"Well, it is evident that we boys won't be called on to act as guards, and I am glad of it, for if there is anything I do not like it is having to parade up and down in the cold and dark for nothing when I might better be in my bed."
"I can sympathize with you," said Jack.
During the morning Percival saw Bucephalus alone, and said to him, holding one hand behind his back:
"Was it your idea to keep guard last night, Buck?"
"No, sah, Ah was ready to do it, 'cause young Mistah Smith done offah me a dollah fo' de service, but de doctah done intimate dat he t'ought it would be judicious."
"How did the doctor know that we needed a picket?"
"Ah donno, sah, Ah reckon he thought it was acco'din to military etiquette, sah. It am de custom in military camps to set a picket an' all presume he argued from dose premises, sah."
"Then you did not tell him of what occurred the other night?"
"No, sah, Ah didn't communicate nothing, sah. Mebbe it was one of de odah fellahs."
"You are sure that you said nothing?"