The lieutenant looked at Jed and then at the workman. The latter shook his head.
"Don't ask me, sir," he said. "That's the way he's been actin' ever since I struck here. Either he's batty or else he's pretendin' to be, one or the other. Look here, Rube!" he roared at the top of his lungs, "can the cheap talk and answer the lieutenant's questions or you'll get into trouble. D'ye hear?"
Jed looked up at him. "I'm pretty nigh sure I should hear if you whispered a little louder," he said, gently.
The young officer drew himself up. "That's enough of this," he ordered. "A plan has been lost here on this reservation, a valuable plan, a drawing of—well, a drawing that has to do with the laying out of this camp and which might be of value to the enemy if he could get it. It was on my table in the office less than an hour ago. Now it is missing. What we are asking you is whether or not you have seen anything of it. Have you?"
Jed shook his head. "I don't think I have," he replied.
"You don't think? Don't you know? What is the matter with you? Is it impossible for you to answer yes or no to a question?"
"Um—why, yes, I cal'late 'tis—to some questions."
"Well, by George! You're fresh enough."
"Now—now, if you please, I wasn't intendin' to be fresh. I just—"
"Well, you are. Who is this fellow? How does he happen to be here? Does any one know?"