One day, which was unusually warm, Noel had been sent to the quartermaster's office on some errand for his colonel. He was standing behind an improvised desk and consequently was partly hidden from the sight of any one who entered.
In the midst of his task of copying certain details which his colonel desired he was startled by the sound of a familiar voice. Without being seen he peered from behind his stand and saw that Levi Kadoff had entered the quartermaster's place.
"Ish dis de quartermaister's office?" inquired the sutler timidly.
"It is," replied the officer in charge.
"Vell, Mr. Quartermaister, I chust got mine sutler's goots and I vant von place vere I shall sell dose dings to the soldiers. You gife me von place, hey?"
"It is against my orders, sir, to give permission to anybody to put up tents or houses for the sale of goods of any kind."
"I vill not take mooch room for dese leedle dings," pleaded Levi.
"Come back and see me later."
"Ven I comes?"
"About an hour."