“You mean her fate will be decided in council?”

“Sure; thet’s Cheyenne law.  Le Fevre knows it, an’ ol’ Koleta would knife him in a minute if he got gay.  He’s a devil all right—­thet ol’ buck—­but he ‘s afraid of Black Kettle, an’ thar won’t be no harm done to the gal.”

The Sergeant walked over to the fire, and stared down into the red embers, striving to control himself.  He realized the truth of all Hughes said, and yet had to fight fiercely his inclination to hasten to her rescue.  The very thought of her alone in those ruthless hands was torture.  There was no selfishness in the man’s heart, no hope of winning this girl for himself, yet he knew now that he loved her; that for him she was the one woman in all the world.  Her face was in his memory; the very soughing of the wind seemed her voice calling him.  But the real man in him—­the plainsman instinct—­conquered the impetuosity of the lover.  There must be no mistake made—­no rash, hopeless effort.  Better delay, than ultimate failure, and Hughes’ plan was the more practical way.  He lifted his head, his lips set with decision.

“You’re right, old man.  We’ll wait,” he said sternly.  “Now to get ready.  Have you a corral?”

The other made a gesture with his hand.

“Twenty rod b’low, under the bluff.”

“We ’ll drive the horses down, feed and water them.  But first come with me; there is a half-frozen man up yonder.”

They ploughed through the snow together, choking and coughing in the thick swirl of flakes that beat against their faces.  The three horses, powdered white, stood tails to the storm, with heads to the bluff, while the drifts completely covered Carroll.  He was sleeping, warm in the blankets, and the two men picked him up and stumbled along with their burden to the shelter of the cabin.  Then Hughes faced the blizzard again, leading the horses to the corral, while Hamlin ministered to the semi-conscious soldier, laying him out upon a pile of soft skins, and vigorously rubbing his limbs to restore circulation.  The man was stupid from exposure, and in some pain, but exhibited no dangerous symptoms.  When wrapped again in his blankets, he fell instantly asleep.  Hughes returned, mantled with snow, and, as the door opened, the howl of the storm swept by.

“No better outside?”

“Lord, no!  Worse, if anything.  Wind more east, sweepin’ the snow up the valley.  We ’ll be plum shet up in an hour, I reckon.  Hosses all right, though.”

In the silence they could hear the fierce beating against the door, the shrieking of the storm-fiend encompassing them about.

CHAPTER XXIX

THE CHASE