others were as well, for it's a beastly outrage that some should be
taken and others left. Just as if we weren't as good as any of them!"
was the bitter comment.

"Without reply, Ridge turned towards the place where he had left his
blanket roll, only to encounter another shock to his recent pride. An
officer met him.

"Hello! What troop do you belong to?" he asked, suspiciously.

"Troop K, sir," answered Ridge, saluting.

"I thought so. What are you doing here?"

"I was ordered ashore."

"Humph! Without any reason at all, I suppose."

Ridge remained silent.

"Oh, well, if you don't choose to tell why you are in disgrace you
needn't, but you may report to the cook of the officers' mess, who is
in need of an assistant."

Here was a dilemma. Ridge could not, of course, obey this order, since
every moment was precious. To disobey would cause his arrest and
detention in the guard-house. Nor could he inform even this officer of
the secret mission on which he was engaged. At that moment evening
stable-call was sounded, and a happy inspiration came to his relief.