“And how did she come?”
“I do not know.”
“She started East from the Junction.”
“Well, she came here instead, fortunately for us—— Come in!”
A Chinese servant entered and said:
“Misses say ’Melican man come with Chinaman.”
This invitation was promptly accepted by the surgeon and the scout, and they were led by the Chinaman to the private quarters of Bonnie Belle. There she had a supper spread out for them, though it was after one o’clock, and, receiving them cordially, said:
“I wish to have a talk with you, gentlemen, and you will join me at supper, please.”
They readily consented, the Chinaman waiting upon the table, and Bonnie Belle showing herself to be a most charming hostess.
The supper over, and the Chinaman having departed, Bonnie Belle handed her guests a couple of fine cigars and said: