The man's abrupt tone had changed to respectful inquiry.
"I'm your man, Corporal."
The Corporal flung out of the saddle.
"Sorry I didn't rec'nize you, sir," he said saluting quickly. "It's pretty dark. It's a letter from the Superintendent—urgent." He drew a long, blue envelope from his saddle wallets and passed it to his superior. "Maybe you can direct me to the Indian Agent, Major Garstaing, sir. I got a letter for him."
Steve Allenwood glanced up from the envelope he had just received.
"Sure. Best cut through the bluff. There's a trail straight through brings you to his house. It's mostly a mile and a half. Say, you'll need supper. Get right along back when you've finished with him. When did you start out?"
"Yesterday morning, sir."
The Inspector whistled.
"Fifty miles a day. You travelled some."
The Corporal patted his steaming horse's neck.