“I guess I’ve got a right to hire a boy to carry a bundle for me,” grumbled Nat.
“Did you hire him?” demanded Dave.
“I don’t know as that’s any of your business,” was the blustering response.
“Did he hire you to carry the package for him?” questioned Dave of the boy in the best French he could command, which, it may be said here, was far from good.
“That soldier made me carry the bundle. He makes motions like he would beat me if I did not do it,” answered the boy, with a shiver.
“He won’t touch you; so don’t be afraid,” said Dave, and then he looked calmly at Nat.
“See here, Dave Porter! what right have you to come and butt into my private affairs?” growled Nat.
“As a commissioned officer of the army I am bound to see to it that the inhabitants around here are properly treated,” answered Dave. And if he said this rather sternly I think he may be pardoned for so doing.
“A commissioned officer? Humph, you’re only a sergeant! I don’t see how you got into that uniform.”
“Lieutenant Porter was made a lieutenant some time ago,” said Phil. “And you had better mind yourself, Nat, or you’ll get into trouble.”