“His back is no proof he’s not talking with two tongues,” returned the scout. “He’d cut himself up worse than that to help Geronimo, if he’s at all inclined to be treacherous.”
Calling Carter, Markham shot orders at him with the rapidity of a Gatling. A few minutes later and fresh activity was added to the stir of the camp. The bugle called, and troopers made a run for their mounts.
As the scout and the captain were preparing to leave the cabin, the orderly once more presented himself.
“Despatches from Grant, sir,” he announced.
“From Grant, eh?” returned Markham. “Bully! The wire’s cut, and we’ll be able to find out what Grayson is doing. Bring in the courier, Carter.”
“He’s in a faint, sir, and they’re untying him from his horse.”
“Wounded?” demanded Carter.
“Badly—brush with the reds, sir. There’s a young woman with him——”
“Woman!” exclaimed the captain blankly.
“Yes, sir, and an Indian boy——”