Matthews indicated the sutler and the sergeant by a sideways move of the head. "Them two," he answered.
"Blakely?"
"True—true." And Blakely gave another bounce.
"Sergeant?"
"True's far's Hi know, sir."
The thirty-six hours were now covered. Oliver sat down. "That'll do. I want The Squaw and the men who have been on duty at the stockade since the command left. Matthews, you may go."
Matthews bowed, Blakely and the sergeant saluted, and the three withdrew. Outside, beyond hearing, they exchanged congratulatory shakes of the hand.
"My! but the dander!" breathed the relieved sutler, rolling his apple-round head. "I was that scairt!"
"Make you happreciate the K. Ho. w'en you got 'im," returned Kippis, sagely.
Matthews shrugged his shoulders pityingly. But he had nothing to say.