But in the morning he had to go through the ordeal ten-fold. As
Dick went to his tent to change some articles of clothing Bert
Dodge appeared in the company street.
"Hey, mister," called yearling Davis, after Bert, "I hear good news.
Last night the guard caught the chap who shanghaied you."
Even Greg and Anstey were prepared to quiz the "hero" of the comic episode of the night before.
"That was a fine comic opera performance, old chap," grinned
Anstey.
"The next time you arrest a lay figure," suggested Greg, "at least be good enough to capture one that's stuffed with lemons."
"Oh, the straw figure was a lemon, of a kind," laughed the
Virginian.
"Did the prisoner yell when you pricked point of your bayonet in its flesh of husks?" Greg wanted to know.
"Do you expect the K.C. to mention you in orders for distinguished gallantry?" demanded Anstey.
"Or to skin you on a suspicion of stealing straw from the artillery stables?" snickered Greg.
"I know one funny thing about straw, anyway," declared Anstey, turning around to Holmes.