"I dismissed!" echoed Texas, in amazement. "How?"
"Your absence has been noticed," groaned Mark. "Lieutenant Allen has ordered an inspection of the tent every half hour until you return. They've been here twice now, and you're a goner. And what makes it ten thousand times worse, I know it's on account of me. You've been doing something to clear me."
All this was said in about as lugubrious a tone as one could well imagine. But as for Texas, he merely chuckled as if he didn't care in the least.
"I reckon it'll be all right," he chuckled, as he began to shed his "cits" clothing. "Jes' you fellers go to bed an' be good. I reckon it'll all come out all right. Good-night."
CHAPTER XXI.
BENNY IS EXPOSED.
"Well, sir, I've come to ask what you propose to do about it."
It was the pompous old squire, and he stood once more in the superintendent's office, impatience written in every line of his face.
"Yes, sir," he continued, "I should like to know your decision."
"But, my dear sir," exclaimed Colonel Harvey, "I have not made up my mind entirely. It is only yesterday you stated your case. What is the hurry?"