Page:Lost with Lieutenant Pike (1919).djvu/300

 "Thanks, señor."

Stub sought Freegift Stout.

"The lieutenant says for you to tell Jerry to come in."

Freegift climbed down.

"What's it all about? Say! Is it true we're not on the Red River yet, but on what they call the Rio del Norte? Sure, that's not so."

"It's what they say. The lieutenant believes it. And we're going to Santa Fe."

"For what?"

"The governor wants to talk with him."

"But not without a dust! Oh, no, now! Leave these good works, an' go without a dust?"

Stub nodded soberly. Freegift dared not delay longer. He went off muttering. The other men also murmured. The plan was not to their liking.

Freegift returned with Corporal Jerry. The men trooped after him, to the lieutenant. Freegift acted as speaker. He saluted

"What's this? Why have you left your posts?" the lieutenant demanded.

"Please, cap'n. Beggin your pardon, sir—but 'tain't true, is it, that were layin' down our arms an' givin' up to them Spanish, to march out, an' no fight offered? Sure, sir, we're only eight and a boy; but we're behind good walls, an' you're the proper