The colonel stared at Ted with a sort of amazement for a moment, and grunted: "Well, you're likely to know a great deal more about me before we're through with one another." "I hope so," said Ted pleasantly. "But what is your business with me?" "I'll speak of it when I come to it," said the old soldier. "Then you'll have to be quick about it, for I've been in the saddle continuously for six weeks, and I'm tired. Besides, I've got a day's work to do before I turn in to-night." There was something crisp and business-like in Ted's speech, and not at all impertinent, that caused the colonel to look at him again. "What's this I hear about your refusal to accede to our just demand that the cattle intended to fill your contract be turned into our pasture?" asked the colonel sharply. "Only this," answered Ted: "I arrived here just in time, with my stock worn out from forced marches. I had just let them have all the water they could drink, and it was necessary that they should have a good feed in order to rest well to-night to be in condition to stand inspection to-morrow. I was well within my rights in deciding not to move them any farther to-night." "I understand that you were impertinent to the officer who made this request to you," thundered the colonel. Ted laughed softly to himself. "If I was impertinent to him I was there and perfectly responsible, personally, for my conduct. It was wholly unofficial, and I cannot see why he should come to you with it." Ted looked at the lieutenant, who had flushed angrily. The girl looked from Ted to Barrows, and then at her father. "That is not the question, sir. He represents the army in his person when he comes to you on the army's business." "Well, I can't fight the whole army," said Ted, laughing, "but I can certainly take care of myself in all ordinary matters." Barrows half rose in his chair as if he was going to resent Ted's remark. "Sit down, Barrows," said the colonel explosively. "The young man is right as far as that is concerned. Now, sir, I've half a mind not to accept your beef at all. I consider that you have not properly filled the contract." "I certainly have," said Ted stoutly. "The beef was on the government reservation fifteen minutes before the time limit according to the acknowledgment of Lieutenant Barrows himself." "I said no such thing," almost shouted the lieutenant. "Be careful," said Ted. "That is giving me the lie direct. Several of my men heard you say so." "Mr. Barrows, please be quiet," said Miss Croffut. "I shall go in." "I beg your pardon, Miss Croffut," said Ted, rising and bowing. "I had no intention of carrying on a quarrel in your presence. Colonel, I shall be glad to discuss this matter with you in your office if you wish, but not here. I have no quarrel with you, and I do not propose to, if I can avoid it." "I presume you mean that you would quarrel with me," said Barrows, blustering up.