"Then double my debt of gratitude to you, colonel," I said. "You may have saved me again from death by starvation."
He said nothing to this, and I added, "Suppose we rest a little. I am tired."
My bones in truth were weary; we were a long way from Fort Defiance, and the road was rough. I contemplated the journey with dismay.
The colonel, who seemed to be highly pleased at my recapture, was in good temper. He took a long flask from his inside pocket and shook it. A cheerful gurgle came forth. He drew the cork with a loud plunk, and a pleasant odor permeated the air.
"Try that," he said, holding out the flask.
I tried it, and great was the result thereof. As the rich red liquor trickled down my throat, I could feel strength flowing back into muscle and bone, and a warm glow crept through all the veins of my chilled body.
I handed the flask back to the colonel with my heart-felt thanks.
"I think I will try a little myself," he said, and the pleasant gurgle was heard again.
"Colonel," I said, "you may shoot me to-morrow, but for heaven's sake don't make me walk all the way back to Fort Defiance to-night."
The liquor had put him in a still better humor.