“Wall, he rode down the trail, after his lame mule we left at t’other camp a mile below.”
“Hasn’t he come back?”
“Haven’t seen him.”
“How long ago?”
“This morning.”
“What!” The lieutenant hastily stood. “Who gave him permission?”
“Don’t know. He tuk it, I reckon. Knew we needed the mule.”
“I’ve been asleep for some time. He may have come into camp.” The lieutenant spied Oliver. “Have you seen Tabeau, boy?”
“No, sir.”
The lieutenant joined Kit, outside the lodge.