"So we heard, but were unable to discover the exact situation. We have
been feeling our way forward cautiously. I fear it is going to be my
unpleasant duty to separate you and Miss McDonald. We shall need your
services as guide, and the lady will be far better off with the main
column. Indeed some of the empty wagons are to be sent back to Camp
Supply to-night, and probably Custer will deem it best that she return
with them. This winter campaigning is going to be rough work, outside
of the fighting. You know Custer, and his style; besides Sheridan is
himself at Camp Supply in command."

"You hear, Molly?"

"Yes; of course, I will do whatever General Custer deems best. Are
there any women at Camp Supply, Major?"

"Yes, a few; camp women mostly, although there may be also an officer's
wife or two--19th Kansas volunteers."

"Then it will be best for me to go there, if I can," she smiled. "I am
desperately in need of clothes."

"I suspected as much. I will arrange to give you a guard at once. And
you, Sergeant? As you are still under special orders, I presume I have
no authority to detain you in my command."

"I prefer to remain, sir," grimly. "Dupont, Miss McDonald's captor, is
alive and in Black Kettle's camp. We still have a feud to settle."

"Good; then that is arranged; ah, Miss McDonald, allow me to present