I wondered what in the very mischief we wanted with such a vast turn-out as that, for eight men.

I wondered awhile, but soon I began to long for a tin plate, and some bacon and beans.

I had camped out many and many a time before, and knew just what was coming.

I went off, without waiting for serving men, and unsaddled my horse, and washed such portions of his ribs and his spine as projected through his hide, and when I came back, behold five stately circus tents were up--tents that were brilliant, within, with blue, and gold, and crimson, and all manner of splendid adornment! I was speechless.

Then they brought eight little iron bedsteads, and set them up in the tents; they put a soft mattress and pillows and good blankets and two snow-white sheets on each bed.