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Page 23
"I charge Sergeant Norris of Rough Riders with contempt, disobedience
of orders, and desertion. Saw him aboard transport, and delivered your
order, whereupon he disappeared. Have searched ship without
discovering trace of him. He has undoubtedly deserted."
"Some persons are fools occasionally," remarked the big General, "while
others are never anything else. I don't think Dodley belongs to the
former class."
CHAPTER IX
HERMAN DODLEY INTERPOSES DIFFICULTIES
After leaving headquarters, and while making his way back to camp, our
hero was in a state of hardly-to-be-repressed excitement. Was one of
his age and limited experience ever intrusted with so important a
mission? He did not believe it possible, and was so filled with pride
that it seemed as though every person he passed ought to regard him
with respectful interest. As one after another only glanced at him
carelessly or failed to notice him at all, he wondered at their
stupidity, and felt like compelling their attention by proclaiming his
great secret.
At camp the situation was even more aggravating, for every one was so
intent on his own affairs or so unhappy at being left behind that Ridge
found himself barely noticed. Several questioned him concerning his
return, and one asked if the whole regiment was ordered back.
"Not that I know of," answered Ridge. "I believe I am the only one
thus far."
"Well, I'm glad you have been sent to the rear, and only wish all the
others were as well, for it's a beastly outrage that some should be
taken and others left. Just as if we weren't as good as any of them!"
was the bitter comment.
"Without reply, Ridge turned towards the place where he had left his
blanket roll, only to encounter another shock to his recent pride. An
officer met him.
"Hello! What troop do you belong to?" he asked, suspiciously.
"Troop K, sir," answered Ridge, saluting.
"I thought so. What are you doing here?"
"I was ordered ashore."
"Humph! Without any reason at all, I suppose."
Ridge remained silent.
"Oh, well, if you don't choose to tell why you are in disgrace you
needn't, but you may report to the cook of the officers' mess, who is
in need of an assistant."
Here was a dilemma. Ridge could not, of course, obey this order, since
every moment was precious. To disobey would cause his arrest and
detention in the guard-house. Nor could he inform even this officer of
the secret mission on which he was engaged. At that moment evening
stable-call was sounded, and a happy inspiration came to his relief.
"Very well, sir," he answered, turning as if to obey the order. Then
he added, "May I look after my horse first?"
"I suppose so," replied the officer. "Only be quick about it, for the
cook is badly in need of some one to help him."
So, without making a further attempt to recover his personal
belongings, Ridge hastened to the picket-line, where Se�orita
manifested most extravagant joy at again seeing her young master.
"Is that your horse?" inquired the non-commissioned officer in charge
of the stable guard.
Upon Ridge acknowledging that the mare was his, the other continued;
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