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Brant handed to hie

steadiness of the hand which accepted it Haaze directed straight into the eyes

as he ht seek to control a wild animal

"Drink it," he colared back at him sullenly; then he appeared

to shrink in terror, and drank swiftly

"We can make the rest of the way now," Hampton announced, quietly

"Lord, but this has been a trip!"

Lane dismounted at Brant's order, and assisted Harasped the rein of Murphy's

horse, and the little party started tohere the pack-train was

hidden in the valley The young officer rode silent and at a walk, his

eyes occasionally studying the face of the other and noting its drawn,

gray look The very sight of Hampton had been a shock Why was he

here and with Murphy? Could this strange journey have anything to do

with Naida? Could it concern his own future, as well as hers? He felt

no lingering jealousy of this man, for her truthful words had forever

settled that matter Yet as he? What peculiar power did he wield

over her life?

"Is Custer here?" said Ha the pack-train The