Bonnie Belle started at this, and glanced at the miner.
“What does it mean?” she asked Dean, seeming anxious not to touch the letter for some reason.
The miner asked:
“Do you come from the fort, my man?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And you were sent with a letter for Bonnie Belle?”
“I was, sir, and upon reaching Pocket City, and learning that she had gone East by coach, I came on after her.”
“Who is this letter from?”
“I do not know, sir; but it was given to me by an officer at the fort, with orders to place it in the hands of Miss Bonnie Belle with the greatest despatch.”
“Give me the letter,” and Bonnie Belle held out her hand, which trembled as she read the address and seemed to recognize the writing.