"You don't seem to like the Japs, Pop?" observed Corporal Baynes, puffing at his pipe.
"Like 'em? The same way I do pizen, rattlers and grizzlies!" exclaimed the old man with unlooked-for passion.
Corporal Baynes jumped inwardly with glee. In a flash the whole of his plan came to him.
"Have you seen any soldiers go by on this trail, Pop?" asked Baynes.
"Some," nodded the old man. "'Bout an hour ago nigh onter a hundred of 'em went by. 'Bout twenty minutes ergo 'nuther hundred or so came along and tramped up that way. They didn't stop, so I didn't ask any questions."
"If you had," prodded Corporal Baynes, "you would have learned something. The first company was C Company, and they represent American soldiers."
"Well, that's what they are—American sogers. Why shouldn't they stand for it?"
"But you see, the second company that went by here—B Company—they stand for Japs. In the game of manœuvres that the officers are playing the second company, B, are supposed to be a force of Japanese troops that are chasing the American troops through the Rockies."
"What do they wanter play that for?" demanded the old hunter, his eyes blazing wrathfully. "Why don't yer fool officers play that it's American sogers chasing Japs back to where they belong?"
"Well, you see, the Americans may yet win out, before the game is played through," Baynes offered consolingly. "It all depends on which company is manœuvred better by its officers. I belong to C Company, by the way; the American forces, you know."