"But isn't this a greater military matter, sir, than the mere command of a hunting camp?"
"I don't believe I need to take command, Sergeant. But I will offer you a suggestion, if you wish."
"If you will be so kind, sir."
"Why, this general group of prisoners belong to the civil authorities. You will find a jail and a sheriff very near the point where we left the train."
"Yes, sir. And Hinkey?"
"He is a prisoner of the United States Army. You can put him in charge of the same sheriff, asking him to hold Hinkey until a guard from Fort Clowdry arrives to take him. A wire to the post can be sent from the station."
"Very good, sir. Then I think I will detail Sergeant Terry, a driver and a guard of six men to escort the prisoners to the sheriff. The hospital man had better go along, too, and the injured men can travel in the wagon."
"That disposition will do very well, Sergeant. But Sergeant Terry and his men will very likely be away four days altogether."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."
Saluting, and including the young Naval officers in his salute, Sergeant Overton went over to explain the plan to Noll.