I did not feel like shooting at anything except myself, for the night before I had been interviewing the sutler's store, in company with Major Brown.

When I looked for my gun, I found that I had left it behind me.

I got cold consolation from Major Brown when I informed him of my loss.

Then I told him that the general had sent for me to shoot a match with him, and that if the old man discovered my predicament there would be trouble.
"Well, Cody," said the major, "the best thing you can do is to make some excuse, and then go and borrow a gun from one of the men.

Tell the general you loaned your rifle to someone for a hunt.