"Lieutenant," he said, "you give me your word this is so—that there ain't no put-up job about it?"
"Put-up job?" Fraser reddened, keeping a straight face with difficulty. "I give my word," he said solemnly, "that you're wanted as interpreter, and that I'll conduct you safely to headquarters."
Matthews put down the cigar-box and saluted.
"Word of an officer," he said, "is different. And if I can do anythin'—long's it's ladies——"
He reached to a shelf for his hat.
CHAPTER XII
A CONFESSION
That night, after Squaw Charley had come and gone, Dallas returned from the lean-to, where she had fed and bedded Simon and the team, to find Marylyn lying before the hearth, her face flushed and wet with tears. Instantly, all concern, the elder girl knelt beside her.