"This is a United States army post, and it exists for the convenience and benefit of United States citizens. It is our duty to offer you such facilities as we afford. On the other hand, if you want to go on, I shall neither detain you nor confiscate the mule. The choice is yours."
"Do you mean to tell me," Ellis demanded righteously, "that you will not offer hospitalization to this sick child?"
Major Dismuke's nervousness became clearly visible. "Gentlemen," he said, "I beg you to take the mule and leave camp."
"Well," said Ellis, with a fine show of reluctance, "of course if you insist...."
"I will be grateful," said the major.
"Well, in that case," said Ellis.
Joe looked from one to the other in honest amazement. Never had he seen a ticklish situation so quickly resolved.
But what about payment? "Look here, Major," he said, "if you'll just tell me how much you want for this—"
"The Army doesn't sell mules," Major Dismuke barked.
"Regulations," said Ellis politely.