“Does the commander know you?”
“He used to—but I don’t s’pose he would now. The danged Winnebagoes——”
Captain Oliver impatiently interrupted:
“I’m going on a journey. Would you and your red friend like to accompany me?”
“That d’pends,” was the cautious reply. “If it’s toward the Winnebago country——”
“Please step this way,” said the Captain, plucking Joe’s ragged sleeve.
When they were beyond earshot of the others, the officer explained:
“I’m going on a perilous mission. I want someone to accompany me as guide—someone acquainted with the woods——”
“Well, where’re you goin’?” Joe persisted.