Part 20 (2/2)

”Where to?” he demanded.

”We've a mission to General Haig,” said Hal. ”Why?”

”Wait till I get a horse and I'll go along,” said Stubbs.

He hurried away.

”I don't know whether he should go with us or not,” muttered Hal.

”If you think that, let's don't wait for him,” returned Chester.

”Good idea,” Hal agreed, and put spurs to his horse.

Chester followed suit.

For ten minutes they rode rapidly, and then Hal slowed down.

”Guess we've lost him, all right,” he said.

But they hadn't. A short time later Hal, glancing over his shoulder, made out the form of a solitary horseman hurrying after them. The rider made gestures as Hal looked, and the lad perceived that the man, whoever he might be, desired them to wait. Therefore, having forgotten all about Stubbs, the lad reined in. Chester did likewise.

”h.e.l.lo,” said Chester, as the rider drew closer. ”It's Stubbs.”

”Tough,” Hal commented. ”I had forgotten about him. However, we don't want to hurt his feelings. He's seen us now, so there is no use running.”

They sat quietly until Stubbs drew up alongside.

”What's the idea of running away from me?” the little man wanted to know.

”Running away, Mr. Stubbs?” questioned Chester. ”Surely you must be mistaken. Why should we run away from you?”

”That's what I would like to know,” declared Stubbs. ”Didn't I tell you to wait for me?”

”Did you, Stubbs?” This from Hal.

”Did I? You know deuced well I did. You're not deaf, are you?”

”Well, no,” said Hal, ”but your memory, Mr. Stubbs, how is that?”

Stubbs glared at the lad angrily.

”There is nothing the matter with my memory,” he said, ”as you'll find, if you ever have occasion to need me.”

”Come now, Stubbs,” said Chester. ”You do us both an injustice. You must explain yourself.”

”Great Scott!” Stubbs burst out. ”Explain, must I? What do you mean, I must explain?”

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