Coronado, smiling with success and hope, met Thurstane at the Van Diemen house, in the presence of Clara and Aunt Maria, and blandly triumphed over him.
"How now about your safe road through the southern counties ?" he said.
"Apaches!" "So I hear," replied the young officer soberly.

"It is horribly unlucky." "We start to-morrow," added Coronado.
"To-morrow!" replied Thurstane, with a look of dismay.
"I hope you will be with us," said Coronado.
"Everything goes wrong," exclaimed the annoyed lieutenant.

"Here are some of my stores damaged, and I have had to ask for a board of survey.

I couldn't possibly leave for two days yet, even if my recruits should arrive." "How very unfortunate!" groaned Coronado.

"My dear fellow, we had counted on you." "Lieutenant Thurstane, can't you overtake us ?" inquired Clara.
Thurstane wanted to kneel down and thank her, while Coronado wanted to throw something at her.
"I will try," promised the officer, his fine, frank, manly face brightening with pleasure.