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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4ed9020 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #52755 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/52755) diff --git a/old/52755-8.txt b/old/52755-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 0eaf2db..0000000 --- a/old/52755-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7755 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty, by H. Irving Hancock - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty - or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons - -Author: H. Irving Hancock - -Release Date: August 8, 2016 [EBook #52755] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY *** - - - - -Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David K. Park and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - -[Illustration: "Let Me Look at That Bolt." _Frontispiece._] - - - - - Uncle Sam's Boys - on Field Duty - - OR - - Winning Corporal's Chevrons - - By - H. IRVING HANCOCK - - Author of The Motor Boat Club Series, The High School Boys' Series, - The West Point Series, The Annapolis Series, Uncle Sam's Boys - in the Ranks, Uncle Sam's Boys as Sergeants, Etc. - - Illustrated - - PHILADELPHIA - HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY - - - - - COPYRIGHT, 1911, BY - HOWARD E. ALTEMUS - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I. A SQUAD-ROOM MISUNDERSTANDING 7 - II. ON THE GREAT SUMMER HIKE 29 - III. SOLDIER HAL MARCHES AS A PRISONER 47 - IV. THE JOKING SCOUT 54 - V. THE CORPORAL WITH THE SHEEPISH GRIN 65 - VI. RAYNES FINDS A PATRIOTIC ALLY 77 - VII. BEARS AND OTHER TROUBLES 90 - VIII. IN THE MIDST OF THE "HOSTILES" 97 - IX. PLANNING FOR THE NIGHT ATTACK 103 - X. TRAPPERS AND TRAPPED 113 - XI. THAT C COMPANY CORPORAL EATS CROW 119 - XII. THE CALL TO DEADLY WORK 130 - XIII. THE APPOINTMENT WITH SUPREME DANGER 138 - XIV. MEETING BLICK IN EARNEST 145 - XV. THE BATTLE OF THEIR LIVES 155 - XVI. CAPTAIN CORTLAND "MAKES A SPEECH" 162 - XVII. ROUNDING UP THE MISSING LEAVE MEN 171 - XVIII. DOWLEY EGGS ON A CATSPAW 184 - XIX. A DISPUTE IN THE GUARD HOUSE 192 - XX. PROMOTION FLIES IN THE AIR 202 - XXI. THE PRICE OF BEING A MAN 211 - XXII. TWO YOUNG CORPORALS SEND OUT THE "C. Q. D." 227 - XXIII. THE WIND CHANGES ITS COURSE AND BLOWS 235 - XXIV. CONCLUSION 246 - - - - -Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty - -CHAPTER I - -A SQUAD-ROOM MISUNDERSTANDING - - -"I see by the paper----" began Private Green, looking up. - -Instantly the doughboys in the squad room turned loose on him. - -"You can never believe what you read in the papers," broke in Private -Hyman. - -"Cut it and study your guard manual!" yelled another. - -"Is it going to rain to-night, rookie?" - -"Let him alone. He wants to prove that he can read," jeered another, -which witticism brought a swift flush to the face of Private Green. - -For Green was as verdant as his name. He was a new recruit, just in -after his probationary period at a northwestern recruit rendezvous. He -was so green, in fact, that the men in the squad room, and throughout -B Company of the Thirty-fourth United States Infantry accused the -young fellow of having joined the Army so that he could get a wall of -bayonets between his own inexperienced self and the bunco men. - -The young recruit's mistake lay in pretending to know a lot more than -he really did know. He had been put through the unmerciful hazing that -always awaits a very "fresh" rookie, or recruit, but even that had -taught him little. Private Green was always looking for the chance to -prove to his new comrades among the regulars of the Thirty-fourth that -he knew something after all. This afternoon his trouble had taken the -form of trying to find something in a two-days' old newspaper on which -he could discourse for the enlightenment of the other men. - -"I see by the paper," continued Private William Green, as soon as his -tormentors would let him proceed, "that we of the United States are now -manufacturing the biggest and finest guns in the world." - -"Meaning cannon?" quizzed Private Hyman innocently. - -"Sure," nodded Private William Green. - -"Take that over to the red sheds," jeered one soldier. - -"What do we of the infantry care about the red legs and their -troubles?" demanded Hyman, as though affronted. - -For the "doughboys," or infantrymen, of the regular Army, affect -supreme scorn for all other arms of the service. In especial do they -profess contempt for the artillerymen, or red legs, this latter epithet -being derived from the fact that red is the artillery color, and that -the officers and non-commissioned officers of the artillery wear red -side stripes on their trousers. - -"But think what it means to this country," insisted Private William -Green, "when we manufacture the biggest guns in the world." - -"And we have also the loudest-mouthed and noisiest members in the peace -societies," remarked Private Hal Overton, laughingly. - -"What have peace-spouters got to do with big guns?" demanded Private -William Green rather stiffly. - -"Why, you see," explained Hal, "the peace advocates look for the -millennium." - -"The mill--what kind of mill?" inquired Green, with unlooked-for -interest, for Private Willie had been employed in a grist mill before -enlisting. - -"The mil-len-nium," explained Private Overton patiently, though with a -twinkle in his eyes. - -"Never heard of that mill," replied Private Green rather disdainfully. -"What's it for?" - -"Why, you see, Greenie--pardon me, I mean Willie," continued Hal -Overton, while the other soldiers in the squad room, scenting fun, -remained silent, "it's like this: The millennium is the age that may -come some time. The peace-spouters tell us that the millennium is -coming in two weeks from autumn. That millennium is the age when all -war will be abolished and soldiers will have to go to work." - -"What's all that got to do with what I was talking about?" demanded -Private Green, bewildered and half offended. - -"Wait, and Overton will tell you," warned Hal's chum, Noll Terry, who -stood by looking decidedly trim and handsome in his spotless khaki -uniform. - -"Of course you know all about Armageddon?" resumed Hal. - -"Never heard of him," retorted Green suspiciously, for he saw the -amused looks in the faces of some of the soldiers standing about. -"Say--hold on! Is Army-gid-ap----" - -"Armageddon," corrected Hal quietly. - -"Is that the name of the new breakfast food that the rainmaker (Army -surgeon) was trying to have sprung on the bill of fare of our company -mess?" - -"Oh, no," Hal assured him. "Nothing as bad as that. You see, -Greenie--Willie, I mean--while the peace-howlers lay all of their bets -on the millennium being just over the fence, there's another crowd of -high-brow thinkers who look forward to the great battle when all the -armies of the world will be present. That battle is going to be the one -grand fight of all history, and the armies of one half of the world -are going to get a sure thrashing from the armies of the other half. -Any way you look at it, it's surely going to be a big scrap, Willie, -and after that maybe all soldiers will be too tired to fight any more. -Now, for that great battle the high-brows have invented the name of -Armageddon. Don't forget the name, Willie--Armageddon. It's going to be -the biggest fight the world ever saw--the only real fight in history, -as we'll look back at it afterwards." - -"But what has all this got to do with what I was reading from the -paper?" insisted Private Green. - -"Why, don't you see, if we're making the biggest and finest guns, and -Armageddon comes on, it'll be just like robbing a baker's wagon for us -to win Armageddon. On the other hand, if millennium runs in first, and -we don't need the guns, then we win, too. We've got the biggest guns -for Armageddon, and the noisiest peace-howlers for the millennium. -Armageddon or millennium, it's just as good a bet either way, for the -United States is bound to win, going or coming." - -Private William Green didn't see more than a tenth part of the point, -but the laugh that followed got on his nerves. - -"You fellows are nothing but a lot of horse-play idiots," he growled, -rising and stalking away. - -As he made his way through the little fringe of soldiers something -happened to Private William Green, but Hal Overton was the only -disinterested person who happened to see it. - -William had joined the Army after toiling and saving for some four -years. Green had saved his money, and hoped to save a lot more. He was -known to have about four hundred dollars in cash, which he had so far -declined to deposit with the Army pay-master. Where he kept this money -was not known, beyond the fact that he sometimes carried it on his -person. - -Just as William was passing through the group of soldiers a hand ran -expertly up under the loose hem of Private Green's blouse. A wallet -left Green's right-hand hip pocket, coming away with the intruding -hand. Then Private Dowley slipped the wallet into his own trousers' -pocket. - -Hal saw and acted with his usual quickness. - -"Don't do that, Dowley," Hal advised, moving forward and resting a hand -on Private Dowley's shoulder. - -"Don't do what?" demanded Dowley, turning scowling eyes on Hal. - -"Give him back his wallet, Dowley. That's carrying a joke too far." - -"I haven't----" was as far as Private Dowley got when Private William -Green, who was twenty-two years old, tall, raw-boned, freckled and -sandy haired, heard the word and clapped a hand to his own hip pocket. - -"I've been touched--robbed--right in the heart of United States -forces!" yelled Private Green, turning and staggering back. - -"Give it back to him, Dowley," urged Hal. - -"What do you mean? To say that I----" sputtered Dowley, clenching his -fists as though he meant to hurl himself at Hal Overton. - -But Private William himself settled the problem by hurling himself -weakly at Dowley and running his hands over his comrade's clothing. - -"There it is," yelled William. "My wallet--right in Dowley's trousers' -pocket." - -"Of course," nodded Private Hal. "Dowley did it as a joke, but it looks -like carrying a joke too far." - -Dowley, seeing that further denial was useless, broke into a guffaw. -Then he thrust a hand into his pocket, producing the wallet. William -Green pounced upon it with an exclamation of joy. - -"I wanted to string Greenie," explained Dowley hoarsely, "but Overton -had to go to work and spoil it all." - -"The joke was in bad taste," observed Private Hyman quietly. "We don't -want any work of that sort here, even for fun." - -"What I marvel at," remarked Hal innocently, "is how you did the thing -in such a smooth, light-fingered way, Dowley." - -"Light fingered? You hound!" raged Dowley, his eyes blazing. "Do you -mean that I did the trick with the skill of a crook?" - -He placed himself squarely before the young soldier, crowding him back -and glaring into Overton's eyes. - -The other soldiers in the room found suddenly a new interest in the -scene. Young Overton wasn't quarrelsome; he was the soul of good -nature, in fact, but he knew how to fight when he had to do it. - -"Stop walking on my feet," counseled Hal, giving Dowley a slight push -that sent him backward a step. - -"What did you mean?" insisted Dowley, who was working himself into a -greater rage with every second. - -"It's time to ask what you mean," retorted Hal. - -"You called me a light-fingered crook, because I played a joke on -Greenie," roared Dowley. "And I'm going to make you eat talk like -that." - -"You're putting a wrong construction on my words," returned Hal quietly. - -"You called me a light-fingered crook, didn't you?" demanded Dowley -hotly. - -"I spoke of your performance as a light-fingered trick." - -"That's the same thing," raged the older man. - -"Is it?" - -"Don't play baby, and don't crawfish," sneered Dowley, scowling. "You -know what you meant." - -"And you seem to think you know, too." - -"We must break this up," whispered Private Hyman to Noll Terry, Hal -Overton's soldier chum. "I don't want to see him get hurt." - -"What do you care about Dowley?" asked Noll, shrugging his shoulders. - -"Dowley be hanged!" retorted Hyman. "It's your kid friend I'm thinking -about." - -"Oh, he won't get hurt," retorted Noll with cheery assurance. - -"Your friend is pretty handy with his fists, I know, but Dowley is a -big fellow, an older man, with more fighting judgment; and I miss my -guess if Dowley hasn't had a big lot of practice in rough-and-tumble in -all the bad spots of life." - -"Will you take back and apologize for what you said?" insisted Dowley. - -"If I said anything I shouldn't have said," replied Hal quietly. - -"You're a liar, a cur and----" - -"Stop that!" objected Hal Overton, yet without raising his voice. - -"Apologize, then! Do it handsomely, too." - -"You've said too much to be entitled to any apology now," Hal assured -the scowling soldier. - -"Apologize, or I'll----" - -"Going to start now?" Hal queried smilingly. - -"Yes, you----" - -Dowley made a rush, with both fists clenched. Hal nimbly sidestepped, -putting up his own guard at the same time. - -"Attention!" shouted a soldier. - -Instantly both prospective combatants dropped their hands. The door -of the squad-room had opened, and now there entered a young officer, -handsome and resplendent in his new fatigue uniform. Unlike the -khaki-clad enlisted men, this officer was attired in the blue uniform. -Down the outer side of either leg of his trousers ran the broad white -stripe of the commissioned officer of infantry. On his shoulders lay -the plain shoulder strap, without bars or other device, proclaiming the -young man to be a second lieutenant. He was a handsome young fellow -of twenty-two, erect, fine of bearing and every inch of him an intense -soldier. - -"Where is Sergeant Hupner?" asked Lieutenant Prescott. His glance, as -he made the inquiry, appeared to be directed to Private Hal Overton. - -"I don't know, sir," Hal answered respectfully. - -"And neither of the corporals berthed in this squad room are present, -either?" - -"No, sir." - -No displeasure was apparent in the young lieutenant's tone. There was -no reason why the corporals, as well as the sergeant, should not be -absent at this moment, if they chose. The officer's query was made only -for the purpose of securing information. - -"You are Private Overton?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"When Sergeant Hupner returns be good enough to say to him that I wish -to see him at my quarters. Any time before the call for parade will do." - -"Very good, sir." - -"If Private Overton is not here when Sergeant Hupner returns, any other -man may deliver my message," continued Lieutenant Prescott. "That is -all. Good afternoon, men." - -The young lieutenant turned and strode from the squad room. - -"Somehow," mused Private Hyman, "it takes West Point to turn out a real -soldier, doesn't it? No matter how good a man is, or how long he spends -in learning the soldier trade, he's never quite the same unless he has -the West Point brand on him." - -"That's nothing to do with my affair," growled Private Dowley. "Now, -Kid Overton, I'll attend to your case." - -"Oh, cut it, Dowley," grumbled Private Hyman. "Get out and keep out, or -we'll find a blanket and give you a little excitement. Eh, boys?" - -"I'm going to polish off this kid for his insults to me," insisted -Dowley sulkily. - -"Bring the blanket, boys," muttered Hyman wearily. - -From several of the men came a gleeful whoop as they started in various -directions. It looked like business of a different sort now, and Dowley -was not too blind to see it. - -"Oh, all right, if you're all going to butt in to save this kid -doughbaby from his just deserts. But he'll get his later on," snarled -Private Dowley. - -"I'm all ready now. There's no time like the present," smiled Hal. - -But two of the soldiers were coming back with blankets. There's not an -atom of fun--for the victim--in being tossed in a blanket, so Dowley -started for the door. - -It banged behind him. Two minutes later it banged again, this time -closing on big Private Bill Hooper. - -"Birds of a feather--you all know the rest," chuckled Private Hyman, -winking at some of his comrades in B Company. A general laugh answered. - -"Why didn't you let Dowley have his fun?" asked Private Hal Overton -good-humoredly. - -"Because, Hal," replied Hyman, "Dowley is a big, ugly, dangerous man. -You're spunky; you're all grit, and I don't know any kid who can handle -himself as well as you do. But Dowley is in another class." - - * * * * * - -"You'll do well, after this, Hal," murmured Noll Terry, when the chums -were by themselves at one end of the room, "to keep your eyes open. I -shall do the same." - -"Why?" Overton wanted to know. - -"Well, you've made an enemy of Dowley." - -"Perhaps." - -"Don't treat it as lightly as that," warned Noll Terry with great -earnestness. "Dowley isn't a man to forget even a fancied injury. You -noticed that Bill Hooper went out soon after Dowley, didn't you?" - -"Yes; but what of it?" - -"Hooper hates you; he has hated you for a long time, and Dowley has -just learned to hate you. Now, you may be sure those two birds of a -feather will flock together." - -"Let 'em," laughed Hal indifferently. - -"For what purpose will they flock together?" persisted Noll. "They now -have a common interest in making life miserable for you." - -"Just for my one remark to Dowley?" smiled Hal. - -"I tell you Dowley is the kind of man who takes offense easily, and -then can't make himself forget. Look there, quick!" - -Noll, who had been half facing one of the end windows of the squad -room, suddenly nudged Hal, then pointed. - -"Do you see that pair over yonder, just going through under the trees?" -queried Noll Terry dryly. - -"Hooper and Dowley," nodded Hal. - -"What do you suppose has brought that pair together so quickly after -the scene here? They're drawn together by a common interest--in you." - -"Let 'em talk about me, if they like," proposed Hal coolly. - -"Do you imagine they're getting together just to talk about you?" -demanded Private Terry half indignantly. "Wake up, Hal; keep your eyes -open, and I'll do the same. They're two, but we are two, also. If -you don't go to sleep, Hal, I think we can prove ourselves equal to -anything that that pair may try to do. But you don't want to forget -that they are certainly plotting to do something to get you into -trouble. Whatever gets you into trouble also puts a bad mark on your -record as a soldier and threatens to interfere with your promotion." - -"If Hooper and Dowley get busy along those lines," muttered Hal, his -eyes blazing, "they'll find that they have a sure fight on their hands." - -"That's the way to talk, old fellow," approved Noll Terry, his eyes -shining eagerly. "And don't think I'm foolish, either, in the warning -that I'm giving you." - -"Thank you, Noll; I guess it will be as well to be ordinarily alert, -where that pair are concerned. It never does any fellow harm to have -his eyes open at all times." - -Readers of the previous volume in this series, "UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN -THE RANKS," will need no introduction to Privates Hal Overton and -Noll Terry, of the Thirty-fourth United States Infantry, stationed at -Fort Clowdry, in the lower Rockies of Colorado. - -Hal and Noll were bright, typical American boys when, at the age of -eighteen, back in their New Jersey home town, they decided that their -careers in life were to be found through enlisting in the Army. - -It was in April that they enlisted, after which they were sent to a -recruit rendezvous near New York City. At the recruit rendezvous the -two young "rookies," as recruits are commonly termed in the service, -were whipped very thoroughly into shape. - -While at the recruit rendezvous the two rookies distinguished -themselves by preventing the desertion of a corporal who was in arrest. -For this service they were commended in orders. - -On the way to their regiment in Colorado the boys were present -when an attempt was made to hold up the United States mail train. -An Army officer, Major Davis, of the Seventeenth Cavalry, ordered -them to assist him in resisting an attack on the mail car. In the -encounter that followed some of the train robbers were shot, others -then surrendering to Major Davis. That same night Major Davis wired -the colonel of the Thirty-fourth, speaking of the young recruits in -high terms for their prompt obedience and their grit under trying -circumstances. So Overton and Terry, on joining their regiment the next -morning, found themselves in high favor. - -Of course the young soldiers had to endure the usual amount of "hazing" -when they took up their new life in the squad room. But this they -did with a combination of grit and good humor that soon won them the -respect of the older soldiers. - -Then came a period of great excitement on the post. Despite the fact -that an entire battalion of the Thirty-fourth was stationed at Fort -Clowdry, a gang of burglars visited the quarters of married officers on -dark nights, and invariably succeeded in getting away with substantial -booty. - -It was young Private Overton who, when on sentry duty up in officers' -row, was first to detect the burglars as they were leaving a house -that they had robbed. Before the guard arrived Private Hal Overton had -a spirited battle with the decamping thieves. One of them turned out -to be Tip Branders, a young bully who had once lived in the home town -of Hal and Noll. Branders had robbed his own mother and had drifted -west, falling in with bad company. Hal and Noll then remembered a -rock-strewn, distant part of the post where they had once met Tip, -and there they led a squad of soldiers, under an officer. Here, after -another brief but spirited battle, the escaped burglars had been -caught; and here also all the booty stolen from the quarters along -officers' row was recovered. - -Both young soldiers had now received great credit for their daring -and clever work. Moreover, both had gone on rapidly in the thorough -learning of their new work as soldiers of the regular Army. - -And now the month of August had come around. Both young soldiers were -now on the high road to efficiency and success in their strenuous new -life. - -Readers of the "HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' SERIES" and the "WEST -POINT SERIES" will be quick to recognize another young man -who has been briefly introduced in the opening of this present -volume--Lieutenant Dick Prescott, a graduate of the United States -Military Academy at West Point, and just recently appointed to his -regiment, the Thirty-fourth. With Lieutenant Prescott was Lieutenant -Greg Holmes, who will be remembered as Prescott's close chum in the -High School and West Point days. - -Prescott we now find as second lieutenant of B Company; Holmes was -now second lieutenant of C Company of the same battalion of the -Thirty-fourth. - -Both were splendid young officers, and manly to the core. In the few -days that Lieutenants Prescott and Holmes had been at Fort Clowdry they -had made a fine impression on the enlisted men. Soldiers are quick to -judge and estimate the worth of their officers. - -Sergeant Hupner soon entered the squad room. The first sergeant being -absent for a couple of days, Hupner was acting first sergeant. To him -Hal gave Lieutenant Prescott's message. - -"I'll go up to the lieutenant's quarters at once," nodded Hupner. "He's -a fine young officer, isn't he?" - -"Yes," agreed Private Overton. "But I haven't yet met any but mighty -fine officers in the service, so the lieutenant isn't any cause of -surprise to me." - -Hupner was back within twenty minutes. - -"Attention," he called. "Men, in the absence of the captain and first -lieutenant until Wednesday, Lieutenant Prescott is company commander. -He has just notified me, as acting first sergeant, to inform the men -that B and C Companies march from the post on Friday for a two weeks' -period of training in field duty. Every man will promptly see to it -that all his field outfit is in proper order. Any man wishing further -instruction or advice will apply to me at any time up to our departure." - -Then Sergeant Hupner hurried forth to acquaint the men in the other -squad rooms of B Company with the news. - -"Field work? Hurrah!" shouted Private Terry, always eager to experience -new phases of the soldier's life. - -"You've never been off on field work, have you?" asked Hyman dryly. - -"No; that's why I'm so pleased about it," Noll answered. - -"And that's the only reason," added Hyman. "Take it from me that it's a -period of hard work, tedious marching, blistered feet, aching muscles -and all but crumbling bones. It's nothing but a big, torturesome hike -through the mountains." - -"I'll enjoy it," insisted Private Terry. - -"Wait," advised Hyman. - -Soon after the buglers of the post were sounding first call to -afternoon parade. It was not until the men were falling in ranks that -Bill Hooper and the morose Dowley heard about the coming tour of field -duty. - -"That will be our chance," muttered Hooper to Dowley, after the men -had been dismissed at the conclusion of parade. The two were again by -themselves, their scheming heads together. - -"I don't believe the chance will be as good off in the field as it will -be here at barracks," grunted Dowley. - -"That's because you haven't been in the Army long enough to know," -retorted big Bill Hooper. - -"Blast the Army!" snarled Dowley. - -"However did you come to enlist, anyway?" asked Hooper curiously. - -"I had reasons of my own," replied Dowley shortly. - -"Did the sheriff have anything to do with those reasons?" grinned -Hooper darkly. - -"Don't get too curious!" warned the other. - -"Oh, I'm not nosey," laughed Hooper. "And we can't afford to quarrel. -We're both pledged to getting Overton kicked out of the service." - -"Are you sure that he and Terry really expect to work their way up to -becoming commissioned officers?" - -"I have it on the best of authority," declared Private Hooper. - -"Whose?" - -"Their own." - -"Did they tell you so?" - -"Not they! Those kids are too close-mouthed for that. At least, they -didn't tell me direct, and I don't believe they've told any other -enlisted men on the post. But I heard them talking it over, one day -when they didn't know I was around. They expect to be made corporals -before their first year is out. In three years they hope to be -sergeants, and then they scheme to take the enlisted men's examination -for commissions as second lieutenants." - -"Lieutenants? Shave-tails?" guffawed Dowley. "Hooper, they'll never -even be corporals. It's a bob-tail discharge for theirs!" - -Second lieutenants, when their commissions are very new, are often -referred to as "shave-tails." A "bob-tail" is a dishonorable discharge, -after court-martial. To a real soldier a "bob-tail" means unspeakable -disgrace. - -"A bob-tail for theirs--yes, sir," repeated Private Dowley. "And I'm -genius enough to bring it about!" - -"Perhaps you won't need my help, for you sure are some smart," -suggested Bill Hooper in a tone of pretended admiration. - -"I'm smart enough to see that you'd drop out and use me as the -catspaw," growled Private Dowley. "None of that, Bill! You'll stand -right by and do half of the dirty work in exchange for half of the -satisfaction. Between us we'll give that fool Overton a new middle -name, and that middle name will be 'Bob-tail'!" - - - - -CHAPTER II - -ON THE GREAT SUMMER HIKE - - -From up the mountain road one of a little group of officers ahead sent -back an informal signal. - -"B Company fall in!" called out Lieutenant Dick Prescott. - -"C Company fall in!" followed Lieutenant Greg Holmes. - -These two young West Pointers had been left temporarily in command of -the companies with which they served. - -Some hundred and eighty men rose from their by no means soft seats on -the ground along the trail and fell into single file. - -Another hand signal came down the trail. - -"B Company forward, route step, march!" commanded Lieutenant Prescott. - -"C Company forward, route step, march," echoed Lieutenant Holmes a -moment later. - -Tortuously the line moved forward once more. To one well up in the air -that long line might have looked like a thin serpent trailing its way -up the mountain side. But it was a very real, human line. - -Each private soldier carried rifle, bayonet, cartridge belt, -intrenching tool, canteen, haversack and blanket roll. It was a heavy -pack. In addition, men here and there carried either a pick or a shovel. - -Noll was carrying an extra shovel just now. Hal Overton had no such -extra pack to-day, but all the day before he had toiled along with a -pick added to the rest of his equipment. - -What have soldiers to do with a pick and shovel? Theoretically these -two companies now engaged on field duty were marching through a hostile -country. After a battle the pick and shovel may be used for the work of -burying slain comrades. Such tools are also useful in the swift digging -of trenches in which to fight. - -It was past the middle of the afternoon now, and the day of the week -Monday. This little column was winding up the third day of its work in -field. - -As B Company traveled tediously along, Hal Overton was nineteenth man -from the first sergeant. Noll was twentieth; directly behind Terry -marched Private Hyman. - -"Terry?" called Hyman in a low tone. - -"Yes?" returned Noll. - -"How do you like field work now?" - -"Fine." - -"You're a cheerful liar," growled Private Hyman. - -"No, I'm not," laughed Noll. "I'm telling the truth." - -"You really enjoy this hike?" - -"Yes; and so does Hal." - -"Huh! He's a bigger liar than you are." - -"What's that human calamity behind you howling about?" demanded Private -Overton. - -"He's intimating that the truth isn't in us because we claim to like -field duty." - -"Hyman always was a bake-house soldier," laughed Hal cheerily. - -"What's that kid saying about me?" demanded Hyman. - -"Overton says," reported Noll, not very accurately, "that he can't -understand why you're in the Army at all. He says that one of your -temperament could find a job in civil life that would suit you much -better." - -"What job is that?" asked Hyman. - -"Nurse girl," grinned Terry. - -"For that," threatened Hyman, "I'll put salt in that kid's coffee -to-night." - -The conversation was carried on in a low tone of course. Troops in -the field, marching at route step, are allowed to carry on quiet -conversations when not supposed to be near the enemy. - -"You want to look out for Hyman, Hal," Noll passed word forward. - -"Why?" - -"He says you stole his bacon from his haversack this morning and he's -going to set a steel trap in his haversack to-night." - -"Hyman doesn't know the truth when he halts it on sentry post," Overton -retorted. "Hyman hasn't had any bacon in his haversack since we started -from Fort Clowdry." - -"How do you know?" demanded Private Hyman, who happened to overhear -this statement. - -"Because I've gotten up every night and looked through your haversack -for bacon," declared Private Overton unblushingly. - -"I heard to-day why you joined the Army," grunted Hyman. - -"Yes?" grinned Hal. - -"Sure! You had some trouble with the sheriff at home over stealing the -flowers from the cemetery and selling them to get cigarette money. -You're a nice one, Overton, to be entrusted with government property!" - -"Oh, come, now, Hyman," Hal laughed back. "That wasn't so bad as your -case. You enlisted because the judge said you'd either have to go to -jail for robbing the Salvation Army's Christmas boxes, or else turn -soldier." - -Half a dozen men in the long line were laughing now. - -"I'll fix you for that when you're asleep to-night," growled Hyman. - -"Yes; I notice you never do anything to a fellow when he's awake," -jeered Private Hal. - -The two men were not on bad terms, nor in any danger of becoming so. -This was merely an instance of the way soldiers "josh" one another. - -The sun was now disappearing behind the western hill tops. It would be -daylight, however, for more than two hours to come. - -Fifty minutes after this last start Lieutenant Prescott again received -a hand signal from the officers on ahead. - -"B Company halt; fall out," ordered the young West Pointer. - -Holmes repeated the command to C Company. - -The head of the line had halted near a grove through which a brook -bubbled along on its way to the stream down in the canyon to the right -of the trail. - -"The officers are going to inspect the grove as a site for camp," was -the word that passed back along the line. - -"A soldier's first duty," quoth Hal, as he sank upon the ground, "is to -make himself as comfortable as he can." - -Noll, too, dropped to the ground, and Hyman followed the example. - -"Overton, I'll have to borrow some of that baby powder of yours -to-night," sighed Hyman. - -"For your complexion?" grinned Hal. - -"No; to put in my shoes. This mountain hike has my feet in bad." - -"I'll tell you what you ought to do, just before every big hike," -laughed Hal. - -"Don't tell me anything about the hospital," murmured Hyman -disgustedly. "I tried that, day before we left Fort Clowdry, but the -rainmaker warned me that if I tried to make hospital report, he'd see -to it that I was left on thin gruel diet for a month." - -"The rainmaker knew his business," mocked Hal. "And I've heard another -yarn about that rainmaker." - -"What?" - -"After a malingerer gets his thin gruel down the rainmaker gives him a -stiff dose of syrup of ipecac, and the gruel comes up again." - -"There's no show for a man in the Army nowadays," sighed Hyman, who, -with all his pretense at "kicking," was a keen soldier and dependable -man. - -In every regiment are some soldiers who would shirk every arduous -duty if it were possible. The favorite device, with such men, is to -turn malingerer--that is, to pretend illness and gain admission to -hospital, which means a solid rest while comrades are working hard. But -the successes of malingerers in the way of shirking have made Army -surgeons keener, also. Lucky is the suspected malingerer who doesn't -get put on thin diet and fed nauseating medicines. - -From the group of officers ahead on the trail came Captain Freeman and -First Lieutenant Ray of C Company. - -"Mr. Holmes," called Captain Freeman, "let C Company fall in and take -up the march again." - -Young Lieutenant Holmes instantly gave the order to fall in. A moment -later C Company moved off at the route step. - -"What does that mean?" Hal asked Hyman. - -"Oh, some new scheme that the officers have hatched up," replied Hyman. -"There'll probably be a sham engagement on between C and our company -to-morrow." - -"We're lucky if it doesn't take place in the night," grunted another -soldier. - -"Well, my man, suppose it does?" demanded Sergeant Hupner, appearing -behind the "kicker." "What do you suppose these manoeuvres are for? -They're to teach you the soldier's trade. They're to fit you so that, -in actual war, you'll know what to do under any given conditions. The -better you know your trade, in war, the better chances you have to come -out of the war alive. This field duty, which so many of you dislike, -is for the training of every officer and man in the very things he does -in war time. The better every officer and man understands them the -better is each fellow's chance of keeping alive in war time. Those of -you who grumble ought to be ashamed of yourselves. Look around you at -some of the older soldiers who've seen service, and you'll find they -never kick." - -"B Company fall in!" rang the order, this time from Captain Cortland. - -But the march was to be a short one. The command was led into the grove -and halted. The order to pitch camp was given. Now a lively scene -followed. - -As the outer covering of his blanket roll each soldier carries a flap -of canvas, which constitutes one half of a shelter tent, as it is -officially termed. The soldier's name for it is dog tent or pup house. -Each man also carries two jointed sticks. One pair of sticks is jointed -to form the front pole of the tent, the other the rear pole. In front -of the tent site a peg is driven, and a cord passed from this peg up -over the front pole, across to the rear pole, and down to a peg at the -rear. Now the two flaps of canvas are fitted over this frame and the -tent is up. - -"Let's beat the company to it, Noll?" breathed Hal in his bunkie's ear. -In the Army the "bunkie" is the man with whom the tent is shared. -Usually two bunkies become close chums, even if they were not before -joining the service. - -"We've done it," breathed Hal, as he and Noll straightened up and gazed -about them. "That takes the crimp out of a few veterans." - -"Get a hike on, some of you men!" called First Sergeant Gray briskly. -Then he turned to glare mildly at Hooper and Dowley, who were finishing -last. - -Corporal Cotter, his own tent up with Corporal Reynolds, turned to look -down the company street. - -"Hooper, you and Dowley are going to hear something," predicted the -corporal dryly. - -"That's done well enough," grumbled Dowley, glancing at his tent. - -Captain Cortland stood at the head of the company street glancing down. - -"One tent forward out of alignment," called the company commander, then -stepped down the street. "Who are the men that occupy this tent?" he -demanded, halting. - -"My tent, sir," mumbled Hooper. - -"And mine, sir," added Dowley. - -"Don't you men know how to erect a tent in alignment with the street -front?" inquired Captain Cortland. "Take it down. Corporal Cotter, -stand by to see that these men set up their tent in soldierly fashion." - -"I told you you'd hear something," remarked Cotter. - -"Aw, what's the use of being so finicky about a tent a quarter of an -inch out of alignment?" grumbled Hooper. - -"The tent is more than that out of alignment," returned the corporal. -"And there's every use in the world in performing every duty in the -most soldierly fashion." - -"Say," began Dowley argumentatively. - -"Silence, and get on with your work," ordered Corporal Cotter sharply. -"Hooper, you're close to thirty-five years old. Dowley, you're around -thirty. Yet those two kids, Overton and Terry, are only eighteen, and -they beat you at every point in soldierliness." - -"Soldiering is a kid's game," growled Dowley. - -"The best men we get in the Army are those we catch young," retorted -Corporal Cotter. "Stop! Tighten that cord a whole lot more." "How does -that suit you, Corp?" demanded Dowley when, at last, the sulky bunkies -had again finished their task. - -"Address me as Corporal, not Corp," returned Cotter stiffly. - -"Well, Corporal, how do you like the set of our tent now?" insisted -Private Dowley. - -"It looks better this time," assented the corporal. "But, after this, -you men, instead of sneering at the kids of the company, will do well -to show yourselves as good men." - -"We're always getting the kids rubbed into us," growled Hooper. - -"Because they're head and shoulders over you both as soldiers," -rejoined Corporal Cotter, turning on his heel. "Even William Green is a -lot ahead of you as a soldier." - -As Dowley turned to glance scowlingly up the street he caught the -glance of Captain Cortland, glancing once more down the street. - -"Your tent is in proper alignment this time, men," nodded the company -commander, and went away. - -Now the creaking of heavy wagons was heard along the trail, accompanied -by the loud voices of the drivers. The expedition was accompanied by -six heavy wagons, each drawn by four mules. - -"Water in the brook; wood two hundred yards southeast!" shouted -Lieutenant Prescott, who had been sent scouting for these necessities. -On pitching camp the first task is always to learn where wood and the -best drinking water can be found in the neighborhood. Often the water -close at hand is forbidden for cooking and drinking purposes in favor -of clear water at a distance. - -Three of the approaching wagons continued along the trail, while the -other three turned in at the side of the grove. - -Corporal Reynolds and four men were detailed to unload and put up the -eight-by-ten khaki-colored tent that was to be occupied by the three -company officers. - -"I notice that the wide stripes don't care about sleeping in -pup-houses," grumbled Hooper to his bunkie. - -"Wide-stripe" is the nick-name sometimes given an officer on account -of the fact that the side stripe down the trousers' leg of the blue -uniform is much broader than that worn by the non-commissioned officer. -Privates wear no stripes on the trousers' leg, with the exception of -musicians, who wear two very narrow parallel stripes. - -Soon after the erection of the little village of tents, the soldiers -scattered, though they soon returned with bundles of fire wood. - -"You had better go and chase the stuff for our fire, Bill," proposed -Dowley. - -"Chase it yourself," retorted Hooper. - -"Not this trip," retorted Dowley. "It's up to you this time." - -Hooper swore that he wouldn't, but it ended by his starting tardily -after fagots. Dowley was already gaining the ascendancy over Private -Bill and making a half servant of him. - -Presently some forty fires were blazing brightly in an irregular line -at a distance of some yards from the line of dog-tents. American -soldiers were preparing their evening meal in the field. The operation -was an extremely simple one. First, each soldier dropped a handful of -coffee beans into his agate drinking cup. With the butt of the bayonet -he crushed these beans, the fineness depending upon his skill. Then -from the canteen each man poured water enough nearly to fill the cup, -which was then set on the fire for boiling. - -By the time that the coffee had boiled for a few minutes each soldier -returned his cup to the ground beside him. A dash of cold water from -his canteen was sufficient to "settle" the coffee. - -Now, each man placed two or three strips of bacon in his frying pan and -laid it on the coals. While these morsels were sizzling the soldier -turned his attention to sweetening his coffee. Then, when the bacon was -cooked to his satisfaction, each man brought out his field hard tack, -munching alternately on biscuit and meat. - -"Yesterday was Sunday, and we had raised biscuits, roast beef and -potatoes, with real gravy," grunted Dowley. "If a stingy government -would give us more wagons we could have that every day." - -"In war time," broke in Sergeant Hupner, "you might feel lucky if you -saw the Army oven working once in a month. I've been there, and I've -had to live for weeks on bacon, hard tack and coffee. Sometimes we -didn't have the coffee or the bacon, either." - -"That's a dog's life," grumbled Dowley. - -"No; it's a man's life, at need, but only a man can stand it in the -field," returned the sergeant gravely. - -After supper many of the men smoked, but Hal and Noll, as they did not -indulge in the weed, strolled down toward the trail. - -"Isn't this great?" breathed Hal Overton, staring off over the distant -mountain tops. "The field duty, I mean." - -"It's great, and I wouldn't have missed it for anything," agreed Noll. -"But it would do no good to try to tell anything of the sort to fellows -like Hooper and Dowley." - -"They're bad eggs," muttered Hal. "I wonder how such men ever got past -with their references and managed to be accepted for the service." - -"It is queer," nodded Noll. "But neither will stay in the service -beyond the first enlistment." - -"Yet they conduct themselves just well enough to escape any real -censure from the company officers." - -First Sergeant Gray was now moving through the camp, notifying the men -who were chosen for guard duty that night. But neither Hal nor Noll -were warned for detail that night. - -Not long after dark tattoo was sounded by one of the buglers. Fifteen -minutes later taps sounded, and all but the guard turned in in their -dog-tents. - -Each soldier is provided with a warm blanket and a rubber poncho, which -is a blanket with a slit in the middle so that the head may be thrust -through and the poncho worn, at need, as a rain coat. But to-night Noll -Terry spread his poncho on the ground, Hal laying his a-top. Then both -young soldiers lay down, drawing up their combined stock of blankets -over them, for the early night had turned out chilly. - -"Rest enough, now, for to-morrow's hike," mumbled Hal drowsily. - -"Yes; unless we're turned out to meet a night surprise," returned Noll -dryly. - -In another part of the camp Hooper and Dowley, both warned for the -guard, but not yet on post, were whispering by themselves. - -"To-morrow Kid Overton begins to get his," chuckled Hooper. - -"Yes; he'll begin to see those corporal's chevrons fading in the -distance." - -"We ought to fix Terry with him." - -"One at a time; that'll be surer," scowled Private Dowley. - -Hal and Noll slept the night through. Hal dreamed he was chasing an -elusive rascal, who performed wretchedly on the cornet. As the rascal -fled he continued to play on the cornet. - -Then young Private Overton opened his eyes. The cornet player turned -out to be the bugler, who was blowing lustily, twice through, the first -call to reveille. Hal sprang up from his blankets. After he had crawled -out of the pup-house, Noll joined him. - -Wood and water were quickly brought. The field breakfast was like the -field supper of the night before. Then the bugler got busy without -delay. The men fell in and roll-call was read. Immediately Captain -Cortland's crisp voice gave the orders that opened up the ranks. An -unexpected inspection was on. - -Lieutenant Hamilton stepped before the first platoon, Lieutenant -Prescott before the second. Inspection of pieces was on. - -Hal and Noll stood in the second platoon, about half way down the line. - -Noll held his piece at port arms as soon as Lieutenant Prescott reached -the man before him. By the time that the young West Pointer halted -before Noll, Hal, as the next man, threw his rifle over to port arms. - -The inspection of Noll's rifle proved satisfactory. Then the lieutenant -halted before Overton. - -"Open your magazine," commanded Lieutenant Prescott. - -Hal obeyed. - -"Draw your bolt." - -Hal did so, after a hard tug, holding the bolt in his hand. - -"Let me look at that bolt," ordered Prescott, gazing at the piece of -steel mechanism in astonishment. He took it from the young soldier's -hand and looked thunderstruck. - -"Don't replace your bolt until ordered, Private Overton. Fall out to -the rear." - -Overwhelmed with amazement, his face flushing hotly with shame, Private -Hal Overton gave his officer the rifle salute, then obeyed. - -Noll Terry's face went white with anxiety over his bunkie's misfortune. - -When inspection had been completed, Lieutenant Prescott made his -report to Captain Cortland, who immediately followed his young second -lieutenant to where Hal stood. - -"What's this, Overton?" asked the captain coldly. "I thought you were -one of our model young soldiers. Why, your rifle-bolt must have been -in the fire. The end is out of shape, the temper is drawn--and here are -file-marks on the bolt. It's unserviceable. I don't believe you could -fire the piece." - -"I'm afraid not, sir," Hal admitted. - -"Load with a blank cartridge, my man, and try to fire the piece." - -Returning the bolt, Hal slipped in a blank. But he could not drive the -bolt home for firing. - -"Ruined, my man," commented the captain stiffly. "Overton, this piece -has been in your care. How did this happen?" - -"I don't know, sir." - -"Corporal Cotter!" - -The corporal came over briskly. - -"Corporal, Private Overton is in arrest until released. You will march -him as a prisoner at the rear of the company and turn him over to the -guard at night." - -Corporal Cotter again saluted. Then, as the company officer and the -young lieutenant started away, Cotter stationed himself beside Overton. - -"Put your bolt back in the piece as far as it will go," ordered Cotter. -"Tie it in place." - -The men in ranks ahead had heard enough to realize that Private Hal -Overton was in disgrace, and most of them were sorry. - -Noll Terry was more than sorry. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -SOLDIER HAL MARCHES AS A PRISONER - - -The company broke ranks under orders to strike camp at once. - -Within six minutes the camp was down. Every enlisted man had his -blanket roll made up and in place, and all his other equipment on. - -Corporal Cotter stood over Hal even while he was making up his roll. - -"How on earth did that thing happen?" murmured Noll wretchedly. - -"Silence; no talking with the prisoner," rebuked Corporal Cotter -crisply. - -So Noll held his peace, though he was "boiling" inside. - -Again the company was assembled. - -"Fours right, march! By file, march!" - -B Company again struck the trail, heading further up into the -mountains, leaving the wagons to follow presently. Though B Company was -now likely to be attacked at any time in sham battle, by C Company, it -had been agreed that the respective wagon trains of the companies were -to be immune from capture on this day. - -"Overton, keep a distance of ten paces from the rear man of the -company, and march before me," commanded Cotter. "Keep the step -carefully until the order for route step comes." - -Never in his life had Hal Overton felt as heart-sick as he did now. - -Marching to the rear, a prisoner! - -It was, in every sense, as bad as being in the guard-house. - -Up ahead in the line things were "doing," but to this Hal, in his new -misery, was all but blind. - -Sergeant Hupner, with six men, had been sent ahead as a "point" to -discover any possible enemy who might be lurking in the way of the -forward progress of B Company. - -Scouts had been sent out on either flank. The line moved slowly, as -though fearing the presence of an actual enemy. There were frequent -halts. At one time, while the line waited, Lieutenant Prescott took -a detachment of twelve men to explore the country ahead. When he -returned, reporting no enemy developed, B Company moved forward, though -never without point and flankers. - -At noon B Company, still having stirred up no enemy, halted for dinner. - -Captain Cortland and his two young officers got through their meal with -soldierly despatch. Then the company commander called to Sergeant -Gray, who reported, saluting. - -"Sergeant, direct Corporal Cotter to bring his prisoner here." - -Seated on a small boulder, the captain eyed young Overton keenly as the -latter was brought up. - -"Private Overton," began Cortland, "have you yet discovered, or really -suspected, how your rifle bolt came to be in such bad shape?" - -"No, sir," replied Hal, again saluting. - -"At first glance it looked like a case of sheer neglect on your part to -care for your piece." - -"Yes, sir." - -"But those file marks?" - -"I can't explain them, sir." - -"It is forbidden for any man to use a file on the parts of his rifle, -except by direct permission from one of the company officers." - -"I know it, sir." - -"Have you had any such permission?" - -"No, sir." - -"Have you a file?" - -"Not a real one, sir. Only a manicure file." - -"Let me see it." - -Hal turned over the file, after finding it in his haversack. - -"Now, let me have the bolt from your rifle." - -Captain Cortland tried the file lightly in some of the nicks in the -bolt. Then he passed file and bolt over to Lieutenant Hampton. - -"Mr. Hampton, don't these nicks seem to fit this file remarkably well?" -queried the company commander. - -"They appear to--very well, sir," replied Lieutenant Hampton, testing -the file in the nicks. - -"What do you say, Mr. Prescott?" - -The young second lieutenant studied file and bolt attentively. - -"I am obliged to agree, Captain, with yourself and Mr. Hampton." - -"Private Overton, think again. Do you still care to deny that you -employed the file on the bolt of your rifle?" - -"I deny it, sir, with all the emphasis of which I am capable," was -Hal's earnest retort. His face was flushed, his breath came quickly, -but he looked straight and honestly into his commander's eyes. There -was no cringing in his attitude. His high color was to be attributed -only to the humiliation of the position in which he found himself. - -"And this bolt has been in the fire," continued Captain Cortland. -"Just such a fire, let us say, as you build three times a day for the -preparation of your food. The temper of the end of the bolt is ruined." - -"Yes, sir. May I speak, Captain?" - -"Go on, Overton." - -"Captain Cortland, I am aware how badly this looks for me. But I assure -you, sir, on my honor as a soldier, that I have no guilty or other -knowledge of how the bolt came to be in this fearful condition. I am -entirely innocent, sir, of any act that could have put the bolt in such -condition." - -"You are not guilty even of negligence, Overton?" - -"Not of any intentional negligence, sir." - -"Then, Overton, you must have some sort of suspicion of how this thing -happened." - -"I have a suspicion, Captain, but it is not founded on anything that is -yet very tangible, sir." - -"You think it an enemy's work?" - -"Yes, sir. None but an enemy could do such a thing as this to a -comrade's rifle." - -"Granted, but who is the enemy?" - -"May I be excused, sir, from answering?" asked Private Overton very -respectfully. - -"Why?" - -"Because it is quite possible that, in naming an enemy, I may do some -honest soldier an injury." - -"You need not answer, then, Overton. Wait here." - -Captain Cortland stepped down from the small boulder on which he -had been seated. At a sign from him Lieutenant Hampton walked away -with the company commander. The two remained for some moments in low -conversation. - -"Overton!" summoned Captain Cortland, returning. - -Hal saluted. - -"This affair looks badly for you, and I want it to be a lesson to you -hereafter. You have had an excellent record, Overton, since you joined -the regiment. For this time I am going to take your word that you are -ignorant of how the accident to your rifle bolt happened. So you are -now released from arrest, and will rejoin your company. If you suspect -that any comrade is guilty of this outrage on your bolt, I recommend -that you keep your eyes open for any further attempts against your -record. Corporal Cotter, you will not repeat what has been said here. -Overton, you are released from arrest. Corporal, report yourself to the -first sergeant as being on regular duty again." - -Corporal and private sainted, then turned back to the company. - -"You got off easily," murmured Noll, when his bunkie, with face white -and eyes flashing, joined him. - -"That's because Captain Cortland decided to take my word for my -innocence in the matter," Hal replied cautiously. - -"Now, see here, old fellow, you've got to be up and doing," urged Noll -earnestly in a whisper. - -"What can I do, now?" Hal asked. - -"Keep your eyes peeled. You can find out, by and by, who was -responsible for that low trick. Hal, you'll have to make vengeance your -watchword." - -"Revenge is sweet," mimicked Hal dryly. - -"It surely is--sometimes." - -"But sweet things make one sick at his stomach," Hal uttered dryly. - -"Well, if you're going to stand for having a job like that put over on -you," uttered Noll disgustedly, "I'm not! The fellow who did that trick -to you isn't fit to be in the service, and I'm going to get him out of -it, whether you help or not." - -Separated from the young soldiers by only a thin ledge of rock, -eavesdropping Hooper and Dowley heard, and gazed keenly at each other. - -"We've got to frame things up for young Terry, too, then!" whispered -Bill Hooper, as the sulky pair stole away. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE JOKING SCOUT - - -"Can you see the enemy, Overton?" - -"I can't see a thing, Corporal." - -"Move forward cautiously. Don't make a sound. If you do you'll betray -our position." - -"How far shall I go, Corporal?" - -"Move ahead until you run into signs of the enemy. Above all, bear in -mind that you mustn't betray our presence to the enemy." - -Private Hal Overton gripped his rifle tightly in the darkness as he all -but wriggled forward over the ground. - -It was all very real business to the soldiers engaged in this mimic -warfare. If nothing more serious happened, any big mistake on the part -of a soldier in this sham warfare would bring upon him the displeasure -of his officers. - -Late that same afternoon B Company had been attacked by lurking C -Company. Some very clever manoeuvring of the men under cover bad been -done, and a good deal of blank ammunition had been fired. True, there -had been no real casualties, but, under the rules of the game, B -Company had made such a spirited and excellent defense that C Company -had been driven further back. - -Now the position of C Company was unknown, but the "enemy" was believed -to be lurking in the vicinity, bent upon a night surprise. - -Two thirds of B Company slept back in the camp of pup-houses. The other -third, under command of Lieutenant Prescott, was divided up among -sentries, outposts and scouts. - -To Corporal Cotter had been entrusted the problem of taking a scouting -party consisting of three privates and trying to locate either the -enemy's outpost or the main body. - -Just a moment before Hal's orders to prowl forward a sound had been -heard, evidently about four hundred yards ahead. - -So now Hal stole forward, moving as softly as any cat could have done, -this despite the fact that his advance must be over jagged rocks here -and there. - -The ground was ideal for ambush fighting. - -Hal now had a new rifle, that had been issued to him when the wagons -of B Company came up late that night. The damaged piece was now in the -wagon, and Hal bore a rifle on whose efficient action he could depend. - -"It's almost a mockery to have a gun, though, just now," Hal smiled -grimly as he lifted the piece over a ledge of rock and followed. -"Wouldn't I get a clever roasting from Captain Cortland if I dared to -fire it while scouting." - -Now Private Overton came to an open space where he could walk more -easily. He did not hasten, however, for there was no telling when, in -the darkness, he might step on a stone and send it rolling, with a -resulting racket that would warn the enemy, if any of them were within -hearing. - -Every step had to be taken as though the troops were in the midst of -life and death war. The rules of the game were strict, and any bit of -bad judgment was likely to count against the score of the company to -which the man belonged. - -Every now and then the sham young scout halted, peering backward, for -it was going to be of prime importance to him to know how to get back -when his scouting trip was done. - -"Halt! Who's there?" - -Overton did halt, flattening himself down against the rock. - -The hail, though softly spoken, had been unmistakable. - -"Halt! Who's there?" - -"You'll have to come here and find out," thought Overton. - -Then, as silence followed, Hal, holding his very breath, crawled some -ten yards to the left. Again he halted, but this time there was no -faintly spoken challenge. - -"I think I know where that fellow is," mused Hal. "Is he a lone sentry, -or part of an outpost?" - -It required fifteen minutes now of the most cautious procedure, but -Private Overton at last found himself hugging the ground at a point -from which he could just barely discern the dimly defined figure of an -alert sentry against the skyline. - -"I've got him between our camp and myself now," thought Hal swiftly. -"Now I've got to be doubly careful. I don't care to have B Company -laughing at me because I got captured while on scouting duty. But I'll -settle the question of whether that sentry is alone, or part of an -outpost." - -Three minutes later, after some most careful manoeuvring, Overton had -solved the question. His grinning face was turned toward a corporal -and two men who lay rolled in their blankets some ten yards behind the -sentry. - -"It's an outpost, all right," grinned Hal. "Whee! How I would like to -bag the outpost and take them in as prisoners." - -But that was out of the question--not to be thought of. - -Private Hal Overton found himself seized by a spirit of mischief. It -was the same type of impulse which, carried to the point of reckless -daring in real warfare, leads men on to swift promotion. - -Almost before he realized what he was doing Hal had hidden his own -rifle and was crawling stealthily toward the sleeping men. - -Beside the corporal lay his rifle. Barely breathing, his body flattened -against the ground. Hal crept closer and closer, then stealthily -withdrew the rifle. - -A moment or two later Hal had the captured rifle lying on the ground -beside his own. - -"That's a real find to take back to camp," laughed Hal silently. - -He was about to make off with the captured piece when a new impulse -seized him. - -"Why not go back after more loot?" he asked himself, grinning. -"Jupiter, I'll do it!" - -Every such move as this was fraught with added danger. But Hal moved on -his stomach, taking plenty of time, always with his watchful eyes on -the dim figure of the sentry a few yards away. That soldier, however, -appeared to be peering mostly in the direction where he believed the -camp of B Company to lie. - -After a short time Hal, back in safety again, gloated over the sight of -three rifles beside his own. - -"I'll be a hog, if I don't look out!" chuckled the young scout of sham -warfare. - -Yet, though this was no life and death fighting, Private Overton had -nevertheless a good deal at stake. It would result in his being set -down as a rather stupid soldier should he be captured by the enemy's -outpost while on scouting duty. - -"I can't help it. I've got to have one more try, anyway," decided the -mischievous soldier boy. - -So back he crept. An instant later he tried to make himself flatter -against the earth than he had been able yet to do. - -For that sentry had now turned and was looking in his direction. - -"I commit myself to the darkness," gasped Private Overton inwardly. - -For, if his presence were detected, the sentry, with one call, could -bring the other three sleeping men to their feet. Against such odds Hal -would have but scant chance of getting away. - -"And I'll have to leave my rifle behind if I duck from here," thought -Hal, beginning to regret his rashness. - -It was one thing to capture the rifles of the outpost; it was quite -another thing to leave his own gun behind in their hands. - -After a few moments of agony the dimly seen sentry again turned his -face in another direction. - -"Now that I've started this trick, I'll put it through or die," thought -the soldier boy, setting his teeth. - -Again he crouched close to the corporal and the two other sleepers. -This time there appeared to be no loot loose save a pair of canteens -that lay upon the ground. Private Hal Overton made sure of these -articles, then, as he lay there, took a last sweeping look. - -The shoes of Corporal Raynes, of C Company, protruded under the foot of -his blanket. - -"I guess it would be too risky a stunt to try to unlace the corporal's -shoes and carry 'em away," quivered mischievous Hal, eyeing the -footgear longingly. - -Then, as he gazed, it struck the soldier boy that there was something -odd about the position of the corporal's shoes with regard to the line -of Raynes body. - -"I wonder if----" cogitated Private Overton, edging himself forward. - -Hal made a cautious try. - -His last guess proved to be correct. Corporal Raynes had taken off his -shoes to ease his aching feet, and had tucked them in at the bottom of -his blanket. - -"It's a shabby trick to play on a good fellow," grinned the soldier -boy, "but this is war." - -For the last time Hal crept back. Now an even greater task confronted -him, and that was how to get away with all the outpost loot he had -captured. - -By making three stealthy trips, Private Overton at last succeeded in -getting all the loot in safety to a point more than one hundred yards -from the outpost. - -"Now, it's time to drop nonsense for real business," decided the young -scout. - -Ten minutes later he had located the main camp, and that without -falling into the hands of either of the two C Company sentries whom he -was compelled to pass in the black night. - -Then back to the hidden loot the young soldier returned. - -"Whew, but that's going to be a pack!" muttered Hal, gazing at it -almost ruefully. "However, I've got to take it. I won't leave a blessed -thing behind." - -The canteens Overton threw over his shoulders, so that he had one on -each side, in addition to his own, which hung at his left hip. The -corporal's shoes he tied to his belt. It was the bunching of the four -service rifles, with their weight of more than forty pounds, that -gave him his real trouble. But at last he had the four pieces lashed -together and started. - -"I've yet got to look out that I don't run into any scouts of the -enemy," thought the soldier boy half ruefully. "Whew, what a break it -would be to be picked up with all this loot!" - -It was a welcome sound indeed when, at last, the young scout heard, -near the spot where he had left his own party, the almost whispered -challenge: - -"Halt! Who's there?" - -"Friend," responded Hal Overton in a tone no louder. - -"Halt where you are, friend, until a sentry advances to recognize you," -returned cautious Corporal Cotter. - -It was the corporal himself who came forward. - -"Great Scott, Overton, what have you----" - -"It's loot," returned Hal proudly. - -"Where on earth did you----" - -"From the enemy's outpost. And I located the camp, too. I could guide -you right to either outpost or main camp. Will you take these guns, -Corporal? My back feels broken." - -"I should think it might," was Cotter's grinning response, as he -reached out and took the lashed rifles. "Great Scott! What won't the -lieutenant and Captain Cortland say!" - -Just as they stepped softly back, Private Noll Terry challenged someone -approaching softly from the rear. - -"Halt! Who's there?" - -"Officer of the day," returned Lieutenant Prescott's low voice. - -"Advance, officer of the day, to be recognized." - -Lieutenant Prescott advanced into the group. - -"Do you see all this stuff, Lieutenant?" asked Corporal Cotter, calling -attention to Hal's loot as it lay on the ground. "Overton went forward -as a scout, and located one of the enemy's outposts, also the main -camp. And he brought back these souvenirs of the outpost." - -"To whom do the shoes belong?" questioned Lieutenant Prescott after -looking at the stuff. - -"To Corporal Raynes, sir, in command of the outpost," returned the -soldier boy, with a grin. - -"How did you get hold of all this stuff, Overton?" - -Hal told his story briefly. - -"Great Scott! Bombshells and grenades, what a roaring joke on the -enemy! Overton, you're a man worth having in B Company. Dark as the -night is, your exploit would reflect credit on a trained Indian scout. -Overton, I'm going to take you back to camp with me. I'll wake Captain -Cortland to hear your report as to the enemy's position. And the -captain will surely want to see this loot of the outpost and to hear -your tale of how you got it. Here, let me have a couple of those rifles -to carry for you." - -Lieutenant Prescott led the way hack to B Company's camp. And he shook -with laughter all the way. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -THE CORPORAL WITH THE SHEEPISH GRIN - - -Captain Cortland heard the young scout's report without losing his -gravity, though he decided against trying a night attack on the enemy -beyond. - -"Overton," he commented, "if you can do things like to-night's work -very often there will be no doubt whatever that you have in you the -making of a real genius for scouting. I commend you most heartily for -this work." - -It was only when he went back to his tent to lie down that Captain -Cortland gave way to silent laughter. - -At daybreak the camp was astir. The men who had been on guard duty and -scouting through the night came in, somewhat heavy-eyed, after a relief -had been marched out to take their places. - -These returned soldiers, as soon as they had breakfasted, threw -themselves on the ground, under such shade as they could find, and took -an hour of solid sleep. - -"The wagon train is approaching, sir," reported Sergeant Gray. - -"Then pass the order for the men to report at the train and draw -rations to last until to-morrow night," directed Captain Cortland. -"After to-morrow night the two companies will be together again for the -balance of the field work." - -Lieutenant Prescott was acting as commissary officer for B Company, and -he went immediately to the trail. Captain Cortland, stepping into his -tent, buckled on his sword and then sauntered down to the wagon train -to see that all went smoothly. - -As he reached the spot where the soldiers of B Company were drawing -their rations, Captain Cortland caught sight of a corporal perched on -the seat beside the driver of one of the wagons. - -"You here, Corporal Haynes?" demanded Captain Cortland, striving hard -to preserve his official gravity. - -Grinning sheepishly, Corporal Haynes--in his stocking feet--sprang down -into the trail and saluted. - -"Yes, sir," he admitted. - -"Ill?" - -"No, sir." - -"Were you captured, then?" - -"No, sir," answered Haynes, the sheepish look in his face increasing. -"But I'm a non-combatant, sir; ruled out of the manoeuvres and ordered -to stay with the wagon train, sir." - -"How did that happen?" inquired the captain, though he was able to -make a very good guess. - -"While I was on outpost during the night, sir, my shoes were taken from -me. I suspect, sir, that one of your scouts got 'em." - -"But we have quartermaster's supplies along. Why didn't you draw a new -pair of shoes this morning?" - -"No shoes of my size, sir, in the supplies," reported Raynes, once more -saluting. "So Captain Freeman told me that I certainly couldn't fight -in my stocking feet. Therefore, sir, he ordered me to join the wagon -train and respect all the obligations of a non-combatant." - -"Too bad, too bad, Corporal, for you are a valuable man," went on -Captain Cortland. - -"I don't feel like one this morning, sir, after having my shoes taken," -grinned the C Company corporal in embarrassment. - -"Well, since you've been ordered among the non-combatants," continued -Cortland, after turning slightly and espying the grinning face of -Private Hal Overton, "I think the scout who captured your shoes may as -well return them. But hold on. I see two other men of your company on -the wagons." - -Again Corporal Raynes grinned sheepishly. - -"Yes, sir! they had their rifles taken, and so are no longer combatants -in a military sense. My rifle is missing also, sir." - -"My, my, my!" murmured Captain Cortland in a tone of mock -commiseration. "Then the scout who plundered you all may as well return -all the property. But of course, Corporal, you and the two other men -will continue to be non-combatants as long as the sham fighting lasts." - -"Those are Captain Freeman's orders, sir." - -Again Captain Cortland turned toward Hal Overton, nodding a signal. -Hal stepped away briskly, but came back bearing the pair of shoes, the -rifles and the canteens. - -"Private Overton is the scout who entered your lines alone and brought -about the discomfiture of C Company," Captain Cortland announced, -smilingly. - -The captain walked away while Corporal Raynes, sitting on the ground, -drew on his shoes and laced them, while a lot of B Company's men stood -about and grinned over his discomfiture. - -"Corporal, you're sure good sleepers over in C Company," laughed -Private Hyman. "You fellows want to look out that, some night, you -don't get taken in by a lot of amateur hunters from New York." - -"Great guns, what's going to happen to the regular Army, when it's -getting so that a whole company of infantry can't guard its own -property?" another B Company man wanted to know. - -Corporal Raynes and his two comrades had to stand a lot of good-natured -joshing from the crowding men of B Company. - -When he stood up, Raynes turned to Hal Overton. - -"Rookie," he growled, "you want to look out hard in the future. I'll -pay you back for this in kind. Just remember, kid, that Corporal Raynes -wasn't born yesterday!" - -Hal laughed good-humoredly. He didn't know, at that moment, that not -many hours would pass ere Corporal Raynes would find his opportunity. - -Twenty minutes after the wagon train had pulled out, B Company started -cautiously through the country ahead. It was B Company's task to -advance through a supposedly hostile country; C Company's part in the -under-taking was either to annihilate B, or to capture the company. - -It was ten o'clock that morning ere B and C came in touch. The point -and scouting squad ran into one platoon of C. - -"Deploy your men and take cover," ordered Lieutenant Prescott, who -was in charge of the advance. "Each corporal regulate the firing of -his squad. Jam the fire in hard whenever you are sure you locate the -enemy." - -Bang! Bang! Bang! As fast as the squads reached their places on the -line, each man some nine feet from his nearest fellows, the firing of -blank ammunition ripped out fast and hard. There was all the excitement -of actual warfare, except that no soldier was actually hit. - -B Company's men would have been driven back had not Lieutenant Hampton -swiftly arrived on the scene with the entire first platoon of B Company. - -"We'll advance by rushes, Mr. Prescott," announced Lieutenant Hampton -as soon as he reached the younger officer, who saluted. - -Prescott hastened, crouching low, down along the left wing of the -little command. - -Presently Hampton's voice rose, even over the firing as it ran low, and -called: - -"Rise! Charge!" - -Uttering their battle yell, the little force of infantry rushed forward -in its thin line, while the hidden men of C Company poured in a heavy -fire. - -"Halt! Lie down!" shouted Lieutenant Hampton. "Ready, load, aim!" - -There came a brief pause, followed by the order: - -"Fire!" - -A single volley crashed out, with such unanimity that it sounded as -though one big piece had been fired. - -"Ready! Open magazines! Load magazines! At will, commence firing!" - -Fifteen rounds had been fired ere the bugler sounded furiously the -order: - -"Cease firing!" - -The rush of feet sounded behind. Lieutenant Prescott rushed to the -rear, but soon waved his sword reassuringly. It was the balance of B -Company advancing on the run. - -Captain Cortland now took command in person. He ordered another rush -forward toward C Company's position. - -Three volleys were fired after the rush. The fire was not answered. A -cautious advance developed the fact that the force of C Company men had -retired, nor could the line of their flight be discovered. B Company -halted for a few moments, that the men might clean their sooty rifle -chambers. - -"We didn't really see the enemy," Hal remarked, as he worked his -cleaning rod and a bit of waste through his gun barrel. - -"In warfare nowadays you rarely do see the enemy," remarked Sergeant -Hupner. "Attacking an enemy's position, nowadays, is a good deal like -taking a gun and going into a dark room where some one is shooting -at you. You can't see the other fellow, but you have a mighty -uncomfortable notion that he sees you and is shooting straight at you." - -"Pleasant, when the game is real war," laughed Noll. - -"Deadly, of course," commented Hupner. - -Once again, late in the afternoon, C Company endeavored to ambush B -Company. Captain Cortland's point and flankers, however, developed the -enemy's position by drawing their fire. B Company, after a brisk fight -of twenty minutes' duration, drove C Company back and continued to -advance. - -Despite the fact that no one had been really killed or wounded, most -of the soldiers, who were serving their first enlistment, now found -the game a wholly exciting one. When B Company halted, after the -second engagement, the men fell into an eager discussion of the late -engagement, the sergeants and other older men adding many comments out -of their experiences in actual fighting. - -"It leaves only real war to be desired," declared Hal, his cheeks -glowing and his eyes snapping. - -"Huh! If this was real war there'd be a lot of kids of the talky kind -ducking to get away," growled Private Dowley as he slouched by. - -"It isn't the kid soldiers who do the deserting in war time," returned -Sergeant Hupner quietly. "It's usually some of the older men, who have -such a grouch with life that one wouldn't think they'd care about -living much longer." - -Dowley scowled, muttering something, but he did not venture to dispute -with a man of Hupner's military experience. - -"I guess that ought to hold Dowley for five minutes," laughed Noll. - -"That fellow gives me a sense of fatigue," remarked Sergeant Hupner -placidly. "He might turn out to be a good soldier under stress, but -all I've got to say is that I wouldn't want to have to defend a -position with only a squad or two of men of his type. I wonder how the -recruiting officer ever came to let him into the service?" - -"Perhaps he got in under somebody else's name on a stolen set of -references," laughed Hal. - -"Sergeant Hupner, I want two of your men to send back with a message," -announced Captain Cortland, stepping up. - -"Overton and Terry are in good condition, sir," reported Hupner, rising -and saluting as soon as he saw his commander. - -"Very good; come with me, Overton and Terry." - -Captain Cortland led the two young soldiers down the trail, drawing a -local map from one of his pockets and spreading it on a flat table of -rock. - -"Study this map carefully, men, for I want you to be sure of the road -you're to take. You will have to go back about four miles--two of it -off this trail. You'll find a little telegraph station there. I want -you to deliver, for transmission, this message to Colonel North, at -Fort Clowdry." - -"Yes, sir," Hal answered. "Shall we wait for the answer?" - -"No; the answer will not be due until to-morrow. As soon as you have -turned over your message, retrace your way to this point. B Company -will have gone ahead. But a little way above here the trail broadens, -and you'll find a house now and then. You can inquire for news of which -way we've gone. You'll have to find us as best you can. And Overton!" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Remember that these are sham manoeuvres, and that C Company stands for -the enemy." - -"Yes, sir." - -"Either or both of you might be captured by a detachment from C -Company." - -"We'll do our level best to prevent that, sir," Hal promised, and Noll -nodded with emphasis. - -"Even worse than your own capture would be the capture of this -message," Captain Cortland added impressively. "This message, in -effect, is my attempt to communicate with my base of supplies, -represented by Fort Clowdry. If you fail to put the message through, -and C Company captures it, then Captain Freeman and his men have scored -heavily against us." - -"Is it proper for me to ask, sir, whether Captain Freeman knows that -you are trying to send this message?" - -"Captain Freeman does not know, to a certainty, but he may suspect, and -he may have men out to catch you." - -"Thank you, sir. C Company's men won't get us if there's any way to -prevent it." - -"Join the company as soon as you can locate us, men. Firing may guide -you, but, in that case, you'll have to avoid joining the wrong company." - -Both young soldiers once more saluted. Then, with the message securely -tucked in Hal's haversack, the bunkies started down the trail. They had -not gone many yards ere they heard the orders for Cortland's company to -fall in for the advance. - -A mile of the distance Hal and Noll had covered when they encountered -the slow-moving wagon train. - -"Hello, rookies!" called Corporal Raynes banteringly. "Where are you -headed." - -"Yes, it's surely a fine day, Corporal," nodded Hal, as the two bunkies -hurried on. - -"That Overton kid is the one I must get hunk with before many days are -over," grunted Raynes. "I must make him look as cheap with his company -commander as he's made me look with mine." - -When the wagon train had gone about two miles and a half further up the -trail Corporal Raynes shook with his own chuckles. - -He had run across his chance, and was shrewd enough to recognize it. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -RAYNES FINDS A PATRIOTIC ALLY - - -The trail was broader here. - -Some thirty feet from the rough road an old-time log cabin, well -preserved, stood in a little grove of trees. - -Before the door, on a backless chair, sat an old man, roughly clad -in buckskin, who was dividing his time between talking to a dog and -cleaning the old rifle that lay across his knees. - -As the horses had had a hard pull, the wagon boss ordered a halt on -this level stretch of trail. - -Corporal Raynes, his head buzzing with half a dozen plans, leaped down -from the wagon in his restored shoes. He sauntered slowly over to this -old-time hunter. - -"'Day, Pop," he greeted the old man. - -"'Day," grunted the other. "You're a soger, I reckon?" - -"Yes," admitted Raynes, seating himself on the ground and producing his -pipe. "Uniform gives me away, doesn't it?" - -"Some," returned the old hunter. "There's been a thunderin' lot of ye -around to-day. I've heard a heap of firing twicet to-day." - -Corporal Raynes nodded. - -"Wa'n't shooting up nothing real, was ye?" inquired the old man. - -"No, Pop; what we call manoeuvres," Baynes explained. - -"Jest plain, tom-fool, sham fighting, eh?" - -"That's it," nodded the corporal. "But it isn't so tom-fool, after all. -It teaches soldiers a lot about the real manoeuvres of war." - -"Huh! I wonder ef it teaches ary mother's son of ye any better how to -fight the Japs when your time comes?" - -"You think we're going to fight the Japs some day, do you?" inquired -Baynes, finishing the filling of his pipe. - -"Think?" retorted the old man testily. "I don't have to think. Some day -we've got to depend on you sogers to drive them pesky brown critters -back into the Pacific Ocean, or the Japs will own the whole coast and -clean up here to the Rockies." - -"You don't seem to like the Japs, Pop?" observed Corporal Baynes, -puffing at his pipe. - -"Like 'em? The same way I do pizen, rattlers and grizzlies!" exclaimed -the old man with unlooked-for passion. - -Corporal Baynes jumped inwardly with glee. In a flash the whole of his -plan came to him. - -"Have you seen any soldiers go by on this trail, Pop?" asked Baynes. - -"Some," nodded the old man. "'Bout an hour ago nigh onter a hundred -of 'em went by. 'Bout twenty minutes ergo 'nuther hundred or so came -along and tramped up that way. They didn't stop, so I didn't ask any -questions." - -"If you had," prodded Corporal Baynes, "you would have learned -something. The first company was C Company, and they represent American -soldiers." - -"Well, that's what they are--American sogers. Why shouldn't they stand -for it?" - -"But you see, the second company that went by here--B Company--they -stand for Japs. In the game of manoeuvres that the officers are playing -the second company, B, are supposed to be a force of Japanese troops -that are chasing the American troops through the Rockies." - -"What do they wanter play that for?" demanded the old hunter, his -eyes blazing wrathfully. "Why don't yer fool officers play that it's -American sogers chasing Japs back to where they belong?" - -"Well, you see, the Americans may yet win out, before the game is -played through," Baynes offered consolingly. "It all depends on which -company is manoeuvred better by its officers. I belong to C Company, by -the way; the American forces, you know." - -"Well, I reckon I like ye better for that," nodded the old man. - -"Pop, I wonder if you'd be willing to help the American company beat -the Japanese company and bag it, whole hog?" proposed Raynes cleverly. - -"Would I?" demanded the old man eagerly. "But, sho! What could I do, -d'ye reckon?" - -"Now, Pop, I reckon a couple of hours from now, or maybe three, -there'll be two young soldiers come up along this way. You'll know 'em -when you see 'em." - -Raynes dropped into a description of Hal and Noll, while the old man -listened attentively. - -"Now, they'll probably ask you, Pop, which way the second company went. -That's B Company, the Japs, you know. If they don't ask you outright, -then you must fix it for 'em to ask you." - -"I'll manage it," nodded the old hunter, a look of craft coming into -his eyes. - -"Now, don't let the make-believe Jap soldiers know that their company -kept on up this trail. Tell 'em anything you like that'll send then off -the trail--over to that hill, say," continued Corporal Raynes, pointing -to a rocky peak distant about three miles. "Send 'em hiking straight -over there. Then they won't get through with their news in time, and -the American company will have a fair chance to bag the Jap company, -whole hog. D'you see?" - -"Don't I, though?" demanded the old-time hunter. - -"Think you can work it, Pop?" - -"Young man," demanded the hunter, "d'ye reckon I look like anybody's -fool?" - -"You sure don't," nodded Raynes. "And here's something to pay you for -your trouble." - -The scheming corporal tried to slip a two-dollar bill into the other's -hand, but the latter drew away from it. - -"Take it," urged Raynes. "It's government money." - -"Young man, I'm an American, and I don't have to be paid to stand by my -own country! I'll do all ye say, and more, ef I git a chance, jest to -see the American company wallop the make-believe Jap company." - -"You'll do us a huge service if you don't fall down on the job, Pop. -Why, the news will travel all the way to Japan, and the Japs will gnash -their teeth over it." - -"I'll put the trick through fur ye, young man--even if I have to -use bear traps to ketch the two young soger boys ye told me about," -promised the aged hunter earnestly. - -"Say, Corporal, cut your tether, if you're going to ride with us," -called the wagon boss. - -"I'm coming," announced Corporal Raynes, rising. "Don't forget, Pop," -he whispered back over his shoulder. - -"Ye kin trust me, young man!" - -By the time he was out of sight of the cabin, around a turn of the -road, the chuckles inside of Corporal Raynes got so close to the -surface that they surged over. - -"What's the smile, Corporal?" demanded the wagon boss. - -"Oh, I'm pretty near choking over one of the lying yarns that old -fellow told me about how he bagged twelve grizzlies single handed one -day," lied the corporal. - -"He must be a talented old liar," nodded the wagon boss. - -"He is," agreed Corporal Raynes. "I never could understand, either, why -anyone would take the trouble to lie unless he was paid for it." - - * * * * * - -Hal and Noll, all unsuspicious of trouble of any other kind than that -against which Captain Cortland had warned them, kept on cautiously -along the trail, then branched off at the road shown them on the map. -Two miles further on they reached a village, with its two hotels for -health-seekers, cottages and other buildings. - -Even in this basin in the mountains the Western Union Company had -penetrated. The two young military messengers found the telegraph -office, turned over their message and then were ready to return. - -"But, war or no war," declared Noll bluntly, "I'm not going to start -back until I've crossed the street and had an ice cream soda." - -"We'll have two," laughed Hal boyishly, "and then make up for lost time -on the trail." - -Unmindful of the curious glances cast at two soldiers in full field -equipment, Hal and Noll enjoyed their treat to the utmost. Then they -started back, traveling fast. - -Nor did they run into any lurking detachments from C Company. Their -"hike," as a fast march is termed, was uneventful until they reached -the old hunter's cabin. - -"Pop" was awaiting their coming, and a keen look flashed into his old -eyes when he saw them and recognized them from Raynes's description. - -"Sogers, hey?" he demanded, going sociably down to the road. - -"Yes, sir," nodded Hal respectfully as he paused. - -"Seen a lot of 'em go by to-day," continued the hunter. - -"Then you're the man we want to see, sir," went on Private Overton. -"Did two companies go by this way?" - -"Yes, soger boy. They was 'bout three-quarters of an hour apart. And I -reckon ye belong to the second one. Let me describe yer captain." - -The old hunter gave a clear description of the personal appearance of -B Company's commander. There is little that escapes a hunter's eyes or -recollection. - -"Yes," broke in Hal eagerly. "That was our commander, Captain Cortland." - -"I wanted to be dead sure," resumed the old hunter artfully, "for yer -captain left a message for ye, and he wanted me to be particular that -no other sogers got it." - -"Naturally," assented Hal unsuspiciously. - -"Jest above here," continued the hunter, "yer captain turned his men to -the left and went off over the rocks, kinder careful like, as though he -didn't want any other sogers to see where his men was going." - -"Yes; of course," agreed Hal. "That's part of field manoeuvres." - -"The word yer captain left with me, soger boy, was that he was going -to camp his men--hidden, of course, ye understand--on that peak yonder -to-night. That's where he said ye two soger boys was to join yer -company. Reckon ye kin travel over that-a-way? There ain't no trail to -that peak, ye understand?" - -[Illustration: "Yer Company's Going to Camp Yonder, On That Peak."] - -"Of course we can, sir," Hal answered respectfully. "If the rest of the -company can go to that peak we can follow our comrades there." - -"Then I've delivered my message from yer captain," finished the old -hunter with a satisfied air. - -"And thank you very much," acknowledged Hal. Both he and Noll saluted -the venerable old man of former times. - -"Nice spoken soger lads, them," muttered "Pop," as he watched the -bunkies step off the trail and start to cross the rocky wastes to the -distant peak. "If they wa'n't make-believe Japs in this tom-fool sham -fight I'd feel ashamed of myself. But I reckon a little extry hardship -will do 'em good, anyway." - -"Say," muttered Noll, halting, when they had gone something more than -a mile of the rough way, "I don't want to criticize my commanding -officer, but I wish he had chosen a camping spot that was easier to -reach." - -"It's a dandy good place up on that peak, anyway," laughed Hal, whose -feet were beginning to feel decidedly sore. "C Company's men wouldn't -enjoy hiking over this rough ground in the dark to make a night attack." - -They covered another mile. - -"I'm beginning to think that old fellow gave us a false scent," -grumbled Noll. "I don't believe Captain Cortland would be heartless -enough to march heavily laden soldiers over ground like this." - -"Why, the old man back at the cabin was the soul of courtesy, and he -described Captain Cortland to a dot," returned Hal. - -Dusk was coming on by the time the bunkies had covered the rest of the -distance, and had reached the ledges near the top of the lonely peak. - -"Now, where's B Company?" demanded Noll almost savagely. - -"Come along this way," proposed Overton. "We'll explore." - -Through the gloaming the sore-footed soldier boys plodded on until Noll -suddenly halted, gripping Hal stoutly. - -Right in front of them, ambling their way, came a huge furry something. -It wasn't a grizzly, but it was the next worse thing--an unusually -large, dark-brown bear. - -"Duck!" counseled Private Overton, promptly wheeling about. "Slip in a -ball cartridge as you run!" - -Nor did Noll lose any time in following the advice, for the brown bear -was now in swift pursuit, growling ominously. - -Somehow, it didn't seem easy to slip in a ball cartridge while they -were running at top speed. - -"There's a ledge. Get in behind it, and I'll follow, Noll!" shouted -Hal, crowding his bunkie toward the ledge. - -Down behind the ledge dropped both bunkies. - -There was an opening in the rock of some sort behind them, but in their -haste neither young soldier stopped to look at it. - -Hal had succeeded in slipping a cartridge into his rifle. Noll did -that, and also fixed his bayonet at the muzzle of his piece. - -Bang! went Hal's gun, but he had "bear ague." - -"Missed him, Noll! Take quick, sure aim!" - -But at that instant another hoarse growl sounded behind them, and -Private Terry could fairly feel his hair rise under his campaign -sombrero as he yelled: - -"Here's another coming at us in the rear, Hal! Must be the old female -bear!" - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -BEARS AND OTHER TROUBLES - - -Nor was there any doubt about the correctness of Noll Terry's guess. - -He had only time to back against the ledge when the bear from the rear, -uttering a nasty, growling snarl, leaped straight for him. - -But Noll had braced the butt of his rifle against the ledge, the -bayonet up. - -It was no plan on Terry's part. He did it either instinctively or -through sheer luck. - -In the meantime the male bear, showing two fearsome rows of teeth, was -crawling over the ledge from outside to get at Hal Overton. - -Let it be frankly stated, Hal's teeth were almost a-chatter. He was -scared all the way through, but he did not lose his head. - -Shooting back the bolt of his rifle, he reached for another cartridge. - -He had already used one, and only six to a man had been issued on this -period of field duty. - -There was no time to slip in the cartridge. Overton was compelled to -leap up straight and club his gun. - -Thump! Down came the butt of the weapon with a force that would have -cracked the skull of a man. - -But bruin merely stumbled. - -Just then another thump sounded, followed instantly by a snarl of pain. - -The she bear had sprung straight for Noll, but rifle and bayonet were -in the way. - -Noll held his gun rigidly, though not by calculation. All but frozen -with terror he would not have been capable of action. - -So the flying bear struck squarely against the bayonet, hurling herself -with her whole weight and momentum against the point of the steel. - -But the bayonet did not touch a vital spot. There was still a big -amount of fight left in the she bear. - -As she lurched backward the huge beast almost jerked the rifle out of -Noll's hands, for the bayonet was still deeply embedded. - -At the instant of clubbing his gun Hal had had his cartridge in one of -his hands. - -Now young Private Overton loaded faster than ever he had been able to -do in drill. - -Bang! The sharp report rang almost deafeningly in the narrow confines -at the mouth of the cave back of the ledge. - -Hal had shot his bear, though he had not inflicted a mortal hurt. - -But bruin backed off, snarling, desiring to study the scene for a -second or two before deciding on further attack. - -That nearly stunning report had the effect of bringing Noll to his -senses. He had a cartridge in his chamber. Cocking the piece, he pulled -the trigger feverishly. - -He inflicted another wound on the she bear, though he did not put that -maddened animal out of business. Yet the beast drew back so sharply -that Private Terry was able to free his bayonet from entanglement. - -"Fix your bayonet, Hal, if you have a chance," shouted Noll Terry, as -he now leaped gallantly after the maddened animal that was claiming his -attention. - -Hal did, not a moment too soon, for now bruin was at him again. - -Two quick, sharp thrusts Hal made, the first just as bruin was rising -on his hind feet to advance to hug the young soldier. - -The second thrust tapped bruin on the left shoulder just as he sank to -all fours. - -Then Private Overton turned sick again, as he saw the dripping fangs of -the beast come closer. - -Darting back a dozen feet, Overton, in frantic haste, jammed in his -third cartridge. - -"Steady, boy!" he urged himself. "This is for your life!" - -Bruin made a spring. The muzzle of the rifle was not four feet from -the male bear's heart as Hal Overton pulled the trigger. - -That was the end of bruin. The beast fell and rolled over on his side. - -Like a flash Hal turned to see what help his bunkie needed. - -Plenty of it, apparently, for Noll, crowded back to the wall, was -making furious drives with his bayoneted gun in his efforts to keep the -she bear from leaping and forcing him down to the ground. - -Hal had to think like lightning. - -He decided on a cartridge. - -Slipping back his bolt, and thus ejecting the cartridge shell in the -chamber, Overton jammed fresh ammunition home. - -Click! shot the bolt faintly. - -Dropping to one knee, in the gloom Hal aimed, as nearly as he could -judge, just behind the left fore-shoulder of the she bear. Then he -pulled on the trigger just as the she bear sprang at Noll Terry. - -At the report the she bear toppled over with a grunt of pain. Noll -leaped forward, thrusting his bayonet time after time. - -Private Overton, clubbing his rifle, delivered several forceful whacks -over the head of the expiring animal, which then lay quiet. - -"We've settled their case, Noll," Hal remarked in an awed voice. - -"Glad of it," quoth Noll dryly. - -To their ears now came a whining further back in the cave. - -"More bears?" asked Noll grimly. "If so, I'm in favor of sounding a -retreat." - -"And I'll be with you," agreed Soldier Hal. "But wait a second. I've -a box of