“But he was equally in earnest; if my title of captain, which you are so fond of giving me, was as real as your own, I suspect he would have exchanged the compliments.”
“Possibly, but I forgive him in view of what he has accomplished for the good of the cause.”
“Wait—me come back.”
The men suspected the scout of wishing to place himself beyond range of their observations, for he now rode his horse toward the stream, on the other side of which it was believed the hostiles were still awaiting events.
“I hope he is not offended,” remarked Freeman, when their friend was beyond earshot.
“Offended! no; he doesn’t like to be complimented, in which respect he differs from most folks. I suspect we distract his vigilance and he wishes to get away by himself, where he can do his duty without interference.”
“And yet he apprehends no molestation from the hostiles for several hours.”
“But lacks the guarantee that we will be let alone even for a fraction of that time. He is one of those wise fellows who take no chances. I wonder,” added the lieutenant, suddenly shifting the conversation, “how Cemuri made out.”
“I see no reason to doubt his speedy arrival at the fort, but it is too soon to expect help from there.”