How Far to Town

A unit of soldiers was marching a long dusty march across the rolling prairie. It was a hot blistering day and the men, longing for water and rest, were impatient to reach the next town.

A rancher rode past.

- Say, friend - called out one of the men - how far is it to the next town?

- Oh, a matter of two miles or so, I reckon - called back the rancher.

Another long hour dragged by, and another rancher was encountered.

- How far to the next town? - the men asked him eagerly.

- Oh, a good two miles.

A nearly half hour longer of marching, and then a third rancher.

- Hey, how far's the next town?

- Not far - was the encouraging answer - only about two miles.

- Well - sighed the optimistic sergeant - thank God, we're holding our own, anyhow!