Part 21 (1/2)

”Hold up a minute, now, Stubbs,” said Hal. ”You're all tangled up here. You've forgotten what you are talking about.”

”Tangled? Forgot?” sputtered Stubbs. ”What do you think I am, a fool?”

”Well, I didn't say so, did I Mr. Stubbs?” Hal wanted to know.

”That means you do, eh?” grumbled Stubbs.

”Well, all right, think what you please. What I asked you was this: Why did you run away from me?”

”What makes you think we ran away, Stubbs?” asked Chester.

”What makes me think it? Why shouldn't I think it, I ask you? Why shouldn't I think it? I ask you to wait till I get a horse, and when I come back, you're gone.”

”Maybe we didn't hear you, Mr. Stubbs,” put in Hal.

”And maybe you did,” exploded Stubbs. ”Now, if you don't want my company, all you've got to do is to say so.”

”Stubbs,” said Chester, ”you know we'd rather have your company than that of--of--of, well, say three wildcats.”

”Ha! Ha! Ha!” laughed Hal.

”Think you're funny, don't you?” said Stubbs, gazing at Chester with a scowl.

”Not so funny as you and the wildcats, Stubbs.” laughed Chester.

Stubbs wheeled his horse about.

”I can see I'm not wanted here,” he said with dignity. ”Therefore, I shall not bother you.”

He rode back the way he had come.

”It's too bad,” said Hal. ”We've offended him and he's awfully angry.”

He raised his voice and shouted: ”Hey, Stubbs! Come back here.”

Stubbs did not deign to turn his head.

”He's mad all right,” Chester agreed. ”But h.e.l.l get over it. Besides, it's just as well. We should not take him with us.”

”You're right, Chester. Come, we have no time to waste.”

The lads again put spurs to their horses and galloped rapidly along.

It was late afternoon when they rode up to General Haig's tent, and announced their errand. They were admitted to the general's quarters immediately, and Hal presented his message.

”General Pers.h.i.+ng informs me,” said General Haig at length, ”that if I have need of you, I may use you.”

The lads bowed.