Yarpe's ferocity had entirely evaporated. "'Bout face, boys; we're not fightin' the United States army--I had enough o' that in '63. Clear out! Our bluff don't go." The cowboys, cursing under breath, whirled their ponies and followed Yarpe, the redoubtable. The sheriff brought up the rear, still contending for the rights of the county, but he retreated. Small as the dusty squadron looked, it was too formidable, both because of its commanders and because of the majestic idea it embodied. Calvin was the last to leave. "I done my best, Major," he said, loudly, in order that Jennie might hear. "I know it, Calvin; come and see us again in your civil capacity," replied Curtis, and waved a cordial salute. As the squadron fell in behind and was hidden by the dust of the passing cattlemen, Curtis turned to where Elsie still stood. He was smiling, but his limbs were stiffened and inert by reason of the rigidity of his long position before the posse. "We are saved!" he said, in mock-heroic phrase. "Oh, wasn't it glorious to see the good old blue-and-buff!" cried Jennie, the tears of her joy still on her cheeks. "I could have hugged Captain Maynard." "There is chance yet," said Curtis. "He's coming back." Elsie did not speak for a moment. "What would you have done if they had not come?" she asked, soberly. "I could have delayed them a little longer by sending couriers to Elk and Grayman; but let's not think of that. Let's all go into the house; you look completely tired out." Elsie fairly reeled with weakness, and Curtis took her arm. "You are trembling," he said, tenderly. "I haven't stirred for a half-hour," she said. "I was so tense with the excitement. I feared you would be shot, and the tribe isn't worth the sacrifice," she added, with a touch of her old spirit. "I was in no physical danger," he replied. "But I should have felt disgraced had the mob had its way." "The people are coming back," said Lawson. "They have seen the soldiers." "So they are!" exclaimed Curtis. "They are shouting with joy. Can't you hear them? The chiefs are riding this way already; they know the army will protect them." The thick mass of horsemen was breaking up, some of them were riding towards the women with the camp stuff, others were crossing the valley, while a dozen head men, riding straight towards the agency, began to sing a song of deliverance and victory. Joyous shouts could be heard as the young men signalled the good news. "_The cattlemen are going--the soldiers have come!_" XXV AFTER THE STRUGGLE Upon reaching the library each member of the party sank into easy-chairs with sighs of deep relief, relaxed and nerveless. The storm was over. Jennie voiced the feeling as she said, "Thank the Lord and Colonel Daggett." Elsie was physically weary to the point of drowsiness, but her mind was active. Mrs. Parker was bewildered and silent. Even Parker was subdued by the grave face of the agent.