“What do you say, Parker? Can you make that trip to Standing Rock Agency and back without a guide?”
“Yes, sir,” replied the lieutenant promptly. “I will start this afternoon.”
“I won’t ask you to do it so soon as that,” said the colonel with a smile. “I will relieve you of all duty to-day, and to-morrow you and your horse will be rested up and fit to make the journey. Come to me to-morrow afternoon at four o’clock.”
The colonel arose, and the officers took up their hats and bowed themselves out. They all laughed as they extended their hands to Parker.
“I wouldn’t mind being in your place myself,” said the major. “You are going to get up a reputation as a scout. You won’t have any use for Carl when he gets back.”
“I will be glad to take that report to General Miles, because I want to do something for Carl,” said Parker. “He got into trouble through me, and I want to get him out.”
After exchanging a few words with each of the officers, Parker went into his own quarters, where he found his room-mate waiting for him. He had not been summoned into the colonel’s presence with his comrades, but he knew he would hear the full report when the lieutenant came out.
“Well?” said Randolph, as Parker drew off his shoes and stretched himself out on his bed.
“Well,” said Parker, “it is going to be just as the major says. I am going to get up a reputation as a scout. I am ordered to report to the colonel to-morrow afternoon at four o’clock.”
“Where are you going?” asked Randolph.