buffalo-robes, and wood and meat. Their packs, and the packs of Hugh Menaugh and Jake Carter (who barely could hobble, using their muskets as crutches) were hidden under trees.
Sturdy red-haired John and young Tom felt badly. So did everybody. The lieutenant's voice broke, as he said:
"We aren't deserting you, my lads. Never think of that. As surely as we live we will send for you, the very first thing, as soon as we locate a desirable camping spot, to which to bring down the horses. That will not be long; we have only to cross these mountains. Rather than desert you, if I should be the last man alive in the party I would return, myself, and die with you. Whatever happens, meet it like soldiers, bearing in mind that you are suffering for your Country. It is far preferable to perish thus, in the wilderness, in discharge of duty, rather than to forfeit honor by evading hardships and toil like the disloyal Kennerman."
"Oh, sir! We'll act the man, sir," they replied. "We'll keep a stiff upper lip, an' be waitin' for the hosses to come get us."
The lieutenant shook hands with them; the doctor shook hands with them.
"Now take care of those feet," he urged.
Everybody shook hands with them.
