hardware, I overheard your talk with Captain Lund. Sergeant Patterson is going south to Bonita; I’m going with Sergeant Patterson.” “Not if I can help it, or----” A tramp of hoofs was heard in front.