"Not at all. You have proven of considerable assistance here, and I shall part from you with regret. I have letters for Governor Clark of Missouri, and Governor Reynolds of Illinois; also one to General Atkinson at Jefferson Barracks, detailing my views on the present Indian situation. These are confidential, and I hesitate to entrust them to the regular mail service. I had intended sending them down river in charge of a non-commissioned officer, but shall now utilize your services instead--that is, if you are willing to assume their care?" "Very gladly, of course." "I thought as much. Each of these is to be delivered in person. Captain Thockmorton informs me that he will be prepared to depart within an hour. You can be ready in that time?" I smiled. "In much less. I have little with me but a field kit, sir. It will not require long to pack that." "Then return here at the first whistle, and the letters will be ready for you. That will be all now." I turned toward the door, but paused irresolutely. The major was already bent over his task, and writing rapidly. "I beg your pardon, sir, but as I am still to remain on duty, I presume I must travel in uniform?" He glanced up, his eyes quizzical, the pen still grasped in his fingers. "I could never quite understand the eagerness of young officers to get into civilian clothing," he confessed reflectively. "Why, I haven't even had a suit for ten years. However, I can see no necessity for your proclaiming your identity on the trip down. Indeed, it may prove the safer course, and technically I presume you may be considered as on furlough. Travel as you please, Lieutenant, but I suggest it will be well to wear the uniform of your rank when you deliver the letters. Is that all?" "I think of nothing more." Fifteen minutes sufficed to gather together all my belongings, and change from blue into gray, and, as I emerged from quarters, the officers of the garrison flocked about me with words of congratulation and innumerable questions. Universal envy of my good fortune was evident, but this assumed no unpleasant form, although much was said to express their belief in my early return. "Anyway, you are bound to wish you were back," exclaimed Hartley, the senior captain, earnestly. "For we are going to be in the thick of it here in less than a month, unless all signs fail. I was at that last council, and I tell you that Sac devil means to fight." "You may be certain I shall be back if he does," I answered. "But the Major seems to believe that peace is still possible."