The problem fronting me did not appear so easily solved, now that I was fairly up against it, and yet there seemed only one natural method of procedure.

I must go at my unpleasant task boldly, and in this case only the truth would serve.

I was an officer in the United States Army, and had in my pocket papers to prove my identity.

These would vouch for me as a gentleman, and yield me a measure of authority.

And this fact, once established, ought to give me sufficient standing in the eyes of those girls to compel from them a respectful hearing.