blazer matches with me. First, slip all your cartridges into -your magazine." - -Both soldiers did this. Then Hal, striking a blazer match, led the way -back into the cave. - -"Poor little beggars," he muttered suddenly. "I thought so." - -"What?" asked Noll, stepping forward. - -"Look." - -"Cubs!" - -"No wonder the old she bear was savage," glowed Noll. - -On a rude bed of dried leaves and twigs tumbled five furry, fuzzy, -whining little bear cubs. - -"We've broken up a family's happiness this night," muttered Hal, -looking down. - -"Well, it was their family, or two bunkies," retorted Noll, -nevertheless feeling almost ashamed as he bent down over the innocent, -harmless, bereaved little cubs. - -"Shall we put 'em out of their misery?" asked Hal. - -"I--I haven't the heart to." - -"Well, I'm afraid I haven't that kind of heart, either. But, see here, -Noll!" - -"Well?" - -"We're in the heart of the enemy's country. If one of C Company's -scouting detachments comes this way I don't want them to find the two -dead bears and take 'em away in triumph. It would be treason to our own -B Company to let C Company come in for an unearned feast on nice, juicy -bear steaks." - -"That's so," agreed Noll. - -"Help me, and we'll drag both carcasses back into the extreme inner end -of the cave. Then, if Captain Cortland approves, he can send men here -and it will be B Company that'll feast on bear steaks." - -Both bunkies worked industriously until this task had been accomplished. - -"Speaking of bear steaks," announced Hal, "makes me realize that I'm -famished myself. Now, as we're clear off the trail of B Company--and -that's no dream--we'll have to put in the night finding our comrades. -So a few minutes spent munching hardtack won't count." - -"And not forgetting the salted almonds we bought in the village this -afternoon," rejoined the other young soldier. - -Down on the floor of the cave the bunkies squatted themselves. - -The work of eating absorbed both for the next few minutes. - -Then, of a sudden, they halted, astonished. - -Human footsteps sounded on the rocks outside. - -Privates Overton and Terry stopped their eating, neither venturing to -speak, for a voice outside was saying: - -"Sergeant, instruct the men not to light fires. They'll have to sup on -hard tack alone to-night. Fires would betray us to the enemy." - -Then Hal placed his mouth close to Noll's ear and whispered: - -"Bunkie, we're pickled!" - -Noll pressed his comrade's arm understandingly. - -"Pickled and sealed in jars," Hal's whisper continued. "C Company is -camping here, and we'll be prisoners inside of a minute. And, great -Scott--C Company eats the bear steaks!" - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -IN THE MIDST OF THE "HOSTILES" - - -It was a pretty fix, indeed! - -"Confound that lying old hunter down at the cabin!" ground Noll -wrathfully behind his teeth. - -Then both bunkies from B Company held their very breath. - -Out beyond the ledge, near the mouth of the cave, a figure paced. Hal, -as his eyes became accustomed to the darkness, was sure that this man -was Captain Freeman. Just a little later the young soldier was sure of -it, for another figure approached and saluted. - -"Captain, I have to report that I have placed the guard as you -directed." - -"That's Lieutenant Holmes. Pretty nearly as fine a fellow as our own -second lieutenant, Prescott," thought Hal. - -"You impressed upon each of the men the cautions that I want observed?" -queried Captain Freeman. - -"Yes, sir," answered Lieutenant Holmes, "and I took the liberty of -adding another caution on my own account." - -"What was that, Mr. Holmes?" - -"I told each member of the guard, when I left him, to look well to it -that that young scout of B Company, Overton, didn't get his rifle." - -Captain Freeman laughed quietly, then added: - -"Overton is a very capable young soldier, Mr. Holmes, and a good man in -the service. But just now, while these manoeuvres are on, I'd like to -make a prisoner of him, I can tell you." - -"Wouldn't you, though?" shivered Hal, listening from where he crouched, -while Noll pressed his bunkie's arm again. "And I'm very much afraid, -captain, that you're likely to have your wish!" - -"Ah, here comes the other member of our council. Good evening, Ray." - -"Good evening, sir," replied the first lieutenant of C Company. - -"Ray," continued Captain Freeman, "we were just discussing Overton, -the scout of B Company, who made off with the arms of our outpost last -night." - -"Well, sir, we have some pretty fair scouts of our own to-night," -laughed Lieutenant Ray. "I'd like to wager a month's pay that not a -soul of B Company knows where this command is to-night. On the other -hand, we know to a dot where B Company is encamped." - -"And we'll have the enemy potted by eleven o'clock to-night," promised -Captain Freeman in a tone of conviction. "But that's the least we're -obliged to do after the disgraceful treatment that we had to stand -last night. Unless our scouts bring different word by half past nine -to-night, we'll slip in on 'em while they're asleep, rush the sentries -and have B Company's camp for our own almost before the first blank -cartridge has been exploded. It's fine work to roll in on your enemy -and demolish him while he's asleep and dreaming of home." - -All three of the officers laughed heartily. - -"Their camp is well chosen, too," continued Captain Freeman. "In behind -the rocks, just the other side of the blasted twin oaks, makes an ideal -camp for a single company of infantry." - -"By which route do you plan to approach, sir?" asked Lieutenant Ray. - -"Through the ravine from the east," replied Captain Freeman, "for the -simple reason that Cortland would least of all expect an attack from -that quarter." - -"It couldn't be better," declared Ray. - -A fourth man now joined the group, saluting all three. - -"What is it, my man?" inquired Freeman. - -"Supper is ready for the officers, sir." - -"Very good, Stubbles. We'll come at once." - -Stubbles was Captain Freeman's "dog-robber," or field cook, one of the -privates of C Company. - -The steps of the departing officers soon quieted down and ceased. - -"Oh, Noll, we've got to get out of here now," breathed Private Overton -in an agitated tone in his bunkie's ear. - -"Of course," retorted Private Terry. "We'll get out by airship, I -suppose?" - -"No joking, old fellow. We've simply got to get out, and then we've got -to run all the way to the blasted twin oaks. You remember the place?" - -"Perfectly," nodded Noll, though his bunkie could not see his head in -the deep darkness of the interior of the cave. - -"We've got to get there on the jump," Hal whispered. "Not a minute to -lose!" - -"Regardless of the fact that C Company is in camp all around us?" -quizzed Noll. - -"Noll, I tell you, we've got to get through the lines at once!" - -"Make a break and run for it, trusting to luck and our ability to knock -a lot of men down?" queried Terry. - -"No, sir! We've got to get out, and away from here, without letting a -soul from C Company know that we've been within miles of here to-night!" - -"What nice, new problems you do put up!" murmured Noll ironically. -"What earthly show, bunkie, have we to get out of here without being -seen?" - -"Oh, we may be seen," admitted Hal, a new and desperate scheme flashing -through his brain. - -"Then----" began Noll. - -"But not recognized, bunkie. See here, Noll, I'm going softly down to -the mouth of the cave. From here you can see me, against what light -there is in the sky. Watch me. If I wave my hand, come to me. Bring -your rifle, too, but unfix the bayonet and return it to your belt." - -"But what----" - -"Noll, the company is at supper now. The men have something especial -to think of while they're eating. If we just lounge through the camp -together, with our hats well forward over our faces, and keep from -going too close to the groups, I don't believe any one will give us any -thought, or recognize us in the dark. Understand, we'll just saunter -until we get outside the lines. Then we'll vanish and duck as softly -and swiftly as we can." - -"By Jove, it's worth trying!" glowed Noll. - -"Yes; because it's the only single chance there is of our getting back -to B Company in time with the news. Wait--and watch!" - -First Hal carefully took his own bayonet from the muzzle of his rifle, -returning it to place at his belt. Then, on hands and knees, he crept -forward to the mouth of the cave, cautiously peering beyond. - -At last he signaled back. - -In another moment Noll was by his side. - -"Now, step out, old fellow," whispered Hal, rising. "Don't betray any -sign of trying to escape attention. But, if you're spoken to, make -believe you don't hear. Keep up your nerve, bunkie! This is real work -for good old B Company and victory!" - -In another instant the two soldier boys stepped carelessly out into -plain sight, their sombreros drawn well down over their eyes. - -C Company was just ahead at supper. As nonchalantly as possible the two -young soldiers of B Company began their leisurely stroll through the -"hostile" camp of C Company. - -Could they hope to "get away" with this daring trick? - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -PLANNING FOR THE NIGHT ATTACK - - -For a distance of several yards the soldier boys proceeded through the -darkness without appearing to attract any attention. - -The officers and soldiers of C Company were finishing their hasty, -cheerless meal. There was nothing strange about two soldiers having -finished ahead of the rest and deciding for a stroll through the camp. - -The darkness was the greatest protection of our young friends. They -refrained from going very close to any group. Added to this, their -campaign sombreros were so well drawn down over their faces as to hide -a good deal of their features, and this without exciting suspicion. - -Hal and Noll were two thirds of the way through the camp, when there -came a sharp hail that made Private Overton quiver inside: - -"Hey, there!" - -There could be no doubt that the hail was intended for the soldier -boys, though neither gave any heed, even by as much as turning. - -"Look out Overton, of B Company, doesn't catch you!" jeered the same -voice. - -Noll threw one hand behind him, waving it. - -"Don't go more than ten or twenty yards beyond our lines, men," warned -Captain Freeman, looking up from the hard tack at which he had been -munching. - -Hal wheeled about, saluting respectfully, but did not trust himself to -speak. - -Then the chums continued their slow stroll. - -Three minutes later they were just beyond the edge of the camp, halting -beside a bush. - -"Here's our chance," whispered Hal, glancing just past the roots of the -bush. - -A little gully started there. Twenty feet further on it was more than -six feet deep. - -Hal passed around the bush, dropping into the gully. In another moment -Noll had leisurely joined him. - -Now, they traveled faster over the bed of the gully, though they were -careful to go cat-footed, for they had yet to pass sentries, very -likely outposts, and there was a grave risk of their running into some -scouting detachment from C Company. - -The gully ran for some two hundred yards. Then the soldier boys came -out in the open once more. - -"More caution than ever now," whispered Hal, detaining his bunkie by a -strong grip on the arm. - -"We must be beyond their guard line," Noll returned in a whisper. - -"Don't you believe it! Freeman isn't the captain to maintain lax guard. -Don't attempt to stand up. Crouch low, and get all the cover you can -behind bushes. Better let me lead. I'll halt often and listen." - -With great stealth the pair had covered another two hundred yards or -so, when there came a sharp hail of: - -"Halt! Who's there." - -The challenge had come from some one invisible to the bunkies. Hal -instantly and noiselessly dropped to the ground, lying as flat as he -could. - -Noll imitated his example. - -"Halt! Who's there?" came the insistent challenge. - -Then the lurkers heard a man coming toward them. Neither dared stir, -as the slightest noise might prove enough for their undoing. It was a -desperate situation, at any rate, for it hardly seemed possible that -the sentry could fail to come upon them. - -But in another minute the sentry had halted. - -"Huh!" the bunkies heard him mutter. "I reckon I'm getting as nervous -as a sick cat, after what happened to Corporal Raynes's outpost last -night." - -Then the lurkers heard the sentry slowly returning to the point from -which he had first challenged them. - -It was three full minutes ere cautious Private Overton ventured to -crawl away from the spot. He crawled for more than a hundred and fifty -yards, too, ere he ventured to rise to crouch, peering all around him. -Then he nodded to Noll, close behind him, and the bunkies proceeded. - -It was not until they had made fifteen minutes more of the most -stealthy progress that Hal and Noll began to feel really easy. - -"Now, see here, bunkie," spoke Private Overton at last, "we're not as -well 'out of the woods' as we might be fooled into imagining. I think -it is even dangerous for us to go together just now. We might run into -a scouting detachment, lurking among the rocks, or behind bushes, and -get captured after all. Look hard through the darkness. Do you see that -massive, peculiar formation of rock ahead? About three quarters of a -mile from here, I would say." - -"Yes; I remember noting it in daylight," nodded Terry. - -"All right. You make a wide detour to the left, and I'll do the same to -the right. Go cautiously every step of the way, and have your eyes and -ears open. Take your time. I'll meet you there." - -"But what's the good of doing that?" objected Noll. - -"Just this: If we go together we may run into a superior force of the -enemy and be captured. If we go singly we won't both be caught by the -same force, anyway, and there'll be a chance for one of us to get -through to Captain Cortland with the news. Left oblique for yours, -Noll! March!" - -It was nearly fifteen minutes later when the chums met at the spot -agreed upon. - -"Whew!" muttered Hal, halting, as he came up and recognized his bunkie. -"I guess we're safely away now, Noll. That being the case, I don't mind -admitting to you that when we left the cave and stepped out into the -camp, I hadn't a belief in the world, hardly, that we'd get away with -our strategy." - -"Oh, my shoes!" winced Noll. - -"What's the matter with them?" - -"Oh, nothing, except that they're full of sore feet!" - -"I've some trouble of that sort myself," Hal grinned. "But we've got to -forget all about it until we get to the twin oaks. Forward, bunkie!" - -They traveled together, after that. An hour later they heard the most -welcome challenge in the world: - -"Halt! Who's there?" - -The speaker belonged to a B Company outpost. - -"Friends," replied Private Overton. - -"How many friends?" - -"Two." - -The sentry spoke something in an undertone. Then, after a brief pause, -he continued: - -"Advance two friends, but two only, to be recognized." - -As the bunkies came up they saw Corporal Cotter and two privates eyeing -them. - -"Oh, if it's the kid soldiers, they're all right," spoke Corporal -Cotter easily. - -"Corporal," begged Hal, "show us the quickest, easiest cut to camp. -I've news for Captain Cortland." - -"Been scouting some more?" laughed Cotter. - -"My news, Corporal, is for the company commander." - -"That's all right, kid. See the grove yonder?" - -"Surely." - -"Right in the middle of that you'll find the tent of the company -officers. They're asleep, I guess. Sergeant Hupner is commander of the -guard, and Lieutenant Prescott is officer of the day." - -"Thank you. Corporal." - -"Proceed!" - -Two minutes later the bunkies were halted by one of the camp sentries. -Then they hurried direct into camp. - -At a distance of some twenty yards young Lieutenant Prescott was found -seated on the ground, talking in low tones with Sergeant Hupner. The -young West Pointer leaped quickly to his feet when he saw the soldier -boys approaching. - -"Sir," announced Hal, saluting, "we report our return to the company." - -"You've completed this afternoon's duty?" - -"Yes, sir--and much more." - -"How more?" queried Lieutenant Dick Prescott, eyeing them closely. - -"Lieutenant, we desire, sir, to speak with Captain Cortland at once." - -"It's as important as that?" asked Prescott. - -"Judge for yourself, sir. We have just returned from C Company's camp, -and we've heard Captain Freeman and his officers discussing the plan by -which they expect to attack this camp to-night and bag B Company whole -hog." - -"You've been to C Company's camp?" repeated Lieutenant Prescott, eyeing -the rookies closely. "Wasn't that exceeding your instructions by a -very wide margin?" - -"We didn't go there by design, sir. It's a long story." - -"And you do well to remind me that I am wasting time in not calling -Captain Cortland," continued the young lieutenant. "Wait here, men." - -It was barely more than a minute when Lieutenant Prescott came back -with Captain Cortland and Lieutenant Hampton. - -"What's this I hear, Overton?" demanded B Company's commander. "C -Company expects to bag us here to-night?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"How?" - -Hal briefly sketched the plan, as he understood it, of attacking the -camp by moving up through the ravine. - -"We've a sentry down at the ravine," declared Captain Cortland. "But, -Mr. Prescott, I believe you would do well to rouse enough men to create -an emergency outpost beyond the other end of the ravine. Also send -a small scouting detachment out considerably beyond the ravine. But -instruct the scouts to be prepared for a quick recall at any moment." - -Lieutenant Prescott saluted his superior officer, then hastened away -to rout out the needed men and post them. - -"Go on with your story, Overton. Better give it all to us in order, but -be brief in the telling, my man." - -So Hal plunged promptly into the narration of what he and Noll had been -through, beginning with the false scent on which they had been sent by -the hunter at the cabin. - -Captain Cortland held out his hand almost impulsively, both to Hal and -to Noll. - -"My men," he said earnestly, "I must tell you that I believe you both -did wisely in adopting the profession of arms. Obedience is the first -requisite of the soldier. The records of both of you stand well in that -respect. But scouting work, which comes under the head of the service -of information and security, is of the utmost importance in a campaign, -and you two show positive genius as scouts. This is all of a piece with -your great work of last night, Overton. I shall not forget it. As every -man will be called within fifteen minutes, you may remain here under -Sergeant Hupner's orders. Mr. Hampton, you and I will take a brief -stroll and decide swiftly upon what we are to do." - -"Lads," broke in Sergeant Hupner, as the officers strolled away, -"either you're mighty lucky or else you're born soldiers. I believe it -is the latter." - -Five minutes later the two senior company officers returned. - -"Sergeant Hupner, we are going to call the men, but no bugle will be -sounded," stated Captain Cortland. "Rouse the remaining sergeants -first; then instruct them to rouse all the men and with great -quietness." - -B Company was soon aroused; in ten minutes more all of the guard except -the soldiers down by the ravine had been recalled. - -"We won't strike our tents," Cortland informed his sergeants. "It -will do no harm to leave the camp standing, especially if the enemy's -commander uses his night glasses at a distance. He will feel certain -that we are nicely bagged. Now, pass the word, without loud command, -for the company to fall in." - -Two minutes later, in single file, B Company marched toward the ravine -like so many unsubstantial spectres. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -TRAPPERS AND TRAPPED - - -"Halt, who's there?" - -A single sentry, just at the opening of the ravine, called the -challenge in a low voice. - -There was no response. - -"Halt! Who's there?" - -There still being no response, the sentry advanced toward a line of -bushes. - -He stepped through, peering beyond. - -Almost without sound four C Company men leaped at the sentry, clutching -him by the throat and bearing him to the ground. - -The captured sentry was able to make only a low gurgling sound in his -throat. His rifle was snatched away from him. Working at professional -speed, the sentry was gagged and bound, then tossed upon the ground -once more, while a C Company man sat upon him. - -"Now, take the word back, Daly," ordered the non-commissioned officer -in command of the captors. - -The sentry did not offer to struggle. It was as though he feared -physical punishment would be inflicted upon him if he dared attempt to -make trouble. - -Little did the exultant C Company men dream that this solitary sentry -was the only man on guard duty for B Company. The fact was that this -sentry had been posted with explicit instructions to allow himself to -be captured without making any outcry or firing his rifle. - -Three minutes later the ground about the captured sentry appeared to be -covered with dimly defined figures of advancing men--soldiers in full -field equipment. - -It was C Company, advancing by column of twos, with Captain Freeman -and Lieutenant Ray at the head, and Lieutenant Greg Holmes, alertly -watchful of the line, at the rear. - -Into the ravine C Company advanced, moving with barely a sound. It was -Freeman's intention to reform his men once they were through the ravine -and advance, yelling and firing, upon a surprised camp. - -The head, then the center of the line, slipped into the ravine. At last -the whole of C Company was fairly within the ravine. - -Nor did Captain Freeman have the slightest idea of the many pairs of -keen eyes that watched the progress of his command from the tops of the -low walls of stone that bound the ravine. - -Above stood Captain Cortland, well concealed in a bush, watching, -revolver in hand. - -Bang! - -Captain Cortland fired his revolver into the ground--the signal shot. - -Instantly a tempest of firing broke loose. Men stationed on either -side, above the ravine, poured down their rifle fire--of blank -ammunition, of course. - -From the inner end of the ravine two squads of men fired from behind -hastily erected entrenchments. - -"Sound the retreat!" roared Freeman, above the din of the firing, in -the ear of the bugler at his side. - -But with the first notes of the bugle a din of reports and a belching -of flame came from other B Company men, now stationed at the end of the -ravine through which C Company had just entered. - -The ambuscade was complete. Under any war conditions C Company was -hopelessly engulfed, and ready for complete slaughter. - -Suddenly the bugler up aloft, stationed by Captain Cortland's side, -blew as though he would blow his lungs out, the signal for "cease -firing." - -Then the din of musketry died down. - -"Captain Freeman," called Cortland, "I call upon you to surrender your -command. You must realize that, under war conditions, you have already -lost nearly every man of your force." - -"I surrender my command," replied Captain Freeman promptly. "As you -say, Cortland, you have us wholly at your mercy." - -At the word, passed by their non-commissioned officers, the wearied men -of C Company squatted on the ground. - -"I take it I may go through the ravine to your camp, Cortland," called -Captain Freeman, "now that we are harmless prisoners of war." - -"Yes; you had better march your company through into the open and we'll -join you." - -"Thank heaven the cruel war is over," muttered a soldier in C Company, -and a hearty laugh from victors and vanquished answered this sally. - -Ten minutes later the recent mimic combatants were all together on the -same ground. - -But Captain Freeman was burning with curiosity. - -"May I ask, Cortland," he demanded, "how on earth you guessed our plans -so well that you had that trap spread for us?" - -"I didn't guess your plans," smiled Captain Cortland. - -"Oh, come now!" - -"Not a bit of guess about it, my dear Freeman. I knew your whole plan -for to-night." - -"Knew it?" - -"Yes." - -"You had scouts out, Cortland, who detected our advance? From your -knowledge of our advance you cleverly guessed our plan?" - -"Oh, no! As I just said, I knew your plan, and did not have to guess -it." - -"But how?" pressed Captain Freeman, still disconsolate and much -mystified. - -"Indirectly, I had the plan from your own lips. In other words, -Freeman, scouts of mine were in your camp at early dark to-night. They -heard you and your officers discussing the plan. Then, very naturally, -my scouts brought the information to me." - -"Scouts?" cried the bewildered commander of C Company. "By Jove, I -remember two men who strolled down through my camp to-night. I called -to them to keep close to our lines." - -"But they didn't," chuckled Captain Cortland gleefully, "for those two -men whom you hailed happened to be my scouts." - -Captain Freeman took two great, gulping breaths in his sheer amazement. - -"Cortland, now that the sham campaign is over," he begged, "may I know -who your scouts were?" - -"Certainly, my dear Freeman. They were Privates Overton and Terry." - -"Overton!" gasped Captain Freeman, in deep chagrin. "The clever young -rascal who looted my outpost last night?" - -"The same." - -Several of C Company's enlisted men were within hearing. - -Now, from one of these men, came the heart-felt utterance: - -"Hang that kid Overton!" - -"Terry's just as bad," growled another C Company soldier. - -"Cortland," remarked C Company's chop-fallen commander, "I congratulate -you on having two fine young soldiers in your company." - -"I surely have," nodded Captain Cortland. "I have already informed -Overton and Terry of my estimate of their abilities." - -Twenty minutes later the reunited companies of wearied officers and men -slept side by side under the stars of the Colorado sky. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -THAT C COMPANY CORPORAL EATS CROW - - -"Company, halt!" - -Then, just a little later: - -"C Company, halt!" - -The long, dusty line of khaki-clad soldiers, at the word, dropped out -of ranks, finding seats on the ground near where they had left the -ranks. - -Behind the men, now stopped, the wagon train came up and also halted. - -Not far from the head of the line that morning stood the log cabin of -the old-time hunter. - -Though the military did not suspect it, a sharp pair of old eyes peered -out through a chink in the cabin wall. - -Then the cabin door opened, the old-time hunter sauntering slowly forth. - -At sight of him Corporal Raynes, C Company, tried to shrink into -smaller space than he had ever succeeded in occupying before. - -"Which side won the tom-fool match?" inquired the aged hunter of a -pleasant-faced young man on whose shoulders glistened the plain straps -of a second lieutenant. - -"B Company won the miniature manoeuvres by capturing C Company, -if that's what you mean, sir," replied Lieutenant Dick Prescott -pleasantly. - -"B Company?" cried the old man almost indignantly. "Why, B Company -stood for the Japs, didn't they!" - -"Not that I've heard, sir," answered Prescott. "B Company and C Company -represented two forces that were supposed to be hostile to each other. -Neither side was designated by the name of any country." - -"Why, that's dinged strange!" uttered the old hunter. "A lot of your -camp wagons went by yesterday, and there was a feller from one of 'em, -who told me he belonged to C Company, and that C Company was supposed -to be the Americans, and B Company was the Japs. Now, I've always hated -the Japs!" - -"Did you ever see any Japanese, sir?" asked Lieutenant Prescott. - -"Nope, young man; but what's that got to do with hating 'em? Well, as I -was saying, that C Company feller on one of the wagons told me about B -Company being the Japs, and he asked me if I would like to help along -the licking of B Company. So I done the best I could." - -"By sending two young B Company soldiers across the wilderness, to that -elevation over yonder?" inquired Captain Cortland, who had heard the -conversation. - -"The C Company feller told me that it would help lick the company -that was standing for the Japs," explained the old man, his face an -interesting study as he gazed from one officer's face to another. - -Captain Freeman had not yet heard the story of how Hal and Noll had -come to be in his camp at dark. He had been denied that knowledge by -the laughing officers of B Company. But Freeman had been near enough to -hear the hunter's explanation, and now C Company's commander thought he -saw a whole lot of sudden light. - -"Pass the word for Corporal Raynes!" he shouted. - -Raynes heard, and shivered. Yet he was a soldier; there was but one -thing to do. Quaking in his restored shoes, Raynes rose and marched -briskly forward, halting and saluting before his captain. - -"Is this the man who was on one of the wagons, and who told you to send -two B Company men hiking across a wilderness of rock?" asked Captain -Freeman. - -"That's the very man," declared the old hunter. - -Hal and Noll had been looking on from a little distance. Now they -caught Captain Cortland's signal to come up, and obeyed. - -"Are these the two young men you sent, sir, on that wild-goose chase -off over the rocks?" asked Captain Freeman, pointing over towards the -bunkies. - -"They sure are," nodded the hunter. - -Captain Freeman turned, fixing the quaking Raynes with a glance that -brought the victim scant comfort. - -"Corporal Raynes, you were despoiled by Overton while on outpost night -before last. Then, yesterday afternoon, you fixed up a practical joke -on Overton and Terry in order to pay Overton back for his conduct to -you the night before?" queried Captain Freeman. - -"Yes, sir," admitted Raynes, feeling as though he would like to sink -about a mile into the ground. - -"Corporal Raynes," continued his captain, half scathingly and half -quizzically, "you have proved a most valuable man to your company -during this period of field duty. First, while on outpost duty, you -allow yourself to be despoiled of your rifle, shoes and canteen. Then, -in your humorous efforts to get even, you perpetrate a near-joke that -sends the enemy's two best scouts where they will be right on hand to -learn our plans and betray us to the enemy. Corporal Raynes, you have -covered yourself with glory indeed! Return to your company." - -Like wildfire the story spread down the line. Raynes had to endure -jeering looks from nearly two hundred men. - -"Ain't it fearful how these kids gain glory from the very things that -other folks do to smash 'em?" demanded Private Bill Hooper hoarsely in -the ear of Private Dowley. - -"It's a long lane of luck that has no turning," growled Dowley. - -"After what I've seen of their luck, I'm almost afraid to put up any -job against 'em," confessed Hooper. - -"You never did have much sand or wit, I reckon," snarled Dowley. - -"Are you still going to try to bring the kid soldiers to disgrace?" -asked Hooper in an eager undertone. - -"If I do, I don't believe you'll be much help." - -"But I'd like to know----" - -"Bill Hooper, if I need your help in anything I'll be sure to let you -know." - -"Now, Dowley, you needn't be so warm-tongued about it," urged Hooper. -"Of course, if there's any safe scheme for fixing the records of these -kids, I'm plumb crazy to have a hand in it, and that you know, Dowley." - -"Did the last thing we put up--spoiling Kid Overton's rifle--get traced -back to us?" demanded Dowley. - -"Now, that scheme didn't work much trouble to the kid," complained -Hooper. "He was in bad for half a day, then got a new rifle, and has -been receiving bouquets ever since." - -"You wait--watch and listen," urged Dowley. "You won't be very much -older when you'll hear something drop that'll fix Overton if he happens -to be around." - -"I wish you'd tell me," half whined Bill Hooper. - -"I will, if I want your help," remarked Dowley dryly. - -"Well, so long as the kid is chased out of this regiment, I don't care -who does it." - -"Fall in!" rang down the line. - - * * * * * - -"I'm glad I know who put up that job on us," laughed Private Overton, -as he stepped to his place in ranks. - -"But I wonder how it feels to be Corporal Raynes just now?" hinted -Private Terry facetiously. - -"I hope he won't get reduced to the ranks as a consequence," observed -Hal. - -"That would he rather rough. But I don't believe Captain Freeman will -do anything like that." - -Just before noon the troops were halted, then marched, by companies, -into a field. The order to pitch camp was given. - -It was really too bad, but one of the wagons drove up and the men on it -began to unload bear carcasses. All this bear meat was dumped before B -Company's line. C Company men tried not to look in that direction at -all, for C Company's share in the bear meat was to be--none. - -Early that morning Captain Cortland had sent the wagon and men to -recover the bear carcasses from the cave. The bears had been promptly -"skinned" and dressed before loading them into the wagon. - -From still another wagon sounded the whines of the five cubs. These -were to be taken back to Fort Clowdry, there to be fattened and served -at the coming Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner of B Company's men. A -few months later these cubs would be "a good size for killing." - -"To the victors belong the spoils." The two older bears had been killed -as already related, and the cubs found by B Company scouts within C -Company's "territory." - -Out were tumbled the Army cookstoves. Men of B Company cut up the -meat. Soon the odor of baking and roasting meats was on the air. Other -willing helpers to the cook were trimming off pieces of meat for -broiling. - -It was torment to hungry C Company men to smell the appetizing odors -and to meet the grins with which B Company men favored them. - -B Company must wait a while for its dinner, but was willing. The men of -C Company, to stop, as far as possible, the pangs of longing and the -watering of mouths, fell to at once to cook their own monotonous bacon. - -"See here, Freeman, there's going to be an abundance of bear meat," -remarked Captain Cortland, going over to his fellow company commander. -"Your men may as well have some of it." - -"Not under the circumstances under which the meat was obtained," -replied Captain Freeman firmly. "Let the men of my company realize -that they were disgracefully worsted, and that they have no cause for -complaint." - -So the men of one company sat down to a meal of hard tack, bacon and -coffee, while B Company men waited for a better feast. - -At last B's spread was ready. - -"My man," said Captain Cortland to his dog-robber, "cut off some nice -pieces of bear meat and take them over to the officers of C Company -with my compliments." - -But the dog-robber soon returned, bearing the platter on which the meat -still lay. - -"Captain Freeman's compliments, sir, but he says that the officers of C -Company will endure a deserved disappointment along with their men." - -Ere B Company's feast ended a commotion started that appeared to come -from behind C Company's street. - -Hal, dropping his ration plate to the ground, leaped up. - -"Look, Noll!" he called laughingly. "Corporal Raynes is certainly -'getting his.' Wow! Look at the fracas!" - -As a matter of fact, Raynes, at this moment, was being made the -recipient of most unwelcome attentions. - -He was being tossed in a blanket. - -This is the most emphatic and picturesque way that soldiers have of -displaying their displeasure against a man. It is a torment that is -also inflicted on any soldier who is accused of being "too fresh." - -Eight soldiers had hold of an ordinary army blanket, holding to it by -the edges. - -Several other soldiers had started in pursuit of Corporal Raynes. -Though that non-com ran for all he was worth, he was captured, -overpowered and dragged to the blanket. - -Willing hands caught him up, throwing him into the slack of the -blanket. - -"Heave her, boys!" - -Instantly, before Raynes could scramble to his feet and escape, the -slack blanket was hauled taut. - -Up into the air some four feet shot Corporal Raynes's sprawling figure. - -Down he came again, into the slack, but just as promptly he was tossed -again. This time the victim went up more than five feet into the air. - -"Stop it!" gasped the victim from up in the air. - -But no one was in a mood to stop it. Higher and higher shot the body -of the unpopular corporal, until he was going up ten feet or more at -nearly every toss. - -It is a most ludicrous punishment to look at, but the victim of this -strenuous prank feels that it is more than ridicule. He is always -certain that an outrage is being carried on against him. - -"Sto-o-op it!" gasped Raynes weakly. - -Under the merciless tossing and consequent jolting nearly all the -breath had left his body. - -"Give him a few more tastes," advised three or four of C Company's men -who stood in the front rank of those looking on. - -Of course it was a breach of discipline, in a way, for privates to toss -a non-commissioned officer, but neither Captain Freeman nor either -of his lieutenants interfered. The non-com is not always safe, by any -means, from blanket tossing. - -At last, however, the blanket was dropped to the ground, and Corporal -Raynes, breathless and very red-faced, was allowed to roll off the -woolen surface. - -As the corporal lay on the ground one of the men voiced the feeling of -all his comrades in C Company by muttering grimly: - -"Put up jobs that supply B's men with fresh meat and leave us out, will -you?" - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -THE CALL TO DEADLY WORK - - -For the next three days the men were to remain at the present camp. - -Instruction in the erecting of temporary field fortifications was to -follow. - -But Hal and Noll missed the first afternoon of this work, for they were -sent over to Mason City as orderlies to Lieutenant Prescott, who, as -acting commissary officer to the reunited companies, went to buy fresh -foodstuffs. - -Two wagons were also dispatched, the young lieutenant riding with the -driver on one of the wagons, while the soldier boys rode on the other -wagon. - -Mason City nestled in among the mountains in what was considered one of -the best health sections of Colorado. The "city" would have been termed -a village back in the east. It contained four hotels, two sanitariums, -a small theatre and other public buildings. It was to this town that -many eastern consumptives came. - -The native population of the town was less than a thousand souls. -Consumptives and other travelers added a usual average of about -eighteen hundred more people. - -The streets were lively with people when the two wagons drove into the -town. - -"You men may just as well enjoy yourselves for a couple of hours, for -I shall be busy in looking through the markets," announced Lieutenant -Prescott, as the soldier boys climbed down from their wagon. "Report to -me at the Mason House at six sharp. Remember, won't you, that's it a -soldier's business to be punctual to the fraction of a minute?" - -"Yes, sir," replied Hal Overton, as the soldier boys saluted. - -Lieutenant Prescott strode off down the street, a splendidly military -figure in his officer's khaki uniform which, despite the hardships of -the last days, he had kept almost immaculate. - -"A mighty fine young officer," murmured Noll, gazing admiringly after -the lieutenant. - -"One of the best that they turn out of West Point, I reckon," replied -Private Overton. - -Then the two young privates devoted themselves to sight-seeing. - -Punctually at the moment, however, both were in the lobby at the Mason -House. - -Lieutenant Prescott stepped in at the same moment. - -"I'll register you here for a room to-night, men," he said, returning -their salutes. "You will also have your evening meal in the dining -room. I shall not need your services until morning. Report to me at -this spot at 8.30 to-morrow morning." - -"Very good, sir," replied both soldier boys, once more saluting. - -"Say, a hotel meal will seem like a real luxury--what?" breathed Hal. - -"I wonder if it's ready?" murmured Noll. - -"We'll find out." - -The dining room was open. After going to the wash room, and making -themselves as presentable as possible, the two young soldiers stepped -into the dining room, the head waiter showing them to seats. - -"There's the lieutenant over there at another table," whispered Noll. - -"I guess he's as glad as we are to have a civilized meal again. But has -it struck you, Noll, that the government does things in pretty good -shape when it pays for putting up two private soldiers at a fine hotel -like this?" - -What neither soldier boy suspected was that Lieutenant Prescott was -paying the bill for them out of his own pocket--this as a silent -remembrance of their work in bringing victory to B Company. - -By the time that the meal was nearly over the soldier boys observed -that a man who looked as if he might be a native of Mason City had -seated himself at the same table with Lieutenant Prescott, and was -engaged in earnest, low-voiced conversation with that young officer. - -Soon after a waiter came to the table where Hal and Noll sat. - -"The lieutenant wants to speak with you as soon as you have finished," -announced the waiter. "Don't go to him until you're through eating, -though." - -Noll finished his last few bites of dessert, Hal his coffee. Then both -young men rose, quietly crossing the dining room. The soldier boys, -as they moved with erect carriage and easy motion, were full of a -soldierly grace of appearance that they did not begin to suspect. - -Nor did they imagine that strangers in the hotel dining room were -paying any heed to them until they heard a man's voice say approvingly: - -"Regulars." - -"Yes; they're the real thing," agreed another male voice. "You'll know -a regular wherever you see one. The men of the regular Army can't be -beat." - -"You sent for us, sir?" asked Hal, pausing beside the lieutenant's -table and saluting. - -"Yes," nodded Prescott. "Follow me from the dining room. I have -something to say to you." - -Prescott and the stranger passed out ahead. Hal and Noll kept in their -wake, about fifteen feet to the rear. Lieutenant Prescott and the -stranger entered an elevator, the soldier boys following. The young -officer led the way to his room. - -"Now, then," resumed Prescott, wheeling about on the soldier boys, -"I have had a very peculiar request made to me to-night--by this -gentleman." - -The stranger nodded. - -"Mason City," continued the lieutenant, "is usually a very orderly -place. There are only two policemen here--a night and a day officer. -Besides, there is one peace officer--Deputy Sheriff Coates. Now, it -happens that Coates is ill in bed, and his physician absolutely forbids -him to leave his bed inside of a week." - -"That's right," nodded the stranger. - -"And the policemen are needed on the street. Besides, I am informed -that the two local policemen are neither of them quite the sort of men -who are fitted for some work that has come up." - -"Also quite right," nodded the stranger. - -"Therefore," went on the young lieutenant, "Deputy Sheriff Coates, -hearing that soldiers are in town, has sent to me asking my help in -arresting one of the most dangerous characters at present at liberty -anywhere in the United States. Now, if I am to undertake this work, I -must have assistance. The question comes, men----" - -Lieutenant Prescott paused, scrutinizing keenly the faces of the -soldier boys. - -"Are you men ready to aid me in arresting this desperate character, who -is as deadly as a rattler, and always ready to turn himself loose with -a pair of guns?" - -"I am very sorry, sir," replied Hal, saluting, "that the lieutenant -should feel it at all necessary to ask the question." - -"I am obliged to ask you," answered Prescott, "and also to inform you -that you are both at liberty to refuse, for this is not legally the -duty of a soldier under the circumstances. You may refuse without -subjecting yourselves to criticism." - -"But we have no thought of refusing, sir," Hal answered, not even -considering it necessary to glance at his bunkie. "We'll follow the -lieutenant anywhere, and do anything that he directs." - -"But, my men, you and I may all three of us be killed in this -enterprise." - -"Fearful, sir!" replied Noll half dryly. "Yet I've always supposed it -part of a soldier's duty to be killed at need." - -"In the discharge of military duties, yes," agreed Lieutenant Prescott. -"But this is not military duty in any sense. If you go into it you -must understand that you are acting voluntarily, to aid the civil -authorities of this state and county." - -"May I ask a question, sir?"--from Hal. - -"Certainly," replied the young officer. - -"You are proposing to risk your life, aren't you, sir?" - -"Yes." - -"Then we'll take the same risk, sir. We don't need to ask anything -more. Lead us where you wish, and into what you please, sir." - -"Thank you, men," acknowledged Lieutenant Prescott heartily. Then, -turning to the stranger, he added: - -"I told you I didn't think I was mistaken in these men." - -"You certainly are not," agreed the stranger. - -"Now, for the next step, I must wire the regimental commander, Colonel -North, asking his permission that these men and myself engage in the -enterprise. I anticipate the colonel's consent. Therefore, as soon as I -have sent the telegram, sir, you may lead us to the house of Coates." - -Lieutenant Prescott then left the room. - -"I suppose you boys wonder who I am?" smiled the stranger. - -"Thank you, sir," Hal replied quietly. "When the lieutenant wants us to -know he'll tell us. No offense intended, sir." - -"Nor any taken," replied the stranger, with a laugh. "You regulars -surely do go along, just sticking to orders, and not caring for -anything outside of orders." - -Second Lieutenant Prescott soon returned to the room. - -"I've sent my wire, Mr. Dent. Now we are at your disposal. Lead the -way, sir." - -As the soldier boys followed their officer, a dozen feet to the rear, -from the hotel, they certainly felt far more curiosity than they would -have admitted to any one else. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -THE APPOINTMENT WITH SUPREME DANGER - - -"You think you can manage it?" asked Deputy Sheriff Coates anxiously, -after a long talk by the side of the sick bed. - -"I am sure we can," nodded Lieutenant Richard Prescott cheerily. - -"I hate to ask such favor of you," went on Coates in a tone of real -regret. "But Jack Blick simply has to be arrested, and there doesn't -seem any other way." - -"Don't worry any more about it, Mr. Coates," urged the young lieutenant. - -It seemed odd to see one as young as Prescott using this soothing tone -to the weather-tanned, middle-aged peace officer who, for a score of -years, had been known as a terror to evil-doers. But Coates was flat on -his back now, and there was a man to be captured who was known as one -of the most dangerous men in the country. - -During the conversation Hal and Noll had remained seated at some -distance from the bed. The soldier boys had listened, but had said -nothing. Nor had Dent, who turned out to be the local postmaster, said -much, either. - -"Blick is just waiting for a letter that holds money to take him -somewhere else," Coates continued, plucking at the bed clothes. "If he -gets that letter in the morning, he'll be out of sight and away before -I can get help here. As I've told you, the stage comes here only twice -a week, and it is out of the question to get real help through in case -Blick makes his last trip to the post office to-morrow morning. If he -gets a letter then, and finds the expected funds in it, it's my belief -that he'll be on his way among the hills five minutes afterwards. That -is, of course, Lieutenant, if you're not there to stop him." - -"If he appears and is recognized, we'll stop him," smiled Lieutenant -Prescott with the confidence of a trained man who cannot admit defeat. - -"But be mighty sure you get the drop on Jack Blick, Lieutenant. If you -soldiers make the slightest blunder after Blick knows you're there for -him, he'll drill all three of you. If you once let Blick get a gun out -of his pocket then one or two of you will die--sure. The fellow is as -quick as lightning, and he always shoots to kill at the first shot!" - -"I have heard of that kind of man before," replied Mr. Prescott -composedly. - -"Don't you doubt that they exist, either, Lieutenant," warned the -deputy sheriff earnestly. "Don't forget, either, that Jack Blick is -the most dangerous man of that type." - -"What a pity you don't know where Blick is staying," sighed Lieutenant -Prescott regretfully. "It would be much more to my liking to turn him -out of bed in the middle of the night." - -"None of us have been able to find the least trace of his stopping -place," put in Postmaster Dent. "Not that we haven't tried. Wherever -Blick's hiding place is, it's a secure one." - -The plans for the attempt at capture were then made and fully discussed -until every one present understood fully. - -Jack Blick, "wanted" for two killings and half a dozen train and -stage holds-ups, was here in Mason City in disguise. He had always -been smooth faced, but now he wore a heavy beard. He had made other -alterations in his appearance. At the post office he inquired for -letters for Arthur Dade. As a part of his disguise Blick pretended to -be a consumptive, and on even rather warm days, he appeared in a light -top-coat. This was the information that Coates gave Lieutenant Prescott. - -"That's so he can carry revolvers in either side pocket; don't forget -that," urged the deputy sheriff. "Watch Blick's hands when he takes 'em -out of his pockets." - -Blick's identity had been learned from the police of San Francisco. In -that latter city Blick's sister lived. It was believed that she might -correspond with her brother, and so the police of San Francisco had -arranged with the local post office people for a chance to inspect the -address of every letter that Juliette Blick mailed. These addresses had -been run down, and the one at Mason City had proved to be the correct -one for her brother. - -"I am afraid you have tired yourself out, Mr. Coates," suggested -Prescott, rising. "As we now know all that can help us, I propose to -leave after sending your nurse in to you." - -"My nurse?" cried the deputy, almost resentfully. "Me, under a nurse's -care, when there's a job at hand like catching Jack Blick!" - -"We'll do our very best, sir, to take your place," promised Lieutenant -Prescott. Then a new thought coming to him, he added: - -"I think, Mr. Coates, perhaps we had better wait until Mr. Dent goes -down to the Mason House to see whether there is an answer to the -telegram I sent Colonel North. I may have to see you again, just for a -moment." - -Once outside the sick room, the three soldiers stepped into the little -parlor of the house. - -"As postmaster, Mr. Dent, you are well enough known to have no -difficulty in getting the hotel people to hand you any message that -may have come for me." - -Then Mr. Dent left them. - -"Seat yourselves, men," urged Lieutenant Prescott, himself dropping -into a chair. "Now, I think that, with three of us, we're going to -have a rather easy time to-morrow if Blick really shows up at the post -office. Of course, now that we've undertaken this thing, we simply -can't allow ourselves to make any flukes." - -"As I understand it, sir," smiled Hal Overton, "any mistakes that any -of us make will form the basis of the undertaker's bill to our families -at home." - -"That's the best possible way of stating the case," laughed the young -lieutenant lightly. "Just for the sake of being able to remain in the -good old service we've got to avoid making any bad breaks while Blick -is at hand." - -Thirty minutes went by ere the postmaster of Mason City returned. - -"Had to wait. Message just came. I brought it at once," explained Dent, -whose breathing showed that he had hurried. - -Lieutenant Prescott took the little yellow envelope, breaking it open. - -"Pardon me for reading it," he said. - -Then a smile broke over his features. - -"It's O. K.," he announced, dropping the paper to his lap. Then he -picked it up again, saying: - -"Listen!" - -This was the dispatch that he read, addressed to himself and signed by -Colonel North: - -"Permission granted to yourself and Privates Overton and Terry to make -arrest if possible, but only after all three have been legally sworn in -as special deputy sheriffs of the county. Obey and submit to the civil -authorities in every way." - -"Hurrah!" Hal could not restrain himself from saying. - -"What a bully old colonel commands 'Ours,'" breathed Noll Terry. - -"Ours" is the term given his regiment by every soldier, whether officer -or enlisted man. - -"I'm glad to see, men, that you're pleased. Now, as I thought might be -possible when leaving Mr. Coates, we shall have to see him again for -just a moment." - -"To be sworn in as special deputies?" inquired Postmaster Dent. - -"Exactly," nodded Lieutenant Prescott. - -They were soon again at the sick man's bedside, the young officer -explaining their errand. - -"Hold up your hands, all three of you," directed Deputy Coates. - -Then and there he swore them in formally as special deputy sheriffs in -the service of the county. - -"Dent, go to the third drawer in that cabinet and take out three -badges, will you?" asked Mr. Coates. - -"These badges will be in the best place if we pin them to our flannel -shirts, and then button our blouses over them," suggested Prescott, -setting the example. - -"I'll go out ahead of you now," proposed the postmaster. "Arrange to be -in the little alley-way back of the post office at half past six in the -morning." - -"Six thirty to the minute," Lieutenant Prescott promised. - -Once outside, the lieutenant told the bunkies to return to the hotel -together. Then he left them. - -Just on the dot of 6.30 the next morning Lieutenant Prescott and his -two soldier boys were at the meeting place. - -Postmaster Dent was ahead of them, and quickly admitted them through -the rear door of the post office building. - -"Now, we've just time to hurry into readiness," whispered Dent, rubbing -his hands. "The office opens sharp at seven!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -MEETING BLICK IN EARNEST - - -"Any mail for Sarah J. Campbell?" - -"I'll see, ma'am." - -"Be quick, boy. I'm in a dreadful hurry." - -Noll turned away from the window to consult a frame of boxes that were -alphabetically arranged. - -"Maria A. Bampole, did you say, ma'am?" sounded young Terry's voice, -his face just out of sight. - -"No; I didn't," snapped the woman. "Sarah J. Campbell, blockhead!" - -"'Scuse me, ma'am," returned Noll politely, though heavily. - -The impatient woman could hear him slowly sorting over letters. - -"Nothing for Blockhead," he announced slowly, as though talking caused -him pain. - -The woman threw up her hands in huge disgust. - -"Sarah J. Campbell!" she insisted snappishly. - -"Oh, 'scuse me, ma'am. I thought you said Blockhead." - -"So I did, dunce, but I was calling you that!" - -"But, you see, ma'am," drawled Noll, exasperatingly, "I ain't looking -for any mail." - -"Then you'd better!" warned the woman angrily. "And look for Sarah J. -Campbell. Be lively about it, too." - -Noll ran through the letters and postcards in Box C with provoking -deliberation. Then he announced, while the woman drummed impatiently on -the window ledge: - -"Here's a postal from the Mason City Laundry, stating that your wash, -this week, will be delivered only on payment of your account." - -"Gimme that card," screamed Miss Campbell. "I didn't ask you to read -it, booby!" - -"And here's another, from Medella, dealer in false hair at Denver, -stating that your order will be shipped on the second of next month, -and----" - -People waiting in the line behind began to titter, while Miss -Campbell's face turned scarlet. - -"Gimme my mail, stupid!" commanded Miss Campbell irately. "And I'll -complain to the postmaster about your impudence." - -Noll Terry gazed at the woman with an expression of sadly wounded -innocence. - -"'Scuse me, marm, and please don't blab to the P. M. This is my first -day here. I'm new and green, yes, marm, but I'm trying to be as -obliging as I can." - -"Humph!" muttered the woman. Gathering her post cards, she fled. - -Lieutenant Prescott, holding one hand over his mouth, used the other to -beckon as soon as he could catch Noll's eye. - -Noll went over to him, saluting, out of sight of any one at the post -office window. - -"Cut out some of this comedy, Terry," begged the lieutenant in a -whisper, "or I shall laugh outright and betray myself." - -Noll once more saluted gravely, then returned to his post at the -general delivery window. - -All traces of the military had left Noll Terry's appearance. His khaki -uniform was hidden under the jumper and overalls that Postmaster Dent -had loaned him. Even his erect carriage had vanished. Noll now looked -as though he had been round-shouldered from the cradle. His crisp -speaking tone had given way to a drawl, and his look was stupid. - -The three soldiers were alone in the general delivery room, Noll the -only one of them at any time visible. - -Toward the front of the room was a door opening out on the lobby of -the post office. Behind this stood Lieutenant Prescott in uniform, but -without his sword. Over the right hip dangled a holster in which lay a -service revolver, ready for instant work. - -Further down the general delivery room, on the other side of the -window, was a door opening also into the lobby. Behind this Private -Hal Overton, also in uniform, was stationed. He, too, wore a revolver -in holster over his right hip, for the bunkies, when sent into town as -orderlies, had been armed with revolvers, as is the custom in the case -of officers' orderlies in the field. - -Noll's revolver lay on a little shelf out of sight under the window -ledge. - -Over two hours had dragged by. There could be no telling, of course, at -what time Blick would appear, even if he came at all. - -It was not long ere Noll Terry forgot Lieutenant Prescott's warning, -and again started in to have more fun with the people before the window. - -This time, however, he took great pains not to let the young lieutenant -catch his eye. - -Then, of a sudden came a jolt that would have made a less -self-possessed young man topple over. - -A mild-eyed man of forty took his place before the window. Noll barely -glanced at the fellow until the latter inquired in a soft voice that -was almost effeminate: - -"Any mail for Arthur Dade?" - -But Private Terry never turned a hair. - -[Illustration: Lieutenant Prescott and Private Overton Darted Into the -Fray.] - -This man was bearded and surely must be Jack Blick, he of the deadly -habits. - -"What name did you say?" queried Noll slowly. - -Lieutenant Prescott and Hal Overton got out their revolvers in a jiffy, -each standing with hand on the knob of a door. - -"Arthur Dade," repeated the mild-voiced one. - -"Bade?" blundered Noll purposely. "Will you please spell it?" - -"D-a-d-e, Dade, Arthur Dade," said the man before the window. - -"I'll see," nodded Noll coolly. He stepped back, running through the -letters in the D box. There was a letter there, as Noll Terry knew well -enough. It had come in the mail that morning, and was postmarked at San -Francisco. - -Presently Noll came back into sight with the letter, holding it out -with his left hand, while, with his right, he leaned over to replace -the other letters in D box. - -"Can you reach it?" invited Noll. - -The man who had given the name of Dade made the effort to reach the -letter, which was just what Noll was trying to make him do. That move -would keep one of the desperate fellow's hands away from his weapons -for a second or two. - -Two doors opened like a flash. Lieutenant Prescott and Private Overton -were darting on tip-toe into the expected fray. - -"Blick, get your hands up--high! Get 'em up quick, or take lead!" -ordered Lieutenant Prescott imperiously. "Don't try any tricks!" - -Reaching his man at a bound, the young Army officer thrust his revolver -squarely up against the fellow's breast. - -"Great Scott, mister, don't shoot!" yelled the stranger in a quavering -voice. - -"Then up with your hands, Blick!" - -As though in terror the stranger had sprung back two or three feet. -This was done with the quickness of a wildcat. - -As a part of the same movement the desperate man threw up one foot in a -clever kick. - -His heavy boot struck Lieutenant Prescott's right wrist with fearful -force, sending the pistol flying and nearly breaking the young -officer's wrist. - -Private Hal Overton had started at the same instant, but he had further -to go. - -Blick's right hand dropped in a twinkling to the right side pocket of -his top-coat. - -Both hands now flashed into sight, each holding a revolver. - -Coolly enough now, but with incredible swiftness, the stranger aimed -his left-hand weapon at Lieutenant Prescott. - -At the same instant Soldier Hal leaped from behind, wrapping both his -arms around Blick's neck and dragging him swiftly backward. - -Bang! - -The revolver was discharged, but the bullet, owing to Blick's going -over backward, struck a wall. - -Surely Blick must have possessed all the strength and ferocity of the -mountain lion. - -Though Hal Overton thought he had his man headed for a crashing fall to -the floor, the fellow managed to squirm out of that clutch as though by -magic. - -Then Soldier Hal found himself staring into both muzzles of the -desperate fellow's pistols. - -Hal knew it was time for him to shoot, but found he was not as swift at -the game as was the justly dreaded Blick. - -Bang-bang! sounded two loud reports. Two streams of fire flashed before -Private Overton's eyes. - -Two bullets all but grazed the soldier boy's head on either side. - -He would have been killed instantly but for Lieutenant Prescott. - -That young officer, afraid to fire for fear of hitting his own man, had -jumped into the fray despite the fact that his right wrist was all but -useless. - -With one flashing movement Prescott had recovered his revolver with his -left hand. - -It was his sudden football tackle, learned on the gridiron at West -Point, that had seized Blick and spoiled the latter's aim. - -Now, all three went down in an ugly clinch. Officer and soldier were -fighting to pin Blick's arms to his side and thus render him helpless. - -Bang! bang! - -Bang! bang! bang! - -To Blick it was little concern whether he lived or died. If he must go -under in the fight he intended at least to do all the mischief he could. - -So he fired, even while Prescott and Hal were fighting desperately to -pin his arms and spoil his aim. - -Fortunately, none of these five bullets did any harm. - -But the three locked together were fighting like panthers. - -If Blick could but wriggle out of the clutch long enough to get either -hand free, he would stand a very good chance to kill one or both of his -assailants. - -Neither the lieutenant or the soldier boy dared fire in this scrambling -clinch. - -Each feared to kill the other. - -Then Blick briefly got an arm free. - -Bang! bang! - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -THE BATTLE OF THEIR LIVES - - -At the first sign of trouble the few people in the post office lobby -had devoted their entire energies to getting away. - -Nor did any of the postal employés appear to offer aid. - -They had little stomach for such a deadly affair as this was certain to -be. - -And Noll? - -At the first note of Prescott's voice, as the lieutenant leaped at -Blick, Private Terry had dropped below the level of the window ledge. - -There his hand closed on his revolver. - -With this in hand, he bounded for the door that the young Army officer -had left open. - -But all this took time, and what was going on in the post office lobby -outside seemed to take place in split seconds. - -Noll had just bounded out in sight of the scramble for life as Blick -fired the last two shots. - -Even as the wretch pressed the trigger, however, Hal Overton took -another quick grip on the fellow's wrist. - -Thus was the soldier boy's life saved for the instant. - -But the weapons that Blick carried were automatic revolvers, each -holding nine cartridges. The scoundrel therefore held several lives in -his hands if he could only get a chance to free his wrists sufficiently. - -Still the three fought, rolled and scrambled across the floor. - -Now, Private Noll Terry was hovering over the combatants. - -At first the strenuous trio moved with such bewildering speed and were -so hopelessly mixed up that Noll actually wondered what he could do. - -At last he saw his chance and tried for it. - -Whack! - -Clubbing his revolver, Soldier Noll brought the butt of the weapon down -with fearful force--on some one's head. - -By sheer good luck it proved to be Blick's head. - -Almost completely stunned, Blick rolled over on his back, Lieutenant -Prescott bearing down on one of Blick's arms, while Hal Overton held -the other. - -Leaping around, Noll thrust the muzzle of his own revolver into Blick's -mouth. - -"Shall I pull the trigger, sir?" demanded Noll coolly. - -"No," responded Lieutenant Prescott with equal coolness. "I think we -have the rascal now." - -Jack Blick came back to consciousness to see his weapons go spinning -across the floor in different directions. - -"Now, if he makes any further efforts at trouble, Terry, just pull the -trigger," directed Lieutenant Prescott. "Blick, put your hands in front -of you, over your stomach." - -Sullenly the fellow obeyed. Lieutenant Prescott snapped a pair of -handcuffs over the fellow's wrists. - -"Now, you'll keep without spoiling," predicted the young Army officer, -leaping to his feet. "Pull him up, men." - -Though his right wrist was swelling, Prescott employed that hand to -thrust his revolver back into the holster over his hip. - -Hal and Noll dragged Blick to his feet. - -Like a flash the scoundrel darted away from them. No one had told the -Army people that Jack Blick was an expert at throwing off shackles. But -now Blick squeezed his wrists and hands through the steel bracelets -before his would-be captors could realize it. - -As part of the same movement he raced to where one of his revolvers lay. - -Stooping and picking it up, Blick wheeled like a streak of light on his -knees. - -But Soldier Hal had his own weapon up. He fired, coolly--for life. - -The bullet drilled through Blick's wrist, forcing him to drop the -revolver like hot iron. - -The fellow's left hand, however, picked up the weapon. - -Bang! - -Once more Blick dropped his weapon, for Noll Terry had fired, -shattering the fellow's left fore-arm. - -Now, apparently, Jack Blick was out of the fighting game. - -But Lieutenant Prescott, who had just snatched his pistol from its -holster, dashed forward, holding the muzzle of his weapon almost in the -fellow's face. - -"Stop all nonsense, now, my man, or we'll kill you without a word of -parley," warned the young officer in an even but deadly and convincing -tone of voice. - -Hal slipped a cord from his pocket, knotted a noose, and dropped it -over the fellow's head, drawing the noose tight. - -"I think we can hold him this way, sir," Hal suggested to the -lieutenant. - -"Yes; get behind him, Overton. Let him walk slowly, but don't stand for -any bolt. You get behind Blick, too, Terry, and hold your revolver on -his back. If he tries to bolt, or makes a single hostile sign, shoot to -kill. We're through with anything like nonsense." - -With his uninjured left hand Lieutenant Prescott helped the prisoner to -the floor. - -"Now march, my man," ordered the officer. "Out into the street. Don't -try to hurry, either." - -Thus they proceeded to the street, Lieutenant Prescott with drawn -revolver in his left hand keeping just behind the soldier boys, and -with ever an eye of watchfulness on the prisoner's steps. - -Only six doors below stood the police station. Thither they conducted -Blick, and the solitary day policeman of the little town, seeing the -crowd that had formed and followed, came rushing to the scene. - -"Get a doctor first," Lieutenant Prescott ordered, when they had Jack -Blick safely inside the station house. - -A physician was on hand inside of two minutes. He washed and dressed -the rascal's wounds. - -Then a blacksmith was sent for, and others brought portable forge and -bellows. An "Oregon boot" was shaped and riveted to Blick's lower left -leg, and a red-hot piece of iron welded on over the rivets. - -This "Oregon boot" is a famous device in some western states. It is -simply an extremely heavy cylinder of iron. The prisoner who wears -it can barely draw his left foot along. Running would be out of the -question. Nor, when the blacksmith's job was done, could Blick, even -had he been provided with ordinary tools, have succeeded in getting -that "boot" off his leg in less than four hours. - -The day policeman of Mason City, who was also chief of the "force," -swore in six armed citizens as special policemen. They were to watch -the prisoner day and night until other officers arrived to take him -away to stand trial. - -"I guess you'll keep now, won't you, Blick?" asked Lieutenant Prescott, -smiling in at the prisoner, who lay on a bench behind the barred door -of a cell, his guards just outside. - -"You think you got me, don't you?" jeered Jack Blick harshly. - -"I think we did," the young Army officer agreed, smilingly. "Have you -any doubts, my man?" - -"It took three of you to do it, and if there'd been only two of you, -I'd have gotten away," snarled the desperado. - -"I'll admit that that is probably true," assented Prescott, as smiling -as ever. "Blick, you're a nervy, deadly man. But fellows of your class -always ought to bear in mind that the community is bigger than any one -man can possibly be. You're caged now, and you have always been bound -to be, sooner or later." - -"Perhaps you feel pretty big now?" sneered Jack Blick. - -"I can't say that I do," rejoined Lieutenant Prescott coolly. "As -nearly as I can judge, I feel just about as big as I did yesterday, or -the day before. How about you, men?" - -"I know very well that I felt a lot bigger the day I first stepped into -the uniform than I do now," laughed Soldier Hal. - -"I always feel largest on pay-day," smiled Private Noll Terry. "And -this is a long way from pay-day." - -"I've got friends in this town. Friends of my own kind," broke in Jack -Blick harshly. "Don't forget that." - -"Why?" queried Lieutenant Dick Prescott. - -"Because," snarled Blick, showing his teeth, "you've been marked by my -friends already. You won't get out of town and back to camp alive!" - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -CAPTAIN CORTLAND "MAKES A SPEECH" - - -"You heard Blick's declaration, didn't you?" questioned Lieutenant -Prescott, with a smile. - -He had halted on the sidewalk and was gazing at his soldier boys. - -"That we wouldn't get out of town alive, sir?" asked Hal Overton. - -"Yes. Well, men, we don't deserve to, either, if we leave our comrades -out in camp deprived of fresh food much longer. It was Captain -Cortland's expectation that we would start back by noon to-day, and now -it's ten in the morning, with four hours or more of real work ahead of -us, so we had better walk briskly to the market." - -An officer does not, except in rare instances that call for it, walk -with his men. He walks either ahead or behind them. This is not because -of any contempt or lack of respect, even, for the men; it is a rule of -discipline and is followed for discipline's sake. - -There was soon an abundance of hard work to be done. Liberal supplies -of fresh meat were bought, and a considerable variety of groceries and -fresh and canned vegetables, for Uncle Sam's soldiers live well. - -Hal and Noll soon discovered that they had not been brought along as -ornaments. They had their hands full of work. - -Then, at last, Lieutenant Prescott sent Hal as messenger to summon the -drivers to bring the wagons over to pick up the supplies. - -Hard as all hands worked, it was well after one o'clock when the -heavily laden wagons were finally gotten into shape and headed out of -town. - -"Overton?" called the lieutenant, just before the start. - -"Yes, sir," Hal saluted. - -"Have you seen any assassins lurking about?" - -"No, sir." - -Brief as his reply was, Hal stared at the young officer in some -astonishment. - -"Have you seen any assassins dogging our tracks, Terry?" was Lieutenant -Prescott's next question. - -"No, sir," came from saluting Noll. - -Then, continued the lieutenant, still speaking gravely, "I think that -this small United States force may presume to start on its way. Of -course, we may run into an ambush within the next thirteen minutes, but -that would be a mean trick to play on a military party." - -Though the young officer spoke with all gravity the soldier boys -realized that he was wholly in jest. Reinforced now by the soldier -drivers, who were also armed, this little party of trained men could -put up a very ugly point at the first sign of need. - -"And Prescott is just the sort of officer who'll always know how to -lead men in a scrap," Hal thought admiringly. - -"Shall we take our seats on one of the wagons, sir?" questioned Private -Noll Terry. - -"No; the wagons are too heavily laden as it is, and we've a rough road -ahead. You'll march on foot. Take the road just ahead of the wagon -train, but do not march under any restraint whatever. Walk just as much -at ease as you can." - -"Very good, sir." - -Both soldier boys saluted and stepped ahead. The wagons followed at -once. The first time that Hal and Noll glanced backward they saw that -Lieutenant Prescott was also on foot, walking beside the second wagon. - -"I don't believe Lieutenant Prescott ever gives an order that he -wouldn't want to follow himself," murmured Hal. - -"He's the real thing in the soldier line," responded Noll. - -"I imagine that that other new West Pointer, Holmes, is just as fine a -soldier and officer," Hal continued. - -"Very likely," admitted Noll. "I hear that they both came from the same -home town, and that Prescott and Holmes were chums even years before -they went to West Point." - -To healthy young soldiers the walk, though over rough roads for most -of the way, was no hardship. The wagon train reached camp later in the -afternoon, just as the hard-working regulars in camp were coming back -from drill in constructing trenches with revetments. These revetments -are frames of one kind of wood or another, so built into the trench as -to increase its stability greatly. - -"You found that your task took longer than you expected, didn't you, -Mr. Prescott?" was Captain Cortland's greeting when the young officer, -saluting, came over to report. - -"We would have gotten through much earlier, captain, but some of our -time was taken up otherwise." - -"How was that?" - -"We accomplished an arrest for the county, at the request of the local -deputy sheriff, sir." - -Captain Cortland frowned slightly. - -"Ordinarily, Mr. Prescott, that is no part of a soldier's business. -But I feel certain that you must have had excellent reasons for acting -before you had explained to me the circumstances in the matter?" - -"Under the circumstances, sir, as I had the use of the telegraph, I -found it much easier to communicate with Colonel North at Fort Clowdry." - -"Oh, you did that, Mr. Prescott?" - -"Yes, sir. I trust that was not the wrong course to take. I wanted to -save time, and so used the wire straight to regimental headquarters." - -"That was perfectly proper, Mr. Prescott," nodded Captain Cortland. "So -you had Colonel North's permission to aid the county authorities?" - -"Yes, sir; on condition that we acted as volunteer county peace -officers, and not as soldiers. I have preserved Colonel North's -dispatch, sir. Here it is." - -"Come over to the tent, Mr. Prescott. I am anxious to hear about the -whole affair." - -As Captain Cortland listened to the young officer's narration of what -had taken place, he opened his eyes a bit wider. - -"Mr. Prescott, Overton and Terry seem, in every way, to be proving -themselves exceptionally fine young soldiers." - -"They are all of that, sir," assented Lieutenant Prescott warmly. - -"Sergeant Gray!" called the captain, thrusting his head outside the -tent. - -B Company's first sergeant stepped over, saluting. - -"Sergeant, direct Overton and Terry to report here at once." - -"Yes, sir." - -Privates Hal and Noll appeared before the door of the tent, saluting -respectfully. - -"Come in, men," directed the captain, and the soldier boys entered the -tent, standing at attention. - -"Men, Lieutenant Prescott has just been telling me about the arrest in -town. He speaks most highly of the conduct of both of you this morning." - -Since this called for no reply, the two soldier boys merely continued -to stand at attention. - -"Now, I'm not going to commend you for the courage you displayed," went -on B Company's captain. "It is a soldier's business to be brave, and he -should never be commended for anything less than the most distinguished -bravery. But what I am going to commend both of you for is in the way -of qualities that not all soldiers show as successfully. The first is -prompt obedience, and the second is good judgment under conditions of -great danger and requiring the swiftest action. I do not know, men, -that I can make my commendation duly emphatic in any other way than by -telling you that I am fully satisfied with both of you as soldiers -of real merit, and that Lieutenant Prescott's report strengthens my -conviction. That is all. You may go." - -Again Hal and Noll saluted, then wheeled and stepped from the tent. - -"That's a good deal better than a speech, isn't it?" murmured Noll when -the bunkies were some distance from the officers' tent. - -"Why, as coming from a captain, in praise of his men, that was really a -speech, wasn't it?" asked Hal. - -As neither of the young bunkies told the story in camp, it got out only -through the partial accounts of the wagon drivers, who were able to -give only garbled and not at all accurate descriptions of the exciting -business of the morning. - -"I hear you kids have been in the hero business," grinned Private -Hyman, coming over to the chums. - -"You're a friend of ours, Hyman, aren't you?" asked Private Overton, -flushing. - -"I surely consider myself one," replied Hyman. - -"Will you do us a great favor?" - -"You know I will, if I can." - -"Then drop the hero business and forget all about it," begged Hal. - -"I reckon I like you better for that," nodded Hyman. "Lovely weather -we're having, isn't it?" - -"Lovely air this afternoon," laughed Noll, sniffing. "Just smell the -odors coming from the Army stoves." - -"Now you're talking about your own exploits," teased Hyman. "You were -on the detail that went in after the fresh grub that's going to make -two hundred men, more or less, extremely happy to-night." - -"Attention, B Company!" called out Lieutenant Prescott, stepping -in among the groups of resting soldiers. "I am directed by Captain -Cortland to state that, immediately after supper to-night, twenty men -of B Company may have leave to visit Mason City. But they will be -required to be back here punctually at ten o'clock to-morrow morning. -Men who wish to avail themselves of the proffered leave will see -Sergeant Gray without delay." - -"Going in, Hyman?" asked Hal, as that soldier turned to walk away. - -"If I'm fortunate enough to get leave," nodded Hyman. "There are -several things I want to do in town." - -The supper that night was as perfect and as hearty as the resources of -camp permitted. Some of the soldiers ate so heartily that they were -presently content to lie about camp for the evening, and were glad they -had not applied for town leave. - -Captain Freeman had allowed the same number of his men town leave. - -Just before dark forty United States doughboys started down the trail, -bent on pleasure and sight-seeing. - -Being on leave, none of these men were allowed to carry their arms with -them. Nothing, for that matter, could be much more awkward to a soldier -than his rifle when on leave to visit town. - -"Be careful, men, that none of you overstay your leave," Lieutenant -Hampton called warningly, as the town party started down the trail. - -"We won't, sir," came the chorused answer. - -This is always the promise of men on leave. Sometimes, in the -excitement of pleasures, the promise is forgotten, or ignored, and then -trouble is sure to follow. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -ROUNDING UP THE MISSING LEAVE MEN - - -Camp police, which means the care and tidying of camp, and the carrying -out of hygienic precautions, occupied the soldiers in camp most of the -time between breakfast and nine o'clock. - -Then the toilers were dismissed for rest. - -"Mr. Hampton," called Captain Cortland, "you may notify Sergeant -Gray that assembly will sound at 10.15. Just before that, at 10.10, -roll-call of the men on town leave will take place." - -Some minutes before ten o'clock a lot of the men of both companies -began to straggle in. - -"There will be some of the boys who won't be here on time, though," -Private Hyman confided to Hal. - -"A soldier who gets leave and doesn't respect it is either a fool or -too mean a shirker to be in the service," Hal returned. - -"That's what I tried to tell some of the fellows in town," laughed -Hyman lightly. "You ought to have heard them thank me! But, oh, what's -the use? A fellow who is going to make a good soldier of himself always -does the nearest he can to right, and the other kind seldom get back -on a second enlistment, anyway." - -A few minutes later Sergeant Gray's voice could be heard calling: - -"B Company men returned from town leave fall in here for roll-call." - -Further down the camp, C Company's first sergeant could be heard giving -the same summons. - -Instead of twenty men, only fourteen of B's fell in. - -Sergeant Gray looked them over with disgust written on his fine, -bronzed, soldiery old face, for Gray had served twenty-four years with -the colors. - -Then he began to call the roll. - -"Dismissed," he announced as soon as he had finished reading. - -Turning on his heel, a look of deep concern on his face, Sergeant Gray -reported to Captain Cortland. - -"Well, Sergeant?" - -"Six men absent from roll-call, sir." - -"Who are the six men?" - -"Burt, Coy, Dowley, Hooper, Landers and Corporal Minturn, sir." - -"Direct Sergeant Hupner to report to me at once." - -"Very good, sir." - -Sergeant Hupner came up at a brisk stride, saluting. - -"Sergeant," continued Captain Cortland, "I am very sorry to say that -six of B Company's men have violated their pledge and have not returned -from leave. Doubtless all of them are in Mason City at this moment." - -"Yes, sir." - -"Take a detail of six men, reporting their names to Sergeant Gray, and -start with as little delay as possible for Mason City." - -"Yes, sir. May I ask a question?" - -"Certainly." - -"If I should meet any of the missing men on their way back here shall I -place them under arrest?" - -"If you find them at a greater distance than one hundred yards of this -camp, Sergeant, put them in arrest and take them into Mason City and -back again with you." - -"Very good, sir." - -"And don't allow any man to have any amusement whatever in Mason City -after you arrest him." - -"Very good, sir." - -"Lack of punctuality is a very serious military offense, Sergeant. I -shall do all that is possible to stamp it out in B Company." - -"Yes, sir." - -"That is all, Sergeant. You do not need any further instructions, for -you are an old soldier and can be depended upon." - -"Thank you, sir." - -"Sergeant Gray will give you the names of the delinquents." - -"Very good, sir." - -With a final salute Sergeant Hupner turned and strode away. If his -gait were any indication, Hupner meant to capture every one of the -delinquents with the least possible loss of time. - -"You want another trip to Mason City, Overton?" queried Hupner, halting -before the soldier boy. - -"Not for fun," replied Hal, "but I'll go there, or anywhere else on -earth, on a matter of duty." - -"You're my man," nodded Hupner. "You, too, Terry. Hyman, I guess you -may have an idea where some of the delinquents are holding forth in -Mason City?" - -"I guess I know," nodded Private Hyman, "though not from associating -with any of them." - -Three other men were quickly detailed. While the men of this detachment -were arming themselves, Hupner hastened to Sergeant Gray for a list of -the delinquents. - -"Fall in. By twos right, march!" - -Hupner led his detachment from camp, and was nearly a hundred yards on -his way when the bugler blew the call for assembly. - -A military commander, even a corporal or sergeant, is expected to get -his command in action with the loss of not even seconds. - -And a very business-like looking little force this was. Not a man -carried a rifle. Instead, each man had drawn a revolver, which now -dangled in holster from his belt. Each soldier also wore at the belt -a pair of handcuffs, though these would be used only on troublesome -prisoners. - -"Squad halt!" - -The marching men were about a mile out of Mason City when this command -came. - -Sergeant Hupner, in the lead, had caught a glimpse of a sight that was -soon after revealed to the halted men. - -Around a bend in the road, beside a jutting piece of higher ground, -lurched an unsteady figure. - -That figure, moreover, was clothed in the uniform of the United States -Regular Army, but now the uniform was badly soiled and battered. - -"Where are you going, Coy?" sharply demanded Sergeant Hupner. - -The youth--he was barely more than twenty-one, halted unsteadily, -blinking at Sergeant Hupner as though he were not sure whether he saw -one, two or three sergeants. - -"Where are you going?" sternly repeated Sergeant Hupner. - -"Thash all (hic) right, Sarge," replied Private Coy thickly. - -He seemed in danger of losing his balance as he stood there blinking. - -"It's all wrong," snapped out Hupner crisply. "Answer me. Where do you -think you are going?" - -"Back to (hic) camp, Sarge." - -"You're a disgrace to the uniform," rapped out the sergeant. "You a -soldier! You're not even fit to be an anarchist! You miserable, drunken -disgrace to the uniform!" - -"Oh, thash all (hic) ri', Sarge. Had bully time. Now'm going back to -camp." - -"What you need is company, then," returned Sergeant Hupner grimly. -"Adams, fall out and go back with him. If Coy gets too drowsy to -navigate you can wait here on the trail for us. If he gets quarrelsome -then put the bracelets on him." - -"Don' (hic) need no brashlets," asserted Private Coy with great -gravity. "I'm all ri'. Gentleman, I am." - -"Come along," ordered Private Adams, though he spoke gently, as he took -the unfortunate lad's arm. "They're waiting for you now in camp." - -Sergeant Hupner stood there in the trail, gazing after Coy with a look -of mingled contempt and pity on his face. - -"Thank heaven the good mother who reared that weak piece of flesh isn't -here to drop tears over him now," muttered the sergeant. "Forward, -route step, march!" - -People on the streets in Mason City gazed curiously when they saw the -little detachment march in. Many of these people, when they saw the -revolvers and handcuffs at the soldiers' belts, were able to make a -good guess at Hupner's mission. - -So did several of the loafers of the town, who make a business of -guiding prospective victims to saloons and other disorderly places. - -Some of these members of the scum of the town promptly slipped away -to give warning in the places where they believed or knew some of the -delinquent soldiers might be found at that moment. - -At the head of the main street of the town Sergeant Hupner halted his -command. - -"Overton and Terry, fall out," commanded Sergeant Hupner. "You men will -start right here, one on either side of the street, and visit in turn -each saloon on the street. You will also look into any private rooms -that you may find connected with these saloons. If you find any of -the missing men you will bring them out into the street. Hyman, fall -out. You will remain in the street to receive and hold any prisoners -that Overton or Terry may bring to you. Men, you are armed, but you -will remember that you are to use your weapons only in case of dire -necessity. Yet, at any hazard, you will arrest and hold any man of B -Company that you find." - -"Shall we arrest any of C Company's men that we may find?" inquired Hal. - -"You won't find any," replied Sergeant Hupner. "All of C's town-leave -men were back on time. It's B that takes all the disgrace this time." - -For this important duty Sergeant Hupner had chosen Hal and Noll, -because he knew they could be depended upon to enter saloons without -being tempted to buy any of the vile wares exposed there for sale. - -Moreover, they were both so staunch in their principles that they could -enter such places--on duty--without being degraded thereby. - -But, though both soldier boys searched saloon after saloon, they did -not seem destined to find any of the delinquents. Private Hyman was -standing out in the street, with nothing to do. - -"Some one must have spread the alarm," thought Private Overton. "Or -else the men are really not in any of these vile places. I hope the -last guess is the true one." - -At last Soldier Hal came to the last resort of the kind on his side of -the street. - -As he started to push open the door of this place a big, -broad-shouldered, red-faced man stepped into the doorway. - -"Nothing doing here, soldier kid," leered the fellow. - -"Pardon me, but I didn't ask you," was Hal's quick retort. - -"Clear out! Hear? You can't come in here, I told you." - -"You're dealing with the United States Army now, my man," Hal retorted -coolly. "Out of my way, if you please. I'm going inside." - -"No, you're not." - -"Out of my way was what I said." - -"An' I said----" - -The red-faced man didn't finish. - -Private Hal Overton had drawn his service revolver from its holster -without the loss of another instant. - -It rested now with its muzzle poking against the big fellow's belt line. - -Gasping, he looked into the clear, cool eyes of the young soldier boy. - -Then, with an oath, the bully sprang aside, and Hal stepped inside -as though no interruption had occurred, at the same time slipping his -weapon back into its holster. - -The man who had stopped him was not, sometimes, much afraid of -revolvers. But he had seen something in the glint of Private Overton's -eyes which had made him realize that the young soldier would not -tolerate any nonsense whatever. - -As Hal stepped inside the place his gaze swept around through the fog -of the smoke-laden atmosphere. - -It was a saloon of the worst description, as was amply testified by the -appearance of the rough-looking customers there. - -Overton was the only man in sight who wore the United States uniform. - -However, the soldier boy walked down the length of the room, for it -was within the range of possibilities that a soldier starting in on -a carouse might first exchange his uniform for a suit of civilian -clothing. - -Not a face in the assemblage was that of a B Company man. - -"The sneak!" Hal heard a voice say, and knew that the epithet was -applied to himself. But he paid no heed. - -"Club him," advised another. - -"No wonder soldiers desert," growled still another sodden fellow, -"when they send anything like that, with a gun, after another soldier -that's out for a good time." - -To not one man in the place did the clean-cut face, the evident -manliness and fine soldierliness of Private Overton appeal. Hal was not -of their kind, and these creatures could not appreciate the higher kind -of manhood in this young soldier. - -"Ye may jest as well get out of here, kid in brass buttons," jeered a -voice behind the bar. "None of yer crew are in here." - -But Hal had halted before a door at the end of the room, his hand on -the knob. - -"Here," yelled a voice, "don't you go in there! That's my family's -quarters. Private!" - -But Soldier Hal, without replying, pushed the door open and stepped -over the sill. - -He found himself in a short, narrow passage, the only light coming from -the room he had just left. - -Beyond was another doorway. Hal stepped to that and turned the knob. - -"Waiter!" hailed an impatient voice. "What kept you so long?" - -Two other men laughed coarsely, but in an instant the laughter had died -out of their voices. - -Hal was in a room in the center of which stood a table. - -Gathered around that table, in a dense blue haze that ascended from -burning tobacco, sat Corporal Minturn and Privates Dowley and Hooper. - -"Attention!" Private Overton rapped out sharply. "You are all under -arrest for over-staying your leave!" - -"Forget it, and get outside as quick as you can," growled Private -Dowley. - -"You are all under arrest," Hal repeated firmly. - -With an oath Dowley leaped up, retreated to the far end of the room -and picked up a club. With this in his hand, he wheeled about, glaring -angrily. - -Corporal Minturn and Private Hooper were also on their feet. - -"Get out of here, you little tin soldier!" roared the corporal, who -appeared to have imbibed more than either of his companions. - -"Come, start, you kid gun-toter," insisted Bill Hooper. - -"Stop your nonsense, men," Hal replied, gazing at them steadily. "I -have told you that you are under arrest." - -"Floor him with that club, Dowley!" ordered Hooper. - -"Won't I, though--just!" retorted Dowley, adding an oath as he leaped -forward. - -Soldier Hal knew that he had reckless men to deal with, but that was no -reason why he should not do his full duty. