I addressed the letter to Ebenezer Dorset, and put it into my pocket. As I was leaving, the boy came up to me and said:
“Snake-eye, you said I could play the Black Scout while you are away.”
“Play it, of cause,” said I. “Mr. Bill will play with you. What kind of game is it?”
“I am the Black Scout and I have to ride a horse. I am tired of playing Indian[1]… I want to be the Black Scout.”
“But what am I to do?”[2] asked Bill.
“You are the horse,” said the boy. “Get down on your hands and knees[3] and I`ll ride on you.”
“How far are you going to ride?” asked Bill.
“Ninety miles,” was the answer.
“Ninety miles!” said Bill. “For Heaven`s sake, Sam, hurry back. Return as quickly as you can. I`m sorry we didn`t ask for a thousand dollars only!”
