“It is a wilderness, I fancy,” said Armitage. “I have never seen it; I may never see it, for that matter; but you will find your way there—going first to this town, Lamar, studying the country, keeping your mouth shut, and seeing what the improvements on the ground amount to. There’s some sort of a bungalow there, built by the shooting-club. Here’s a description of the place, on the strength of which I bought it. You may take these papers along to judge the size of the swindle.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And a couple of good horses; plenty of commissary stores—plain military necessities, you understand—and some bedding should be provided. I want you to take full charge of this matter and get to work as quickly as possible. It may be a trifle lonesome down there among the hills, but if you serve me well you shall not regret it.”
“Yes, I am quite satisfied with the job,” said Oscar.
“And after you have reached the place and settled yourself you will tell the postmaster and telegraph operator who you are and where you may be found, so that messages may reach you promptly. If you get an unsigned message advising you of—let me consider—a shipment of steers, you may expect me any hour. On the other hand, you may not see me at all. We’ll consider that our agreement lasts until the first snow flies next winter. You are a soldier. There need be no further discussion of this matter, Oscar.”
The man nodded gravely.
“And it is well for you not to reappear in this hotel. If you should be questioned on leaving here—”
“I have not been, here—is it not?”
“It is,” replied Armitage, smiling. “You read and write English?”
“Yes; one must, to serve in the army.”