But into the edge of the
circle of light he saw loom a line of horsemen.
"Troopers!" he cried, joyfully. A great black pressing weight seemed
lifted off his mind. The troops would soon rout that band of
sneaking Sioux.
Neale ran to the back room, where, above the din outside, he made
himself heard. But for all he could see or hear his tidings of
rescue did not at once affect the men there. Then he forgot them and
the fight outside in his search for Allie. The cabin was on fire,
and he did not mean to leave it until he was absolutely sure she was
not hidden or lying in a faint in some corner. And he had not made
sure of that until the burning roof began to fall in. Then he leaped
out the window and ran back to the inclosure.
The blaze here was no longer bright, but Neale could see distinctly.
Some of the piles of ties were burning. The heat had begun to drive
the men out. Troopers were everywhere. And it appeared the rattle of
rifles was receding up the valley. The Sioux had retreated.
Here Neale continued his search for Allie. He found Mrs. Dillon and
her companions, but Allie was not with them. All he could learn from
the frightened women was that Allie had been in their company when
they started to run from the cabin. They had not seen her since.
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