“Yes?” queried the Lieutenant. “How so?”
“Because it has to be sent to prevent Capt. Peak from losing our services.”
Both the Lieutenant and Capt. Peak laughed heartily at Billie’s witty reply, while the Lieutenant said forcibly:
“And that he cannot afford to do right now. We have already counted upon your assistance in a little scouting expedition.”
“Then the message can be sent?”
“Undoubtedly. Also, we will undertake to get you a reply.”
“That is most kind of you,” said Billie, “and for my part I am ready to volunteer for duty this minute.”
“How about your companions?” asked the Lieutenant.
“We are like Dumas’s three guardsmen,” said Adrian. “'One for all and all for one.’”
“Then we’ll consider the matter settled,” said the Lieutenant. “Report here at seven o’clock this evening for instructions.”