And from behind the curtain Naida watched the last horseman
round the bluff angle, riding cheerfully away to hardship, danger, and
death, her eyes dry and despairing, her heart scarcely beating. Then
she crept across the narrow room, and buried her face in the coverlet
of the bed.
_PART III_
ON THE LITTLE BIG HORN
CHAPTER I
MR. HAMPTON RESOLVES
Mr. Bob Hampton stood in the bright sunshine on the steps of the hotel,
his appreciative gaze wandering up the long, dusty, unoccupied street,
and finally rising to the sweet face of the young girl who occupied the
step above. As their eyes met both smiled as if they understood each
other. Except for being somewhat pale, the result of long, inactive
weeks passed indoors, Mr. Hampton's appearance was that of perfect
health, while the expression of his face evidenced the joy of living.
"There is nothing quite equal to feeling well, little girl," he said,
genially, patting her hand where it rested on the railing, "and I
really believe I am in as fine fettle now as I ever have been. Do you
know, I believe I 'm perfectly fit to undertake that little detective
operation casually mentioned to you a few days ago.
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