The man gave a quick start, a swift glance at the blue uniforms, and instantly both hands went up.
"That is all right, boys. Don't shoot. I'm a friend," he called in a strong German accent.
"Climb down off o' that boss, and come here, and do it mighty sudden," called out Si, with his finger still on the trigger.
The horse became restive at the sound of strange voices, but the man succeeded in dismounting, and taking his reins in his hand, led the horse up to the fence.
"Very glad to see you, boys," said he, surveying their blue garments with undisguised satisfaction, and putting out his other hand to shake.
"Take off that revolver, and hand it here," ordered the wary Shorty, following the man with the muzzle of his gun. The man slipped his arm through the reins, unbuckled his revolver, and handed it to Shorty. Si jumped over the fence and seized the carbine.
"Who are you, and where did you come from?" asked Si, starting the man up the road toward the post.
"What rechiment do you belong to?" asked the stranger, warily.