ge, being a
privileged character, went with him. The officer questioned them
closely in regard to their movements, took copious notes to assist him
in making out his report to the colonel, and by the time he got through
he came to the conclusion that the two young men deserved especial
mention for the skill and courage they had exhibited. He rewarded them
on the spot by giving them more work to do--some that was not supposed
to have any danger in it, but which, nevertheless, gave them an
opportunity to show whether the success that had attended them during
their last scout was owing to good luck or good management.

"I am more than satisfied, because you have accomplished more than I
expected of you," said the captain as he put his note-book into his
pocket. "As you will probably have some hard riding to do to-morrow, I
will see that you are allowed a good night's rest."

"Are we going back to the fort in the morning, sir?" asked George.

Although Bob was fully as anxious as his companion was to know what the
captain meant by saying that he and his squad would probably have some
hard riding to do the next day, he never would have dared to ask such a
question; and if he had, the officer, if he had made any reply at all,
would very likely have told him that he would find out all about it in
due time. But he expressed no surprise at George's inquisitiveness.

"_I_ am going back to fort," said he, "but you and the corporal will
have to stay and help Mr. Wentworth with the cattle. You will be of more
use to him, George, than half a dozen green hands, for you know how to
drive stock and can act as instructor to the rest. You know where
Holmes's ranche is, I suppose? Well, I shall want the corporal to stay
with Mr. Wentworth until he gets there, and then you will have to guide
the squad to the fort. If you should happen to meet any raiders on the
way, why take them in," added the captain with a smile.--"Corporal, is
Carey badly hurt?"

"He grumbles a good deal, sir, but I think it is more from anger than
pain."

"Perhaps you had better take a man in his place and let him go to the
fort with us, so that the doctor can look at his arm," said the captain.

"I tell you there is nothing like having friends at court," said Bob as
he and George walked away. "Until you came among us I didn't know that
these officers could be so very friendly and good-natured. Why, George,
if I knew the country as well as you do, and could get s