of pine, and all about on tables and chairs tempting-looking packages were lying. Some of these were from their military friends, and most of them

d up the pretty bright tartan dress that was to be h

on the box, 'Wallula's Christ

ed this plan, and so it was arranged that Barney McGuire, one of the ranchmen, should come up and carry the box over to the reservation late that afternoon; and as the short

to the fort after he leaves Wallula's present; that will give me plenty of

me to start with Barney as soon as he comes back for you,

didn't pucker,-she would be through long before Barney came back for her. But presently she thought, where was Barney. He ought to be there for the box by this time. She worked on a little longer, her ear alert for the sound of Barney's horse. At las

lying fingers, and still there was no sight or sound of B

come, if no one was sent in his place, her promise to Wallula would be broken, and Molly remembered Wallula's words, "My mother say all white peoples forget, and break promises to Indians;" and her own vehement reply, "I sha'n't forget; I

uns!" demanded John, as Molly told him to b

away, John; so hurr

lly? Do yer think the Cap'n would l

g Tam 'round this minute

er to go over there

e Indians, and Wallula is my friend; and I told her she should have her present Christmas

ved on the frontier for years, and their disapproval therefore was not what it might have been under different circumstances. Molly, th

had, just as like as not the Cap'n would 'a' sided with her and been mad at me, for he thin

to carry her something nice, just as quick as we can go," the little fellow whinnied softly, as if in response; and the next moment, at Molly's "Now, Tam," he st

rying Tam as she was doing; and she pulled him up with a "Take it easy, Tam dear." As she spoke, Tam flung up his head, pricked up his ears, and made a sudden plunge forward. What was it? What was the matter? What had he heard? He had heard what Molly herself heard in the next instant,-the beat of a ho

usually such a wise little fellow, and always knew his friends and his enemies. And he knew

s it-Whirr, s?st! Down like a shot dropped Tam's head, and like an arrow he leaped forward, swervi

ttle racer. Yes, Molly understands at last. She has seen in the starlight the lariat as it missed Tam's head, and she knows perfectly well that only Tam's speed and sure-footedness can save them. Her heart beats like a trip-hammer; but she keeps a firm hold upon the rein, with a watchful eye for any sudden inequalities of the road, while

h Molly's mind, wh?irr, s?st! cuts the still air

and Tam once more seems to know what danger has been escaped, and starts forward again with an exultant bound. They are almost there! Molly sees the smoke from the tepees of the reservation, and a light from a log cabin, and draws a breath of relief. But not yet, O brave little frontie