beside
the two corporals, and faced his young countrymen. Before the Mexicans
recovered from their surprise the bell of San Miguel summoned them to
school. They hurried away, leaving the two corporals with the young
Mexican who had come to their assistance.

"My name is Frank Burton," said the older corporal, extending his
hand to the Mexican, "and this is my brother, Henry."

The Mexican boy grasped the proffered hand, and said, "My name is
Manuel Perea, of Algodones."

"We are the sons of the commanding officer at the fort. Can't you come
and see us next holiday?"

"I should much like to; I will ask the fathers if I may."

"Come over, and we will try to make your visit pleasant."

"How well you speak Spanish! It will be a great pleasure to visit
American boys who can speak my language, for I know but few English
words."

"Next Saturday, then?"

"At ten o'clock, if the padres consent. Good-bye," and Manuel
disappeared into the school-room.

The following Saturday I saw the two corporals and their newly
acquired companion at the post and at dinner in the mess-room, and a
friendship was then formed which was to continue for many years.

One evening, nearly a month afterwards, I received an order to march
my company into the Jemez Mountains to co-operate with other detached
commands in a war being carried on against the Navajo Indians. Just as
I had laid aside the order after reading it, Colonel Burton entered,
and, taking a seat by my fireside, announced that he had been ordered
on detached service to northern Colorado, on a tour of inspection,
which would require him to be absent for a considerable period, and
that he had been thinking of allowing his sons to accompany me to my
camp at Los Valles Grandes.

"The hunting and fishing are fine in those valleys, and Frank and
Henry would enjoy life there very much," he said. "They have done so
well in their studies that they deserve a well-earned recreation."

"I should much like to have their company, sir," I replied, "but would
it not be exposing them to great danger from the Indians?"

"The officer whom you are to relieve has been in the valleys nearly a
year, and he reports that he has not seen a Navajo in all that time.
Of course, it may be your fortune to meet them, but I do not think
so. If you do, then the boys must give a good account of themselves.
In any engagement that involves the whole command they must not forget
they are the sons of a soldier