d as the bed is, you have done it a
compliment in the way of sleeping. You young soldiers understand how to
get the most out of things."

"You are too generous, Father, and I can't appreciate it. I know what I
deserve, and you know it, too. Tell me what a brute and fool I am; it
will do me good. Punch me a solid jolt in the ribs, like the one you
gave me not long ago."

"Qui sine peccato est, primus lapidem mittat" said the priest. "Let him
who is without sin cast the first stone."

He had gone to the hearth and was taking from the embers an earthen
saucer, or shallow bowl, in which some fragrant broth simmered and
steamed.

"A man who has slept as long as you have, my son, usually has a
somewhat delicate appetite. Now, here is a soup, not especially
satisfying to the taste of a gourmet like yourself, but possessing the
soothing quality that is good for one just aroused from an unusual nap.
I offer it, my son, propter stomachum tuum, et frequentes tuas
infirmitates (on account of thy stomach, and thine often infirmities).
This soup will go to the right spot."

While speaking he brought the hot bowl to Farnsworth and set it on the
bedcover before him, then fetched a big horn spoon.

The fragrance of pungent roots and herbs, blent with a savory waft of
buffalo meat, greeted the Captain's sense, and the anticipation itself
cheered his aching throat. It made him feel greedy and in a hurry. The
first spoonful, a trifle bitter, was not so pleasant at the beginning,
but a moment after he swallowed it a hot prickling set in and seemed to
dart through him from extremity to extremity.

Slowly, as he ate, the taste grew more agreeable, and all the effects
of his debauch disappeared. It was like magic; his blood warmed and
glowed, as if touched with mysterious fire.

"What is this in this soup, Father Beret, that makes it so searching
and refreshing?" he demanded, when the bowl was empty.

Father Beret shook his head and smiled drolly.

"That I cannot divulge, my son, owing to a promise I had to make to the
aged Indian who gave me the secret. It is the elixir of the Miamis.
Only their consecrated medicine men hold the recipe. The stimulation is
but temporary."

Just then someone knocked on the door. Father Beret opened it to one of
Hamilton's aides.

"Your pardon, Father, but hearing Captain Farnsworth's voice I made
bold to knock."

"What is it, Bobby?" Farnsworth called out.

"Nothing, only the Governor has bee