"Ever think of joining the army yourself, Tad?" questioned the Ranger.
"Have I? I am thinking of it most of the time. Oh how I wish I were
old enough. I know I could give my country good services now."
"You bet you could, Kid. You would make a wonderful scout over there,"
declared the captain, nodding.
"Some day, if the war lasts, I shall go," asserted Tad in a low voice,
tense with emotion.
Billy said he had been East to Chicago once, where he had been robbed
of everything he had on except his clothes.
"Funny, isn't it? I'd like to see a fellow go through me out here in
my native pastures. But back there in the city---" Billy shook his
head. The subject was too great for words.
They found the camp quiet and in order. The three boys and the
professor had been sleeping a good part of the afternoon, and without
having put out a guard, either. The captain shook his head, glancing
significantly at Tad as he heard this. In fact the two had to shout
to awaken the party. Then to learn that they had been sleeping all
day---well, there was nothing to be said.
"Do we move to-night, sir?" asked the professor.
"Can't tell you. Not until I hear the reports of my men, and the
messenger or scout whom I looked for to meet us here at noon. Seen.
anything of that rattler around these diggings, Professor?"
"No, we haven't seen any rattler.
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