Apparently the operator was too well accustomed to seeing soldiers to take any deep interest in this new pair. But he was obliging, at any rate.
"Wait a minute," he called back, in answer to Private Overton's question, "and I'll go and show you the road."
So the two soldiers stood by their canvas cases until the operator had finished at his clicking instruments. Then the operator came out, heading for the rear door of the station.
"I'll show you from here, Jack," called the operator. "You see that road? Follow it about a half a mile; take the first turn to the left, and then keep straight on until you come to the fort."
"How far is Fort Clowdry?" Hal wanted to know.
"About three miles from here."
"Good road?" questioned Noll.
"Tenderfeet, ain't you?" asked the operator, smiling.
"Yes," admitted Hal.
"Thought you must be," nodded the operator, "else you'd know that the road between an Army post and the nearest freight station is always a good one. Them Army wagon bosses would put up a fearful holler if they had to drive the transport wagons over bad roads. Just joining?"