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -DOWLEY EGGS ON A CATSPAW - - -Dowley, as he sprang forward, found the muzzle of Private Overton's -revolver uncomfortably close to him. - -"No nonsense," warned Hal. "I don't want to hurt any one, but I'm here -on duty." - -Dowley eyed the soldier boy viciously for an instant, then, with -another oath, leaped forward. - -Bang! - -Private Overton fired without a second's delay, though he did not shoot -to hit. - -Into the wood at the end of the room crashed the bullet. - -But Dowley, who had not believed that the "kid soldier" would dare -fire, dropped to the floor. - -"Get up," commanded Hal, eyeing him closely. - -"I'll suit myself," snarled the man on the floor. - -The firing had been plainly heard in the outer room. - -Two or three of the weaker-nerved patrons out there promptly made a -break for the street. None ventured into that inner room. Corporal -Minturn and his companions must now take care of themselves. - -But this, in their present ugly mood, they seemed quite able to do. - -"Don't act like a fool, Dowley," rasped Hal impatiently. "The -detachment is strong enough to take you back, man, and you'll have to -go back in irons if you attempt to stir up trouble. Get up!" - -"Not to please you, though!" growled Dowley, as he leaped to his feet. - -He still retained his grip on the bludgeon. - -"Drop that club," ordered Hal sternly. - -"You clear out!" - -"Drop that club!" - -"Make me." - -"You're determined to act foolishly, aren't you?" demanded Hal with the -ring of contempt in his voice. - -"I'm bound to do as I please," leered Dowley viciously. - -"You can't when you're in arrest," replied Hal. - -"But I'm not in arrest." - -"I've already told you that you are," Hal insisted coolly. - -"I don't take my facts from a kid like you," sneered Dowley, edging -closer. - -"Get back!" warned Soldier Hal. - -But Dowley, grasping the club tighter, made a sudden lunge. - -Bang! - -Hal fired his second shot. Not even now did he aim to hit. The bullet -whizzed past Dowley's left ear. But that fellow, who had seen the quick -pressure of Soldier Hal's finger on the trigger, threw himself flat to -the floor once more, and this time the club rolled from his hand. - -"I mean business, and it will be better for all of you to understand -it," Private Overton announced. "Get up, Dowley, and you three men form -in single file. Corporal Minturn, you take the lead." - -"I'll take it in another way," leered the corporal, bending and -snatching up the club. "Hooper, you pin the kid's arms!" - -Hooper made a move on Hal's other side. The soldier boy had to dodge to -avoid being seized. - -As he did so Dowley leaped up from the floor to join in the attack from -in front. - -Again Hal Overton raised his service revolver, though with no more -intention than before of wounding any of the ugly trio. - -But Corporal Minturn, as his muddled brain now figured it, had to -strike in self-defense. - -Whack! - -It was a lusty blow, backed by venom and muscle. - -Private Hal Overton simply crumpled up and fell to the floor, -motionless. - -"You sneaking dogs!" rang Private Hyman's scornful voice from the -doorway. "Get your hands up now, all of you, or there'll be some real -war!" - -Backing Hyman, Noll Terry darted into the room. - -Hal's first shot had not been heard, but Hyman's quick ear had heard -the second. - -Scenting trouble, in an instant Hyman had summoned Private Terry, who -just then appeared on the street, and both had dashed into this place. - -"Get your hands up, all of you, before I shoot fast and hard to square -matters for the kid!" Hyman now insisted savagely. - -Noll got a glimpse of Hal lying on the floor, and added savagely: - -"Oh, I'm just itching for an excuse to shoot!" - -There could be no doubt of the temper of these newcomers. Danger -partially sobered these ugly ones. Up went their hands without further -delay. - -"Put your hands down, just one at a time," continued Hyman. "Terry, you -take Corporal Minturn first and iron him." - -Click! Snap! Minturn was in no position to do further harm. - -It was Hooper's turn next. That big fellow was utterly cowed and began -to talk rather whiningly. - -"Hold your tongue!" commanded Noll angrily. - -Then he went over and ironed Dowley, who, still sullen, was capable, -while free, of becoming suddenly more dangerous than either of his -companions. - -"I reckon Minturn fixed your bunkie for good, anyway. I hope he did," -Dowley ground out between his closed teeth. - -"I'm sorry I've got the handcuffs on you," flared Noll; "If your hands -were free I'd enjoy pounding you all over the floor!" - -"Take off the links, then, and try it," sneered Dowley. - -"Hold your tongue, you dog!" barked Private Hyman. - -"Oh, you're a brave man, when you've got the other crowd in irons," -spat out Dowley sneeringly. - -"I'm brave enough for you at any time," taunted Hyman. "This was your -job"--pointing to prostrate, unconscious Hal--"but you egged another -man on to do it, you cowardly cur!" - -"Is that so?" sneered Dowley. - -"Well, you know best," retorted Hyman contemptuously. - -"You can watch 'em now for a minute," broke in Noll. "I'm going to see -if I can find Sergeant Hupner. If I can't, I'm going to get the first -doctor I can." - -"You can get doctors to burn," replied Hyman. "This is a sanitarium -town, and the pickings here are fat for the medicos." - -Noll ran through the larger room. The men there turned to scowl at him, -but Noll gave no heed to any of them. - -Out in the street, at a little distance, he saw Sergeant Hupner and -the two remaining men of the detachment coming along with two soldier -prisoners. - -Noll set up a shout. Hupner, espying him, came on the run. - -"Have you found any of the others?" demanded the sergeant. - -"We have all the other delinquents. But," choked Noll, "I'm fearfully -afraid that Minturn has done for Hal Overton for good." - -"Where is Overton?" demanded the sergeant swiftly. - -"In a private room at the rear, Sergeant," Noll answered, pointing. -"You can find the way. I'm going to rustle for a doctor." - -"Good boy," nodded Hupner, and darted into the evil place. - -Within three minutes Private Noll Terry entered the place, followed by -a keen-eyed young physician. - -Hal still lay unconscious on the floor, a bad gap showing across the -top of his head, and a red pool on the floor near him. - -Private Hyman was now kneeling beside the young soldier, his eyes misty. - -"I'm glad you're here, Doctor," nodded Hyman, speaking huskily as he -rose. "I was just going to try to do something myself, but was afraid I -might do the wrong thing." - -"I didn't know what I was doing," muttered Corporal Minturn weakly. "I -wasn't responsible." - -"Silence! Tell that to the court-martial," broke in Sergeant Hupner in -a tone of sheer disgust. "Be quick, Doctor, won't you? And if there is -anything that we can do to help you, speak." - -The young physician was now feeling the cut on Hal's head, the skilled -fingers glided easily along the edges of the wound, pressing lightly -against the bones of the skull. - -"This couldn't well be much worse," announced the physician, looking -up. "But before I do much, or make a thorough examination, I want this -soldier in bed. Have you a surgeon at camp?" - -"No, sir," replied Sergeant Hupner. - -"Then I'll get out my automobile and take the young man up in the car, -after washing the cut and putting on a first bandage." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -A DISPUTE IN THE GUARD HOUSE - - -Of the ride that followed back to camp Hal Overton knew nothing. - -Noll Terry sat beside him, supporting him. - -Of course the automobile reached camp a long time ahead of the -detachment with prisoners. - -Captain Cortland caught sight of the car and came hastening to meet it. - -Noll Terry leaped out, saluting. - -"Sir, I have to report that Corporal Minturn assaulted Private Overton, -and that we called in a physician, who has brought Overton out here." - -"How badly is Overton hurt?" demanded the captain, hastening to the -side of the auto. - -"Badly," replied the physician. "Have you any facilities here for -the care of a man who may have brain fever if he lives for the next -forty-eight hours?" - -"We have a hospital steward and four hospital corps men," replied -Captain Cortland. - -"And bandages and medicines?" - -"An abundance of them." - -"Then your soldier lad may have some show. He'll no doubt be better -off here than among strangers in town. When do you start back to your -post, Captain?" - -"In the morning of the day after to-morrow," Cortland answered. "One -moment, please. Sergeant Gray!" - -The first sergeant hurried up, saluting. - -"Sergeant, send the hospital steward here. Then see that a hospital -tent is taken from one of the supply wagons and set up at once and make -the patient as comfortable as possible." - -Within ten minutes the tent was up, with a cot, a table, two chairs, -bandages, medicine chest and other accessories. - -Now, with the help of the steward, the physician gave the injured -soldier boy a very thorough examination, washed the gash carefully and -bandaged it. - -Directions were left with the steward, who was a trained nurse, and -then the physician returned to town, after having been requested to -call again on the following day. - -Hal Overton knew little, and that little in a dreamy, disorganized -way, even when his cot was carefully placed and secured in one of the -transport wagons for the return to Fort Clowdry. - -The roughness of the first part of the ride brought on mild delirium. -Two days later, however, after being placed on a cot in the military -hospital at Fort Clowdry, Soldier Hal opened his eyes with a keener -realization of the world about him. - -"How do you feel, Overton?" asked one of the hospital corps men, -bending over him. - -"Like a fool," sighed Hal. - -"Why?" - -"A youngster like me has no business wasting time in hospital. Can I -get out to-day?" - -"I'm afraid not," smiled the hospital corps man. - -"I'm not badly hurt, am I?" - -"If the rainmaker knows his business, you've had a fight for your life, -and youth and a good constitution have won out." - -"How long am I to be here?" - -"You'll be here for three or four days yet," answered the hospital -corps man. - -"But----" - -"That's about all the talking you'd better try to do until the -rainmaker has seen you," interposed the hospital corps man, and moved -away as he added: - -"Either sleep, or just keep quiet." - -But the next morning Hal was so much improved that the hospital corps -man took a chair by the bedside. - -"You may want some of the news, Overton, about things that have -happened while you've been here." - -"I am just a bit curious," smiled Overton. - -"Three of the delinquents got off with ordinary summary court -punishments--fines and a little stretch at the guard house. But -Minturn, Dowley and Hooper are locked up there, too, and they've got to -wait and stand court-martial. Their day in the Army is ended, I reckon." - -"It ought to be," nodded Hal. "They're no good to the service." - -Noll was allowed to come in for a few minutes that afternoon. - -Eight days passed ere Hal Overton was released from hospital. Then the -surgeon marked him "quarters" on sick report, which meant that Private -Overton was excused from all duties, and must spend his time in taking -care of himself only. - -For four days he continued to be marked "quarters," chafing all the -time. - -"There's a lot I've got to learn about the soldiering business," he -grumbled. "I haven't any time to waste loafing." - -"There's one soldierly duty you can learn right now, then," smiled -Soldier Noll quizzically. - -"What's that?" - -"You can learn how to obey the rainmaker when you fall under his -orders," replied his chum indulgently. - -"How does an impatient fellow learn that, I wonder?" sighed Hal. - -"Why, what are you kicking about?" demanded Noll in pretended -astonishment. - -"You're surely not being overworked, and you're getting in trim for the -next work we have cut out for us." - -"What's that?" - -"Haven't you heard?" - -"Not a word." - -"Why, the whole battalion, except for a small guard squad from each -company, is to be ordered to the September encampment of the Colorado -National Guard. The regulars are to be represented there by field -artillery, cavalry, infantry, signal corps men and engineer troops. -Hal, it's going to be great! There'll be more than eight hundred -regulars and two brigades of militia in camp together." - -"It won't do me any good," retorted Private Overton cynically. - -"Why not?" - -"I'm just out of hospital, and I'll be stuck on the home guard detail -from B Company." - -"Oh, I don't believe that," urged Noll soothingly. - -"Wait and see." - -There came a morning when Private Overton marched over to hospital with -the other men on sick report. - -"You seem to be doing pretty well now, Overton," remarked Lieutenant -Gross, the surgeon. - -"How are you going to mark me, sir, to-day?" breathed Hal anxiously. - -"Duty," smiled the rainmaker. - -"Thank goodness," murmured the soldier boy. - -"Why, what's the matter with being marked quarters, Overton?" - -"Fine, for a loafer, sir, but I want to learn the soldier business, and -I haven't any time to lose." - -"From all I hear," remarked the rainmaker, "you're learning the soldier -business fully as rapidly as you need to." - -"There's a lot more I want to know, sir, and it can't be learned when a -man is marked 'hospital' or 'quarters,' sir," Hal returned. "Thank you -for marking me 'duty.'" - -"There's a real soldier, or I'm too green to be an officer," thought -Lieutenant Gross, as his eyes followed Hal, who, erect and full of -spring, was striding from the room. - -On the third day after his return to duty Hal was warned for the guard. -The following morning he turned out to be inspected with the new guard. - -As he was not assigned to the first relief, Hal seated himself inside -the guard house, picking up one of the books that rested on a table -there and began reading. - -Presently the other soldiers sauntered outside, and Soldier Hal was -left there alone. - -"Overton!" - -Hal laid down his book, rising and stepping over to a cell door to find -Dowley's eyes glaring at him balefully. - -"You sneak, you're responsible for getting me into all this trouble!" -hissed the soldier in arrest. - -"Dowley, you know very well that the rules forbid a member of the guard -from talking with a prisoner, except when the talk is strictly in the -line of duty." - -With that Soldier Hal turned and went back to his book. - -"You could have gotten out of that place in Mason City when I told you -to," went on Dowley hoarsely. "Then all that followed would never have -happened." - -Hal went on reading. - -"Say, Hooper," muttered Dowley aloud to the man in another cell, "as a -fresh kid ain't that fellow the end of the world?" - -"He's a boot-lick," jeered Hooper. - -"He just sneaks around the officers, telling 'em lies so as to get -things easier for himself," broke in Corporal Minturn from still -another cell. For these three, unlike the ordinary run of guard-house -prisoners, had been placed in separate confinement. - -Hal read on, though the color mounted to his cheeks. - -"You dirty dog!" cried Dowley hoarsely. - -"Lying sneak!" from Bill Hooper. - -"Two-cent boot-lick!" was Corporal Minturn's contribution. - -Hal laid down his book, rose and stepped over to where he could look at -the three, one after another. - -"If you men don't hold your tongues," he warned coolly, "I shall have -to report you to the corporal of the guard for abusive talk. I don't -want to do that, either." - -"Oh, my, a little bit of authority!" sneered Corporal Minturn. - -"Tin general!" taunted Dowley. - -"Go and boot-lick some more!" urged Bill Hooper. - -"Corporal of the guard!" summoned Soldier Hal. - -Corporal Sykes entered promptly. - -"Corporal, these men in solitary are amusing themselves by heaping -insults upon me. I don't report them, Corporal, on account of personal -feeling, for they're down on their luck, and they hold me responsible -for it, as in a measure, of course, I am. But I don't want to get on -the record for laxity while on guard." - -"Quite right, Overton," nodded Corporal Sykes. Then, turning to the -three "solitaries," he demanded: - -"Why are you prisoners guilty of insulting and abusive language toward -a member of the guard?" - -"He's too well satisfied with himself," sneered Bill Hooper. - -"Ditto," scowled Dowley. - -"What have you to say, Minturn?" demanded Corporal Sykes. - -"The kid just sat down there to make us mad," replied Minturn in a -growling voice. "The sight of that boot-lick makes me sick all over." - -"That's all I want to know," replied Corporal Sykes calmly. "You've all -admitted the abusive language, so I'll enter it on report, which will -be brought up at court-martial. If there's any further report about you -men I'll mention the matter to the officer of the day. Where are you -going with that book, Overton?" - -"Since the sight of myself disturbs the prisoners," Hal replied, "I am -going to take my book outside." - -"I'd rather you wouldn't," replied Corporal Sykes crisply. "Members of -the guard have a right in here, and prisoners who don't like a member -of the guard had no business to become prisoners." - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -PROMOTION FLIES IN THE AIR - - -A few days later the court-martial was convened at Fort Clowdry. - -In the cases of the three "solitaries" the evidence was speedily in. - -With the evidence furnished by Hal, Noll, Hyman and others, the accused -delinquents were found guilty. - -At the trial there had come another surprise. Evidence had just been -forwarded from the recruiting office where Dowley had enlisted. This -evidence showed that Frank Dowley was a highly respected man in his own -part of the country, but he had left home and gone hundreds of miles -away for new employment. - -The prisoner who stood before the court as Dowley was Frederick Cramp -in his own proper name, and had served a term in jail for robbery. -Cramp had a generally bad reputation. Finding himself closely pursued -by the sheriff's officers for a newly committed crime, Cramp had -seized upon the inspiration to enter the Army under the assumed name -of Dowley. In the ranks he believed that none of the pursuing officers -would think of looking for him. - -The references of the supposed Dowley had come back from the home town -with such splendid endorsement that the enlisting officer had imagined -that he had found a most satisfactory recruit in Frederick Cramp. - -It is likely that the deceit would never have been discovered, had -not Frank Dowley--the real one--lately returned to his home town. He -had been astounded when his friends had questioned him about Army -life, and, on hearing the news, had hastened to the nearest recruiting -office, from which this strange story had come to be laid before the -court-martial just in time to punish the culprit. - -"Dowley" was sentenced to be dishonorably dismissed from the service, -with forfeiture of pay and allowances, to serve one year at a military -prison and then to be turned over to the civil authorities for such -further punishment as might develop. - -Corporal Minturn, too, was sentenced to be dismissed from the service, -and to serve one year at a military prison. - -Private Bill Hooper got off with simple dismissal. - -Then the prisoners were sent back to the guard house until the findings -and sentences had been passed upon and signed by the department -commander. - -A week later the papers were returned with the endorsement of the -brigadier general commanding the department. - -Dowley, Hooper and Minturn left under guard the same day. - -"They're all generals now," mimicked Private Hyman. - -"Generals?" queried Noll. - -"Yes; general prisoners." - -"Bill Hooper will be on the retired list when he reaches Denver, -anyway," smiled Hal. "Having no stretch to serve, he's to be turned -loose when the guard reaches that city." - -The morning after, as Colonel North sat in his office at headquarters, -an orderly entered and handed him a telegram. - -"Orderly!" called the colonel crisply two minutes later. - -A young soldier of the guard stepped in, saluting and standing at -attention. - -"Orderly, my compliments to Captain Cortland, and ask him to attend me -here as soon as possible." - -Five minutes later B Company's commander entered and saluted. - -"Take a seat, Cortland," urged the older man. "I have a telegram here -that will interest you. It's from the senior surgeon at department -military hospital. Corporal Hapgood, of your company, who was sent -there for treatment, died yesterday. A very bad case of typhoid had -developed." - -"Then poor Hapgood won't be sent back here for burial, sir?" - -"No; the dispatch says that the corporal is being buried there to-day." - -"I'm sorry for Hapgood," said Captain Cortland solemnly, a slight break -in his voice. "He was a man, every inch of him, and a fine soldier with -big promise for the future. I have his mother's address, and I will -write her. But the best kind of letter will seem a poor substitute for -a son in the case of that lonely old mother. He was all she had." - -"The mother will be able to draw a pension of twelve dollars a month -for the rest of her life, then," replied the colonel. "That is -something, even if not as good as having a live son to comfort her." - -"Yes; the pension will be assured," mused Captain Cortland. - -"By the way, Cortland, you are now shy on two corporals in your -company." - -"Yes, Colonel; I was about to speak of that to you." - -"Whom do you want appointed in their places?" - -The colonel of a regiment appoints all non-commissioned officers in -his regiment; he also "breaks," or reduces them to the ranks at his -pleasure, if any need comes up. - -But, though the colonel has the appointive power, he always consults -with the commander of a company about any new appointments of non-coms. -in that company. - -"I have several good men who are entitled to appointment," replied -Captain Cortland slowly. - -"Then you haven't made up your mind?" - -"I can, easily, sir, if you wish it." - -"I am thinking, captain, only of the fact that, if the appointments be -not promptly made you will run very short on corporals," replied the -colonel. - -"There's Hyman, sir, and Conrad. Both are bright, attentive soldiers. -Then there are Overton and Terry. They're quite new men, but they've -made records for themselves in the short time they've been with us." - -"Any others?" asked Colonel North, tapping his knee with the pencil -that he held in one hand. - -"A few others, sir, but none with quite as good claims as the four men -I've named." - -"Whom do you favor most, Captain?" - -"It's hard to say, sir. Hyman is nearly through with his enlistment, -and Conrad in the middle of his third enlistment. Now, from length -of service it looks as though Conrad ought to have one of the -appointments." - -"A man who is well along in his third enlistment, and hasn't been made -a non-com. in all that time ought not to have much consideration if -there are other men with better natural claims," replied Colonel North. -"A man who is thoroughly qualified to be a corporal ought to get there -in less than seven or eight years, don't you think so?" - -"That's true, sir," Captain Cortland nodded. - -"Is Hyman as good a man as Overton or Terry?" continued the regimental -commander, apparently much interested. - -"He has had longer experience, but I think Overton and Terry are -both a shade above Hyman in natural aptitude; in fact, the lads are -considerably above him." - -"Then----" - -"I see your drift, Colonel, and I agree with you. I therefore urge, -sir, that Overton and Terry be appointed as corporals, and I will keep -Hyman in mind for the next chance that comes up." - -"You are satisfied, then, Captain, to make Overton and Terry corporals?" - -"More than satisfied, Colonel. One of these days they'll be sergeants, -at that. A company commander, I take it, sir, can't start too early to -fire the spark of ambition in the right men." - -"You and I are agreed on that, then, Cortland. I am glad you have -recommended Overton and Terry as corporals. I will have their -appointments published in orders this afternoon." - -No suspicion had Hal or Noll when they fell in for parade that -afternoon. - -When Lieutenant Wright, battalion adjutant, published the orders, he -read off four routine orders before he came to that creating Private -Hal Overton a corporal in B Company. - -"Whew! It has come, but I didn't expect anything like that," quivered -Soldier Hal. "I didn't think I could do it inside of a year." - -"Lucky Hal," thought Private Terry. "He has gotten ahead of me, but I'm -glad just the same. It has always been the rule for Hal to beat me, -anyway." - -The next order made Noll Terry's hair stand up. He had been made a -corporal, too. - -How the hearts of both danced when the regimental band played the -headquarter's battalion from the parade ground. - -"You two are the lucky soldier kids," cried Private Hyman, coming up to -the boys with outstretched hands. "How did you manage it?" - -"That's the point, Hyman," laughed Hal happily; "we didn't manage it. -It just happened." - -Before the quartermaster's store closed both soldier boys drew their -corporal's chevrons, then hunted up the company tailor to get him to -sew these prized badges of rank on their sleeves. - -"I suppose, Sergeant, one or both of us will be transferred from your -squad room," said Hal regretfully, when they encountered Hupner. - -"I've heard nothing to that effect as yet, Corporal," replied the room -sergeant. - -"Corporal!" How wonderfully fine that simple title sounded, though the -title meant but one step above that of plain private soldier. - -"I'm sorry for one thing, Corporal," laughed Private Hyman, that night -after supper. - -"What's that?" Hal queried. - -"I'm extremely sorry that your old chums, Hooper and Dowley, tired of -the Army too soon to see your chevrons on your sleeves. Say, but I -think those chevrons are about the handsomest I've ever seen," added -Private Hyman, an undertone of wistfulness in his voice. - -The next day brought more good news. The date was set on which -headquarter's band and the first battalion of the Thirty-fourth was -to leave for Denver, to take part in the summer encampment of the -Colorado National Guard. Neither Corporal Overton nor Corporal Terry -was assigned to the guard detachment that was to remain behind. - -Lieutenant Greg Holmes, only a few months out of West Point, drew a -"blank" that made his face look gloomy. Lieutenant Holmes was the only -officer in the battalion who was to remain behind. He was to have -command of the guard that was to take care of the post in the absence -of the troops. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -THE PRICE OF BEING A MAN - - -The occasion was the encampment of the Colorado National Guard, and the -scene was a few miles outside of Denver. - -Here was some of the real glory of the soldier's life! - -At the head of the line rode two troops of cavalry belonging to the -regular Army. - -Immediately behind these yellow-legs an awe-inspiring drum-major strode -along, his glittering, ball-tipped staff going through many smart -movements. Right behind him came the Thirty-fourth U. S. Infantry Band, -crashing out a soul-stirring march. - -At the heels of the band rode Colonel North, Major Silsbee and staff, a -splendid, soldierly looking lot in saddle. - -Then the head of A Company, Captain Ruggles commanding. B Company next, -and to B Company fell the honor of being color company and escorting -the Flag. C and D behind--the whole khaki-clad battalion moving at -easy swing, and yet in the straight, precise lines that only regulars -know how to display, however close near-soldiers may imagine they come -in excellence. Over all, in brisk cadence, and in exact time to the -spirited music ahead, sounded the steady whump! whump! whump! of the -exactly gaited feet of regulars on the march. - -No wonder the crowd that lined the sides of the road cheered! No wonder -that girls waved handkerchiefs! Here and there men, youths and boys who -knew enough lifted their hats as the colors passed. - -It is strange that not all American males, of all ages, know that the -hat is to be raised from the head and lowered to place over the heart -as the national colors are borne by. - -Yet all of those of the male spectators who did not know enough to -uncover on the approach of the colors still felt the glory of the -scene. Love of the military is common to all true-beating hearts. The -country dies in which this love of the military vanishes. - -Behind the infantry lumbered the guns and caissons of two batteries of -field artillery, drivers alert and gunners sitting up very straight, -yet appearing wholly at ease. - -It takes the man of military experience to be both erect and at ease at -the same time. Some civilians come very close in this achievement, but -theirs is the imitation grace of personal carriage. - -At the extreme left of the line marched a platoon of engineer troops -and a detachment of men from the signal corps. - -The regulars were now in the last half mile of the march down a -beautifully shaded road that led to the broad fields on which the -encampment was pitched this year. - -Hundreds of boys were following the parade as a matter of course. Where -is the live boy whose heart is dead to the soldiers? - -As the Thirty-fourth's band played out the final notes of the march, -the order for route step marching ran down the line. - -Just then, from a parallel road less than a quarter of a mile away, -another band blared forth in a quickstep. The crowd was quick to turn -and look. - -Through the intervals between trees and bushes could be seen another -line of military. An entire brigade of the National Guard was over on -that road, also headed for the encampment field. - -"Hey, Tommie!" called one boy to another. "Cut across with me. There's -about ten miles of sogers over there!" - -"Chase yourself, if you wanter go," yelled back Tommie. "They're -militia. Me for here, with the real-thing sogers, just back from the -wars!" - -There was a laugh from many in the crowd, while the smaller boys -whooped. It was hard even for the erect regulars in ranks to repress -their grins when they received that tribute from a discerning small boy. - -But the small American boy, even if ignorant of everything else in the -soldier's manuals, can usually be depended upon to know the difference -between regulars and militiamen. To the small boy's mind the difference -is as great as that between the circus and the country fair. - -Uncle Sam's musicians struck up again, just as the column entered the -encampment field. - -Wagon trains had gone on ahead. - -Regulars and national guardsmen broke ranks at nearly the same moment. - -Then followed an exhibition that some of the spectators never forgot. - -In about a half an hour the regular troops had their tents up, in -straight, precise company streets, and all their belongings moved in. -Nor were these the "dog-tents" of field duty. As the encampment was to -last for a week, the regulars slept at night in full-sized Army tents, -with several men in each tent. - -At the end of two hours the national guardsmen were still perspiring -over their tasks of pitching camp. - -The regulars, cool and wholly at ease, were going about other camp -duties. - -"Look at the amateurs over yonder," grinned Corporal Noll Terry, -calling his chum's attention to the brigade of national guardsmen. - -"Poor fellows, it's a good deal like work for them," remarked Hal. -"They're not drilled in this thing all the time." - -"They go about it like so many clowns," laughed Noll. - -"Now, I wouldn't say that," urged Corporal Hal. "Remember, the national -guardsmen do other things for a living, and do this work for love of -state and country." - -"But why do they need to be such boobs about pitching a camp?" demanded -Noll. - -"Because it isn't their accustomed business," Hal retorted. - -"Bosh! The tin soldiers make me tired," laughed Corporal Noll. - -"Then you want to change your attitude," warned Hal, "for you've -got the wrong view, old fellow. There probably isn't a man over in -that militia brigade who wouldn't make a smart enough regular if he -enlisted." - -"Now, I don't know about that," argued Corporal Noll seriously. - -"I can remember the time, not very long ago, Noll, when you and I were -greener than any militiaman over yonder." - -"We were green," admitted Corporal Terry, "but not green in the same -way that those state troops are. Some how, regulars and militiamen are -quite a different proposition from the very first day." - -"True," agreed Corporal Hal. "But what makes the difference?" - -"Well, what does?" - -"The difference in officers, and in the methods that can be used. -Militia officers have to make soldiering the study of their leisure -hours, just as the guardsmen in the ranks do. Our regular officers are -first given a hard training, and then make a life study of soldiering. -Keep those guardsmen in camp for three months, and put regular officers -over them all the time, and I tell you, Noll, they'd make most of us -regulars look hard to our laurels." - -"I don't know," muttered Corporal Terry dubiously. - -"Then you want to think it over," retorted Hal. "Just remember that -regulars and militiamen are both enlisted from the people at large. Put -any militia regiment in the country through a regulation three-years' -enlistment in the Army and under regular officers, and that militia -regiment would then be the equal of any regular regiment in the line. -Noll, the whole difference lies in officers, opportunity and training. -Don't ever look down on national guardsmen unless you want to prove -yourself less of a soldier than I think you are." - -"Corporal Terry!" summoned Sergeant Gray, and Noll hurried off to some -new duty, but he was thinking. Corporal Hal had shown him how to look -at the national guardsmen from another point of view. - -The day was one of arduous duties, but with nightfall came a period of -rest. More, some of the regulars in each company, troop or battery were -granted town leave. There was a trolley line near at hand that carried -many a pleasure-loving regular into town. - -Corporals Overton and Terry went by themselves. - -"As we have never seen Denver, I guess it will be about enough for us -to look around and see what we can of the town, won't it?" proposed Hal. - -"Yes; if we keep to the main streets. I feel as though I may want -to squander a bit of my pay on ice cream and such frothy trifles," -returned Noll. - -"We won't spend it, anyway, on anything that will make us forget the -limits of our leave and turn delinquents," returned Hal. - -"Small danger of that," retorted Corporal Terry. "That game doesn't go -with the making of good soldiers." - -"I don't believe Captain Cortland will have any delinquents to deal -with this time," predicted Hal. "He doesn't intend to have the Mason -City business done over again." - -Denver proved full of delights to these soldier boys, who had really -seen very little of the world. - -But, being under orders to return to camp not later than midnight, the -time came when they must think of getting back. - -"I wonder what's the quickest way to the trolley line?" pondered Noll. - -"We'll ask our way," Hal answered. - -They had no trouble in getting clear directions from a passing citizen. -The shortest way led down through a narrow street that appeared to -belong to a rough part of the city. - -"I wouldn't care to live on this street," smiled Noll. - -"Hardly," agreed Hal. "Yet I guess it won't hurt us any just to walk -through." - -Ere the soldier boys had gone more than two blocks their attention was -attracted by sounds of a commotion in a crowd just ahead. - -A crowd had started to collect, and was every moment increasing in size. - -"Wonder what's up?" murmured Noll Terry, as the soldier boys quickened -their pace. - -"Some earthquake in the under world, I suppose," returned Hal. - -Just then the scream of a woman's voice reached them. - -"Shame! shame!" cried half a dozen male voices in protest. - -Then the same voice sounded, in sobs this time. - -Hal Overton had broken into a run, and Noll was almost at his side. The -soldier boys pushed their way into the crowd. - -A brutish, square-jawed young fellow of twenty-one or twenty-two, -dressed loudly, and with an ill-smelling cigar between his teeth at one -side of his mouth, held a sobbing girl by the wrist. - -"Cut out the boo-hoo story, Lizzie, and come along with me to the -dance," he ordered gruffly. - -"I don't want to go," faltered the terrified girl. "You know well -enough, Bill, that my mother don't want me going to dances with you." - -"What's your old woman got against me?" demanded the young brute. - -"You know well enough, Bill, that mother don't like you, and that she'd -sooner see me dead than running around with you." - -"She won't have her wish to-night, then, Liz. You're going to waltz -with me. You know that wot I say goes, and it's the hop for yours -to-night." - -"Shame!" cried some one back in the crowd. "Let the girl go home." - -"Mind your own biz," growled back the bully, "or I'll step over there -and make some changes in yer style of face." - -Evidently Bill was known as an ugly customer. Close to him, on the -other side from the girl, stood another man, somewhat older and -exhibiting the promise of even more brute strength. Plainly he stood -by to back Bill up against interference that the crowd might want to -attempt. The pair of bullies were such as a city crowd usually doesn't -care to risk meddling with. - -"Wipe off the boo-hoo, Lizzie, and come along," ordered the fellow who -held the girl's wrist. "No use of making a fuss. You're headed for the -waltz with me." - -"Shame!" some one in the crowd had courage enough to utter again, as -Bill, still holding the girl's wrist, started to force her along the -sidewalk. - -"What do you more decent people expect to do by just talking?" Corporal -Hal Overton demanded angrily. - -"Hullo, brass-button boy!" called Bill cheerily, turning and leering at -the youthful-looking corporal. "When did you blow out of the sewer?" - -[Illustration: "Let Go That Young Lady's Wrist."] - -"If that young lady wishes to go home, let her do so," ordered Hal -sternly. - -"So?" queried Bill mockingly. "But maybe that won't suit me." - -"Then let go of the young lady's wrist, for you'll need both hands up -in front of you," warned Hal, springing forward, his hot blood flushing -his face with righteous anger. - -"Get out, ye tin-soldier militiaman!" - -"If it makes any difference," retorted Hal, "we happen to be regulars." - -"No difference at all," the young brute leered. "I eat both kinds!" - -"Let go that young lady's wrist!" - -"Sure!" - -Bill did so, and the girl shrank back through the pressing crowd. But -Bill aimed a crushing blow at Corporal Hal Overton. - -Hal wasn't just on the spot to receive it. But the next instant he and -Bill were exchanging hard blows at a rate that made the crowd yell with -delight. - -"Go it, Bill! Go it, buttons!" - -Bill's tough friend reached out to hit Hal from the side. Corporal Noll -jumped in, throwing up the fellow's arm. There were two real fights on -now. - -How it would have ended it would be impossible to say. Strong, daring -and skilled though they were, the soldier boys might have been beaten -by superior strength. - -But a heavy, blue-coated figure darted in, scattering the combatants. -Then a Denver policeman gripped both Hal and Noll by the collar. - -"Stop it! Stop, I tell ye!" ordered the policeman gruffly. - -"Ye've got good game there, Johnson," called out the fellow Bill. -"They're a nasty pair of brass buttons. They insulted my girl, and then -pitched into me and my friend." - -"I'll run these soldier-loafers in, Bill," agreed the policeman. "We've -got too many of these soldier-loafers in the country. It's time for -some of 'em to learn something." - -For Bill and his friend were a pair of amateur thugs who were most -useful to the ward's ruling political machine. Bill and his friend were -often extremely useful in cleaning out hostile primaries, and in other -dirty work incidental to city politics. - -"Officer!" protested Corporal Hal. - -"Shut up, ye loafer!" ordered the policeman. - -"But this is----" - -"Will ye shut up, now?" - -The policeman gave the soldier boy a vigorous shaking. - -"The soldiers were in the right of it, Johnson," protested a voice in -the crowd. - -"Now, can yer gab, or I'll run you in, too," warned Johnson hoarsely. -At that dread warning opposition died out in the weak-kneed crowd. - -"Now, come along, ye young loafers in brass buttons," commanded the -policeman. "Bill, you and your friend be in court in the morning." - -"Sure we will," chuckled Bill. - -"Officer, will you let me explain?" insisted Hal, as the two young -corporals started down the street on either side of the policeman, who -kept a rough grip on the arm of either. - -"Pickle it, and tell it all to the judge in the morning," retorted the -policeman gruffly. - -Some of the crowd--Bill's friends, evidently--followed, hooting and -abusing all soldiers in general. - -Four blocks away Hal and Noll were lined up before the officer in -charge at a station house. - -"Assaulting Bill Dabner and his friend and insulting Bill's girl," -announced Policeman Johnson gruffly. - -"I hope now, sir, we can have a chance to explain," protested Hal, -looking squarely at the officer behind the desk. - -"Did you see all this business, Johnson?" asked the officer at the desk. - -"Yes," lied the policeman glibly. "I caught 'em at it." - -"You men can save your explanations for the judge in the morning," -wound up the officer at the desk. "Cell number twelve, Johnson." - -Down below the cell door clanged on two white-faced, angry young -soldier boys. It was a serious thing, they knew, for ambitious soldiers -to have a clash with the civil authorities. - -"We'll lose our corporal's chevrons through this," Noll predicted. - -"Yes," assented Corporal Hal Overton, his eyes flashing. "But I can't -help it if we do. It's worth that price to be a man!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -TWO YOUNG CORPORALS SEND OUT THE "C. Q. D." - - -When the two young corporals had had time to cool down somewhat, Hal -made a racket on his cell door until a house policeman came to see what -was wanted. - -"Will you bring me paper and an envelope?" Hal asked. - -"Want to make your will, I suppose," jeered the policeman. - -"No; I intend to write a note to my company commander." - -"Is he out at camp?" - -"Yes." - -"Who do you think is going to take the note out there?" - -"Call a messenger boy, and I will pay him for going out there," -Corporal Hal replied. - -"I don't believe the lieutenant at the desk will do it," returned the -policeman. - -"See here," Hal went on, warming up perceptibly, "we are members of the -United States forces, under detention by the civil authorities. Now, -the civil authorities have full right to arrest United States soldiers -on proper charges. We'll let the question pass of whether we've been -properly arrested. But, as members of the United States Army, we have -a right to communicate with our commanding officer. If this isn't done, -the governor of Colorado is quite likely to hear from Washington. Now, -we demand paper and envelope, and also that a messenger boy be called -to take our letter." - -"I don't know what the lieutenant will say----" began the house -policeman dubiously. - -"Of course you don't," Hal broke in. "So go and find out what he says, -won't you? And you might explain to him my version of what is likely -to happen if he fails to give us a chance to communicate promptly with -Captain Cortland." - -Twenty minutes passed. - -"They're just laughing at us," muttered Noll. - -"Then in the morning they may find where the laugh really belongs," Hal -retorted. - -"Hush! Here comes some one." - -It was the house policeman, returning with stationery and a messenger -boy. - -Taking a pencil from one of his pockets, Hal wrote at some length, -though he tried to make his letter as brief as possible. - -"Got any matches, boy?" Hal asked of the waiting messenger. - -The boy passed a small box in through the grating of the door. - -"Here, stop that!" warned the policeman, though he reached forward too -late to stop the passing of the matches. - -"You shall have them back in a moment," Hal promised the boy. - -Drawing a piece of sealing wax from another pocket, Hal lighted a -match, dropping the hot wax over the flap of the envelope. - -"Here, you can't do that," warned the house policeman, who, however, -could get the cell door key only by going upstairs to the desk. - -"But I've already done it," smiled Hal. - -Noll handed his chum a signet ring, which Hal pressed into the wax. - -"That won't go," muttered the policeman. "The lieutenant won't have it. -He has to see all letters that go out of this station." - -"Then let your lieutenant break the seal, or interfere in any way with -the prompt delivery of an official communication between a member of -the United States Army and his commanding officer, and see what will -happen to your lieutenant upstairs. If the lieutenant is a friend of -yours you might call that little point to his attention," Hal retorted, -with a cool smile, as he passed the envelope to the messenger. - -"How much will it be to deliver that letter promptly out at the camp?" -Corporal Overton inquired. - -The messenger boy named the sum, to which Overton added carfare and a -little "tip." - -"As quickly as you can, please, boy. And report to your manager in case -the lieutenant, or any other policeman attempts to hinder or bother -you on this work. We shall want your report as evidence if you are -interfered with." - -"Say, that kid corporal downstairs knows all his rights," declared the -house policeman admiringly to the lieutenant, after the messenger had -departed unmolested. - -"He'll forget a large part of what he knows, after he's been before -the judge in the morning," replied the lieutenant, lighting a cigar. -"Soldiers, as well as citizens, can be punished, and Johnson has a -clear case against that pair of soldier kids." - -For the next two hours Hal and Noll took turns pacing back and forth -within the narrow confines of the cell in which they had been thrust. - -"I guess we're not going to hear anything to-night," muttered Hal -disappointedly at last. "Noll, we may as well get some of the sleep -that's coming to us." - -Young soldiers accustomed to sleeping on the ground did not find -it extremely hard to get to sleep on the hard wooden benches. More -than that, they contrived to get a pretty fair rest before they were -awakened in the morning by a station-house trusty who thrust two chunks -of bread and two tin cups of coffee into the cell. - -"Get that down and be ready to go to court," called the trusty as he -passed along. - -Breakfast eaten, the two young corporals had a lot more time on their -hands before a squad of policemen came downstairs and began to busy -themselves with marshaling the prisoners and driving them toward a -basement door. - -Here, mingled with the scum of the city, in the persons of other -prisoners, two unoffending young soldiers of the United States Army -were forced to enter the dark interior of a covered wagon. A steel door -was slammed into place and locked and the ride began. - -In a few minutes they were let out, superintended by a guard of other -policemen, and driven into another basement. Here, in a dark, dingy, -foul-smelling room, this batch of prisoners was herded with those from -other police stations. - -A lot of time passed. Occasionally court policemen came into the room, -selected more prisoners and drove them out toward a stairway. - -At last it came the turn of Corporals Hal and Noll. They were taken -from the room, up an iron staircase, and then pushed into the pen of a -police court. - -"Henry Overton and Oliver Terry!" called a clerk. - -"There's yer cue," announced a gruff court policeman, pointing to the -two young soldiers. He conducted them to the front of the pen where -they stood facing a police magistrate. - -The clerk announced the charge against them, then ordered wearily: - -"Prisoners, hold up your right hands. You do solemnly swear----" - -The two young corporals had been duly sworn to tell the truth. - -"Where's the arresting officer?" demanded Judge Guffey. - -Policeman Johnson came forward, held up his hand and was sworn. - -Then the policeman started to tell the story of what he claimed to -have seen. According to this evidence, Noll and Hal had first insulted -a young woman with whom Bill Dabner was walking at the time. Bill had -naturally resented the insults, and then the soldiers had violently -assaulted Bill and his male friend, while the girl broke through the -gathering crowd and fled for home. - -Then Bill came forward, in his best, loudest clothes, and with his -hair much greased. Bill's story, under oath, put a few flourishes to -Policeman Johnson's plainer tale. Bill's friend was also there and -backed up all that the policeman and Dabner had said. - -"We have plenty of other witnesses, your honor, if you desire to -examine more," interposed the policeman. - -"Where's the young woman herself?" queried Judge Guffey. - -"Home in bed, ill from the shock, your honor," Bill asserted gravely. - -"Prisoners at the bar, have you anything to say?" queried Judge Guffey. -"Overton?" - -"I've a lot to say, your honor." - -In tones ringing with indignation, Corporal Hal Overton, United States -Army, gave his version of the affair. Bill Dabner listened with a -broad, impudent grin, as Hal told the true story of the encounter of -the night before. - -Then Noll spoke in his own behalf. - -"I saw the assault myself, your honor, and have other witnesses here -for our side if you wish to hear them," said Policeman Johnson. - -"This testimony is very much confused," commented Judge Guffey at last. -"But the evidence of the police officer is evidently worth that of -all the other witnesses combined, for the policeman has no personal -prejudices in the matter. Prisoners at the bar, you appear to have -forgotten that you were sworn into the Army and enrolled among the -defenders and protectors of the country. It is no light thing to insult -a young woman, even if she does happen to belong to the poorer classes -of society. Prisoners, such conduct as yours, under any circumstances, -is a disgrace to the splendid uniform that you wear. Soldier hoodlumism -shall find no more sanction in this court than any other kind of -rowdyism. I sentence you each, therefore----" - -Judge Guffey's voice paused for a moment, as though the magistrate were -thinking deeply. - -Then he added: - -"----to thirty days in the workhouse!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -THE WIND CHANGES ITS COURSE AND BLOWS - - -It was a dazing, fearful blow to two lads who had acted in accordance -with their highest ideals of right. - -"Step down there," ordered the court officer, giving the young -corporals a light shove. - -"You've got yours." - -Policeman Johnson, Bill Dabner and the latter's crony turned to leave, -as though satisfied that they had done their duty. - -At the back of the courtroom there was a slight commotion. Some one -there was endeavoring to push his way through the throng. - -"Your honor, one moment!" called a deep, manly voice. "Before the case -of the two soldiers is disposed of I wish----" - -It was some one in uniform at the back of the court room. More Judge -Guffey could not ascertain at that moment. - -"Who spoke then?" demanded the magistrate. - -"My name is Cortland, your honor. I am captain of the company to which -the two corporals belong." - -At the first sound of that voice Hal and Noll had turned back to the -front of the pen. - -"Get down below, you!" scowled the court officer. - -"Will you be good enough to hold your tongue, my man?" asked Corporal -Hal in a quiet voice, though his eyes flashed. "That's our captain -speaking, and his is the voice we follow." - -"Let the prisoners wait," directed Judge Guffey, sending the court -officer an annoyed glance. "Make way for Captain Cortland to come -forward." - -Policeman Johnson and Bill and his friend were trying to get out of the -court room, but the magistrate called to them to come back. - -"Captain," continued the magistrate, "I regret to say that the evidence -proved that your two men most wantonly insulted a young woman on the -streets last night, and then attacked her escort and a friend." - -Captain Cortland, as he came to a halt below the bench in that crowded -court room, presented a fine appearance that was in distinct contrast -with his surroundings. - -"With due respect for the court, your honor. I don't believe that any -such disgraceful conduct was engaged in by my young men." - -"But even the policeman's testimony bears out that of the real -complainants, Captain," replied Judge Guffey courteously. - -"Your honor, I don't know your policeman, but I do know my two young -men, Corporals Overton and Terry. I am as positive as I can be of -anything that neither young soldier is of the kind to allow himself to -get into any kind of disgraceful affair. There are no men in my company -for whom I entertain deeper respect than I do for Corporals Overton and -Terry. Your honor, may I ask that this case be reopened?" - -"I would gladly extend you that courtesy, Captain Cortland, but the -evidence has all been heard. As I understand it, Captain, you can -testify only to the previous good character of the prisoners. You were -not a witness of last night's occurrence?" - -"I was not, your honor, but I know my two young men so well that I -feel certain, sir, that you are unwittingly aiding in a miscarriage of -justice. Will the court be good enough to outline the nature of the -evidence?" - -Briefly Judge Guffey outlined the story of the prosecution, and also -the opposed story told by Corporals Overton and Terry. - -"Your honor may think me unduly trustful," smiled Captain Cortland, -"but I would believe the story of my men over the testimony of a -hundred men such as these complainants seem to be." - -Captain Cortland took a side look at Bill and his friend, who -unaccountably shivered under that scrutiny. - -"Has the young woman herself appeared in court, your honor?" resumed B -Company's captain. "Has she testified?" - -"I understand," replied Judge Guffey, "that the young woman is ill in -bed as a result of the shock of last night's occurrence." - -"Then, your honor," asked Captain Cortland, "may I ask a continuance of -this case until the testimony of the young woman herself may have been -heard, and until I can look up other evidence? And will you accept my -personal bail for Corporals Overton and Terry in the meantime?" - -"I want to show you every courtesy possible, Captain," began Judge -Guffey. - -"And I ask nothing, your honor, except that my men have every -opportunity for impartial justice." - -While this conversation had been going on an extremely mild-mannered -man in rather dingy black, had been quietly working his way forward. He -had just succeeded in passing a card to the clerk of the court and in -adding a few whispered words. - -"Your honor," interposed the clerk, "here is another witness who -offers, and wishes to be heard. He can bring us tidings of the young -woman who has been mentioned in connection with this case." - -Judge Guffey took the card, reading from it: - -"Dr. Alexander McKenzie." - -"That is my name, sir," replied the quiet man. - -"What do you know of this case, Doctor?" - -"Not much, sir, but it may be important," replied the physician. "I was -called in this morning by the mother of one Lizzie McAndrew, the girl -mentioned in this affair. Miss McAndrew is quite ill this morning, as -the result of a nervous shock, but her mind is clear enough. She begged -me particularly to come to court to see that two brave and gallant -young soldiers did not come to harm through befriending her." - -Captain Cortland uttered a low-voiced, triumphant exclamation. - -At a motion from the clerk Dr. McKenzie started around toward the pen -to be sworn. - -Policeman Johnson, his face violently red, whispered a few words in the -ear of the physician as the latter passed. - -"Now, don't bother me with your talk," retorted the physician in a -rather loud voice, and Johnson drew back. - -"What did that policeman say to you?" demanded the magistrate as soon -as the medical man had been sworn. - -"He told me to look out what I said, or I'd get myself in big trouble -down in the district," replied Dr. McKenzie promptly. - -"I never----" began Johnson, his face paling. - -"Put that policeman under arrest!" thundered the magistrate. - -A court officer moved over and stood beside the now much-disturbed -Johnson. - -Dr. McKenzie testified to the serious condition in which he had found -Lizzie McAndrew this morning. He was not permitted to repeat any of the -young woman's statements in her own words, but was allowed to state the -gist of what Miss McAndrew had said. - -"May I interrupt the court long enough to ask if there is not now -enough evidence to warrant postponing this hearing for a few days?" -inquired Captain Cortland. - -"I won't do it," replied Judge Guffey bluntly. "Plainly enough this has -been one of the court's foolish mornings. I am now convinced that the -testimony on which I had sentenced these two young soldiers was false -evidence. Corporals Overton and Terry are discharged from custody." - -Hal and Noll were about to step from the pen to join their captain when -the magistrate interrupted: - -"To you young military gentlemen I wish to offer the court's apology. I -apologize, also, in the name of the State of Colorado and of the city -of Denver. There is no calling more honorable than that of the soldier, -who offers his comfort, his life and his blood for his country at need. -The soldier who forgets the high nature of his calling and descends to -rowdyism cannot be too severely punished, but the soldier who lives up -to the high traditions of his calling cannot be too well commended. -Policeman Johnson, step forward. Bear in mind that you are still under -oath. In what work or business are Dabner and his friend engaged?" - -"Why, your honor, I--I----" - -"Have they any regular calling that you ever heard of?" - -"Your honor, I don't know," stammered the policeman. - -"Isn't it true that this precious pair seldom work?" pressed the -magistrate. - -"I--I'm afraid, your honor----" - -"Policeman Johnson, go to the complaint clerk and swear to two short -complaints charging Dabner and his estimable friend with vagrancy." - -Johnson changed color swiftly three or four times, but he went in a -daze to carry out his instructions. - -As for Bill Dabner and his friend, they looked as though they were -seeing ghosts. They did not attempt to speak until they were ordered -to step into the pen and be sworn. - -Then Policeman Johnson was called to the stand. Reluctantly he -testified that the new prisoners were well known to be loafers, making -a living mainly by their wits. - -Dabner and his friend were then asked to testify in their own behalf, -but they were too badly overwhelmed to be able to say much. - -"Prisoners," said Judge Guffey, gazing at them in sheer disgust, "it -would give me great pleasure to bind you over for the grand jury on -charges of perjury committed this morning. But I feel disinclined to -take any action that may drag these young soldiers away from their own -duties. Therefore, on the charge of vagrancy, I sentence you each to -two years in the workhouse. Take those prisoners below at once." - -Bill and his crony seemed barely able to walk when they were forced -below. - -"Policeman Johnson, come forward! Do you desire to offer any denial of -the evidence concerning the charge that Dr. McKenzie made against you a -few minutes ago!" - -Johnson opened his mouth to speak, but under the stern gaze of the -police magistrate he found it impossible to persist in his denial. - -"Johnson, for attempting to intimidate a witness in this court I -sentence you to thirty days' confinement at the workhouse. I shall also -see to it that a full account of this matter reaches the chief of -police. That is all." - -Captain Cortland thanked the court heartily. Then, with his young -soldier boys following, he made his way from the court room. Dr. -McKenzie was at their heels when they reached open air, and a pleasant -chat of a few moments followed. - -"Men, I would have come to you much sooner than I did," explained -Captain Cortland, "but an accident happened that couldn't be helped. -Through some stupidity your messenger left your note over among the -militiamen, and it did not reach me until this morning. Then I came as -fast as I could travel." - -The heartiest thanks of all three soldiers were extended to Dr. -McKenzie, after which the Army party started back to camp. - -Hal's adventures for the day, however, were by no means yet ended. - -As the three entered the regulars' infantry camp, Captain Cortland -caught sight of a horse being held before his tent by one of his -infantry privates. - -"I want to talk with you two a moment," remarked B Company's commander, -"but I see that I have a visitor from the cavalry. Wait outside until I -summon you." - -The horse, a beautiful animal, very plainly belonged to the cavalry, -for the saddle blanket and trappings were trimmed with yellow, which is -the cavalry color. - -"Had much work this morning, Claxton?" Hal asked of the private soldier -who was holding the horse's bridle. - -"We've been going some, Corporal," replied Claxton, with a smile. "And -it was hot in the sun to-day, too." - -"Even at that," observed Corporal Hal grimly, "I guess you had it -easier here than we did." - -"You've been in some trouble, Corporal?" - -"Yes, but now it's----" - -Corporal Hal Overton never finished that sentence. At that instant all -three became aware of a great clatter up the field. - -A pair of horses attached to a light victoria came racing down the -field, passing close to the head of the infantry camp. - -There was no driver on the seat; the reins were trailing at the heels -of the runaways. - -Nor did it take more than a glance to show that both of the runaways -were now frightened past all hope of stopping them by any simple -expedient. - -Less than a quarter of a mile down the field two regular and two -militia field batteries were drawn up in a long line, squarely in front -of the path of the flying horses. - -Worse still, the horses belonging to the batteries had been detached -and sent to the rear. There were some four hundred artillerymen in -all near the guns, but not one of them mounted in this period of -instruction. - -The horses seemed bound to dash in among the closely aligned field -guns, wrecking the victoria and probably killing the woman and girl who -now stood up in the vehicle screaming with terror, but seemingly too -frightened to jump. - -This Corporal Hal saw in his one swift glance, as the outfit went by -like a whirlwind. - -What he didn't see the soldier boy didn't even stop to guess. - -"Let go, Claxton!" he shouted, snatching the bridle from the orderly's -hand. - -All in a twinkling Hal was up in saddle and urging the magnificent -cavalry animal forward. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -CONCLUSION - - -Scores of brave, quick-witted men in uniform were leaping forward to -use their sweeping arms to divert the runaways. But Corporal Hal's -swift glance forward as he bent over the neck of the cavalry horse and -urged it forward showed that these soldiers could not possibly save the -woman and girl in the victoria. - -To whichever side the horses might be forced into dodging, the wild, -snorting animals would still run over blocking soldiers and bring up in -a confused tangle of wreckage among the guns. - -"On--on with you!" roared Corporal Hal, beating the horse's flank with -one hand and cudgeling with his heels. - -That cavalry mount was a magnificent beast. Corporal Overton was -quickly up alongside the victoria. Then he gained on the horses. - -"Now, in close, you good old brute!" glowed Overton, though his lips -were bloodless as he took the chance and threw the bridle over. - -Bending sideways from the saddle, Corporal Hal reached the bridle of -the nigh horse. - -Now he hung on grimly to the bridle of the runaway, at the same time -using his other arm to bring the splendidly trained cavalry horse back -on its haunches. - -That nigh runaway was checked, somewhat, but the pull threatened to -drag Corporal Hal's left arm out of its socket. - -Something had to give way! - -Then, with a suppressed yell, Overton felt himself being torn from -saddle. - -He held on. The runaways tried to forge ahead at renewed speed, but the -determined doughboy soldier, holding still to the bridle of one of the -animals, put a big check on the speed of the runaways. - -A few yards further they dashed, then slowed. Now a score of -artillerymen, regular and militia, sprang in and seized the animals -just as Corporal Hal Overton, his uniform torn and dust-grimed, and he -himself bleeding, fell in the dust. - -But the runaways were stopped, and other soldiers assisted the woman -and her fourteen-year-old daughter in safety to the ground. - -Back of them all the fine cavalry horse stood trembling and curious. -This cavalry horse, struck by the wheels of the victoria, now showed -blood spots along his glistening, lathered flanks. - -"Get up, messmate," called one of the regular artillerymen, bending -over Overton. "You did the whole trick like an Army man, and the -ladies want to thank you." - -He helped Hal to his feet. The soldier boy trembled slightly and almost -unconsciously put a hand to his head. - -"Your hat, mate? We'll help you find that." - -But Hal's hand had gone to a cut on his head from which blood was -oozing, for just as he went down one of the horses had struck him a -glancing kick there. - -It was Corporal Noll Terry, who sprinting desperately along the -field, espied his chum's campaign hat and picked it up with hardly a -slackening of his speed. - -But Noll did run more slowly when he saw Overton again standing on his -feet. Now Noll gently approached the cavalry horse, whose bridle reins -dangled. - -"Easy now, boy," urged Noll as he approached and reached for the lines. - -He secured them, then gently led the cavalry mount over toward the -crowd. - -"Hurt much, Hal?" hailed Noll - -"No; nothing worth talking about." - -A soldier had said something about the woman and the girl wishing to -thank Corporal Hal, but that man had spoken without looking, for now -the woman lay on the grass in a dead faint, while the girl bent over -her. - -"Noll," spoke Corporal Overton, "at last accounts I believe we were -supposed to be standing in front of Captain Cortland's tent, awaiting -his summons. I guess we'd better be hurrying back to get on our job." - -Noll led the horse at first. By and by Hal reached over and secured the -bridle, pausing just an instant to stroke the animal's neck. - -"You're a fine old fellow," Hal murmured, gazing wistfully at the horse. - -"Let's keep right on back," urged Noll. "Remember, we're here really -against orders." - -Neither soldier boy thought of mounting the animal for a ride back. No -need existing, either would have thought it a big piece of impudence to -mount an officer's horse unbidden. - -Captain Cortland was standing before the door of his tent, watching the -approach of his soldier boys. Beside Cortland stood another officer, -down the outer side of whose trousers' legs ran the broad, yellow -stripe of the cavalry. This gentleman was Captain Ellis. - -"We're in for it, I reckon," muttered Corporal Hal to his chum as they -drew nearer to Cortland's tent. "Leaving when under orders, and taking -an officer's horse, at that. Well, here's for our medicine!" - -Both soldier boys stepped forward holding themselves as erect as ever, -just the same. - -Then, halting before the captain's tent, they came very formally to -the salute. - -"Captain Cortland, I am obliged to report, sir, that I left here when -under orders. I have also to report that, seeing the danger of a -serious accident to others, I had the impudence to impress an officer's -horse. Unfortunately, sir, that animal now appears to be injured." - -"I have also, sir, to report leaving in the face of other orders," Noll -Terry stated gravely. - -"In view of the reasons that lay behind your acts," replied Captain -Cortland, with only the faintest twinkle of a smile, "I think we shall -have to conclude that discipline has not suffered a serious affront -this time." - -"I am very sorry, indeed, sir, that I rode your fine animal to any -injury," continued Corporal Hal, turning and saluting the cavalry -captain. - -"Pooh!" scoffed Captain Ellis, stepping to one side and surveying the -cuts on his mount's flank. "Nothing but a few scratches, Corporal--and -a whole horse is as nothing compared with human lives. We got out in -time to see your handsome work, Corporal, and all I'm sorry for is that -we haven't you in the cavalry." - -"Thank you, sir." - -"You can't have these non-coms. of mine for yellow-legs, Ellis," -laughed Captain Cortland. "You have just seen what a fine pair of -young soldiers they are. I intend to keep them right here in B -Company." - -"You always were a selfish fellow, Cortland," laughed Captain Ellis. - -"You are hurt, are you not, Corporal?" queried Captain Cortland, -turning to Hal Overton. - -"Nothing but a little scratch and a lump on my head, sir. I had -forgotten it until you asked." - -"Go over to hospital tent, Corporal Overton, and have your head -dressed. Corporal Terry, you may go with your friend if you wish." - -As the two young corporals saluted and turned away, Captain Cortland -stood gazing after them for a few moments, while Private Claxton walked -the horse up and down. - -"Ellis, you don't often find such a snappy, all-around good pair of -young soldiers, do you?" asked B Company's commander. - -"Oh, I don't know," replied Captain Ellis. "I have a few like them in -my troop, I guess." - -"My dear fellow, I'm from Missouri," laughed Captain Cortland. - -We would gladly carry the present narrative further, but here the -present tale is obliged to end, for there were no other developments of -an interesting nature while the encampment with the Colorado National -Guard continued. This period was filled with nothing beyond the -ordinary routine of camp instruction life, and when it was all over -Major Silsbee's battalion of the Thirty-fourth gladly enough returned -to Fort Clowdry. - -Our gallant soldier boys will be a little older when next we meet -them, as we shall do in the next volume in this series, which will be -published under the title, "UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; Or, -Handling Their First Real Commands." In this coming volume we shall -see to just what extent they made good as non-coms., and whether, in -the broader sense, they proved themselves the all-around soldiers that -their conduct up to date has seemed to assure. In the next volume -will be described much of both the work and the play that fall to the -regular Army soldier's lot, and many rousing adventures and ludicrous -happenings will therein be told. - - -THE END - - - - -HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S - -CATALOGUE OF - -_The Best and Least Expensive Books_ - -FOR - -_Real Boys and Girls_ - - -[Illustration] - -THESE FASCINATING VOLUMES WILL INTEREST BOYS AND GIRLS OF -EVERY AGE UNDER SIXTY - -[Illustration] - - -Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price - - Henry Altemus Company - 507-513 CHERRY STREET - PHILADELPHIA - - - - -The Motor Boat Club SERIES - -By H. Irving Hancock - - -The keynote of these books is manliness. The stories are wonderfully -entertaining, and they are at the same time sound and wholesome. The -plots are ingenious, the action swift, and the moral tone wholly -healthful. No boy will willingly lay down an unfinished book in this -series, at the same time he will form a taste for good literature and -the glory of right living. - - 1 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OF THE KENNEBEC; Or, - The Secret of Smugglers' Island. - - 2 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT NANTUCKET; Or, The Mystery of the - Dunstan Heir. - - 3 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OFF LONG ISLAND; Or, A Daring Marine - Game at Racing Speed. - - 4 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AND THE WIRELESS; Or, The Dot, Dash and - Dare Cruise. - - 5 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB IN FLORIDA; Or, Laying the Ghost of - Alligator Swamp. - - 6 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT THE GOLDEN GATE; Or, A Thrilling - Capture in the Great Fog. - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50 cts.= - - - Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price - - Henry Altemus Company - 507-513 CHERRY STREET - PHILADELPHIA - - - - -SUBMARINE BOYS SERIES - -By Victor G. Durham - - -These splendid books for boys and girls deal with life aboard submarine -torpedo boats, and with the adventures of the young crew, who, by -degrees, become most expert in this most wonderful and awe-inspiring -field of modern naval practice. The books are written by an expert and -possess, in addition to the author's surpassing knack of story-telling, -a great educational value for all young readers. - - 1 THE SUBMARINE BOYS ON DUTY; Or, Life on a Diving Torpedo - Boat. - - 2 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' TRIAL TRIP; Or, "Making Good" as Young - Experts. - - 3 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE MIDDIES; Or, The Prize Detail at - Annapolis. - - 4 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SPIES; Or, Dodging the Sharks of - the Deep. - - 5 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' LIGHTNING CRUISE; Or, The Young Kings - of the Deep. - - 6 THE SUBMARINE BOYS FOR THE FLAG; Or, Deeding Their Lives to - Uncle Sam. - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50 cts.= - - - Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price - - Henry Altemus Company - 507-513 CHERRY STREET - PHILADELPHIA - - - - -PONY RIDER BOYS SERIES - -By Frank Gee Patchin - - -These tales may be aptly described as those of a new Cooper. As the -earlier novelist depicted the first days of the advancing frontier, so -does Mr. Patchin deal charmingly and realistically with what is left -of the strenuous outdoor West of the twentieth century. In every sense -they belong to the best class of books for boys. - - 1 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ROCKIES; Or, The Secret of the - Lost Claim. - - 2 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN TEXAS; Or, The Veiled Riddle of the - Plains. - - 3 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN MONTANA; Or, The Mystery of the Old - Custer Trail. - - 4 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE OZARKS; Or, The Secret of Ruby - Mountain. - - 5 THE PONY RIDER BOYS ON THE ALKALI; Or, Finding a Key to the - Desert Maze. - - 6 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN NEW MEXICO; Or, The End of the - Silver Trail. - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50 cts.= - - - Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price - - Henry Altemus Company - 507-513 CHERRY STREET - PHILADELPHIA - - - - -High School Boys Series - -By H. Irving Hancock - -[Illustration] - - -In this series of bright, crisp books a new note has been struck. - -Boys of every age under sixty will be interested in these fascinating -volumes. - - 1 THE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN; Or, Dick & Co's First Year Pranks - and Sports. - - 2 THE HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER; Or, Dick & Co. on the Gridley - Diamond. - - 3 THE HIGH SCHOOL LEFT END; Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on the - Football Gridiron. - - 4 THE HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM; Or, Dick & Co. Leading - the Athletic Vanguard. - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -Grammar School Boys Series - -By H. Irving Hancock - -[Illustration] - - -This series of stories, based on the actual doings of grammar school -boys comes near to the heart of the average American boy. - - 1 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS OF GRIDLEY; Or, Dick & Co. Start - Things Moving. - - 2 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SNOW-BOUND; Or, Dick & Co. at - Winter Sports. - - 3 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN THE WOODS; Or, Dick & Co. Trail - Fun and Knowledge. - - 4 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS; Or, Dick & Co. - Make Their Fame Secure. - - =Cloth, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -West Point Series - -By H. Irving Hancock - -[Illustration] - - -The principal characters in these narratives are two sound, wholesome, -manly young Americans who go strenuously through their four years of -cadetship. Their doings will prove an inspiration to all American boys. - - 1 DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Two Chums in - the Cadet Gray. - - 2 DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Finding the - Glory of the Soldier's Life. - - 3 DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Standing Firm - for Flag and Honor. - - 4 DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Ready to - Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps. - - =Cloth, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -Annapolis Series - -By H. Irving Hancock - -[Illustration] - - -The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted in -these volumes. - - 1 DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Plebe - Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy. - - 2 DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Midshipmen - as Naval Academy "Youngsters." - - 3 DAVE DARRIN'S THIRD YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Leaders of the - Second Class Midshipmen. - - 4 DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Headed for - Graduation and the Big Cruise. - - =Cloth, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -Boys of the Army Series - -By H. Irving Hancock - -[Illustration] - - -These books breathe the life and spirit of the United States Army of -to-day, and the life, just as it is, is described by a master-pen. - - 1 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE RANKS; Or, Two Recruits in the - United States Army. - - 2 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY; Or, Winning Corporal's - Chevrons. - - 3 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; Or, Handling Their First - Real Commands. - - (_Other volumes to follow rapidly._) - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -Battleship Boys Series - -By Frank Gee Patchin - -[Illustration] - - -These stories throb with the life of young Americans on today's huge -drab Dreadnaughts. - - 1 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS AT SEA; Or, Two Apprentices in Uncle - Sam's Navy. - - 2 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS' FIRST STEP UPWARD; Or, Winning Their - Grades as Petty Officers. - - 3 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN FOREIGN SERVICE; Or, Earning New - Ratings in European Seas. - - (_Other volumes to follow rapidly._) - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -The Circus Boys Series - -By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON - - -Mr. Darlington is known to all real circus people along every route -that big and little shows travel. His books breathe forth every phase -of an intensely interesting and exciting life. - - 1 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the Start in the - Sawdust Life. - - 2 THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning New Laurels on the - Tanbark. - - 3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the Sunny - South. - - (_Other volumes to follow rapidly_) - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -The High School Girls Series - -By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M. - - -These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the reader -fairly by storm. - - 1 GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Merry Doings of - the Oakdale Freshmen Girls. - - 2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Record of the - Girl Chums in Work and Athletics. - - 3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, Fast Friends in the - Sororities. - - 4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of the - Ways. - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -The Automobile Girls Series - -By LAURA DENT CRANE - - -No girl's library--no family book-case can be considered at all -complete unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books, -written for present-day girls. - - 1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the Summer Parade. - - 2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; Or, The Ghost of Lost Man's - Trail. - - 3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy - Hollow. - - (_Other volumes to follow rapidly_) - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber's notes - -Punctuation has been standardized; spelling has been preserved as -in the original publication except as follows: - - Page 112 - stated Captatin Cortland _changed_ to - stated Captain Cortland - - Page 160 - out of the quesetion _changed_ to - out of the question - - Page 195 - Four four days he continued _changed to_ - For four days he continued - - Page 233 - queried Judge Guffney _changed to_ - queried Judge Guffey - - Page 243 - entered the regular's _changed to_ - entered the regulars' - -Text enclosed by equal signs is in bold print, e.g. =bold=. - -Text enclosed by underscores is in italics, e.g. _italics_. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty, by -H. 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Irving Hancock - </title> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -.chapter {page-break-before: always;} - -h1, h2{ - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -h2 {line-height: 2em;} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -hr.tb, hr.chap {width: 65%; margin: 3em 17.5%;} - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; -} /* page numbers */ - -.chapter {page-break-before: always;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.mt2 {margin-top: 2em;} - -.clear {clear: both;} - -.title4 {font-size: 1.6em;} -.title5 {font-size: 1.4em;} -.title6 {font-size: 1.1em;} - -.underline {text-decoration: underline;} - -.caption {font-weight: bold;} - -blockquote {margin-left: 0; text-indent: -1em; padding-left: 1em;} - -/* Drop caps */ -.dropcap {font-size: 2.8em; float: left; line-height: 0.85em; height: 0.85em; padding: 0 .02em 0 0; font-weight: normal;} -.dropcap2 {font-size: .4em; float: left; line-height: 1em; height: 1em; padding: 0 .02em 0 0; font-weight: normal;} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - -.figleft { - float: left; - clear: left; - margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; -} - -.figright { - float: right; - clear: right; - margin: 1em 0 1em 1em; -} - -.books {margin: auto; max-width: 30em;} - -@media handheld { - hr.chap {border-width: 0; margin: 0; - visibility: hidden; display: none;} - .books {width: 100%;} - .figleft { - float: left; - clear: left; - margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; - } - .figright { - float: right; - clear: right; - margin: 1em 0 1em 1em; - } - .dropcap {font-size: 2.8em; padding: 0 .02em 0 0; font-weight: normal;} - .dropcap2 {font-size: .4em; padding: 0 .02em 0 0; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: text-top;} -} - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty, by H. Irving Hancock - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty - or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons - -Author: H. Irving Hancock - -Release Date: August 8, 2016 [EBook #52755] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY *** - - - - -Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David K. Park and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" width="500" height="610" alt="Cover" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<img src="images/frontis.jpg" width="400" height="613" alt="Frontispiece" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">"Let Me Look at That Bolt."<br /><i>Frontispiece.</i></p></div> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<h1>Uncle Sam's Boys -on Field Duty</h1></div> - -<p class="center mt2 title6">OR</p> - -<p class="center mt2 title4">Winning Corporal's Chevrons</p> - -<p class="center mt2 title6">By</p> - -<p class="center mt2 title4">H. IRVING HANCOCK</p> - -<p class="center mt2">Author of The Motor Boat Club Series, The High School Boys' Series, -The West Point Series, The Annapolis Series, Uncle Sam's Boys -in the Ranks, Uncle Sam's Boys as Sergeants, Etc.</p> - -<p class="center mt2 title4">Illustrated</p> - -<p class="center mt2"><span class="smcap title6">PHILADELPHIA<br /> -HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY</span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<p class="center mt2 title6"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1911, by<br /> -Howard E. Altemus</span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS"></a>CONTENTS</h2> - -<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr> -<td align="right">CHAPTER</td> -<td align="left"> </td> -<td align="right">PAGE</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">I.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Squad-room Misunderstanding</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">7</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">II.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">On the Great Summer Hike</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">29</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">III.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Soldier Hal Marches as a Prisoner</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">47</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">IV.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Joking Scout</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">54</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">V.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Corporal With the Sheepish Grin</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">65</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">VI.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Raynes Finds a Patriotic Ally</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">77</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">VII.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Bears and Other Troubles</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">90</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">VIII.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">In the Midst of the "Hostiles"</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">97</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">IX.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Planning for the Night Attack</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">103</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">X.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Trappers and Trapped</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">113</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XI.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">That C Company Corporal Eats Crow</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">119</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XII.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Call to Deadly Work</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">130</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XIII.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Appointment With Supreme Danger</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">138</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XIV.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Meeting Blick in Earnest</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">145</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XV.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Battle of Their Lives</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">155</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XVI.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Captain Cortland "Makes a Speech"</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">162</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XVII.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Rounding Up the Missing Leave Men</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">171</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XVIII.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Dowley Eggs On a Catspaw</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">184</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XIX.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Dispute in the Guard House</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">192</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XX.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Promotion Flies in the Air</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">202</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXI.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Price of Being a Man</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">211</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXII.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Two Young Corporals Send Out the "C. Q. D."</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">227</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXIII.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Wind Changes Its Course and Blows</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">235</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td align="right">XXIV.</td> -<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Conclusion</span></td> -<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">246</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> - -<p class="center mt2 title4">Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty</p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I<br /> - -<small>A SQUAD-ROOM MISUNDERSTANDING</small></h2> - -<p><span class="dropcap"><span class="dropcap2">"</span>I</span> SEE by the paper——" began Private -Green, looking up.</p> - -<p>Instantly the doughboys in the squad -room turned loose on him.</p> - -<p>"You can never believe what you read in -the papers," broke in Private Hyman.</p> - -<p>"Cut it and study your guard manual!" yelled -another.</p> - -<p>"Is it going to rain to-night, rookie?"</p> - -<p>"Let him alone. He wants to prove that he -can read," jeered another, which witticism -brought a swift flush to the face of Private -Green.</p> - -<p>For Green was as verdant as his name. He -was a new recruit, just in after his probationary -period at a northwestern recruit rendezvous. -He was so green, in fact, that the men in the -squad room, and throughout B Company of -the Thirty-fourth United States Infantry accused -the young fellow of having joined the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> -Army so that he could get a wall of bayonets -between his own inexperienced self and the -bunco men.</p> - -<p>The young recruit's mistake lay in pretending -to know a lot more than he really did know. He -had been put through the unmerciful hazing that -always awaits a very "fresh" rookie, or recruit, -but even that had taught him little. Private -Green was always looking for the chance to -prove to his new comrades among the regulars -of the Thirty-fourth that he knew something -after all. This afternoon his trouble had taken -the form of trying to find something in a two-days' -old newspaper on which he could discourse -for the enlightenment of the other men.</p> - -<p>"I see by the paper," continued Private William -Green, as soon as his tormentors would -let him proceed, "that we of the United States -are now manufacturing the biggest and finest -guns in the world."</p> - -<p>"Meaning cannon?" quizzed Private Hyman -innocently.</p> - -<p>"Sure," nodded Private William Green.</p> - -<p>"Take that over to the red sheds," jeered -one soldier.</p> - -<p>"What do we of the infantry care about the -red legs and their troubles?" demanded Hyman, -as though affronted.</p> - -<p>For the "doughboys," or infantrymen, of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> -regular Army, affect supreme scorn for all other -arms of the service. In especial do they profess -contempt for the artillerymen, or red legs, this -latter epithet being derived from the fact that -red is the artillery color, and that the officers -and non-commissioned officers of the artillery -wear red side stripes on their trousers.</p> - -<p>"But think what it means to this country," -insisted Private William Green,"when we manufacture -the biggest guns in the world."</p> - -<p>"And we have also the loudest-mouthed and -noisiest members in the peace societies," remarked -Private Hal Overton, laughingly.</p> - -<p>"What have peace-spouters got to do with big -guns?" demanded Private William Green rather -stiffly.</p> - -<p>"Why, you see," explained Hal,"the peace -advocates look for the millennium."</p> - -<p>"The mill—what kind of mill?" inquired -Green, with unlooked-for interest, for Private -Willie had been employed in a grist mill before -enlisting.</p> - -<p>"The mil-len-nium," explained Private Overton -patiently, though with a twinkle in his eyes.</p> - -<p>"Never heard of that mill," replied Private -Green rather disdainfully. "What's it for?"</p> - -<p>"Why, you see, Greenie—pardon me, I mean -Willie," continued Hal Overton, while the other -soldiers in the squad room, scenting fun, remained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> -silent, "it's like this: The millennium is -the age that may come some time. The peace-spouters -tell us that the millennium is coming in -two weeks from autumn. That millennium is the -age when all war will be abolished and soldiers -will have to go to work."</p> - -<p>"What's all that got to do with what I was -talking about?" demanded Private Green, bewildered -and half offended.</p> - -<p>"Wait, and Overton will tell you," warned -Hal's chum, Noll Terry, who stood by looking -decidedly trim and handsome in his spotless -khaki uniform.</p> - -<p>"Of course you know all about Armageddon?" -resumed Hal.</p> - -<p>"Never heard of him," retorted Green suspiciously, -for he saw the amused looks in the -faces of some of the soldiers standing about. -"Say—hold on! Is Army-gid-ap——"</p> - -<p>"Armageddon," corrected Hal quietly.</p> - -<p>"Is that the name of the new breakfast food -that the rainmaker (Army surgeon) was trying -to have sprung on the bill of fare of our company -mess?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no," Hal assured him. "Nothing as -bad as that. You see, Greenie—Willie, I mean—while -the peace-howlers lay all of their bets on -the millennium being just over the fence, there's -another crowd of high-brow thinkers who look<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> -forward to the great battle when all the armies -of the world will be present. That battle is -going to be the one grand fight of all history, -and the armies of one half of the world are -going to get a sure thrashing from the armies -of the other half. Any way you look at it, it's -surely going to be a big scrap, Willie, and after -that maybe all soldiers will be too tired to fight -any more. Now, for that great battle the high-brows -have invented the name of Armageddon. -Don't forget the name, Willie—Armageddon. -It's going to be the biggest fight the world ever -saw—the only real fight in history, as we'll look -back at it afterwards."</p> - -<p>"But what has all this got to do with what -I was reading from the paper?" insisted Private -Green.</p> - -<p>"Why, don't you see, if we're making the biggest -and finest guns, and Armageddon comes -on, it'll be just like robbing a baker's wagon for -us to win Armageddon. On the other hand, if -millennium runs in first, and we don't need the -guns, then we win, too. We've got the biggest -guns for Armageddon, and the noisiest peace-howlers -for the millennium. Armageddon or millennium, -it's just as good a bet either way, for -the United States is bound to win, going or coming."</p> - -<p>Private William Green didn't see more than a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> -tenth part of the point, but the laugh that followed -got on his nerves.</p> - -<p>"You fellows are nothing but a lot of horse-play -idiots," he growled, rising and stalking -away.</p> - -<p>As he made his way through the little fringe -of soldiers something happened to Private William -Green, but Hal Overton was the only disinterested -person who happened to see it.</p> - -<p>William had joined the Army after toiling and -saving for some four years. Green had saved -his money, and hoped to save a lot more. He -was known to have about four hundred dollars -in cash, which he had so far declined to deposit -with the Army pay-master. Where he kept this -money was not known, beyond the fact that he -sometimes carried it on his person.</p> - -<p>Just as William was passing through the group -of soldiers a hand ran expertly up under the -loose hem of Private Green's blouse. A wallet -left Green's right-hand hip pocket, coming away -with the intruding hand. Then Private Dowley -slipped the wallet into his own trousers' -pocket.</p> - -<p>Hal saw and acted with his usual quickness.</p> - -<p>"Don't do that, Dowley," Hal advised, moving -forward and resting a hand on Private Dowley's -shoulder.</p> - -<p>"Don't do what?" demanded Dowley, turning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> -scowling eyes on Hal.</p> - -<p>"Give him back his wallet, Dowley. That's -carrying a joke too far."</p> - -<p>"I haven't——" was as far as Private Dowley -got when Private William Green, who was -twenty-two years old, tall, raw-boned, freckled -and sandy haired, heard the word and clapped -a hand to his own hip pocket.</p> - -<p>"I've been touched—robbed—right in the -heart of United States forces!" yelled Private -Green, turning and staggering back.</p> - -<p>"Give it back to him, Dowley," urged Hal.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean? To say that I——" -sputtered Dowley, clenching his fists as though -he meant to hurl himself at Hal Overton.</p> - -<p>But Private William himself settled the problem -by hurling himself weakly at Dowley and -running his hands over his comrade's clothing.</p> - -<p>"There it is," yelled William. "My wallet—right -in Dowley's trousers' pocket."</p> - -<p>"Of course," nodded Private Hal. "Dowley -did it as a joke, but it looks like carrying a joke -too far."</p> - -<p>Dowley, seeing that further denial was useless, -broke into a guffaw. Then he thrust a hand -into his pocket, producing the wallet. William -Green pounced upon it with an exclamation of -joy.</p> - -<p>"I wanted to string Greenie," explained Dowley<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> -hoarsely, "but Overton had to go to work -and spoil it all."</p> - -<p>"The joke was in bad taste," observed Private -Hyman quietly. "We don't want any work -of that sort here, even for fun."</p> - -<p>"What I marvel at," remarked Hal innocently, -"is how you did the thing in such a -smooth, light-fingered way, Dowley."</p> - -<p>"Light fingered? You hound!" raged Dowley, -his eyes blazing. "Do you mean that I -did the trick with the skill of a crook?"</p> - -<p>He placed himself squarely before the young -soldier, crowding him back and glaring into -Overton's eyes.</p> - -<p>The other soldiers in the room found suddenly -a new interest in the scene. Young Overton -wasn't quarrelsome; he was the soul of good -nature, in fact, but he knew how to fight when -he had to do it.</p> - -<p>"Stop walking on my feet," counseled Hal, -giving Dowley a slight push that sent him backward -a step.</p> - -<p>"What did you mean?" insisted Dowley, who -was working himself into a greater rage with -every second.</p> - -<p>"It's time to ask what you mean," retorted -Hal.</p> - -<p>"You called me a light-fingered crook, because -I played a joke on Greenie," roared Dowley.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> -"And I'm going to make you eat talk like that."