Then, halting before the captain's tent, they came very formally to the salute.
"Captain Cortland, I am obliged to report, sir, that I left here when under orders. I have also to report that, seeing the danger of a serious accident to others, I had the impudence to impress an officer's horse. Unfortunately, sir, that animal now appears to be injured."
"I have also, sir, to report leaving in the face of other orders," Noll Terry stated gravely.
"In view of the reasons that lay behind your acts," replied Captain Cortland, with only the faintest twinkle of a smile, "I think we shall have to conclude that discipline has not suffered a serious affront this time."
"I am very sorry, indeed, sir, that I rode your fine animal to any injury," continued Corporal Hal, turning and saluting the cavalry captain.
"Pooh!" scoffed Captain Ellis, stepping to one side and surveying the cuts on his mount's flank. "Nothing but a few scratches, Corporal—and a whole horse is as nothing compared with human lives. We got out in time to see your handsome work, Corporal, and all I'm sorry for is that we haven't you in the cavalry."
"Thank you, sir."
"You can't have these non-coms. of mine for yellow-legs, Ellis," laughed Captain Cortland. "You have just seen what a fine pair of young soldiers they are. I intend to keep them right here in B Company."
"You always were a selfish fellow, Cortland," laughed Captain Ellis.
"You are hurt, are you not, Corporal?" queried Captain Cortland, turning to Hal Overton.