"It seemed cowardly in me to desert that brave man," she continued, "yet I could no more check that horse than I could have beaten the Indians back. "Then I saw him in the trail as I sped on, fearless, defiant, and ready to die if so it must be, without flinching. I shall never forget him as I saw him there, never! never! And I shall never forget how utterly crushed I felt at heart in leaving him there to what I deemed a certain fate." "Yet he escaped," said Violet Earl, quietly. "Yes, papa wired me on the train as I came along, that Lieutenant Carey had not only escaped death, but was afterward selected as the one to capture Sitting Bull, and I know we shall hear more of his gallant acts, for he is just the man for a hero." "I heard to-day, Miss Foshay, of the battle of Wounded Knee Creek, and that Lieutenant Carey had greatly distinguished himself. This was telegraphed me by Surgeon Frank Powell, who knows that Lieutenant Carey is a particular friend of mine," said Violet Earl. "You knew him then, Miss Earl? Then you know what a splendid fellow he is," said Emma Foshay, with enthusiasm. Violet's face flushed, while she said, in a low tone: "As it is not intended to be a secret, Miss Foshay, I will tell you that I am engaged to Lieutenant Carey." "Engaged to----" and Emma Foshay could say no more, while the entrance of a servant with a telegram prevented both Violet and Ella Dewhurst from seeing how livid the face of the young girl became. "For me?" said Violet, with a calmness she did not feel, as she took the telegram from the servant. Breaking open the envelope, she read aloud: "Do not be alarmed at rumors that Carey is dead. "He ventured into the hostiles' lines, but you know his phenomenal luck in getting out of close places, and it will not desert him now. "I will wire you the moment we get news of him, so keep up your courage. "Yours, FRANK POWELL." "Ah! she has fainted," and Violet Earl sprang to the side of Emma Foshay, as, with a moan, she sank from her chair to the floor. "And she has betrayed her secret, poor child," said Ella Dewhurst, with deepest sympathy. "Yes, she loves the man that I love, the man that I am to marry," was Violet Earl's low response, and her words and voice were deeply sympathetic. "How brave you are, Violet, for with such news as you have just heard I would break utterly down," Ella Dewhurst remarked, as she bathed Emma's face with cologne water. "Ella, you heard what Dr. Frank Powell said about Lieutenant Carey's luck? Well, I believe in it most thoroughly," was the firm response of the brave girl, so well suited to be a soldier's wife. CHAPTER XXXII. HERBERT BERNARD'S MISTAKE. The military band around the hostiles was drawing closer and closer.