</p> - -<p>"You're putting a wrong construction on my -words," returned Hal quietly.</p> - -<p>"You called me a light-fingered crook, didn't -you?" demanded Dowley hotly.</p> - -<p>"I spoke of your performance as a light-fingered -trick."</p> - -<p>"That's the same thing," raged the older man.</p> - -<p>"Is it?"</p> - -<p>"Don't play baby, and don't crawfish," -sneered Dowley, scowling. "You know what -you meant."</p> - -<p>"And you seem to think you know, too."</p> - -<p>"We must break this up," whispered Private -Hyman to Noll Terry, Hal Overton's soldier -chum. "I don't want to see him get hurt."</p> - -<p>"What do you care about Dowley?" asked -Noll, shrugging his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Dowley be hanged!" retorted Hyman. "It's -your kid friend I'm thinking about."</p> - -<p>"Oh, he won't get hurt," retorted Noll with -cheery assurance.</p> - -<p>"Your friend is pretty handy with his fists, I -know, but Dowley is a big fellow, an older man, -with more fighting judgment; and I miss my -guess if Dowley hasn't had a big lot of practice -in rough-and-tumble in all the bad spots of -life."</p> - -<p>"Will you take back and apologize for what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> -you said?" insisted Dowley.</p> - -<p>"If I said anything I shouldn't have said," -replied Hal quietly.</p> - -<p>"You're a liar, a cur and——"</p> - -<p>"Stop that!" objected Hal Overton, yet without -raising his voice.</p> - -<p>"Apologize, then! Do it handsomely, too."</p> - -<p>"You've said too much to be entitled to any -apology now," Hal assured the scowling soldier.</p> - -<p>"Apologize, or I'll——"</p> - -<p>"Going to start now?" Hal queried smilingly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, you——"</p> - -<p>Dowley made a rush, with both fists clenched. -Hal nimbly sidestepped, putting up his own -guard at the same time.</p> - -<p>"Attention!" shouted a soldier.</p> - -<p>Instantly both prospective combatants -dropped their hands. The door of the squad-room -had opened, and now there entered a -young officer, handsome and resplendent in his -new fatigue uniform. Unlike the khaki-clad -enlisted men, this officer was attired in the blue -uniform. Down the outer side of either leg of -his trousers ran the broad white stripe of the -commissioned officer of infantry. On his shoulders -lay the plain shoulder strap, without bars -or other device, proclaiming the young man to -be a second lieutenant. He was a handsome<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> -young fellow of twenty-two, erect, fine of bearing -and every inch of him an intense soldier.</p> - -<p>"Where is Sergeant Hupner?" asked Lieutenant -Prescott. His glance, as he made the -inquiry, appeared to be directed to Private Hal -Overton.</p> - -<p>"I don't know, sir," Hal answered respectfully.</p> - -<p>"And neither of the corporals berthed in this -squad room are present, either?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir."</p> - -<p>No displeasure was apparent in the young -lieutenant's tone. There was no reason why -the corporals, as well as the sergeant, should -not be absent at this moment, if they chose. -The officer's query was made only for the purpose -of securing information.</p> - -<p>"You are Private Overton?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"When Sergeant Hupner returns be good -enough to say to him that I wish to see him at -my quarters. Any time before the call for parade -will do."</p> - -<p>"Very good, sir."</p> - -<p>"If Private Overton is not here when Sergeant -Hupner returns, any other man may deliver -my message," continued Lieutenant Prescott. -"That is all. Good afternoon, men."</p> - -<p>The young lieutenant turned and strode from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> -the squad room.</p> - -<p>"Somehow," mused Private Hyman, "it takes -West Point to turn out a real soldier, doesn't -it? No matter how good a man is, or how long -he spends in learning the soldier trade, he's -never quite the same unless he has the West -Point brand on him."</p> - -<p>"That's nothing to do with my affair," -growled Private Dowley. "Now, Kid Overton, -I'll attend to your case."</p> - -<p>"Oh, cut it, Dowley," grumbled Private Hyman. -"Get out and keep out, or we'll find a -blanket and give you a little excitement. Eh, -boys?"</p> - -<p>"I'm going to polish off this kid for his insults -to me," insisted Dowley sulkily.</p> - -<p>"Bring the blanket, boys," muttered Hyman -wearily.</p> - -<p>From several of the men came a gleeful whoop -as they started in various directions. It looked -like business of a different sort now, and Dowley -was not too blind to see it.</p> - -<p>"Oh, all right, if you're all going to butt in -to save this kid doughbaby from his just deserts. -But he'll get his later on," snarled Private -Dowley.</p> - -<p>"I'm all ready now. There's no time like -the present," smiled Hal.</p> - -<p>But two of the soldiers were coming back with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> -blankets. There's not an atom of fun—for the -victim—in being tossed in a blanket, so Dowley -started for the door.</p> - -<p>It banged behind him. Two minutes later -it banged again, this time closing on big Private -Bill Hooper.</p> - -<p>"Birds of a feather—you all know the rest," -chuckled Private Hyman, winking at some of -his comrades in B Company. A general laugh -answered.</p> - -<p>"Why didn't you let Dowley have his fun?" -asked Private Hal Overton good-humoredly.</p> - -<p>"Because, Hal," replied Hyman, "Dowley -is a big, ugly, dangerous man. You're spunky; -you're all grit, and I don't know any kid who -can handle himself as well as you do. But Dowley -is in another class."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"You'll do well, after this, Hal," murmured -Noll Terry, when the chums were by themselves -at one end of the room, "to keep your eyes open. -I shall do the same."</p> - -<p>"Why?" Overton wanted to know.</p> - -<p>"Well, you've made an enemy of Dowley."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps."</p> - -<p>"Don't treat it as lightly as that," warned -Noll Terry with great earnestness. "Dowley -isn't a man to forget even a fancied injury. You -noticed that Bill Hooper went out soon after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> -Dowley, didn't you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but what of it?"</p> - -<p>"Hooper hates you; he has hated you for -a long time, and Dowley has just learned to -hate you. Now, you may be sure those two birds -of a feather will flock together."</p> - -<p>"Let 'em," laughed Hal indifferently.</p> - -<p>"For what purpose will they flock together?" -persisted Noll. "They now have a common interest -in making life miserable for you."</p> - -<p>"Just for my one remark to Dowley?" smiled -Hal.</p> - -<p>"I tell you Dowley is the kind of man who -takes offense easily, and then can't make himself -forget. Look there, quick!"</p> - -<p>Noll, who had been half facing one of the end -windows of the squad room, suddenly nudged -Hal, then pointed.</p> - -<p>"Do you see that pair over yonder, just -going through under the trees?" queried Noll -Terry dryly.</p> - -<p>"Hooper and Dowley," nodded Hal.</p> - -<p>"What do you suppose has brought that pair -together so quickly after the scene here? -They're drawn together by a common interest—in -you."</p> - -<p>"Let 'em talk about me, if they like," proposed -Hal coolly.</p> - -<p>"Do you imagine they're getting together<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span> -just to talk about you?" demanded Private -Terry half indignantly. "Wake up, Hal; keep -your eyes open, and I'll do the same. They're -two, but we are two, also. If you don't go to -sleep, Hal, I think we can prove ourselves equal -to anything that that pair may try to do. But -you don't want to forget that they are certainly -plotting to do something to get you into trouble. -Whatever gets you into trouble also puts a bad -mark on your record as a soldier and threatens -to interfere with your promotion."</p> - -<p>"If Hooper and Dowley get busy along those -lines," muttered Hal, his eyes blazing, "they'll -find that they have a sure fight on their hands."</p> - -<p>"That's the way to talk, old fellow," approved -Noll Terry, his eyes shining eagerly. -"And don't think I'm foolish, either, in the -warning that I'm giving you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Noll; I guess it will be as well -to be ordinarily alert, where that pair are concerned. -It never does any fellow harm to have -his eyes open at all times."</p> - -<p>Readers of the previous volume in this series, -"<span class="smcap">Uncle Sam's Boys in the Ranks</span>," will need -no introduction to Privates Hal Overton and -Noll Terry, of the Thirty-fourth United States -Infantry, stationed at Fort Clowdry, in the -lower Rockies of Colorado.</p> - -<p>Hal and Noll were bright, typical American<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> -boys when, at the age of eighteen, back in their -New Jersey home town, they decided that their -careers in life were to be found through enlisting -in the Army.</p> - -<p>It was in April that they enlisted, after which -they were sent to a recruit rendezvous near New -York City. At the recruit rendezvous the two -young "rookies," as recruits are commonly -termed in the service, were whipped very -thoroughly into shape.</p> - -<p>While at the recruit rendezvous the two rookies -distinguished themselves by preventing the -desertion of a corporal who was in arrest. For -this service they were commended in orders.</p> - -<p>On the way to their regiment in Colorado the -boys were present when an attempt was made -to hold up the United States mail train. An -Army officer, Major Davis, of the Seventeenth -Cavalry, ordered them to assist him in resisting -an attack on the mail car. In the encounter that -followed some of the train robbers were shot, -others then surrendering to Major Davis. That -same night Major Davis wired the colonel of -the Thirty-fourth, speaking of the young recruits -in high terms for their prompt obedience -and their grit under trying circumstances. So -Overton and Terry, on joining their regiment the -next morning, found themselves in high favor.</p> - -<p>Of course the young soldiers had to endure -the usual amount of "hazing" when they took<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> -up their new life in the squad room. But this -they did with a combination of grit and good -humor that soon won them the respect of the -older soldiers.</p> - -<p>Then came a period of great excitement on -the post. Despite the fact that an entire battalion -of the Thirty-fourth was stationed at Fort -Clowdry, a gang of burglars visited the quarters -of married officers on dark nights, and invariably -succeeded in getting away with substantial booty.</p> - -<p>It was young Private Overton who, when on -sentry duty up in officers' row, was first to detect -the burglars as they were leaving a house -that they had robbed. Before the guard arrived -Private Hal Overton had a spirited battle with -the decamping thieves. One of them turned out -to be Tip Branders, a young bully who had once -lived in the home town of Hal and Noll. Branders -had robbed his own mother and had drifted -west, falling in with bad company. Hal and -Noll then remembered a rock-strewn, distant -part of the post where they had once met Tip, -and there they led a squad of soldiers, under -an officer. Here, after another brief but spirited -battle, the escaped burglars had been caught; -and here also all the booty stolen from the quarters -along officers' row was recovered.</p> - -<p>Both young soldiers had now received great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> -credit for their daring and clever work. Moreover, -both had gone on rapidly in the thorough -learning of their new work as soldiers of the -regular Army.</p> - -<p>And now the month of August had come -around. Both young soldiers were now on the -high road to efficiency and success in their -strenuous new life.</p> - -<p>Readers of the "<span class="smcap">High School Boys' Series</span>" -and the "<span class="smcap">West Point Series</span>" will be quick to -recognize another young man who has been -briefly introduced in the opening of this present -volume—Lieutenant Dick Prescott, a graduate -of the United States Military Academy at West -Point, and just recently appointed to his -regiment, the Thirty-fourth. With Lieutenant -Prescott was Lieutenant Greg Holmes, -who will be remembered as Prescott's close -chum in the High School and West Point -days.</p> - -<p>Prescott we now find as second lieutenant of -B Company; Holmes was now second lieutenant -of C Company of the same battalion of the -Thirty-fourth.</p> - -<p>Both were splendid young officers, and manly -to the core. In the few days that Lieutenants -Prescott and Holmes had been at Fort Clowdry -they had made a fine impression on the enlisted -men. Soldiers are quick to judge and estimate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> -the worth of their officers.</p> - -<p>Sergeant Hupner soon entered the squad -room. The first sergeant being absent for a -couple of days, Hupner was acting first sergeant. -To him Hal gave Lieutenant Prescott's message.</p> - -<p>"I'll go up to the lieutenant's quarters at -once," nodded Hupner. "He's a fine young -officer, isn't he?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," agreed Private Overton. "But I -haven't yet met any but mighty fine officers in -the service, so the lieutenant isn't any cause of -surprise to me."</p> - -<p>Hupner was back within twenty minutes.</p> - -<p>"Attention," he called. "Men, in the absence -of the captain and first lieutenant until Wednesday, -Lieutenant Prescott is company commander. -He has just notified me, as acting first -sergeant, to inform the men that B and C Companies -march from the post on Friday for a -two weeks' period of training in field duty. -Every man will promptly see to it that all his -field outfit is in proper order. Any man wishing -further instruction or advice will apply to -me at any time up to our departure."</p> - -<p>Then Sergeant Hupner hurried forth to acquaint -the men in the other squad rooms of B -Company with the news.</p> - -<p>"Field work? Hurrah!" shouted Private -Terry, always eager to experience new phases<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> -of the soldier's life.</p> - -<p>"You've never been off on field work, have -you?" asked Hyman dryly.</p> - -<p>"No; that's why I'm so pleased about it," -Noll answered.</p> - -<p>"And that's the only reason," added Hyman. -"Take it from me that it's a period of hard -work, tedious marching, blistered feet, aching -muscles and all but crumbling bones. It's nothing -but a big, torturesome hike through the -mountains."</p> - -<p>"I'll enjoy it," insisted Private Terry.</p> - -<p>"Wait," advised Hyman.</p> - -<p>Soon after the buglers of the post were sounding -first call to afternoon parade. It was not -until the men were falling in ranks that Bill -Hooper and the morose Dowley heard about the -coming tour of field duty.</p> - -<p>"That will be our chance," muttered Hooper -to Dowley, after the men had been dismissed at -the conclusion of parade. The two were again -by themselves, their scheming heads together.</p> - -<p>"I don't believe the chance will be as good -off in the field as it will be here at barracks," -grunted Dowley.</p> - -<p>"That's because you haven't been in the Army -long enough to know," retorted big Bill Hooper.</p> - -<p>"Blast the Army!" snarled Dowley.</p> - -<p>"However did you come to enlist, anyway?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> -asked Hooper curiously.</p> - -<p>"I had reasons of my own," replied Dowley -shortly.</p> - -<p>"Did the sheriff have anything to do with -those reasons?" grinned Hooper darkly.</p> - -<p>"Don't get too curious!" warned the other.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I'm not nosey," laughed Hooper. "And -we can't afford to quarrel. We're both pledged -to getting Overton kicked out of the service."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure that he and Terry really expect -to work their way up to becoming commissioned -officers?"</p> - -<p>"I have it on the best of authority," declared -Private Hooper.</p> - -<p>"Whose?"</p> - -<p>"Their own."</p> - -<p>"Did they tell you so?"</p> - -<p>"Not they! Those kids are too close-mouthed -for that. At least, they didn't tell me direct, -and I don't believe they've told any other enlisted -men on the post. But I heard them talking -it over, one day when they didn't know I -was around. They expect to be made corporals -before their first year is out. In three years -they hope to be sergeants, and then they scheme -to take the enlisted men's examination for commissions -as second lieutenants."</p> - -<p>"Lieutenants? Shave-tails?" guffawed Dowley. -"Hooper, they'll never even be corporals.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> -It's a bob-tail discharge for theirs!"</p> - -<p>Second lieutenants, when their commissions -are very new, are often referred to as "shave-tails." -A "bob-tail" is a dishonorable discharge, -after court-martial. To a real soldier -a "bob-tail" means unspeakable disgrace.</p> - -<p>"A bob-tail for theirs—yes, sir," repeated -Private Dowley. "And I'm genius enough to -bring it about!"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you won't need my help, for you -sure are some smart," suggested Bill Hooper in -a tone of pretended admiration.</p> - -<p>"I'm smart enough to see that you'd drop -out and use me as the catspaw," growled Private -Dowley. "None of that, Bill! You'll stand -right by and do half of the dirty work in exchange -for half of the satisfaction. Between us -we'll give that fool Overton a new middle name, -and that middle name will be 'Bob-tail'!"</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II<br /> - -<small>ON THE GREAT SUMMER HIKE</small></h2> - -<p><span class="dropcap">F</span>ROM up the mountain road one of a little -group of officers ahead sent back an informal -signal.</p> - -<p>"B Company fall in!" called out Lieutenant -Dick Prescott.</p> - -<p>"C Company fall in!" followed Lieutenant -Greg Holmes.</p> - -<p>These two young West Pointers had been left -temporarily in command of the companies with -which they served.</p> - -<p>Some hundred and eighty men rose from their -by no means soft seats on the ground along -the trail and fell into single file.</p> - -<p>Another hand signal came down the trail.</p> - -<p>"B Company forward, route step, march!" -commanded Lieutenant Prescott.</p> - -<p>"C Company forward, route step, march," -echoed Lieutenant Holmes a moment later.</p> - -<p>Tortuously the line moved forward once more. -To one well up in the air that long line might -have looked like a thin serpent trailing its way -up the mountain side. But it was a very real, -human line.</p> - -<p>Each private soldier carried rifle, bayonet, -cartridge belt, intrenching tool, canteen, haversack<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> -and blanket roll. It was a heavy pack. -In addition, men here and there carried either -a pick or a shovel.</p> - -<p>Noll was carrying an extra shovel just now. -Hal Overton had no such extra pack to-day, -but all the day before he had toiled along with -a pick added to the rest of his equipment.</p> - -<p>What have soldiers to do with a pick and -shovel? Theoretically these two companies now -engaged on field duty were marching through a -hostile country. After a battle the pick and -shovel may be used for the work of burying -slain comrades. Such tools are also useful -in the swift digging of trenches in which to fight.</p> - -<p>It was past the middle of the afternoon now, -and the day of the week Monday. This little -column was winding up the third day of its work -in field.</p> - -<p>As B Company traveled tediously along, Hal -Overton was nineteenth man from the first -sergeant. Noll was twentieth; directly behind -Terry marched Private Hyman.</p> - -<p>"Terry?" called Hyman in a low tone.</p> - -<p>"Yes?" returned Noll.</p> - -<p>"How do you like field work now?"</p> - -<p>"Fine."</p> - -<p>"You're a cheerful liar," growled Private -Hyman.</p> - -<p>"No, I'm not," laughed Noll. "I'm telling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> -the truth."</p> - -<p>"You really enjoy this hike?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; and so does Hal."</p> - -<p>"Huh! He's a bigger liar than you are."</p> - -<p>"What's that human calamity behind you -howling about?" demanded Private Overton.</p> - -<p>"He's intimating that the truth isn't in us -because we claim to like field duty."</p> - -<p>"Hyman always was a bake-house soldier," -laughed Hal cheerily.</p> - -<p>"What's that kid saying about me?" demanded -Hyman.</p> - -<p>"Overton says," reported Noll, not very accurately, -"that he can't understand why you're -in the Army at all. He says that one of your -temperament could find a job in civil life that -would suit you much better."</p> - -<p>"What job is that?" asked Hyman.</p> - -<p>"Nurse girl," grinned Terry.</p> - -<p>"For that," threatened Hyman, "I'll put salt -in that kid's coffee to-night."</p> - -<p>The conversation was carried on in a low -tone of course. Troops in the field, marching at -route step, are allowed to carry on quiet conversations -when not supposed to be near the -enemy.</p> - -<p>"You want to look out for Hyman, Hal," Noll -passed word forward.</p> - -<p>"Why?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p> - -<p>"He says you stole his bacon from his haversack -this morning and he's going to set a steel -trap in his haversack to-night."</p> - -<p>"Hyman doesn't know the truth when he halts -it on sentry post," Overton retorted. "Hyman -hasn't had any bacon in his haversack since we -started from Fort Clowdry."</p> - -<p>"How do you know?" demanded Private Hyman, -who happened to overhear this statement.</p> - -<p>"Because I've gotten up every night and -looked through your haversack for bacon," declared -Private Overton unblushingly.</p> - -<p>"I heard to-day why you joined the Army," -grunted Hyman.</p> - -<p>"Yes?" grinned Hal.</p> - -<p>"Sure! You had some trouble with the sheriff -at home over stealing the flowers from the cemetery -and selling them to get cigarette money. -You're a nice one, Overton, to be entrusted with -government property!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, come, now, Hyman," Hal laughed back. -"That wasn't so bad as your case. You enlisted -because the judge said you'd either have to go -to jail for robbing the Salvation Army's Christmas -boxes, or else turn soldier."</p> - -<p>Half a dozen men in the long line were laughing -now.</p> - -<p>"I'll fix you for that when you're asleep to-night,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> -growled Hyman.</p> - -<p>"Yes; I notice you never do anything to a -fellow when he's awake," jeered Private Hal.</p> - -<p>The two men were not on bad terms, nor in -any danger of becoming so. This was merely -an instance of the way soldiers "josh" one -another.</p> - -<p>The sun was now disappearing behind the -western hill tops. It would be daylight, however, -for more than two hours to come.</p> - -<p>Fifty minutes after this last start Lieutenant -Prescott again received a hand signal from the -officers on ahead.</p> - -<p>"B Company halt; fall out," ordered the -young West Pointer.</p> - -<p>Holmes repeated the command to C Company.</p> - -<p>The head of the line had halted near a grove -through which a brook bubbled along on its way -to the stream down in the canyon to the right -of the trail.</p> - -<p>"The officers are going to inspect the grove -as a site for camp," was the word that passed -back along the line.</p> - -<p>"A soldier's first duty," quoth Hal, as he sank -upon the ground, "is to make himself as comfortable -as he can."</p> - -<p>Noll, too, dropped to the ground, and Hyman -followed the example.</p> - -<p>"Overton, I'll have to borrow some of that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> -baby powder of yours to-night," sighed Hyman.</p> - -<p>"For your complexion?" grinned Hal.</p> - -<p>"No; to put in my shoes. This mountain -hike has my feet in bad."</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you what you ought to do, just before -every big hike," laughed Hal.</p> - -<p>"Don't tell me anything about the hospital," -murmured Hyman disgustedly. "I tried that, -day before we left Fort Clowdry, but the rainmaker -warned me that if I tried to make hospital -report, he'd see to it that I was left on thin gruel -diet for a month."</p> - -<p>"The rainmaker knew his business," mocked -Hal. "And I've heard another yarn about that -rainmaker."</p> - -<p>"What?"</p> - -<p>"After a malingerer gets his thin gruel down -the rainmaker gives him a stiff dose of syrup -of ipecac, and the gruel comes up again."</p> - -<p>"There's no show for a man in the Army nowadays," -sighed Hyman, who, with all his pretense -at "kicking," was a keen soldier and dependable -man.</p> - -<p>In every regiment are some soldiers who would -shirk every arduous duty if it were possible. -The favorite device, with such men, is to turn -malingerer—that is, to pretend illness and gain -admission to hospital, which means a solid rest -while comrades are working hard. But the successes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> -of malingerers in the way of shirking have -made Army surgeons keener, also. Lucky is the -suspected malingerer who doesn't get put on -thin diet and fed nauseating medicines.</p> - -<p>From the group of officers ahead on the trail -came Captain Freeman and First Lieutenant -Ray of C Company.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Holmes," called Captain Freeman, "let -C Company fall in and take up the march -again."</p> - -<p>Young Lieutenant Holmes instantly gave the -order to fall in. A moment later C Company -moved off at the route step.</p> - -<p>"What does that mean?" Hal asked Hyman.</p> - -<p>"Oh, some new scheme that the officers have -hatched up," replied Hyman. "There'll probably -be a sham engagement on between C and -our company to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"We're lucky if it doesn't take place in the -night," grunted another soldier.</p> - -<p>"Well, my man, suppose it does?" demanded -Sergeant Hupner, appearing behind the -"kicker." "What do you suppose these -manœuvres are for? They're to teach you the -soldier's trade. They're to fit you so that, in -actual war, you'll know what to do under any -given conditions. The better you know your -trade, in war, the better chances you have to -come out of the war alive. This field duty, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> -so many of you dislike, is for the training of -every officer and man in the very things he does -in war time. The better every officer and man -understands them the better is each fellow's -chance of keeping alive in war time. Those of -you who grumble ought to be ashamed of yourselves. -Look around you at some of the older -soldiers who've seen service, and you'll find they -never kick."</p> - -<p>"B Company fall in!" rang the order, this -time from Captain Cortland.</p> - -<p>But the march was to be a short one. The -command was led into the grove and halted. The -order to pitch camp was given. Now a lively -scene followed.</p> - -<p>As the outer covering of his blanket roll each -soldier carries a flap of canvas, which constitutes -one half of a shelter tent, as it is officially -termed. The soldier's name for it is dog tent -or pup house. Each man also carries two -jointed sticks. One pair of sticks is jointed to -form the front pole of the tent, the other the -rear pole. In front of the tent site a peg is -driven, and a cord passed from this peg up over -the front pole, across to the rear pole, and down -to a peg at the rear. Now the two flaps of canvas -are fitted over this frame and the tent is up.</p> - -<p>"Let's beat the company to it, Noll?" -breathed Hal in his bunkie's ear. In the Army<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> -the "bunkie" is the man with whom the tent -is shared. Usually two bunkies become close -chums, even if they were not before joining the -service.</p> - -<p>"We've done it," breathed Hal, as he and -Noll straightened up and gazed about them. -"That takes the crimp out of a few veterans."</p> - -<p>"Get a hike on, some of you men!" called -First Sergeant Gray briskly. Then he turned -to glare mildly at Hooper and Dowley, who were -finishing last.</p> - -<p>Corporal Cotter, his own tent up with Corporal -Reynolds, turned to look down the company -street.</p> - -<p>"Hooper, you and Dowley are going to hear -something," predicted the corporal dryly.</p> - -<p>"That's done well enough," grumbled Dowley, -glancing at his tent.</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland stood at the head of the company -street glancing down.</p> - -<p>"One tent forward out of alignment," called -the company commander, then stepped down the -street. "Who are the men that occupy this -tent?" he demanded, halting.</p> - -<p>"My tent, sir," mumbled Hooper.</p> - -<p>"And mine, sir," added Dowley.</p> - -<p>"Don't you men know how to erect a tent in -alignment with the street front?" inquired Captain -Cortland. "Take it down. Corporal Cotter,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> -stand by to see that these men set up their -tent in soldierly fashion."</p> - -<p>"I told you you'd hear something," remarked -Cotter.</p> - -<p>"Aw, what's the use of being so finicky about -a tent a quarter of an inch out of alignment?" -grumbled Hooper.</p> - -<p>"The tent is more than that out of alignment," -returned the corporal. "And there's every use -in the world in performing every duty in the -most soldierly fashion."</p> - -<p>"Say," began Dowley argumentatively.</p> - -<p>"Silence, and get on with your work," ordered -Corporal Cotter sharply. "Hooper, -you're close to thirty-five years old. Dowley, -you're around thirty. Yet those two kids, Overton -and Terry, are only eighteen, and they beat -you at every point in soldierliness."</p> - -<p>"Soldiering is a kid's game," growled Dowley.</p> - -<p>"The best men we get in the Army are those -we catch young," retorted Corporal Cotter. -"Stop! Tighten that cord a whole lot more." -"How does that suit you, Corp?" demanded -Dowley when, at last, the sulky bunkies had -again finished their task.</p> - -<p>"Address me as Corporal, not Corp," returned -Cotter stiffly.</p> - -<p>"Well, Corporal, how do you like the set of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> -our tent now?" insisted Private Dowley.</p> - -<p>"It looks better this time," assented the corporal. -"But, after this, you men, instead of -sneering at the kids of the company, will do well -to show yourselves as good men."</p> - -<p>"We're always getting the kids rubbed into -us," growled Hooper.</p> - -<p>"Because they're head and shoulders over you -both as soldiers," rejoined Corporal Cotter, -turning on his heel. "Even William Green is a -lot ahead of you as a soldier."</p> - -<p>As Dowley turned to glance scowlingly up -the street he caught the glance of Captain Cortland, -glancing once more down the street.</p> - -<p>"Your tent is in proper alignment this time, -men," nodded the company commander, and -went away.</p> - -<p>Now the creaking of heavy wagons was heard -along the trail, accompanied by the loud voices -of the drivers. The expedition was accompanied -by six heavy wagons, each drawn by four mules.</p> - -<p>"Water in the brook; wood two hundred -yards southeast!" shouted Lieutenant Prescott, -who had been sent scouting for these necessities. -On pitching camp the first task is always to -learn where wood and the best drinking water -can be found in the neighborhood. Often the -water close at hand is forbidden for cooking and -drinking purposes in favor of clear water at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> -a distance.</p> - -<p>Three of the approaching wagons continued -along the trail, while the other three turned in -at the side of the grove.</p> - -<p>Corporal Reynolds and four men were detailed -to unload and put up the eight-by-ten -khaki-colored tent that was to be occupied by -the three company officers.</p> - -<p>"I notice that the wide stripes don't care -about sleeping in pup-houses," grumbled -Hooper to his bunkie.</p> - -<p>"Wide-stripe" is the nick-name sometimes -given an officer on account of the fact that the -side stripe down the trousers' leg of the blue -uniform is much broader than that worn by -the non-commissioned officer. Privates wear no -stripes on the trousers' leg, with the exception -of musicians, who wear two very narrow parallel -stripes.</p> - -<p>Soon after the erection of the little village of -tents, the soldiers scattered, though they soon -returned with bundles of fire wood.</p> - -<p>"You had better go and chase the stuff for -our fire, Bill," proposed Dowley.</p> - -<p>"Chase it yourself," retorted Hooper.</p> - -<p>"Not this trip," retorted Dowley. "It's up -to you this time."</p> - -<p>Hooper swore that he wouldn't, but it ended -by his starting tardily after fagots. Dowley<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> -was already gaining the ascendancy over Private -Bill and making a half servant of him.</p> - -<p>Presently some forty fires were blazing -brightly in an irregular line at a distance of -some yards from the line of dog-tents. American -soldiers were preparing their evening meal -in the field. The operation was an extremely -simple one. First, each soldier dropped a handful -of coffee beans into his agate drinking cup. -With the butt of the bayonet he crushed these -beans, the fineness depending upon his skill. -Then from the canteen each man poured water -enough nearly to fill the cup, which was then -set on the fire for boiling.</p> - -<p>By the time that the coffee had boiled for a -few minutes each soldier returned his cup to -the ground beside him. A dash of cold water -from his canteen was sufficient to "settle" the -coffee.</p> - -<p>Now, each man placed two or three strips of -bacon in his frying pan and laid it on the coals. -While these morsels were sizzling the soldier -turned his attention to sweetening his coffee. -Then, when the bacon was cooked to his satisfaction, -each man brought out his field hard -tack, munching alternately on biscuit and meat.</p> - -<p>"Yesterday was Sunday, and we had raised -biscuits, roast beef and potatoes, with real -gravy," grunted Dowley. "If a stingy government<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> -would give us more wagons we could have -that every day."</p> - -<p>"In war time," broke in Sergeant Hupner, -"you might feel lucky if you saw the Army -oven working once in a month. I've been there, -and I've had to live for weeks on bacon, hard -tack and coffee. Sometimes we didn't have the -coffee or the bacon, either."</p> - -<p>"That's a dog's life," grumbled Dowley.</p> - -<p>"No; it's a man's life, at need, but only a -man can stand it in the field," returned the -sergeant gravely.</p> - -<p>After supper many of the men smoked, but -Hal and Noll, as they did not indulge in the weed, -strolled down toward the trail.</p> - -<p>"Isn't this great?" breathed Hal Overton, -staring off over the distant mountain tops. "The -field duty, I mean."</p> - -<p>"It's great, and I wouldn't have missed it -for anything," agreed Noll. "But it would -do no good to try to tell anything of the sort -to fellows like Hooper and Dowley."</p> - -<p>"They're bad eggs," muttered Hal. "I wonder -how such men ever got past with their references -and managed to be accepted for the service."</p> - -<p>"It is queer," nodded Noll. "But neither will -stay in the service beyond the first enlistment."</p> - -<p>"Yet they conduct themselves just well<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> -enough to escape any real censure from the -company officers."</p> - -<p>First Sergeant Gray was now moving through -the camp, notifying the men who were chosen -for guard duty that night. But neither Hal nor -Noll were warned for detail that night.</p> - -<p>Not long after dark tattoo was sounded by -one of the buglers. Fifteen minutes later taps -sounded, and all but the guard turned in in -their dog-tents.</p> - -<p>Each soldier is provided with a warm blanket -and a rubber poncho, which is a blanket with -a slit in the middle so that the head may be -thrust through and the poncho worn, at need, -as a rain coat. But to-night Noll Terry spread -his poncho on the ground, Hal laying his a-top. -Then both young soldiers lay down, drawing up -their combined stock of blankets over them, for -the early night had turned out chilly.</p> - -<p>"Rest enough, now, for to-morrow's hike," -mumbled Hal drowsily.</p> - -<p>"Yes; unless we're turned out to meet a -night surprise," returned Noll dryly.</p> - -<p>In another part of the camp Hooper and Dowley, -both warned for the guard, but not yet on -post, were whispering by themselves.</p> - -<p>"To-morrow Kid Overton begins to get his," -chuckled Hooper.</p> - -<p>"Yes; he'll begin to see those corporal's -chevrons fading in the distance."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> - -<p>"We ought to fix Terry with him."</p> - -<p>"One at a time; that'll be surer," scowled -Private Dowley.</p> - -<p>Hal and Noll slept the night through. Hal -dreamed he was chasing an elusive rascal, who -performed wretchedly on the cornet. As the -rascal fled he continued to play on the cornet.</p> - -<p>Then young Private Overton opened his eyes. -The cornet player turned out to be the bugler, -who was blowing lustily, twice through, the first -call to reveille. Hal sprang up from his blankets. -After he had crawled out of the pup-house, -Noll joined him.</p> - -<p>Wood and water were quickly brought. The -field breakfast was like the field supper of the -night before. Then the bugler got busy without -delay. The men fell in and roll-call was read. -Immediately Captain Cortland's crisp voice gave -the orders that opened up the ranks. An unexpected -inspection was on.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Hamilton stepped before the first -platoon, Lieutenant Prescott before the second. -Inspection of pieces was on.</p> - -<p>Hal and Noll stood in the second platoon, -about half way down the line.</p> - -<p>Noll held his piece at port arms as soon as -Lieutenant Prescott reached the man before him. -By the time that the young West Pointer halted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> -before Noll, Hal, as the next man, threw his rifle -over to port arms.</p> - -<p>The inspection of Noll's rifle proved satisfactory. -Then the lieutenant halted before Overton.</p> - -<p>"Open your magazine," commanded Lieutenant -Prescott.</p> - -<p>Hal obeyed.</p> - -<p>"Draw your bolt."</p> - -<p>Hal did so, after a hard tug, holding the bolt -in his hand.</p> - -<p>"Let me look at that bolt," ordered Prescott, -gazing at the piece of steel mechanism in astonishment. -He took it from the young soldier's -hand and looked thunderstruck.</p> - -<p>"Don't replace your bolt until ordered, Private -Overton. Fall out to the rear."</p> - -<p>Overwhelmed with amazement, his face flushing -hotly with shame, Private Hal Overton gave -his officer the rifle salute, then obeyed.</p> - -<p>Noll Terry's face went white with anxiety -over his bunkie's misfortune.</p> - -<p>When inspection had been completed, Lieutenant -Prescott made his report to Captain -Cortland, who immediately followed his young -second lieutenant to where Hal stood.</p> - -<p>"What's this, Overton?" asked the captain -coldly. "I thought you were one of our model -young soldiers. Why, your rifle-bolt must have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> -been in the fire. The end is out of shape, the -temper is drawn—and here are file-marks on -the bolt. It's unserviceable. I don't believe -you could fire the piece."</p> - -<p>"I'm afraid not, sir," Hal admitted.</p> - -<p>"Load with a blank cartridge, my man, and -try to fire the piece."</p> - -<p>Returning the bolt, Hal slipped in a blank. -But he could not drive the bolt home for firing.</p> - -<p>"Ruined, my man," commented the captain -stiffly. "Overton, this piece has been in your -care. How did this happen?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know, sir."</p> - -<p>"Corporal Cotter!"</p> - -<p>The corporal came over briskly.</p> - -<p>"Corporal, Private Overton is in arrest until -released. You will march him as a prisoner at -the rear of the company and turn him over to -the guard at night."</p> - -<p>Corporal Cotter again saluted. Then, as the -company officer and the young lieutenant started -away, Cotter stationed himself beside Overton.</p> - -<p>"Put your bolt back in the piece as far as -it will go," ordered Cotter. "Tie it in place."</p> - -<p>The men in ranks ahead had heard enough -to realize that Private Hal Overton was in disgrace, -and most of them were sorry.</p> - -<p>Noll Terry was more than sorry.</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III<br /> - -<small>SOLDIER HAL MARCHES AS A PRISONER</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>HE company broke ranks under orders to -strike camp at once.</p> - -<p>Within six minutes the camp was -down. Every enlisted man had his blanket roll -made up and in place, and all his other equipment -on.</p> - -<p>Corporal Cotter stood over Hal even while he -was making up his roll.</p> - -<p>"How on earth did that thing happen?" murmured -Noll wretchedly.</p> - -<p>"Silence; no talking with the prisoner," rebuked -Corporal Cotter crisply.</p> - -<p>So Noll held his peace, though he was "boiling" -inside.</p> - -<p>Again the company was assembled.</p> - -<p>"Fours right, march! By file, march!"</p> - -<p>B Company again struck the trail, heading -further up into the mountains, leaving the -wagons to follow presently. Though B Company -was now likely to be attacked at any time -in sham battle, by C Company, it had been -agreed that the respective wagon trains of the -companies were to be immune from capture on -this day.</p> - -<p>"Overton, keep a distance of ten paces from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> -the rear man of the company, and march before -me," commanded Cotter. "Keep the step -carefully until the order for route step comes."</p> - -<p>Never in his life had Hal Overton felt as -heart-sick as he did now.</p> - -<p>Marching to the rear, a prisoner!</p> - -<p>It was, in every sense, as bad as being in the -guard-house.</p> - -<p>Up ahead in the line things were "doing," -but to this Hal, in his new misery, was all but -blind.</p> - -<p>Sergeant Hupner, with six men, had been sent -ahead as a "point" to discover any possible -enemy who might be lurking in the way of the -forward progress of B Company.</p> - -<p>Scouts had been sent out on either flank. The -line moved slowly, as though fearing the presence -of an actual enemy. There were frequent -halts. At one time, while the line waited, Lieutenant -Prescott took a detachment of twelve men -to explore the country ahead. When he returned, -reporting no enemy developed, B Company -moved forward, though never without -point and flankers.</p> - -<p>At noon B Company, still having stirred up -no enemy, halted for dinner.</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland and his two young officers -got through their meal with soldierly despatch. -Then the company commander called to Sergeant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> -Gray, who reported, saluting.</p> - -<p>"Sergeant, direct Corporal Cotter to bring -his prisoner here."</p> - -<p>Seated on a small boulder, the captain eyed -young Overton keenly as the latter was brought -up.</p> - -<p>"Private Overton," began Cortland, "have -you yet discovered, or really suspected, how -your rifle bolt came to be in such bad shape?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir," replied Hal, again saluting.</p> - -<p>"At first glance it looked like a case of sheer -neglect on your part to care for your piece."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"But those file marks?"</p> - -<p>"I can't explain them, sir."</p> - -<p>"It is forbidden for any man to use a file on -the parts of his rifle, except by direct permission -from one of the company officers."</p> - -<p>"I know it, sir."</p> - -<p>"Have you had any such permission?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir."</p> - -<p>"Have you a file?"</p> - -<p>"Not a real one, sir. Only a manicure file."</p> - -<p>"Let me see it."</p> - -<p>Hal turned over the file, after finding it in -his haversack.</p> - -<p>"Now, let me have the bolt from your rifle."</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland tried the file lightly in some -of the nicks in the bolt. Then he passed file and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> -bolt over to Lieutenant Hampton.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Hampton, don't these nicks seem to fit -this file remarkably well?" queried the company -commander.</p> - -<p>"They appear to—very well, sir," replied -Lieutenant Hampton, testing the file in the nicks.</p> - -<p>"What do you say, Mr. Prescott?"</p> - -<p>The young second lieutenant studied file and -bolt attentively.</p> - -<p>"I am obliged to agree, Captain, with yourself -and Mr. Hampton."</p> - -<p>"Private Overton, think again. Do you still -care to deny that you employed the file on the -bolt of your rifle?"</p> - -<p>"I deny it, sir, with all the emphasis of which -I am capable," was Hal's earnest retort. His -face was flushed, his breath came quickly, but -he looked straight and honestly into his commander's -eyes. There was no cringing in his -attitude. His high color was to be attributed -only to the humiliation of the position in which -he found himself.</p> - -<p>"And this bolt has been in the fire," continued -Captain Cortland. "Just such a fire, let us -say, as you build three times a day for the preparation -of your food. The temper of the end -of the bolt is ruined."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. May I speak, Captain?"</p> - -<p>"Go on, Overton."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Captain Cortland, I am aware how badly -this looks for me. But I assure you, sir, on -my honor as a soldier, that I have no guilty or -other knowledge of how the bolt came to be in -this fearful condition. I am entirely innocent, -sir, of any act that could have put the bolt in -such condition."</p> - -<p>"You are not guilty even of negligence, Overton?"</p> - -<p>"Not of any intentional negligence, sir."</p> - -<p>"Then, Overton, you must have some sort of -suspicion of how this thing happened."</p> - -<p>"I have a suspicion, Captain, but it is not -founded on anything that is yet very tangible, -sir."</p> - -<p>"You think it an enemy's work?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. None but an enemy could do such -a thing as this to a comrade's rifle."</p> - -<p>"Granted, but who is the enemy?"</p> - -<p>"May I be excused, sir, from answering?" -asked Private Overton very respectfully.</p> - -<p>"Why?"</p> - -<p>"Because it is quite possible that, in naming -an enemy, I may do some honest soldier an injury."</p> - -<p>"You need not answer, then, Overton. Wait -here."</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland stepped down from the small -boulder on which he had been seated. At a sign<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> -from him Lieutenant Hampton walked away -with the company commander. The two remained -for some moments in low conversation.</p> - -<p>"Overton!" summoned Captain Cortland, returning.</p> - -<p>Hal saluted.</p> - -<p>"This affair looks badly for you, and I want -it to be a lesson to you hereafter. You have had -an excellent record, Overton, since you joined -the regiment. For this time I am going to take -your word that you are ignorant of how the accident -to your rifle bolt happened. So you are -now released from arrest, and will rejoin your -company. If you suspect that any comrade is -guilty of this outrage on your bolt, I recommend -that you keep your eyes open for any -further attempts against your record. Corporal -Cotter, you will not repeat what has been said -here. Overton, you are released from arrest. -Corporal, report yourself to the first sergeant -as being on regular duty again."</p> - -<p>Corporal and private sainted, then turned back -to the company.</p> - -<p>"You got off easily," murmured Noll, when -his bunkie, with face white and eyes flashing, -joined him.</p> - -<p>"That's because Captain Cortland decided to -take my word for my innocence in the matter,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> -Hal replied cautiously.</p> - -<p>"Now, see here, old fellow, you've got to be -up and doing," urged Noll earnestly in a whisper.</p> - -<p>"What can I do, now?" Hal asked.</p> - -<p>"Keep your eyes peeled. You can find out, -by and by, who was responsible for that low -trick. Hal, you'll have to make vengeance your -watchword."</p> - -<p>"Revenge is sweet," mimicked Hal dryly.</p> - -<p>"It surely is—sometimes."</p> - -<p>"But sweet things make one sick at his stomach," -Hal uttered dryly.</p> - -<p>"Well, if you're going to stand for having -a job like that put over on you," uttered Noll -disgustedly, "I'm not! The fellow who did that -trick to you isn't fit to be in the service, and -I'm going to get him out of it, whether you help -or not."</p> - -<p>Separated from the young soldiers by only -a thin ledge of rock, eavesdropping Hooper and -Dowley heard, and gazed keenly at each other.</p> - -<p>"We've got to frame things up for young -Terry, too, then!" whispered Bill Hooper, as -the sulky pair stole away.</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV<br /> - -<small>THE JOKING SCOUT</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap"><span class="dropcap2">"</span>C</span>AN you see the enemy, Overton?"</p> - -<p>"I can't see a thing, Corporal."</p> - -<p>"Move forward cautiously. Don't -make a sound. If you do you'll betray our position."</p> - -<p>"How far shall I go, Corporal?"</p> - -<p>"Move ahead until you run into signs of the -enemy. Above all, bear in mind that you mustn't -betray our presence to the enemy."</p> - -<p>Private Hal Overton gripped his rifle tightly -in the darkness as he all but wriggled forward -over the ground.</p> - -<p>It was all very real business to the soldiers engaged -in this mimic warfare. If nothing more -serious happened, any big mistake on the part -of a soldier in this sham warfare would bring -upon him the displeasure of his officers.</p> - -<p>Late that same afternoon B Company had -been attacked by lurking C Company. Some -very clever manœuvring of the men under cover -bad been done, and a good deal of blank ammunition -had been fired. True, there had been -no real casualties, but, under the rules of the -game, B Company had made such a spirited and -excellent defense that C Company had been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> -driven further back.</p> - -<p>Now the position of C Company was unknown, -but the "enemy" was believed to be lurking in -the vicinity, bent upon a night surprise.</p> - -<p>Two thirds of B Company slept back in the -camp of pup-houses. The other third, under -command of Lieutenant Prescott, was divided -up among sentries, outposts and scouts.</p> - -<p>To Corporal Cotter had been entrusted the -problem of taking a scouting party consisting -of three privates and trying to locate either the -enemy's outpost or the main body.</p> - -<p>Just a moment before Hal's orders to prowl -forward a sound had been heard, evidently about -four hundred yards ahead.</p> - -<p>So now Hal stole forward, moving as softly -as any cat could have done, this despite the fact -that his advance must be over jagged rocks here -and there.</p> - -<p>The ground was ideal for ambush fighting.</p> - -<p>Hal now had a new rifle, that had been issued -to him when the wagons of B Company came -up late that night. The damaged piece was now -in the wagon, and Hal bore a rifle on whose -efficient action he could depend.</p> - -<p>"It's almost a mockery to have a gun, though, -just now," Hal smiled grimly as he lifted the -piece over a ledge of rock and followed.</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't I get a clever roasting from Captain -Cortland if I dared to fire it while scouting."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p> - -<p>Now Private Overton came to an open space -where he could walk more easily. He did not -hasten, however, for there was no telling when, -in the darkness, he might step on a stone and -send it rolling, with a resulting racket that would -warn the enemy, if any of them were within -hearing.</p> - -<p>Every step had to be taken as though the -troops were in the midst of life and death war. -The rules of the game were strict, and any bit -of bad judgment was likely to count against -the score of the company to which the man belonged.</p> - -<p>Every now and then the sham young scout -halted, peering backward, for it was going to -be of prime importance to him to know how to -get back when his scouting trip was done.</p> - -<p>"Halt! Who's there?"</p> - -<p>Overton did halt, flattening himself down -against the rock.</p> - -<p>The hail, though softly spoken, had been unmistakable.</p> - -<p>"Halt! Who's there?"</p> - -<p>"You'll have to come here and find out," -thought Overton.</p> - -<p>Then, as silence followed, Hal, holding his -very breath, crawled some ten yards to the left. -Again he halted, but this time there was no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> -faintly spoken challenge.</p> - -<p>"I think I know where that fellow is," mused -Hal. "Is he a lone sentry, or part of an outpost?"</p> - -<p>It required fifteen minutes now of the most -cautious procedure, but Private Overton at last -found himself hugging the ground at a point -from which he could just barely discern the -dimly defined figure of an alert sentry against -the skyline.</p> - -<p>"I've got him between our camp and myself -now," thought Hal swiftly. "Now I've got to -be doubly careful. I don't care to have B Company -laughing at me because I got captured -while on scouting duty. But I'll settle the question -of whether that sentry is alone, or part of -an outpost."</p> - -<p>Three minutes later, after some most careful -manœuvring, Overton had solved the question. -His grinning face was turned toward a corporal -and two men who lay rolled in their blankets -some ten yards behind the sentry.</p> - -<p>"It's an outpost, all right," grinned Hal. -"Whee! How I would like to bag the outpost -and take them in as prisoners."</p> - -<p>But that was out of the question—not to be -thought of.</p> - -<p>Private Hal Overton found himself seized by -a spirit of mischief. It was the same type of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> -impulse which, carried to the point of reckless -daring in real warfare, leads men on to swift -promotion.</p> - -<p>Almost before he realized what he was doing -Hal had hidden his own rifle and was crawling -stealthily toward the sleeping men.</p> - -<p>Beside the corporal lay his rifle. Barely -breathing, his body flattened against the ground. -Hal crept closer and closer, then stealthily withdrew -the rifle.</p> - -<p>A moment or two later Hal had the captured -rifle lying on the ground beside his own.</p> - -<p>"That's a real find to take back to camp," -laughed Hal silently.</p> - -<p>He was about to make off with the captured -piece when a new impulse seized him.</p> - -<p>"Why not go back after more loot?" he asked -himself, grinning. "Jupiter, I'll do it!"</p> - -<p>Every such move as this was fraught with -added danger. But Hal moved on his stomach, -taking plenty of time, always with his watchful -eyes on the dim figure of the sentry a few yards -away. That soldier, however, appeared to be -peering mostly in the direction where he believed -the camp of B Company to lie.</p> - -<p>After a short time Hal, back in safety again, -gloated over the sight of three rifles beside his -own.</p> - -<p>"I'll be a hog, if I don't look out!" chuckled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> -the young scout of sham warfare.</p> - -<p>Yet, though this was no life and death fighting, -Private Overton had nevertheless a good -deal at stake. It would result in his being set -down as a rather stupid soldier should he be -captured by the enemy's outpost while on scouting -duty.</p> - -<p>"I can't help it. I've got to have one more -try, anyway," decided the mischievous soldier -boy.</p> - -<p>So back he crept. An instant later he tried -to make himself flatter against the earth than -he had been able yet to do.</p> - -<p>For that sentry had now turned and was -looking in his direction.</p> - -<p>"I commit myself to the darkness," gasped -Private Overton inwardly.</p> - -<p>For, if his presence were detected, the sentry, -with one call, could bring the other three sleeping -men to their feet. Against such odds -Hal would have but scant chance of getting -away.</p> - -<p>"And I'll have to leave my rifle behind if -I duck from here," thought Hal, beginning to -regret his rashness.</p> - -<p>It was one thing to capture the rifles of the -outpost; it was quite another thing to leave his -own gun behind in their hands.</p> - -<p>After a few moments of agony the dimly seen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> -sentry again turned his face in another direction.</p> - -<p>"Now that I've started this trick, I'll put it -through or die," thought the soldier boy, setting -his teeth.</p> - -<p>Again he crouched close to the corporal and -the two other sleepers. This time there appeared -to be no loot loose save a pair of canteens -that lay upon the ground. Private Hal Overton -made sure of these articles, then, as he lay -there, took a last sweeping look.</p> - -<p>The shoes of Corporal Raynes, of C Company, -protruded under the foot of his blanket.</p> - -<p>"I guess it would be too risky a stunt to try -to unlace the corporal's shoes and carry 'em -away," quivered mischievous Hal, eyeing the -footgear longingly.</p> - -<p>Then, as he gazed, it struck the soldier boy -that there was something odd about the position -of the corporal's shoes with regard to the line -of Raynes body.</p> - -<p>"I wonder if——" cogitated Private Overton, -edging himself forward.</p> - -<p>Hal made a cautious try.</p> - -<p>His last guess proved to be correct. Corporal -Raynes had taken off his shoes to ease his aching -feet, and had tucked them in at the bottom -of his blanket.</p> - -<p>"It's a shabby trick to play on a good -fellow," grinned the soldier boy, "but this is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> -war."</p> - -<p>For the last time Hal crept back. Now an -even greater task confronted him, and that was -how to get away with all the outpost loot he -had captured.</p> - -<p>By making three stealthy trips, Private Overton -at last succeeded in getting all the loot in -safety to a point more than one hundred yards -from the outpost.</p> - -<p>"Now, it's time to drop nonsense for real -business," decided the young scout.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later he had located the main -camp, and that without falling into the hands of -either of the two C Company sentries whom he -was compelled to pass in the black night.</p> - -<p>Then back to the hidden loot the young soldier -returned.</p> - -<p>"Whew, but that's going to be a pack!" muttered -Hal, gazing at it almost ruefully. "However, -I've got to take it. I won't leave a blessed -thing behind."</p> - -<p>The canteens Overton threw over his shoulders, -so that he had one on each side, in addition -to his own, which hung at his left hip. -The corporal's shoes he tied to his belt. It was -the bunching of the four service rifles, with their -weight of more than forty pounds, that gave -him his real trouble. But at last he had the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> -four pieces lashed together and started.</p> - -<p>"I've yet got to look out that I don't run into -any scouts of the enemy," thought the soldier -boy half ruefully. "Whew, what a break it -would be to be picked up with all this loot!"</p> - -<p>It was a welcome sound indeed when, at last, -the young scout heard, near the spot where he -had left his own party, the almost whispered -challenge:</p> - -<p>"Halt! Who's there?"</p> - -<p>"Friend," responded Hal Overton in a tone -no louder.</p> - -<p>"Halt where you are, friend, until a sentry -advances to recognize you," returned cautious -Corporal Cotter.</p> - -<p>It was the corporal himself who came forward.</p> - -<p>"Great Scott, Overton, what have you——"</p> - -<p>"It's loot," returned Hal proudly.</p> - -<p>"Where on earth did you——"</p> - -<p>"From the enemy's outpost. And I located -the camp, too. I could guide you right to either -outpost or main camp. Will you take these -guns, Corporal? My back feels broken."</p> - -<p>"I should think it might," was Cotter's grinning -response, as he reached out and took the -lashed rifles. "Great Scott! What won't the -lieutenant and Captain Cortland say!"</p> - -<p>Just as they stepped softly back, Private Noll -Terry challenged someone approaching softly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> -from the rear.</p> - -<p>"Halt! Who's there?"</p> - -<p>"Officer of the day," returned Lieutenant -Prescott's low voice.</p> - -<p>"Advance, officer of the day, to be recognized."</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Prescott advanced into the group.</p> - -<p>"Do you see all this stuff, Lieutenant?" asked -Corporal Cotter, calling attention to Hal's loot -as it lay on the ground. "Overton went forward -as a scout, and located one of the enemy's -outposts, also the main camp. And he brought -back these souvenirs of the outpost."</p> - -<p>"To whom do the shoes belong?" questioned -Lieutenant Prescott after looking at the stuff.</p> - -<p>"To Corporal Raynes, sir, in command of -the outpost," returned the soldier boy, with a -grin.</p> - -<p>"How did you get hold of all this stuff, Overton?"</p> - -<p>Hal told his story briefly.</p> - -<p>"Great Scott! Bombshells and grenades, -what a roaring joke on the enemy! Overton, -you're a man worth having in B Company. -Dark as the night is, your exploit would reflect -credit on a trained Indian scout. Overton, I'm -going to take you back to camp with me. I'll -wake Captain Cortland to hear your report as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> -to the enemy's position. And the captain will -surely want to see this loot of the outpost and -to hear your tale of how you got it. Here, let -me have a couple of those rifles to carry for -you."</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Prescott led the way hack to B -Company's camp. And he shook with laughter -all the way.</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V<br /> - -<small>THE CORPORAL WITH THE SHEEPISH GRIN</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">C</span>APTAIN Cortland heard the young -scout's report without losing his gravity, -though he decided against trying a night -attack on the enemy beyond.</p> - -<p>"Overton," he commented, "if you can do -things like to-night's work very often there will -be no doubt whatever that you have in you the -making of a real genius for scouting. I commend -you most heartily for this work."</p> - -<p>It was only when he went back to his tent to -lie down that Captain Cortland gave way to -silent laughter.</p> - -<p>At daybreak the camp was astir. The men -who had been on guard duty and scouting -through the night came in, somewhat heavy-eyed, -after a relief had been marched out to -take their places.</p> - -<p>These returned soldiers, as soon as they had -breakfasted, threw themselves on the ground, -under such shade as they could find, and took -an hour of solid sleep.</p> - -<p>"The wagon train is approaching, sir," reported -Sergeant Gray.</p> - -<p>"Then pass the order for the men to report -at the train and draw rations to last until to-morrow<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> -night," directed Captain Cortland. -"After to-morrow night the two companies will -be together again for the balance of the field -work."</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Prescott was acting as commissary -officer for B Company, and he went immediately -to the trail. Captain Cortland, stepping into his -tent, buckled on his sword and then sauntered -down to the wagon train to see that all went -smoothly.</p> - -<p>As he reached the spot where the soldiers of -B Company were drawing their rations, Captain -Cortland caught sight of a corporal perched on -the seat beside the driver of one of the wagons.</p> - -<p>"You here, Corporal Haynes?" demanded -Captain Cortland, striving hard to preserve his -official gravity.</p> - -<p>Grinning sheepishly, Corporal Haynes—in -his stocking feet—sprang down into the trail -and saluted.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," he admitted.</p> - -<p>"Ill?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir."</p> - -<p>"Were you captured, then?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir," answered Haynes, the sheepish -look in his face increasing. "But I'm a non-combatant, -sir; ruled out of the manœuvres and -ordered to stay with the wagon train, sir."</p> - -<p>"How did that happen?" inquired the captain,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> -though he was able to make a very good -guess.</p> - -<p>"While I was on outpost during the night, sir, -my shoes were taken from me. I suspect, sir, -that one of your scouts got 'em."</p> - -<p>"But we have quartermaster's supplies along. -Why didn't you draw a new pair of shoes this -morning?"</p> - -<p>"No shoes of my size, sir, in the supplies," -reported Raynes, once more saluting. "So Captain -Freeman told me that I certainly couldn't -fight in my stocking feet. Therefore, sir, he ordered -me to join the wagon train and respect -all the obligations of a non-combatant."</p> - -<p>"Too bad, too bad, Corporal, for you are a -valuable man," went on Captain Cortland.</p> - -<p>"I don't feel like one this morning, sir, after -having my shoes taken," grinned the C Company -corporal in embarrassment.</p> - -<p>"Well, since you've been ordered among the -non-combatants," continued Cortland, after -turning slightly and espying the grinning face -of Private Hal Overton, "I think the scout who -captured your shoes may as well return them. -But hold on. I see two other men of your company -on the wagons."</p> - -<p>Again Corporal Raynes grinned sheepishly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir! they had their rifles taken, and -so are no longer combatants in a military sense.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> -My rifle is missing also, sir."</p> - -<p>"My, my, my!" murmured Captain Cortland -in a tone of mock commiseration. "Then the -scout who plundered you all may as well return -all the property. But of course, Corporal, you -and the two other men will continue to be -non-combatants as long as the sham fighting -lasts."</p> - -<p>"Those are Captain Freeman's orders, sir."</p> - -<p>Again Captain Cortland turned toward Hal -Overton, nodding a signal. Hal stepped away -briskly, but came back bearing the pair of shoes, -the rifles and the canteens.</p> - -<p>"Private Overton is the scout who entered -your lines alone and brought about the discomfiture -of C Company," Captain Cortland announced, -smilingly.</p> - -<p>The captain walked away while Corporal -Raynes, sitting on the ground, drew on his shoes -and laced them, while a lot of B Company's men -stood about and grinned over his discomfiture.</p> - -<p>"Corporal, you're sure good sleepers over in -C Company," laughed Private Hyman. "You -fellows want to look out that, some night, you -don't get taken in by a lot of amateur hunters -from New York."</p> - -<p>"Great guns, what's going to happen to the -regular Army, when it's getting so that a whole -company of infantry can't guard its own property?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> -another B Company man wanted to -know.</p> - -<p>Corporal Raynes and his two comrades had -to stand a lot of good-natured joshing from the -crowding men of B Company.</p> - -<p>When he stood up, Raynes turned to Hal -Overton.</p> - -<p>"Rookie," he growled, "you want to look out -hard in the future. I'll pay you back for this -in kind. Just remember, kid, that Corporal -Raynes wasn't born yesterday!"</p> - -<p>Hal laughed good-humoredly. He didn't -know, at that moment, that not many hours -would pass ere Corporal Raynes would find his -opportunity.</p> - -<p>Twenty minutes after the wagon train had -pulled out, B Company started cautiously -through the country ahead. It was B Company's -task to advance through a supposedly -hostile country; C Company's part in the under-taking -was either to annihilate B, or to capture -the company.</p> - -<p>It was ten o'clock that morning ere B and C -came in touch. The point and scouting squad -ran into one platoon of C.</p> - -<p>"Deploy your men and take cover," ordered -Lieutenant Prescott, who was in charge of the -advance. "Each corporal regulate the firing -of his squad. Jam the fire in hard whenever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> -you are sure you locate the enemy."</p> - -<p>Bang! Bang! Bang! As fast as the squads -reached their places on the line, each man some -nine feet from his nearest fellows, the firing of -blank ammunition ripped out fast and hard. -There was all the excitement of actual warfare, -except that no soldier was actually hit.</p> - -<p>B Company's men would have been driven -back had not Lieutenant Hampton swiftly arrived -on the scene with the entire first platoon -of B Company.</p> - -<p>"We'll advance by rushes, Mr. Prescott," announced -Lieutenant Hampton as soon as he -reached the younger officer, who saluted.</p> - -<p>Prescott hastened, crouching low, down along -the left wing of the little command.</p> - -<p>Presently Hampton's voice rose, even over -the firing as it ran low, and called:</p> - -<p>"Rise! Charge!"</p> - -<p>Uttering their battle yell, the little force of -infantry rushed forward in its thin line, while -the hidden men of C Company poured in a heavy -fire.</p> - -<p>"Halt! Lie down!" shouted Lieutenant -Hampton. "Ready, load, aim!"</p> - -<p>There came a brief pause, followed by the -order:</p> - -<p>"Fire!"</p> - -<p>A single volley crashed out, with such unanimity<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> -that it sounded as though one big piece had -been fired.</p> - -<p>"Ready! Open magazines! Load magazines! -At will, commence firing!"</p> - -<p>Fifteen rounds had been fired ere the bugler -sounded furiously the order:</p> - -<p>"Cease firing!"</p> - -<p>The rush of feet sounded behind. Lieutenant -Prescott rushed to the rear, but soon waved his -sword reassuringly. It was the balance of B -Company advancing on the run.</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland now took command in person. -He ordered another rush forward toward -C Company's position.</p> - -<p>Three volleys were fired after the rush. The -fire was not answered. A cautious advance developed -the fact that the force of C Company -men had retired, nor could the line of their flight -be discovered. B Company halted for a few -moments, that the men might clean their sooty -rifle chambers.</p> - -<p>"We didn't really see the enemy," Hal remarked, -as he worked his cleaning rod and a -bit of waste through his gun barrel.</p> - -<p>"In warfare nowadays you rarely do see the -enemy," remarked Sergeant Hupner. "Attacking -an enemy's position, nowadays, is a good -deal like taking a gun and going into a dark room -where some one is shooting at you. You can't<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> -see the other fellow, but you have a mighty uncomfortable -notion that he sees you and is shooting -straight at you."</p> - -<p>"Pleasant, when the game is real war," -laughed Noll.</p> - -<p>"Deadly, of course," commented Hupner.</p> - -<p>Once again, late in the afternoon, C Company -endeavored to ambush B Company. Captain -Cortland's point and flankers, however, developed -the enemy's position by drawing their -fire. B Company, after a brisk fight of twenty -minutes' duration, drove C Company back and -continued to advance.</p> - -<p>Despite the fact that no one had been really -killed or wounded, most of the soldiers, who -were serving their first enlistment, now found -the game a wholly exciting one. When B Company -halted, after the second engagement, the -men fell into an eager discussion of the late -engagement, the sergeants and other older men -adding many comments out of their experiences -in actual fighting.</p> - -<p>"It leaves only real war to be desired," declared -Hal, his cheeks glowing and his eyes snapping.</p> - -<p>"Huh! If this was real war there'd be a lot -of kids of the talky kind ducking to get away," -growled Private Dowley as he slouched by.</p> - -<p>"It isn't the kid soldiers who do the deserting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> -in war time," returned Sergeant Hupner quietly. -"It's usually some of the older men, who have -such a grouch with life that one wouldn't think -they'd care about living much longer."</p> - -<p>Dowley scowled, muttering something, but he -did not venture to dispute with a man of Hupner's -military experience.</p> - -<p>"I guess that ought to hold Dowley for five -minutes," laughed Noll.</p> - -<p>"That fellow gives me a sense of fatigue," -remarked Sergeant Hupner placidly. "He -might turn out to be a good soldier under stress, -but all I've got to say is that I wouldn't want -to have to defend a position with only a squad -or two of men of his type. I wonder how the -recruiting officer ever came to let him into the -service?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps he got in under somebody else's -name on a stolen set of references," laughed -Hal.</p> - -<p>"Sergeant Hupner, I want two of your men -to send back with a message," announced Captain -Cortland, stepping up.</p> - -<p>"Overton and Terry are in good condition, -sir," reported Hupner, rising and saluting as -soon as he saw his commander.</p> - -<p>"Very good; come with me, Overton and -Terry."</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland led the two young soldiers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> -down the trail, drawing a local map from one -of his pockets and spreading it on a flat table -of rock.</p> - -<p>"Study this map carefully, men, for I want -you to be sure of the road you're to take. You -will have to go back about four miles—two of it -off this trail. You'll find a little telegraph station -there. I want you to deliver, for transmission, -this message to Colonel North, at Fort -Clowdry."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," Hal answered. "Shall we wait -for the answer?"</p> - -<p>"No; the answer will not be due until to-morrow. -As soon as you have turned over your -message, retrace your way to this point. B -Company will have gone ahead. But a little -way above here the trail broadens, and you'll -find a house now and then. You can inquire for -news of which way we've gone. You'll have to -find us as best you can. And Overton!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Remember that these are sham manœuvres, -and that C Company stands for the enemy."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Either or both of you might be captured -by a detachment from C Company."</p> - -<p>"We'll do our level best to prevent that, sir," -Hal promised, and Noll nodded with emphasis.</p> - -<p>"Even worse than your own capture would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> -be the capture of this message," Captain Cortland -added impressively. "This message, in -effect, is my attempt to communicate with my -base of supplies, represented by Fort Clowdry. -If you fail to put the message through, and C -Company captures it, then Captain Freeman -and his men have scored heavily against us."</p> - -<p>"Is it proper for me to ask, sir, whether Captain -Freeman knows that you are trying to send -this message?"</p> - -<p>"Captain Freeman does not know, to a certainty, -but he may suspect, and he may have -men out to catch you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir. C Company's men won't -get us if there's any way to prevent it."</p> - -<p>"Join the company as soon as you can locate -us, men. Firing may guide you, but, in that -case, you'll have to avoid joining the wrong -company."</p> - -<p>Both young soldiers once more saluted. Then, -with the message securely tucked in Hal's haversack, -the bunkies started down the trail. They -had not gone many yards ere they heard the -orders for Cortland's company to fall in for -the advance.</p> - -<p>A mile of the distance Hal and Noll had covered -when they encountered the slow-moving -wagon train.</p> - -<p>"Hello, rookies!" called Corporal Raynes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> -banteringly. "Where are you headed."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it's surely a fine day, Corporal," -nodded Hal, as the two bunkies hurried on.</p> - -<p>"That Overton kid is the one I must get hunk -with before many days are over," grunted -Raynes. "I must make him look as cheap with -his company commander as he's made me look -with mine."</p> - -<p>When the wagon train had gone about two -miles and a half further up the trail Corporal -Raynes shook with his own chuckles.</p> - -<p>He had run across his chance, and was shrewd -enough to recognize it.</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI<br /> - -<small>RAYNES FINDS A PATRIOTIC ALLY</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>HE trail was broader here.</p> - -<p>Some thirty feet from the rough road -an old-time log cabin, well preserved, -stood in a little grove of trees.</p> - -<p>Before the door, on a backless chair, sat an -old man, roughly clad in buckskin, who was dividing -his time between talking to a dog and -cleaning the old rifle that lay across his knees.</p> - -<p>As the horses had had a hard pull, the wagon -boss ordered a halt on this level stretch of trail.</p> - -<p>Corporal Raynes, his head buzzing with half -a dozen plans, leaped down from the wagon in -his restored shoes. He sauntered slowly over -to this old-time hunter.</p> - -<p>"'Day, Pop," he greeted the old man.</p> - -<p>"'Day," grunted the other. "You're a soger, -I reckon?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," admitted Raynes, seating himself on -the ground and producing his pipe. "Uniform -gives me away, doesn't it?"</p> - -<p>"Some," returned the old hunter. "There's -been a thunderin' lot of ye around to-day. I've -heard a heap of firing twicet to-day."</p> - -<p>Corporal Raynes nodded.</p> - -<p>"Wa'n't shooting up nothing real, was ye?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> -inquired the old man.</p> - -<p>"No, Pop; what we call manœuvres," Baynes -explained.</p> - -<p>"Jest plain, tom-fool, sham fighting, eh?"</p> - -<p>"That's it," nodded the corporal. "But it -isn't so tom-fool, after all. It teaches soldiers -a lot about the real manœuvres of war."</p> - -<p>"Huh! I wonder ef it teaches ary mother's -son of ye any better how to fight the Japs when -your time comes?"</p> - -<p>"You think we're going to fight the Japs -some day, do you?" inquired Baynes, finishing -the filling of his pipe.</p> - -<p>"Think?" retorted the old man testily. "I -don't have to think. Some day we've got to -depend on you sogers to drive them pesky brown -critters back into the Pacific Ocean, or the Japs -will own the whole coast and clean up here to -the Rockies."</p> - -<p>"You don't seem to like the Japs, Pop?" observed -Corporal Baynes, puffing at his pipe.</p> - -<p>"Like 'em? The same way I do pizen, rattlers -and grizzlies!" exclaimed the old man with unlooked-for -passion.</p> - -<p>Corporal Baynes jumped inwardly with glee. -In a flash the whole of his plan came to him.</p> - -<p>"Have you seen any soldiers go by on this -trail, Pop?" asked Baynes.</p> - -<p>"Some," nodded the old man. "'Bout an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> -hour ago nigh onter a hundred of 'em went by. -'Bout twenty minutes ergo 'nuther hundred -or so came along and tramped up that way. -They didn't stop, so I didn't ask any questions."</p> - -<p>"If you had," prodded Corporal Baynes, -"you would have learned something. The first -company was C Company, and they represent -American soldiers."</p> - -<p>"Well, that's what they are—American -sogers. Why shouldn't they stand for it?"</p> - -<p>"But you see, the second company that went -by here—B Company—they stand for Japs. In -the game of manœuvres that the officers are playing -the second company, B, are supposed to be -a force of Japanese troops that are chasing the -American troops through the Rockies."</p> - -<p>"What do they wanter play that for?" demanded -the old hunter, his eyes blazing wrathfully. -"Why don't yer fool officers play that -it's American sogers chasing Japs back to where -they belong?"</p> - -<p>"Well, you see, the Americans may yet win -out, before the game is played through," Baynes -offered consolingly. "It all depends on which -company is manœuvred better by its officers. -I belong to C Company, by the way; the American -forces, you know."</p> - -<p>"Well, I reckon I like ye better for that," <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> -nodded the old man.</p> - -<p>"Pop, I wonder if you'd be willing to help the -American company beat the Japanese company -and bag it, whole hog?" proposed Raynes -cleverly.</p> - -<p>"Would I?" demanded the old man eagerly. -"But, sho! What could I do, d'ye reckon?"</p> - -<p>"Now, Pop, I reckon a couple of hours from -now, or maybe three, there'll be two young -soldiers come up along this way. You'll know -'em when you see 'em."</p> - -<p>Raynes dropped into a description of Hal and -Noll, while the old man listened attentively.</p> - -<p>"Now, they'll probably ask you, Pop, which -way the second company went. That's B Company, -the Japs, you know. If they don't ask -you outright, then you must fix it for 'em to ask -you."</p> - -<p>"I'll manage it," nodded the old hunter, a -look of craft coming into his eyes.</p> - -<p>"Now, don't let the make-believe Jap soldiers -know that their company kept on up this trail. -Tell 'em anything you like that'll send then -off the trail—over to that hill, say," continued -Corporal Raynes, pointing to a rocky peak distant -about three miles. "Send 'em hiking -straight over there. Then they won't get -through with their news in time, and the American -company will have a fair chance to bag<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> -the Jap company, whole hog. D'you see?"</p> - -<p>"Don't I, though?" demanded the old-time -hunter.</p> - -<p>"Think you can work it, Pop?"</p> - -<p>"Young man," demanded the hunter, "d'ye -reckon I look like anybody's fool?"</p> - -<p>"You sure don't," nodded Raynes. "And -here's something to pay you for your trouble."</p> - -<p>The scheming corporal tried to slip a two-dollar -bill into the other's hand, but the latter -drew away from it.</p> - -<p>"Take it," urged Raynes. "It's government -money."</p> - -<p>"Young man, I'm an American, and I don't -have to be paid to stand by my own country! -I'll do all ye say, and more, ef I git a chance, -jest to see the American company wallop the -make-believe Jap company."</p> - -<p>"You'll do us a huge service if you don't fall -down on the job, Pop. Why, the news will travel -all the way to Japan, and the Japs will gnash -their teeth over it."</p> - -<p>"I'll put the trick through fur ye, young -man—even if I have to use bear traps to ketch -the two young soger boys ye told me about," -promised the aged hunter earnestly.</p> - -<p>"Say, Corporal, cut your tether, if you're -going to ride with us," called the wagon boss.</p> - -<p>"I'm coming," announced Corporal Raynes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> -rising. "Don't forget, Pop," he whispered back -over his shoulder.</p> - -<p>"Ye kin trust me, young man!"</p> - -<p>By the time he was out of sight of the cabin, -around a turn of the road, the chuckles inside -of Corporal Raynes got so close to the surface -that they surged over.</p> - -<p>"What's the smile, Corporal?" demanded the -wagon boss.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I'm pretty near choking over one of the -lying yarns that old fellow told me about how -he bagged twelve grizzlies single handed one -day," lied the corporal.</p> - -<p>"He must be a talented old liar," nodded the -wagon boss.</p> - -<p>"He is," agreed Corporal Raynes. "I never -could understand, either, why anyone would take -the trouble to lie unless he was paid for it."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Hal and Noll, all unsuspicious of trouble of -any other kind than that against which Captain -Cortland had warned them, kept on cautiously -along the trail, then branched off at the road -shown them on the map. Two miles further on -they reached a village, with its two hotels for -health-seekers, cottages and other buildings.</p> - -<p>Even in this basin in the mountains the Western -Union Company had penetrated. The two -young military messengers found the telegraph<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> -office, turned over their message and then were -ready to return.</p> - -<p>"But, war or no war," declared Noll bluntly, -"I'm not going to start back until I've crossed -the street and had an ice cream soda."</p> - -<p>"We'll have two," laughed Hal boyishly, -"and then make up for lost time on the trail."</p> - -<p>Unmindful of the curious glances cast at two -soldiers in full field equipment, Hal and Noll -enjoyed their treat to the utmost. Then they -started back, traveling fast.</p> - -<p>Nor did they run into any lurking detachments -from C Company. Their "hike," as a -fast march is termed, was uneventful until they -reached the old hunter's cabin.</p> - -<p>"Pop" was awaiting their coming, and a keen -look flashed into his old eyes when he saw them -and recognized them from Raynes's description.</p> - -<p>"Sogers, hey?" he demanded, going sociably -down to the road.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," nodded Hal respectfully as he -paused.</p> - -<p>"Seen a lot of 'em go by to-day," continued -the hunter.</p> - -<p>"Then you're the man we want to see, sir," -went on Private Overton. "Did two companies -go by this way?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, soger boy. They was 'bout three-quarters -of an hour apart. And I reckon ye belong<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> -to the second one. Let me describe yer captain."</p> - -<p>The old hunter gave a clear description of the -personal appearance of B Company's commander. -There is little that escapes a hunter's -eyes or recollection.</p> - -<p>"Yes," broke in Hal eagerly. "That was our -commander, Captain Cortland."</p> - -<p>"I wanted to be dead sure," resumed the old -hunter artfully, "for yer captain left a message -for ye, and he wanted me to be particular -that no other sogers got it."</p> - -<p>"Naturally," assented Hal unsuspiciously.</p> - -<p>"Jest above here," continued the hunter, -"yer captain turned his men to the left and went -off over the rocks, kinder careful like, as though -he didn't want any other sogers to see where -his men was going."</p> - -<p>"Yes; of course," agreed Hal. "That's part -of field manœuvres."</p> - -<p>"The word yer captain left with me, soger -boy, was that he was going to camp his men—hidden, -of course, ye understand—on that peak -yonder to-night. That's where he said ye two -soger boys was to join yer company. Reckon -ye kin travel over that-a-way? There ain't no -trail to that peak, ye understand?"</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> -<img src="images/illus085.jpg" width="400" height="610" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">"Yer Company's Going to Camp Yonder, On That Peak." -</p></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span><br /></p> - -<p>"Of course we can, sir," Hal answered -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>respectfully. "If the rest of the company can go -to that peak we can follow our comrades there."</p> - -<p>"Then I've delivered my message from yer -captain," finished the old hunter with a satisfied -air.</p> - -<p>"And thank you very much," acknowledged -Hal. Both he and Noll saluted the venerable old -man of former times.</p> - -<p>"Nice spoken soger lads, them," muttered -"Pop," as he watched the bunkies step off the -trail and start to cross the rocky wastes to the -distant peak. "If they wa'n't make-believe Japs -in this tom-fool sham fight I'd feel ashamed of -myself. But I reckon a little extry hardship will -do 'em good, anyway."</p> - -<p>"Say," muttered Noll, halting, when they had -gone something more than a mile of the rough -way, "I don't want to criticize my commanding -officer, but I wish he had chosen a camping spot -that was easier to reach."</p> - -<p>"It's a dandy good place up on that peak, -anyway," laughed Hal, whose feet were beginning -to feel decidedly sore. "C Company's men -wouldn't enjoy hiking over this rough ground -in the dark to make a night attack."</p> - -<p>They covered another mile.</p> - -<p>"I'm beginning to think that old fellow gave -us a false scent," grumbled Noll. "I don't believe -Captain Cortland would be heartless -enough to march heavily laden soldiers over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> -ground like this."</p> - -<p>"Why, the old man back at the cabin was -the soul of courtesy, and he described Captain -Cortland to a dot," returned Hal.</p> - -<p>Dusk was coming on by the time the bunkies -had covered the rest of the distance, and had -reached the ledges near the top of the lonely -peak.</p> - -<p>"Now, where's B Company?" demanded Noll -almost savagely.</p> - -<p>"Come along this way," proposed Overton. -"We'll explore."</p> - -<p>Through the gloaming the sore-footed soldier -boys plodded on until Noll suddenly halted, gripping -Hal stoutly.</p> - -<p>Right in front of them, ambling their way, -came a huge furry something. It wasn't a grizzly, -but it was the next worse thing—an unusually -large, dark-brown bear.</p> - -<p>"Duck!" counseled Private Overton, -promptly wheeling about. "Slip in a ball cartridge -as you run!"</p> - -<p>Nor did Noll lose any time in following the -advice, for the brown bear was now in swift -pursuit, growling ominously.</p> - -<p>Somehow, it didn't seem easy to slip in a ball -cartridge while they were running at top speed.</p> - -<p>"There's a ledge. Get in behind it, and I'll -follow, Noll!" shouted Hal, crowding his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> -bunkie toward the ledge.</p> - -<p>Down behind the ledge dropped both bunkies.</p> - -<p>There was an opening in the rock of some sort -behind them, but in their haste neither young -soldier stopped to look at it.</p> - -<p>Hal had succeeded in slipping a cartridge -into his rifle. Noll did that, and also fixed his -bayonet at the muzzle of his piece.</p> - -<p>Bang! went Hal's gun, but he had "bear -ague."</p> - -<p>"Missed him, Noll! Take quick, sure aim!"</p> - -<p>But at that instant another hoarse growl -sounded behind them, and Private Terry could -fairly feel his hair rise under his campaign -sombrero as he yelled:</p> - -<p>"Here's another coming at us in the rear, -Hal! Must be the old female bear!"</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII<br /> - -<small>BEARS AND OTHER TROUBLES</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">N</span>OR was there any doubt about the correctness -of Noll Terry's guess.</p> - -<p>He had only time to back against the -ledge when the bear from the rear, uttering a -nasty, growling snarl, leaped straight for him.</p> - -<p>But Noll had braced the butt of his rifle -against the ledge, the bayonet up.</p> - -<p>It was no plan on Terry's part. He did it -either instinctively or through sheer luck.</p> - -<p>In the meantime the male bear, showing two -fearsome rows of teeth, was crawling over the -ledge from outside to get at Hal Overton.</p> - -<p>Let it be frankly stated, Hal's teeth were -almost a-chatter. He was scared all the way -through, but he did not lose his head.</p> - -<p>Shooting back the bolt of his rifle, he reached -for another cartridge.</p> - -<p>He had already used one, and only six to a -man had been issued on this period of field -duty.</p> - -<p>There was no time to slip in the cartridge. -Overton was compelled to leap up straight and -club his gun.</p> - -<p>Thump! Down came the butt of the weapon -with a force that would have cracked the skull<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> -of a man.</p> - -<p>But bruin merely stumbled.</p> - -<p>Just then another thump sounded, followed -instantly by a snarl of pain.</p> - -<p>The she bear had sprung straight for Noll, -but rifle and bayonet were in the way.</p> - -<p>Noll held his gun rigidly, though not by calculation. -All but frozen with terror he would -not have been capable of action.</p> - -<p>So the flying bear struck squarely against the -bayonet, hurling herself with her whole weight -and momentum against the point of the steel.</p> - -<p>But the bayonet did not touch a vital spot. -There was still a big amount of fight left in the -she bear.</p> - -<p>As she lurched backward the huge beast -almost jerked the rifle out of Noll's hands, for -the bayonet was still deeply embedded.</p> - -<p>At the instant of clubbing his gun Hal had -had his cartridge in one of his hands.</p> - -<p>Now young Private Overton loaded faster -than ever he had been able to do in drill.</p> - -<p>Bang! The sharp report rang almost deafeningly -in the narrow confines at the mouth of -the cave back of the ledge.</p> - -<p>Hal had shot his bear, though he had not inflicted -a mortal hurt.</p> - -<p>But bruin backed off, snarling, desiring to -study the scene for a second or two before deciding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> -on further attack.</p> - -<p>That nearly stunning report had the effect -of bringing Noll to his senses. He had a cartridge -in his chamber. Cocking the piece, he -pulled the trigger feverishly.</p> - -<p>He inflicted another wound on the she bear, -though he did not put that maddened animal -out of business. Yet the beast drew back so -sharply that Private Terry was able to free -his bayonet from entanglement.</p> - -<p>"Fix your bayonet, Hal, if you have a -chance," shouted Noll Terry, as he now leaped -gallantly after the maddened animal that was -claiming his attention.</p> - -<p>Hal did, not a moment too soon, for now bruin -was at him again.</p> - -<p>Two quick, sharp thrusts Hal made, the first -just as bruin was rising on his hind feet to advance -to hug the young soldier.</p> - -<p>The second thrust tapped bruin on the left -shoulder just as he sank to all fours.</p> - -<p>Then Private Overton turned sick again, as -he saw the dripping fangs of the beast come -closer.</p> - -<p>Darting back a dozen feet, Overton, in frantic -haste, jammed in his third cartridge.</p> - -<p>"Steady, boy!" he urged himself. "This is -for your life!"</p> - -<p>Bruin made a spring. The muzzle of the rifle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> -was not four feet from the male bear's heart -as Hal Overton pulled the trigger.</p> - -<p>That was the end of bruin. The beast fell -and rolled over on his side.</p> - -<p>Like a flash Hal turned to see what help his -bunkie needed.</p> - -<p>Plenty of it, apparently, for Noll, crowded -back to the wall, was making furious drives -with his bayoneted gun in his efforts to keep -the she bear from leaping and forcing him down -to the ground.</p> - -<p>Hal had to think like lightning.</p> - -<p>He decided on a cartridge.</p> - -<p>Slipping back his bolt, and thus ejecting the -cartridge shell in the chamber, Overton jammed -fresh ammunition home.</p> - -<p>Click! shot the bolt faintly.</p> - -<p>Dropping to one knee, in the gloom Hal aimed, -as nearly as he could judge, just behind the left -fore-shoulder of the she bear. Then he pulled -on the trigger just as the she bear sprang at -Noll Terry.</p> - -<p>At the report the she bear toppled over with -a grunt of pain. Noll leaped forward, thrusting -his bayonet time after time.</p> - -<p>Private Overton, clubbing his rifle, delivered -several forceful whacks over the head of the -expiring animal, which then lay quiet.</p> - -<p>"We've settled their case, Noll," Hal remarked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> -in an awed voice.</p> - -<p>"Glad of it," quoth Noll dryly.</p> - -<p>To their ears now came a whining further -back in the cave.</p> - -<p>"More bears?" asked Noll grimly. "If so, -I'm in favor of sounding a retreat."</p> - -<p>"And I'll be with you," agreed Soldier Hal. -"But wait a second. I've a box of blazer -matches with me. First, slip all your cartridges -into your magazine."</p> - -<p>Both soldiers did this. Then Hal, striking -a blazer match, led the way back into the -cave.</p> - -<p>"Poor little beggars," he muttered suddenly. -"I thought so."</p> - -<p>"What?" asked Noll, stepping forward.