They laughed again, and the horses pricked their ears forward. Following their intent gaze, the pair saw a cavalry patrol come around a hill and, when they drew nearer, Sergeant Dunbar greeted them. Barbara warmed at the sight of her old friend. "Hello!" "Hello!" they called in unison. The patrol reined in, the six privates who accompanied Dunbar gloomy and sullen because they would miss the New Year's festivities at Laramie. For the moment, Barbara recognized no familiar face among them. Dunbar's eyes twinkled as he glanced from Barbara to Ellis. "Going to Laramie?" he asked. "Um-hum," Barbara said happily. "We're going to the dance there." Dunbar barked, "Jankoski and Gearey, stay in line!" Barbara found herself face to face with Hugo Gearey. At sight of him her heart lurched. He removed his hat and bowed. Then, turning to Dunbar he said, with strict military formality, "Sergeant Dunbar, may I have five minutes alone with Miss Tower? I have an important message for her." Dunbar scowled. "Barbara, is it your wish to talk with Private Gearey for five minutes?" Barbara was torn. She knew that Gearey was not to be trusted, yet with all these men around to protect her--and if he did have a message-- She replied primly, "Five minutes should be ample." Gearey behind her, Barbara rode on down the path until they were out of earshot but still in full view of the others. Then she turned to him. "Well?" He chewed his lip. "Can't we get out of sight of those blasted--" "Your message?" she interrupted. He saw that she would not be swayed. He drew a deep breath. "Barbara--I never got to see you again, to apologize for the ugly way I behaved that night. I want you to know that I have the deepest regard, the deepest respect for you. I hope you'll give me an opportunity to prove this. May I see you--soon?" His voice was deep and warm. He seemed so terribly in earnest. Could it be that she had misjudged him? She wavered, and he saw that he had gained ground. "I won't urge you now," he said humbly. "But I'll come down to Snedeker's when this patrol is over, and--" He dropped his voice until it was little more than a vibrant whisper, "You will see me, Barbara? Just for an hour?" Again she hesitated, some inner devil prompting, "_You are not promised to Ellis. Why not see him--just for an hour?_" She tossed her head and said, with an effort at indifference, "Possibly. I don't promise." Then she reined her horse around and galloped back to the others. Ellis watched her coming with burning eyes, and he glared murderously at Gearey. Hugo's face was noncommittal and entirely friendly as he took his place in line. The meeting had been, for Hugo, a great piece of luck. Barbara saw that Ellis was on the verge of an outburst, but she felt he had no right to one, and she would not placate him. She averted her gaze to look at Dunbar. He asked, "Your family is at Snedeker's, eh?" "That's right," Barbara smiled, "and they'll love to see you."