The pony stood with drooping head, his flanks still heaving from his late run.

To the right the ground appeared open and level, a cultivated field, while upon the other side was a sharp rise of land covered with brush.

It was a lonely, silent spot, and my eyes turned back inquiringly to my companion.
"Why, no," I replied rather foolishly.

"But I confess I am all at sea just now; where are we ?" It seemed very easy for her to laugh, and evidently my confession was amusing.
"You must pardon me," she excused herself, "but I thought you were a scout." "I am," vexed at her propensity to poke fun.

"I have been detailed for that service for more than two years.