CHAPTER XXVII.





THE spring had come again, and a little more than its first month
had elapsed when, early one morning, as the sun was stealing up
softly from the east, and before it had brought the hour for the
slumbering troops to be aroused by another r‚veille, or had gilded
the hills and valleys with its light, Captain Marshall, accompanied
by his faithful orderly, Franco, entered the half-slumbering town
of Minneopoli and turned toward the inn, whence the coach was soon
to leave for the nearest railway station.

"Lieutenant Styles will be in command, Franco, till I return, you
know, and I fear he will form a dangerous substitute, with his
affable nature," said the captain, as the hour of parting drew near.

"Well, never mind that, captain; no matter how affable, we boys do
not wish a new commander just now," returned the true-hearted boy.

"Take care of your scalps, Franco. Don't let the 'red-skins'
surprise you while I am gone. There, I see the coach is ready. I