“That is my business,” replied Ernest.
“Certainly. I promise then.”
“Promise,” said Ernest, “that you will remain on your horse for fifteen minutes, and not touch that gun, and will give no alarm after we are gone.”
“I promise,” answered the soldier.
“To make assurance doubly sure,” continued Ernest, “I will take your cartridges.”
“O, don’t do that,” begged the vidette. “I will promise just as you want me to.”
“Why are you so opposed to giving up your cartridges?”
“Because I am accountable for them. I don’t intend to say anything about this affair, because the boys would laugh at me, and I might be punished too. Just go, and get out of the way as quick as you can, and I give you my word of honor that you shall not hear another word from me. But how am I to account for the loss of my cartridges?”
“You seem to be honest,” said Ernest, “and I believe I will try you.”
The two immediately rode on, and the soldier kept his word, so far as Ernest knew.