“I have a letter to Colonel Dunwoody,” was the reply, and after a couple of hours’ rest the visitor to Pioneer Post presented herself at headquarters and asked to see Colonel Dunwoody. The colonel received his fair visitor without any ceremony, wondering what had brought a lady by coach so far to see him. He saw a form of exquisite grace, clad in black, and when she threw back her veil and her face was revealed in all its beauty he was fairly startled, for it brought to him at once the memory of an ideal portrait which he had seen in the long ago, and which he had in vain sought to find the counterpart of in life. He bowed and led her to a seat, while he said in the courteous manner natural to him: “Pray tell me how I can serve you--miss.” He added the _miss_ after a slight hesitation, for it did not appear to him that he stood in the presence of a married woman. “Permit me to introduce myself, Colonel Dunwoody, as Miss Ruth Arden, and to say that I am here to present a letter to insure the fulfilment of the request I shall have to make you.” She gazed into the handsome face of the man before her with a look in which there was both confidence and admiration commingled. She had heard of the daring, dashing Indian-fighter, the youngest officer of his high rank in the army, and one whom report said was as noble in nature as he was brave. “I assure you, Miss Arden, I should be most happy to do all in my power for you, even did you not bear this letter,” said the colonel as he broke the seal of the letter. A cloud crossed his brow as he read the purport of the communication, an official permission for Miss Arden to visit her brother, the outlaw chief known as Silk Lasso Sam. “Your brother, Miss Arden?” asked the colonel, and there was almost reproach in the tone. “Yes, sir, your prisoner is my brother, for I will not disown him, even though I must deeply regret that he is so unfortunate as to be under sentence of death for his many heinous crimes.” “Miss Arden, I deeply deplore his fate, especially the more since now I have met you. I felt in my conversation with him, that he had been well born and reared a gentleman, whatever the sad circumstances which had made him a criminal and fugitive from justice. I extend to you my deepest sympathy, and I will at once escort you to the place where your brother is held a prisoner and arrange that you see him alone.” “You are indeed most kind to me, Colonel Dunwoody, and you have my deepest gratitude.” “May I ask where you have obtained quarters while here, Miss Arden, and how long your stay will be?” “I have secured a room in the sutler’s home, sir, and his wife is most kind to me. I shall remain only until the next stage departs for the East.”