for sang-froid and determined bravery.  He looked every inch the soldier as he walked along the trail, his cloak thrown back and his sword tucked under his arm.  The doctor, who carried a Modoc bullet in some inaccessible part of his scarred body, growled good-naturedly at the need of walking, and the men, enveloped in their army-blue overcoats, marched easily by fours.  Reaching the station, the lieutenant called the agent aside, and with him inspected, on a siding, a long platform car on which benches had been placed and secured.  Then he took his seat in the station and quietly waited, occasionally twisting his long blond mustache.  The doctor took a cigar with the agent, and the men walked about or sat on the edge of the platform.  One of them, who obtained a surreptitious glance at his silent commander, told his companions that there was trouble ahead for somebody.

“That’s just the way the leftenant looked, boys,” said he, “when we was laying for them Apaches that raided Jones’s Ranch and killed the women and little children.”

In a short time the officer looked at his watch, formed his men, and directed them to take their places on the seats of the car.  They had hardly done so when the whistle of the approaching train was heard.  When it came up, the conductor, who had his instructions from Sinclair, had the engine detached and backed on the siding for the soldiers’ car, which thus came between it and the foremost baggage car when the train was again made up.  As arranged, it was announced that the troops were to be taken a certain distance to join a scouting party, and the curiosity of the passengers was but slightly excited.  The soldiers sat quietly in their seats, their repeating rifles held between their knees, and the officer in front.  Sinclair joined the latter, and had a few words with him as the train moved on.  A little later, when the stars were shining brightly overhead, they passed into the express car, and sent for the conductor and other trainmen, and for Foster.  In a few words Sinclair explained the position of affairs.  His statement was received with perfect coolness, and the men only asked what they were to do.

“I hope, boys,” said Sinclair, “that we are going to put this gang to-night where they will make no more trouble.  Lieutenant Halsey will bear the brunt of the fight, and it only remains for you to stand by the interests committed to your care.  Mr. Express Agent, what help do you want?” The person addressed, a good-natured giant, girded with a cartridge belt, smiled as he replied: 

“Well, sir, I’m wearing a watch which the company gave me for standing off the James gang in Missouri for half an hour, when we hadn’t the ghost of a soldier about.  I’ll take the contract, and welcome, to hold this fort alone.”

“Very well,” said Sinclair.  “Foster, what progress have you made?”

“Major, I’ve got ten or fifteen as good men as ever drew a bead, and just red-hot for a fight.”