</p> - -<p>"Look."</p> - -<p>"Cubs!"</p> - -<p>"No wonder the old she bear was savage," -glowed Noll.</p> - -<p>On a rude bed of dried leaves and twigs tumbled -five furry, fuzzy, whining little bear cubs.</p> - -<p>"We've broken up a family's happiness this -night," muttered Hal, looking down.</p> - -<p>"Well, it was their family, or two bunkies," -retorted Noll, nevertheless feeling almost -ashamed as he bent down over the innocent, -harmless, bereaved little cubs.</p> - -<p>"Shall we put 'em out of their misery?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> -asked Hal.</p> - -<p>"I—I haven't the heart to."</p> - -<p>"Well, I'm afraid I haven't that kind of -heart, either. But, see here, Noll!"</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"We're in the heart of the enemy's country. -If one of C Company's scouting detachments -comes this way I don't want them to find the -two dead bears and take 'em away in triumph. -It would be treason to our own B Company to -let C Company come in for an unearned feast on -nice, juicy bear steaks."</p> - -<p>"That's so," agreed Noll.</p> - -<p>"Help me, and we'll drag both carcasses back -into the extreme inner end of the cave. Then, -if Captain Cortland approves, he can send men -here and it will be B Company that'll feast on -bear steaks."</p> - -<p>Both bunkies worked industriously until this -task had been accomplished.</p> - -<p>"Speaking of bear steaks," announced Hal, -"makes me realize that I'm famished myself. -Now, as we're clear off the trail of B Company—and -that's no dream—we'll have to put -in the night finding our comrades. So a -few minutes spent munching hardtack won't -count."</p> - -<p>"And not forgetting the salted almonds we -bought in the village this afternoon," rejoined<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> -the other young soldier.</p> - -<p>Down on the floor of the cave the bunkies -squatted themselves.</p> - -<p>The work of eating absorbed both for the -next few minutes.</p> - -<p>Then, of a sudden, they halted, astonished.</p> - -<p>Human footsteps sounded on the rocks outside.</p> - -<p>Privates Overton and Terry stopped their -eating, neither venturing to speak, for a voice -outside was saying:</p> - -<p>"Sergeant, instruct the men not to light fires. -They'll have to sup on hard tack alone to-night. -Fires would betray us to the enemy."</p> - -<p>Then Hal placed his mouth close to Noll's -ear and whispered:</p> - -<p>"Bunkie, we're pickled!"</p> - -<p>Noll pressed his comrade's arm understandingly.</p> - -<p>"Pickled and sealed in jars," Hal's whisper -continued. "C Company is camping here, and -we'll be prisoners inside of a minute. And, -great Scott—C Company eats the bear steaks!"</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII<br /> - -<small>IN THE MIDST OF THE "HOSTILES"</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>T was a pretty fix, indeed!</p> - -<p>"Confound that lying old hunter down -at the cabin!" ground Noll wrathfully behind -his teeth.</p> - -<p>Then both bunkies from B Company held their -very breath.</p> - -<p>Out beyond the ledge, near the mouth of the -cave, a figure paced. Hal, as his eyes became -accustomed to the darkness, was sure that this -man was Captain Freeman. Just a little later -the young soldier was sure of it, for another -figure approached and saluted.</p> - -<p>"Captain, I have to report that I have placed -the guard as you directed."</p> - -<p>"That's Lieutenant Holmes. Pretty nearly -as fine a fellow as our own second lieutenant, -Prescott," thought Hal.</p> - -<p>"You impressed upon each of the men the -cautions that I want observed?" queried Captain -Freeman.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," answered Lieutenant Holmes, -"and I took the liberty of adding another caution -on my own account."</p> - -<p>"What was that, Mr. Holmes?"</p> - -<p>"I told each member of the guard, when I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> -left him, to look well to it that that young scout -of B Company, Overton, didn't get his rifle."</p> - -<p>Captain Freeman laughed quietly, then -added:</p> - -<p>"Overton is a very capable young soldier, Mr. -Holmes, and a good man in the service. But -just now, while these manœuvres are on, I'd -like to make a prisoner of him, I can tell -you."</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't you, though?" shivered Hal, listening -from where he crouched, while Noll -pressed his bunkie's arm again. "And I'm very -much afraid, captain, that you're likely to have -your wish!"</p> - -<p>"Ah, here comes the other member of our -council. Good evening, Ray."</p> - -<p>"Good evening, sir," replied the first lieutenant -of C Company.</p> - -<p>"Ray," continued Captain Freeman, "we -were just discussing Overton, the scout of B -Company, who made off with the arms of our -outpost last night."</p> - -<p>"Well, sir, we have some pretty fair scouts -of our own to-night," laughed Lieutenant Ray. -"I'd like to wager a month's pay that not a -soul of B Company knows where this command -is to-night. On the other hand, we know to a -dot where B Company is encamped."</p> - -<p>"And we'll have the enemy potted by eleven -o'clock to-night," promised Captain Freeman<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> -in a tone of conviction. "But that's the least -we're obliged to do after the disgraceful treatment -that we had to stand last night. Unless -our scouts bring different word by half past -nine to-night, we'll slip in on 'em while they're -asleep, rush the sentries and have B Company's -camp for our own almost before the first blank -cartridge has been exploded. It's fine work to -roll in on your enemy and demolish him while -he's asleep and dreaming of home."</p> - -<p>All three of the officers laughed heartily.</p> - -<p>"Their camp is well chosen, too," continued -Captain Freeman. "In behind the rocks, just -the other side of the blasted twin oaks, makes -an ideal camp for a single company of infantry."</p> - -<p>"By which route do you plan to approach, -sir?" asked Lieutenant Ray.</p> - -<p>"Through the ravine from the east," replied -Captain Freeman, "for the simple reason that -Cortland would least of all expect an attack -from that quarter."</p> - -<p>"It couldn't be better," declared Ray.</p> - -<p>A fourth man now joined the group, saluting -all three.</p> - -<p>"What is it, my man?" inquired Freeman.</p> - -<p>"Supper is ready for the officers, sir."</p> - -<p>"Very good, Stubbles. We'll come at once."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p> - -<p>Stubbles was Captain Freeman's "dog-robber," -or field cook, one of the privates of C -Company.</p> - -<p>The steps of the departing officers soon quieted -down and ceased.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Noll, we've got to get out of here now," -breathed Private Overton in an agitated tone -in his bunkie's ear.</p> - -<p>"Of course," retorted Private Terry. "We'll -get out by airship, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"No joking, old fellow. We've simply got -to get out, and then we've got to run all the -way to the blasted twin oaks. You remember -the place?"</p> - -<p>"Perfectly," nodded Noll, though his bunkie -could not see his head in the deep darkness of -the interior of the cave.</p> - -<p>"We've got to get there on the jump," Hal -whispered. "Not a minute to lose!"</p> - -<p>"Regardless of the fact that C Company is -in camp all around us?" quizzed Noll.</p> - -<p>"Noll, I tell you, we've got to get through -the lines at once!"</p> - -<p>"Make a break and run for it, trusting to -luck and our ability to knock a lot of men -down?" queried Terry.</p> - -<p>"No, sir! We've got to get out, and away -from here, without letting a soul from C Company -know that we've been within miles of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> -here to-night!"</p> - -<p>"What nice, new problems you do put up!" -murmured Noll ironically. "What earthly -show, bunkie, have we to get out of here without -being seen?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, we may be seen," admitted Hal, a new -and desperate scheme flashing through his -brain.</p> - -<p>"Then——" began Noll.</p> - -<p>"But not recognized, bunkie. See here, Noll, -I'm going softly down to the mouth of the -cave. From here you can see me, against what -light there is in the sky. Watch me. If I wave -my hand, come to me. Bring your rifle, too, -but unfix the bayonet and return it to your -belt."</p> - -<p>"But what——"</p> - -<p>"Noll, the company is at supper now. The -men have something especial to think of while -they're eating. If we just lounge through the -camp together, with our hats well forward over -our faces, and keep from going too close to -the groups, I don't believe any one will give -us any thought, or recognize us in the dark. -Understand, we'll just saunter until we get outside -the lines. Then we'll vanish and duck as -softly and swiftly as we can."</p> - -<p>"By Jove, it's worth trying!" glowed Noll.</p> - -<p>"Yes; because it's the only single chance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> -there is of our getting back to B Company in -time with the news. Wait—and watch!"</p> - -<p>First Hal carefully took his own bayonet from -the muzzle of his rifle, returning it to place at -his belt. Then, on hands and knees, he crept -forward to the mouth of the cave, cautiously -peering beyond.</p> - -<p>At last he signaled back.</p> - -<p>In another moment Noll was by his side.</p> - -<p>"Now, step out, old fellow," whispered Hal, -rising. "Don't betray any sign of trying to -escape attention. But, if you're spoken to, make -believe you don't hear. Keep up your nerve, -bunkie! This is real work for good old B Company -and victory!"</p> - -<p>In another instant the two soldier boys -stepped carelessly out into plain sight, their -sombreros drawn well down over their eyes.</p> - -<p>C Company was just ahead at supper. As -nonchalantly as possible the two young soldiers -of B Company began their leisurely stroll -through the "hostile" camp of C Company.</p> - -<p>Could they hope to "get away" with this -daring trick?</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX<br /> - -<small>PLANNING FOR THE NIGHT ATTACK</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">F</span>OR a distance of several yards the soldier -boys proceeded through the darkness -without appearing to attract any attention.</p> - -<p>The officers and soldiers of C Company were -finishing their hasty, cheerless meal. There was -nothing strange about two soldiers having -finished ahead of the rest and deciding for a -stroll through the camp.</p> - -<p>The darkness was the greatest protection of -our young friends. They refrained from going -very close to any group. Added to this, their -campaign sombreros were so well drawn down -over their faces as to hide a good deal of their -features, and this without exciting suspicion.</p> - -<p>Hal and Noll were two thirds of the way -through the camp, when there came a sharp hail -that made Private Overton quiver inside:</p> - -<p>"Hey, there!"</p> - -<p>There could be no doubt that the hail was -intended for the soldier boys, though neither -gave any heed, even by as much as turning.</p> - -<p>"Look out Overton, of B Company, doesn't -catch you!" jeered the same voice.</p> - -<p>Noll threw one hand behind him, waving it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Don't go more than ten or twenty yards beyond -our lines, men," warned Captain Freeman, -looking up from the hard tack at which he had -been munching.</p> - -<p>Hal wheeled about, saluting respectfully, but -did not trust himself to speak.</p> - -<p>Then the chums continued their slow stroll.</p> - -<p>Three minutes later they were just beyond -the edge of the camp, halting beside a bush.</p> - -<p>"Here's our chance," whispered Hal, glancing -just past the roots of the bush.</p> - -<p>A little gully started there. Twenty feet -further on it was more than six feet deep.</p> - -<p>Hal passed around the bush, dropping into -the gully. In another moment Noll had leisurely -joined him.</p> - -<p>Now, they traveled faster over the bed of the -gully, though they were careful to go cat-footed, -for they had yet to pass sentries, very likely -outposts, and there was a grave risk of their -running into some scouting detachment from C -Company.</p> - -<p>The gully ran for some two hundred yards. -Then the soldier boys came out in the open once -more.</p> - -<p>"More caution than ever now," whispered -Hal, detaining his bunkie by a strong grip on -the arm.</p> - -<p>"We must be beyond their guard line," Noll<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> -returned in a whisper.</p> - -<p>"Don't you believe it! Freeman isn't the -captain to maintain lax guard. Don't attempt -to stand up. Crouch low, and get all the cover -you can behind bushes. Better let me lead. I'll -halt often and listen."</p> - -<p>With great stealth the pair had covered another -two hundred yards or so, when there came -a sharp hail of:</p> - -<p>"Halt! Who's there."</p> - -<p>The challenge had come from some one invisible -to the bunkies. Hal instantly and noiselessly -dropped to the ground, lying as flat as -he could.</p> - -<p>Noll imitated his example.</p> - -<p>"Halt! Who's there?" came the insistent -challenge.</p> - -<p>Then the lurkers heard a man coming toward -them. Neither dared stir, as the slightest noise -might prove enough for their undoing. It was -a desperate situation, at any rate, for it hardly -seemed possible that the sentry could fail to -come upon them.</p> - -<p>But in another minute the sentry had halted.</p> - -<p>"Huh!" the bunkies heard him mutter. "I -reckon I'm getting as nervous as a sick cat, -after what happened to Corporal Raynes's outpost -last night."</p> - -<p>Then the lurkers heard the sentry slowly returning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> -to the point from which he had first -challenged them.</p> - -<p>It was three full minutes ere cautious Private -Overton ventured to crawl away from the spot. -He crawled for more than a hundred and fifty -yards, too, ere he ventured to rise to crouch, -peering all around him. Then he nodded to -Noll, close behind him, and the bunkies proceeded.</p> - -<p>It was not until they had made fifteen minutes -more of the most stealthy progress that Hal and -Noll began to feel really easy.</p> - -<p>"Now, see here, bunkie," spoke Private Overton -at last, "we're not as well 'out of the woods' -as we might be fooled into imagining. I think -it is even dangerous for us to go together just -now. We might run into a scouting detachment, -lurking among the rocks, or behind bushes, and -get captured after all. Look hard through -the darkness. Do you see that massive, -peculiar formation of rock ahead? About -three quarters of a mile from here, I would -say."</p> - -<p>"Yes; I remember noting it in daylight," -nodded Terry.</p> - -<p>"All right. You make a wide detour to the -left, and I'll do the same to the right. Go -cautiously every step of the way, and have your -eyes and ears open. Take your time. I'll meet<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> -you there."</p> - -<p>"But what's the good of doing that?" objected -Noll.</p> - -<p>"Just this: If we go together we may run into -a superior force of the enemy and be captured. -If we go singly we won't both be caught by the -same force, anyway, and there'll be a chance for -one of us to get through to Captain Cortland -with the news. Left oblique for yours, Noll! -March!"</p> - -<p>It was nearly fifteen minutes later when the -chums met at the spot agreed upon.</p> - -<p>"Whew!" muttered Hal, halting, as he came -up and recognized his bunkie. "I guess we're -safely away now, Noll. That being the case, I -don't mind admitting to you that when we left -the cave and stepped out into the camp, I hadn't -a belief in the world, hardly, that we'd get -away with our strategy."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my shoes!" winced Noll.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter with them?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, nothing, except that they're full of sore -feet!"</p> - -<p>"I've some trouble of that sort myself," Hal -grinned. "But we've got to forget all about -it until we get to the twin oaks. Forward, -bunkie!"</p> - -<p>They traveled together, after that. An hour -later they heard the most welcome challenge in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> -the world:</p> - -<p>"Halt! Who's there?"</p> - -<p>The speaker belonged to a B Company outpost.</p> - -<p>"Friends," replied Private Overton.</p> - -<p>"How many friends?"</p> - -<p>"Two."</p> - -<p>The sentry spoke something in an undertone. -Then, after a brief pause, he continued:</p> - -<p>"Advance two friends, but two only, to be -recognized."</p> - -<p>As the bunkies came up they saw Corporal -Cotter and two privates eyeing them.</p> - -<p>"Oh, if it's the kid soldiers, they're all -right," spoke Corporal Cotter easily.</p> - -<p>"Corporal," begged Hal, "show us the quickest, -easiest cut to camp. I've news for Captain -Cortland."</p> - -<p>"Been scouting some more?" laughed Cotter.</p> - -<p>"My news, Corporal, is for the company commander."</p> - -<p>"That's all right, kid. See the grove -yonder?"</p> - -<p>"Surely."</p> - -<p>"Right in the middle of that you'll find the -tent of the company officers. They're asleep, I -guess. Sergeant Hupner is commander of the -guard, and Lieutenant Prescott is officer of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> -day."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. Corporal."</p> - -<p>"Proceed!"</p> - -<p>Two minutes later the bunkies were halted -by one of the camp sentries. Then they hurried -direct into camp.</p> - -<p>At a distance of some twenty yards young -Lieutenant Prescott was found seated on the -ground, talking in low tones with Sergeant -Hupner. The young West Pointer leaped -quickly to his feet when he saw the soldier boys -approaching.</p> - -<p>"Sir," announced Hal, saluting, "we report -our return to the company."</p> - -<p>"You've completed this afternoon's duty?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir—and much more."</p> - -<p>"How more?" queried Lieutenant Dick Prescott, -eyeing them closely.</p> - -<p>"Lieutenant, we desire, sir, to speak with -Captain Cortland at once."</p> - -<p>"It's as important as that?" asked Prescott.</p> - -<p>"Judge for yourself, sir. We have just returned -from C Company's camp, and we've -heard Captain Freeman and his officers discussing -the plan by which they expect to attack -this camp to-night and bag B Company whole -hog."</p> - -<p>"You've been to C Company's camp?" repeated -Lieutenant Prescott, eyeing the rookies<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> -closely. "Wasn't that exceeding your instructions -by a very wide margin?"</p> - -<p>"We didn't go there by design, sir. It's a -long story."</p> - -<p>"And you do well to remind me that I am -wasting time in not calling Captain Cortland," -continued the young lieutenant. "Wait here, -men."</p> - -<p>It was barely more than a minute when Lieutenant -Prescott came back with Captain Cortland -and Lieutenant Hampton.</p> - -<p>"What's this I hear, Overton?" demanded -B Company's commander. "C Company expects -to bag us here to-night?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"How?"</p> - -<p>Hal briefly sketched the plan, as he understood -it, of attacking the camp by moving up -through the ravine.</p> - -<p>"We've a sentry down at the ravine," declared -Captain Cortland. "But, Mr. Prescott, -I believe you would do well to rouse enough -men to create an emergency outpost beyond the -other end of the ravine. Also send a small -scouting detachment out considerably beyond -the ravine. But instruct the scouts to be -prepared for a quick recall at any moment."</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Prescott saluted his superior officer,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> -then hastened away to rout out the needed -men and post them.</p> - -<p>"Go on with your story, Overton. Better give -it all to us in order, but be brief in the telling, -my man."</p> - -<p>So Hal plunged promptly into the narration -of what he and Noll had been through, beginning -with the false scent on which they had -been sent by the hunter at the cabin.</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland held out his hand almost -impulsively, both to Hal and to Noll.</p> - -<p>"My men," he said earnestly, "I must tell -you that I believe you both did wisely in adopting -the profession of arms. Obedience is the -first requisite of the soldier. The records of -both of you stand well in that respect. But -scouting work, which comes under the head -of the service of information and security, is of -the utmost importance in a campaign, and you -two show positive genius as scouts. This is -all of a piece with your great work of last night, -Overton. I shall not forget it. As every man -will be called within fifteen minutes, you may -remain here under Sergeant Hupner's orders. -Mr. Hampton, you and I will take a brief stroll -and decide swiftly upon what we are to do."</p> - -<p>"Lads," broke in Sergeant Hupner, as the -officers strolled away, "either you're mighty -lucky or else you're born soldiers. I believe it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> -is the latter."</p> - -<p>Five minutes later the two senior company -officers returned.</p> - -<p>"Sergeant Hupner, we are going to call the -men, but no bugle will be sounded," stated Captain -Cortland. "Rouse the remaining sergeants -first; then instruct them to rouse all -the men and with great quietness."</p> - -<p>B Company was soon aroused; in ten minutes -more all of the guard except the soldiers -down by the ravine had been recalled.</p> - -<p>"We won't strike our tents," Cortland informed -his sergeants. "It will do no harm to -leave the camp standing, especially if the -enemy's commander uses his night glasses at a -distance. He will feel certain that we are nicely -bagged. Now, pass the word, without loud -command, for the company to fall in."</p> - -<p>Two minutes later, in single file, B Company -marched toward the ravine like so many unsubstantial -spectres.</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X<br /> - -<small>TRAPPERS AND TRAPPED</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap"><span class="dropcap2">"</span>H</span>ALT, who's there?"</p> - -<p>A single sentry, just at the opening -of the ravine, called the challenge -in a low voice.</p> - -<p>There was no response.</p> - -<p>"Halt! Who's there?"</p> - -<p>There still being no response, the sentry advanced -toward a line of bushes.</p> - -<p>He stepped through, peering beyond.</p> - -<p>Almost without sound four C Company men -leaped at the sentry, clutching him by the -throat and bearing him to the ground.</p> - -<p>The captured sentry was able to make only -a low gurgling sound in his throat. His rifle -was snatched away from him. Working at -professional speed, the sentry was gagged -and bound, then tossed upon the ground -once more, while a C Company man sat upon -him.</p> - -<p>"Now, take the word back, Daly," ordered -the non-commissioned officer in command of the -captors.</p> - -<p>The sentry did not offer to struggle. It was -as though he feared physical punishment would -be inflicted upon him if he dared attempt to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> -make trouble.</p> - -<p>Little did the exultant C Company men dream -that this solitary sentry was the only man on -guard duty for B Company. The fact was that -this sentry had been posted with explicit instructions -to allow himself to be captured without -making any outcry or firing his rifle.</p> - -<p>Three minutes later the ground about the -captured sentry appeared to be covered with -dimly defined figures of advancing men—soldiers -in full field equipment.</p> - -<p>It was C Company, advancing by column of -twos, with Captain Freeman and Lieutenant -Ray at the head, and Lieutenant Greg Holmes, -alertly watchful of the line, at the rear.</p> - -<p>Into the ravine C Company advanced, moving -with barely a sound. It was Freeman's intention -to reform his men once they were through -the ravine and advance, yelling and firing, upon -a surprised camp.</p> - -<p>The head, then the center of the line, slipped -into the ravine. At last the whole of C Company -was fairly within the ravine.</p> - -<p>Nor did Captain Freeman have the slightest -idea of the many pairs of keen eyes that watched -the progress of his command from the tops -of the low walls of stone that bound the -ravine.</p> - -<p>Above stood Captain Cortland, well concealed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> -in a bush, watching, revolver in hand.</p> - -<p>Bang!</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland fired his revolver into the -ground—the signal shot.</p> - -<p>Instantly a tempest of firing broke loose. Men -stationed on either side, above the ravine, -poured down their rifle fire—of blank ammunition, -of course.</p> - -<p>From the inner end of the ravine two squads -of men fired from behind hastily erected entrenchments.</p> - -<p>"Sound the retreat!" roared Freeman, above -the din of the firing, in the ear of the bugler -at his side.</p> - -<p>But with the first notes of the bugle a din -of reports and a belching of flame came from -other B Company men, now stationed at the -end of the ravine through which C Company -had just entered.</p> - -<p>The ambuscade was complete. Under any -war conditions C Company was hopelessly engulfed, -and ready for complete slaughter.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the bugler up aloft, stationed by -Captain Cortland's side, blew as though he -would blow his lungs out, the signal for "cease -firing."</p> - -<p>Then the din of musketry died down.</p> - -<p>"Captain Freeman," called Cortland, "I call -upon you to surrender your command. You<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> -must realize that, under war conditions, you -have already lost nearly every man of your -force."</p> - -<p>"I surrender my command," replied Captain -Freeman promptly. "As you say, Cortland, -you have us wholly at your mercy."</p> - -<p>At the word, passed by their non-commissioned -officers, the wearied men of C Company -squatted on the ground.</p> - -<p>"I take it I may go through the ravine to -your camp, Cortland," called Captain Freeman, -"now that we are harmless prisoners of war."</p> - -<p>"Yes; you had better march your company -through into the open and we'll join you."</p> - -<p>"Thank heaven the cruel war is over," muttered -a soldier in C Company, and a hearty -laugh from victors and vanquished answered -this sally.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later the recent mimic combatants -were all together on the same ground.</p> - -<p>But Captain Freeman was burning with curiosity.</p> - -<p>"May I ask, Cortland," he demanded, "how -on earth you guessed our plans so well that -you had that trap spread for us?"</p> - -<p>"I didn't guess your plans," smiled Captain -Cortland.</p> - -<p>"Oh, come now!"</p> - -<p>"Not a bit of guess about it, my dear Freeman.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> -I knew your whole plan for to-night."</p> - -<p>"Knew it?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"You had scouts out, Cortland, who detected -our advance? From your knowledge of our -advance you cleverly guessed our plan?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no! As I just said, I knew your plan, -and did not have to guess it."</p> - -<p>"But how?" pressed Captain Freeman, still -disconsolate and much mystified.</p> - -<p>"Indirectly, I had the plan from your own -lips. In other words, Freeman, scouts of mine -were in your camp at early dark to-night. They -heard you and your officers discussing the plan. -Then, very naturally, my scouts brought the -information to me."</p> - -<p>"Scouts?" cried the bewildered commander -of C Company. "By Jove, I remember two men -who strolled down through my camp to-night. -I called to them to keep close to our lines."</p> - -<p>"But they didn't," chuckled Captain Cortland -gleefully, "for those two men whom you -hailed happened to be my scouts."</p> - -<p>Captain Freeman took two great, gulping -breaths in his sheer amazement.</p> - -<p>"Cortland, now that the sham campaign is -over," he begged, "may I know who your -scouts were?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, my dear Freeman. They were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> -Privates Overton and Terry."</p> - -<p>"Overton!" gasped Captain Freeman, in deep -chagrin. "The clever young rascal who looted -my outpost last night?"</p> - -<p>"The same."</p> - -<p>Several of C Company's enlisted men were -within hearing.</p> - -<p>Now, from one of these men, came the heart-felt -utterance:</p> - -<p>"Hang that kid Overton!"</p> - -<p>"Terry's just as bad," growled another C -Company soldier.</p> - -<p>"Cortland," remarked C Company's chop-fallen -commander, "I congratulate you on having -two fine young soldiers in your company."</p> - -<p>"I surely have," nodded Captain Cortland. -"I have already informed Overton and Terry -of my estimate of their abilities."</p> - -<p>Twenty minutes later the reunited companies -of wearied officers and men slept side by side -under the stars of the Colorado sky.</p> -</div> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI<br /> - -<small>THAT C COMPANY CORPORAL EATS CROW</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap"><span class="dropcap2">"</span>C</span>OMPANY, halt!"</p> - -<p>Then, just a little later:</p> - -<p>"C Company, halt!"</p> - -<p>The long, dusty line of khaki-clad soldiers, -at the word, dropped out of ranks, finding seats -on the ground near where they had left the -ranks.</p> - -<p>Behind the men, now stopped, the wagon train -came up and also halted.</p> - -<p>Not far from the head of the line that morning -stood the log cabin of the old-time hunter.</p> - -<p>Though the military did not suspect it, a -sharp pair of old eyes peered out through a -chink in the cabin wall.</p> - -<p>Then the cabin door opened, the old-time -hunter sauntering slowly forth.</p> - -<p>At sight of him Corporal Raynes, C Company, -tried to shrink into smaller space than he had -ever succeeded in occupying before.</p> - -<p>"Which side won the tom-fool match?" inquired -the aged hunter of a pleasant-faced -young man on whose shoulders glistened the -plain straps of a second lieutenant.</p> - -<p>"B Company won the miniature manœuvres -by capturing C Company, if that's what you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> -mean, sir," replied Lieutenant Dick Prescott -pleasantly.</p> - -<p>"B Company?" cried the old man almost indignantly. -"Why, B Company stood for the -Japs, didn't they!"</p> - -<p>"Not that I've heard, sir," answered Prescott. -"B Company and C Company represented -two forces that were supposed to be hostile to -each other. Neither side was designated by -the name of any country."</p> - -<p>"Why, that's dinged strange!" uttered the -old hunter. "A lot of your camp wagons went -by yesterday, and there was a feller from one -of 'em, who told me he belonged to C Company, -and that C Company was supposed to be the -Americans, and B Company was the Japs. Now, -I've always hated the Japs!"</p> - -<p>"Did you ever see any Japanese, sir?" asked -Lieutenant Prescott.</p> - -<p>"Nope, young man; but what's that got to -do with hating 'em? Well, as I was saying, -that C Company feller on one of the wagons told -me about B Company being the Japs, and he -asked me if I would like to help along the licking -of B Company. So I done the best I -could."</p> - -<p>"By sending two young B Company soldiers -across the wilderness, to that elevation over -yonder?" inquired Captain Cortland, who had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> -heard the conversation.</p> - -<p>"The C Company feller told me that it would -help lick the company that was standing for -the Japs," explained the old man, his face an -interesting study as he gazed from one officer's -face to another.</p> - -<p>Captain Freeman had not yet heard the story -of how Hal and Noll had come to be in his -camp at dark. He had been denied that knowledge -by the laughing officers of B Company. -But Freeman had been near enough to hear the -hunter's explanation, and now C Company's -commander thought he saw a whole lot of sudden -light.</p> - -<p>"Pass the word for Corporal Raynes!" he -shouted.</p> - -<p>Raynes heard, and shivered. Yet he was a -soldier; there was but one thing to do. Quaking -in his restored shoes, Raynes rose and -marched briskly forward, halting and saluting -before his captain.</p> - -<p>"Is this the man who was on one of the -wagons, and who told you to send two B Company -men hiking across a wilderness of rock?" -asked Captain Freeman.</p> - -<p>"That's the very man," declared the old -hunter.</p> - -<p>Hal and Noll had been looking on from a -little distance. Now they caught Captain Cortland's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> -signal to come up, and obeyed.</p> - -<p>"Are these the two young men you sent, sir, -on that wild-goose chase off over the rocks?" -asked Captain Freeman, pointing over towards -the bunkies.</p> - -<p>"They sure are," nodded the hunter.</p> - -<p>Captain Freeman turned, fixing the quaking -Raynes with a glance that brought the victim -scant comfort.</p> - -<p>"Corporal Raynes, you were despoiled by -Overton while on outpost night before last. -Then, yesterday afternoon, you fixed up a practical -joke on Overton and Terry in order to -pay Overton back for his conduct to you the -night before?" queried Captain Freeman.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," admitted Raynes, feeling as -though he would like to sink about a mile into -the ground.</p> - -<p>"Corporal Raynes," continued his captain, -half scathingly and half quizzically, "you have -proved a most valuable man to your company -during this period of field duty. First, while on -outpost duty, you allow yourself to be despoiled -of your rifle, shoes and canteen. Then, in your -humorous efforts to get even, you perpetrate a -near-joke that sends the enemy's two best -scouts where they will be right on hand to learn -our plans and betray us to the enemy. Corporal -Raynes, you have covered yourself with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> -glory indeed! Return to your company."</p> - -<p>Like wildfire the story spread down the line. -Raynes had to endure jeering looks from nearly -two hundred men.</p> - -<p>"Ain't it fearful how these kids gain glory -from the very things that other folks do to -smash 'em?" demanded Private Bill Hooper -hoarsely in the ear of Private Dowley.</p> - -<p>"It's a long lane of luck that has no turning," -growled Dowley.</p> - -<p>"After what I've seen of their luck, I'm -almost afraid to put up any job against 'em," -confessed Hooper.</p> - -<p>"You never did have much sand or wit, I -reckon," snarled Dowley.</p> - -<p>"Are you still going to try to bring the kid -soldiers to disgrace?" asked Hooper in an eager -undertone.</p> - -<p>"If I do, I don't believe you'll be much help."</p> - -<p>"But I'd like to know——"</p> - -<p>"Bill Hooper, if I need your help in anything -I'll be sure to let you know."</p> - -<p>"Now, Dowley, you needn't be so warm-tongued -about it," urged Hooper. "Of course, -if there's any safe scheme for fixing the records -of these kids, I'm plumb crazy to have a hand -in it, and that you know, Dowley."</p> - -<p>"Did the last thing we put up—spoiling Kid -Overton's rifle—get traced back to us?" demanded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> -Dowley.</p> - -<p>"Now, that scheme didn't work much trouble -to the kid," complained Hooper. "He was in -bad for half a day, then got a new rifle, and -has been receiving bouquets ever since."</p> - -<p>"You wait—watch and listen," urged Dowley. -"You won't be very much older when -you'll hear something drop that'll fix Overton -if he happens to be around."</p> - -<p>"I wish you'd tell me," half whined Bill -Hooper.</p> - -<p>"I will, if I want your help," remarked Dowley -dryly.</p> - -<p>"Well, so long as the kid is chased out of -this regiment, I don't care who does it."</p> - -<p>"Fall in!" rang down the line.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"I'm glad I know who put up that job on -us," laughed Private Overton, as he stepped to -his place in ranks.</p> - -<p>"But I wonder how it feels to be Corporal -Raynes just now?" hinted Private Terry facetiously.</p> - -<p>"I hope he won't get reduced to the ranks -as a consequence," observed Hal.</p> - -<p>"That would he rather rough. But I don't -believe Captain Freeman will do anything like -that."</p> - -<p>Just before noon the troops were halted, then -marched, by companies, into a field. The order<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> -to pitch camp was given.</p> - -<p>It was really too bad, but one of the wagons -drove up and the men on it began to unload -bear carcasses. All this bear meat was dumped -before B Company's line. C Company men -tried not to look in that direction at all, for -C Company's share in the bear meat was to be—none.</p> - -<p>Early that morning Captain Cortland had -sent the wagon and men to recover the bear -carcasses from the cave. The bears had been -promptly "skinned" and dressed before loading -them into the wagon.</p> - -<p>From still another wagon sounded the whines -of the five cubs. These were to be taken back -to Fort Clowdry, there to be fattened and -served at the coming Thanksgiving or Christmas -dinner of B Company's men. A few months -later these cubs would be "a good size for killing."</p> - -<p>"To the victors belong the spoils." The two -older bears had been killed as already related, -and the cubs found by B Company scouts within -C Company's "territory."</p> - -<p>Out were tumbled the Army cookstoves. Men -of B Company cut up the meat. Soon the odor -of baking and roasting meats was on the air. -Other willing helpers to the cook were trimming<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> -off pieces of meat for broiling.</p> - -<p>It was torment to hungry C Company men -to smell the appetizing odors and to meet the -grins with which B Company men favored -them.</p> - -<p>B Company must wait a while for its dinner, -but was willing. The men of C Company, -to stop, as far as possible, the pangs of longing -and the watering of mouths, fell to at once to -cook their own monotonous bacon.</p> - -<p>"See here, Freeman, there's going to be an -abundance of bear meat," remarked Captain -Cortland, going over to his fellow company commander. -"Your men may as well have some of -it."</p> - -<p>"Not under the circumstances under which -the meat was obtained," replied Captain Freeman -firmly. "Let the men of my company realize -that they were disgracefully worsted, and -that they have no cause for complaint."</p> - -<p>So the men of one company sat down to a -meal of hard tack, bacon and coffee, while B -Company men waited for a better feast.</p> - -<p>At last B's spread was ready.</p> - -<p>"My man," said Captain Cortland to his -dog-robber, "cut off some nice pieces of bear -meat and take them over to the officers of C -Company with my compliments."</p> - -<p>But the dog-robber soon returned, bearing -the platter on which the meat still lay.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Captain Freeman's compliments, sir, but he -says that the officers of C Company will endure -a deserved disappointment along with their -men."</p> - -<p>Ere B Company's feast ended a commotion -started that appeared to come from behind C -Company's street.</p> - -<p>Hal, dropping his ration plate to the ground, -leaped up.</p> - -<p>"Look, Noll!" he called laughingly. "Corporal -Raynes is certainly 'getting his.' Wow! -Look at the fracas!"</p> - -<p>As a matter of fact, Raynes, at this moment, -was being made the recipient of most unwelcome -attentions.</p> - -<p>He was being tossed in a blanket.</p> - -<p>This is the most emphatic and picturesque -way that soldiers have of displaying their displeasure -against a man. It is a torment that -is also inflicted on any soldier who is accused -of being "too fresh."</p> - -<p>Eight soldiers had hold of an ordinary army -blanket, holding to it by the edges.</p> - -<p>Several other soldiers had started in pursuit -of Corporal Raynes. Though that non-com ran -for all he was worth, he was captured, overpowered -and dragged to the blanket.</p> - -<p>Willing hands caught him up, throwing him -into the slack of the blanket.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Heave her, boys!"</p> - -<p>Instantly, before Raynes could scramble to his -feet and escape, the slack blanket was hauled -taut.</p> - -<p>Up into the air some four feet shot Corporal -Raynes's sprawling figure.</p> - -<p>Down he came again, into the slack, but just -as promptly he was tossed again. This time -the victim went up more than five feet into the -air.</p> - -<p>"Stop it!" gasped the victim from up in the -air.</p> - -<p>But no one was in a mood to stop it. Higher -and higher shot the body of the unpopular corporal, -until he was going up ten feet or more -at nearly every toss.</p> - -<p>It is a most ludicrous punishment to look at, -but the victim of this strenuous prank feels that -it is more than ridicule. He is always certain -that an outrage is being carried on against him.</p> - -<p>"Sto-o-op it!" gasped Raynes weakly.</p> - -<p>Under the merciless tossing and consequent -jolting nearly all the breath had left his body.</p> - -<p>"Give him a few more tastes," advised three -or four of C Company's men who stood in the -front rank of those looking on.</p> - -<p>Of course it was a breach of discipline, in a -way, for privates to toss a non-commissioned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> -officer, but neither Captain Freeman nor either -of his lieutenants interfered. The non-com is -not always safe, by any means, from blanket -tossing.</p> - -<p>At last, however, the blanket was dropped to -the ground, and Corporal Raynes, breathless and -very red-faced, was allowed to roll off the woolen -surface.</p> - -<p>As the corporal lay on the ground one of -the men voiced the feeling of all his comrades -in C Company by muttering grimly:</p> - -<p>"Put up jobs that supply B's men with fresh -meat and leave us out, will you?"</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII<br /> - -<small>THE CALL TO DEADLY WORK</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">F</span>OR the next three days the men were to -remain at the present camp.</p> - -<p>Instruction in the erecting of temporary -field fortifications was to follow.</p> - -<p>But Hal and Noll missed the first afternoon -of this work, for they were sent over to Mason -City as orderlies to Lieutenant Prescott, who, -as acting commissary officer to the reunited companies, -went to buy fresh foodstuffs.</p> - -<p>Two wagons were also dispatched, the young -lieutenant riding with the driver on one of the -wagons, while the soldier boys rode on the other -wagon.</p> - -<p>Mason City nestled in among the mountains -in what was considered one of the best health -sections of Colorado. The "city" would have -been termed a village back in the east. It contained -four hotels, two sanitariums, a small theatre -and other public buildings. It was to this -town that many eastern consumptives came.</p> - -<p>The native population of the town was less -than a thousand souls. Consumptives and other -travelers added a usual average of about eighteen -hundred more people.</p> - -<p>The streets were lively with people when the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> -two wagons drove into the town.</p> - -<p>"You men may just as well enjoy yourselves -for a couple of hours, for I shall be busy in -looking through the markets," announced Lieutenant -Prescott, as the soldier boys climbed -down from their wagon. "Report to me at the -Mason House at six sharp. Remember, won't -you, that's it a soldier's business to be punctual -to the fraction of a minute?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," replied Hal Overton, as the soldier -boys saluted.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Prescott strode off down the street, -a splendidly military figure in his officer's khaki -uniform which, despite the hardships of the last -days, he had kept almost immaculate.</p> - -<p>"A mighty fine young officer," murmured -Noll, gazing admiringly after the lieutenant.</p> - -<p>"One of the best that they turn out of West -Point, I reckon," replied Private Overton.</p> - -<p>Then the two young privates devoted themselves -to sight-seeing.</p> - -<p>Punctually at the moment, however, both were -in the lobby at the Mason House.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Prescott stepped in at the same -moment.</p> - -<p>"I'll register you here for a room to-night, -men," he said, returning their salutes. "You -will also have your evening meal in the dining -room. I shall not need your services until morning.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> -Report to me at this spot at 8.30 to-morrow -morning."</p> - -<p>"Very good, sir," replied both soldier boys, -once more saluting.</p> - -<p>"Say, a hotel meal will seem like a real luxury—what?" -breathed Hal.</p> - -<p>"I wonder if it's ready?" murmured Noll.</p> - -<p>"We'll find out."</p> - -<p>The dining room was open. After going to -the wash room, and making themselves as presentable -as possible, the two young soldiers -stepped into the dining room, the head waiter -showing them to seats.</p> - -<p>"There's the lieutenant over there at another -table," whispered Noll.</p> - -<p>"I guess he's as glad as we are to have a -civilized meal again. But has it struck you, -Noll, that the government does things in pretty -good shape when it pays for putting up two -private soldiers at a fine hotel like this?"</p> - -<p>What neither soldier boy suspected was that -Lieutenant Prescott was paying the bill for them -out of his own pocket—this as a silent remembrance -of their work in bringing victory to B -Company.</p> - -<p>By the time that the meal was nearly over the -soldier boys observed that a man who looked as -if he might be a native of Mason City had seated -himself at the same table with Lieutenant Prescott,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> -and was engaged in earnest, low-voiced -conversation with that young officer.</p> - -<p>Soon after a waiter came to the table where -Hal and Noll sat.</p> - -<p>"The lieutenant wants to speak with you as -soon as you have finished," announced the -waiter. "Don't go to him until you're through -eating, though."</p> - -<p>Noll finished his last few bites of dessert, Hal -his coffee. Then both young men rose, quietly -crossing the dining room. The soldier boys, as -they moved with erect carriage and easy motion, -were full of a soldierly grace of appearance that -they did not begin to suspect.</p> - -<p>Nor did they imagine that strangers in the -hotel dining room were paying any heed to them -until they heard a man's voice say approvingly:</p> - -<p>"Regulars."</p> - -<p>"Yes; they're the real thing," agreed another -male voice. "You'll know a regular wherever -you see one. The men of the regular Army -can't be beat."</p> - -<p>"You sent for us, sir?" asked Hal, pausing -beside the lieutenant's table and saluting.</p> - -<p>"Yes," nodded Prescott. "Follow me from -the dining room. I have something to say to -you."</p> - -<p>Prescott and the stranger passed out ahead. -Hal and Noll kept in their wake, about fifteen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> -feet to the rear. Lieutenant Prescott and the -stranger entered an elevator, the soldier boys following. -The young officer led the way to his room.</p> - -<p>"Now, then," resumed Prescott, wheeling -about on the soldier boys, "I have had a very -peculiar request made to me to-night—by this -gentleman."</p> - -<p>The stranger nodded.</p> - -<p>"Mason City," continued the lieutenant, "is -usually a very orderly place. There are only -two policemen here—a night and a day officer. -Besides, there is one peace officer—Deputy -Sheriff Coates. Now, it happens that Coates is -ill in bed, and his physician absolutely forbids -him to leave his bed inside of a week."</p> - -<p>"That's right," nodded the stranger.</p> - -<p>"And the policemen are needed on the street. -Besides, I am informed that the two local policemen -are neither of them quite the sort of -men who are fitted for some work that has come -up."</p> - -<p>"Also quite right," nodded the stranger.</p> - -<p>"Therefore," went on the young lieutenant, -"Deputy Sheriff Coates, hearing that soldiers -are in town, has sent to me asking my help in -arresting one of the most dangerous characters -at present at liberty anywhere in the United -States. Now, if I am to undertake this work,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> -I must have assistance. The question comes, -men——"</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Prescott paused, scrutinizing -keenly the faces of the soldier boys.</p> - -<p>"Are you men ready to aid me in arresting -this desperate character, who is as deadly as a -rattler, and always ready to turn himself loose -with a pair of guns?"</p> - -<p>"I am very sorry, sir," replied Hal, saluting, -"that the lieutenant should feel it at all necessary -to ask the question."</p> - -<p>"I am obliged to ask you," answered Prescott, -"and also to inform you that you are both -at liberty to refuse, for this is not legally the -duty of a soldier under the circumstances. You -may refuse without subjecting yourselves to -criticism."</p> - -<p>"But we have no thought of refusing, sir," -Hal answered, not even considering it necessary -to glance at his bunkie. "We'll follow the lieutenant -anywhere, and do anything that he directs."</p> - -<p>"But, my men, you and I may all three of us -be killed in this enterprise."</p> - -<p>"Fearful, sir!" replied Noll half dryly. "Yet -I've always supposed it part of a soldier's duty -to be killed at need."</p> - -<p>"In the discharge of military duties, yes," -agreed Lieutenant Prescott. "But this is not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> -military duty in any sense. If you go into it -you must understand that you are acting voluntarily, -to aid the civil authorities of this state -and county."</p> - -<p>"May I ask a question, sir?"—from Hal.</p> - -<p>"Certainly," replied the young officer.</p> - -<p>"You are proposing to risk your life, aren't -you, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Then we'll take the same risk, sir. We don't -need to ask anything more. Lead us where -you wish, and into what you please, sir."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, men," acknowledged Lieutenant -Prescott heartily. Then, turning to the -stranger, he added:</p> - -<p>"I told you I didn't think I was mistaken in -these men."</p> - -<p>"You certainly are not," agreed the stranger.</p> - -<p>"Now, for the next step, I must wire the regimental -commander, Colonel North, asking his -permission that these men and myself engage -in the enterprise. I anticipate the colonel's consent. -Therefore, as soon as I have sent the -telegram, sir, you may lead us to the house of -Coates."</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Prescott then left the room.</p> - -<p>"I suppose you boys wonder who I am?" -smiled the stranger.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir," Hal replied quietly. -"When the lieutenant wants us to know he'll<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> -tell us. No offense intended, sir."</p> - -<p>"Nor any taken," replied the stranger, with -a laugh. "You regulars surely do go along, -just sticking to orders, and not caring for anything -outside of orders."</p> - -<p>Second Lieutenant Prescott soon returned to -the room.</p> - -<p>"I've sent my wire, Mr. Dent. Now we are -at your disposal. Lead the way, sir."</p> - -<p>As the soldier boys followed their officer, a -dozen feet to the rear, from the hotel, they certainly -felt far more curiosity than they would -have admitted to any one else.</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII<br /> - -<small>THE APPOINTMENT WITH SUPREME DANGER</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap"><span class="dropcap2">"</span>Y</span>OU think you can manage it?" asked -Deputy Sheriff Coates anxiously, after -a long talk by the side of the sick -bed.</p> - -<p>"I am sure we can," nodded Lieutenant Richard -Prescott cheerily.</p> - -<p>"I hate to ask such favor of you," went on -Coates in a tone of real regret. "But Jack -Blick simply has to be arrested, and there -doesn't seem any other way."</p> - -<p>"Don't worry any more about it, Mr. Coates," -urged the young lieutenant.</p> - -<p>It seemed odd to see one as young as Prescott -using this soothing tone to the weather-tanned, -middle-aged peace officer who, for a score of -years, had been known as a terror to evil-doers. -But Coates was flat on his back now, and there -was a man to be captured who was known as -one of the most dangerous men in the country.</p> - -<p>During the conversation Hal and Noll had -remained seated at some distance from the bed. -The soldier boys had listened, but had said nothing. -Nor had Dent, who turned out to be the -local postmaster, said much, either.</p> - -<p>"Blick is just waiting for a letter that holds -money to take him somewhere else," Coates continued,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> -plucking at the bed clothes. "If he gets -that letter in the morning, he'll be out of sight -and away before I can get help here. As I've -told you, the stage comes here only twice a week, -and it is out of the question to get real help -through in case Blick makes his last trip to the -post office to-morrow morning. If he gets a -letter then, and finds the expected funds in it, -it's my belief that he'll be on his way among -the hills five minutes afterwards. That is, of -course, Lieutenant, if you're not there to stop -him."</p> - -<p>"If he appears and is recognized, we'll stop -him," smiled Lieutenant Prescott with the confidence -of a trained man who cannot admit defeat.</p> - -<p>"But be mighty sure you get the drop on -Jack Blick, Lieutenant. If you soldiers make -the slightest blunder after Blick knows you're -there for him, he'll drill all three of you. If -you once let Blick get a gun out of his pocket -then one or two of you will die—sure. The fellow -is as quick as lightning, and he always shoots -to kill at the first shot!"</p> - -<p>"I have heard of that kind of man before," -replied Mr. Prescott composedly.</p> - -<p>"Don't you doubt that they exist, either, Lieutenant," -warned the deputy sheriff earnestly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> -"Don't forget, either, that Jack Blick is the most -dangerous man of that type."</p> - -<p>"What a pity you don't know where Blick -is staying," sighed Lieutenant Prescott regretfully. -"It would be much more to my liking to -turn him out of bed in the middle of the night."</p> - -<p>"None of us have been able to find the least -trace of his stopping place," put in Postmaster -Dent. "Not that we haven't tried. Wherever -Blick's hiding place is, it's a secure one."</p> - -<p>The plans for the attempt at capture were then -made and fully discussed until every one present -understood fully.</p> - -<p>Jack Blick, "wanted" for two killings and -half a dozen train and stage holds-ups, was here -in Mason City in disguise. He had always been -smooth faced, but now he wore a heavy beard. -He had made other alterations in his appearance. -At the post office he inquired for letters -for Arthur Dade. As a part of his disguise -Blick pretended to be a consumptive, and on even -rather warm days, he appeared in a light top-coat. -This was the information that Coates gave -Lieutenant Prescott.</p> - -<p>"That's so he can carry revolvers in either -side pocket; don't forget that," urged the -deputy sheriff. "Watch Blick's hands when he -takes 'em out of his pockets."</p> - -<p>Blick's identity had been learned from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> -police of San Francisco. In that latter city -Blick's sister lived. It was believed that she -might correspond with her brother, and so the -police of San Francisco had arranged with the -local post office people for a chance to inspect -the address of every letter that Juliette Blick -mailed. These addresses had been run down, -and the one at Mason City had proved to be -the correct one for her brother.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid you have tired yourself out, -Mr. Coates," suggested Prescott, rising. "As -we now know all that can help us, I propose -to leave after sending your nurse in to you."</p> - -<p>"My nurse?" cried the deputy, almost resentfully. -"Me, under a nurse's care, when there's -a job at hand like catching Jack Blick!"</p> - -<p>"We'll do our very best, sir, to take your -place," promised Lieutenant Prescott. Then -a new thought coming to him, he added:</p> - -<p>"I think, Mr. Coates, perhaps we had better -wait until Mr. Dent goes down to the Mason -House to see whether there is an answer to the -telegram I sent Colonel North. I may have to -see you again, just for a moment."</p> - -<p>Once outside the sick room, the three soldiers -stepped into the little parlor of the house.</p> - -<p>"As postmaster, Mr. Dent, you are well -enough known to have no difficulty in getting -the hotel people to hand you any message that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> -may have come for me."</p> - -<p>Then Mr. Dent left them.</p> - -<p>"Seat yourselves, men," urged Lieutenant -Prescott, himself dropping into a chair. "Now, -I think that, with three of us, we're going to -have a rather easy time to-morrow if Blick really -shows up at the post office. Of course, now that -we've undertaken this thing, we simply can't -allow ourselves to make any flukes."</p> - -<p>"As I understand it, sir," smiled Hal Overton, -"any mistakes that any of us make will -form the basis of the undertaker's bill to our -families at home."</p> - -<p>"That's the best possible way of stating the -case," laughed the young lieutenant lightly. -"Just for the sake of being able to remain in -the good old service we've got to avoid making -any bad breaks while Blick is at hand."</p> - -<p>Thirty minutes went by ere the postmaster -of Mason City returned.</p> - -<p>"Had to wait. Message just came. I brought -it at once," explained Dent, whose breathing -showed that he had hurried.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Prescott took the little yellow envelope, -breaking it open.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me for reading it," he said.</p> - -<p>Then a smile broke over his features.</p> - -<p>"It's O. K.," he announced, dropping the paper -to his lap. Then he picked it up again,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> -saying:</p> - -<p>"Listen!"</p> - -<p>This was the dispatch that he read, addressed -to himself and signed by Colonel North:</p> - -<p>"Permission granted to yourself and Privates -Overton and Terry to make arrest if possible, -but only after all three have been legally -sworn in as special deputy sheriffs of the county. -Obey and submit to the civil authorities in every -way."</p> - -<p>"Hurrah!" Hal could not restrain himself -from saying.</p> - -<p>"What a bully old colonel commands 'Ours,'" -breathed Noll Terry.</p> - -<p>"Ours" is the term given his regiment by -every soldier, whether officer or enlisted man.</p> - -<p>"I'm glad to see, men, that you're pleased. -Now, as I thought might be possible when leaving -Mr. Coates, we shall have to see him again -for just a moment."</p> - -<p>"To be sworn in as special deputies?" inquired -Postmaster Dent.</p> - -<p>"Exactly," nodded Lieutenant Prescott.</p> - -<p>They were soon again at the sick man's bedside, -the young officer explaining their errand.</p> - -<p>"Hold up your hands, all three of you," directed -Deputy Coates.</p> - -<p>Then and there he swore them in formally -as special deputy sheriffs in the service of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> -county.</p> - -<p>"Dent, go to the third drawer in that cabinet -and take out three badges, will you?" asked Mr. -Coates.</p> - -<p>"These badges will be in the best place if -we pin them to our flannel shirts, and then button -our blouses over them," suggested Prescott, -setting the example.</p> - -<p>"I'll go out ahead of you now," proposed the -postmaster. "Arrange to be in the little alley-way -back of the post office at half past six in -the morning."</p> - -<p>"Six thirty to the minute," Lieutenant Prescott -promised.</p> - -<p>Once outside, the lieutenant told the bunkies -to return to the hotel together. Then he left -them.</p> - -<p>Just on the dot of 6.30 the next morning Lieutenant -Prescott and his two soldier boys were -at the meeting place.</p> - -<p>Postmaster Dent was ahead of them, and -quickly admitted them through the rear door of -the post office building.</p> - -<p>"Now, we've just time to hurry into readiness," -whispered Dent, rubbing his hands. -"The office opens sharp at seven!"</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV<br /> - -<small>MEETING BLICK IN EARNEST</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap"><span class="dropcap2">"</span>A</span>NY mail for Sarah J. Campbell?"</p> - -<p>"I'll see, ma'am."</p> - -<p>"Be quick, boy. I'm in a dreadful -hurry."</p> - -<p>Noll turned away from the window to consult -a frame of boxes that were alphabetically -arranged.</p> - -<p>"Maria A. Bampole, did you say, ma'am?" -sounded young Terry's voice, his face just out -of sight.</p> - -<p>"No; I didn't," snapped the woman. "Sarah -J. Campbell, blockhead!"</p> - -<p>"'Scuse me, ma'am," returned Noll politely, -though heavily.</p> - -<p>The impatient woman could hear him slowly -sorting over letters.</p> - -<p>"Nothing for Blockhead," he announced -slowly, as though talking caused him pain.</p> - -<p>The woman threw up her hands in huge disgust.</p> - -<p>"Sarah J. Campbell!" she insisted snappishly.</p> - -<p>"Oh, 'scuse me, ma'am. I thought you said -Blockhead."</p> - -<p>"So I did, dunce, but I was calling you that!"</p> - -<p>"But, you see, ma'am," drawled Noll, exasperatingly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> -"I ain't looking for any mail."</p> - -<p>"Then you'd better!" warned the woman -angrily. "And look for Sarah J. Campbell. Be -lively about it, too."</p> - -<p>Noll ran through the letters and postcards in -Box C with provoking deliberation. Then he -announced, while the woman drummed impatiently -on the window ledge:</p> - -<p>"Here's a postal from the Mason City -Laundry, stating that your wash, this week, will -be delivered only on payment of your account."</p> - -<p>"Gimme that card," screamed Miss Campbell. -"I didn't ask you to read it, booby!"</p> - -<p>"And here's another, from Medella, dealer in -false hair at Denver, stating that your order will -be shipped on the second of next month, -and——"</p> - -<p>People waiting in the line behind began to -titter, while Miss Campbell's face turned scarlet.</p> - -<p>"Gimme my mail, stupid!" commanded Miss -Campbell irately. "And I'll complain to the postmaster -about your impudence."</p> - -<p>Noll Terry gazed at the woman with an expression -of sadly wounded innocence.</p> - -<p>"'Scuse me, marm, and please don't blab to -the P. M. This is my first day here. I'm new -and green, yes, marm, but I'm trying to be as -obliging as I can."</p> - -<p>"Humph!" muttered the woman. Gathering -her post cards, she fled.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span></p> - -<p>Lieutenant Prescott, holding one hand over -his mouth, used the other to beckon as soon as -he could catch Noll's eye.</p> - -<p>Noll went over to him, saluting, out of sight -of any one at the post office window.</p> - -<p>"Cut out some of this comedy, Terry," -begged the lieutenant in a whisper, "or I shall -laugh outright and betray myself."</p> - -<p>Noll once more saluted gravely, then returned -to his post at the general delivery window.</p> - -<p>All traces of the military had left Noll Terry's -appearance. His khaki uniform was hidden under -the jumper and overalls that Postmaster -Dent had loaned him. Even his erect carriage -had vanished. Noll now looked as though he -had been round-shouldered from the cradle. His -crisp speaking tone had given way to a drawl, -and his look was stupid.</p> - -<p>The three soldiers were alone in the general -delivery room, Noll the only one of them at any -time visible.</p> - -<p>Toward the front of the room was a door -opening out on the lobby of the post office. Behind -this stood Lieutenant Prescott in uniform, -but without his sword. Over the right hip -dangled a holster in which lay a service revolver, -ready for instant work.</p> - -<p>Further down the general delivery room, on -the other side of the window, was a door opening<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> -also into the lobby. Behind this Private Hal -Overton, also in uniform, was stationed. He, -too, wore a revolver in holster over his right -hip, for the bunkies, when sent into town as -orderlies, had been armed with revolvers, as -is the custom in the case of officers' orderlies -in the field.</p> - -<p>Noll's revolver lay on a little shelf out of -sight under the window ledge.</p> - -<p>Over two hours had dragged by. There could -be no telling, of course, at what time Blick would -appear, even if he came at all.</p> - -<p>It was not long ere Noll Terry forgot Lieutenant -Prescott's warning, and again started in -to have more fun with the people before the -window.</p> - -<p>This time, however, he took great pains not -to let the young lieutenant catch his eye.</p> - -<p>Then, of a sudden came a jolt that would have -made a less self-possessed young man topple -over.</p> - -<p>A mild-eyed man of forty took his place before -the window. Noll barely glanced at the -fellow until the latter inquired in a soft voice -that was almost effeminate:</p> - -<p>"Any mail for Arthur Dade?"</p> - -<p>But Private Terry never turned a hair.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> -<img src="images/illus149.jpg" width="400" height="614" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">Lieutenant Prescott and Private Overton Darted Into the -Fray.</p></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span><br /></p> - -<p>This man was bearded and surely must be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> -Jack Blick, he of the deadly habits.</p> - -<p>"What name did you say?" queried Noll -slowly.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Prescott and Hal Overton got out -their revolvers in a jiffy, each standing with -hand on the knob of a door.</p> - -<p>"Arthur Dade," repeated the mild-voiced one.</p> - -<p>"Bade?" blundered Noll purposely. "Will -you please spell it?"</p> - -<p>"D-a-d-e, Dade, Arthur Dade," said the man -before the window.</p> - -<p>"I'll see," nodded Noll coolly. He stepped -back, running through the letters in the D box. -There was a letter there, as Noll Terry knew -well enough. It had come in the mail that morning, -and was postmarked at San Francisco.</p> - -<p>Presently Noll came back into sight with the -letter, holding it out with his left hand, while, -with his right, he leaned over to replace the -other letters in D box.</p> - -<p>"Can you reach it?" invited Noll.</p> - -<p>The man who had given the name of Dade -made the effort to reach the letter, which was -just what Noll was trying to make him do. That -move would keep one of the desperate fellow's -hands away from his weapons for a second or -two.</p> - -<p>Two doors opened like a flash. Lieutenant -Prescott and Private Overton were darting on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> -tip-toe into the expected fray.</p> - -<p>"Blick, get your hands up—high! Get 'em -up quick, or take lead!" ordered Lieutenant -Prescott imperiously. "Don't try any tricks!"</p> - -<p>Reaching his man at a bound, the young Army -officer thrust his revolver squarely up against -the fellow's breast.</p> - -<p>"Great Scott, mister, don't shoot!" yelled the -stranger in a quavering voice.</p> - -<p>"Then up with your hands, Blick!"</p> - -<p>As though in terror the stranger had sprung -back two or three feet. This was done with the -quickness of a wildcat.</p> - -<p>As a part of the same movement the desperate -man threw up one foot in a clever kick.</p> - -<p>His heavy boot struck Lieutenant Prescott's -right wrist with fearful force, sending the pistol -flying and nearly breaking the young officer's -wrist.</p> - -<p>Private Hal Overton had started at the same -instant, but he had further to go.</p> - -<p>Blick's right hand dropped in a twinkling to -the right side pocket of his top-coat.</p> - -<p>Both hands now flashed into sight, each holding -a revolver.</p> - -<p>Coolly enough now, but with incredible swiftness, -the stranger aimed his left-hand weapon -at Lieutenant Prescott.</p> - -<p>At the same instant Soldier Hal leaped from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> -behind, wrapping both his arms around Blick's -neck and dragging him swiftly backward.</p> - -<p>Bang!</p> - -<p>The revolver was discharged, but the bullet, -owing to Blick's going over backward, struck a -wall.</p> - -<p>Surely Blick must have possessed all the -strength and ferocity of the mountain lion.</p> - -<p>Though Hal Overton thought he had his man -headed for a crashing fall to the floor, the fellow -managed to squirm out of that clutch as -though by magic.</p> - -<p>Then Soldier Hal found himself staring into -both muzzles of the desperate fellow's pistols.</p> - -<p>Hal knew it was time for him to shoot, but -found he was not as swift at the game as was -the justly dreaded Blick.</p> - -<p>Bang-bang! sounded two loud reports. Two -streams of fire flashed before Private Overton's -eyes.</p> - -<p>Two bullets all but grazed the soldier boy's -head on either side.</p> - -<p>He would have been killed instantly but for -Lieutenant Prescott.</p> - -<p>That young officer, afraid to fire for fear of -hitting his own man, had jumped into the fray -despite the fact that his right wrist was all -but useless.</p> - -<p>With one flashing movement Prescott had recovered -his revolver with his left hand.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was his sudden football tackle, learned on -the gridiron at West Point, that had seized Blick -and spoiled the latter's aim.</p> - -<p>Now, all three went down in an ugly clinch. -Officer and soldier were fighting to pin Blick's -arms to his side and thus render him helpless.</p> - -<p>Bang! bang!</p> - -<p>Bang! bang! bang!</p> - -<p>To Blick it was little concern whether he lived -or died. If he must go under in the fight he -intended at least to do all the mischief he could.</p> - -<p>So he fired, even while Prescott and Hal were -fighting desperately to pin his arms and spoil -his aim.</p> - -<p>Fortunately, none of these five bullets did any -harm.</p> - -<p>But the three locked together were fighting -like panthers.</p> - -<p>If Blick could but wriggle out of the clutch -long enough to get either hand free, he would -stand a very good chance to kill one or both -of his assailants.</p> - -<p>Neither the lieutenant or the soldier boy dared -fire in this scrambling clinch.</p> - -<p>Each feared to kill the other.</p> - -<p>Then Blick briefly got an arm free.</p> - -<p>Bang! bang!</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV<br /> - -<small>THE BATTLE OF THEIR LIVES</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">A</span>T the first sign of trouble the few people -in the post office lobby had devoted their -entire energies to getting away.</p> - -<p>Nor did any of the postal employés appear -to offer aid.</p> - -<p>They had little stomach for such a deadly affair -as this was certain to be.</p> - -<p>And Noll?</p> - -<p>At the first note of Prescott's voice, as the -lieutenant leaped at Blick, Private Terry had -dropped below the level of the window ledge.</p> - -<p>There his hand closed on his revolver.</p> - -<p>With this in hand, he bounded for the door -that the young Army officer had left open.</p> - -<p>But all this took time, and what was going -on in the post office lobby outside seemed to take -place in split seconds.</p> - -<p>Noll had just bounded out in sight of the -scramble for life as Blick fired the last two shots.</p> - -<p>Even as the wretch pressed the trigger, however, -Hal Overton took another quick grip on -the fellow's wrist.</p> - -<p>Thus was the soldier boy's life saved for the -instant.</p> - -<p>But the weapons that Blick carried were automatic -revolvers, each holding nine cartridges.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> -The scoundrel therefore held several lives in his -hands if he could only get a chance to free his -wrists sufficiently.</p> - -<p>Still the three fought, rolled and scrambled -across the floor.</p> - -<p>Now, Private Noll Terry was hovering over -the combatants.</p> - -<p>At first the strenuous trio moved with such -bewildering speed and were so hopelessly mixed -up that Noll actually wondered what he could -do.</p> - -<p>At last he saw his chance and tried for it.</p> - -<p>Whack!</p> - -<p>Clubbing his revolver, Soldier Noll brought -the butt of the weapon down with fearful force—on -some one's head.</p> - -<p>By sheer good luck it proved to be Blick's -head.</p> - -<p>Almost completely stunned, Blick rolled over -on his back, Lieutenant Prescott bearing down -on one of Blick's arms, while Hal Overton held -the other.</p> - -<p>Leaping around, Noll thrust the muzzle of -his own revolver into Blick's mouth.</p> - -<p>"Shall I pull the trigger, sir?" demanded -Noll coolly.</p> - -<p>"No," responded Lieutenant Prescott with -equal coolness. "I think we have the rascal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> -now."</p> - -<p>Jack Blick came back to consciousness to see -his weapons go spinning across the floor in -different directions.</p> - -<p>"Now, if he makes any further efforts at -trouble, Terry, just pull the trigger," directed -Lieutenant Prescott. "Blick, put your hands -in front of you, over your stomach."</p> - -<p>Sullenly the fellow obeyed. Lieutenant Prescott -snapped a pair of handcuffs over the fellow's -wrists.</p> - -<p>"Now, you'll keep without spoiling," predicted -the young Army officer, leaping to his -feet. "Pull him up, men."</p> - -<p>Though his right wrist was swelling, Prescott -employed that hand to thrust his revolver -back into the holster over his hip.</p> - -<p>Hal and Noll dragged Blick to his feet.</p> - -<p>Like a flash the scoundrel darted away from -them. No one had told the Army people that -Jack Blick was an expert at throwing off shackles. -But now Blick squeezed his wrists and -hands through the steel bracelets before his -would-be captors could realize it.</p> - -<p>As part of the same movement he raced to -where one of his revolvers lay.</p> - -<p>Stooping and picking it up, Blick wheeled like -a streak of light on his knees.</p> - -<p>But Soldier Hal had his own weapon up. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> -fired, coolly—for life.</p> - -<p>The bullet drilled through Blick's wrist, forcing -him to drop the revolver like hot iron.</p> - -<p>The fellow's left hand, however, picked up -the weapon.</p> - -<p>Bang!</p> - -<p>Once more Blick dropped his weapon, for Noll -Terry had fired, shattering the fellow's left fore-arm.</p> - -<p>Now, apparently, Jack Blick was out of the -fighting game.</p> - -<p>But Lieutenant Prescott, who had just -snatched his pistol from its holster, dashed forward, -holding the muzzle of his weapon almost -in the fellow's face.</p> - -<p>"Stop all nonsense, now, my man, or we'll -kill you without a word of parley," warned the -young officer in an even but deadly and convincing -tone of voice.</p> - -<p>Hal slipped a cord from his pocket, knotted -a noose, and dropped it over the fellow's head, -drawing the noose tight.</p> - -<p>"I think we can hold him this way, sir," Hal -suggested to the lieutenant.</p> - -<p>"Yes; get behind him, Overton. Let him walk -slowly, but don't stand for any bolt. You get -behind Blick, too, Terry, and hold your revolver -on his back. If he tries to bolt, or makes a -single hostile sign, shoot to kill. We're through<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> -with anything like nonsense."</p> - -<p>With his uninjured left hand Lieutenant Prescott -helped the prisoner to the floor.</p> - -<p>"Now march, my man," ordered the officer. -"Out into the street. Don't try to hurry, -either."</p> - -<p>Thus they proceeded to the street, Lieutenant -Prescott with drawn revolver in his left hand -keeping just behind the soldier boys, and with -ever an eye of watchfulness on the prisoner's -steps.</p> - -<p>Only six doors below stood the police station. -Thither they conducted Blick, and the solitary -day policeman of the little town, seeing the -crowd that had formed and followed, came rushing -to the scene.</p> - -<p>"Get a doctor first," Lieutenant Prescott ordered, -when they had Jack Blick safely inside -the station house.</p> - -<p>A physician was on hand inside of two minutes. -He washed and dressed the rascal's -wounds.</p> - -<p>Then a blacksmith was sent for, and others -brought portable forge and bellows. An "Oregon -boot" was shaped and riveted to Blick's -lower left leg, and a red-hot piece of iron welded -on over the rivets.</p> - -<p>This "Oregon boot" is a famous device in -some western states. It is simply an extremely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> -heavy cylinder of iron. The prisoner who wears -it can barely draw his left foot along. Running -would be out of the question. Nor, when -the blacksmith's job was done, could Blick, even -had he been provided with ordinary tools, have -succeeded in getting that "boot" off his leg in -less than four hours.</p> - -<p>The day policeman of Mason City, who was -also chief of the "force," swore in six armed -citizens as special policemen. They were to -watch the prisoner day and night until other -officers arrived to take him away to stand trial.</p> - -<p>"I guess you'll keep now, won't you, Blick?" -asked Lieutenant Prescott, smiling in at the -prisoner, who lay on a bench behind the barred -door of a cell, his guards just outside.</p> - -<p>"You think you got me, don't you?" jeered -Jack Blick harshly.</p> - -<p>"I think we did," the young Army officer -agreed, smilingly. "Have you any doubts, my -man?"</p> - -<p>"It took three of you to do it, and if there'd -been only two of you, I'd have gotten away," -snarled the desperado.</p> - -<p>"I'll admit that that is probably true," assented -Prescott, as smiling as ever. "Blick, -you're a nervy, deadly man. But fellows of your -class always ought to bear in mind that the -community is bigger than any one man can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> -possibly be. You're caged now, and you have -always been bound to be, sooner or later."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you feel pretty big now?" sneered -Jack Blick.</p> - -<p>"I can't say that I do," rejoined Lieutenant -Prescott coolly. "As nearly as I can judge, -I feel just about as big as I did yesterday, or -the day before. How about you, men?"</p> - -<p>"I know very well that I felt a lot bigger -the day I first stepped into the uniform than -I do now," laughed Soldier Hal.</p> - -<p>"I always feel largest on pay-day," smiled -Private Noll Terry. "And this is a long way -from pay-day."</p> - -<p>"I've got friends in this town. Friends of -my own kind," broke in Jack Blick harshly. -"Don't forget that."</p> - -<p>"Why?" queried Lieutenant Dick Prescott.</p> - -<p>"Because," snarled Blick, showing his teeth, -"you've been marked by my friends already. -You won't get out of town and back to camp -alive!"</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI<br /> - -<small>CAPTAIN CORTLAND "MAKES A SPEECH"</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap"><span class="dropcap2">"</span>Y</span>OU heard Blick's declaration, didn't -you?" questioned Lieutenant Prescott, -with a smile.</p> - -<p>He had halted on the sidewalk and was gazing -at his soldier boys.</p> - -<p>"That we wouldn't get out of town alive, -sir?" asked Hal Overton.</p> - -<p>"Yes. Well, men, we don't deserve to, either, -if we leave our comrades out in camp deprived -of fresh food much longer. It was Captain -Cortland's expectation that we would start back -by noon to-day, and now it's ten in the morning, -with four hours or more of real work ahead of -us, so we had better walk briskly to the market."</p> - -<p>An officer does not, except in rare instances -that call for it, walk with his men. He walks -either ahead or behind them. This is not because -of any contempt or lack of respect, even, for -the men; it is a rule of discipline and is followed -for discipline's sake.</p> - -<p>There was soon an abundance of hard work -to be done. Liberal supplies of fresh meat were -bought, and a considerable variety of groceries -and fresh and canned vegetables, for Uncle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> -Sam's soldiers live well.</p> - -<p>Hal and Noll soon discovered that they had -not been brought along as ornaments. They had -their hands full of work.</p> - -<p>Then, at last, Lieutenant Prescott sent Hal -as messenger to summon the drivers to bring -the wagons over to pick up the supplies.</p> - -<p>Hard as all hands worked, it was well after -one o'clock when the heavily laden wagons were -finally gotten into shape and headed out of -town.</p> - -<p>"Overton?" called the lieutenant, just before -the start.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," Hal saluted.</p> - -<p>"Have you seen any assassins lurking about?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir."</p> - -<p>Brief as his reply was, Hal stared at the -young officer in some astonishment.</p> - -<p>"Have you seen any assassins dogging our -tracks, Terry?" was Lieutenant Prescott's next -question.</p> - -<p>"No, sir," came from saluting Noll.</p> - -<p>Then, continued the lieutenant, still speaking -gravely, "I think that this small United -States force may presume to start on its way. -Of course, we may run into an ambush within -the next thirteen minutes, but that would be a -mean trick to play on a military party."</p> - -<p>Though the young officer spoke with all gravity<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> -the soldier boys realized that he was wholly -in jest. Reinforced now by the soldier drivers, -who were also armed, this little party of trained -men could put up a very ugly point at the first -sign of need.</p> - -<p>"And Prescott is just the sort of officer who'll -always know how to lead men in a scrap," Hal -thought admiringly.</p> - -<p>"Shall we take our seats on one of the wagons, -sir?" questioned Private Noll Terry.</p> - -<p>"No; the wagons are too heavily laden as it -is, and we've a rough road ahead. You'll march -on foot. Take the road just ahead of the -wagon train, but do not march under any restraint -whatever. Walk just as much at ease -as you can."</p> - -<p>"Very good, sir."</p> - -<p>Both soldier boys saluted and stepped ahead. -The wagons followed at once. The first time -that Hal and Noll glanced backward they saw -that Lieutenant Prescott was also on foot, walking -beside the second wagon.</p> - -<p>"I don't believe Lieutenant Prescott ever -gives an order that he wouldn't want to follow -himself," murmured Hal.</p> - -<p>"He's the real thing in the soldier line," -responded Noll.</p> - -<p>"I imagine that that other new West Pointer, -Holmes, is just as fine a soldier and officer,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> -Hal continued.</p> - -<p>"Very likely," admitted Noll. "I hear that -they both came from the same home town, and -that Prescott and Holmes were chums even years -before they went to West Point."</p> - -<p>To healthy young soldiers the walk, though -over rough roads for most of the way, was no -hardship. The wagon train reached camp later -in the afternoon, just as the hard-working regulars -in camp were coming back from drill in -constructing trenches with revetments. These -revetments are frames of one kind of wood or -another, so built into the trench as to increase -its stability greatly.</p> - -<p>"You found that your task took longer than -you expected, didn't you, Mr. Prescott?" was -Captain Cortland's greeting when the young -officer, saluting, came over to report.</p> - -<p>"We would have gotten through much earlier, -captain, but some of our time was taken up -otherwise."</p> - -<p>"How was that?"</p> - -<p>"We accomplished an arrest for the county, at -the request of the local deputy sheriff, sir."</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland frowned slightly.</p> - -<p>"Ordinarily, Mr. Prescott, that is no part of -a soldier's business. But I feel certain that you -must have had excellent reasons for acting before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> -you had explained to me the circumstances -in the matter?"</p> - -<p>"Under the circumstances, sir, as I had the -use of the telegraph, I found it much easier to -communicate with Colonel North at Fort -Clowdry."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you did that, Mr. Prescott?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. I trust that was not the wrong -course to take. I wanted to save time, and so -used the wire straight to regimental headquarters."</p> - -<p>"That was perfectly proper, Mr. Prescott," -nodded Captain Cortland. "So you had Colonel -North's permission to aid the county authorities?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; on condition that we acted as volunteer -county peace officers, and not as soldiers. -I have preserved Colonel North's dispatch, sir. -Here it is."</p> - -<p>"Come over to the tent, Mr. Prescott. I am -anxious to hear about the whole affair."</p> - -<p>As Captain Cortland listened to the young -officer's narration of what had taken place, he -opened his eyes a bit wider.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Prescott, Overton and Terry seem, in -every way, to be proving themselves exceptionally -fine young soldiers."</p> - -<p>"They are all of that, sir," assented Lieutenant -Prescott warmly.</p> - -<p>"Sergeant Gray!" called the captain, thrusting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> -his head outside the tent.</p> - -<p>B Company's first sergeant stepped over, saluting.</p> - -<p>"Sergeant, direct Overton and Terry to report -here at once."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>Privates Hal and Noll appeared before the -door of the tent, saluting respectfully.</p> - -<p>"Come in, men," directed the captain, and -the soldier boys entered the tent, standing at -attention.</p> - -<p>"Men, Lieutenant Prescott has just been telling -me about the arrest in town. He speaks -most highly of the conduct of both of you this -morning."</p> - -<p>Since this called for no reply, the two soldier -boys merely continued to stand at attention.</p> - -<p>"Now, I'm not going to commend you for the -courage you displayed," went on B Company's -captain. "It is a soldier's business to be brave, -and he should never be commended for anything -less than the most distinguished bravery. But -what I am going to commend both of you for is -in the way of qualities that not all soldiers show -as successfully. The first is prompt obedience, -and the second is good judgment under conditions -of great danger and requiring the swiftest -action. I do not know, men, that I can make -my commendation duly emphatic in any other -way than by telling you that I am fully satisfied<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> -with both of you as soldiers of real merit, -and that Lieutenant Prescott's report strengthens -my conviction. That is all. You may go."</p> - -<p>Again Hal and Noll saluted, then wheeled and -stepped from the tent.</p> - -<p>"That's a good deal better than a speech, isn't -it?" murmured Noll when the bunkies were -some distance from the officers' tent.</p> - -<p>"Why, as coming from a captain, in praise of -his men, that was really a speech, wasn't it?" -asked Hal.</p> - -<p>As neither of the young bunkies told the story -in camp, it got out only through the partial accounts -of the wagon drivers, who were able to -give only garbled and not at all accurate descriptions -of the exciting business of the morning.</p> - -<p>"I hear you kids have been in the hero business," -grinned Private Hyman, coming over to -the chums.</p> - -<p>"You're a friend of ours, Hyman, aren't -you?" asked Private Overton, flushing.</p> - -<p>"I surely consider myself one," replied Hyman.</p> - -<p>"Will you do us a great favor?"</p> - -<p>"You know I will, if I can."</p> - -<p>"Then drop the hero business and forget all -about it," begged Hal.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I reckon I like you better for that," nodded -Hyman. "Lovely weather we're having, isn't -it?"</p> - -<p>"Lovely air this afternoon," laughed Noll, -sniffing. "Just smell the odors coming from the -Army stoves."</p> - -<p>"Now you're talking about your own exploits," -teased Hyman. "You were on the detail -that went in after the fresh grub that's -going to make two hundred men, more or less, -extremely happy to-night."</p> - -<p>"Attention, B Company!" called out Lieutenant -Prescott, stepping in among the groups -of resting soldiers. "I am directed by Captain -Cortland to state that, immediately after supper -to-night, twenty men of B Company may -have leave to visit Mason City. But they will -be required to be back here punctually at ten -o'clock to-morrow morning. Men who wish to -avail themselves of the proffered leave will see -Sergeant Gray without delay."</p> - -<p>"Going in, Hyman?" asked Hal, as that soldier -turned to walk away.</p> - -<p>"If I'm fortunate enough to get leave," nodded -Hyman. "There are several things I want -to do in town."</p> - -<p>The supper that night was as perfect and as -hearty as the resources of camp permitted. -Some of the soldiers ate so heartily that they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> -were presently content to lie about camp for -the evening, and were glad they had not applied -for town leave.</p> - -<p>Captain Freeman had allowed the same number -of his men town leave.</p> - -<p>Just before dark forty United States doughboys -started down the trail, bent on pleasure -and sight-seeing.</p> - -<p>Being on leave, none of these men were allowed -to carry their arms with them. Nothing, -for that matter, could be much more awkward -to a soldier than his rifle when on leave to visit -town.</p> - -<p>"Be careful, men, that none of you overstay -your leave," Lieutenant Hampton called warningly, -as the town party started down the trail.</p> - -<p>"We won't, sir," came the chorused answer.</p> - -<p>This is always the promise of men on leave. -Sometimes, in the excitement of pleasures, the -promise is forgotten, or ignored, and then -trouble is sure to follow.</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII<br /> - -<small>ROUNDING UP THE MISSING LEAVE MEN</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">C</span>AMP police, which means the care and -tidying of camp, and the carrying out -of hygienic precautions, occupied the soldiers -in camp most of the time between breakfast -and nine o'clock.</p> - -<p>Then the toilers were dismissed for rest.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Hampton," called Captain Cortland, -"you may notify Sergeant Gray that assembly -will sound at 10.15. Just before that, at 10.10, -roll-call of the men on town leave will take -place."</p> - -<p>Some minutes before ten o'clock a lot of the -men of both companies began to straggle in.</p> - -<p>"There will be some of the boys who won't -be here on time, though," Private Hyman confided -to Hal.</p> - -<p>"A soldier who gets leave and doesn't respect -it is either a fool or too mean a shirker -to be in the service," Hal returned.</p> - -<p>"That's what I tried to tell some of the fellows -in town," laughed Hyman lightly. "You -ought to have heard them thank me! But, oh, -what's the use? A fellow who is going to make -a good soldier of himself always does the nearest -he can to right, and the other kind seldom<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> -get back on a second enlistment, anyway."</p> - -<p>A few minutes later Sergeant Gray's voice -could be heard calling:</p> - -<p>"B Company men returned from town leave -fall in here for roll-call."</p> - -<p>Further down the camp, C Company's first -sergeant could be heard giving the same summons.</p> - -<p>Instead of twenty men, only fourteen of B's -fell in.</p> - -<p>Sergeant Gray looked them over with disgust -written on his fine, bronzed, soldiery old face, -for Gray had served twenty-four years with the -colors.</p> - -<p>Then he began to call the roll.</p> - -<p>"Dismissed," he announced as soon as he had -finished reading.</p> - -<p>Turning on his heel, a look of deep concern -on his face, Sergeant Gray reported to Captain -Cortland.</p> - -<p>"Well, Sergeant?"</p> - -<p>"Six men absent from roll-call, sir."</p> - -<p>"Who are the six men?"</p> - -<p>"Burt, Coy, Dowley, Hooper, Landers and -Corporal Minturn, sir."</p> - -<p>"Direct Sergeant Hupner to report to me at -once."</p> - -<p>"Very good, sir."</p> - -<p>Sergeant Hupner came up at a brisk stride,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> -saluting.</p> - -<p>"Sergeant," continued Captain Cortland, "I -am very sorry to say that six of B Company's -men have violated their pledge and have not -returned from leave. Doubtless all of them are -in Mason City at this moment."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Take a detail of six men, reporting their -names to Sergeant Gray, and start with as little -delay as possible for Mason City."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. May I ask a question?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly."</p> - -<p>"If I should meet any of the missing men on -their way back here shall I place them under -arrest?"</p> - -<p>"If you find them at a greater distance than -one hundred yards of this camp, Sergeant, put -them in arrest and take them into Mason City -and back again with you."</p> - -<p>"Very good, sir."</p> - -<p>"And don't allow any man to have any amusement -whatever in Mason City after you arrest -him."</p> - -<p>"Very good, sir."</p> - -<p>"Lack of punctuality is a very serious military -offense, Sergeant. I shall do all that is -possible to stamp it out in B Company."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"That is all, Sergeant. You do not need any -further instructions, for you are an old soldier<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> -and can be depended upon."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> - -<p>"Sergeant Gray will give you the names of -the delinquents."</p> - -<p>"Very good, sir."</p> - -<p>With a final salute Sergeant Hupner turned -and strode away. If his gait were any indication, -Hupner meant to capture every one of the -delinquents with the least possible loss of time.</p> - -<p>"You want another trip to Mason City, Overton?" -queried Hupner, halting before the soldier -boy.</p> - -<p>"Not for fun," replied Hal, "but I'll go there, -or anywhere else on earth, on a matter of duty."</p> - -<p>"You're my man," nodded Hupner. "You, -too, Terry. Hyman, I guess you may have an -idea where some of the delinquents are holding -forth in Mason City?"</p> - -<p>"I guess I know," nodded Private Hyman, -"though not from associating with any of -them."</p> - -<p>Three other men were quickly detailed. While -the men of this detachment were arming themselves, -Hupner hastened to Sergeant Gray for -a list of the delinquents.</p> - -<p>"Fall in. By twos right, march!"</p> - -<p>Hupner led his detachment from camp, and -was nearly a hundred yards on his way when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> -the bugler blew the call for assembly.</p> - -<p>A military commander, even a corporal or -sergeant, is expected to get his command in -action with the loss of not even seconds.</p> - -<p>And a very business-like looking little force -this was. Not a man carried a rifle. Instead, -each man had drawn a revolver, which now -dangled in holster from his belt. Each soldier -also wore at the belt a pair of handcuffs, though -these would be used only on troublesome prisoners.</p> - -<p>"Squad halt!"</p> - -<p>The marching men were about a mile out of -Mason City when this command came.</p> - -<p>Sergeant Hupner, in the lead, had caught a -glimpse of a sight that was soon after revealed -to the halted men.</p> - -<p>Around a bend in the road, beside a jutting -piece of higher ground, lurched an unsteady -figure.</p> - -<p>That figure, moreover, was clothed in the uniform -of the United States Regular Army, but -now the uniform was badly soiled and battered.</p> - -<p>"Where are you going, Coy?" sharply demanded -Sergeant Hupner.