turning to Boyd, “you, sir, are not to encumber yourself again with any such force as you now have with you. Twenty men are too many for a swift and secret affair. Four is the limit — and four of Mr. Loskiel’s Indians.”

He sat still, gnawing at his lip for a moment, then:

“I am sorry that, through no fault apparently of your own, this Sorcerer, Amochol, escaped. But, gentlemen, the service recognizes only success. I am always ready to listen to how nearly you failed, when you have succeeded; I have no interest in hearing how nearly you succeeded when you have failed. That is all, gentlemen.”

We stood at salute while he wheeled, and, followed by his considerable staff, walked his fine horse away toward the train of