“Yet you see that he has one, and I am sorry he was taken from me, when I was a mere girl, by circumstances which drove him a fugitive from our home. I have tried hard to redeem my misguided brother, Miss De Sutro, to bring him back from the path he has chosen, but all in vain, and now he sees an ignominious death staring him in the face, and I thank Heaven that our father and mother are both dead, and that I alone remain to suffer the ignominy and despair of his deeds which bring him in shame to the grave.” Nina de Sutro listened to every word uttered by the girl, her eyes seeming to pierce to her heart, and she saw only purity, truth, and honor upon every feature, and, after again expressing her sympathy, turned and left the room, while she said to herself, with decided emphasis: “There is no deception there, for that girl is his sister, and is more unfortunate than even I am, for she loves him.” Hastening home she found that Mrs. De Sutro and her two visitors had gone to join the “Petticoat Convention,” as the officers called the gathering of the ladies, and, seeking Clarice, she said in a whisper: “I have just seen that beautiful girl.” “Do you mean Miss Arden?” “Yes, I ran over to see you, and, calling your name, she came out of the sitting-room to say that you and Mrs. Lester had gone out. I had a short talk with her, and, Clarice, I pity that poor girl from the bottom of my heart, for she really loves that villainous brother of hers.” “I know that she does,” was the quiet reply of Clarice, who did not like it that Ruth, who had sought to avoid every one, had been intruded upon by Nina de Sutro. When Nina left Ruth the latter gazed after her a moment and then said: “Miss De Sutro came here on purpose to see me, I feel certain. Well, she accomplished her purpose, and what will be the result? I will ask Arden about her, and his saving her life.” As it was time for her to visit her brother she put on her hat and went out. Just as she reached the end of the parade she came suddenly upon an officer, who started slightly, and, as he saw her face pale, said quickly: “Do not be alarmed, Miss Arden, for I could never betray a woman, and your secret is safe with me.” “You recognize me then, Surgeon Powell?” “Yes, as Bonnie Belle, and Buffalo Bill also recognized you, but to no one else than myself has he made it known. We both know, Miss Arden, that you are here to rescue Silk Lasso Sam, and you are playing a bold game daringly; but it is our duty to thwart you if we can. Good morning,” and Surgeon Frank Powell raised his hat and went on his way. CHAPTER XI. THE DEPARTURE. It was with really a sad heart that Clarice Carr felt that she must say farewell to Ruth Arden. She had become greatly attached to her in the few days she had been at the fort, and she recognized what a superior woman she was, young in years but old in experience.