I don't know how deeply you are mixed up in
this cattle-poisoning, girl-abducting scheme of Barrows, but I give you
the benefit of the doubt."
"Sure, sir, I didn't know anything about the cattle poisoning, nor do
any of the men, and as for abducting the young lady, all I knew about it
was that we were sent by the colonel to bring her back, that is, the
lieutenant said so. We was to arrest you for stealin' cattle from the
gover'ment. But I don't see as we can do anything, now that the officer
in charge is gone. All right, sir, I'll tell the colonel all what you
said, an' somethin' that's been layin' hard on my stomach ever since I
got wise to the officer what's not in charge no more. Men, get ready to
march."
The soldiers saddled their horses, and got ready to start on the march
back to Fort Felton.
When they were ready to start, Ted walked up to Woofer and the man who
had come in with him in the night.
"Woofer," said he, "strike the back trail, and don't look around. You
are not wanted in this part of the country. Remember, we are all deputy
United States marshals, and not in the least afraid to use our
authority. Hike!"
"All right, pardner, if you say you don't like our sassiety we won't
force it on you. We'd like good company back to Felton, anyhow, an' the
sojers has plenty o' grub.
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