"Only this," answered Ted: "I arrived here just in time, with my stock
worn out from forced marches. I had just let them have all the water
they could drink, and it was necessary that they should have a good feed
in order to rest well to-night to be in condition to stand inspection
to-morrow. I was well within my rights in deciding not to move them any
farther to-night."
"I understand that you were impertinent to the officer who made this
request to you," thundered the colonel.
Ted laughed softly to himself.
"If I was impertinent to him I was there and perfectly responsible,
personally, for my conduct. It was wholly unofficial, and I cannot see
why he should come to you with it."
Ted looked at the lieutenant, who had flushed angrily.
The girl looked from Ted to Barrows, and then at her father.
"That is not the question, sir. He represents the army in his person
when he comes to you on the army's business."
"Well, I can't fight the whole army," said Ted, laughing, "but I can
certainly take care of myself in all ordinary matters."
Barrows half rose in his chair as if he was going to resent Ted's
remark.
"Sit down, Barrows," said the colonel explosively. "The young man is
right as far as that is concerned. Now, sir, I've half a mind not to
accept your beef at all.
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