“I’ll do that for you, sir,” said a voice near him.
Parker looked up, and saw Sergeant Leeds with his hand to his cap.
“I really wish you would,” said he, putting the brush into the sergeant’s willing hand. “I’ve got just half an hour to get my supper and present myself before the colonel, and I want the horse to go away with me to-night.”
“Very well, sir. The horse will be ready.”
Parker hurried off, and in a few minutes was standing before the washbowl in his own quarters. He wished to get a little of the dust of travel off his hands and face, put on a clean shirt, and make himself appear as neat as an officer should who expected to have an interview with his general before he slept again. His room-mate had been on guard duty the night before and was now making up for his loss of sleep; but he heard Parker stepping about the room, and opened his eyes and stretched his arms.
“Well, old fellow, I am glad to see you back,” said he. “Do you know I have been worrying about you ever since yesterday morning?”
“About that war-party?” said Parker.
“They are the very fellows. They did not come about the fort, but some of the scouts discovered them and reported to the colonel. That is what made him send the captain out after you.”
“Well, I got away from them all right. I hope I shall be as lucky this time.”
“This time!” repeated Randolph. “Why, where are you going?”