</p> - -<p>The youth—he was barely more than twenty-one, -halted unsteadily, blinking at Sergeant -Hupner as though he were not sure whether he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> -saw one, two or three sergeants.</p> - -<p>"Where are you going?" sternly repeated -Sergeant Hupner.</p> - -<p>"Thash all (hic) right, Sarge," replied Private -Coy thickly.</p> - -<p>He seemed in danger of losing his balance -as he stood there blinking.</p> - -<p>"It's all wrong," snapped out Hupner -crisply. "Answer me. Where do you think -you are going?"</p> - -<p>"Back to (hic) camp, Sarge."</p> - -<p>"You're a disgrace to the uniform," rapped -out the sergeant. "You a soldier! You're not -even fit to be an anarchist! You miserable, -drunken disgrace to the uniform!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, thash all (hic) ri', Sarge. Had bully -time. Now'm going back to camp."</p> - -<p>"What you need is company, then," returned -Sergeant Hupner grimly. "Adams, fall out and -go back with him. If Coy gets too drowsy to -navigate you can wait here on the trail for us. -If he gets quarrelsome then put the bracelets -on him."</p> - -<p>"Don' (hic) need no brashlets," asserted Private -Coy with great gravity. "I'm all ri'. Gentleman, -I am."</p> - -<p>"Come along," ordered Private Adams, -though he spoke gently, as he took the unfortunate -lad's arm. "They're waiting for you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> -now in camp."</p> - -<p>Sergeant Hupner stood there in the trail, gazing -after Coy with a look of mingled contempt -and pity on his face.</p> - -<p>"Thank heaven the good mother who reared -that weak piece of flesh isn't here to drop tears -over him now," muttered the sergeant. "Forward, -route step, march!"</p> - -<p>People on the streets in Mason City gazed -curiously when they saw the little detachment -march in. Many of these people, when they -saw the revolvers and handcuffs at the soldiers' -belts, were able to make a good guess at Hupner's -mission.</p> - -<p>So did several of the loafers of the town, who -make a business of guiding prospective victims -to saloons and other disorderly places.</p> - -<p>Some of these members of the scum of the -town promptly slipped away to give warning in -the places where they believed or knew some of -the delinquent soldiers might be found at that -moment.</p> - -<p>At the head of the main street of the town -Sergeant Hupner halted his command.</p> - -<p>"Overton and Terry, fall out," commanded -Sergeant Hupner. "You men will start right -here, one on either side of the street, and visit -in turn each saloon on the street. You will also -look into any private rooms that you may find<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> -connected with these saloons. If you find any -of the missing men you will bring them out -into the street. Hyman, fall out. You will remain -in the street to receive and hold any prisoners -that Overton or Terry may bring to you. -Men, you are armed, but you will remember -that you are to use your weapons only in case -of dire necessity. Yet, at any hazard, you will -arrest and hold any man of B Company that -you find."</p> - -<p>"Shall we arrest any of C Company's men -that we may find?" inquired Hal.</p> - -<p>"You won't find any," replied Sergeant Hupner. -"All of C's town-leave men were back on -time. It's B that takes all the disgrace this -time."</p> - -<p>For this important duty Sergeant Hupner had -chosen Hal and Noll, because he knew they -could be depended upon to enter saloons without -being tempted to buy any of the vile wares exposed -there for sale.</p> - -<p>Moreover, they were both so staunch in their -principles that they could enter such places—on -duty—without being degraded thereby.</p> - -<p>But, though both soldier boys searched saloon -after saloon, they did not seem destined to find -any of the delinquents. Private Hyman was -standing out in the street, with nothing to do.</p> - -<p>"Some one must have spread the alarm,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> -thought Private Overton. "Or else the men are -really not in any of these vile places. I hope the -last guess is the true one."</p> - -<p>At last Soldier Hal came to the last resort of -the kind on his side of the street.</p> - -<p>As he started to push open the door of this -place a big, broad-shouldered, red-faced man -stepped into the doorway.</p> - -<p>"Nothing doing here, soldier kid," leered the -fellow.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, but I didn't ask you," was Hal's -quick retort.</p> - -<p>"Clear out! Hear? You can't come in here, -I told you."</p> - -<p>"You're dealing with the United States Army -now, my man," Hal retorted coolly. "Out of -my way, if you please. I'm going inside."</p> - -<p>"No, you're not."</p> - -<p>"Out of my way was what I said."</p> - -<p>"An' I said——"</p> - -<p>The red-faced man didn't finish.</p> - -<p>Private Hal Overton had drawn his service -revolver from its holster without the loss of another -instant.</p> - -<p>It rested now with its muzzle poking against -the big fellow's belt line.</p> - -<p>Gasping, he looked into the clear, cool eyes -of the young soldier boy.</p> - -<p>Then, with an oath, the bully sprang aside,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> -and Hal stepped inside as though no interruption -had occurred, at the same time slipping his -weapon back into its holster.</p> - -<p>The man who had stopped him was not, sometimes, -much afraid of revolvers. But he had -seen something in the glint of Private Overton's -eyes which had made him realize that the young -soldier would not tolerate any nonsense whatever.</p> - -<p>As Hal stepped inside the place his gaze swept -around through the fog of the smoke-laden atmosphere.</p> - -<p>It was a saloon of the worst description, as -was amply testified by the appearance of the -rough-looking customers there.</p> - -<p>Overton was the only man in sight who wore -the United States uniform.</p> - -<p>However, the soldier boy walked down the -length of the room, for it was within the range -of possibilities that a soldier starting in on a -carouse might first exchange his uniform for -a suit of civilian clothing.</p> - -<p>Not a face in the assemblage was that of a -B Company man.</p> - -<p>"The sneak!" Hal heard a voice say, and -knew that the epithet was applied to himself. -But he paid no heed.</p> - -<p>"Club him," advised another.</p> - -<p>"No wonder soldiers desert," growled still<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> -another sodden fellow, "when they send anything -like that, with a gun, after another soldier -that's out for a good time."</p> - -<p>To not one man in the place did the clean-cut -face, the evident manliness and fine soldierliness -of Private Overton appeal. Hal was not of -their kind, and these creatures could not appreciate -the higher kind of manhood in this -young soldier.</p> - -<p>"Ye may jest as well get out of here, kid -in brass buttons," jeered a voice behind the bar. -"None of yer crew are in here."</p> - -<p>But Hal had halted before a door at the end -of the room, his hand on the knob.</p> - -<p>"Here," yelled a voice, "don't you go in -there! That's my family's quarters. Private!"</p> - -<p>But Soldier Hal, without replying, pushed the -door open and stepped over the sill.</p> - -<p>He found himself in a short, narrow passage, -the only light coming from the room he had -just left.</p> - -<p>Beyond was another doorway. Hal stepped to -that and turned the knob.</p> - -<p>"Waiter!" hailed an impatient voice. "What -kept you so long?"</p> - -<p>Two other men laughed coarsely, but in an -instant the laughter had died out of their voices.</p> - -<p>Hal was in a room in the center of which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> -stood a table.</p> - -<p>Gathered around that table, in a dense blue -haze that ascended from burning tobacco, sat -Corporal Minturn and Privates Dowley and -Hooper.</p> - -<p>"Attention!" Private Overton rapped out -sharply. "You are all under arrest for over-staying -your leave!"</p> - -<p>"Forget it, and get outside as quick as you -can," growled Private Dowley.</p> - -<p>"You are all under arrest," Hal repeated -firmly.</p> - -<p>With an oath Dowley leaped up, retreated to -the far end of the room and picked up a club. -With this in his hand, he wheeled about, glaring -angrily.</p> - -<p>Corporal Minturn and Private Hooper were -also on their feet.</p> - -<p>"Get out of here, you little tin soldier!" -roared the corporal, who appeared to have imbibed -more than either of his companions.</p> - -<p>"Come, start, you kid gun-toter," insisted Bill -Hooper.</p> - -<p>"Stop your nonsense, men," Hal replied, gazing -at them steadily. "I have told you that you -are under arrest."</p> - -<p>"Floor him with that club, Dowley!" ordered -Hooper.</p> - -<p>"Won't I, though—just!" retorted Dowley,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> -adding an oath as he leaped forward.</p> - -<p>Soldier Hal knew that he had reckless men -to deal with, but that was no reason why he -should not do his full duty.</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII<br /> - -<small>DOWLEY EGGS ON A CATSPAW</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">D</span>OWLEY, as he sprang forward, found -the muzzle of Private Overton's revolver -uncomfortably close to him.</p> - -<p>"No nonsense," warned Hal. "I don't want -to hurt any one, but I'm here on duty."</p> - -<p>Dowley eyed the soldier boy viciously for an -instant, then, with another oath, leaped forward.</p> - -<p>Bang!</p> - -<p>Private Overton fired without a second's delay, -though he did not shoot to hit.</p> - -<p>Into the wood at the end of the room crashed -the bullet.</p> - -<p>But Dowley, who had not believed that the -"kid soldier" would dare fire, dropped to the -floor.</p> - -<p>"Get up," commanded Hal, eyeing him -closely.</p> - -<p>"I'll suit myself," snarled the man on the -floor.</p> - -<p>The firing had been plainly heard in the outer -room.</p> - -<p>Two or three of the weaker-nerved patrons -out there promptly made a break for the street. -None ventured into that inner room. Corporal -Minturn and his companions must now take care<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> -of themselves.</p> - -<p>But this, in their present ugly mood, they -seemed quite able to do.</p> - -<p>"Don't act like a fool, Dowley," rasped Hal -impatiently. "The detachment is strong enough -to take you back, man, and you'll have to go -back in irons if you attempt to stir up trouble. -Get up!"</p> - -<p>"Not to please you, though!" growled Dowley, -as he leaped to his feet.</p> - -<p>He still retained his grip on the bludgeon.</p> - -<p>"Drop that club," ordered Hal sternly.</p> - -<p>"You clear out!"</p> - -<p>"Drop that club!"</p> - -<p>"Make me."</p> - -<p>"You're determined to act foolishly, aren't -you?" demanded Hal with the ring of contempt -in his voice.</p> - -<p>"I'm bound to do as I please," leered Dowley -viciously.</p> - -<p>"You can't when you're in arrest," replied -Hal.</p> - -<p>"But I'm not in arrest."</p> - -<p>"I've already told you that you are," Hal -insisted coolly.</p> - -<p>"I don't take my facts from a kid like you," -sneered Dowley, edging closer.</p> - -<p>"Get back!" warned Soldier Hal.</p> - -<p>But Dowley, grasping the club tighter, made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> -a sudden lunge.</p> - -<p>Bang!</p> - -<p>Hal fired his second shot. Not even now did -he aim to hit. The bullet whizzed past Dowley's -left ear. But that fellow, who had seen the -quick pressure of Soldier Hal's finger on the -trigger, threw himself flat to the floor once -more, and this time the club rolled from his -hand.</p> - -<p>"I mean business, and it will be better for -all of you to understand it," Private Overton -announced. "Get up, Dowley, and you three -men form in single file. Corporal Minturn, you -take the lead."</p> - -<p>"I'll take it in another way," leered the corporal, -bending and snatching up the club. -"Hooper, you pin the kid's arms!"</p> - -<p>Hooper made a move on Hal's other side. -The soldier boy had to dodge to avoid being -seized.</p> - -<p>As he did so Dowley leaped up from the floor -to join in the attack from in front.</p> - -<p>Again Hal Overton raised his service revolver, -though with no more intention than before of -wounding any of the ugly trio.</p> - -<p>But Corporal Minturn, as his muddled brain -now figured it, had to strike in self-defense.</p> - -<p>Whack!</p> - -<p>It was a lusty blow, backed by venom and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> -muscle.</p> - -<p>Private Hal Overton simply crumpled up and -fell to the floor, motionless.</p> - -<p>"You sneaking dogs!" rang Private Hyman's -scornful voice from the doorway. "Get your -hands up now, all of you, or there'll be some -real war!"</p> - -<p>Backing Hyman, Noll Terry darted into the -room.</p> - -<p>Hal's first shot had not been heard, but Hyman's -quick ear had heard the second.</p> - -<p>Scenting trouble, in an instant Hyman had -summoned Private Terry, who just then appeared -on the street, and both had dashed into -this place.</p> - -<p>"Get your hands up, all of you, before I shoot -fast and hard to square matters for the kid!" -Hyman now insisted savagely.</p> - -<p>Noll got a glimpse of Hal lying on the floor, -and added savagely:</p> - -<p>"Oh, I'm just itching for an excuse to shoot!"</p> - -<p>There could be no doubt of the temper of these -newcomers. Danger partially sobered these -ugly ones. Up went their hands without further -delay.</p> - -<p>"Put your hands down, just one at a time," -continued Hyman. "Terry, you take Corporal -Minturn first and iron him."</p> - -<p>Click! Snap! Minturn was in no position<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> -to do further harm.</p> - -<p>It was Hooper's turn next. That big fellow -was utterly cowed and began to talk rather -whiningly.</p> - -<p>"Hold your tongue!" commanded Noll -angrily.</p> - -<p>Then he went over and ironed Dowley, who, -still sullen, was capable, while free, of becoming -suddenly more dangerous than either of his -companions.</p> - -<p>"I reckon Minturn fixed your bunkie for good, -anyway. I hope he did," Dowley ground out -between his closed teeth.</p> - -<p>"I'm sorry I've got the handcuffs on you," -flared Noll; "If your hands were free I'd enjoy -pounding you all over the floor!"</p> - -<p>"Take off the links, then, and try it," sneered -Dowley.</p> - -<p>"Hold your tongue, you dog!" barked Private -Hyman.</p> - -<p>"Oh, you're a brave man, when you've got the -other crowd in irons," spat out Dowley sneeringly.</p> - -<p>"I'm brave enough for you at any time," -taunted Hyman. "This was your job"—pointing -to prostrate, unconscious Hal—"but you -egged another man on to do it, you cowardly -cur!"</p> - -<p>"Is that so?" sneered Dowley.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well, you know best," retorted Hyman contemptuously.</p> - -<p>"You can watch 'em now for a minute," broke -in Noll. "I'm going to see if I can find Sergeant -Hupner. If I can't, I'm going to get the -first doctor I can."</p> - -<p>"You can get doctors to burn," replied Hyman. -"This is a sanitarium town, and the pickings -here are fat for the medicos."</p> - -<p>Noll ran through the larger room. The men -there turned to scowl at him, but Noll gave no -heed to any of them.</p> - -<p>Out in the street, at a little distance, he saw -Sergeant Hupner and the two remaining men of -the detachment coming along with two soldier -prisoners.</p> - -<p>Noll set up a shout. Hupner, espying him, -came on the run.</p> - -<p>"Have you found any of the others?" demanded -the sergeant.</p> - -<p>"We have all the other delinquents. But," -choked Noll, "I'm fearfully afraid that Minturn -has done for Hal Overton for good."</p> - -<p>"Where is Overton?" demanded the sergeant -swiftly.</p> - -<p>"In a private room at the rear, Sergeant," -Noll answered, pointing. "You can find the -way. I'm going to rustle for a doctor."</p> - -<p>"Good boy," nodded Hupner, and darted into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> -the evil place.</p> - -<p>Within three minutes Private Noll Terry entered -the place, followed by a keen-eyed young -physician.</p> - -<p>Hal still lay unconscious on the floor, a bad -gap showing across the top of his head, and a -red pool on the floor near him.</p> - -<p>Private Hyman was now kneeling beside the -young soldier, his eyes misty.</p> - -<p>"I'm glad you're here, Doctor," nodded Hyman, -speaking huskily as he rose. "I was just -going to try to do something myself, but was -afraid I might do the wrong thing."</p> - -<p>"I didn't know what I was doing," muttered -Corporal Minturn weakly. "I wasn't responsible."</p> - -<p>"Silence! Tell that to the court-martial," -broke in Sergeant Hupner in a tone of sheer -disgust. "Be quick, Doctor, won't you? And -if there is anything that we can do to help you, -speak."</p> - -<p>The young physician was now feeling the cut -on Hal's head, the skilled fingers glided easily -along the edges of the wound, pressing lightly -against the bones of the skull.</p> - -<p>"This couldn't well be much worse," announced -the physician, looking up. "But before -I do much, or make a thorough examination, I -want this soldier in bed. Have you a surgeon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> -at camp?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir," replied Sergeant Hupner.</p> - -<p>"Then I'll get out my automobile and take -the young man up in the car, after washing the -cut and putting on a first bandage."</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX<br /> - -<small>A DISPUTE IN THE GUARD HOUSE</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">O</span>F the ride that followed back to camp -Hal Overton knew nothing.</p> - -<p>Noll Terry sat beside him, supporting -him.</p> - -<p>Of course the automobile reached camp a long -time ahead of the detachment with prisoners.</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland caught sight of the car and -came hastening to meet it.</p> - -<p>Noll Terry leaped out, saluting.</p> - -<p>"Sir, I have to report that Corporal Minturn -assaulted Private Overton, and that we called -in a physician, who has brought Overton out -here."</p> - -<p>"How badly is Overton hurt?" demanded the -captain, hastening to the side of the auto.</p> - -<p>"Badly," replied the physician. "Have you -any facilities here for the care of a man who -may have brain fever if he lives for the next -forty-eight hours?"</p> - -<p>"We have a hospital steward and four hospital -corps men," replied Captain Cortland.</p> - -<p>"And bandages and medicines?"</p> - -<p>"An abundance of them."</p> - -<p>"Then your soldier lad may have some show. -He'll no doubt be better off here than among<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> -strangers in town. When do you start back to -your post, Captain?"</p> - -<p>"In the morning of the day after to-morrow," -Cortland answered. "One moment, please. Sergeant -Gray!"</p> - -<p>The first sergeant hurried up, saluting.</p> - -<p>"Sergeant, send the hospital steward here. -Then see that a hospital tent is taken from one -of the supply wagons and set up at once and -make the patient as comfortable as possible."</p> - -<p>Within ten minutes the tent was up, with a cot, -a table, two chairs, bandages, medicine chest and -other accessories.</p> - -<p>Now, with the help of the steward, the physician -gave the injured soldier boy a very thorough -examination, washed the gash carefully -and bandaged it.</p> - -<p>Directions were left with the steward, who -was a trained nurse, and then the physician returned -to town, after having been requested to -call again on the following day.</p> - -<p>Hal Overton knew little, and that little in a -dreamy, disorganized way, even when his cot -was carefully placed and secured in one of the -transport wagons for the return to Fort -Clowdry.</p> - -<p>The roughness of the first part of the ride -brought on mild delirium. Two days later, however, -after being placed on a cot in the military<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> -hospital at Fort Clowdry, Soldier Hal opened -his eyes with a keener realization of the world -about him.</p> - -<p>"How do you feel, Overton?" asked one of -the hospital corps men, bending over him.</p> - -<p>"Like a fool," sighed Hal.</p> - -<p>"Why?"</p> - -<p>"A youngster like me has no business wasting -time in hospital. Can I get out to-day?"</p> - -<p>"I'm afraid not," smiled the hospital corps -man.</p> - -<p>"I'm not badly hurt, am I?"</p> - -<p>"If the rainmaker knows his business, you've -had a fight for your life, and youth and a good -constitution have won out."</p> - -<p>"How long am I to be here?"</p> - -<p>"You'll be here for three or four days yet," -answered the hospital corps man.</p> - -<p>"But——"</p> - -<p>"That's about all the talking you'd better -try to do until the rainmaker has seen you," -interposed the hospital corps man, and moved -away as he added:</p> - -<p>"Either sleep, or just keep quiet."</p> - -<p>But the next morning Hal was so much improved -that the hospital corps man took a chair -by the bedside.</p> - -<p>"You may want some of the news, Overton, -about things that have happened while you've<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> -been here."</p> - -<p>"I am just a bit curious," smiled Overton.</p> - -<p>"Three of the delinquents got off with ordinary -summary court punishments—fines and -a little stretch at the guard house. But Minturn, -Dowley and Hooper are locked up there, -too, and they've got to wait and stand court-martial. -Their day in the Army is ended, I -reckon."</p> - -<p>"It ought to be," nodded Hal. "They're no -good to the service."</p> - -<p>Noll was allowed to come in for a few minutes -that afternoon.</p> - -<p>Eight days passed ere Hal Overton was released -from hospital. Then the surgeon marked -him "quarters" on sick report, which meant that -Private Overton was excused from all duties, -and must spend his time in taking care of himself -only.</p> - -<p>For four days he continued to be marked -"quarters," chafing all the time.</p> - -<p>"There's a lot I've got to learn about the soldiering -business," he grumbled. "I haven't any -time to waste loafing."</p> - -<p>"There's one soldierly duty you can learn -right now, then," smiled Soldier Noll quizzically.</p> - -<p>"What's that?"</p> - -<p>"You can learn how to obey the rainmaker<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> -when you fall under his orders," replied his -chum indulgently.</p> - -<p>"How does an impatient fellow learn that, I -wonder?" sighed Hal.</p> - -<p>"Why, what are you kicking about?" -demanded Noll in pretended astonishment.</p> - -<p>"You're surely not being overworked, and -you're getting in trim for the next work we -have cut out for us."</p> - -<p>"What's that?"</p> - -<p>"Haven't you heard?"</p> - -<p>"Not a word."</p> - -<p>"Why, the whole battalion, except for a small -guard squad from each company, is to be ordered -to the September encampment of the Colorado -National Guard. The regulars are to be -represented there by field artillery, cavalry, infantry, -signal corps men and engineer troops. -Hal, it's going to be great! There'll be more -than eight hundred regulars and two brigades -of militia in camp together."</p> - -<p>"It won't do me any good," retorted Private -Overton cynically.</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"I'm just out of hospital, and I'll be stuck -on the home guard detail from B Company."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't believe that," urged Noll soothingly.</p> - -<p>"Wait and see."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p> - -<p>There came a morning when Private Overton -marched over to hospital with the other men -on sick report.</p> - -<p>"You seem to be doing pretty well now, Overton," -remarked Lieutenant Gross, the surgeon.</p> - -<p>"How are you going to mark me, sir, to-day?" -breathed Hal anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Duty," smiled the rainmaker.</p> - -<p>"Thank goodness," murmured the soldier -boy.</p> - -<p>"Why, what's the matter with being marked -quarters, Overton?"</p> - -<p>"Fine, for a loafer, sir, but I want to learn -the soldier business, and I haven't any time to -lose."</p> - -<p>"From all I hear," remarked the rainmaker, -"you're learning the soldier business fully as -rapidly as you need to."</p> - -<p>"There's a lot more I want to know, sir, and -it can't be learned when a man is marked 'hospital' -or 'quarters,' sir," Hal returned. "Thank -you for marking me 'duty.'"</p> - -<p>"There's a real soldier, or I'm too green to -be an officer," thought Lieutenant Gross, as his -eyes followed Hal, who, erect and full of spring, -was striding from the room.</p> - -<p>On the third day after his return to duty Hal -was warned for the guard. The following morning -he turned out to be inspected with the new<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> -guard.</p> - -<p>As he was not assigned to the first relief, Hal -seated himself inside the guard house, picking -up one of the books that rested on a table there -and began reading.</p> - -<p>Presently the other soldiers sauntered outside, -and Soldier Hal was left there alone.</p> - -<p>"Overton!"</p> - -<p>Hal laid down his book, rising and stepping -over to a cell door to find Dowley's eyes glaring -at him balefully.</p> - -<p>"You sneak, you're responsible for getting -me into all this trouble!" hissed the soldier in -arrest.</p> - -<p>"Dowley, you know very well that the rules -forbid a member of the guard from talking with -a prisoner, except when the talk is strictly in the -line of duty."</p> - -<p>With that Soldier Hal turned and went back -to his book.</p> - -<p>"You could have gotten out of that place in -Mason City when I told you to," went on Dowley -hoarsely. "Then all that followed would -never have happened."</p> - -<p>Hal went on reading.</p> - -<p>"Say, Hooper," muttered Dowley aloud to -the man in another cell, "as a fresh kid ain't -that fellow the end of the world?"</p> - -<p>"He's a boot-lick," jeered Hooper.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p> - -<p>"He just sneaks around the officers, telling -'em lies so as to get things easier for himself," -broke in Corporal Minturn from still another -cell. For these three, unlike the ordinary run -of guard-house prisoners, had been placed in -separate confinement.</p> - -<p>Hal read on, though the color mounted to his -cheeks.</p> - -<p>"You dirty dog!" cried Dowley hoarsely.</p> - -<p>"Lying sneak!" from Bill Hooper.</p> - -<p>"Two-cent boot-lick!" was Corporal Minturn's -contribution.</p> - -<p>Hal laid down his book, rose and stepped over -to where he could look at the three, one after -another.</p> - -<p>"If you men don't hold your tongues," he -warned coolly, "I shall have to report you to -the corporal of the guard for abusive talk. I -don't want to do that, either."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my, a little bit of authority!" sneered -Corporal Minturn.</p> - -<p>"Tin general!" taunted Dowley.</p> - -<p>"Go and boot-lick some more!" urged Bill -Hooper.</p> - -<p>"Corporal of the guard!" summoned Soldier -Hal.</p> - -<p>Corporal Sykes entered promptly.</p> - -<p>"Corporal, these men in solitary are amusing -themselves by heaping insults upon me. I don't<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> -report them, Corporal, on account of personal -feeling, for they're down on their luck, and they -hold me responsible for it, as in a measure, of -course, I am. But I don't want to get on the -record for laxity while on guard."</p> - -<p>"Quite right, Overton," nodded Corporal -Sykes. Then, turning to the three "solitaries," -he demanded:</p> - -<p>"Why are you prisoners guilty of insulting -and abusive language toward a member of the -guard?"</p> - -<p>"He's too well satisfied with himself," -sneered Bill Hooper.</p> - -<p>"Ditto," scowled Dowley.</p> - -<p>"What have you to say, Minturn?" demanded -Corporal Sykes.</p> - -<p>"The kid just sat down there to make us -mad," replied Minturn in a growling voice. -"The sight of that boot-lick makes me sick all -over."</p> - -<p>"That's all I want to know," replied Corporal -Sykes calmly. "You've all admitted the -abusive language, so I'll enter it on report, which -will be brought up at court-martial. If there's -any further report about you men I'll mention -the matter to the officer of the day. Where are -you going with that book, Overton?"</p> - -<p>"Since the sight of myself disturbs the prisoners," -Hal replied, "I am going to take my book<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> -outside."</p> - -<p>"I'd rather you wouldn't," replied Corporal -Sykes crisply. "Members of the guard have a -right in here, and prisoners who don't like a -member of the guard had no business to become -prisoners."</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX<br /> - -<small>PROMOTION FLIES IN THE AIR</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">A</span> FEW days later the court-martial was -convened at Fort Clowdry.</p> - -<p>In the cases of the three "solitaries" -the evidence was speedily in.</p> - -<p>With the evidence furnished by Hal, Noll, -Hyman and others, the accused delinquents were -found guilty.</p> - -<p>At the trial there had come another surprise. -Evidence had just been forwarded from the recruiting -office where Dowley had enlisted. This -evidence showed that Frank Dowley was a highly -respected man in his own part of the country, -but he had left home and gone hundreds of -miles away for new employment.</p> - -<p>The prisoner who stood before the court as -Dowley was Frederick Cramp in his own proper -name, and had served a term in jail for robbery. -Cramp had a generally bad reputation. Finding -himself closely pursued by the sheriff's officers -for a newly committed crime, Cramp had seized -upon the inspiration to enter the Army under -the assumed name of Dowley. In the ranks he -believed that none of the pursuing officers would -think of looking for him.</p> - -<p>The references of the supposed Dowley had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> -come back from the home town with such splendid -endorsement that the enlisting officer had -imagined that he had found a most satisfactory -recruit in Frederick Cramp.</p> - -<p>It is likely that the deceit would never have -been discovered, had not Frank Dowley—the -real one—lately returned to his home town. He -had been astounded when his friends had questioned -him about Army life, and, on hearing -the news, had hastened to the nearest recruiting -office, from which this strange story had come -to be laid before the court-martial just in time -to punish the culprit.</p> - -<p>"Dowley" was sentenced to be dishonorably -dismissed from the service, with forfeiture of -pay and allowances, to serve one year at a military -prison and then to be turned over to the -civil authorities for such further punishment as -might develop.</p> - -<p>Corporal Minturn, too, was sentenced to be -dismissed from the service, and to serve one -year at a military prison.</p> - -<p>Private Bill Hooper got off with simple dismissal.</p> - -<p>Then the prisoners were sent back to the guard -house until the findings and sentences had been -passed upon and signed by the department commander.</p> - -<p>A week later the papers were returned with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> -the endorsement of the brigadier general commanding -the department.</p> - -<p>Dowley, Hooper and Minturn left under guard -the same day.</p> - -<p>"They're all generals now," mimicked Private -Hyman.</p> - -<p>"Generals?" queried Noll.</p> - -<p>"Yes; general prisoners."</p> - -<p>"Bill Hooper will be on the retired list when -he reaches Denver, anyway," smiled Hal. -"Having no stretch to serve, he's to be turned -loose when the guard reaches that city."</p> - -<p>The morning after, as Colonel North sat in -his office at headquarters, an orderly entered -and handed him a telegram.</p> - -<p>"Orderly!" called the colonel crisply two minutes -later.</p> - -<p>A young soldier of the guard stepped in, saluting -and standing at attention.</p> - -<p>"Orderly, my compliments to Captain Cortland, -and ask him to attend me here as soon as -possible."</p> - -<p>Five minutes later B Company's commander -entered and saluted.</p> - -<p>"Take a seat, Cortland," urged the older man. -"I have a telegram here that will interest you. -It's from the senior surgeon at department military -hospital. Corporal Hapgood, of your company, -who was sent there for treatment, died<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> -yesterday. A very bad case of typhoid had -developed."</p> - -<p>"Then poor Hapgood won't be sent back here -for burial, sir?"</p> - -<p>"No; the dispatch says that the corporal is -being buried there to-day."</p> - -<p>"I'm sorry for Hapgood," said Captain Cortland -solemnly, a slight break in his voice. "He -was a man, every inch of him, and a fine soldier -with big promise for the future. I have his -mother's address, and I will write her. But the -best kind of letter will seem a poor substitute -for a son in the case of that lonely old mother. -He was all she had."</p> - -<p>"The mother will be able to draw a pension of -twelve dollars a month for the rest of her life, -then," replied the colonel. "That is something, -even if not as good as having a live son to comfort -her."</p> - -<p>"Yes; the pension will be assured," mused -Captain Cortland.</p> - -<p>"By the way, Cortland, you are now shy -on two corporals in your company."</p> - -<p>"Yes, Colonel; I was about to speak of that -to you."</p> - -<p>"Whom do you want appointed in their -places?"</p> - -<p>The colonel of a regiment appoints all non-commissioned -officers in his regiment; he also<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> -"breaks," or reduces them to the ranks at his -pleasure, if any need comes up.</p> - -<p>But, though the colonel has the appointive -power, he always consults with the commander -of a company about any new appointments of -non-coms. in that company.</p> - -<p>"I have several good men who are entitled -to appointment," replied Captain Cortland -slowly.</p> - -<p>"Then you haven't made up your mind?"</p> - -<p>"I can, easily, sir, if you wish it."</p> - -<p>"I am thinking, captain, only of the fact that, -if the appointments be not promptly made you -will run very short on corporals," replied the -colonel.</p> - -<p>"There's Hyman, sir, and Conrad. Both are -bright, attentive soldiers. Then there are Overton -and Terry. They're quite new men, but -they've made records for themselves in the short -time they've been with us."</p> - -<p>"Any others?" asked Colonel North, tapping -his knee with the pencil that he held in one -hand.</p> - -<p>"A few others, sir, but none with quite as good -claims as the four men I've named."</p> - -<p>"Whom do you favor most, Captain?"</p> - -<p>"It's hard to say, sir. Hyman is nearly -through with his enlistment, and Conrad in the -middle of his third enlistment. Now, from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> -length of service it looks as though Conrad ought -to have one of the appointments."</p> - -<p>"A man who is well along in his third enlistment, -and hasn't been made a non-com. in -all that time ought not to have much consideration -if there are other men with better natural -claims," replied Colonel North. "A man who is -thoroughly qualified to be a corporal ought to -get there in less than seven or eight years, don't -you think so?"</p> - -<p>"That's true, sir," Captain Cortland nodded.</p> - -<p>"Is Hyman as good a man as Overton or -Terry?" continued the regimental commander, -apparently much interested.</p> - -<p>"He has had longer experience, but I think -Overton and Terry are both a shade above Hyman -in natural aptitude; in fact, the lads are -considerably above him."</p> - -<p>"Then——"</p> - -<p>"I see your drift, Colonel, and I agree with -you. I therefore urge, sir, that Overton and -Terry be appointed as corporals, and I will keep -Hyman in mind for the next chance that comes -up."</p> - -<p>"You are satisfied, then, Captain, to make -Overton and Terry corporals?"</p> - -<p>"More than satisfied, Colonel. One of these -days they'll be sergeants, at that. A company -commander, I take it, sir, can't start too early<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> -to fire the spark of ambition in the right -men."</p> - -<p>"You and I are agreed on that, then, Cortland. -I am glad you have recommended Overton and -Terry as corporals. I will have their appointments -published in orders this afternoon."</p> - -<p>No suspicion had Hal or Noll when they fell -in for parade that afternoon.</p> - -<p>When Lieutenant Wright, battalion adjutant, -published the orders, he read off four routine -orders before he came to that creating Private -Hal Overton a corporal in B Company.</p> - -<p>"Whew! It has come, but I didn't expect -anything like that," quivered Soldier Hal. "I -didn't think I could do it inside of a year."</p> - -<p>"Lucky Hal," thought Private Terry. "He -has gotten ahead of me, but I'm glad just the -same. It has always been the rule for Hal to -beat me, anyway."</p> - -<p>The next order made Noll Terry's hair stand -up. He had been made a corporal, too.</p> - -<p>How the hearts of both danced when the regimental -band played the headquarter's battalion -from the parade ground.</p> - -<p>"You two are the lucky soldier kids," cried -Private Hyman, coming up to the boys with outstretched -hands. "How did you manage it?"</p> - -<p>"That's the point, Hyman," laughed Hal -happily; "we didn't manage it. It just happened."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p> - -<p>Before the quartermaster's store closed both -soldier boys drew their corporal's chevrons, then -hunted up the company tailor to get him to sew -these prized badges of rank on their sleeves.</p> - -<p>"I suppose, Sergeant, one or both of us will -be transferred from your squad room," said -Hal regretfully, when they encountered Hupner.</p> - -<p>"I've heard nothing to that effect as yet, Corporal," -replied the room sergeant.</p> - -<p>"Corporal!" How wonderfully fine that simple -title sounded, though the title meant but one -step above that of plain private soldier.</p> - -<p>"I'm sorry for one thing, Corporal," laughed -Private Hyman, that night after supper.</p> - -<p>"What's that?" Hal queried.</p> - -<p>"I'm extremely sorry that your old chums, -Hooper and Dowley, tired of the Army too soon -to see your chevrons on your sleeves. Say, but -I think those chevrons are about the handsomest -I've ever seen," added Private Hyman, an undertone -of wistfulness in his voice.</p> - -<p>The next day brought more good news. The -date was set on which headquarter's band and -the first battalion of the Thirty-fourth was to -leave for Denver, to take part in the summer -encampment of the Colorado National Guard. -Neither Corporal Overton nor Corporal Terry -was assigned to the guard detachment that was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> -to remain behind.</p> - -<p>Lieutenant Greg Holmes, only a few months -out of West Point, drew a "blank" that made -his face look gloomy. Lieutenant Holmes was -the only officer in the battalion who was to remain -behind. He was to have command of the -guard that was to take care of the post in the -absence of the troops.</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI<br /> - -<small>THE PRICE OF BEING A MAN</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>HE occasion was the encampment of the -Colorado National Guard, and the scene -was a few miles outside of Denver.</p> - -<p>Here was some of the real glory of the soldier's -life!</p> - -<p>At the head of the line rode two troops of -cavalry belonging to the regular Army.</p> - -<p>Immediately behind these yellow-legs an awe-inspiring -drum-major strode along, his glittering, -ball-tipped staff going through many smart -movements. Right behind him came the Thirty-fourth -U. S. Infantry Band, crashing out a soul-stirring -march.</p> - -<p>At the heels of the band rode Colonel North, -Major Silsbee and staff, a splendid, soldierly -looking lot in saddle.</p> - -<p>Then the head of A Company, Captain Ruggles -commanding. B Company next, and to B -Company fell the honor of being color company -and escorting the Flag. C and D behind—the -whole khaki-clad battalion moving at easy swing, -and yet in the straight, precise lines that only -regulars know how to display, however close -near-soldiers may imagine they come in excellence. -Over all, in brisk cadence, and in exact<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> -time to the spirited music ahead, sounded the -steady whump! whump! whump! of the exactly -gaited feet of regulars on the march.</p> - -<p>No wonder the crowd that lined the sides -of the road cheered! No wonder that girls -waved handkerchiefs! Here and there men, -youths and boys who knew enough lifted their -hats as the colors passed.</p> - -<p>It is strange that not all American males, of -all ages, know that the hat is to be raised from -the head and lowered to place over the heart as -the national colors are borne by.</p> - -<p>Yet all of those of the male spectators who -did not know enough to uncover on the approach -of the colors still felt the glory of the scene. -Love of the military is common to all true-beating -hearts. The country dies in which this love -of the military vanishes.</p> - -<p>Behind the infantry lumbered the guns and -caissons of two batteries of field artillery, drivers -alert and gunners sitting up very straight, yet -appearing wholly at ease.</p> - -<p>It takes the man of military experience to be -both erect and at ease at the same time. Some -civilians come very close in this achievement, -but theirs is the imitation grace of personal carriage.</p> - -<p>At the extreme left of the line marched a -platoon of engineer troops and a detachment of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> -men from the signal corps.</p> - -<p>The regulars were now in the last half mile -of the march down a beautifully shaded road -that led to the broad fields on which the encampment -was pitched this year.</p> - -<p>Hundreds of boys were following the parade -as a matter of course. Where is the live boy -whose heart is dead to the soldiers?</p> - -<p>As the Thirty-fourth's band played out the -final notes of the march, the order for route -step marching ran down the line.</p> - -<p>Just then, from a parallel road less than a -quarter of a mile away, another band blared -forth in a quickstep. The crowd was quick to -turn and look.</p> - -<p>Through the intervals between trees and -bushes could be seen another line of military. -An entire brigade of the National Guard was -over on that road, also headed for the encampment -field.</p> - -<p>"Hey, Tommie!" called one boy to another. -"Cut across with me. There's about ten miles -of sogers over there!"</p> - -<p>"Chase yourself, if you wanter go," yelled -back Tommie. "They're militia. Me for here, -with the real-thing sogers, just back from the -wars!"</p> - -<p>There was a laugh from many in the crowd, -while the smaller boys whooped. It was hard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> -even for the erect regulars in ranks to repress -their grins when they received that tribute from -a discerning small boy.</p> - -<p>But the small American boy, even if ignorant -of everything else in the soldier's manuals, can -usually be depended upon to know the difference -between regulars and militiamen. To the small -boy's mind the difference is as great as that -between the circus and the country fair.</p> - -<p>Uncle Sam's musicians struck up again, just -as the column entered the encampment field.</p> - -<p>Wagon trains had gone on ahead.</p> - -<p>Regulars and national guardsmen broke ranks -at nearly the same moment.</p> - -<p>Then followed an exhibition that some of the -spectators never forgot.</p> - -<p>In about a half an hour the regular troops had -their tents up, in straight, precise company -streets, and all their belongings moved in. Nor -were these the "dog-tents" of field duty. As -the encampment was to last for a week, the -regulars slept at night in full-sized Army tents, -with several men in each tent.</p> - -<p>At the end of two hours the national guardsmen -were still perspiring over their tasks of -pitching camp.</p> - -<p>The regulars, cool and wholly at ease, were -going about other camp duties.</p> - -<p>"Look at the amateurs over yonder," grinned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> -Corporal Noll Terry, calling his chum's attention -to the brigade of national guardsmen.</p> - -<p>"Poor fellows, it's a good deal like work for -them," remarked Hal. "They're not drilled in -this thing all the time."</p> - -<p>"They go about it like so many clowns," -laughed Noll.</p> - -<p>"Now, I wouldn't say that," urged Corporal -Hal. "Remember, the national guardsmen do -other things for a living, and do this work for -love of state and country."</p> - -<p>"But why do they need to be such boobs about -pitching a camp?" demanded Noll.</p> - -<p>"Because it isn't their accustomed business," -Hal retorted.</p> - -<p>"Bosh! The tin soldiers make me tired," -laughed Corporal Noll.</p> - -<p>"Then you want to change your attitude," -warned Hal, "for you've got the wrong view, -old fellow. There probably isn't a man over -in that militia brigade who wouldn't make a -smart enough regular if he enlisted."</p> - -<p>"Now, I don't know about that," argued -Corporal Noll seriously.</p> - -<p>"I can remember the time, not very long ago, -Noll, when you and I were greener than any -militiaman over yonder."</p> - -<p>"We were green," admitted Corporal Terry, -"but not green in the same way that those state<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> -troops are. Some how, regulars and militiamen -are quite a different proposition from the very -first day."</p> - -<p>"True," agreed Corporal Hal. "But what -makes the difference?"</p> - -<p>"Well, what does?"</p> - -<p>"The difference in officers, and in the methods -that can be used. Militia officers have to -make soldiering the study of their leisure hours, -just as the guardsmen in the ranks do. Our -regular officers are first given a hard training, -and then make a life study of soldiering. Keep -those guardsmen in camp for three months, and -put regular officers over them all the time, and -I tell you, Noll, they'd make most of us regulars -look hard to our laurels."</p> - -<p>"I don't know," muttered Corporal Terry -dubiously.</p> - -<p>"Then you want to think it over," retorted -Hal. "Just remember that regulars and militiamen -are both enlisted from the people at large. -Put any militia regiment in the country through -a regulation three-years' enlistment in the Army -and under regular officers, and that militia regiment -would then be the equal of any regular -regiment in the line. Noll, the whole difference -lies in officers, opportunity and training. Don't -ever look down on national guardsmen unless -you want to prove yourself less of a soldier than<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> -I think you are."</p> - -<p>"Corporal Terry!" summoned Sergeant -Gray, and Noll hurried off to some new duty, but -he was thinking. Corporal Hal had shown him -how to look at the national guardsmen from another -point of view.</p> - -<p>The day was one of arduous duties, but with -nightfall came a period of rest. More, some of -the regulars in each company, troop or battery -were granted town leave. There was a trolley -line near at hand that carried many a pleasure-loving -regular into town.</p> - -<p>Corporals Overton and Terry went by themselves.</p> - -<p>"As we have never seen Denver, I guess it -will be about enough for us to look around and -see what we can of the town, won't it?" proposed -Hal.</p> - -<p>"Yes; if we keep to the main streets. I feel -as though I may want to squander a bit of my -pay on ice cream and such frothy trifles," returned -Noll.</p> - -<p>"We won't spend it, anyway, on anything that -will make us forget the limits of our leave and -turn delinquents," returned Hal.</p> - -<p>"Small danger of that," retorted Corporal -Terry. "That game doesn't go with the making -of good soldiers."</p> - -<p>"I don't believe Captain Cortland will have -any delinquents to deal with this time," predicted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> -Hal. "He doesn't intend to have the -Mason City business done over again."</p> - -<p>Denver proved full of delights to these soldier -boys, who had really seen very little of the world.</p> - -<p>But, being under orders to return to camp not -later than midnight, the time came when they -must think of getting back.</p> - -<p>"I wonder what's the quickest way to the trolley -line?" pondered Noll.</p> - -<p>"We'll ask our way," Hal answered.</p> - -<p>They had no trouble in getting clear directions -from a passing citizen. The shortest way -led down through a narrow street that appeared -to belong to a rough part of the city.</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't care to live on this street," smiled -Noll.</p> - -<p>"Hardly," agreed Hal. "Yet I guess it won't -hurt us any just to walk through."</p> - -<p>Ere the soldier boys had gone more than two -blocks their attention was attracted by sounds -of a commotion in a crowd just ahead.</p> - -<p>A crowd had started to collect, and was every -moment increasing in size.</p> - -<p>"Wonder what's up?" murmured Noll Terry, -as the soldier boys quickened their pace.</p> - -<p>"Some earthquake in the under world, I suppose," -returned Hal.</p> - -<p>Just then the scream of a woman's voice<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> -reached them.</p> - -<p>"Shame! shame!" cried half a dozen male -voices in protest.</p> - -<p>Then the same voice sounded, in sobs this -time.</p> - -<p>Hal Overton had broken into a run, and Noll -was almost at his side. The soldier boys pushed -their way into the crowd.</p> - -<p>A brutish, square-jawed young fellow of -twenty-one or twenty-two, dressed loudly, and -with an ill-smelling cigar between his teeth at -one side of his mouth, held a sobbing girl by -the wrist.</p> - -<p>"Cut out the boo-hoo story, Lizzie, and come -along with me to the dance," he ordered gruffly.</p> - -<p>"I don't want to go," faltered the terrified -girl. "You know well enough, Bill, that my -mother don't want me going to dances with -you."</p> - -<p>"What's your old woman got against me?" -demanded the young brute.</p> - -<p>"You know well enough, Bill, that mother -don't like you, and that she'd sooner see me -dead than running around with you."</p> - -<p>"She won't have her wish to-night, then, Liz. -You're going to waltz with me. You know that -wot I say goes, and it's the hop for yours to-night."</p> - -<p>"Shame!" cried some one back in the crowd.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> -"Let the girl go home."</p> - -<p>"Mind your own biz," growled back the bully, -"or I'll step over there and make some changes -in yer style of face."</p> - -<p>Evidently Bill was known as an ugly customer. -Close to him, on the other side from the girl, -stood another man, somewhat older and exhibiting -the promise of even more brute strength. -Plainly he stood by to back Bill up against interference -that the crowd might want to attempt. -The pair of bullies were such as a city -crowd usually doesn't care to risk meddling -with.</p> - -<p>"Wipe off the boo-hoo, Lizzie, and come -along," ordered the fellow who held the girl's -wrist. "No use of making a fuss. You're -headed for the waltz with me."</p> - -<p>"Shame!" some one in the crowd had courage -enough to utter again, as Bill, still holding the -girl's wrist, started to force her along the sidewalk.</p> - -<p>"What do you more decent people expect to -do by just talking?" Corporal Hal Overton demanded -angrily.</p> - -<p>"Hullo, brass-button boy!" called Bill cheerily, -turning and leering at the youthful-looking -corporal. "When did you blow out of the -sewer?"</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> -<img src="images/illus221.jpg" width="400" height="613" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="center">"Let Go That Young Lady's Wrist."</p></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span><br /></p> - -<p>"If that young lady wishes to go home, let<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> -her do so," ordered Hal sternly.</p> - -<p>"So?" queried Bill mockingly. "But maybe -that won't suit me."</p> - -<p>"Then let go of the young lady's wrist, for -you'll need both hands up in front of you," -warned Hal, springing forward, his hot blood -flushing his face with righteous anger.</p> - -<p>"Get out, ye tin-soldier militiaman!"</p> - -<p>"If it makes any difference," retorted Hal, -"we happen to be regulars."</p> - -<p>"No difference at all," the young brute leered. -"I eat both kinds!"</p> - -<p>"Let go that young lady's wrist!"</p> - -<p>"Sure!"</p> - -<p>Bill did so, and the girl shrank back through -the pressing crowd. But Bill aimed a crushing -blow at Corporal Hal Overton.</p> - -<p>Hal wasn't just on the spot to receive it. But -the next instant he and Bill were exchanging -hard blows at a rate that made the crowd yell -with delight.</p> - -<p>"Go it, Bill! Go it, buttons!"</p> - -<p>Bill's tough friend reached out to hit Hal from -the side. Corporal Noll jumped in, throwing -up the fellow's arm. There were two real -fights on now.</p> - -<p>How it would have ended it would be impossible -to say. Strong, daring and skilled though -they were, the soldier boys might have been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> -beaten by superior strength.</p> - -<p>But a heavy, blue-coated figure darted in, scattering -the combatants. Then a Denver policeman -gripped both Hal and Noll by the collar.</p> - -<p>"Stop it! Stop, I tell ye!" ordered the policeman -gruffly.</p> - -<p>"Ye've got good game there, Johnson," called -out the fellow Bill. "They're a nasty pair of -brass buttons. They insulted my girl, and then -pitched into me and my friend."</p> - -<p>"I'll run these soldier-loafers in, Bill," agreed -the policeman. "We've got too many of these -soldier-loafers in the country. It's time for -some of 'em to learn something."</p> - -<p>For Bill and his friend were a pair of amateur -thugs who were most useful to the ward's ruling -political machine. Bill and his friend were often -extremely useful in cleaning out hostile primaries, -and in other dirty work incidental to -city politics.</p> - -<p>"Officer!" protested Corporal Hal.</p> - -<p>"Shut up, ye loafer!" ordered the policeman.</p> - -<p>"But this is——"</p> - -<p>"Will ye shut up, now?"</p> - -<p>The policeman gave the soldier boy a vigorous -shaking.</p> - -<p>"The soldiers were in the right of it, Johnson," -protested a voice in the crowd.</p> - -<p>"Now, can yer gab, or I'll run you in, too," -warned Johnson hoarsely. At that dread warning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> -opposition died out in the weak-kneed crowd.</p> - -<p>"Now, come along, ye young loafers in brass -buttons," commanded the policeman. "Bill, -you and your friend be in court in the morning."</p> - -<p>"Sure we will," chuckled Bill.</p> - -<p>"Officer, will you let me explain?" insisted -Hal, as the two young corporals started down -the street on either side of the policeman, who -kept a rough grip on the arm of either.</p> - -<p>"Pickle it, and tell it all to the judge in the -morning," retorted the policeman gruffly.</p> - -<p>Some of the crowd—Bill's friends, evidently—followed, -hooting and abusing all soldiers in -general.</p> - -<p>Four blocks away Hal and Noll were lined -up before the officer in charge at a station house.</p> - -<p>"Assaulting Bill Dabner and his friend and -insulting Bill's girl," announced Policeman -Johnson gruffly.</p> - -<p>"I hope now, sir, we can have a chance to -explain," protested Hal, looking squarely at -the officer behind the desk.</p> - -<p>"Did you see all this business, Johnson?" -asked the officer at the desk.</p> - -<p>"Yes," lied the policeman glibly. "I caught -'em at it."</p> - -<p>"You men can save your explanations for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> -the judge in the morning," wound up the officer -at the desk. "Cell number twelve, Johnson."</p> - -<p>Down below the cell door clanged on two -white-faced, angry young soldier boys. It was a -serious thing, they knew, for ambitious soldiers -to have a clash with the civil authorities.</p> - -<p>"We'll lose our corporal's chevrons through -this," Noll predicted.</p> - -<p>"Yes," assented Corporal Hal Overton, his -eyes flashing. "But I can't help it if we do. -It's worth that price to be a man!"</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII<br /> - -<small>TWO YOUNG CORPORALS SEND OUT THE "C. Q. D."</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">W</span>HEN the two young corporals had had -time to cool down somewhat, Hal -made a racket on his cell door until -a house policeman came to see what was wanted.</p> - -<p>"Will you bring me paper and an envelope?" -Hal asked.</p> - -<p>"Want to make your will, I suppose," jeered -the policeman.</p> - -<p>"No; I intend to write a note to my company -commander."</p> - -<p>"Is he out at camp?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Who do you think is going to take the note -out there?"</p> - -<p>"Call a messenger boy, and I will pay him -for going out there," Corporal Hal replied.</p> - -<p>"I don't believe the lieutenant at the desk -will do it," returned the policeman.</p> - -<p>"See here," Hal went on, warming up perceptibly, -"we are members of the United States -forces, under detention by the civil authorities. -Now, the civil authorities have full right to arrest -United States soldiers on proper charges. -We'll let the question pass of whether we've -been properly arrested. But, as members of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> -the United States Army, we have a right to -communicate with our commanding officer. If -this isn't done, the governor of Colorado is quite -likely to hear from Washington. Now, we demand -paper and envelope, and also that a messenger -boy be called to take our letter."</p> - -<p>"I don't know what the lieutenant will -say——" began the house policeman dubiously.</p> - -<p>"Of course you don't," Hal broke in. "So -go and find out what he says, won't you? And -you might explain to him my version of what -is likely to happen if he fails to give us a chance -to communicate promptly with Captain Cortland."</p> - -<p>Twenty minutes passed.</p> - -<p>"They're just laughing at us," muttered Noll.</p> - -<p>"Then in the morning they may find where -the laugh really belongs," Hal retorted.</p> - -<p>"Hush! Here comes some one."</p> - -<p>It was the house policeman, returning with -stationery and a messenger boy.</p> - -<p>Taking a pencil from one of his pockets, Hal -wrote at some length, though he tried to make -his letter as brief as possible.</p> - -<p>"Got any matches, boy?" Hal asked of the -waiting messenger.</p> - -<p>The boy passed a small box in through the -grating of the door.</p> - -<p>"Here, stop that!" warned the policeman,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> -though he reached forward too late to stop the -passing of the matches.</p> - -<p>"You shall have them back in a moment," -Hal promised the boy.</p> - -<p>Drawing a piece of sealing wax from another -pocket, Hal lighted a match, dropping the hot -wax over the flap of the envelope.</p> - -<p>"Here, you can't do that," warned the house -policeman, who, however, could get the cell door -key only by going upstairs to the desk.</p> - -<p>"But I've already done it," smiled Hal.</p> - -<p>Noll handed his chum a signet ring, which -Hal pressed into the wax.</p> - -<p>"That won't go," muttered the policeman. -"The lieutenant won't have it. He has to see -all letters that go out of this station."</p> - -<p>"Then let your lieutenant break the seal, or -interfere in any way with the prompt delivery -of an official communication between a member -of the United States Army and his commanding -officer, and see what will happen to your lieutenant -upstairs. If the lieutenant is a friend -of yours you might call that little point to his -attention," Hal retorted, with a cool smile, as -he passed the envelope to the messenger.</p> - -<p>"How much will it be to deliver that letter -promptly out at the camp?" Corporal Overton -inquired.</p> - -<p>The messenger boy named the sum, to which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> -Overton added carfare and a little "tip."</p> - -<p>"As quickly as you can, please, boy. And -report to your manager in case the lieutenant, -or any other policeman attempts to hinder or -bother you on this work. We shall want your -report as evidence if you are interfered with."</p> - -<p>"Say, that kid corporal downstairs knows all -his rights," declared the house policeman admiringly -to the lieutenant, after the messenger -had departed unmolested.</p> - -<p>"He'll forget a large part of what he knows, -after he's been before the judge in the morning," -replied the lieutenant, lighting a cigar. -"Soldiers, as well as citizens, can be punished, -and Johnson has a clear case against that pair -of soldier kids."</p> - -<p>For the next two hours Hal and Noll took -turns pacing back and forth within the narrow -confines of the cell in which they had been thrust.</p> - -<p>"I guess we're not going to hear anything -to-night," muttered Hal disappointedly at last. -"Noll, we may as well get some of the sleep -that's coming to us."</p> - -<p>Young soldiers accustomed to sleeping on the -ground did not find it extremely hard to get to -sleep on the hard wooden benches. More than -that, they contrived to get a pretty fair rest -before they were awakened in the morning by -a station-house trusty who thrust two chunks of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> -bread and two tin cups of coffee into the cell.</p> - -<p>"Get that down and be ready to go to court," -called the trusty as he passed along.</p> - -<p>Breakfast eaten, the two young corporals had -a lot more time on their hands before a squad of -policemen came downstairs and began to busy -themselves with marshaling the prisoners and -driving them toward a basement door.</p> - -<p>Here, mingled with the scum of the city, in -the persons of other prisoners, two unoffending -young soldiers of the United States Army were -forced to enter the dark interior of a covered -wagon. A steel door was slammed into place -and locked and the ride began.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes they were let out, superintended -by a guard of other policemen, and driven -into another basement. Here, in a dark, dingy, -foul-smelling room, this batch of prisoners was -herded with those from other police stations.</p> - -<p>A lot of time passed. Occasionally court policemen -came into the room, selected more prisoners -and drove them out toward a stairway.</p> - -<p>At last it came the turn of Corporals Hal -and Noll. They were taken from the room, up -an iron staircase, and then pushed into the pen -of a police court.</p> - -<p>"Henry Overton and Oliver Terry!" called -a clerk.</p> - -<p>"There's yer cue," announced a gruff court<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> -policeman, pointing to the two young soldiers. -He conducted them to the front of the pen where -they stood facing a police magistrate.</p> - -<p>The clerk announced the charge against them, -then ordered wearily:</p> - -<p>"Prisoners, hold up your right hands. You -do solemnly swear——"</p> - -<p>The two young corporals had been duly sworn -to tell the truth.</p> - -<p>"Where's the arresting officer?" demanded -Judge Guffey.</p> - -<p>Policeman Johnson came forward, held up his -hand and was sworn.</p> - -<p>Then the policeman started to tell the story -of what he claimed to have seen. According -to this evidence, Noll and Hal had first insulted -a young woman with whom Bill Dabner was -walking at the time. Bill had naturally resented -the insults, and then the soldiers had violently -assaulted Bill and his male friend, while the girl -broke through the gathering crowd and fled for -home.</p> - -<p>Then Bill came forward, in his best, loudest -clothes, and with his hair much greased. Bill's -story, under oath, put a few flourishes to Policeman -Johnson's plainer tale. Bill's friend -was also there and backed up all that the policeman -and Dabner had said.</p> - -<p>"We have plenty of other witnesses, your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> -honor, if you desire to examine more," interposed -the policeman.</p> - -<p>"Where's the young woman herself?" queried -Judge Guffey.</p> - -<p>"Home in bed, ill from the shock, your -honor," Bill asserted gravely.</p> - -<p>"Prisoners at the bar, have you anything to -say?" queried Judge Guffey. "Overton?"</p> - -<p>"I've a lot to say, your honor."</p> - -<p>In tones ringing with indignation, Corporal -Hal Overton, United States Army, gave his version -of the affair. Bill Dabner listened with a -broad, impudent grin, as Hal told the true story -of the encounter of the night before.</p> - -<p>Then Noll spoke in his own behalf.</p> - -<p>"I saw the assault myself, your honor, and -have other witnesses here for our side if you -wish to hear them," said Policeman Johnson.</p> - -<p>"This testimony is very much confused," commented -Judge Guffey at last. "But the evidence -of the police officer is evidently worth that -of all the other witnesses combined, for the policeman -has no personal prejudices in the matter. -Prisoners at the bar, you appear to have -forgotten that you were sworn into the Army -and enrolled among the defenders and protectors -of the country. It is no light thing to insult -a young woman, even if she does happen -to belong to the poorer classes of society. Prisoners,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> -such conduct as yours, under any circumstances, -is a disgrace to the splendid uniform -that you wear. Soldier hoodlumism shall find -no more sanction in this court than any other -kind of rowdyism. I sentence you each, therefore——"</p> - -<p>Judge Guffey's voice paused for a moment, -as though the magistrate were thinking deeply.</p> - -<p>Then he added:</p> - -<p>"—— to thirty days in the workhouse!"</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII<br /> - -<small>THE WIND CHANGES ITS COURSE AND BLOWS</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>T was a dazing, fearful blow to two lads who -had acted in accordance with their highest -ideals of right.</p> - -<p>"Step down there," ordered the court officer, -giving the young corporals a light shove.</p> - -<p>"You've got yours."</p> - -<p>Policeman Johnson, Bill Dabner and the latter's -crony turned to leave, as though satisfied -that they had done their duty.</p> - -<p>At the back of the courtroom there was a -slight commotion. Some one there was endeavoring -to push his way through the throng.</p> - -<p>"Your honor, one moment!" called a deep, -manly voice. "Before the case of the two soldiers -is disposed of I wish——"</p> - -<p>It was some one in uniform at the back of -the court room. More Judge Guffey could not -ascertain at that moment.</p> - -<p>"Who spoke then?" demanded the magistrate.</p> - -<p>"My name is Cortland, your honor. I am -captain of the company to which the two corporals -belong."</p> - -<p>At the first sound of that voice Hal and Noll -had turned back to the front of the pen.</p> - -<p>"Get down below, you!" scowled the court<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> -officer.</p> - -<p>"Will you be good enough to hold your tongue, -my man?" asked Corporal Hal in a quiet voice, -though his eyes flashed. "That's our captain -speaking, and his is the voice we follow."</p> - -<p>"Let the prisoners wait," directed Judge Guffey, -sending the court officer an annoyed glance. -"Make way for Captain Cortland to come forward."</p> - -<p>Policeman Johnson and Bill and his friend -were trying to get out of the court room, but -the magistrate called to them to come back.</p> - -<p>"Captain," continued the magistrate, "I regret -to say that the evidence proved that your -two men most wantonly insulted a young woman -on the streets last night, and then attacked her -escort and a friend."</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland, as he came to a halt below -the bench in that crowded court room, presented -a fine appearance that was in distinct contrast -with his surroundings.</p> - -<p>"With due respect for the court, your honor. -I don't believe that any such disgraceful conduct -was engaged in by my young men."</p> - -<p>"But even the policeman's testimony bears -out that of the real complainants, Captain," replied -Judge Guffey courteously.</p> - -<p>"Your honor, I don't know your policeman, -but I do know my two young men, Corporals<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> -Overton and Terry. I am as positive as I can -be of anything that neither young soldier is of -the kind to allow himself to get into any kind -of disgraceful affair. There are no men in my -company for whom I entertain deeper respect -than I do for Corporals Overton and Terry. -Your honor, may I ask that this case be reopened?"</p> - -<p>"I would gladly extend you that courtesy, -Captain Cortland, but the evidence has all been -heard. As I understand it, Captain, you can -testify only to the previous good character of -the prisoners. You were not a witness of last -night's occurrence?"</p> - -<p>"I was not, your honor, but I know my two -young men so well that I feel certain, sir, that -you are unwittingly aiding in a miscarriage of -justice. Will the court be good enough to outline -the nature of the evidence?"</p> - -<p>Briefly Judge Guffey outlined the story of the -prosecution, and also the opposed story told by -Corporals Overton and Terry.</p> - -<p>"Your honor may think me unduly trustful," -smiled Captain Cortland, "but I would believe -the story of my men over the testimony of a -hundred men such as these complainants seem -to be."</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland took a side look at Bill and -his friend, who unaccountably shivered under<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> -that scrutiny.</p> - -<p>"Has the young woman herself appeared in -court, your honor?" resumed B Company's captain. -"Has she testified?"</p> - -<p>"I understand," replied Judge Guffey, "that -the young woman is ill in bed as a result of -the shock of last night's occurrence."</p> - -<p>"Then, your honor," asked Captain Cortland, -"may I ask a continuance of this case until the -testimony of the young woman herself may have -been heard, and until I can look up other evidence? -And will you accept my personal bail -for Corporals Overton and Terry in the meantime?"</p> - -<p>"I want to show you every courtesy possible, -Captain," began Judge Guffey.</p> - -<p>"And I ask nothing, your honor, except that -my men have every opportunity for impartial -justice."</p> - -<p>While this conversation had been going on -an extremely mild-mannered man in rather -dingy black, had been quietly working his way -forward. He had just succeeded in passing a -card to the clerk of the court and in adding a -few whispered words.</p> - -<p>"Your honor," interposed the clerk, "here is -another witness who offers, and wishes to be -heard. He can bring us tidings of the young -woman who has been mentioned in connection<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> -with this case."</p> - -<p>Judge Guffey took the card, reading from it:</p> - -<p>"Dr. Alexander McKenzie."</p> - -<p>"That is my name, sir," replied the quiet man.</p> - -<p>"What do you know of this case, Doctor?"</p> - -<p>"Not much, sir, but it may be important," -replied the physician. "I was called in this -morning by the mother of one Lizzie McAndrew, -the girl mentioned in this affair. Miss McAndrew -is quite ill this morning, as the result of a -nervous shock, but her mind is clear enough. -She begged me particularly to come to court to -see that two brave and gallant young soldiers -did not come to harm through befriending her."</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland uttered a low-voiced, triumphant -exclamation.</p> - -<p>At a motion from the clerk Dr. McKenzie -started around toward the pen to be sworn.</p> - -<p>Policeman Johnson, his face violently red, -whispered a few words in the ear of the physician -as the latter passed.</p> - -<p>"Now, don't bother me with your talk," retorted -the physician in a rather loud voice, and -Johnson drew back.</p> - -<p>"What did that policeman say to you?" demanded -the magistrate as soon as the medical -man had been sworn.</p> - -<p>"He told me to look out what I said, or I'd -get myself in big trouble down in the district,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> -replied Dr. McKenzie promptly.</p> - -<p>"I never——" began Johnson, his face paling.</p> - -<p>"Put that policeman under arrest!" thundered -the magistrate.</p> - -<p>A court officer moved over and stood beside -the now much-disturbed Johnson.</p> - -<p>Dr. McKenzie testified to the serious condition -in which he had found Lizzie McAndrew this -morning. He was not permitted to repeat any -of the young woman's statements in her own -words, but was allowed to state the gist of what -Miss McAndrew had said.</p> - -<p>"May I interrupt the court long enough to -ask if there is not now enough evidence to warrant -postponing this hearing for a few days?" -inquired Captain Cortland.</p> - -<p>"I won't do it," replied Judge Guffey bluntly. -"Plainly enough this has been one of the court's -foolish mornings. I am now convinced that the -testimony on which I had sentenced these two -young soldiers was false evidence. Corporals -Overton and Terry are discharged from custody."</p> - -<p>Hal and Noll were about to step from the pen -to join their captain when the magistrate interrupted:</p> - -<p>"To you young military gentlemen I wish to -offer the court's apology. I apologize, also, in -the name of the State of Colorado and of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> -city of Denver. There is no calling more honorable -than that of the soldier, who offers his -comfort, his life and his blood for his country -at need. The soldier who forgets the high nature -of his calling and descends to rowdyism cannot -be too severely punished, but the soldier who -lives up to the high traditions of his calling cannot -be too well commended. Policeman Johnson, -step forward. Bear in mind that you are -still under oath. In what work or business are -Dabner and his friend engaged?"</p> - -<p>"Why, your honor, I—I——"</p> - -<p>"Have they any regular calling that you ever -heard of?"</p> - -<p>"Your honor, I don't know," stammered the -policeman.</p> - -<p>"Isn't it true that this precious pair seldom -work?" pressed the magistrate.</p> - -<p>"I—I'm afraid, your honor——"</p> - -<p>"Policeman Johnson, go to the complaint -clerk and swear to two short complaints charging -Dabner and his estimable friend with -vagrancy."</p> - -<p>Johnson changed color swiftly three or four -times, but he went in a daze to carry out his -instructions.</p> - -<p>As for Bill Dabner and his friend, they looked -as though they were seeing ghosts. They did -not attempt to speak until they were ordered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> -to step into the pen and be sworn.</p> - -<p>Then Policeman Johnson was called to the -stand. Reluctantly he testified that the new -prisoners were well known to be loafers, making -a living mainly by their wits.</p> - -<p>Dabner and his friend were then asked to -testify in their own behalf, but they were too -badly overwhelmed to be able to say much.</p> - -<p>"Prisoners," said Judge Guffey, gazing at -them in sheer disgust, "it would give me great -pleasure to bind you over for the grand jury -on charges of perjury committed this morning. -But I feel disinclined to take any action that may -drag these young soldiers away from their own -duties. Therefore, on the charge of vagrancy, -I sentence you each to two years in the workhouse. -Take those prisoners below at once."</p> - -<p>Bill and his crony seemed barely able to walk -when they were forced below.</p> - -<p>"Policeman Johnson, come forward! Do you -desire to offer any denial of the evidence concerning -the charge that Dr. McKenzie made -against you a few minutes ago!"</p> - -<p>Johnson opened his mouth to speak, but under -the stern gaze of the police magistrate he found -it impossible to persist in his denial.</p> - -<p>"Johnson, for attempting to intimidate a witness -in this court I sentence you to thirty days' -confinement at the workhouse. I shall also see<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> -to it that a full account of this matter reaches -the chief of police. That is all."</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland thanked the court heartily. -Then, with his young soldier boys following, he -made his way from the court room. Dr. McKenzie -was at their heels when they reached -open air, and a pleasant chat of a few moments -followed.</p> - -<p>"Men, I would have come to you much sooner -than I did," explained Captain Cortland, "but -an accident happened that couldn't be helped. -Through some stupidity your messenger left -your note over among the militiamen, and it did -not reach me until this morning. Then I came -as fast as I could travel."</p> - -<p>The heartiest thanks of all three soldiers were -extended to Dr. McKenzie, after which the Army -party started back to camp.</p> - -<p>Hal's adventures for the day, however, were -by no means yet ended.</p> - -<p>As the three entered the regulars' infantry -camp, Captain Cortland caught sight of a horse -being held before his tent by one of his infantry -privates.</p> - -<p>"I want to talk with you two a moment," remarked -B Company's commander, "but I see -that I have a visitor from the cavalry. Wait -outside until I summon you."</p> - -<p>The horse, a beautiful animal, very plainly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> -belonged to the cavalry, for the saddle blanket -and trappings were trimmed with yellow, which -is the cavalry color.</p> - -<p>"Had much work this morning, Claxton?" -Hal asked of the private soldier who was holding -the horse's bridle.</p> - -<p>"We've been going some, Corporal," replied -Claxton, with a smile. "And it was hot in the -sun to-day, too."</p> - -<p>"Even at that," observed Corporal Hal -grimly, "I guess you had it easier here than -we did."</p> - -<p>"You've been in some trouble, Corporal?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but now it's——"</p> - -<p>Corporal Hal Overton never finished that sentence. -At that instant all three became aware -of a great clatter up the field.</p> - -<p>A pair of horses attached to a light victoria -came racing down the field, passing close to -the head of the infantry camp.</p> - -<p>There was no driver on the seat; the reins -were trailing at the heels of the runaways.</p> - -<p>Nor did it take more than a glance to show -that both of the runaways were now frightened -past all hope of stopping them by any simple expedient.</p> - -<p>Less than a quarter of a mile down the field -two regular and two militia field batteries were -drawn up in a long line, squarely in front of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> -path of the flying horses.</p> - -<p>Worse still, the horses belonging to the batteries -had been detached and sent to the rear. -There were some four hundred artillerymen in -all near the guns, but not one of them mounted -in this period of instruction.</p> - -<p>The horses seemed bound to dash in among -the closely aligned field guns, wrecking the victoria -and probably killing the woman and girl -who now stood up in the vehicle screaming with -terror, but seemingly too frightened to jump.</p> - -<p>This Corporal Hal saw in his one swift glance, -as the outfit went by like a whirlwind.</p> - -<p>What he didn't see the soldier boy didn't even -stop to guess.</p> - -<p>"Let go, Claxton!" he shouted, snatching the -bridle from the orderly's hand.</p> - -<p>All in a twinkling Hal was up in saddle and -urging the magnificent cavalry animal forward.</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV<br /> - -<small>CONCLUSION</small></h2> - - -<p><span class="dropcap">S</span>CORES of brave, quick-witted men in uniform -were leaping forward to use their -sweeping arms to divert the runaways. -But Corporal Hal's swift glance forward as -he bent over the neck of the cavalry horse and -urged it forward showed that these soldiers -could not possibly save the woman and girl in -the victoria.</p> - -<p>To whichever side the horses might be forced -into dodging, the wild, snorting animals would -still run over blocking soldiers and bring up in -a confused tangle of wreckage among the guns.</p> - -<p>"On—on with you!" roared Corporal Hal, -beating the horse's flank with one hand and -cudgeling with his heels.</p> - -<p>That cavalry mount was a magnificent beast. -Corporal Overton was quickly up alongside the -victoria. Then he gained on the horses.</p> - -<p>"Now, in close, you good old brute!" glowed -Overton, though his lips were bloodless as he -took the chance and threw the bridle over.</p> - -<p>Bending sideways from the saddle, Corporal -Hal reached the bridle of the nigh horse.</p> - -<p>Now he hung on grimly to the bridle of the -runaway, at the same time using his other arm to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> -bring the splendidly trained cavalry horse back -on its haunches.</p> - -<p>That nigh runaway was checked, somewhat, -but the pull threatened to drag Corporal Hal's -left arm out of its socket.</p> - -<p>Something had to give way!</p> - -<p>Then, with a suppressed yell, Overton felt himself -being torn from saddle.</p> - -<p>He held on. The runaways tried to forge -ahead at renewed speed, but the determined -doughboy soldier, holding still to the bridle of -one of the animals, put a big check on the speed -of the runaways.</p> - -<p>A few yards further they dashed, then slowed. -Now a score of artillerymen, regular and militia, -sprang in and seized the animals just as Corporal -Hal Overton, his uniform torn and dust-grimed, -and he himself bleeding, fell in the -dust.</p> - -<p>But the runaways were stopped, and other soldiers -assisted the woman and her fourteen-year-old -daughter in safety to the ground.</p> - -<p>Back of them all the fine cavalry horse stood -trembling and curious. This cavalry horse, -struck by the wheels of the victoria, now showed -blood spots along his glistening, lathered flanks.</p> - -<p>"Get up, messmate," called one of the regular -artillerymen, bending over Overton. "You did -the whole trick like an Army man, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> -ladies want to thank you."</p> - -<p>He helped Hal to his feet. The soldier boy -trembled slightly and almost unconsciously put -a hand to his head.</p> - -<p>"Your hat, mate? We'll help you find that."</p> - -<p>But Hal's hand had gone to a cut on his -head from which blood was oozing, for just as -he went down one of the horses had struck him -a glancing kick there.</p> - -<p>It was Corporal Noll Terry, who sprinting -desperately along the field, espied his chum's -campaign hat and picked it up with hardly a -slackening of his speed.</p> - -<p>But Noll did run more slowly when he saw -Overton again standing on his feet. Now Noll -gently approached the cavalry horse, whose -bridle reins dangled.</p> - -<p>"Easy now, boy," urged Noll as he approached -and reached for the lines.</p> - -<p>He secured them, then gently led the cavalry -mount over toward the crowd.</p> - -<p>"Hurt much, Hal?" hailed Noll</p> - -<p>"No; nothing worth talking about."</p> - -<p>A soldier had said something about the woman -and the girl wishing to thank Corporal Hal, -but that man had spoken without looking, for -now the woman lay on the grass in a dead faint, -while the girl bent over her.</p> - -<p>"Noll," spoke Corporal Overton, "at last accounts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> -I believe we were supposed to be standing -in front of Captain Cortland's tent, awaiting -his summons. I guess we'd better be hurrying -back to get on our job."</p> - -<p>Noll led the horse at first. By and by Hal -reached over and secured the bridle, pausing -just an instant to stroke the animal's neck.</p> - -<p>"You're a fine old fellow," Hal murmured, -gazing wistfully at the horse.</p> - -<p>"Let's keep right on back," urged Noll. "Remember, -we're here really against orders."</p> - -<p>Neither soldier boy thought of mounting the -animal for a ride back. No need existing, either -would have thought it a big piece of impudence -to mount an officer's horse unbidden.</p> - -<p>Captain Cortland was standing before the -door of his tent, watching the approach of his -soldier boys. Beside Cortland stood another -officer, down the outer side of whose trousers' -legs ran the broad, yellow stripe of the cavalry. -This gentleman was Captain Ellis.</p> - -<p>"We're in for it, I reckon," muttered Corporal -Hal to his chum as they drew nearer to -Cortland's tent. "Leaving when under orders, -and taking an officer's horse, at that. Well, -here's for our medicine!"</p> - -<p>Both soldier boys stepped forward holding -themselves as erect as ever, just the same.</p> - -<p>Then, halting before the captain's tent, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> -came very formally to the salute.</p> - -<p>"Captain Cortland, I am obliged to report, -sir, that I left here when under orders. I have -also to report that, seeing the danger of a serious -accident to others, I had the impudence to impress -an officer's horse. Unfortunately, sir, -that animal now appears to be injured."</p> - -<p>"I have also, sir, to report leaving in the face -of other orders," Noll Terry stated gravely.</p> - -<p>"In view of the reasons that lay behind your -acts," replied Captain Cortland, with only the -faintest twinkle of a smile, "I think we shall -have to conclude that discipline has not suffered -a serious affront this time."</p> - -<p>"I am very sorry, indeed, sir, that I rode -your fine animal to any injury," continued Corporal -Hal, turning and saluting the cavalry captain.</p> - -<p>"Pooh!" scoffed Captain Ellis, stepping to -one side and surveying the cuts on his mount's -flank. "Nothing but a few scratches, Corporal—and -a whole horse is as nothing compared with -human lives. We got out in time to see your -handsome work, Corporal, and all I'm sorry for -is that we haven't you in the cavalry."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> - -<p>"You can't have these non-coms. of mine for -yellow-legs, Ellis," laughed Captain Cortland. -"You have just seen what a fine pair of young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> -soldiers they are. I intend to keep them right -here in B Company."</p> - -<p>"You always were a selfish fellow, Cortland," -laughed Captain Ellis.</p> - -<p>"You are hurt, are you not, Corporal?" -queried Captain Cortland, turning to Hal Overton.</p> - -<p>"Nothing but a little scratch and a lump on -my head, sir. I had forgotten it until you -asked."</p> - -<p>"Go over to hospital tent, Corporal Overton, -and have your head dressed. Corporal Terry, -you may go with your friend if you wish."</p> - -<p>As the two young corporals saluted and -turned away, Captain Cortland stood gazing -after them for a few moments, while Private -Claxton walked the horse up and down.</p> - -<p>"Ellis, you don't often find such a snappy, all-around -good pair of young soldiers, do you?" -asked B Company's commander.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't know," replied Captain Ellis. -"I have a few like them in my troop, I guess."</p> - -<p>"My dear fellow, I'm from Missouri," -laughed Captain Cortland.</p> - -<p>We would gladly carry the present narrative -further, but here the present tale is obliged to -end, for there were no other developments of -an interesting nature while the encampment -with the Colorado National Guard continued.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> -This period was filled with nothing beyond the -ordinary routine of camp instruction life, and -when it was all over Major Silsbee's battalion -of the Thirty-fourth gladly enough returned to -Fort Clowdry.</p> - -<p>Our gallant soldier boys will be a little older -when next we meet them, as we shall do in the -next volume in this series, which will be published -under the title, "<span class="smcap">Uncle Sam's Boys as -Sergeants</span>; Or, Handling Their First Real -Commands." In this coming volume we shall -see to just what extent they made good as non-coms., -and whether, in the broader sense, they -proved themselves the all-around soldiers that -their conduct up to date has seemed to assure. -In the next volume will be described much of -both the work and the play that fall to the regular -Army soldier's lot, and many rousing adventures -and ludicrous happenings will therein -be told.</p> - -<p class="center mt2 title4"><span class="smcap">The End</span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span></p> -<p class="center title5"><a name="HENRY_ALTEMUS_COMPANYS" id="HENRY_ALTEMUS_COMPANYS"></a>HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S</p> - -<p class="center mt2"><span class="title5">CATALOGUE OF</span><br /> -<span class="title4 underline">The Best and<br /> -Least Expensive Books</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="title6">FOR</span><br /> -<span class="title4 underline">Real Boys and Girls</span></p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width:120px;"> -<img src="images/illus253a.jpg" width="120" height="185" alt="Cover" title="The Motor Boat Club of the Kennebec" /> -</div> - -<div class="figright" style="width:120px;"> -<img src="images/illus253b.jpg" width="120" height="169" alt="Cover" title="The High School Freshmen" /> -</div> - -<p class="mt2">THESE FASCINATING -VOLUMES -WILL INTEREST -BOYS <span class="smcap">AND</span> GIRLS -OF EVERY AGE -UNDER SIXTY</p> - -<p class="center clear">Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price</p> - -<p class="center"> -Henry Altemus Company<br /> -507–513 CHERRY STREET<br /> -PHILADELPHIA<br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p> -<p class="center"><span class="title4"><a name="The_Motor_Boat_Club" id="The_Motor_Boat_Club"></a>The Motor Boat Club</span><br /> -<span class="title6">SERIES</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="title5">By H. Irving Hancock</span></p> - -<p>The keynote of these books is manliness. The -stories are wonderfully entertaining, and they are at -the same time sound and wholesome. The plots are -ingenious, the action swift, and the moral tone wholly -healthful. No boy will willingly lay down an unfinished -book in this series, at the same time he will form -a taste for good literature and the glory of right living.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>1 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club of the Kennebec</span>; Or, -The Secret of Smugglers' Island.</p> - -<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club at Nantucket</span>; Or, The -Mystery of the Dunstan Heir.</p> - -<p>3 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club off Long Island</span>; Or, A -Daring Marine Game at Racing Speed.</p> - -<p>4 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club and the Wireless</span>; Or, -The Dot, Dash and Dare Cruise.</p> - -<p>5 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club in Florida</span>; Or, Laying -the Ghost of Alligator Swamp.</p> - -<p>6 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club at the Golden Gate</span>; -Or, A Thrilling Capture in the Great Fog.</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center"><b>Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50 cts.</b></p> - -<p class="center">Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price</p> - -<p class="center"> -Henry Altemus Company<br /> -507–513 CHERRY STREET<br /> -PHILADELPHIA<br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p> -<p class="center"><span class="title4"><a name="SUBMARINE_BOYS" id="SUBMARINE_BOYS"></a>SUBMARINE BOYS</span><br /> -<span class="title6">SERIES</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="title5">By Victor G. Durham</span></p> - -<p>These splendid books for boys and girls deal with -life aboard submarine torpedo boats, and with the adventures -of the young crew, who, by degrees, become -most expert in this most wonderful and awe-inspiring -field of modern naval practice. The books are -written by an expert and possess, in addition to the -author's surpassing knack of story-telling, a great -educational value for all young readers.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>1 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys on Duty</span>; Or, Life on a -Diving Torpedo Boat.</p> - -<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys' Trial Trip</span>; Or, "Making -Good" as Young Experts.</p> - -<p>3 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys and the Middies</span>; Or, -The Prize Detail at Annapolis.</p> - -<p>4 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys and the Spies</span>; Or, -Dodging the Sharks of the Deep.</p> - -<p>5 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise</span>; Or, -The Young Kings of the Deep.</p> - -<p>6 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys for the Flag</span>; Or, Deeding -Their Lives to Uncle Sam.</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center"><b>Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50 cts.</b></p> - -<p class="center">Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price</p> - -<p class="center"> -Henry Altemus Company<br /> -507–513 CHERRY STREET<br /> -PHILADELPHIA<br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p> -<p class="center"><span class="title4"><a name="PONY_RIDER_BOYS" id="PONY_RIDER_BOYS"></a>PONY RIDER BOYS</span><br /> -<span class="title6">SERIES</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="title5">By Frank Gee Patchin</span></p> - -<p>These tales may be aptly described as those of a -new Cooper. As the earlier novelist depicted the first -days of the advancing frontier, so does Mr. Patchin -deal charmingly and realistically with what is left of -the strenuous outdoor West of the twentieth century. -In every sense they belong to the best class of books -for boys.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>1 <span class="smcap">The Pony Rider Boys in the Rockies</span>; Or, The -Secret of the Lost Claim.</p> - -<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Pony Rider Boys in Texas</span>; Or, The Veiled -Riddle of the Plains.</p> - -<p>3 <span class="smcap">The Pony Rider Boys in Montana</span>; Or, The -Mystery of the Old Custer Trail.</p> - -<p>4 <span class="smcap">The Pony Rider Boys in the Ozarks</span>; Or, The -Secret of Ruby Mountain.</p> - -<p>5 <span class="smcap">The Pony Rider Boys on the Alkali</span>; Or, -Finding a Key to the Desert Maze.</p> - -<p>6 <span class="smcap">The Pony Rider Boys in New Mexico</span>; Or, -The End of the Silver Trail.</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center"><b>Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50 cts.</b></p> - -<p class="center">Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price</p> - -<p class="center"> -Henry Altemus Company<br /> -507–513 CHERRY STREET<br /> -PHILADELPHIA<br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span></p> -<p class="center"><span class="title4"><a name="High_School_Boys_Series" id="High_School_Boys_Series"></a>High School Boys Series</span><br /> -<span class="title6">By H. Irving Hancock</span></p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 120px;"> -<img src="images/illus257a.jpg" width="120" height="168" alt="Cover" title="The High School Freshmen" /> -</div> - - -<p>In this series of bright, crisp books a new -note has been struck.</p> - -<p>Boys of every age under sixty will be interested -in these fascinating volumes.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>1 <span class="smcap">The High School Freshmen</span>; Or, -Dick & Co's First Year Pranks -and Sports.</p> - -<p>2 <span class="smcap">The High School Pitcher</span>; Or, -Dick & Co. on the Gridley -Diamond.</p> - -<p>3 <span class="smcap">The High School Left End</span>; Or, -Dick & Co. Grilling on the -Football Gridiron.</p> - -<p>4 <span class="smcap">The High School Captain of the Team</span>; Or, Dick & -Co. Leading the Athletic Vanguard.</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center"> -<b>Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.</b><br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p class="center"><span class="title4"><a name="Grammar_School_Boys_Series" id="Grammar_School_Boys_Series"></a>Grammar School Boys Series</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="title6">By H. Irving Hancock</span></p> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 120px;"> -<img src="images/illus257b.jpg" width="120" height="171" alt="Cover" title="The Grammar School Boys of Gridley" /> -</div> - - -<p>This series of stories, based on the actual -doings of grammar school boys comes near to -the heart of the average American boy.