The soldier looked at Ted in some surprise, as the colonel had alluded to him as the "government beef contractor."
"Well?" said Ted.
"I guess it's your father I want," said the soldier.
"Guess again. There's no such person here."
"Are you the beef contractor?"
"Surest thing you know. What do you want?"
"Colonel's compliments, sir, and the colonel would like to have you call at his quarters at the first convenient moment."
"What about? These beef cattle?"
"I don't know, sir; I didn't hear him say."
"All right. Tell him I'll be there in a few minutes. Where is his house?"