"But, Guy, did you really see an Indian and converse with him?" asked another.
"I did, as sure as you're a foot high. He was a splendid-looking fellow, and talked English better than I did."
"Oh, get out," said Arthur. "What chance had he to learn English?"
"He says he has been to school for eight years. He knows all the treaties by heart."
"Oh, well, that accounts for it. How was he dressed?"
While Guy was leading his horse toward the stable, he was plied with such questions as these, and he hardly knew it when the soldier who now and then acted as his groom, took the reins from his hand, led the horse to his place, and removed the saddle and bridle from him. Guy leaned upon his gun while all the rest of the boys, except Perkins, crowded about him to hear some more of his story. Perkins remained near the door to keep an eye on the parade ground. He did not intend to let the officer of the day catch a soldier grooming Guy's horse.
"Begin at the beginning and tell us all about it," said Arthur. "You say he was a smart chap?"
"The smartest I ever saw wrapped up in the hide of an Indian," said Guy; "he saluted me as if he had been in the army all his life, and the language with which he addressed me fairly took my breath away. I didn't know what to say to him in reply."