dition to stand inspection
to-morrow. I was well within my rights in deciding not to move them any
farther to-night."

"I understand that you were impertinent to the officer who made this
request to you," thundered the colonel.

Ted laughed softly to himself.

"If I was impertinent to him I was there and perfectly responsible,
personally, for my conduct. It was wholly unofficial, and I cannot see
why he should come to you with it."

Ted looked at the lieutenant, who had flushed angrily.

The girl looked from Ted to Barrows, and then at her father.

"That is not the question, sir. He represents the army in his person
when he comes to you on the army's business."

"Well, I can't fight the whole army," said Ted, laughing, "but I can
certainly take care of myself in all ordinary matters."

Barrows half rose in his chair as if he was going to resent Ted's
remark.

"Sit down, Barrows," said the colonel explosively. "The young man is
right as far as that is concerned. Now, sir, I've half a mind not to
accept your beef at all. I consider that you have not properly filled
the contract."

"I certainly have," said Ted stoutly. "The beef was on the government
reservation fifteen minutes before the time limit according to the
acknowledgment of Lieutenant Barrows himself."

"I said no such thing," almost shouted the lieutenant.

"Be careful," said Ted. "That is giving me the lie direct. Several of my
men heard you say so."

"Mr. Barrows, please be quiet," said Miss Croffut. "I shall go in."

"I beg your pardon, Miss Croffut," said Ted, rising and bowing. "I had
no intention of carrying on a quarrel in your presence. Colonel, I shall
be glad to discuss this matter with you in your office if you wish, but
not here. I have no quarrel with you, and I do not propose to, if I can
avoid it."

"I presume you mean that you would quarrel with me," said Barrows,
blustering up.

"I have no objection in the world, but not in a lady's presence," said
Ted, turning from him carelessly.

"I don't like your attitude at all, Mr. Strong," said the colonel. "That
is not my idea of army discipline, in fact, sir----"

"Excuse me, colonel," said an officer, bustling up, "don't forget that
to-morrow is beef-issue day to the Indians, and that we must have three
hundred head before noon to-morrow. There is not a hoof in the
government pasture."

Barrows was trying to attract the other officer's attention with
vigorous shakes of his he