Again did it seem as though Malloy had understood more readily than he cared to admit, or would presume to say. It was very late. The day had been long and trying. With all its matter-of-fact, nonchalant ease of manner during the few hours under fire, the personnel of Camp Almy, officer and man, had been subjected to something of a strain night and day for nearly a week, and now was ready to turn in and sleep, but Archer and those with him were convinced that in Sergeant Malloy there lived a witness who, better even than Lieutenant Harris, could throw light on 'Tonio's singular and inexplicable behavior. There was not one of their number who did not believe, and in the absence of Harris would hesitate to say, that Willett had seen 'Tonio taking deliberate aim when the shot was fired that downed both his horse and himself. This was enough to warrant their doubt of 'Tonio's loyalty. All that was lacking was something to establish a motive--an explanation--for a murderous and treasonable deed. An unwilling witness was Sergeant Malloy, therefore the more persistent should be the examination, and after a moment's reflection Archer spoke again: "Sergeant, you have formed an impression, I think, and I should be glad to have the benefit of it. Did--he mean that--Lieutenant Harris distrusted him?" "No, sir." On this point the sergeant was confident. "Did he mention any one--in particular?" "I gathered that he thought that all the officers of the post, from the general down, with perhaps two exceptions, distrusted him." "And these two--were?" "Captain Stannard, sir, and Captain Turner." "I see," said Archer gravely. "Now, had anything happened--had anything been said or done to account for his--sensitiveness, we will call it?" Malloy hesitated. "The general understands, I hope, that I am answering only as to impressions. I might be mistaken as to his meaning, and he might have been mistaken as to the meaning of the officer in the case." "Then there has been a case? When and where?" There was impressive silence in the dimly lighted mess room as the impromptu council sat about the table, Turner, with the relics of his hearty supper, at the other end of it. Every man present seemed to feel that here at last the clew to 'Tonio's double dealing was to be found. The answer came readily enough: "At Bennett's Ranch, sir, the night it was burnt." "Why--what happened there?" And Archer was evidently surprised. "'Tonio said he was insulted before his own people--called a liar--struck with a gauntlet." "Struck? 'Tonio? A chief, and a son of a chief--of a line of chiefs, in fact! Why, what man could have been--mad enough to do that?"