WE GET OUR DISCHARGES 



approached for the Indian agent to make the an- 

 nual distribution of gifts from the government, 

 the tribes would come in to receive their annui- 

 ties. Our trading with the Indians had to be done 

 quietly, because the post sutler had the exclusive 

 privilege of all Indian trade on the post reservation, 

 and, by order of the commanding officer, no one 

 else might carry on any traffic with the Indians. 



From one of the cavalry first sergeants we each 

 bought a rifle, revolver, and some cartridges, and 

 such additional soldier clothing as we needed. 

 These purchases were, of course, illegal. It was 

 a serious offence for any non-commissioned officer 

 or soldier to sell government property. On the 

 other hand, it was very frequently done. 



A few days later Tom came into the quarters 

 and gleefully exclaimed: "I've struck it. A bull 

 train is corralling about a mile above the post, and 

 the wagon-master has agreed to haul us into the 

 settlements. It is one of Majors & Russell's out- 

 fits going back empty, and the wagon boss agrees 

 to take us and let us work our passage, for he is 

 shorthanded. The train will lie over here to-mor- 

 row to get some work done, and that will give us 

 time to get our discharges, draw our rations, and 

 say good-by to the other men." 



"But, Tom," said Jack, "how can we work our 

 passage in a bull train when ne'er a one of us knows 

 anything about driving bulls?" 



"I told the wagon boss that," answered Tom, 



