"I knew it was you all the time," he cried, "for certain I did. I knew
it was you all the time."

I was greatly relieved, but naturally deeply indignant. I felt as
though someone had jumped from behind a door, and shouted "Boo!" at
me. I hoped in my heart that the colonel would give the fellow eight
hours' pack drill. "What a remarkable sentry," I said.

Aiken shoved his hands into his breeches pockets, and surveyed the man
with an expression of the most violent disgust.

"You've got a damned queer idea of a joke," he said finally. "I might
have shot you!"

The man seemed to consider this the very acme of humor, for he fairly
hooted at us. He was so much amused that it was some moments before he
could control himself.

"I saw you at Porto Cortez," he said, "I knew you was the American
Consul all the time. You came to our camp after the fight, and the
General gave you a long talk in his tent. Don't you remember me? I was
standing guard outside."

Aiken snorted indignantly.

"No, I don't remember you," he said. "But I'll remember you next time.
Are you standing guard now, or just doing a little highway robbery on
your own account?"

"Oh, I'm standing guard for keeps," said the sentry, earnestly. "Our