“Will you take your company with you, sir? I could really enjoy a ride of two hundred miles.”
“I am sorry that I can’t take anybody. I shall go alone.”
“Alone, sir? Why, there is every chance in the world for you to get lost.”
“I came from Grand River alone after dark,” said Parker.
“Well, that’s a heap more than I could do. The horse will be ready when you want him.”
Sergeant Leeds continued his work with a despondent look on his face, and Parker went out, feeling in all his pockets for a piece of loose change. But the paymaster was not due yet, and, like all young officers, the lieutenant had managed to get rid of his money over the sutler’s counter.
“I’ll bet you I don’t spend my next quarter’s salary with him,” muttered Parker, as he once more turned his steps toward his room. “The very time I need money I have not got it.”
The day wore away at last, however, and at precisely half-past four o’clock the lieutenant walked his horse up in front of the colonel’s quarters, and leaving Sergeant Leeds to hold him, he went in and reported that he was ready.
“I don’t feel exactly right in sending you off in this way,” said the colonel, “but you are the only one who knows the route. You are sure you won’t get lost?”
“Not if my horse knows the way.”