a rotten reputation—even for a private inquiry agent.

their fury about the ammunition destroyed the Mission. At the time

of its destruction a rumor of this nature was circulated through

camp, started by some wag, no doubt in jest; for Ord, who was

somewhat eccentric in his habits, and had started on the expedition

rather indifferently shod in carpet-slippers, here came out in a

brand-new pair of shoes. Of course there was no real foundation for

such a report, but Rains was not above small things, as the bringing

of this petty accusation attests. Neither party was ever tried, for