The second letter was addressed in a refined feminine hand, and it was sealed with wax.
"Where did you get this, Owl Eyes?" asked the officer, in some surprise, referring to the second letter.
"Snow Flower see Owl Eyes, and tell him wait at creek. Snow Flower come to creek, and give that to Owl Eyes."
"Ah! I see," and Kit Carey proceeded to read the missive from Snow Flower, as Jennie Bernard was known far and wide among the redskins, Cheyennes, Sioux, and all who passed her father's house, where an Indian was always a welcome guest, far more so it seemed, than a pale-face.
The letter was dated at "Bernard ranch," and was as follows:
"My Dear Lieutenant Carey.—Taking advantage of your courier coming to the ranch, with another warning for us to depart, I write to tell you that strange things have happened here since your departure, and I am in the greatest distress, as well as a quandary, as to what to do. I can say no more now. But I am going to seek your advice as one I know I can trust, and rely upon as a friend. Will you come to the spot where you saw me with Red Hatchet, day after to-morrow, at noon, and I will meet you there. If you cannot be there yourself please have one of your Indian couriers there to conduct me to your camp, for I must see you, and delays are dangerous.
"Sincerely yours,
"Jennie."
"Well, what does this mean?" exclaimed the officer, when he had read the letter.