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Wells, with bandaged head and arm, was sitting at his post, his “Henry” still between his knees, and he looked volumes of pride and delight into his young friend’s sparkling eyes. Pete, of course, was nowhere to be seen. Jake, with a rifle-bullet through his shoulder, was grinning pale gratification at the troopers who came in, and then there was a moment’s silence as the captain entered.

Farron stepped forward and held forth his hand. Tears were starting from his eyes.

“You’ve saved me and my little girl, captain. I never can thank you enough.”

“Bosh! Never mind us. Where’s Ralph McCrea? There’s the boy you can thank for it all. He led us!”

And though hot blushes sprang to the youngster’s cheeks, and he, too, would have disclaimed any credit for the rescue, the soldiers would not have it so. ‘Twas Ralph who dared that night-ride to bring the direful news; ’twas Ralph who guided them by the shortest, quickest route, and was with the foremost in the charge. And so, a minute after, when Farron unclasped little Jessie’s arms from about his own neck, he whispered in her ear,–

“‘Twas Ralph who saved us, baby. You must thank him for me, too.”

And so, just as the sun was coming up, the little girl with big, dark eyes whom we saw sitting in the railway station at Cheyenne, waiting wearily and patiently for her father’s coming, and sobbing her relief and joy when she finally caught sight of Ralph, was once more nestling a tear-wet face to his and clasping him in her little arms, and thanking him with all her loyal, loving heart for the gallant rescue that had come to them just in time.

Four days later there was a gathering at Laramie. The general had come; the Fifth were there in camp, and a group of officers had assembled on the parade after the brief review of the command. The general turned from his staff, and singled out a captain of cavalry who stood close at hand.

“McCrea, I want to see that boy of yours. Where is he?”

An orderly sped away to the group of spectators and returned with a silent and embarrassed youth, who raised his hat respectfully, but said no word. The general stepped forward and held out both his hands.

“I’m proud to shake hands with you, young gentleman. I’ve heard all about you from the Fifth. You ought to go to West Point and be a cavalry officer.”

“There’s nothing I so much wish, general,” stammered Ralph, with beaming eyes and burning cheeks.

“Then we’ll telegraph his name to Washington this very day, gentlemen. I was asked to designate some young man for West Point who thoroughly deserved it, and is not this appointment well won?”