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>1 <span class="smcap">The Grammar School Boys of -Gridley</span>; Or, Dick & Co. Start -Things Moving.</p> - -<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Grammar School Boys Snow-bound</span>; -Or, Dick & Co. at Winter -Sports.</p> - -<p>3 <span class="smcap">The Grammar School Boys in the -Woods</span>; Or, Dick & Co. Trail -Fun and Knowledge.</p> - -<p>4 <span class="smcap">The Grammar School Boys in Summer Athletics</span>; Or, -Dick & Co. Make Their Fame Secure.</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center"> -<b>Cloth, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.</b><br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p> -<p class="center"><span class="title4"><a name="West_Point_Series" id="West_Point_Series"></a>West Point Series</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="title6">By H. Irving Hancock</span></p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 120px;"> -<img src="images/illus258a.jpg" width="120" height="172" alt="Cover" title="Dick Prescott's First Year at West Point" /> -</div> - -<p>The principal characters in these narratives -are two sound, wholesome, manly young -Americans who go strenuously through their -four years of cadetship. Their doings will -prove an inspiration to all American boys.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>1 <span class="smcap">Dick Prescott's First Year at -West Point</span>; Or, Two Chums in -the Cadet Gray.</p> - -<p>2 <span class="smcap">Dick Prescott's Second Year at -West Point</span>; Or, Finding the -Glory of the Soldier's Life.</p> - -<p>3 <span class="smcap">Dick Prescott's Third Year at -West Point</span>; Or, Standing Firm -for Flag and Honor.</p> - -<p>4 <span class="smcap">Dick Prescott's Fourth Year at West Point</span>; Or, -Ready to Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps.</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center"> -<b>Cloth, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.</b><br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p class="center"><span class="title4"><a name="Annapolis_Series" id="Annapolis_Series"></a>Annapolis Series</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="title6">By H. Irving Hancock</span></p> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 120px;"> -<img src="images/illus258b.jpg" width="120" height="174" alt="Cover" title="Dave Darrin's First Year at Annapolis" /> -</div> - -<p>The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully -and truthfully depicted in these volumes.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>1 <span class="smcap">Dave Darrin's First Year at -Annapolis</span>; Or, Two Plebe -Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval -Academy.</p> - -<p>2 <span class="smcap">Dave Darrin's Second Year at -Annapolis</span>; Or, Two Midshipmen -as Naval Academy "Youngsters."</p> - -<p>3 <span class="smcap">Dave Darrin's Third Year at -Annapolis</span>; Or, Leaders of the -Second Class Midshipmen.</p> - -<p>4 <span class="smcap">Dave Darrin's Fourth Year at Annapolis</span>; Or, -Headed for Graduation and the Big Cruise.</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center"> -<b>Cloth, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.</b><br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p> -<p class="center"><span class="title4"><a name="Boys_of_the_Army_Series" id="Boys_of_the_Army_Series"></a>Boys of the Army Series</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="title6">By H. Irving Hancock</span></p> - -<div class="figleft" style="width: 120px;"> -<img src="images/illus259a.jpg" width="120" height="168" alt="Cover" title="Uncle Sam's Boys in the Ranks" /> -</div> - -<p>These books breathe the life and spirit of -the United States Army of to-day, and the life, -just as it is, is described by a master-pen.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>1 <span class="smcap">Uncle Sam's Boys in the Ranks</span>; -Or, Two Recruits in the United -States Army.</p> - -<p>2 <span class="smcap">Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty</span>; -Or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons.</p> - -<p>3 <span class="smcap">Uncle Sam's Boys as Sergeants</span>; -Or, Handling Their First Real -Commands.</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center">(<i>Other volumes to follow rapidly.</i>)</p> - -<p class="center"> -<b>Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.</b><br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> - -<p class="center"><span class="title4"><a name="Battleship_Boys_Series" id="Battleship_Boys_Series"></a>Battleship Boys Series</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="title6">By Frank Gee Patchin</span></p> - -<div class="figright" style="width: 120px;"> -<img src="images/illus259b.jpg" width="120" height="180" alt="Cover" title="The Battleship Boys at Sea" /> -</div> - -<p>These stories throb with the life of young -Americans on today's huge drab Dreadnaughts.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>1 <span class="smcap">The Battleship Boys at Sea</span>; Or, -Two Apprentices in Uncle Sam's -Navy.</p> - -<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Battleship Boys' First Step -Upward</span>; Or, Winning Their -Grades as Petty Officers.</p> - -<p>3 <span class="smcap">The Battleship Boys in Foreign -Service</span>; Or, Earning New Ratings -in European Seas.</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center">(<i>Other volumes to follow rapidly.</i>)</p> - -<p class="center"> -<b>Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.</b><br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p> -<p class="center"><span class="title4"><a name="The_Circus_Boys_Series" id="The_Circus_Boys_Series"></a>The Circus Boys Series</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="title6">By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON</span></p> - -<p>Mr. Darlington is known to all real circus people along every route -that big and little shows travel. His books breathe forth every phase -of an intensely interesting and exciting life.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>1 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the -Start in the Sawdust Life.</p> - -<p>2 THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning -New Laurels on the Tanbark.</p> - -<p>3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits -of the Sunny South.</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center">(<i>Other volumes to follow rapidly</i>)</p> - -<p class="center"> -<b>Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.</b><br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p class="center"><span class="title4"><a name="The_High_School_Girls_Series" id="The_High_School_Girls_Series"></a>The High School Girls Series</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="title6">By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M.</span></p> - -<p>These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the -reader fairly by storm.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>1 GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, -The Merry Doings of the Oakdale Freshmen Girls.</p> - -<p>2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; -Or, The Record of the Girl Chums in Work and Athletics.</p> - -<p>3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, -Fast Friends in the Sororities.</p> - -<p>4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, -The Parting of the Ways.</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center"> -<b>Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.</b><br /> -</p> -</div> - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p class="center"><span class="title4"><a name="The_Automobile_Girls_Series" id="The_Automobile_Girls_Series"></a>The Automobile Girls Series</span></p> - -<p class="center"><span class="title6">By LAURA DENT CRANE</span></p> - -<p>No girl's library—no family book-case can be considered at all complete -unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books, -written for present-day girls.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the -Summer Parade.</p> - -<p>2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; Or, The -Ghost of Lost Man's Trail.</p> - -<p>3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, -Fighting Fire in Sleepy Hollow.</p></blockquote> - -<p class="center">(<i>Other volumes to follow rapidly</i>)</p> - -<p class="center"> -<b>Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.</b><br /> -</p> -</div> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="chap" /> -</div> -<div class="books"> -<p class="center"><span class="title6">Transcriber's notes</span></p> - -<p>Punctuation has been standardized; spelling has been -preserved as in the original publication except as follows:</p> - - <p>Page 112 - stated Captatin Cortland <i>changed</i> to - stated Captain Cortland</p> - - <p>Page 160 - out of the quesetion <i>changed</i> to - out of the question</p> - - <p>Page 195 - Four four days he continued <i>changed to</i> - For four days he continued</p> - - <p>Page 233 - queried Judge Guffney <i>changed to</i> - queried Judge Guffey</p> - - <p>Page 243 - entered the regular's <i>changed to</i> - entered the regulars'</p> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty, by -H. 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Irving Hancock - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty - or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons - -Author: H. Irving Hancock - -Release Date: August 8, 2016 [EBook #52755] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY *** - - - - -Produced by Juliet Sutherland, David K. Park and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - -[Illustration: "Let Me Look at That Bolt." _Frontispiece._] - - - - - Uncle Sam's Boys - on Field Duty - - OR - - Winning Corporal's Chevrons - - By - H. IRVING HANCOCK - - Author of The Motor Boat Club Series, The High School Boys' Series, - The West Point Series, The Annapolis Series, Uncle Sam's Boys - in the Ranks, Uncle Sam's Boys as Sergeants, Etc. - - Illustrated - - PHILADELPHIA - HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY - - - - - COPYRIGHT, 1911, BY - HOWARD E. ALTEMUS - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - I. A SQUAD-ROOM MISUNDERSTANDING 7 - II. ON THE GREAT SUMMER HIKE 29 - III. SOLDIER HAL MARCHES AS A PRISONER 47 - IV. THE JOKING SCOUT 54 - V. THE CORPORAL WITH THE SHEEPISH GRIN 65 - VI. RAYNES FINDS A PATRIOTIC ALLY 77 - VII. BEARS AND OTHER TROUBLES 90 - VIII. IN THE MIDST OF THE "HOSTILES" 97 - IX. PLANNING FOR THE NIGHT ATTACK 103 - X. TRAPPERS AND TRAPPED 113 - XI. THAT C COMPANY CORPORAL EATS CROW 119 - XII. THE CALL TO DEADLY WORK 130 - XIII. THE APPOINTMENT WITH SUPREME DANGER 138 - XIV. MEETING BLICK IN EARNEST 145 - XV. THE BATTLE OF THEIR LIVES 155 - XVI. CAPTAIN CORTLAND "MAKES A SPEECH" 162 - XVII. ROUNDING UP THE MISSING LEAVE MEN 171 - XVIII. DOWLEY EGGS ON A CATSPAW 184 - XIX. A DISPUTE IN THE GUARD HOUSE 192 - XX. PROMOTION FLIES IN THE AIR 202 - XXI. THE PRICE OF BEING A MAN 211 - XXII. TWO YOUNG CORPORALS SEND OUT THE "C. Q. D." 227 - XXIII. THE WIND CHANGES ITS COURSE AND BLOWS 235 - XXIV. CONCLUSION 246 - - - - -Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty - -CHAPTER I - -A SQUAD-ROOM MISUNDERSTANDING - - -"I see by the paper----" began Private Green, looking up. - -Instantly the doughboys in the squad room turned loose on him. - -"You can never believe what you read in the papers," broke in Private -Hyman. - -"Cut it and study your guard manual!" yelled another. - -"Is it going to rain to-night, rookie?" - -"Let him alone. He wants to prove that he can read," jeered another, -which witticism brought a swift flush to the face of Private Green. - -For Green was as verdant as his name. He was a new recruit, just in -after his probationary period at a northwestern recruit rendezvous. He -was so green, in fact, that the men in the squad room, and throughout -B Company of the Thirty-fourth United States Infantry accused the -young fellow of having joined the Army so that he could get a wall of -bayonets between his own inexperienced self and the bunco men. - -The young recruit's mistake lay in pretending to know a lot more than -he really did know. He had been put through the unmerciful hazing that -always awaits a very "fresh" rookie, or recruit, but even that had -taught him little. Private Green was always looking for the chance to -prove to his new comrades among the regulars of the Thirty-fourth that -he knew something after all. This afternoon his trouble had taken the -form of trying to find something in a two-days' old newspaper on which -he could discourse for the enlightenment of the other men. - -"I see by the paper," continued Private William Green, as soon as his -tormentors would let him proceed, "that we of the United States are now -manufacturing the biggest and finest guns in the world." - -"Meaning cannon?" quizzed Private Hyman innocently. - -"Sure," nodded Private William Green. - -"Take that over to the red sheds," jeered one soldier. - -"What do we of the infantry care about the red legs and their -troubles?" demanded Hyman, as though affronted. - -For the "doughboys," or infantrymen, of the regular Army, affect -supreme scorn for all other arms of the service. In especial do they -profess contempt for the artillerymen, or red legs, this latter epithet -being derived from the fact that red is the artillery color, and that -the officers and non-commissioned officers of the artillery wear red -side stripes on their trousers. - -"But think what it means to this country," insisted Private William -Green, "when we manufacture the biggest guns in the world." - -"And we have also the loudest-mouthed and noisiest members in the peace -societies," remarked Private Hal Overton, laughingly. - -"What have peace-spouters got to do with big guns?" demanded Private -William Green rather stiffly. - -"Why, you see," explained Hal, "the peace advocates look for the -millennium." - -"The mill--what kind of mill?" inquired Green, with unlooked-for -interest, for Private Willie had been employed in a grist mill before -enlisting. - -"The mil-len-nium," explained Private Overton patiently, though with a -twinkle in his eyes. - -"Never heard of that mill," replied Private Green rather disdainfully. -"What's it for?" - -"Why, you see, Greenie--pardon me, I mean Willie," continued Hal -Overton, while the other soldiers in the squad room, scenting fun, -remained silent, "it's like this: The millennium is the age that may -come some time. The peace-spouters tell us that the millennium is -coming in two weeks from autumn. That millennium is the age when all -war will be abolished and soldiers will have to go to work." - -"What's all that got to do with what I was talking about?" demanded -Private Green, bewildered and half offended. - -"Wait, and Overton will tell you," warned Hal's chum, Noll Terry, who -stood by looking decidedly trim and handsome in his spotless khaki -uniform. - -"Of course you know all about Armageddon?" resumed Hal. - -"Never heard of him," retorted Green suspiciously, for he saw the -amused looks in the faces of some of the soldiers standing about. -"Say--hold on! Is Army-gid-ap----" - -"Armageddon," corrected Hal quietly. - -"Is that the name of the new breakfast food that the rainmaker (Army -surgeon) was trying to have sprung on the bill of fare of our company -mess?" - -"Oh, no," Hal assured him. "Nothing as bad as that. You see, -Greenie--Willie, I mean--while the peace-howlers lay all of their bets -on the millennium being just over the fence, there's another crowd of -high-brow thinkers who look forward to the great battle when all the -armies of the world will be present. That battle is going to be the one -grand fight of all history, and the armies of one half of the world -are going to get a sure thrashing from the armies of the other half. -Any way you look at it, it's surely going to be a big scrap, Willie, -and after that maybe all soldiers will be too tired to fight any more. -Now, for that great battle the high-brows have invented the name of -Armageddon. Don't forget the name, Willie--Armageddon. It's going to be -the biggest fight the world ever saw--the only real fight in history, -as we'll look back at it afterwards." - -"But what has all this got to do with what I was reading from the -paper?" insisted Private Green. - -"Why, don't you see, if we're making the biggest and finest guns, and -Armageddon comes on, it'll be just like robbing a baker's wagon for us -to win Armageddon. On the other hand, if millennium runs in first, and -we don't need the guns, then we win, too. We've got the biggest guns -for Armageddon, and the noisiest peace-howlers for the millennium. -Armageddon or millennium, it's just as good a bet either way, for the -United States is bound to win, going or coming." - -Private William Green didn't see more than a tenth part of the point, -but the laugh that followed got on his nerves. - -"You fellows are nothing but a lot of horse-play idiots," he growled, -rising and stalking away. - -As he made his way through the little fringe of soldiers something -happened to Private William Green, but Hal Overton was the only -disinterested person who happened to see it. - -William had joined the Army after toiling and saving for some four -years. Green had saved his money, and hoped to save a lot more. He was -known to have about four hundred dollars in cash, which he had so far -declined to deposit with the Army pay-master. Where he kept this money -was not known, beyond the fact that he sometimes carried it on his -person. - -Just as William was passing through the group of soldiers a hand ran -expertly up under the loose hem of Private Green's blouse. A wallet -left Green's right-hand hip pocket, coming away with the intruding -hand. Then Private Dowley slipped the wallet into his own trousers' -pocket. - -Hal saw and acted with his usual quickness. - -"Don't do that, Dowley," Hal advised, moving forward and resting a hand -on Private Dowley's shoulder. - -"Don't do what?" demanded Dowley, turning scowling eyes on Hal. - -"Give him back his wallet, Dowley. That's carrying a joke too far." - -"I haven't----" was as far as Private Dowley got when Private William -Green, who was twenty-two years old, tall, raw-boned, freckled and -sandy haired, heard the word and clapped a hand to his own hip pocket. - -"I've been touched--robbed--right in the heart of United States -forces!" yelled Private Green, turning and staggering back. - -"Give it back to him, Dowley," urged Hal. - -"What do you mean? To say that I----" sputtered Dowley, clenching his -fists as though he meant to hurl himself at Hal Overton. - -But Private William himself settled the problem by hurling himself -weakly at Dowley and running his hands over his comrade's clothing. - -"There it is," yelled William. "My wallet--right in Dowley's trousers' -pocket." - -"Of course," nodded Private Hal. "Dowley did it as a joke, but it looks -like carrying a joke too far." - -Dowley, seeing that further denial was useless, broke into a guffaw. -Then he thrust a hand into his pocket, producing the wallet. William -Green pounced upon it with an exclamation of joy. - -"I wanted to string Greenie," explained Dowley hoarsely, "but Overton -had to go to work and spoil it all." - -"The joke was in bad taste," observed Private Hyman quietly. "We don't -want any work of that sort here, even for fun." - -"What I marvel at," remarked Hal innocently, "is how you did the thing -in such a smooth, light-fingered way, Dowley." - -"Light fingered? You hound!" raged Dowley, his eyes blazing. "Do you -mean that I did the trick with the skill of a crook?" - -He placed himself squarely before the young soldier, crowding him back -and glaring into Overton's eyes. - -The other soldiers in the room found suddenly a new interest in the -scene. Young Overton wasn't quarrelsome; he was the soul of good -nature, in fact, but he knew how to fight when he had to do it. - -"Stop walking on my feet," counseled Hal, giving Dowley a slight push -that sent him backward a step. - -"What did you mean?" insisted Dowley, who was working himself into a -greater rage with every second. - -"It's time to ask what you mean," retorted Hal. - -"You called me a light-fingered crook, because I played a joke on -Greenie," roared Dowley. "And I'm going to make you eat talk like -that." - -"You're putting a wrong construction on my words," returned Hal quietly. - -"You called me a light-fingered crook, didn't you?" demanded Dowley -hotly. - -"I spoke of your performance as a light-fingered trick." - -"That's the same thing," raged the older man. - -"Is it?" - -"Don't play baby, and don't crawfish," sneered Dowley, scowling. "You -know what you meant." - -"And you seem to think you know, too." - -"We must break this up," whispered Private Hyman to Noll Terry, Hal -Overton's soldier chum. "I don't want to see him get hurt." - -"What do you care about Dowley?" asked Noll, shrugging his shoulders. - -"Dowley be hanged!" retorted Hyman. "It's your kid friend I'm thinking -about." - -"Oh, he won't get hurt," retorted Noll with cheery assurance. - -"Your friend is pretty handy with his fists, I know, but Dowley is a -big fellow, an older man, with more fighting judgment; and I miss my -guess if Dowley hasn't had a big lot of practice in rough-and-tumble in -all the bad spots of life." - -"Will you take back and apologize for what you said?" insisted Dowley. - -"If I said anything I shouldn't have said," replied Hal quietly. - -"You're a liar, a cur and----" - -"Stop that!" objected Hal Overton, yet without raising his voice. - -"Apologize, then! Do it handsomely, too." - -"You've said too much to be entitled to any apology now," Hal assured -the scowling soldier. - -"Apologize, or I'll----" - -"Going to start now?" Hal queried smilingly. - -"Yes, you----" - -Dowley made a rush, with both fists clenched. Hal nimbly sidestepped, -putting up his own guard at the same time. - -"Attention!" shouted a soldier. - -Instantly both prospective combatants dropped their hands. The door -of the squad-room had opened, and now there entered a young officer, -handsome and resplendent in his new fatigue uniform. Unlike the -khaki-clad enlisted men, this officer was attired in the blue uniform. -Down the outer side of either leg of his trousers ran the broad white -stripe of the commissioned officer of infantry. On his shoulders lay -the plain shoulder strap, without bars or other device, proclaiming the -young man to be a second lieutenant. He was a handsome young fellow -of twenty-two, erect, fine of bearing and every inch of him an intense -soldier. - -"Where is Sergeant Hupner?" asked Lieutenant Prescott. His glance, as -he made the inquiry, appeared to be directed to Private Hal Overton. - -"I don't know, sir," Hal answered respectfully. - -"And neither of the corporals berthed in this squad room are present, -either?" - -"No, sir." - -No displeasure was apparent in the young lieutenant's tone. There was -no reason why the corporals, as well as the sergeant, should not be -absent at this moment, if they chose. The officer's query was made only -for the purpose of securing information. - -"You are Private Overton?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"When Sergeant Hupner returns be good enough to say to him that I wish -to see him at my quarters. Any time before the call for parade will do." - -"Very good, sir." - -"If Private Overton is not here when Sergeant Hupner returns, any other -man may deliver my message," continued Lieutenant Prescott. "That is -all. Good afternoon, men." - -The young lieutenant turned and strode from the squad room. - -"Somehow," mused Private Hyman, "it takes West Point to turn out a real -soldier, doesn't it? No matter how good a man is, or how long he spends -in learning the soldier trade, he's never quite the same unless he has -the West Point brand on him." - -"That's nothing to do with my affair," growled Private Dowley. "Now, -Kid Overton, I'll attend to your case." - -"Oh, cut it, Dowley," grumbled Private Hyman. "Get out and keep out, or -we'll find a blanket and give you a little excitement. Eh, boys?" - -"I'm going to polish off this kid for his insults to me," insisted -Dowley sulkily. - -"Bring the blanket, boys," muttered Hyman wearily. - -From several of the men came a gleeful whoop as they started in various -directions. It looked like business of a different sort now, and Dowley -was not too blind to see it. - -"Oh, all right, if you're all going to butt in to save this kid -doughbaby from his just deserts. But he'll get his later on," snarled -Private Dowley. - -"I'm all ready now. There's no time like the present," smiled Hal. - -But two of the soldiers were coming back with blankets. There's not an -atom of fun--for the victim--in being tossed in a blanket, so Dowley -started for the door. - -It banged behind him. Two minutes later it banged again, this time -closing on big Private Bill Hooper. - -"Birds of a feather--you all know the rest," chuckled Private Hyman, -winking at some of his comrades in B Company. A general laugh answered. - -"Why didn't you let Dowley have his fun?" asked Private Hal Overton -good-humoredly. - -"Because, Hal," replied Hyman, "Dowley is a big, ugly, dangerous man. -You're spunky; you're all grit, and I don't know any kid who can handle -himself as well as you do. But Dowley is in another class." - - * * * * * - -"You'll do well, after this, Hal," murmured Noll Terry, when the chums -were by themselves at one end of the room, "to keep your eyes open. I -shall do the same." - -"Why?" Overton wanted to know. - -"Well, you've made an enemy of Dowley." - -"Perhaps." - -"Don't treat it as lightly as that," warned Noll Terry with great -earnestness. "Dowley isn't a man to forget even a fancied injury. You -noticed that Bill Hooper went out soon after Dowley, didn't you?" - -"Yes; but what of it?" - -"Hooper hates you; he has hated you for a long time, and Dowley has -just learned to hate you. Now, you may be sure those two birds of a -feather will flock together." - -"Let 'em," laughed Hal indifferently. - -"For what purpose will they flock together?" persisted Noll. "They now -have a common interest in making life miserable for you." - -"Just for my one remark to Dowley?" smiled Hal. - -"I tell you Dowley is the kind of man who takes offense easily, and -then can't make himself forget. Look there, quick!" - -Noll, who had been half facing one of the end windows of the squad -room, suddenly nudged Hal, then pointed. - -"Do you see that pair over yonder, just going through under the trees?" -queried Noll Terry dryly. - -"Hooper and Dowley," nodded Hal. - -"What do you suppose has brought that pair together so quickly after -the scene here? They're drawn together by a common interest--in you." - -"Let 'em talk about me, if they like," proposed Hal coolly. - -"Do you imagine they're getting together just to talk about you?" -demanded Private Terry half indignantly. "Wake up, Hal; keep your eyes -open, and I'll do the same. They're two, but we are two, also. If -you don't go to sleep, Hal, I think we can prove ourselves equal to -anything that that pair may try to do. But you don't want to forget -that they are certainly plotting to do something to get you into -trouble. Whatever gets you into trouble also puts a bad mark on your -record as a soldier and threatens to interfere with your promotion." - -"If Hooper and Dowley get busy along those lines," muttered Hal, his -eyes blazing, "they'll find that they have a sure fight on their hands." - -"That's the way to talk, old fellow," approved Noll Terry, his eyes -shining eagerly. "And don't think I'm foolish, either, in the warning -that I'm giving you." - -"Thank you, Noll; I guess it will be as well to be ordinarily alert, -where that pair are concerned. It never does any fellow harm to have -his eyes open at all times." - -Readers of the previous volume in this series, "UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN -THE RANKS," will need no introduction to Privates Hal Overton and -Noll Terry, of the Thirty-fourth United States Infantry, stationed at -Fort Clowdry, in the lower Rockies of Colorado. - -Hal and Noll were bright, typical American boys when, at the age of -eighteen, back in their New Jersey home town, they decided that their -careers in life were to be found through enlisting in the Army. - -It was in April that they enlisted, after which they were sent to a -recruit rendezvous near New York City. At the recruit rendezvous the -two young "rookies," as recruits are commonly termed in the service, -were whipped very thoroughly into shape. - -While at the recruit rendezvous the two rookies distinguished -themselves by preventing the desertion of a corporal who was in arrest. -For this service they were commended in orders. - -On the way to their regiment in Colorado the boys were present -when an attempt was made to hold up the United States mail train. -An Army officer, Major Davis, of the Seventeenth Cavalry, ordered -them to assist him in resisting an attack on the mail car. In the -encounter that followed some of the train robbers were shot, others -then surrendering to Major Davis. That same night Major Davis wired -the colonel of the Thirty-fourth, speaking of the young recruits in -high terms for their prompt obedience and their grit under trying -circumstances. So Overton and Terry, on joining their regiment the next -morning, found themselves in high favor. - -Of course the young soldiers had to endure the usual amount of "hazing" -when they took up their new life in the squad room. But this they -did with a combination of grit and good humor that soon won them the -respect of the older soldiers. - -Then came a period of great excitement on the post. Despite the fact -that an entire battalion of the Thirty-fourth was stationed at Fort -Clowdry, a gang of burglars visited the quarters of married officers on -dark nights, and invariably succeeded in getting away with substantial -booty. - -It was young Private Overton who, when on sentry duty up in officers' -row, was first to detect the burglars as they were leaving a house -that they had robbed. Before the guard arrived Private Hal Overton had -a spirited battle with the decamping thieves. One of them turned out -to be Tip Branders, a young bully who had once lived in the home town -of Hal and Noll. Branders had robbed his own mother and had drifted -west, falling in with bad company. Hal and Noll then remembered a -rock-strewn, distant part of the post where they had once met Tip, -and there they led a squad of soldiers, under an officer. Here, after -another brief but spirited battle, the escaped burglars had been -caught; and here also all the booty stolen from the quarters along -officers' row was recovered. - -Both young soldiers had now received great credit for their daring -and clever work. Moreover, both had gone on rapidly in the thorough -learning of their new work as soldiers of the regular Army. - -And now the month of August had come around. Both young soldiers were -now on the high road to efficiency and success in their strenuous new -life. - -Readers of the "HIGH SCHOOL BOYS' SERIES" and the "WEST -POINT SERIES" will be quick to recognize another young man -who has been briefly introduced in the opening of this present -volume--Lieutenant Dick Prescott, a graduate of the United States -Military Academy at West Point, and just recently appointed to his -regiment, the Thirty-fourth. With Lieutenant Prescott was Lieutenant -Greg Holmes, who will be remembered as Prescott's close chum in the -High School and West Point days. - -Prescott we now find as second lieutenant of B Company; Holmes was -now second lieutenant of C Company of the same battalion of the -Thirty-fourth. - -Both were splendid young officers, and manly to the core. In the few -days that Lieutenants Prescott and Holmes had been at Fort Clowdry they -had made a fine impression on the enlisted men. Soldiers are quick to -judge and estimate the worth of their officers. - -Sergeant Hupner soon entered the squad room. The first sergeant being -absent for a couple of days, Hupner was acting first sergeant. To him -Hal gave Lieutenant Prescott's message. - -"I'll go up to the lieutenant's quarters at once," nodded Hupner. "He's -a fine young officer, isn't he?" - -"Yes," agreed Private Overton. "But I haven't yet met any but mighty -fine officers in the service, so the lieutenant isn't any cause of -surprise to me." - -Hupner was back within twenty minutes. - -"Attention," he called. "Men, in the absence of the captain and first -lieutenant until Wednesday, Lieutenant Prescott is company commander. -He has just notified me, as acting first sergeant, to inform the men -that B and C Companies march from the post on Friday for a two weeks' -period of training in field duty. Every man will promptly see to it -that all his field outfit is in proper order. Any man wishing further -instruction or advice will apply to me at any time up to our departure." - -Then Sergeant Hupner hurried forth to acquaint the men in the other -squad rooms of B Company with the news. - -"Field work? Hurrah!" shouted Private Terry, always eager to experience -new phases of the soldier's life. - -"You've never been off on field work, have you?" asked Hyman dryly. - -"No; that's why I'm so pleased about it," Noll answered. - -"And that's the only reason," added Hyman. "Take it from me that it's a -period of hard work, tedious marching, blistered feet, aching muscles -and all but crumbling bones. It's nothing but a big, torturesome hike -through the mountains." - -"I'll enjoy it," insisted Private Terry. - -"Wait," advised Hyman. - -Soon after the buglers of the post were sounding first call to -afternoon parade. It was not until the men were falling in ranks that -Bill Hooper and the morose Dowley heard about the coming tour of field -duty. - -"That will be our chance," muttered Hooper to Dowley, after the men -had been dismissed at the conclusion of parade. The two were again by -themselves, their scheming heads together. - -"I don't believe the chance will be as good off in the field as it will -be here at barracks," grunted Dowley. - -"That's because you haven't been in the Army long enough to know," -retorted big Bill Hooper. - -"Blast the Army!" snarled Dowley. - -"However did you come to enlist, anyway?" asked Hooper curiously. - -"I had reasons of my own," replied Dowley shortly. - -"Did the sheriff have anything to do with those reasons?" grinned -Hooper darkly. - -"Don't get too curious!" warned the other. - -"Oh, I'm not nosey," laughed Hooper. "And we can't afford to quarrel. -We're both pledged to getting Overton kicked out of the service." - -"Are you sure that he and Terry really expect to work their way up to -becoming commissioned officers?" - -"I have it on the best of authority," declared Private Hooper. - -"Whose?" - -"Their own." - -"Did they tell you so?" - -"Not they! Those kids are too close-mouthed for that. At least, they -didn't tell me direct, and I don't believe they've told any other -enlisted men on the post. But I heard them talking it over, one day -when they didn't know I was around. They expect to be made corporals -before their first year is out. In three years they hope to be -sergeants, and then they scheme to take the enlisted men's examination -for commissions as second lieutenants." - -"Lieutenants? Shave-tails?" guffawed Dowley. "Hooper, they'll never -even be corporals. It's a bob-tail discharge for theirs!" - -Second lieutenants, when their commissions are very new, are often -referred to as "shave-tails." A "bob-tail" is a dishonorable discharge, -after court-martial. To a real soldier a "bob-tail" means unspeakable -disgrace. - -"A bob-tail for theirs--yes, sir," repeated Private Dowley. "And I'm -genius enough to bring it about!" - -"Perhaps you won't need my help, for you sure are some smart," -suggested Bill Hooper in a tone of pretended admiration. - -"I'm smart enough to see that you'd drop out and use me as the -catspaw," growled Private Dowley. "None of that, Bill! You'll stand -right by and do half of the dirty work in exchange for half of the -satisfaction. Between us we'll give that fool Overton a new middle -name, and that middle name will be 'Bob-tail'!" - - - - -CHAPTER II - -ON THE GREAT SUMMER HIKE - - -From up the mountain road one of a little group of officers ahead sent -back an informal signal. - -"B Company fall in!" called out Lieutenant Dick Prescott. - -"C Company fall in!" followed Lieutenant Greg Holmes. - -These two young West Pointers had been left temporarily in command of -the companies with which they served. - -Some hundred and eighty men rose from their by no means soft seats on -the ground along the trail and fell into single file. - -Another hand signal came down the trail. - -"B Company forward, route step, march!" commanded Lieutenant Prescott. - -"C Company forward, route step, march," echoed Lieutenant Holmes a -moment later. - -Tortuously the line moved forward once more. To one well up in the air -that long line might have looked like a thin serpent trailing its way -up the mountain side. But it was a very real, human line. - -Each private soldier carried rifle, bayonet, cartridge belt, -intrenching tool, canteen, haversack and blanket roll. It was a heavy -pack. In addition, men here and there carried either a pick or a shovel. - -Noll was carrying an extra shovel just now. Hal Overton had no such -extra pack to-day, but all the day before he had toiled along with a -pick added to the rest of his equipment. - -What have soldiers to do with a pick and shovel? Theoretically these -two companies now engaged on field duty were marching through a hostile -country. After a battle the pick and shovel may be used for the work of -burying slain comrades. Such tools are also useful in the swift digging -of trenches in which to fight. - -It was past the middle of the afternoon now, and the day of the week -Monday. This little column was winding up the third day of its work in -field. - -As B Company traveled tediously along, Hal Overton was nineteenth man -from the first sergeant. Noll was twentieth; directly behind Terry -marched Private Hyman. - -"Terry?" called Hyman in a low tone. - -"Yes?" returned Noll. - -"How do you like field work now?" - -"Fine." - -"You're a cheerful liar," growled Private Hyman. - -"No, I'm not," laughed Noll. "I'm telling the truth." - -"You really enjoy this hike?" - -"Yes; and so does Hal." - -"Huh! He's a bigger liar than you are." - -"What's that human calamity behind you howling about?" demanded Private -Overton. - -"He's intimating that the truth isn't in us because we claim to like -field duty." - -"Hyman always was a bake-house soldier," laughed Hal cheerily. - -"What's that kid saying about me?" demanded Hyman. - -"Overton says," reported Noll, not very accurately, "that he can't -understand why you're in the Army at all. He says that one of your -temperament could find a job in civil life that would suit you much -better." - -"What job is that?" asked Hyman. - -"Nurse girl," grinned Terry. - -"For that," threatened Hyman, "I'll put salt in that kid's coffee -to-night." - -The conversation was carried on in a low tone of course. Troops in -the field, marching at route step, are allowed to carry on quiet -conversations when not supposed to be near the enemy. - -"You want to look out for Hyman, Hal," Noll passed word forward. - -"Why?" - -"He says you stole his bacon from his haversack this morning and he's -going to set a steel trap in his haversack to-night." - -"Hyman doesn't know the truth when he halts it on sentry post," Overton -retorted. "Hyman hasn't had any bacon in his haversack since we started -from Fort Clowdry." - -"How do you know?" demanded Private Hyman, who happened to overhear -this statement. - -"Because I've gotten up every night and looked through your haversack -for bacon," declared Private Overton unblushingly. - -"I heard to-day why you joined the Army," grunted Hyman. - -"Yes?" grinned Hal. - -"Sure! You had some trouble with the sheriff at home over stealing the -flowers from the cemetery and selling them to get cigarette money. -You're a nice one, Overton, to be entrusted with government property!" - -"Oh, come, now, Hyman," Hal laughed back. "That wasn't so bad as your -case. You enlisted because the judge said you'd either have to go to -jail for robbing the Salvation Army's Christmas boxes, or else turn -soldier." - -Half a dozen men in the long line were laughing now. - -"I'll fix you for that when you're asleep to-night," growled Hyman. - -"Yes; I notice you never do anything to a fellow when he's awake," -jeered Private Hal. - -The two men were not on bad terms, nor in any danger of becoming so. -This was merely an instance of the way soldiers "josh" one another. - -The sun was now disappearing behind the western hill tops. It would be -daylight, however, for more than two hours to come. - -Fifty minutes after this last start Lieutenant Prescott again received -a hand signal from the officers on ahead. - -"B Company halt; fall out," ordered the young West Pointer. - -Holmes repeated the command to C Company. - -The head of the line had halted near a grove through which a brook -bubbled along on its way to the stream down in the canyon to the right -of the trail. - -"The officers are going to inspect the grove as a site for camp," was -the word that passed back along the line. - -"A soldier's first duty," quoth Hal, as he sank upon the ground, "is to -make himself as comfortable as he can." - -Noll, too, dropped to the ground, and Hyman followed the example. - -"Overton, I'll have to borrow some of that baby powder of yours -to-night," sighed Hyman. - -"For your complexion?" grinned Hal. - -"No; to put in my shoes. This mountain hike has my feet in bad." - -"I'll tell you what you ought to do, just before every big hike," -laughed Hal. - -"Don't tell me anything about the hospital," murmured Hyman -disgustedly. "I tried that, day before we left Fort Clowdry, but the -rainmaker warned me that if I tried to make hospital report, he'd see -to it that I was left on thin gruel diet for a month." - -"The rainmaker knew his business," mocked Hal. "And I've heard another -yarn about that rainmaker." - -"What?" - -"After a malingerer gets his thin gruel down the rainmaker gives him a -stiff dose of syrup of ipecac, and the gruel comes up again." - -"There's no show for a man in the Army nowadays," sighed Hyman, who, -with all his pretense at "kicking," was a keen soldier and dependable -man. - -In every regiment are some soldiers who would shirk every arduous -duty if it were possible. The favorite device, with such men, is to -turn malingerer--that is, to pretend illness and gain admission to -hospital, which means a solid rest while comrades are working hard. But -the successes of malingerers in the way of shirking have made Army -surgeons keener, also. Lucky is the suspected malingerer who doesn't -get put on thin diet and fed nauseating medicines. - -From the group of officers ahead on the trail came Captain Freeman and -First Lieutenant Ray of C Company. - -"Mr. Holmes," called Captain Freeman, "let C Company fall in and take -up the march again." - -Young Lieutenant Holmes instantly gave the order to fall in. A moment -later C Company moved off at the route step. - -"What does that mean?" Hal asked Hyman. - -"Oh, some new scheme that the officers have hatched up," replied Hyman. -"There'll probably be a sham engagement on between C and our company -to-morrow." - -"We're lucky if it doesn't take place in the night," grunted another -soldier. - -"Well, my man, suppose it does?" demanded Sergeant Hupner, appearing -behind the "kicker." "What do you suppose these manoeuvres are for? -They're to teach you the soldier's trade. They're to fit you so that, -in actual war, you'll know what to do under any given conditions. The -better you know your trade, in war, the better chances you have to come -out of the war alive. This field duty, which so many of you dislike, -is for the training of every officer and man in the very things he does -in war time. The better every officer and man understands them the -better is each fellow's chance of keeping alive in war time. Those of -you who grumble ought to be ashamed of yourselves. Look around you at -some of the older soldiers who've seen service, and you'll find they -never kick." - -"B Company fall in!" rang the order, this time from Captain Cortland. - -But the march was to be a short one. The command was led into the grove -and halted. The order to pitch camp was given. Now a lively scene -followed. - -As the outer covering of his blanket roll each soldier carries a flap -of canvas, which constitutes one half of a shelter tent, as it is -officially termed. The soldier's name for it is dog tent or pup house. -Each man also carries two jointed sticks. One pair of sticks is jointed -to form the front pole of the tent, the other the rear pole. In front -of the tent site a peg is driven, and a cord passed from this peg up -over the front pole, across to the rear pole, and down to a peg at the -rear. Now the two flaps of canvas are fitted over this frame and the -tent is up. - -"Let's beat the company to it, Noll?" breathed Hal in his bunkie's ear. -In the Army the "bunkie" is the man with whom the tent is shared. -Usually two bunkies become close chums, even if they were not before -joining the service. - -"We've done it," breathed Hal, as he and Noll straightened up and gazed -about them. "That takes the crimp out of a few veterans." - -"Get a hike on, some of you men!" called First Sergeant Gray briskly. -Then he turned to glare mildly at Hooper and Dowley, who were finishing -last. - -Corporal Cotter, his own tent up with Corporal Reynolds, turned to look -down the company street. - -"Hooper, you and Dowley are going to hear something," predicted the -corporal dryly. - -"That's done well enough," grumbled Dowley, glancing at his tent. - -Captain Cortland stood at the head of the company street glancing down. - -"One tent forward out of alignment," called the company commander, then -stepped down the street. "Who are the men that occupy this tent?" he -demanded, halting. - -"My tent, sir," mumbled Hooper. - -"And mine, sir," added Dowley. - -"Don't you men know how to erect a tent in alignment with the street -front?" inquired Captain Cortland. "Take it down. Corporal Cotter, -stand by to see that these men set up their tent in soldierly fashion." - -"I told you you'd hear something," remarked Cotter. - -"Aw, what's the use of being so finicky about a tent a quarter of an -inch out of alignment?" grumbled Hooper. - -"The tent is more than that out of alignment," returned the corporal. -"And there's every use in the world in performing every duty in the -most soldierly fashion." - -"Say," began Dowley argumentatively. - -"Silence, and get on with your work," ordered Corporal Cotter sharply. -"Hooper, you're close to thirty-five years old. Dowley, you're around -thirty. Yet those two kids, Overton and Terry, are only eighteen, and -they beat you at every point in soldierliness." - -"Soldiering is a kid's game," growled Dowley. - -"The best men we get in the Army are those we catch young," retorted -Corporal Cotter. "Stop! Tighten that cord a whole lot more." "How does -that suit you, Corp?" demanded Dowley when, at last, the sulky bunkies -had again finished their task. - -"Address me as Corporal, not Corp," returned Cotter stiffly. - -"Well, Corporal, how do you like the set of our tent now?" insisted -Private Dowley. - -"It looks better this time," assented the corporal. "But, after this, -you men, instead of sneering at the kids of the company, will do well -to show yourselves as good men." - -"We're always getting the kids rubbed into us," growled Hooper. - -"Because they're head and shoulders over you both as soldiers," -rejoined Corporal Cotter, turning on his heel. "Even William Green is a -lot ahead of you as a soldier." - -As Dowley turned to glance scowlingly up the street he caught the -glance of Captain Cortland, glancing once more down the street. - -"Your tent is in proper alignment this time, men," nodded the company -commander, and went away. - -Now the creaking of heavy wagons was heard along the trail, accompanied -by the loud voices of the drivers. The expedition was accompanied by -six heavy wagons, each drawn by four mules. - -"Water in the brook; wood two hundred yards southeast!" shouted -Lieutenant Prescott, who had been sent scouting for these necessities. -On pitching camp the first task is always to learn where wood and the -best drinking water can be found in the neighborhood. Often the water -close at hand is forbidden for cooking and drinking purposes in favor -of clear water at a distance. - -Three of the approaching wagons continued along the trail, while the -other three turned in at the side of the grove. - -Corporal Reynolds and four men were detailed to unload and put up the -eight-by-ten khaki-colored tent that was to be occupied by the three -company officers. - -"I notice that the wide stripes don't care about sleeping in -pup-houses," grumbled Hooper to his bunkie. - -"Wide-stripe" is the nick-name sometimes given an officer on account -of the fact that the side stripe down the trousers' leg of the blue -uniform is much broader than that worn by the non-commissioned officer. -Privates wear no stripes on the trousers' leg, with the exception of -musicians, who wear two very narrow parallel stripes. - -Soon after the erection of the little village of tents, the soldiers -scattered, though they soon returned with bundles of fire wood. - -"You had better go and chase the stuff for our fire, Bill," proposed -Dowley. - -"Chase it yourself," retorted Hooper. - -"Not this trip," retorted Dowley. "It's up to you this time." - -Hooper swore that he wouldn't, but it ended by his starting tardily -after fagots. Dowley was already gaining the ascendancy over Private -Bill and making a half servant of him. - -Presently some forty fires were blazing brightly in an irregular line -at a distance of some yards from the line of dog-tents. American -soldiers were preparing their evening meal in the field. The operation -was an extremely simple one. First, each soldier dropped a handful of -coffee beans into his agate drinking cup. With the butt of the bayonet -he crushed these beans, the fineness depending upon his skill. Then -from the canteen each man poured water enough nearly to fill the cup, -which was then set on the fire for boiling. - -By the time that the coffee had boiled for a few minutes each soldier -returned his cup to the ground beside him. A dash of cold water from -his canteen was sufficient to "settle" the coffee. - -Now, each man placed two or three strips of bacon in his frying pan and -laid it on the coals. While these morsels were sizzling the soldier -turned his attention to sweetening his coffee. Then, when the bacon was -cooked to his satisfaction, each man brought out his field hard tack, -munching alternately on biscuit and meat. - -"Yesterday was Sunday, and we had raised biscuits, roast beef and -potatoes, with real gravy," grunted Dowley. "If a stingy government -would give us more wagons we could have that every day." - -"In war time," broke in Sergeant Hupner, "you might feel lucky if you -saw the Army oven working once in a month. I've been there, and I've -had to live for weeks on bacon, hard tack and coffee. Sometimes we -didn't have the coffee or the bacon, either." - -"That's a dog's life," grumbled Dowley. - -"No; it's a man's life, at need, but only a man can stand it in the -field," returned the sergeant gravely. - -After supper many of the men smoked, but Hal and Noll, as they did not -indulge in the weed, strolled down toward the trail. - -"Isn't this great?" breathed Hal Overton, staring off over the distant -mountain tops. "The field duty, I mean." - -"It's great, and I wouldn't have missed it for anything," agreed Noll. -"But it would do no good to try to tell anything of the sort to fellows -like Hooper and Dowley." - -"They're bad eggs," muttered Hal. "I wonder how such men ever got past -with their references and managed to be accepted for the service." - -"It is queer," nodded Noll. "But neither will stay in the service -beyond the first enlistment." - -"Yet they conduct themselves just well enough to escape any real -censure from the company officers." - -First Sergeant Gray was now moving through the camp, notifying the men -who were chosen for guard duty that night. But neither Hal nor Noll -were warned for detail that night. - -Not long after dark tattoo was sounded by one of the buglers. Fifteen -minutes later taps sounded, and all but the guard turned in in their -dog-tents. - -Each soldier is provided with a warm blanket and a rubber poncho, which -is a blanket with a slit in the middle so that the head may be thrust -through and the poncho worn, at need, as a rain coat. But to-night Noll -Terry spread his poncho on the ground, Hal laying his a-top. Then both -young soldiers lay down, drawing up their combined stock of blankets -over them, for the early night had turned out chilly. - -"Rest enough, now, for to-morrow's hike," mumbled Hal drowsily. - -"Yes; unless we're turned out to meet a night surprise," returned Noll -dryly. - -In another part of the camp Hooper and Dowley, both warned for the -guard, but not yet on post, were whispering by themselves. - -"To-morrow Kid Overton begins to get his," chuckled Hooper. - -"Yes; he'll begin to see those corporal's chevrons fading in the -distance." - -"We ought to fix Terry with him." - -"One at a time; that'll be surer," scowled Private Dowley. - -Hal and Noll slept the night through. Hal dreamed he was chasing an -elusive rascal, who performed wretchedly on the cornet. As the rascal -fled he continued to play on the cornet. - -Then young Private Overton opened his eyes. The cornet player turned -out to be the bugler, who was blowing lustily, twice through, the first -call to reveille. Hal sprang up from his blankets. After he had crawled -out of the pup-house, Noll joined him. - -Wood and water were quickly brought. The field breakfast was like the -field supper of the night before. Then the bugler got busy without -delay. The men fell in and roll-call was read. Immediately Captain -Cortland's crisp voice gave the orders that opened up the ranks. An -unexpected inspection was on. - -Lieutenant Hamilton stepped before the first platoon, Lieutenant -Prescott before the second. Inspection of pieces was on. - -Hal and Noll stood in the second platoon, about half way down the line. - -Noll held his piece at port arms as soon as Lieutenant Prescott reached -the man before him. By the time that the young West Pointer halted -before Noll, Hal, as the next man, threw his rifle over to port arms. - -The inspection of Noll's rifle proved satisfactory. Then the lieutenant -halted before Overton. - -"Open your magazine," commanded Lieutenant Prescott. - -Hal obeyed. - -"Draw your bolt." - -Hal did so, after a hard tug, holding the bolt in his hand. - -"Let me look at that bolt," ordered Prescott, gazing at the piece of -steel mechanism in astonishment. He took it from the young soldier's -hand and looked thunderstruck. - -"Don't replace your bolt until ordered, Private Overton. Fall out to -the rear." - -Overwhelmed with amazement, his face flushing hotly with shame, Private -Hal Overton gave his officer the rifle salute, then obeyed. - -Noll Terry's face went white with anxiety over his bunkie's misfortune. - -When inspection had been completed, Lieutenant Prescott made his -report to Captain Cortland, who immediately followed his young second -lieutenant to where Hal stood. - -"What's this, Overton?" asked the captain coldly. "I thought you were -one of our model young soldiers. Why, your rifle-bolt must have been -in the fire. The end is out of shape, the temper is drawn--and here are -file-marks on the bolt. It's unserviceable. I don't believe you could -fire the piece." - -"I'm afraid not, sir," Hal admitted. - -"Load with a blank cartridge, my man, and try to fire the piece." - -Returning the bolt, Hal slipped in a blank. But he could not drive the -bolt home for firing. - -"Ruined, my man," commented the captain stiffly. "Overton, this piece -has been in your care. How did this happen?" - -"I don't know, sir." - -"Corporal Cotter!" - -The corporal came over briskly. - -"Corporal, Private Overton is in arrest until released. You will march -him as a prisoner at the rear of the company and turn him over to the -guard at night." - -Corporal Cotter again saluted. Then, as the company officer and the -young lieutenant started away, Cotter stationed himself beside Overton. - -"Put your bolt back in the piece as far as it will go," ordered Cotter. -"Tie it in place." - -The men in ranks ahead had heard enough to realize that Private Hal -Overton was in disgrace, and most of them were sorry. - -Noll Terry was more than sorry. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -SOLDIER HAL MARCHES AS A PRISONER - - -The company broke ranks under orders to strike camp at once. - -Within six minutes the camp was down. Every enlisted man had his -blanket roll made up and in place, and all his other equipment on. - -Corporal Cotter stood over Hal even while he was making up his roll. - -"How on earth did that thing happen?" murmured Noll wretchedly. - -"Silence; no talking with the prisoner," rebuked Corporal Cotter -crisply. - -So Noll held his peace, though he was "boiling" inside. - -Again the company was assembled. - -"Fours right, march! By file, march!" - -B Company again struck the trail, heading further up into the -mountains, leaving the wagons to follow presently. Though B Company was -now likely to be attacked at any time in sham battle, by C Company, it -had been agreed that the respective wagon trains of the companies were -to be immune from capture on this day. - -"Overton, keep a distance of ten paces from the rear man of the -company, and march before me," commanded Cotter. "Keep the step -carefully until the order for route step comes." - -Never in his life had Hal Overton felt as heart-sick as he did now. - -Marching to the rear, a prisoner! - -It was, in every sense, as bad as being in the guard-house. - -Up ahead in the line things were "doing," but to this Hal, in his new -misery, was all but blind. - -Sergeant Hupner, with six men, had been sent ahead as a "point" to -discover any possible enemy who might be lurking in the way of the -forward progress of B Company. - -Scouts had been sent out on either flank. The line moved slowly, as -though fearing the presence of an actual enemy. There were frequent -halts. At one time, while the line waited, Lieutenant Prescott took -a detachment of twelve men to explore the country ahead. When he -returned, reporting no enemy developed, B Company moved forward, though -never without point and flankers. - -At noon B Company, still having stirred up no enemy, halted for dinner. - -Captain Cortland and his two young officers got through their meal with -soldierly despatch. Then the company commander called to Sergeant -Gray, who reported, saluting. - -"Sergeant, direct Corporal Cotter to bring his prisoner here." - -Seated on a small boulder, the captain eyed young Overton keenly as the -latter was brought up. - -"Private Overton," began Cortland, "have you yet discovered, or really -suspected, how your rifle bolt came to be in such bad shape?" - -"No, sir," replied Hal, again saluting. - -"At first glance it looked like a case of sheer neglect on your part to -care for your piece." - -"Yes, sir." - -"But those file marks?" - -"I can't explain them, sir." - -"It is forbidden for any man to use a file on the parts of his rifle, -except by direct permission from one of the company officers." - -"I know it, sir." - -"Have you had any such permission?" - -"No, sir." - -"Have you a file?" - -"Not a real one, sir. Only a manicure file." - -"Let me see it." - -Hal turned over the file, after finding it in his haversack. - -"Now, let me have the bolt from your rifle." - -Captain Cortland tried the file lightly in some of the nicks in the -bolt. Then he passed file and bolt over to Lieutenant Hampton. - -"Mr. Hampton, don't these nicks seem to fit this file remarkably well?" -queried the company commander. - -"They appear to--very well, sir," replied Lieutenant Hampton, testing -the file in the nicks. - -"What do you say, Mr. Prescott?" - -The young second lieutenant studied file and bolt attentively. - -"I am obliged to agree, Captain, with yourself and Mr. Hampton." - -"Private Overton, think again. Do you still care to deny that you -employed the file on the bolt of your rifle?" - -"I deny it, sir, with all the emphasis of which I am capable," was -Hal's earnest retort. His face was flushed, his breath came quickly, -but he looked straight and honestly into his commander's eyes. There -was no cringing in his attitude. His high color was to be attributed -only to the humiliation of the position in which he found himself. - -"And this bolt has been in the fire," continued Captain Cortland. -"Just such a fire, let us say, as you build three times a day for the -preparation of your food. The temper of the end of the bolt is ruined." - -"Yes, sir. May I speak, Captain?" - -"Go on, Overton." - -"Captain Cortland, I am aware how badly this looks for me. But I assure -you, sir, on my honor as a soldier, that I have no guilty or other -knowledge of how the bolt came to be in this fearful condition. I am -entirely innocent, sir, of any act that could have put the bolt in such -condition." - -"You are not guilty even of negligence, Overton?" - -"Not of any intentional negligence, sir." - -"Then, Overton, you must have some sort of suspicion of how this thing -happened." - -"I have a suspicion, Captain, but it is not founded on anything that is -yet very tangible, sir." - -"You think it an enemy's work?" - -"Yes, sir. None but an enemy could do such a thing as this to a -comrade's rifle." - -"Granted, but who is the enemy?" - -"May I be excused, sir, from answering?" asked Private Overton very -respectfully. - -"Why?" - -"Because it is quite possible that, in naming an enemy, I may do some -honest soldier an injury." - -"You need not answer, then, Overton. Wait here." - -Captain Cortland stepped down from the small boulder on which he -had been seated. At a sign from him Lieutenant Hampton walked away -with the company commander. The two remained for some moments in low -conversation. - -"Overton!" summoned Captain Cortland, returning. - -Hal saluted. - -"This affair looks badly for you, and I want it to be a lesson to you -hereafter. You have had an excellent record, Overton, since you joined -the regiment. For this time I am going to take your word that you are -ignorant of how the accident to your rifle bolt happened. So you are -now released from arrest, and will rejoin your company. If you suspect -that any comrade is guilty of this outrage on your bolt, I recommend -that you keep your eyes open for any further attempts against your -record. Corporal Cotter, you will not repeat what has been said here. -Overton, you are released from arrest. Corporal, report yourself to the -first sergeant as being on regular duty again." - -Corporal and private sainted, then turned back to the company. - -"You got off easily," murmured Noll, when his bunkie, with face white -and eyes flashing, joined him. - -"That's because Captain Cortland decided to take my word for my -innocence in the matter," Hal replied cautiously. - -"Now, see here, old fellow, you've got to be up and doing," urged Noll -earnestly in a whisper. - -"What can I do, now?" Hal asked. - -"Keep your eyes peeled. You can find out, by and by, who was -responsible for that low trick. Hal, you'll have to make vengeance your -watchword." - -"Revenge is sweet," mimicked Hal dryly. - -"It surely is--sometimes." - -"But sweet things make one sick at his stomach," Hal uttered dryly. - -"Well, if you're going to stand for having a job like that put over on -you," uttered Noll disgustedly, "I'm not! The fellow who did that trick -to you isn't fit to be in the service, and I'm going to get him out of -it, whether you help or not." - -Separated from the young soldiers by only a thin ledge of rock, -eavesdropping Hooper and Dowley heard, and gazed keenly at each other. - -"We've got to frame things up for young Terry, too, then!" whispered -Bill Hooper, as the sulky pair stole away. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -THE JOKING SCOUT - - -"Can you see the enemy, Overton?" - -"I can't see a thing, Corporal." - -"Move forward cautiously. Don't make a sound. If you do you'll betray -our position." - -"How far shall I go, Corporal?" - -"Move ahead until you run into signs of the enemy. Above all, bear in -mind that you mustn't betray our presence to the enemy." - -Private Hal Overton gripped his rifle tightly in the darkness as he all -but wriggled forward over the ground. - -It was all very real business to the soldiers engaged in this mimic -warfare. If nothing more serious happened, any big mistake on the part -of a soldier in this sham warfare would bring upon him the displeasure -of his officers. - -Late that same afternoon B Company had been attacked by lurking C -Company. Some very clever manoeuvring of the men under cover bad been -done, and a good deal of blank ammunition had been fired. True, there -had been no real casualties, but, under the rules of the game, B -Company had made such a spirited and excellent defense that C Company -had been driven further back. - -Now the position of C Company was unknown, but the "enemy" was believed -to be lurking in the vicinity, bent upon a night surprise. - -Two thirds of B Company slept back in the camp of pup-houses. The other -third, under command of Lieutenant Prescott, was divided up among -sentries, outposts and scouts. - -To Corporal Cotter had been entrusted the problem of taking a scouting -party consisting of three privates and trying to locate either the -enemy's outpost or the main body. - -Just a moment before Hal's orders to prowl forward a sound had been -heard, evidently about four hundred yards ahead. - -So now Hal stole forward, moving as softly as any cat could have done, -this despite the fact that his advance must be over jagged rocks here -and there. - -The ground was ideal for ambush fighting. - -Hal now had a new rifle, that had been issued to him when the wagons -of B Company came up late that night. The damaged piece was now in the -wagon, and Hal bore a rifle on whose efficient action he could depend. - -"It's almost a mockery to have a gun, though, just now," Hal smiled -grimly as he lifted the piece over a ledge of rock and followed. -"Wouldn't I get a clever roasting from Captain Cortland if I dared to -fire it while scouting." - -Now Private Overton came to an open space where he could walk more -easily. He did not hasten, however, for there was no telling when, in -the darkness, he might step on a stone and send it rolling, with a -resulting racket that would warn the enemy, if any of them were within -hearing. - -Every step had to be taken as though the troops were in the midst of -life and death war. The rules of the game were strict, and any bit of -bad judgment was likely to count against the score of the company to -which the man belonged. - -Every now and then the sham young scout halted, peering backward, for -it was going to be of prime importance to him to know how to get back -when his scouting trip was done. - -"Halt! Who's there?" - -Overton did halt, flattening himself down against the rock. - -The hail, though softly spoken, had been unmistakable. - -"Halt! Who's there?" - -"You'll have to come here and find out," thought Overton. - -Then, as silence followed, Hal, holding his very breath, crawled some -ten yards to the left. Again he halted, but this time there was no -faintly spoken challenge. - -"I think I know where that fellow is," mused Hal. "Is he a lone sentry, -or part of an outpost?" - -It required fifteen minutes now of the most cautious procedure, but -Private Overton at last found himself hugging the ground at a point -from which he could just barely discern the dimly defined figure of an -alert sentry against the skyline. - -"I've got him between our camp and myself now," thought Hal swiftly. -"Now I've got to be doubly careful. I don't care to have B Company -laughing at me because I got captured while on scouting duty. But I'll -settle the question of whether that sentry is alone, or part of an -outpost." - -Three minutes later, after some most careful manoeuvring, Overton had -solved the question. His grinning face was turned toward a corporal -and two men who lay rolled in their blankets some ten yards behind the -sentry. - -"It's an outpost, all right," grinned Hal. "Whee! How I would like to -bag the outpost and take them in as prisoners." - -But that was out of the question--not to be thought of. - -Private Hal Overton found himself seized by a spirit of mischief. It -was the same type of impulse which, carried to the point of reckless -daring in real warfare, leads men on to swift promotion. - -Almost before he realized what he was doing Hal had hidden his own -rifle and was crawling stealthily toward the sleeping men. - -Beside the corporal lay his rifle. Barely breathing, his body flattened -against the ground. Hal crept closer and closer, then stealthily -withdrew the rifle. - -A moment or two later Hal had the captured rifle lying on the ground -beside his own. - -"That's a real find to take back to camp," laughed Hal silently. - -He was about to make off with the captured piece when a new impulse -seized him. - -"Why not go back after more loot?" he asked himself, grinning. -"Jupiter, I'll do it!" - -Every such move as this was fraught with added danger. But Hal moved on -his stomach, taking plenty of time, always with his watchful eyes on -the dim figure of the sentry a few yards away. That soldier, however, -appeared to be peering mostly in the direction where he believed the -camp of B Company to lie. - -After a short time Hal, back in safety again, gloated over the sight of -three rifles beside his own. - -"I'll be a hog, if I don't look out!" chuckled the young scout of sham -warfare. - -Yet, though this was no life and death fighting, Private Overton had -nevertheless a good deal at stake. It would result in his being set -down as a rather stupid soldier should he be captured by the enemy's -outpost while on scouting duty. - -"I can't help it. I've got to have one more try, anyway," decided the -mischievous soldier boy. - -So back he crept. An instant later he tried to make himself flatter -against the earth than he had been able yet to do. - -For that sentry had now turned and was looking in his direction. - -"I commit myself to the darkness," gasped Private Overton inwardly. - -For, if his presence were detected, the sentry, with one call, could -bring the other three sleeping men to their feet. Against such odds Hal -would have but scant chance of getting away. - -"And I'll have to leave my rifle behind if I duck from here," thought -Hal, beginning to regret his rashness. - -It was one thing to capture the rifles of the outpost; it was quite -another thing to leave his own gun behind in their hands. - -After a few moments of agony the dimly seen sentry again turned his -face in another direction. - -"Now that I've started this trick, I'll put it through or die," thought -the soldier boy, setting his teeth. - -Again he crouched close to the corporal and the two other sleepers. -This time there appeared to be no loot loose save a pair of canteens -that lay upon the ground. Private Hal Overton made sure of these -articles, then, as he lay there, took a last sweeping look. - -The shoes of Corporal Raynes, of C Company, protruded under the foot of -his blanket. - -"I guess it would be too risky a stunt to try to unlace the corporal's -shoes and carry 'em away," quivered mischievous Hal, eyeing the -footgear longingly. - -Then, as he gazed, it struck the soldier boy that there was something -odd about the position of the corporal's shoes with regard to the line -of Raynes body. - -"I wonder if----" cogitated Private Overton, edging himself forward. - -Hal made a cautious try. - -His last guess proved to be correct. Corporal Raynes had taken off his -shoes to ease his aching feet, and had tucked them in at the bottom of -his blanket. - -"It's a shabby trick to play on a good fellow," grinned the soldier -boy, "but this is war." - -For the last time Hal crept back. Now an even greater task confronted -him, and that was how to get away with all the outpost loot he had -captured. - -By making three stealthy trips, Private Overton at last succeeded in -getting all the loot in safety to a point more than one hundred yards -from the outpost. - -"Now, it's time to drop nonsense for real business," decided the young -scout. - -Ten minutes later he had located the main camp, and that without -falling into the hands of either of the two C Company sentries whom he -was compelled to pass in the black night. - -Then back to the hidden loot the young soldier returned. - -"Whew, but that's going to be a pack!" muttered Hal, gazing at it -almost ruefully. "However, I've got to take it. I won't leave a blessed -thing behind." - -The canteens Overton threw over his shoulders, so that he had one on -each side, in addition to his own, which hung at his left hip. The -corporal's shoes he tied to his belt. It was the bunching of the four -service rifles, with their weight of more than forty pounds, that -gave him his real trouble. But at last he had the four pieces lashed -together and started. - -"I've yet got to look out that I don't run into any scouts of the -enemy," thought the soldier boy half ruefully. "Whew, what a break it -would be to be picked up with all this loot!" - -It was a welcome sound indeed when, at last, the young scout heard, -near the spot where he had left his own party, the almost whispered -challenge: - -"Halt! Who's there?" - -"Friend," responded Hal Overton in a tone no louder. - -"Halt where you are, friend, until a sentry advances to recognize you," -returned cautious Corporal Cotter. - -It was the corporal himself who came forward. - -"Great Scott, Overton, what have you----" - -"It's loot," returned Hal proudly. - -"Where on earth did you----" - -"From the enemy's outpost. And I located the camp, too. I could guide -you right to either outpost or main camp. Will you take these guns, -Corporal? My back feels broken." - -"I should think it might," was Cotter's grinning response, as he -reached out and took the lashed rifles. "Great Scott! What won't the -lieutenant and Captain Cortland say!" - -Just as they stepped softly back, Private Noll Terry challenged someone -approaching softly from the rear. - -"Halt! Who's there?" - -"Officer of the day," returned Lieutenant Prescott's low voice. - -"Advance, officer of the day, to be recognized." - -Lieutenant Prescott advanced into the group. - -"Do you see all this stuff, Lieutenant?" asked Corporal Cotter, calling -attention to Hal's loot as it lay on the ground. "Overton went forward -as a scout, and located one of the enemy's outposts, also the main -camp. And he brought back these souvenirs of the outpost." - -"To whom do the shoes belong?" questioned Lieutenant Prescott after -looking at the stuff. - -"To Corporal Raynes, sir, in command of the outpost," returned the -soldier boy, with a grin. - -"How did you get hold of all this stuff, Overton?" - -Hal told his story briefly. - -"Great Scott! Bombshells and grenades, what a roaring joke on the -enemy! Overton, you're a man worth having in B Company. Dark as the -night is, your exploit would reflect credit on a trained Indian scout. -Overton, I'm going to take you back to camp with me. I'll wake Captain -Cortland to hear your report as to the enemy's position. And the -captain will surely want to see this loot of the outpost and to hear -your tale of how you got it. Here, let me have a couple of those rifles -to carry for you." - -Lieutenant Prescott led the way hack to B Company's camp. And he shook -with laughter all the way. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -THE CORPORAL WITH THE SHEEPISH GRIN - - -Captain Cortland heard the young scout's report without losing his -gravity, though he decided against trying a night attack on the enemy -beyond. - -"Overton," he commented, "if you can do things like to-night's work -very often there will be no doubt whatever that you have in you the -making of a real genius for scouting. I commend you most heartily for -this work." - -It was only when he went back to his tent to lie down that Captain -Cortland gave way to silent laughter. - -At daybreak the camp was astir. The men who had been on guard duty and -scouting through the night came in, somewhat heavy-eyed, after a relief -had been marched out to take their places. - -These returned soldiers, as soon as they had breakfasted, threw -themselves on the ground, under such shade as they could find, and took -an hour of solid sleep. - -"The wagon train is approaching, sir," reported Sergeant Gray. - -"Then pass the order for the men to report at the train and draw -rations to last until to-morrow night," directed Captain Cortland. -"After to-morrow night the two companies will be together again for the -balance of the field work." - -Lieutenant Prescott was acting as commissary officer for B Company, and -he went immediately to the trail. Captain Cortland, stepping into his -tent, buckled on his sword and then sauntered down to the wagon train -to see that all went smoothly. - -As he reached the spot where the soldiers of B Company were drawing -their rations, Captain Cortland caught sight of a corporal perched on -the seat beside the driver of one of the wagons. - -"You here, Corporal Haynes?" demanded Captain Cortland, striving hard -to preserve his official gravity. - -Grinning sheepishly, Corporal Haynes--in his stocking feet--sprang down -into the trail and saluted. - -"Yes, sir," he admitted. - -"Ill?" - -"No, sir." - -"Were you captured, then?" - -"No, sir," answered Haynes, the sheepish look in his face increasing. -"But I'm a non-combatant, sir; ruled out of the manoeuvres and ordered -to stay with the wagon train, sir." - -"How did that happen?" inquired the captain, though he was able to -make a very good guess. - -"While I was on outpost during the night, sir, my shoes were taken from -me. I suspect, sir, that one of your scouts got 'em." - -"But we have quartermaster's supplies along. Why didn't you draw a new -pair of shoes this morning?" - -"No shoes of my size, sir, in the supplies," reported Raynes, once more -saluting. "So Captain Freeman told me that I certainly couldn't fight -in my stocking feet. Therefore, sir, he ordered me to join the wagon -train and respect all the obligations of a non-combatant." - -"Too bad, too bad, Corporal, for you are a valuable man," went on -Captain Cortland. - -"I don't feel like one this morning, sir, after having my shoes taken," -grinned the C Company corporal in embarrassment. - -"Well, since you've been ordered among the non-combatants," continued -Cortland, after turning slightly and espying the grinning face of -Private Hal Overton, "I think the scout who captured your shoes may as -well return them. But hold on. I see two other men of your company on -the wagons." - -Again Corporal Raynes grinned sheepishly. - -"Yes, sir! they had their rifles taken, and so are no longer combatants -in a military sense. My rifle is missing also, sir." - -"My, my, my!" murmured Captain Cortland in a tone of mock -commiseration. "Then the scout who plundered you all may as well return -all the property. But of course, Corporal, you and the two other men -will continue to be non-combatants as long as the sham fighting lasts." - -"Those are Captain Freeman's orders, sir." - -Again Captain Cortland turned toward Hal Overton, nodding a signal. -Hal stepped away briskly, but came back bearing the pair of shoes, the -rifles and the canteens. - -"Private Overton is the scout who entered your lines alone and brought -about the discomfiture of C Company," Captain Cortland announced, -smilingly. - -The captain walked away while Corporal Raynes, sitting on the ground, -drew on his shoes and laced them, while a lot of B Company's men stood -about and grinned over his discomfiture. - -"Corporal, you're sure good sleepers over in C Company," laughed -Private Hyman. "You fellows want to look out that, some night, you -don't get taken in by a lot of amateur hunters from New York." - -"Great guns, what's going to happen to the regular Army, when it's -getting so that a whole company of infantry can't guard its own -property?" another B Company man wanted to know. - -Corporal Raynes and his two comrades had to stand a lot of good-natured -joshing from the crowding men of B Company. - -When he stood up, Raynes turned to Hal Overton. - -"Rookie," he growled, "you want to look out hard in the future. I'll -pay you back for this in kind. Just remember, kid, that Corporal Raynes -wasn't born yesterday!" - -Hal laughed good-humoredly. He didn't know, at that moment, that not -many hours would pass ere Corporal Raynes would find his opportunity. - -Twenty minutes after the wagon train had pulled out, B Company started -cautiously through the country ahead. It was B Company's task to -advance through a supposedly hostile country; C Company's part in the -under-taking was either to annihilate B, or to capture the company. - -It was ten o'clock that morning ere B and C came in touch. The point -and scouting squad ran into one platoon of C. - -"Deploy your men and take cover," ordered Lieutenant Prescott, who -was in charge of the advance. "Each corporal regulate the firing of -his squad. Jam the fire in hard whenever you are sure you locate the -enemy." - -Bang! Bang! Bang! As fast as the squads reached their places on the -line, each man some nine feet from his nearest fellows, the firing of -blank ammunition ripped out fast and hard. There was all the excitement -of actual warfare, except that no soldier was actually hit. - -B Company's men would have been driven back had not Lieutenant Hampton -swiftly arrived on the scene with the entire first platoon of B Company. - -"We'll advance by rushes, Mr. Prescott," announced Lieutenant Hampton -as soon as he reached the younger officer, who saluted. - -Prescott hastened, crouching low, down along the left wing of the -little command. - -Presently Hampton's voice rose, even over the firing as it ran low, and -called: - -"Rise! Charge!" - -Uttering their battle yell, the little force of infantry rushed forward -in its thin line, while the hidden men of C Company poured in a heavy -fire. - -"Halt! Lie down!" shouted Lieutenant Hampton. "Ready, load, aim!" - -There came a brief pause, followed by the order: - -"Fire!" - -A single volley crashed out, with such unanimity that it sounded as -though one big piece had been fired. - -"Ready! Open magazines! Load magazines! At will, commence firing!" - -Fifteen rounds had been fired ere the bugler sounded furiously the -order: - -"Cease firing!" - -The rush of feet sounded behind. Lieutenant Prescott rushed to the -rear, but soon waved his sword reassuringly. It was the balance of B -Company advancing on the run. - -Captain Cortland now took command in person. He ordered another rush -forward toward C Company's position. - -Three volleys were fired after the rush. The fire was not answered. A -cautious advance developed the fact that the force of C Company men had -retired, nor could the line of their flight be discovered. B Company -halted for a few moments, that the men might clean their sooty rifle -chambers. - -"We didn't really see the enemy," Hal remarked, as he worked his -cleaning rod and a bit of waste through his gun barrel. - -"In warfare nowadays you rarely do see the enemy," remarked Sergeant -Hupner. "Attacking an enemy's position, nowadays, is a good deal like -taking a gun and going into a dark room where some one is shooting -at you. You can't see the other fellow, but you have a mighty -uncomfortable notion that he sees you and is shooting straight at you." - -"Pleasant, when the game is real war," laughed Noll. - -"Deadly, of course," commented Hupner. - -Once again, late in the afternoon, C Company endeavored to ambush B -Company. Captain Cortland's point and flankers, however, developed the -enemy's position by drawing their fire. B Company, after a brisk fight -of twenty minutes' duration, drove C Company back and continued to -advance. - -Despite the fact that no one had been really killed or wounded, most -of the soldiers, who were serving their first enlistment, now found -the game a wholly exciting one. When B Company halted, after the -second engagement, the men fell into an eager discussion of the late -engagement, the sergeants and other older men adding many comments out -of their experiences in actual fighting. - -"It leaves only real war to be desired," declared Hal, his cheeks -glowing and his eyes snapping. - -"Huh! If this was real war there'd be a lot of kids of the talky kind -ducking to get away," growled Private Dowley as he slouched by. - -"It isn't the kid soldiers who do the deserting in war time," returned -Sergeant Hupner quietly. "It's usually some of the older men, who have -such a grouch with life that one wouldn't think they'd care about -living much longer." - -Dowley scowled, muttering something, but he did not venture to dispute -with a man of Hupner's military experience. - -"I guess that ought to hold Dowley for five minutes," laughed Noll. - -"That fellow gives me a sense of fatigue," remarked Sergeant Hupner -placidly. "He might turn out to be a good soldier under stress, but -all I've got to say is that I wouldn't want to have to defend a -position with only a squad or two of men of his type. I wonder how the -recruiting officer ever came to let him into the service?" - -"Perhaps he got in under somebody else's name on a stolen set of -references," laughed Hal. - -"Sergeant Hupner, I want two of your men to send back with a message," -announced Captain Cortland, stepping up. - -"Overton and Terry are in good condition, sir," reported Hupner, rising -and saluting as soon as he saw his commander. - -"Very good; come with me, Overton and Terry." - -Captain Cortland led the two young soldiers down the trail, drawing a -local map from one of his pockets and spreading it on a flat table of -rock. - -"Study this map carefully, men, for I want you to be sure of the road -you're to take. You will have to go back about four miles--two of it -off this trail. You'll find a little telegraph station there. I want -you to deliver, for transmission, this message to Colonel North, at -Fort Clowdry." - -"Yes, sir," Hal answered. "Shall we wait for the answer?" - -"No; the answer will not be due until to-morrow. As soon as you have -turned over your message, retrace your way to this point. B Company -will have gone ahead. But a little way above here the trail broadens, -and you'll find a house now and then. You can inquire for news of which -way we've gone. You'll have to find us as best you can. And Overton!" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Remember that these are sham manoeuvres, and that C Company stands for -the enemy." - -"Yes, sir." - -"Either or both of you might be captured by a detachment from C -Company." - -"We'll do our level best to prevent that, sir," Hal promised, and Noll -nodded with emphasis. - -"Even worse than your own capture would be the capture of this -message," Captain Cortland added impressively. "This message, in -effect, is my attempt to communicate with my base of supplies, -represented by Fort Clowdry. If you fail to put the message through, -and C Company captures it, then Captain Freeman and his men have scored -heavily against us." - -"Is it proper for me to ask, sir, whether Captain Freeman knows that -you are trying to send this message?" - -"Captain Freeman does not know, to a certainty, but he may suspect, and -he may have men out to catch you." - -"Thank you, sir. C Company's men won't get us if there's any way to -prevent it." - -"Join the company as soon as you can locate us, men. Firing may guide -you, but, in that case, you'll have to avoid joining the wrong company." - -Both young soldiers once more saluted. Then, with the message securely -tucked in Hal's haversack, the bunkies started down the trail. They had -not gone many yards ere they heard the orders for Cortland's company to -fall in for the advance. - -A mile of the distance Hal and Noll had covered when they encountered -the slow-moving wagon train. - -"Hello, rookies!" called Corporal Raynes banteringly. "Where are you -headed." - -"Yes, it's surely a fine day, Corporal," nodded Hal, as the two bunkies -hurried on. - -"That Overton kid is the one I must get hunk with before many days are -over," grunted Raynes. "I must make him look as cheap with his company -commander as he's made me look with mine." - -When the wagon train had gone about two miles and a half further up the -trail Corporal Raynes shook with his own chuckles. - -He had run across his chance, and was shrewd enough to recognize it. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -RAYNES FINDS A PATRIOTIC ALLY - - -The trail was broader here. - -Some thirty feet from the rough road an old-time log cabin, well -preserved, stood in a little grove of trees. - -Before the door, on a backless chair, sat an old man, roughly clad -in buckskin, who was dividing his time between talking to a dog and -cleaning the old rifle that lay across his knees. - -As the horses had had a hard pull, the wagon boss ordered a halt on -this level stretch of trail. - -Corporal Raynes, his head buzzing with half a dozen plans, leaped down -from the wagon in his restored shoes. He sauntered slowly over to this -old-time hunter. - -"'Day, Pop," he greeted the old man. - -"'Day," grunted the other. "You're a soger, I reckon?" - -"Yes," admitted Raynes, seating himself on the ground and producing his -pipe. "Uniform gives me away, doesn't it?" - -"Some," returned the old hunter. "There's been a thunderin' lot of ye -around to-day. I've heard a heap of firing twicet to-day." - -Corporal Raynes nodded. - -"Wa'n't shooting up nothing real, was ye?" inquired the old man. - -"No, Pop; what we call manoeuvres," Baynes explained. - -"Jest plain, tom-fool, sham fighting, eh?" - -"That's it," nodded the corporal. "But it isn't so tom-fool, after all. -It teaches soldiers a lot about the real manoeuvres of war." - -"Huh! I wonder ef it teaches ary mother's son of ye any better how to -fight the Japs when your time comes?" - -"You think we're going to fight the Japs some day, do you?" inquired -Baynes, finishing the filling of his pipe. - -"Think?" retorted the old man testily. "I don't have to think. Some day -we've got to depend on you sogers to drive them pesky brown critters -back into the Pacific Ocean, or the Japs will own the whole coast and -clean up here to the Rockies." - -"You don't seem to like the Japs, Pop?" observed Corporal Baynes, -puffing at his pipe. - -"Like 'em? The same way I do pizen, rattlers and grizzlies!" exclaimed -the old man with unlooked-for passion. - -Corporal Baynes jumped inwardly with glee. In a flash the whole of his -plan came to him. - -"Have you seen any soldiers go by on this trail, Pop?" asked Baynes. - -"Some," nodded the old man. "'Bout an hour ago nigh onter a hundred -of 'em went by. 