"You're impossible!"
"I've always been."
They laughed again, and the horses pricked their ears forward. Following
their intent gaze, the pair saw a cavalry patrol come around a hill and,
when they drew nearer, Sergeant Dunbar greeted them. Barbara warmed at
the sight of her old friend.
"Hello!"
"Hello!" they called in unison.
The patrol reined in, the six privates who accompanied Dunbar gloomy and
sullen because they would miss the New Year's festivities at Laramie.
For the moment, Barbara recognized no familiar face among them.
Dunbar's eyes twinkled as he glanced from Barbara to Ellis.
"Going to Laramie?" he asked.
"Um-hum," Barbara said happily. "We're going to the dance there."