"Sit right down there now,
and I'll be with you in a minute," he added; bustled into the rear room
and presently reappeared with a decanter and glass; poured out a stiff
tot of Monongahela; "A little water?" he asked, as the trooper's eye
brightened gratefully. A little water was added and off came the right
hand gauntlet. "I drink the major's health and long life to him," said
the soldier, gulping down the fluid without so much as a wink. Then,
true to his training, set down the glass and stood strictly at
attention.
"You've had nothing to eat since yesterday morning, I'll be bound," said
Webb. "Now, I've got to see some of my officers at once. You make
yourself at home here. You'll find cold beef, bread, cheese, pickles,
milk, if you care for it, and pie right there in the pantry. Take the
lamp in with you and help yourself. If you want another nip, there's the
decanter. You've made splendid time. Did you meet no Indians?"
"Not one, sir, but I saw smokes at sunset out toward Eagle Butte."
"Your name--I see you belong to Captain Truscott's troop."
"Kennedy, sir; and I thank the major."
"Then I'll leave you in charge until you've had your fill," said the
commander. "Then go over to 'F' Troop's quarters and get a bed.
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