I'd like to go too. And
then I'd expect good pay if the thing went through, and a commission as
lieutenant."
"There'd be no trouble about that," answered Sam. "I'll think it over,
and perhaps consult the general about it and let you know by
to-morrow."
"Very good, sir. I'm Sergeant Keene of the 5th Company, 39th Infantry."
As the sergeant went out Cleary came in, and Sam laid the matter before
him.
"I know that fellow by sight," said Cleary. "They say he's served
several terms for forgery and counterfeiting. I don't like his looks.
That's a great scheme tho, if it does seem a little like
bunco-steering. It's all right in war perhaps."
"Yes," said Sam. "We have a higher standard of honor than civilians.
I'll go and see the general about it now."
After some consultation the general approved the plan and authorized
Sam to carry it out. The latter set Keene to work at once at forging a
letter from Baluna acknowledging receipt of the orders for
reenforcements and informing Gomaldo that he was sending him the first
company of one hundred troops. Meanwhile he selected three officers of
the Regular Army to accompany him besides Keene, and through the
latter approached three native officers who had been captured at San
Diego. One of these was a close confidential friend of Gomaldo's, but
Keene succeeded after much persuasion in winning them all over.
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