"All under thirty, I am sorry to say," and this from Shockley too. Miss Searles applied the whip; but go as she would, the two officers did not lose again the idea, but kept their places beside her.
"You are not very steady under fire," laughed Shockley.
"You are such an absurd person."
"I may be a blessing in disguise."
"You may be; I am unable to identify you."
"The chaperon is waving her whip at us, Miss Searles," cautioned Butler.
"Private O'Dowd is my chaperon, and he can stand the pace," she replied.
The young woman drove on, leaving a pall of dust behind, until the little party made the cantonment and drew rein in front of the Searleses' quarters. Giving her hand to the orderly, she dismissed her escort and disappeared.
"Well, Katherine," said Mrs. Searles, "did you enjoy your ride?"
"Yes, mother, but my horse is such an old poke I was nowhere in the race."