“Great scott! Is it Dave?” And my old colonel, forgetting military etiquette, was slapping me on the back and almost dancing, as he cried out “My! David, I am glad to see you!” He had no need to tell me that. “I little thought yesterday,” I said, “that I should be here this morning, or possibly ever again. I can hardly believe it even now.” As I told of my escape, and about the horse, the colonel said, “I see--the horse has been here before, and knew the safe way.” Calling to his orderly he commanded, “Bring the saddle here at once, and feed the horse well.” Then, looking at his watch--“It is thirty minutes past four. What time did you get away?” I couldn’t tell. It had seemed an eternity since I had started, so long was the way to freedom. CHAPTER XXVI A HOSPITAL CASE When the saddle was brought in, I told the colonel what Jot had written about ripping it open. With a smile which I could not interpret, he cut the stitches with his pocket knife and, inserting his fingers, drew out two packages, passed one to me and retained the other. Giving the saddle to his man he directed him to restore the stitching, and bring the saddle back to him. “There are some blankets,” he said to me. “Make yourself comfortable and get your sleep. If there is anything else you want call on me.” “Since you are so kind to mention it, Colonel,” I said, “have you got anything to eat around here? I feel pretty empty, and have ever since I struck the Huns.” The colonel smiled and directed his man to feed me. And that darkey got me up a lunch to which I did full justice. “Golly!” said that personage, with astonished awe at seeing his provender disappear about as fast as he could bring it on: “You’s de most powerful eater I’s eber seed; you’s done gone an’ beat de Kernal fo’ sure!” When I had finished my repast, I said, “I want to see the little horse before I sleep, and to thank him for bringing me through safely.” So I went out with Sam but found the colonel there before me. He explained that Jack must be sent back that night, so after I had petted and talked to Jack I clapped my hands and sent him swiftly away over the fields. “You must not mention this,” said the colonel; “but it is not the first time, and the horse always finds his way back to the place from which he last went.” I understood. “Now, Captain,” he said, “get your sleep. I have much still to do tonight.” I was getting ready for bed, when in rushed Muddy, frantically barking and yelping to give me welcome. “De colonel thought you’d like to see him powerful well,” said Sam, “so I lets him out.” And Muddy snuggled down beside me to share my bed, as he had often done before. It was late in the morning when Sam called me to breakfast where I found the colonel waiting for me.