VOLUNTEER TROOPS AT LARNED 



these volunteers to fully corroborate Tom's re- 

 ports, and as we drove back to camp I informed 

 my comrade of the proposition I had received for 

 straightening out the tangles in which the lieuten- 

 ant had involved himself. 



**How long*s it going to take you?" he asked. 



"About two or three weeks, I think," I repHed. 



"Well, of course we'll let you off for that long, 

 in consideration of the big pay you'll be getting." 



When we got to camp and I had stated the 

 proposition to Tom, he replied promptly: 



"Jump onto it, by all means. You won't often 

 find such chances as that for making money lay- 

 in' around loose on the plains or anywhere else. 

 That's big money for a little work. Jack an' me'll 

 give you a leave of absence long enough to make 

 yourself a nice little wad on the side." 



"No, Tom," I answered. "I won't have it that 

 way. We have agreed, all along, that this is a full 

 partnership of the firm of Vance, Flannigan & 

 Peck and that whatever we make or lose we are 

 to share equally. Jack insisted on this rule when 

 he captured Black Prince, and I shall insist that 

 whatever I make on this work shall be turned into 

 the general fund." 



"Well, suit yourself about it," said Tom indif- 

 ferently; "any way to keep peace in the family. 

 We'll call it detached service you're on, then, in- 

 stead of a leave of absence." 



The matter being settled, next day I rode Prince 



201 



