I fear his father is failing. I fear Field will fail if
not allowed to go. I recommend a seven days' leave, with permission to
apply to Omaha for thirty--he'll probably need it."
"I can't permit government teams and ambulances to be used for any such
purpose," said the major, stoutly. "It is distinctly against orders."
"Then, sir, he can go in my spring wagon and we'll hire mules from Mrs.
Hay," was the doctor's prompt reply. "He can do no good here, major. He
may do much good there."
But Flint was full of information and official zeal. The matter of
Field's going had been broached before, and, when told of it, the
Wilkins pair had been prompt with their protests. "Of course he'd be
wantin' to get away," said Wilkins, "wid all that money to account for,
let alone these other things." The Irishman was hot against the young
West Pointer who had derided him. He doubtless believed his own words.
He never dreamed how sorely the lad now longed to see his father,--how
deep was his anxiety on that father's account,--how filled with
apprehension on his own, for that rifled desk had brought him reason for
most painful thought. Wilkins and Field had been antagonistic from the
start.
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