What
started the row?"
"The arrest of those two young bucks on charge of killing Finn, the
sheep herder, on the Piney last week. I don't believe the Sioux began
it. There's a bad lot among those damned rustlers," said Webb, snapping
the glass into its well-worn case. "But no matter who starts, we have to
finish it. Old Plodder is worried and wants help. Reckon I'll have to
send you, Ray."
"Ready whenever you say, sir," was the prompt and soldierly reply. Even
marriage had not taken the edge from Ray's keen zest for campaigning.
"Shall I have out my sergeant and cooks at once? We'll need to take
rations."
"Yes, but wait with me till I wire the chief at Laramie. Come to the
office." So saying the post commander turned and strode away. The
captain glanced at the upper window where the light now dimly burned,
but blind and window were open, and a woman's form appeared.
"It's all right, Maidie," called the captain, softly. "May have to start
out on scout at daybreak. That's all. Home soon," and with a reassuring
wave of the hand, turned again to his stanch friend and commander.
"I hate to send you--again," said Webb. "You were out in June, and the
others have had only short scouts since--"
"Don't bother.
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