'Bout twenty minutes ergo 'nuther hundred or so came -along and tramped up that way. They didn't stop, so I didn't ask any -questions." - -"If you had," prodded Corporal Baynes, "you would have learned -something. The first company was C Company, and they represent American -soldiers." - -"Well, that's what they are--American sogers. Why shouldn't they stand -for it?" - -"But you see, the second company that went by here--B Company--they -stand for Japs. In the game of manoeuvres that the officers are playing -the second company, B, are supposed to be a force of Japanese troops -that are chasing the American troops through the Rockies." - -"What do they wanter play that for?" demanded the old hunter, his -eyes blazing wrathfully. "Why don't yer fool officers play that it's -American sogers chasing Japs back to where they belong?" - -"Well, you see, the Americans may yet win out, before the game is -played through," Baynes offered consolingly. "It all depends on which -company is manoeuvred better by its officers. I belong to C Company, by -the way; the American forces, you know." - -"Well, I reckon I like ye better for that," nodded the old man. - -"Pop, I wonder if you'd be willing to help the American company beat -the Japanese company and bag it, whole hog?" proposed Raynes cleverly. - -"Would I?" demanded the old man eagerly. "But, sho! What could I do, -d'ye reckon?" - -"Now, Pop, I reckon a couple of hours from now, or maybe three, -there'll be two young soldiers come up along this way. You'll know 'em -when you see 'em." - -Raynes dropped into a description of Hal and Noll, while the old man -listened attentively. - -"Now, they'll probably ask you, Pop, which way the second company went. -That's B Company, the Japs, you know. If they don't ask you outright, -then you must fix it for 'em to ask you." - -"I'll manage it," nodded the old hunter, a look of craft coming into -his eyes. - -"Now, don't let the make-believe Jap soldiers know that their company -kept on up this trail. Tell 'em anything you like that'll send then off -the trail--over to that hill, say," continued Corporal Raynes, pointing -to a rocky peak distant about three miles. "Send 'em hiking straight -over there. Then they won't get through with their news in time, and -the American company will have a fair chance to bag the Jap company, -whole hog. D'you see?" - -"Don't I, though?" demanded the old-time hunter. - -"Think you can work it, Pop?" - -"Young man," demanded the hunter, "d'ye reckon I look like anybody's -fool?" - -"You sure don't," nodded Raynes. "And here's something to pay you for -your trouble." - -The scheming corporal tried to slip a two-dollar bill into the other's -hand, but the latter drew away from it. - -"Take it," urged Raynes. "It's government money." - -"Young man, I'm an American, and I don't have to be paid to stand by my -own country! I'll do all ye say, and more, ef I git a chance, jest to -see the American company wallop the make-believe Jap company." - -"You'll do us a huge service if you don't fall down on the job, Pop. -Why, the news will travel all the way to Japan, and the Japs will gnash -their teeth over it." - -"I'll put the trick through fur ye, young man--even if I have to -use bear traps to ketch the two young soger boys ye told me about," -promised the aged hunter earnestly. - -"Say, Corporal, cut your tether, if you're going to ride with us," -called the wagon boss. - -"I'm coming," announced Corporal Raynes, rising. "Don't forget, Pop," -he whispered back over his shoulder. - -"Ye kin trust me, young man!" - -By the time he was out of sight of the cabin, around a turn of the -road, the chuckles inside of Corporal Raynes got so close to the -surface that they surged over. - -"What's the smile, Corporal?" demanded the wagon boss. - -"Oh, I'm pretty near choking over one of the lying yarns that old -fellow told me about how he bagged twelve grizzlies single handed one -day," lied the corporal. - -"He must be a talented old liar," nodded the wagon boss. - -"He is," agreed Corporal Raynes. "I never could understand, either, why -anyone would take the trouble to lie unless he was paid for it." - - * * * * * - -Hal and Noll, all unsuspicious of trouble of any other kind than that -against which Captain Cortland had warned them, kept on cautiously -along the trail, then branched off at the road shown them on the map. -Two miles further on they reached a village, with its two hotels for -health-seekers, cottages and other buildings. - -Even in this basin in the mountains the Western Union Company had -penetrated. The two young military messengers found the telegraph -office, turned over their message and then were ready to return. - -"But, war or no war," declared Noll bluntly, "I'm not going to start -back until I've crossed the street and had an ice cream soda." - -"We'll have two," laughed Hal boyishly, "and then make up for lost time -on the trail." - -Unmindful of the curious glances cast at two soldiers in full field -equipment, Hal and Noll enjoyed their treat to the utmost. Then they -started back, traveling fast. - -Nor did they run into any lurking detachments from C Company. Their -"hike," as a fast march is termed, was uneventful until they reached -the old hunter's cabin. - -"Pop" was awaiting their coming, and a keen look flashed into his old -eyes when he saw them and recognized them from Raynes's description. - -"Sogers, hey?" he demanded, going sociably down to the road. - -"Yes, sir," nodded Hal respectfully as he paused. - -"Seen a lot of 'em go by to-day," continued the hunter. - -"Then you're the man we want to see, sir," went on Private Overton. -"Did two companies go by this way?" - -"Yes, soger boy. They was 'bout three-quarters of an hour apart. And I -reckon ye belong to the second one. Let me describe yer captain." - -The old hunter gave a clear description of the personal appearance of -B Company's commander. There is little that escapes a hunter's eyes or -recollection. - -"Yes," broke in Hal eagerly. "That was our commander, Captain Cortland." - -"I wanted to be dead sure," resumed the old hunter artfully, "for yer -captain left a message for ye, and he wanted me to be particular that -no other sogers got it." - -"Naturally," assented Hal unsuspiciously. - -"Jest above here," continued the hunter, "yer captain turned his men to -the left and went off over the rocks, kinder careful like, as though he -didn't want any other sogers to see where his men was going." - -"Yes; of course," agreed Hal. "That's part of field manoeuvres." - -"The word yer captain left with me, soger boy, was that he was going -to camp his men--hidden, of course, ye understand--on that peak yonder -to-night. That's where he said ye two soger boys was to join yer -company. Reckon ye kin travel over that-a-way? There ain't no trail to -that peak, ye understand?" - -[Illustration: "Yer Company's Going to Camp Yonder, On That Peak."] - -"Of course we can, sir," Hal answered respectfully. "If the rest of the -company can go to that peak we can follow our comrades there." - -"Then I've delivered my message from yer captain," finished the old -hunter with a satisfied air. - -"And thank you very much," acknowledged Hal. Both he and Noll saluted -the venerable old man of former times. - -"Nice spoken soger lads, them," muttered "Pop," as he watched the -bunkies step off the trail and start to cross the rocky wastes to the -distant peak. "If they wa'n't make-believe Japs in this tom-fool sham -fight I'd feel ashamed of myself. But I reckon a little extry hardship -will do 'em good, anyway." - -"Say," muttered Noll, halting, when they had gone something more than -a mile of the rough way, "I don't want to criticize my commanding -officer, but I wish he had chosen a camping spot that was easier to -reach." - -"It's a dandy good place up on that peak, anyway," laughed Hal, whose -feet were beginning to feel decidedly sore. "C Company's men wouldn't -enjoy hiking over this rough ground in the dark to make a night attack." - -They covered another mile. - -"I'm beginning to think that old fellow gave us a false scent," -grumbled Noll. "I don't believe Captain Cortland would be heartless -enough to march heavily laden soldiers over ground like this." - -"Why, the old man back at the cabin was the soul of courtesy, and he -described Captain Cortland to a dot," returned Hal. - -Dusk was coming on by the time the bunkies had covered the rest of the -distance, and had reached the ledges near the top of the lonely peak. - -"Now, where's B Company?" demanded Noll almost savagely. - -"Come along this way," proposed Overton. "We'll explore." - -Through the gloaming the sore-footed soldier boys plodded on until Noll -suddenly halted, gripping Hal stoutly. - -Right in front of them, ambling their way, came a huge furry something. -It wasn't a grizzly, but it was the next worse thing--an unusually -large, dark-brown bear. - -"Duck!" counseled Private Overton, promptly wheeling about. "Slip in a -ball cartridge as you run!" - -Nor did Noll lose any time in following the advice, for the brown bear -was now in swift pursuit, growling ominously. - -Somehow, it didn't seem easy to slip in a ball cartridge while they -were running at top speed. - -"There's a ledge. Get in behind it, and I'll follow, Noll!" shouted -Hal, crowding his bunkie toward the ledge. - -Down behind the ledge dropped both bunkies. - -There was an opening in the rock of some sort behind them, but in their -haste neither young soldier stopped to look at it. - -Hal had succeeded in slipping a cartridge into his rifle. Noll did -that, and also fixed his bayonet at the muzzle of his piece. - -Bang! went Hal's gun, but he had "bear ague." - -"Missed him, Noll! Take quick, sure aim!" - -But at that instant another hoarse growl sounded behind them, and -Private Terry could fairly feel his hair rise under his campaign -sombrero as he yelled: - -"Here's another coming at us in the rear, Hal! Must be the old female -bear!" - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -BEARS AND OTHER TROUBLES - - -Nor was there any doubt about the correctness of Noll Terry's guess. - -He had only time to back against the ledge when the bear from the rear, -uttering a nasty, growling snarl, leaped straight for him. - -But Noll had braced the butt of his rifle against the ledge, the -bayonet up. - -It was no plan on Terry's part. He did it either instinctively or -through sheer luck. - -In the meantime the male bear, showing two fearsome rows of teeth, was -crawling over the ledge from outside to get at Hal Overton. - -Let it be frankly stated, Hal's teeth were almost a-chatter. He was -scared all the way through, but he did not lose his head. - -Shooting back the bolt of his rifle, he reached for another cartridge. - -He had already used one, and only six to a man had been issued on this -period of field duty. - -There was no time to slip in the cartridge. Overton was compelled to -leap up straight and club his gun. - -Thump! Down came the butt of the weapon with a force that would have -cracked the skull of a man. - -But bruin merely stumbled. - -Just then another thump sounded, followed instantly by a snarl of pain. - -The she bear had sprung straight for Noll, but rifle and bayonet were -in the way. - -Noll held his gun rigidly, though not by calculation. All but frozen -with terror he would not have been capable of action. - -So the flying bear struck squarely against the bayonet, hurling herself -with her whole weight and momentum against the point of the steel. - -But the bayonet did not touch a vital spot. There was still a big -amount of fight left in the she bear. - -As she lurched backward the huge beast almost jerked the rifle out of -Noll's hands, for the bayonet was still deeply embedded. - -At the instant of clubbing his gun Hal had had his cartridge in one of -his hands. - -Now young Private Overton loaded faster than ever he had been able to -do in drill. - -Bang! The sharp report rang almost deafeningly in the narrow confines -at the mouth of the cave back of the ledge. - -Hal had shot his bear, though he had not inflicted a mortal hurt. - -But bruin backed off, snarling, desiring to study the scene for a -second or two before deciding on further attack. - -That nearly stunning report had the effect of bringing Noll to his -senses. He had a cartridge in his chamber. Cocking the piece, he pulled -the trigger feverishly. - -He inflicted another wound on the she bear, though he did not put that -maddened animal out of business. Yet the beast drew back so sharply -that Private Terry was able to free his bayonet from entanglement. - -"Fix your bayonet, Hal, if you have a chance," shouted Noll Terry, as -he now leaped gallantly after the maddened animal that was claiming his -attention. - -Hal did, not a moment too soon, for now bruin was at him again. - -Two quick, sharp thrusts Hal made, the first just as bruin was rising -on his hind feet to advance to hug the young soldier. - -The second thrust tapped bruin on the left shoulder just as he sank to -all fours. - -Then Private Overton turned sick again, as he saw the dripping fangs of -the beast come closer. - -Darting back a dozen feet, Overton, in frantic haste, jammed in his -third cartridge. - -"Steady, boy!" he urged himself. "This is for your life!" - -Bruin made a spring. The muzzle of the rifle was not four feet from -the male bear's heart as Hal Overton pulled the trigger. - -That was the end of bruin. The beast fell and rolled over on his side. - -Like a flash Hal turned to see what help his bunkie needed. - -Plenty of it, apparently, for Noll, crowded back to the wall, was -making furious drives with his bayoneted gun in his efforts to keep the -she bear from leaping and forcing him down to the ground. - -Hal had to think like lightning. - -He decided on a cartridge. - -Slipping back his bolt, and thus ejecting the cartridge shell in the -chamber, Overton jammed fresh ammunition home. - -Click! shot the bolt faintly. - -Dropping to one knee, in the gloom Hal aimed, as nearly as he could -judge, just behind the left fore-shoulder of the she bear. Then he -pulled on the trigger just as the she bear sprang at Noll Terry. - -At the report the she bear toppled over with a grunt of pain. Noll -leaped forward, thrusting his bayonet time after time. - -Private Overton, clubbing his rifle, delivered several forceful whacks -over the head of the expiring animal, which then lay quiet. - -"We've settled their case, Noll," Hal remarked in an awed voice. - -"Glad of it," quoth Noll dryly. - -To their ears now came a whining further back in the cave. - -"More bears?" asked Noll grimly. "If so, I'm in favor of sounding a -retreat." - -"And I'll be with you," agreed Soldier Hal. "But wait a second. I've -a box of blazer matches with me. First, slip all your cartridges into -your magazine." - -Both soldiers did this. Then Hal, striking a blazer match, led the way -back into the cave. - -"Poor little beggars," he muttered suddenly. "I thought so." - -"What?" asked Noll, stepping forward. - -"Look." - -"Cubs!" - -"No wonder the old she bear was savage," glowed Noll. - -On a rude bed of dried leaves and twigs tumbled five furry, fuzzy, -whining little bear cubs. - -"We've broken up a family's happiness this night," muttered Hal, -looking down. - -"Well, it was their family, or two bunkies," retorted Noll, -nevertheless feeling almost ashamed as he bent down over the innocent, -harmless, bereaved little cubs. - -"Shall we put 'em out of their misery?" asked Hal. - -"I--I haven't the heart to." - -"Well, I'm afraid I haven't that kind of heart, either. But, see here, -Noll!" - -"Well?" - -"We're in the heart of the enemy's country. If one of C Company's -scouting detachments comes this way I don't want them to find the two -dead bears and take 'em away in triumph. It would be treason to our own -B Company to let C Company come in for an unearned feast on nice, juicy -bear steaks." - -"That's so," agreed Noll. - -"Help me, and we'll drag both carcasses back into the extreme inner end -of the cave. Then, if Captain Cortland approves, he can send men here -and it will be B Company that'll feast on bear steaks." - -Both bunkies worked industriously until this task had been accomplished. - -"Speaking of bear steaks," announced Hal, "makes me realize that I'm -famished myself. Now, as we're clear off the trail of B Company--and -that's no dream--we'll have to put in the night finding our comrades. -So a few minutes spent munching hardtack won't count." - -"And not forgetting the salted almonds we bought in the village this -afternoon," rejoined the other young soldier. - -Down on the floor of the cave the bunkies squatted themselves. - -The work of eating absorbed both for the next few minutes. - -Then, of a sudden, they halted, astonished. - -Human footsteps sounded on the rocks outside. - -Privates Overton and Terry stopped their eating, neither venturing to -speak, for a voice outside was saying: - -"Sergeant, instruct the men not to light fires. They'll have to sup on -hard tack alone to-night. Fires would betray us to the enemy." - -Then Hal placed his mouth close to Noll's ear and whispered: - -"Bunkie, we're pickled!" - -Noll pressed his comrade's arm understandingly. - -"Pickled and sealed in jars," Hal's whisper continued. "C Company is -camping here, and we'll be prisoners inside of a minute. And, great -Scott--C Company eats the bear steaks!" - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -IN THE MIDST OF THE "HOSTILES" - - -It was a pretty fix, indeed! - -"Confound that lying old hunter down at the cabin!" ground Noll -wrathfully behind his teeth. - -Then both bunkies from B Company held their very breath. - -Out beyond the ledge, near the mouth of the cave, a figure paced. Hal, -as his eyes became accustomed to the darkness, was sure that this man -was Captain Freeman. Just a little later the young soldier was sure of -it, for another figure approached and saluted. - -"Captain, I have to report that I have placed the guard as you -directed." - -"That's Lieutenant Holmes. Pretty nearly as fine a fellow as our own -second lieutenant, Prescott," thought Hal. - -"You impressed upon each of the men the cautions that I want observed?" -queried Captain Freeman. - -"Yes, sir," answered Lieutenant Holmes, "and I took the liberty of -adding another caution on my own account." - -"What was that, Mr. Holmes?" - -"I told each member of the guard, when I left him, to look well to it -that that young scout of B Company, Overton, didn't get his rifle." - -Captain Freeman laughed quietly, then added: - -"Overton is a very capable young soldier, Mr. Holmes, and a good man in -the service. But just now, while these manoeuvres are on, I'd like to -make a prisoner of him, I can tell you." - -"Wouldn't you, though?" shivered Hal, listening from where he crouched, -while Noll pressed his bunkie's arm again. "And I'm very much afraid, -captain, that you're likely to have your wish!" - -"Ah, here comes the other member of our council. Good evening, Ray." - -"Good evening, sir," replied the first lieutenant of C Company. - -"Ray," continued Captain Freeman, "we were just discussing Overton, -the scout of B Company, who made off with the arms of our outpost last -night." - -"Well, sir, we have some pretty fair scouts of our own to-night," -laughed Lieutenant Ray. "I'd like to wager a month's pay that not a -soul of B Company knows where this command is to-night. On the other -hand, we know to a dot where B Company is encamped." - -"And we'll have the enemy potted by eleven o'clock to-night," promised -Captain Freeman in a tone of conviction. "But that's the least we're -obliged to do after the disgraceful treatment that we had to stand -last night. Unless our scouts bring different word by half past nine -to-night, we'll slip in on 'em while they're asleep, rush the sentries -and have B Company's camp for our own almost before the first blank -cartridge has been exploded. It's fine work to roll in on your enemy -and demolish him while he's asleep and dreaming of home." - -All three of the officers laughed heartily. - -"Their camp is well chosen, too," continued Captain Freeman. "In behind -the rocks, just the other side of the blasted twin oaks, makes an ideal -camp for a single company of infantry." - -"By which route do you plan to approach, sir?" asked Lieutenant Ray. - -"Through the ravine from the east," replied Captain Freeman, "for the -simple reason that Cortland would least of all expect an attack from -that quarter." - -"It couldn't be better," declared Ray. - -A fourth man now joined the group, saluting all three. - -"What is it, my man?" inquired Freeman. - -"Supper is ready for the officers, sir." - -"Very good, Stubbles. We'll come at once." - -Stubbles was Captain Freeman's "dog-robber," or field cook, one of the -privates of C Company. - -The steps of the departing officers soon quieted down and ceased. - -"Oh, Noll, we've got to get out of here now," breathed Private Overton -in an agitated tone in his bunkie's ear. - -"Of course," retorted Private Terry. "We'll get out by airship, I -suppose?" - -"No joking, old fellow. We've simply got to get out, and then we've got -to run all the way to the blasted twin oaks. You remember the place?" - -"Perfectly," nodded Noll, though his bunkie could not see his head in -the deep darkness of the interior of the cave. - -"We've got to get there on the jump," Hal whispered. "Not a minute to -lose!" - -"Regardless of the fact that C Company is in camp all around us?" -quizzed Noll. - -"Noll, I tell you, we've got to get through the lines at once!" - -"Make a break and run for it, trusting to luck and our ability to knock -a lot of men down?" queried Terry. - -"No, sir! We've got to get out, and away from here, without letting a -soul from C Company know that we've been within miles of here to-night!" - -"What nice, new problems you do put up!" murmured Noll ironically. -"What earthly show, bunkie, have we to get out of here without being -seen?" - -"Oh, we may be seen," admitted Hal, a new and desperate scheme flashing -through his brain. - -"Then----" began Noll. - -"But not recognized, bunkie. See here, Noll, I'm going softly down to -the mouth of the cave. From here you can see me, against what light -there is in the sky. Watch me. If I wave my hand, come to me. Bring -your rifle, too, but unfix the bayonet and return it to your belt." - -"But what----" - -"Noll, the company is at supper now. The men have something especial -to think of while they're eating. If we just lounge through the camp -together, with our hats well forward over our faces, and keep from -going too close to the groups, I don't believe any one will give us any -thought, or recognize us in the dark. Understand, we'll just saunter -until we get outside the lines. Then we'll vanish and duck as softly -and swiftly as we can." - -"By Jove, it's worth trying!" glowed Noll. - -"Yes; because it's the only single chance there is of our getting back -to B Company in time with the news. Wait--and watch!" - -First Hal carefully took his own bayonet from the muzzle of his rifle, -returning it to place at his belt. Then, on hands and knees, he crept -forward to the mouth of the cave, cautiously peering beyond. - -At last he signaled back. - -In another moment Noll was by his side. - -"Now, step out, old fellow," whispered Hal, rising. "Don't betray any -sign of trying to escape attention. But, if you're spoken to, make -believe you don't hear. Keep up your nerve, bunkie! This is real work -for good old B Company and victory!" - -In another instant the two soldier boys stepped carelessly out into -plain sight, their sombreros drawn well down over their eyes. - -C Company was just ahead at supper. As nonchalantly as possible the two -young soldiers of B Company began their leisurely stroll through the -"hostile" camp of C Company. - -Could they hope to "get away" with this daring trick? - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -PLANNING FOR THE NIGHT ATTACK - - -For a distance of several yards the soldier boys proceeded through the -darkness without appearing to attract any attention. - -The officers and soldiers of C Company were finishing their hasty, -cheerless meal. There was nothing strange about two soldiers having -finished ahead of the rest and deciding for a stroll through the camp. - -The darkness was the greatest protection of our young friends. They -refrained from going very close to any group. Added to this, their -campaign sombreros were so well drawn down over their faces as to hide -a good deal of their features, and this without exciting suspicion. - -Hal and Noll were two thirds of the way through the camp, when there -came a sharp hail that made Private Overton quiver inside: - -"Hey, there!" - -There could be no doubt that the hail was intended for the soldier -boys, though neither gave any heed, even by as much as turning. - -"Look out Overton, of B Company, doesn't catch you!" jeered the same -voice. - -Noll threw one hand behind him, waving it. - -"Don't go more than ten or twenty yards beyond our lines, men," warned -Captain Freeman, looking up from the hard tack at which he had been -munching. - -Hal wheeled about, saluting respectfully, but did not trust himself to -speak. - -Then the chums continued their slow stroll. - -Three minutes later they were just beyond the edge of the camp, halting -beside a bush. - -"Here's our chance," whispered Hal, glancing just past the roots of the -bush. - -A little gully started there. Twenty feet further on it was more than -six feet deep. - -Hal passed around the bush, dropping into the gully. In another moment -Noll had leisurely joined him. - -Now, they traveled faster over the bed of the gully, though they were -careful to go cat-footed, for they had yet to pass sentries, very -likely outposts, and there was a grave risk of their running into some -scouting detachment from C Company. - -The gully ran for some two hundred yards. Then the soldier boys came -out in the open once more. - -"More caution than ever now," whispered Hal, detaining his bunkie by a -strong grip on the arm. - -"We must be beyond their guard line," Noll returned in a whisper. - -"Don't you believe it! Freeman isn't the captain to maintain lax guard. -Don't attempt to stand up. Crouch low, and get all the cover you can -behind bushes. Better let me lead. I'll halt often and listen." - -With great stealth the pair had covered another two hundred yards or -so, when there came a sharp hail of: - -"Halt! Who's there." - -The challenge had come from some one invisible to the bunkies. Hal -instantly and noiselessly dropped to the ground, lying as flat as he -could. - -Noll imitated his example. - -"Halt! Who's there?" came the insistent challenge. - -Then the lurkers heard a man coming toward them. Neither dared stir, -as the slightest noise might prove enough for their undoing. It was a -desperate situation, at any rate, for it hardly seemed possible that -the sentry could fail to come upon them. - -But in another minute the sentry had halted. - -"Huh!" the bunkies heard him mutter. "I reckon I'm getting as nervous -as a sick cat, after what happened to Corporal Raynes's outpost last -night." - -Then the lurkers heard the sentry slowly returning to the point from -which he had first challenged them. - -It was three full minutes ere cautious Private Overton ventured to -crawl away from the spot. He crawled for more than a hundred and fifty -yards, too, ere he ventured to rise to crouch, peering all around him. -Then he nodded to Noll, close behind him, and the bunkies proceeded. - -It was not until they had made fifteen minutes more of the most -stealthy progress that Hal and Noll began to feel really easy. - -"Now, see here, bunkie," spoke Private Overton at last, "we're not as -well 'out of the woods' as we might be fooled into imagining. I think -it is even dangerous for us to go together just now. We might run into -a scouting detachment, lurking among the rocks, or behind bushes, and -get captured after all. Look hard through the darkness. Do you see that -massive, peculiar formation of rock ahead? About three quarters of a -mile from here, I would say." - -"Yes; I remember noting it in daylight," nodded Terry. - -"All right. You make a wide detour to the left, and I'll do the same to -the right. Go cautiously every step of the way, and have your eyes and -ears open. Take your time. I'll meet you there." - -"But what's the good of doing that?" objected Noll. - -"Just this: If we go together we may run into a superior force of the -enemy and be captured. If we go singly we won't both be caught by the -same force, anyway, and there'll be a chance for one of us to get -through to Captain Cortland with the news. Left oblique for yours, -Noll! March!" - -It was nearly fifteen minutes later when the chums met at the spot -agreed upon. - -"Whew!" muttered Hal, halting, as he came up and recognized his bunkie. -"I guess we're safely away now, Noll. That being the case, I don't mind -admitting to you that when we left the cave and stepped out into the -camp, I hadn't a belief in the world, hardly, that we'd get away with -our strategy." - -"Oh, my shoes!" winced Noll. - -"What's the matter with them?" - -"Oh, nothing, except that they're full of sore feet!" - -"I've some trouble of that sort myself," Hal grinned. "But we've got to -forget all about it until we get to the twin oaks. Forward, bunkie!" - -They traveled together, after that. An hour later they heard the most -welcome challenge in the world: - -"Halt! Who's there?" - -The speaker belonged to a B Company outpost. - -"Friends," replied Private Overton. - -"How many friends?" - -"Two." - -The sentry spoke something in an undertone. Then, after a brief pause, -he continued: - -"Advance two friends, but two only, to be recognized." - -As the bunkies came up they saw Corporal Cotter and two privates eyeing -them. - -"Oh, if it's the kid soldiers, they're all right," spoke Corporal -Cotter easily. - -"Corporal," begged Hal, "show us the quickest, easiest cut to camp. -I've news for Captain Cortland." - -"Been scouting some more?" laughed Cotter. - -"My news, Corporal, is for the company commander." - -"That's all right, kid. See the grove yonder?" - -"Surely." - -"Right in the middle of that you'll find the tent of the company -officers. They're asleep, I guess. Sergeant Hupner is commander of the -guard, and Lieutenant Prescott is officer of the day." - -"Thank you. Corporal." - -"Proceed!" - -Two minutes later the bunkies were halted by one of the camp sentries. -Then they hurried direct into camp. - -At a distance of some twenty yards young Lieutenant Prescott was found -seated on the ground, talking in low tones with Sergeant Hupner. The -young West Pointer leaped quickly to his feet when he saw the soldier -boys approaching. - -"Sir," announced Hal, saluting, "we report our return to the company." - -"You've completed this afternoon's duty?" - -"Yes, sir--and much more." - -"How more?" queried Lieutenant Dick Prescott, eyeing them closely. - -"Lieutenant, we desire, sir, to speak with Captain Cortland at once." - -"It's as important as that?" asked Prescott. - -"Judge for yourself, sir. We have just returned from C Company's camp, -and we've heard Captain Freeman and his officers discussing the plan by -which they expect to attack this camp to-night and bag B Company whole -hog." - -"You've been to C Company's camp?" repeated Lieutenant Prescott, eyeing -the rookies closely. "Wasn't that exceeding your instructions by a -very wide margin?" - -"We didn't go there by design, sir. It's a long story." - -"And you do well to remind me that I am wasting time in not calling -Captain Cortland," continued the young lieutenant. "Wait here, men." - -It was barely more than a minute when Lieutenant Prescott came back -with Captain Cortland and Lieutenant Hampton. - -"What's this I hear, Overton?" demanded B Company's commander. "C -Company expects to bag us here to-night?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"How?" - -Hal briefly sketched the plan, as he understood it, of attacking the -camp by moving up through the ravine. - -"We've a sentry down at the ravine," declared Captain Cortland. "But, -Mr. Prescott, I believe you would do well to rouse enough men to create -an emergency outpost beyond the other end of the ravine. Also send -a small scouting detachment out considerably beyond the ravine. But -instruct the scouts to be prepared for a quick recall at any moment." - -Lieutenant Prescott saluted his superior officer, then hastened away -to rout out the needed men and post them. - -"Go on with your story, Overton. Better give it all to us in order, but -be brief in the telling, my man." - -So Hal plunged promptly into the narration of what he and Noll had been -through, beginning with the false scent on which they had been sent by -the hunter at the cabin. - -Captain Cortland held out his hand almost impulsively, both to Hal and -to Noll. - -"My men," he said earnestly, "I must tell you that I believe you both -did wisely in adopting the profession of arms. Obedience is the first -requisite of the soldier. The records of both of you stand well in that -respect. But scouting work, which comes under the head of the service -of information and security, is of the utmost importance in a campaign, -and you two show positive genius as scouts. This is all of a piece with -your great work of last night, Overton. I shall not forget it. As every -man will be called within fifteen minutes, you may remain here under -Sergeant Hupner's orders. Mr. Hampton, you and I will take a brief -stroll and decide swiftly upon what we are to do." - -"Lads," broke in Sergeant Hupner, as the officers strolled away, -"either you're mighty lucky or else you're born soldiers. I believe it -is the latter." - -Five minutes later the two senior company officers returned. - -"Sergeant Hupner, we are going to call the men, but no bugle will be -sounded," stated Captain Cortland. "Rouse the remaining sergeants -first; then instruct them to rouse all the men and with great -quietness." - -B Company was soon aroused; in ten minutes more all of the guard except -the soldiers down by the ravine had been recalled. - -"We won't strike our tents," Cortland informed his sergeants. "It -will do no harm to leave the camp standing, especially if the enemy's -commander uses his night glasses at a distance. He will feel certain -that we are nicely bagged. Now, pass the word, without loud command, -for the company to fall in." - -Two minutes later, in single file, B Company marched toward the ravine -like so many unsubstantial spectres. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -TRAPPERS AND TRAPPED - - -"Halt, who's there?" - -A single sentry, just at the opening of the ravine, called the -challenge in a low voice. - -There was no response. - -"Halt! Who's there?" - -There still being no response, the sentry advanced toward a line of -bushes. - -He stepped through, peering beyond. - -Almost without sound four C Company men leaped at the sentry, clutching -him by the throat and bearing him to the ground. - -The captured sentry was able to make only a low gurgling sound in his -throat. His rifle was snatched away from him. Working at professional -speed, the sentry was gagged and bound, then tossed upon the ground -once more, while a C Company man sat upon him. - -"Now, take the word back, Daly," ordered the non-commissioned officer -in command of the captors. - -The sentry did not offer to struggle. It was as though he feared -physical punishment would be inflicted upon him if he dared attempt to -make trouble. - -Little did the exultant C Company men dream that this solitary sentry -was the only man on guard duty for B Company. The fact was that this -sentry had been posted with explicit instructions to allow himself to -be captured without making any outcry or firing his rifle. - -Three minutes later the ground about the captured sentry appeared to be -covered with dimly defined figures of advancing men--soldiers in full -field equipment. - -It was C Company, advancing by column of twos, with Captain Freeman -and Lieutenant Ray at the head, and Lieutenant Greg Holmes, alertly -watchful of the line, at the rear. - -Into the ravine C Company advanced, moving with barely a sound. It was -Freeman's intention to reform his men once they were through the ravine -and advance, yelling and firing, upon a surprised camp. - -The head, then the center of the line, slipped into the ravine. At last -the whole of C Company was fairly within the ravine. - -Nor did Captain Freeman have the slightest idea of the many pairs of -keen eyes that watched the progress of his command from the tops of the -low walls of stone that bound the ravine. - -Above stood Captain Cortland, well concealed in a bush, watching, -revolver in hand. - -Bang! - -Captain Cortland fired his revolver into the ground--the signal shot. - -Instantly a tempest of firing broke loose. Men stationed on either -side, above the ravine, poured down their rifle fire--of blank -ammunition, of course. - -From the inner end of the ravine two squads of men fired from behind -hastily erected entrenchments. - -"Sound the retreat!" roared Freeman, above the din of the firing, in -the ear of the bugler at his side. - -But with the first notes of the bugle a din of reports and a belching -of flame came from other B Company men, now stationed at the end of the -ravine through which C Company had just entered. - -The ambuscade was complete. Under any war conditions C Company was -hopelessly engulfed, and ready for complete slaughter. - -Suddenly the bugler up aloft, stationed by Captain Cortland's side, -blew as though he would blow his lungs out, the signal for "cease -firing." - -Then the din of musketry died down. - -"Captain Freeman," called Cortland, "I call upon you to surrender your -command. You must realize that, under war conditions, you have already -lost nearly every man of your force." - -"I surrender my command," replied Captain Freeman promptly. "As you -say, Cortland, you have us wholly at your mercy." - -At the word, passed by their non-commissioned officers, the wearied men -of C Company squatted on the ground. - -"I take it I may go through the ravine to your camp, Cortland," called -Captain Freeman, "now that we are harmless prisoners of war." - -"Yes; you had better march your company through into the open and we'll -join you." - -"Thank heaven the cruel war is over," muttered a soldier in C Company, -and a hearty laugh from victors and vanquished answered this sally. - -Ten minutes later the recent mimic combatants were all together on the -same ground. - -But Captain Freeman was burning with curiosity. - -"May I ask, Cortland," he demanded, "how on earth you guessed our plans -so well that you had that trap spread for us?" - -"I didn't guess your plans," smiled Captain Cortland. - -"Oh, come now!" - -"Not a bit of guess about it, my dear Freeman. I knew your whole plan -for to-night." - -"Knew it?" - -"Yes." - -"You had scouts out, Cortland, who detected our advance? From your -knowledge of our advance you cleverly guessed our plan?" - -"Oh, no! As I just said, I knew your plan, and did not have to guess -it." - -"But how?" pressed Captain Freeman, still disconsolate and much -mystified. - -"Indirectly, I had the plan from your own lips. In other words, -Freeman, scouts of mine were in your camp at early dark to-night. They -heard you and your officers discussing the plan. Then, very naturally, -my scouts brought the information to me." - -"Scouts?" cried the bewildered commander of C Company. "By Jove, I -remember two men who strolled down through my camp to-night. I called -to them to keep close to our lines." - -"But they didn't," chuckled Captain Cortland gleefully, "for those two -men whom you hailed happened to be my scouts." - -Captain Freeman took two great, gulping breaths in his sheer amazement. - -"Cortland, now that the sham campaign is over," he begged, "may I know -who your scouts were?" - -"Certainly, my dear Freeman. They were Privates Overton and Terry." - -"Overton!" gasped Captain Freeman, in deep chagrin. "The clever young -rascal who looted my outpost last night?" - -"The same." - -Several of C Company's enlisted men were within hearing. - -Now, from one of these men, came the heart-felt utterance: - -"Hang that kid Overton!" - -"Terry's just as bad," growled another C Company soldier. - -"Cortland," remarked C Company's chop-fallen commander, "I congratulate -you on having two fine young soldiers in your company." - -"I surely have," nodded Captain Cortland. "I have already informed -Overton and Terry of my estimate of their abilities." - -Twenty minutes later the reunited companies of wearied officers and men -slept side by side under the stars of the Colorado sky. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -THAT C COMPANY CORPORAL EATS CROW - - -"Company, halt!" - -Then, just a little later: - -"C Company, halt!" - -The long, dusty line of khaki-clad soldiers, at the word, dropped out -of ranks, finding seats on the ground near where they had left the -ranks. - -Behind the men, now stopped, the wagon train came up and also halted. - -Not far from the head of the line that morning stood the log cabin of -the old-time hunter. - -Though the military did not suspect it, a sharp pair of old eyes peered -out through a chink in the cabin wall. - -Then the cabin door opened, the old-time hunter sauntering slowly forth. - -At sight of him Corporal Raynes, C Company, tried to shrink into -smaller space than he had ever succeeded in occupying before. - -"Which side won the tom-fool match?" inquired the aged hunter of a -pleasant-faced young man on whose shoulders glistened the plain straps -of a second lieutenant. - -"B Company won the miniature manoeuvres by capturing C Company, -if that's what you mean, sir," replied Lieutenant Dick Prescott -pleasantly. - -"B Company?" cried the old man almost indignantly. "Why, B Company -stood for the Japs, didn't they!" - -"Not that I've heard, sir," answered Prescott. "B Company and C Company -represented two forces that were supposed to be hostile to each other. -Neither side was designated by the name of any country." - -"Why, that's dinged strange!" uttered the old hunter. "A lot of your -camp wagons went by yesterday, and there was a feller from one of 'em, -who told me he belonged to C Company, and that C Company was supposed -to be the Americans, and B Company was the Japs. Now, I've always hated -the Japs!" - -"Did you ever see any Japanese, sir?" asked Lieutenant Prescott. - -"Nope, young man; but what's that got to do with hating 'em? Well, as I -was saying, that C Company feller on one of the wagons told me about B -Company being the Japs, and he asked me if I would like to help along -the licking of B Company. So I done the best I could." - -"By sending two young B Company soldiers across the wilderness, to that -elevation over yonder?" inquired Captain Cortland, who had heard the -conversation. - -"The C Company feller told me that it would help lick the company -that was standing for the Japs," explained the old man, his face an -interesting study as he gazed from one officer's face to another. - -Captain Freeman had not yet heard the story of how Hal and Noll had -come to be in his camp at dark. He had been denied that knowledge by -the laughing officers of B Company. But Freeman had been near enough to -hear the hunter's explanation, and now C Company's commander thought he -saw a whole lot of sudden light. - -"Pass the word for Corporal Raynes!" he shouted. - -Raynes heard, and shivered. Yet he was a soldier; there was but one -thing to do. Quaking in his restored shoes, Raynes rose and marched -briskly forward, halting and saluting before his captain. - -"Is this the man who was on one of the wagons, and who told you to send -two B Company men hiking across a wilderness of rock?" asked Captain -Freeman. - -"That's the very man," declared the old hunter. - -Hal and Noll had been looking on from a little distance. Now they -caught Captain Cortland's signal to come up, and obeyed. - -"Are these the two young men you sent, sir, on that wild-goose chase -off over the rocks?" asked Captain Freeman, pointing over towards the -bunkies. - -"They sure are," nodded the hunter. - -Captain Freeman turned, fixing the quaking Raynes with a glance that -brought the victim scant comfort. - -"Corporal Raynes, you were despoiled by Overton while on outpost night -before last. Then, yesterday afternoon, you fixed up a practical joke -on Overton and Terry in order to pay Overton back for his conduct to -you the night before?" queried Captain Freeman. - -"Yes, sir," admitted Raynes, feeling as though he would like to sink -about a mile into the ground. - -"Corporal Raynes," continued his captain, half scathingly and half -quizzically, "you have proved a most valuable man to your company -during this period of field duty. First, while on outpost duty, you -allow yourself to be despoiled of your rifle, shoes and canteen. Then, -in your humorous efforts to get even, you perpetrate a near-joke that -sends the enemy's two best scouts where they will be right on hand to -learn our plans and betray us to the enemy. Corporal Raynes, you have -covered yourself with glory indeed! Return to your company." - -Like wildfire the story spread down the line. Raynes had to endure -jeering looks from nearly two hundred men. - -"Ain't it fearful how these kids gain glory from the very things that -other folks do to smash 'em?" demanded Private Bill Hooper hoarsely in -the ear of Private Dowley. - -"It's a long lane of luck that has no turning," growled Dowley. - -"After what I've seen of their luck, I'm almost afraid to put up any -job against 'em," confessed Hooper. - -"You never did have much sand or wit, I reckon," snarled Dowley. - -"Are you still going to try to bring the kid soldiers to disgrace?" -asked Hooper in an eager undertone. - -"If I do, I don't believe you'll be much help." - -"But I'd like to know----" - -"Bill Hooper, if I need your help in anything I'll be sure to let you -know." - -"Now, Dowley, you needn't be so warm-tongued about it," urged Hooper. -"Of course, if there's any safe scheme for fixing the records of these -kids, I'm plumb crazy to have a hand in it, and that you know, Dowley." - -"Did the last thing we put up--spoiling Kid Overton's rifle--get traced -back to us?" demanded Dowley. - -"Now, that scheme didn't work much trouble to the kid," complained -Hooper. "He was in bad for half a day, then got a new rifle, and has -been receiving bouquets ever since." - -"You wait--watch and listen," urged Dowley. "You won't be very much -older when you'll hear something drop that'll fix Overton if he happens -to be around." - -"I wish you'd tell me," half whined Bill Hooper. - -"I will, if I want your help," remarked Dowley dryly. - -"Well, so long as the kid is chased out of this regiment, I don't care -who does it." - -"Fall in!" rang down the line. - - * * * * * - -"I'm glad I know who put up that job on us," laughed Private Overton, -as he stepped to his place in ranks. - -"But I wonder how it feels to be Corporal Raynes just now?" hinted -Private Terry facetiously. - -"I hope he won't get reduced to the ranks as a consequence," observed -Hal. - -"That would he rather rough. But I don't believe Captain Freeman will -do anything like that." - -Just before noon the troops were halted, then marched, by companies, -into a field. The order to pitch camp was given. - -It was really too bad, but one of the wagons drove up and the men on it -began to unload bear carcasses. All this bear meat was dumped before B -Company's line. C Company men tried not to look in that direction at -all, for C Company's share in the bear meat was to be--none. - -Early that morning Captain Cortland had sent the wagon and men to -recover the bear carcasses from the cave. The bears had been promptly -"skinned" and dressed before loading them into the wagon. - -From still another wagon sounded the whines of the five cubs. These -were to be taken back to Fort Clowdry, there to be fattened and served -at the coming Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner of B Company's men. A -few months later these cubs would be "a good size for killing." - -"To the victors belong the spoils." The two older bears had been killed -as already related, and the cubs found by B Company scouts within C -Company's "territory." - -Out were tumbled the Army cookstoves. Men of B Company cut up the -meat. Soon the odor of baking and roasting meats was on the air. Other -willing helpers to the cook were trimming off pieces of meat for -broiling. - -It was torment to hungry C Company men to smell the appetizing odors -and to meet the grins with which B Company men favored them. - -B Company must wait a while for its dinner, but was willing. The men of -C Company, to stop, as far as possible, the pangs of longing and the -watering of mouths, fell to at once to cook their own monotonous bacon. - -"See here, Freeman, there's going to be an abundance of bear meat," -remarked Captain Cortland, going over to his fellow company commander. -"Your men may as well have some of it." - -"Not under the circumstances under which the meat was obtained," -replied Captain Freeman firmly. "Let the men of my company realize -that they were disgracefully worsted, and that they have no cause for -complaint." - -So the men of one company sat down to a meal of hard tack, bacon and -coffee, while B Company men waited for a better feast. - -At last B's spread was ready. - -"My man," said Captain Cortland to his dog-robber, "cut off some nice -pieces of bear meat and take them over to the officers of C Company -with my compliments." - -But the dog-robber soon returned, bearing the platter on which the meat -still lay. - -"Captain Freeman's compliments, sir, but he says that the officers of C -Company will endure a deserved disappointment along with their men." - -Ere B Company's feast ended a commotion started that appeared to come -from behind C Company's street. - -Hal, dropping his ration plate to the ground, leaped up. - -"Look, Noll!" he called laughingly. "Corporal Raynes is certainly -'getting his.' Wow! Look at the fracas!" - -As a matter of fact, Raynes, at this moment, was being made the -recipient of most unwelcome attentions. - -He was being tossed in a blanket. - -This is the most emphatic and picturesque way that soldiers have of -displaying their displeasure against a man. It is a torment that is -also inflicted on any soldier who is accused of being "too fresh." - -Eight soldiers had hold of an ordinary army blanket, holding to it by -the edges. - -Several other soldiers had started in pursuit of Corporal Raynes. -Though that non-com ran for all he was worth, he was captured, -overpowered and dragged to the blanket. - -Willing hands caught him up, throwing him into the slack of the -blanket. - -"Heave her, boys!" - -Instantly, before Raynes could scramble to his feet and escape, the -slack blanket was hauled taut. - -Up into the air some four feet shot Corporal Raynes's sprawling figure. - -Down he came again, into the slack, but just as promptly he was tossed -again. This time the victim went up more than five feet into the air. - -"Stop it!" gasped the victim from up in the air. - -But no one was in a mood to stop it. Higher and higher shot the body -of the unpopular corporal, until he was going up ten feet or more at -nearly every toss. - -It is a most ludicrous punishment to look at, but the victim of this -strenuous prank feels that it is more than ridicule. He is always -certain that an outrage is being carried on against him. - -"Sto-o-op it!" gasped Raynes weakly. - -Under the merciless tossing and consequent jolting nearly all the -breath had left his body. - -"Give him a few more tastes," advised three or four of C Company's men -who stood in the front rank of those looking on. - -Of course it was a breach of discipline, in a way, for privates to toss -a non-commissioned officer, but neither Captain Freeman nor either -of his lieutenants interfered. The non-com is not always safe, by any -means, from blanket tossing. - -At last, however, the blanket was dropped to the ground, and Corporal -Raynes, breathless and very red-faced, was allowed to roll off the -woolen surface. - -As the corporal lay on the ground one of the men voiced the feeling of -all his comrades in C Company by muttering grimly: - -"Put up jobs that supply B's men with fresh meat and leave us out, will -you?" - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -THE CALL TO DEADLY WORK - - -For the next three days the men were to remain at the present camp. - -Instruction in the erecting of temporary field fortifications was to -follow. - -But Hal and Noll missed the first afternoon of this work, for they were -sent over to Mason City as orderlies to Lieutenant Prescott, who, as -acting commissary officer to the reunited companies, went to buy fresh -foodstuffs. - -Two wagons were also dispatched, the young lieutenant riding with the -driver on one of the wagons, while the soldier boys rode on the other -wagon. - -Mason City nestled in among the mountains in what was considered one of -the best health sections of Colorado. The "city" would have been termed -a village back in the east. It contained four hotels, two sanitariums, -a small theatre and other public buildings. It was to this town that -many eastern consumptives came. - -The native population of the town was less than a thousand souls. -Consumptives and other travelers added a usual average of about -eighteen hundred more people. - -The streets were lively with people when the two wagons drove into the -town. - -"You men may just as well enjoy yourselves for a couple of hours, for -I shall be busy in looking through the markets," announced Lieutenant -Prescott, as the soldier boys climbed down from their wagon. "Report to -me at the Mason House at six sharp. Remember, won't you, that's it a -soldier's business to be punctual to the fraction of a minute?" - -"Yes, sir," replied Hal Overton, as the soldier boys saluted. - -Lieutenant Prescott strode off down the street, a splendidly military -figure in his officer's khaki uniform which, despite the hardships of -the last days, he had kept almost immaculate. - -"A mighty fine young officer," murmured Noll, gazing admiringly after -the lieutenant. - -"One of the best that they turn out of West Point, I reckon," replied -Private Overton. - -Then the two young privates devoted themselves to sight-seeing. - -Punctually at the moment, however, both were in the lobby at the Mason -House. - -Lieutenant Prescott stepped in at the same moment. - -"I'll register you here for a room to-night, men," he said, returning -their salutes. "You will also have your evening meal in the dining -room. I shall not need your services until morning. Report to me at -this spot at 8.30 to-morrow morning." - -"Very good, sir," replied both soldier boys, once more saluting. - -"Say, a hotel meal will seem like a real luxury--what?" breathed Hal. - -"I wonder if it's ready?" murmured Noll. - -"We'll find out." - -The dining room was open. After going to the wash room, and making -themselves as presentable as possible, the two young soldiers stepped -into the dining room, the head waiter showing them to seats. - -"There's the lieutenant over there at another table," whispered Noll. - -"I guess he's as glad as we are to have a civilized meal again. But has -it struck you, Noll, that the government does things in pretty good -shape when it pays for putting up two private soldiers at a fine hotel -like this?" - -What neither soldier boy suspected was that Lieutenant Prescott was -paying the bill for them out of his own pocket--this as a silent -remembrance of their work in bringing victory to B Company. - -By the time that the meal was nearly over the soldier boys observed -that a man who looked as if he might be a native of Mason City had -seated himself at the same table with Lieutenant Prescott, and was -engaged in earnest, low-voiced conversation with that young officer. - -Soon after a waiter came to the table where Hal and Noll sat. - -"The lieutenant wants to speak with you as soon as you have finished," -announced the waiter. "Don't go to him until you're through eating, -though." - -Noll finished his last few bites of dessert, Hal his coffee. Then both -young men rose, quietly crossing the dining room. The soldier boys, -as they moved with erect carriage and easy motion, were full of a -soldierly grace of appearance that they did not begin to suspect. - -Nor did they imagine that strangers in the hotel dining room were -paying any heed to them until they heard a man's voice say approvingly: - -"Regulars." - -"Yes; they're the real thing," agreed another male voice. "You'll know -a regular wherever you see one. The men of the regular Army can't be -beat." - -"You sent for us, sir?" asked Hal, pausing beside the lieutenant's -table and saluting. - -"Yes," nodded Prescott. "Follow me from the dining room. I have -something to say to you." - -Prescott and the stranger passed out ahead. Hal and Noll kept in their -wake, about fifteen feet to the rear. Lieutenant Prescott and the -stranger entered an elevator, the soldier boys following. The young -officer led the way to his room. - -"Now, then," resumed Prescott, wheeling about on the soldier boys, -"I have had a very peculiar request made to me to-night--by this -gentleman." - -The stranger nodded. - -"Mason City," continued the lieutenant, "is usually a very orderly -place. There are only two policemen here--a night and a day officer. -Besides, there is one peace officer--Deputy Sheriff Coates. Now, it -happens that Coates is ill in bed, and his physician absolutely forbids -him to leave his bed inside of a week." - -"That's right," nodded the stranger. - -"And the policemen are needed on the street. Besides, I am informed -that the two local policemen are neither of them quite the sort of men -who are fitted for some work that has come up." - -"Also quite right," nodded the stranger. - -"Therefore," went on the young lieutenant, "Deputy Sheriff Coates, -hearing that soldiers are in town, has sent to me asking my help in -arresting one of the most dangerous characters at present at liberty -anywhere in the United States. Now, if I am to undertake this work, I -must have assistance. The question comes, men----" - -Lieutenant Prescott paused, scrutinizing keenly the faces of the -soldier boys. - -"Are you men ready to aid me in arresting this desperate character, who -is as deadly as a rattler, and always ready to turn himself loose with -a pair of guns?" - -"I am very sorry, sir," replied Hal, saluting, "that the lieutenant -should feel it at all necessary to ask the question." - -"I am obliged to ask you," answered Prescott, "and also to inform you -that you are both at liberty to refuse, for this is not legally the -duty of a soldier under the circumstances. You may refuse without -subjecting yourselves to criticism." - -"But we have no thought of refusing, sir," Hal answered, not even -considering it necessary to glance at his bunkie. "We'll follow the -lieutenant anywhere, and do anything that he directs." - -"But, my men, you and I may all three of us be killed in this -enterprise." - -"Fearful, sir!" replied Noll half dryly. "Yet I've always supposed it -part of a soldier's duty to be killed at need." - -"In the discharge of military duties, yes," agreed Lieutenant Prescott. -"But this is not military duty in any sense. If you go into it you -must understand that you are acting voluntarily, to aid the civil -authorities of this state and county." - -"May I ask a question, sir?"--from Hal. - -"Certainly," replied the young officer. - -"You are proposing to risk your life, aren't you, sir?" - -"Yes." - -"Then we'll take the same risk, sir. We don't need to ask anything -more. Lead us where you wish, and into what you please, sir." - -"Thank you, men," acknowledged Lieutenant Prescott heartily. Then, -turning to the stranger, he added: - -"I told you I didn't think I was mistaken in these men." - -"You certainly are not," agreed the stranger. - -"Now, for the next step, I must wire the regimental commander, Colonel -North, asking his permission that these men and myself engage in the -enterprise. I anticipate the colonel's consent. Therefore, as soon as I -have sent the telegram, sir, you may lead us to the house of Coates." - -Lieutenant Prescott then left the room. - -"I suppose you boys wonder who I am?" smiled the stranger. - -"Thank you, sir," Hal replied quietly. "When the lieutenant wants us to -know he'll tell us. No offense intended, sir." - -"Nor any taken," replied the stranger, with a laugh. "You regulars -surely do go along, just sticking to orders, and not caring for -anything outside of orders." - -Second Lieutenant Prescott soon returned to the room. - -"I've sent my wire, Mr. Dent. Now we are at your disposal. Lead the -way, sir." - -As the soldier boys followed their officer, a dozen feet to the rear, -from the hotel, they certainly felt far more curiosity than they would -have admitted to any one else. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -THE APPOINTMENT WITH SUPREME DANGER - - -"You think you can manage it?" asked Deputy Sheriff Coates anxiously, -after a long talk by the side of the sick bed. - -"I am sure we can," nodded Lieutenant Richard Prescott cheerily. - -"I hate to ask such favor of you," went on Coates in a tone of real -regret. "But Jack Blick simply has to be arrested, and there doesn't -seem any other way." - -"Don't worry any more about it, Mr. Coates," urged the young lieutenant. - -It seemed odd to see one as young as Prescott using this soothing tone -to the weather-tanned, middle-aged peace officer who, for a score of -years, had been known as a terror to evil-doers. But Coates was flat on -his back now, and there was a man to be captured who was known as one -of the most dangerous men in the country. - -During the conversation Hal and Noll had remained seated at some -distance from the bed. The soldier boys had listened, but had said -nothing. Nor had Dent, who turned out to be the local postmaster, said -much, either. - -"Blick is just waiting for a letter that holds money to take him -somewhere else," Coates continued, plucking at the bed clothes. "If he -gets that letter in the morning, he'll be out of sight and away before -I can get help here. As I've told you, the stage comes here only twice -a week, and it is out of the question to get real help through in case -Blick makes his last trip to the post office to-morrow morning. If he -gets a letter then, and finds the expected funds in it, it's my belief -that he'll be on his way among the hills five minutes afterwards. That -is, of course, Lieutenant, if you're not there to stop him." - -"If he appears and is recognized, we'll stop him," smiled Lieutenant -Prescott with the confidence of a trained man who cannot admit defeat. - -"But be mighty sure you get the drop on Jack Blick, Lieutenant. If you -soldiers make the slightest blunder after Blick knows you're there for -him, he'll drill all three of you. If you once let Blick get a gun out -of his pocket then one or two of you will die--sure. The fellow is as -quick as lightning, and he always shoots to kill at the first shot!" - -"I have heard of that kind of man before," replied Mr. Prescott -composedly. - -"Don't you doubt that they exist, either, Lieutenant," warned the -deputy sheriff earnestly. "Don't forget, either, that Jack Blick is -the most dangerous man of that type." - -"What a pity you don't know where Blick is staying," sighed Lieutenant -Prescott regretfully. "It would be much more to my liking to turn him -out of bed in the middle of the night." - -"None of us have been able to find the least trace of his stopping -place," put in Postmaster Dent. "Not that we haven't tried. Wherever -Blick's hiding place is, it's a secure one." - -The plans for the attempt at capture were then made and fully discussed -until every one present understood fully. - -Jack Blick, "wanted" for two killings and half a dozen train and -stage holds-ups, was here in Mason City in disguise. He had always -been smooth faced, but now he wore a heavy beard. He had made other -alterations in his appearance. At the post office he inquired for -letters for Arthur Dade. As a part of his disguise Blick pretended to -be a consumptive, and on even rather warm days, he appeared in a light -top-coat. This was the information that Coates gave Lieutenant Prescott. - -"That's so he can carry revolvers in either side pocket; don't forget -that," urged the deputy sheriff. "Watch Blick's hands when he takes 'em -out of his pockets." - -Blick's identity had been learned from the police of San Francisco. In -that latter city Blick's sister lived. It was believed that she might -correspond with her brother, and so the police of San Francisco had -arranged with the local post office people for a chance to inspect the -address of every letter that Juliette Blick mailed. These addresses had -been run down, and the one at Mason City had proved to be the correct -one for her brother. - -"I am afraid you have tired yourself out, Mr. Coates," suggested -Prescott, rising. "As we now know all that can help us, I propose to -leave after sending your nurse in to you." - -"My nurse?" cried the deputy, almost resentfully. "Me, under a nurse's -care, when there's a job at hand like catching Jack Blick!" - -"We'll do our very best, sir, to take your place," promised Lieutenant -Prescott. Then a new thought coming to him, he added: - -"I think, Mr. Coates, perhaps we had better wait until Mr. Dent goes -down to the Mason House to see whether there is an answer to the -telegram I sent Colonel North. I may have to see you again, just for a -moment." - -Once outside the sick room, the three soldiers stepped into the little -parlor of the house. - -"As postmaster, Mr. Dent, you are well enough known to have no -difficulty in getting the hotel people to hand you any message that -may have come for me." - -Then Mr. Dent left them. - -"Seat yourselves, men," urged Lieutenant Prescott, himself dropping -into a chair. "Now, I think that, with three of us, we're going to -have a rather easy time to-morrow if Blick really shows up at the post -office. Of course, now that we've undertaken this thing, we simply -can't allow ourselves to make any flukes." - -"As I understand it, sir," smiled Hal Overton, "any mistakes that any -of us make will form the basis of the undertaker's bill to our families -at home." - -"That's the best possible way of stating the case," laughed the young -lieutenant lightly. "Just for the sake of being able to remain in the -good old service we've got to avoid making any bad breaks while Blick -is at hand." - -Thirty minutes went by ere the postmaster of Mason City returned. - -"Had to wait. Message just came. I brought it at once," explained Dent, -whose breathing showed that he had hurried. - -Lieutenant Prescott took the little yellow envelope, breaking it open. - -"Pardon me for reading it," he said. - -Then a smile broke over his features. - -"It's O. K.," he announced, dropping the paper to his lap. Then he -picked it up again, saying: - -"Listen!" - -This was the dispatch that he read, addressed to himself and signed by -Colonel North: - -"Permission granted to yourself and Privates Overton and Terry to make -arrest if possible, but only after all three have been legally sworn in -as special deputy sheriffs of the county. Obey and submit to the civil -authorities in every way." - -"Hurrah!" Hal could not restrain himself from saying. - -"What a bully old colonel commands 'Ours,'" breathed Noll Terry. - -"Ours" is the term given his regiment by every soldier, whether officer -or enlisted man. - -"I'm glad to see, men, that you're pleased. Now, as I thought might be -possible when leaving Mr. Coates, we shall have to see him again for -just a moment." - -"To be sworn in as special deputies?" inquired Postmaster Dent. - -"Exactly," nodded Lieutenant Prescott. - -They were soon again at the sick man's bedside, the young officer -explaining their errand. - -"Hold up your hands, all three of you," directed Deputy Coates. - -Then and there he swore them in formally as special deputy sheriffs in -the service of the county. - -"Dent, go to the third drawer in that cabinet and take out three -badges, will you?" asked Mr. Coates. - -"These badges will be in the best place if we pin them to our flannel -shirts, and then button our blouses over them," suggested Prescott, -setting the example. - -"I'll go out ahead of you now," proposed the postmaster. "Arrange to be -in the little alley-way back of the post office at half past six in the -morning." - -"Six thirty to the minute," Lieutenant Prescott promised. - -Once outside, the lieutenant told the bunkies to return to the hotel -together. Then he left them. - -Just on the dot of 6.30 the next morning Lieutenant Prescott and his -two soldier boys were at the meeting place. - -Postmaster Dent was ahead of them, and quickly admitted them through -the rear door of the post office building. - -"Now, we've just time to hurry into readiness," whispered Dent, rubbing -his hands. "The office opens sharp at seven!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -MEETING BLICK IN EARNEST - - -"Any mail for Sarah J. Campbell?" - -"I'll see, ma'am." - -"Be quick, boy. I'm in a dreadful hurry." - -Noll turned away from the window to consult a frame of boxes that were -alphabetically arranged. - -"Maria A. Bampole, did you say, ma'am?" sounded young Terry's voice, -his face just out of sight. - -"No; I didn't," snapped the woman. "Sarah J. Campbell, blockhead!" - -"'Scuse me, ma'am," returned Noll politely, though heavily. - -The impatient woman could hear him slowly sorting over letters. - -"Nothing for Blockhead," he announced slowly, as though talking caused -him pain. - -The woman threw up her hands in huge disgust. - -"Sarah J. Campbell!" she insisted snappishly. - -"Oh, 'scuse me, ma'am. I thought you said Blockhead." - -"So I did, dunce, but I was calling you that!" - -"But, you see, ma'am," drawled Noll, exasperatingly, "I ain't looking -for any mail." - -"Then you'd better!" warned the woman angrily. "And look for Sarah J. -Campbell. Be lively about it, too." - -Noll ran through the letters and postcards in Box C with provoking -deliberation. Then he announced, while the woman drummed impatiently on -the window ledge: - -"Here's a postal from the Mason City Laundry, stating that your wash, -this week, will be delivered only on payment of your account." - -"Gimme that card," screamed Miss Campbell. "I didn't ask you to read -it, booby!" - -"And here's another, from Medella, dealer in false hair at Denver, -stating that your order will be shipped on the second of next month, -and----" - -People waiting in the line behind began to titter, while Miss -Campbell's face turned scarlet. - -"Gimme my mail, stupid!" commanded Miss Campbell irately. "And I'll -complain to the postmaster about your impudence." - -Noll Terry gazed at the woman with an expression of sadly wounded -innocence. - -"'Scuse me, marm, and please don't blab to the P. M. This is my first -day here. I'm new and green, yes, marm, but I'm trying to be as -obliging as I can." - -"Humph!" muttered the woman. Gathering her post cards, she fled. - -Lieutenant Prescott, holding one hand over his mouth, used the other to -beckon as soon as he could catch Noll's eye. - -Noll went over to him, saluting, out of sight of any one at the post -office window. - -"Cut out some of this comedy, Terry," begged the lieutenant in a -whisper, "or I shall laugh outright and betray myself." - -Noll once more saluted gravely, then returned to his post at the -general delivery window. - -All traces of the military had left Noll Terry's appearance. His khaki -uniform was hidden under the jumper and overalls that Postmaster Dent -had loaned him. Even his erect carriage had vanished. Noll now looked -as though he had been round-shouldered from the cradle. His crisp -speaking tone had given way to a drawl, and his look was stupid. - -The three soldiers were alone in the general delivery room, Noll the -only one of them at any time visible. - -Toward the front of the room was a door opening out on the lobby of -the post office. Behind this stood Lieutenant Prescott in uniform, but -without his sword. Over the right hip dangled a holster in which lay a -service revolver, ready for instant work. - -Further down the general delivery room, on the other side of the -window, was a door opening also into the lobby. Behind this Private -Hal Overton, also in uniform, was stationed. He, too, wore a revolver -in holster over his right hip, for the bunkies, when sent into town as -orderlies, had been armed with revolvers, as is the custom in the case -of officers' orderlies in the field. - -Noll's revolver lay on a little shelf out of sight under the window -ledge. - -Over two hours had dragged by. There could be no telling, of course, at -what time Blick would appear, even if he came at all. - -It was not long ere Noll Terry forgot Lieutenant Prescott's warning, -and again started in to have more fun with the people before the window. - -This time, however, he took great pains not to let the young lieutenant -catch his eye. - -Then, of a sudden came a jolt that would have made a less -self-possessed young man topple over. - -A mild-eyed man of forty took his place before the window. Noll barely -glanced at the fellow until the latter inquired in a soft voice that -was almost effeminate: - -"Any mail for Arthur Dade?" - -But Private Terry never turned a hair. - -[Illustration: Lieutenant Prescott and Private Overton Darted Into the -Fray.] - -This man was bearded and surely must be Jack Blick, he of the deadly -habits. - -"What name did you say?" queried Noll slowly. - -Lieutenant Prescott and Hal Overton got out their revolvers in a jiffy, -each standing with hand on the knob of a door. - -"Arthur Dade," repeated the mild-voiced one. - -"Bade?" blundered Noll purposely. "Will you please spell it?" - -"D-a-d-e, Dade, Arthur Dade," said the man before the window. - -"I'll see," nodded Noll coolly. He stepped back, running through the -letters in the D box. There was a letter there, as Noll Terry knew well -enough. It had come in the mail that morning, and was postmarked at San -Francisco. - -Presently Noll came back into sight with the letter, holding it out -with his left hand, while, with his right, he leaned over to replace -the other letters in D box. - -"Can you reach it?" invited Noll. - -The man who had given the name of Dade made the effort to reach the -letter, which was just what Noll was trying to make him do. That move -would keep one of the desperate fellow's hands away from his weapons -for a second or two. - -Two doors opened like a flash. Lieutenant Prescott and Private Overton -were darting on tip-toe into the expected fray. - -"Blick, get your hands up--high! Get 'em up quick, or take lead!" -ordered Lieutenant Prescott imperiously. "Don't try any tricks!" - -Reaching his man at a bound, the young Army officer thrust his revolver -squarely up against the fellow's breast. - -"Great Scott, mister, don't shoot!" yelled the stranger in a quavering -voice. - -"Then up with your hands, Blick!" - -As though in terror the stranger had sprung back two or three feet. -This was done with the quickness of a wildcat. - -As a part of the same movement the desperate man threw up one foot in a -clever kick. - -His heavy boot struck Lieutenant Prescott's right wrist with fearful -force, sending the pistol flying and nearly breaking the young -officer's wrist. - -Private Hal Overton had started at the same instant, but he had further -to go. - -Blick's right hand dropped in a twinkling to the right side pocket of -his top-coat. - -Both hands now flashed into sight, each holding a revolver. - -Coolly enough now, but with incredible swiftness, the stranger aimed -his left-hand weapon at Lieutenant Prescott. - -At the same instant Soldier Hal leaped from behind, wrapping both his -arms around Blick's neck and dragging him swiftly backward. - -Bang! - -The revolver was discharged, but the bullet, owing to Blick's going -over backward, struck a wall. - -Surely Blick must have possessed all the strength and ferocity of the -mountain lion. - -Though Hal Overton thought he had his man headed for a crashing fall to -the floor, the fellow managed to squirm out of that clutch as though by -magic. - -Then Soldier Hal found himself staring into both muzzles of the -desperate fellow's pistols. - -Hal knew it was time for him to shoot, but found he was not as swift at -the game as was the justly dreaded Blick. - -Bang-bang! sounded two loud reports. Two streams of fire flashed before -Private Overton's eyes. - -Two bullets all but grazed the soldier boy's head on either side. - -He would have been killed instantly but for Lieutenant Prescott. - -That young officer, afraid to fire for fear of hitting his own man, had -jumped into the fray despite the fact that his right wrist was all but -useless. - -With one flashing movement Prescott had recovered his revolver with his -left hand. - -It was his sudden football tackle, learned on the gridiron at West -Point, that had seized Blick and spoiled the latter's aim. - -Now, all three went down in an ugly clinch. Officer and soldier were -fighting to pin Blick's arms to his side and thus render him helpless. - -Bang! bang! - -Bang! bang! bang! - -To Blick it was little concern whether he lived or died. If he must go -under in the fight he intended at least to do all the mischief he could. - -So he fired, even while Prescott and Hal were fighting desperately to -pin his arms and spoil his aim. - -Fortunately, none of these five bullets did any harm. - -But the three locked together were fighting like panthers. - -If Blick could but wriggle out of the clutch long enough to get either -hand free, he would stand a very good chance to kill one or both of his -assailants. - -Neither the lieutenant or the soldier boy dared fire in this scrambling -clinch. - -Each feared to kill the other. - -Then Blick briefly got an arm free. - -Bang! bang! - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -THE BATTLE OF THEIR LIVES - - -At the first sign of trouble the few people in the post office lobby -had devoted their entire energies to getting away. - -Nor did any of the postal employes appear to offer aid. - -They had little stomach for such a deadly affair as this was certain to -be. - -And Noll? - -At the first note of Prescott's voice, as the lieutenant leaped at -Blick, Private Terry had dropped below the level of the window ledge. - -There his hand closed on his revolver. - -With this in hand, he bounded for the door that the young Army officer -had left open. - -But all this took time, and what was going on in the post office lobby -outside seemed to take place in split seconds. - -Noll had just bounded out in sight of the scramble for life as Blick -fired the last two shots. - -Even as the wretch pressed the trigger, however, Hal Overton took -another quick grip on the fellow's wrist. - -Thus was the soldier boy's life saved for the instant. - -But the weapons that Blick carried were automatic revolvers, each -holding nine cartridges. The scoundrel therefore held several lives in -his hands if he could only get a chance to free his wrists sufficiently. - -Still the three fought, rolled and scrambled across the floor. - -Now, Private Noll Terry was hovering over the combatants. - -At first the strenuous trio moved with such bewildering speed and were -so hopelessly mixed up that Noll actually wondered what he could do. - -At last he saw his chance and tried for it. - -Whack! - -Clubbing his revolver, Soldier Noll brought the butt of the weapon down -with fearful force--on some one's head. - -By sheer good luck it proved to be Blick's head. - -Almost completely stunned, Blick rolled over on his back, Lieutenant -Prescott bearing down on one of Blick's arms, while Hal Overton held -the other. - -Leaping around, Noll thrust the muzzle of his own revolver into Blick's -mouth. - -"Shall I pull the trigger, sir?" demanded Noll coolly. - -"No," responded Lieutenant Prescott with equal coolness. "I think we -have the rascal now." - -Jack Blick came back to consciousness to see his weapons go spinning -across the floor in different directions. - -"Now, if he makes any further efforts at trouble, Terry, just pull the -trigger," directed Lieutenant Prescott. "Blick, put your hands in front -of you, over your stomach." - -Sullenly the fellow obeyed. Lieutenant Prescott snapped a pair of -handcuffs over the fellow's wrists. - -"Now, you'll keep without spoiling," predicted the young Army officer, -leaping to his feet. "Pull him up, men." - -Though his right wrist was swelling, Prescott employed that hand to -thrust his revolver back into the holster over his hip. - -Hal and Noll dragged Blick to his feet. - -Like a flash the scoundrel darted away from them. No one had told the -Army people that Jack Blick was an expert at throwing off shackles. But -now Blick squeezed his wrists and hands through the steel bracelets -before his would-be captors could realize it. - -As part of the same movement he raced to where one of his revolvers lay. - -Stooping and picking it up, Blick wheeled like a streak of light on his -knees. - -But Soldier Hal had his own weapon up. He fired, coolly--for life. - -The bullet drilled through Blick's wrist, forcing him to drop the -revolver like hot iron. - -The fellow's left hand, however, picked up the weapon. - -Bang! - -Once more Blick dropped his weapon, for Noll Terry had fired, -shattering the fellow's left fore-arm. - -Now, apparently, Jack Blick was out of the fighting game. - -But Lieutenant Prescott, who had just snatched his pistol from its -holster, dashed forward, holding the muzzle of his weapon almost in the -fellow's face. - -"Stop all nonsense, now, my man, or we'll kill you without a word of -parley," warned the young officer in an even but deadly and convincing -tone of voice. - -Hal slipped a cord from his pocket, knotted a noose, and dropped it -over the fellow's head, drawing the noose tight. - -"I think we can hold him this way, sir," Hal suggested to the -lieutenant. - -"Yes; get behind him, Overton. Let him walk slowly, but don't stand for -any bolt. You get behind Blick, too, Terry, and hold your revolver on -his back. If he tries to bolt, or makes a single hostile sign, shoot to -kill. We're through with anything like nonsense." - -With his uninjured left hand Lieutenant Prescott helped the prisoner to -the floor. - -"Now march, my man," ordered the officer. "Out into the street. Don't -try to hurry, either." - -Thus they proceeded to the street, Lieutenant Prescott with drawn -revolver in his left hand keeping just behind the soldier boys, and -with ever an eye of watchfulness on the prisoner's steps. - -Only six doors below stood the police station. Thither they conducted -Blick, and the solitary day policeman of the little town, seeing the -crowd that had formed and followed, came rushing to the scene. - -"Get a doctor first," Lieutenant Prescott ordered, when they had Jack -Blick safely inside the station house. - -A physician was on hand inside of two minutes. He washed and dressed -the rascal's wounds. - -Then a blacksmith was sent for, and others brought portable forge and -bellows. An "Oregon boot" was shaped and riveted to Blick's lower left -leg, and a red-hot piece of iron welded on over the rivets. - -This "Oregon boot" is a famous device in some western states. It is -simply an extremely heavy cylinder of iron. The prisoner who wears -it can barely draw his left foot along. Running would be out of the -question. Nor, when the blacksmith's job was done, could Blick, even -had he been provided with ordinary tools, have succeeded in getting -that "boot" off his leg in less than four hours. - -The day policeman of Mason City, who was also chief of the "force," -swore in six armed citizens as special policemen. They were to watch -the prisoner day and night until other officers arrived to take him -away to stand trial. - -"I guess you'll keep now, won't you, Blick?" asked Lieutenant Prescott, -smiling in at the prisoner, who lay on a bench behind the barred door -of a cell, his guards just outside. - -"You think you got me, don't you?" jeered Jack Blick harshly. - -"I think we did," the young Army officer agreed, smilingly. "Have you -any doubts, my man?" - -"It took three of you to do it, and if there'd been only two of you, -I'd have gotten away," snarled the desperado. - -"I'll admit that that is probably true," assented Prescott, as smiling -as ever. "Blick, you're a nervy, deadly man. But fellows of your class -always ought to bear in mind that the community is bigger than any one -man can possibly be. You're caged now, and you have always been bound -to be, sooner or later." - -"Perhaps you feel pretty big now?" sneered Jack Blick. - -"I can't say that I do," rejoined Lieutenant Prescott coolly. "As -nearly as I can judge, I feel just about as big as I did yesterday, or -the day before. How about you, men?" - -"I know very well that I felt a lot bigger the day I first stepped into -the uniform than I do now," laughed Soldier Hal. - -"I always feel largest on pay-day," smiled Private Noll Terry. "And -this is a long way from pay-day." - -"I've got friends in this town. Friends of my own kind," broke in Jack -Blick harshly. "Don't forget that." - -"Why?" queried Lieutenant Dick Prescott. - -"Because," snarled Blick, showing his teeth, "you've been marked by my -friends already. You won't get out of town and back to camp alive!" - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -CAPTAIN CORTLAND "MAKES A SPEECH" - - -"You heard Blick's declaration, didn't you?" questioned Lieutenant -Prescott, with a smile. - -He had halted on the sidewalk and was gazing at his soldier boys. - -"That we wouldn't get out of town alive, sir?" asked Hal Overton. - -"Yes. Well, men, we don't deserve to, either, if we leave our comrades -out in camp deprived of fresh food much longer. It was Captain -Cortland's expectation that we would start back by noon to-day, and now -it's ten in the morning, with four hours or more of real work ahead of -us, so we had better walk briskly to the market." - -An officer does not, except in rare instances that call for it, walk -with his men. He walks either ahead or behind them. This is not because -of any contempt or lack of respect, even, for the men; it is a rule of -discipline and is followed for discipline's sake. - -There was soon an abundance of hard work to be done. Liberal supplies -of fresh meat were bought, and a considerable variety of groceries and -fresh and canned vegetables, for Uncle Sam's soldiers live well. - -Hal and Noll soon discovered that they had not been brought along as -ornaments. They had their hands full of work. - -Then, at last, Lieutenant Prescott sent Hal as messenger to summon the -drivers to bring the wagons over to pick up the supplies. - -Hard as all hands worked, it was well after one o'clock when the -heavily laden wagons were finally gotten into shape and headed out of -town. - -"Overton?" called the lieutenant, just before the start. - -"Yes, sir," Hal saluted. - -"Have you seen any assassins lurking about?" - -"No, sir." - -Brief as his reply was, Hal stared at the young officer in some -astonishment. - -"Have you seen any assassins dogging our tracks, Terry?" was Lieutenant -Prescott's next question. - -"No, sir," came from saluting Noll. - -Then, continued the lieutenant, still speaking gravely, "I think that -this small United States force may presume to start on its way. Of -course, we may run into an ambush within the next thirteen minutes, but -that would be a mean trick to play on a military party." - -Though the young officer spoke with all gravity the soldier boys -realized that he was wholly in jest. Reinforced now by the soldier -drivers, who were also armed, this little party of trained men could -put up a very ugly point at the first sign of need. - -"And Prescott is just the sort of officer who'll always know how to -lead men in a scrap," Hal thought admiringly. - -"Shall we take our seats on one of the wagons, sir?" questioned Private -Noll Terry. - -"No; the wagons are too heavily laden as it is, and we've a rough road -ahead. You'll march on foot. Take the road just ahead of the wagon -train, but do not march under any restraint whatever. Walk just as much -at ease as you can." - -"Very good, sir." - -Both soldier boys saluted and stepped ahead. The wagons followed at -once. The first time that Hal and Noll glanced backward they saw that -Lieutenant Prescott was also on foot, walking beside the second wagon. - -"I don't believe Lieutenant Prescott ever gives an order that he -wouldn't want to follow himself," murmured Hal. - -"He's the real thing in the soldier line," responded Noll. - -"I imagine that that other new West Pointer, Holmes, is just as fine a -soldier and officer," Hal continued. - -"Very likely," admitted Noll. "I hear that they both came from the same -home town, and that Prescott and Holmes were chums even years before -they went to West Point." - -To healthy young soldiers the walk, though over rough roads for most -of the way, was no hardship. The wagon train reached camp later in the -afternoon, just as the hard-working regulars in camp were coming back -from drill in constructing trenches with revetments. These revetments -are frames of one kind of wood or another, so built into the trench as -to increase its stability greatly. - -"You found that your task took longer than you expected, didn't you, -Mr. Prescott?" was Captain Cortland's greeting when the young officer, -saluting, came over to report. - -"We would have gotten through much earlier, captain, but some of our -time was taken up otherwise." - -"How was that?" - -"We accomplished an arrest for the county, at the request of the local -deputy sheriff, sir." - -Captain Cortland frowned slightly. - -"Ordinarily, Mr. Prescott, that is no part of a soldier's business. -But I feel certain that you must have had excellent reasons for acting -before you had explained to me the circumstances in the matter?" - -"Under the circumstances, sir, as I had the use of the telegraph, I -found it much easier to communicate with Colonel North at Fort Clowdry." - -"Oh, you did that, Mr. Prescott?" - -"Yes, sir. I trust that was not the wrong course to take. I wanted to -save time, and so used the wire straight to regimental headquarters." - -"That was perfectly proper, Mr. Prescott," nodded Captain Cortland. "So -you had Colonel North's permission to aid the county authorities?" - -"Yes, sir; on condition that we acted as volunteer county peace -officers, and not as soldiers. I have preserved Colonel North's -dispatch, sir. Here it is." - -"Come over to the tent, Mr. Prescott. I am anxious to hear about the -whole affair." - -As Captain Cortland listened to the young officer's narration of what -had taken place, he opened his eyes a bit wider. - -"Mr. Prescott, Overton and Terry seem, in every way, to be proving -themselves exceptionally fine young soldiers." - -"They are all of that, sir," assented Lieutenant Prescott warmly. - -"Sergeant Gray!" called the captain, thrusting his head outside the -tent. - -B Company's first sergeant stepped over, saluting. - -"Sergeant, direct Overton and Terry to report here at once." - -"Yes, sir." - -Privates Hal and Noll appeared before the door of the tent, saluting -respectfully. - -"Come in, men," directed the captain, and the soldier boys entered the -tent, standing at attention. - -"Men, Lieutenant Prescott has just been telling me about the arrest in -town. He speaks most highly of the conduct of both of you this morning." - -Since this called for no reply, the two soldier boys merely continued -to stand at attention. - -"Now, I'm not going to commend you for the courage you displayed," went -on B Company's captain. "It is a soldier's business to be brave, and he -should never be commended for anything less than the most distinguished -bravery. But what I am going to commend both of you for is in the way -of qualities that not all soldiers show as successfully. The first is -prompt obedience, and the second is good judgment under conditions of -great danger and requiring the swiftest action. I do not know, men, -that I can make my commendation duly emphatic in any other way than by -telling you that I am fully satisfied with both of you as soldiers -of real merit, and that Lieutenant Prescott's report strengthens my -conviction. That is all. You may go." - -Again Hal and Noll saluted, then wheeled and stepped from the tent. - -"That's a good deal better than a speech, isn't it?" murmured Noll when -the bunkies were some distance from the officers' tent. - -"Why, as coming from a captain, in praise of his men, that was really a -speech, wasn't it?" asked Hal. - -As neither of the young bunkies told the story in camp, it got out only -through the partial accounts of the wagon drivers, who were able to -give only garbled and not at all accurate descriptions of the exciting -business of the morning. - -"I hear you kids have been in the hero business," grinned Private -Hyman, coming over to the chums. - -"You're a friend of ours, Hyman, aren't you?" asked Private Overton, -flushing. - -"I surely consider myself one," replied Hyman. - -"Will you do us a great favor?" - -"You know I will, if I can." - -"Then drop the hero business and forget all about it," begged Hal. - -"I reckon I like you better for that," nodded Hyman. "Lovely weather -we're having, isn't it?" - -"Lovely air this afternoon," laughed Noll, sniffing. "Just smell the -odors coming from the Army stoves." - -"Now you're talking about your own exploits," teased Hyman. "You were -on the detail that went in after the fresh grub that's going to make -two hundred men, more or less, extremely happy to-night." - -"Attention, B Company!" called out Lieutenant Prescott, stepping -in among the groups of resting soldiers. "I am directed by Captain -Cortland to state that, immediately after supper to-night, twenty men -of B Company may have leave to visit Mason City. But they will be -required to be back here punctually at ten o'clock to-morrow morning. -Men who wish to avail themselves of the proffered leave will see -Sergeant Gray without delay." - -"Going in, Hyman?" asked Hal, as that soldier turned to walk away. - -"If I'm fortunate enough to get leave," nodded Hyman. "There are -several things I want to do in town." - -The supper that night was as perfect and as hearty as the resources of -camp permitted. Some of the soldiers ate so heartily that they were -presently content to lie about camp for the evening, and were glad they -had not applied for town leave. - -Captain Freeman had allowed the same number of his men town leave. - -Just before dark forty United States doughboys started down the trail, -bent on pleasure and sight-seeing. - -Being on leave, none of these men were allowed to carry their arms with -them. Nothing, for that matter, could be much more awkward to a soldier -than his rifle when on leave to visit town. - -"Be careful, men, that none of you overstay your leave," Lieutenant -Hampton called warningly, as the town party started down the trail. - -"We won't, sir," came the chorused answer. - -This is always the promise of men on leave. Sometimes, in the -excitement of pleasures, the promise is forgotten, or ignored, and then -trouble is sure to follow. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -ROUNDING UP THE MISSING LEAVE MEN - - -Camp police, which means the care and tidying of camp, and the carrying -out of hygienic precautions, occupied the soldiers in camp most of the -time between breakfast and nine o'clock. - -Then the toilers were dismissed for rest. - -"Mr. Hampton," called Captain Cortland, "you may notify Sergeant -Gray that assembly will sound at 10.15. Just before that, at 10.10, -roll-call of the men on town leave will take place." - -Some minutes before ten o'clock a lot of the men of both companies -began to straggle in. - -"There will be some of the boys who won't be here on time, though," -Private Hyman confided to Hal. - -"A soldier who gets leave and doesn't respect it is either a fool or -too mean a shirker to be in the service," Hal returned. - -"That's what I tried to tell some of the fellows in town," laughed -Hyman lightly. "You ought to have heard them thank me! But, oh, what's -the use? A fellow who is going to make a good soldier of himself always -does the nearest he can to right, and the other kind seldom get back -on a second enlistment, anyway." - -A few minutes later Sergeant Gray's voice could be heard calling: - -"B Company men returned from town leave fall in here for roll-call." - -Further down the camp, C Company's first sergeant could be heard giving -the same summons. - -Instead of twenty men, only fourteen of B's fell in. - -Sergeant Gray looked them over with disgust written on his fine, -bronzed, soldiery old face, for Gray had served twenty-four years with -the colors. - -Then he began to call the roll. - -"Dismissed," he announced as soon as he had finished reading. - -Turning on his heel, a look of deep concern on his face, Sergeant Gray -reported to Captain Cortland. - -"Well, Sergeant?" - -"Six men absent from roll-call, sir." - -"Who are the six men?" - -"Burt, Coy, Dowley, Hooper, Landers and Corporal Minturn, sir." - -"Direct Sergeant Hupner to report to me at once." - -"Very good, sir." - -Sergeant Hupner came up at a brisk stride, saluting. - -"Sergeant," continued Captain Cortland, "I am very sorry to say that -six of B Company's men have violated their pledge and have not returned -from leave. Doubtless all of them are in Mason City at this moment." - -"Yes, sir." - -"Take a detail of six men, reporting their names to Sergeant Gray, and -start with as little delay as possible for Mason City." - -"Yes, sir. May I ask a question?" - -"Certainly." - -"If I should meet any of the missing men on their way back here shall I -place them under arrest?" - -"If you find them at a greater distance than one hundred yards of this -camp, Sergeant, put them in arrest and take them into Mason City and -back again with you." - -"Very good, sir." - -"And don't allow any man to have any amusement whatever in Mason City -after you arrest him." - -"Very good, sir." - -"Lack of punctuality is a very serious military offense, Sergeant. I -shall do all that is possible to stamp it out in B Company." - -"Yes, sir." - -"That is all, Sergeant. You do not need any further instructions, for -you are an old soldier and can be depended upon." - -"Thank you, sir." - -"Sergeant Gray will give you the names of the delinquents." - -"Very good, sir." - -With a final salute Sergeant Hupner turned and strode away. If his -gait were any indication, Hupner meant to capture every one of the -delinquents with the least possible loss of time. - -"You want another trip to Mason City, Overton?" queried Hupner, halting -before the soldier boy. - -"Not for fun," replied Hal, "but I'll go there, or anywhere else on -earth, on a matter of duty." - -"You're my man," nodded Hupner. "You, too, Terry. Hyman, I guess you -may have an idea where some of the delinquents are holding forth in -Mason City?" - -"I guess I know," nodded Private Hyman, "though not from associating -with any of them." - -Three other men were quickly detailed. While the men of this detachment -were arming themselves, Hupner hastened to Sergeant Gray for a list of -the delinquents. - -"Fall in. By twos right, march!" - -Hupner led his detachment from camp, and was nearly a hundred yards on -his way when the bugler blew the call for assembly. - -A military commander, even a corporal or sergeant, is expected to get -his command in action with the loss of not even seconds. - -And a very business-like looking little force this was. Not a man -carried a rifle. Instead, each man had drawn a revolver, which now -dangled in holster from his belt. Each soldier also wore at the belt -a pair of handcuffs, though these would be used only on troublesome -prisoners. - -"Squad halt!" - -The marching men were about a mile out of Mason City when this command -came. - -Sergeant Hupner, in the lead, had caught a glimpse of a sight that was -soon after revealed to the halted men. - -Around a bend in the road, beside a jutting piece of higher ground, -lurched an unsteady figure. - -That figure, moreover, was clothed in the uniform of the United States -Regular Army, but now the uniform was badly soiled and battered. - -"Where are you going, Coy?" sharply demanded Sergeant Hupner. - -The youth--he was barely more than twenty-one, halted unsteadily, -blinking at Sergeant Hupner as though he were not sure whether he saw -one, two or three sergeants. - -"Where are you going?" sternly repeated Sergeant Hupner. - -"Thash all (hic) right, Sarge," replied Private Coy thickly. - -He seemed in danger of losing his balance as he stood there blinking. - -"It's all wrong," snapped out Hupner crisply. "Answer me. Where do you -think you are going?" - -"Back to (hic) camp, Sarge." - -"You're a disgrace to the uniform," rapped out the sergeant. "You a -soldier! You're not even fit to be an anarchist! You miserable, drunken -disgrace to the uniform!" - -"Oh, thash all (hic) ri', Sarge. Had bully time. Now'm going back to -camp." - -"What you need is company, then," returned Sergeant Hupner grimly. -"Adams, fall out and go back with him. If Coy gets too drowsy to -navigate you can wait here on the trail for us. If he gets quarrelsome -then put the bracelets on him." - -"Don' (hic) need no brashlets," asserted Private Coy with great -gravity. "I'm all ri'. Gentleman, I am." - -"Come along," ordered Private Adams, though he spoke gently, as he took -the unfortunate lad's arm. "They're waiting for you now in camp." - -Sergeant Hupner stood there in the trail, gazing after Coy with a look -of mingled contempt and pity on his face. - -"Thank heaven the good mother who reared that weak piece of flesh isn't -here to drop tears over him now," muttered the sergeant. "Forward, -route step, march!" - -People on the streets in Mason City gazed curiously when they saw the -little detachment march in. Many of these people, when they saw the -revolvers and handcuffs at the soldiers' belts, were able to make a -good guess at Hupner's mission. - -So did several of the loafers of the town, who make a business of -guiding prospective victims to saloons and other disorderly places. - -Some of these members of the scum of the town promptly slipped away -to give warning in the places where they believed or knew some of the -delinquent soldiers might be found at that moment. - -At the head of the main street of the town Sergeant Hupner halted his -command. - -"Overton and Terry, fall out," commanded Sergeant Hupner. "You men will -start right here, one on either side of the street, and visit in turn -each saloon on the street. You will also look into any private rooms -that you may find connected with these saloons. If you find any of -the missing men you will bring them out into the street. Hyman, fall -out. You will remain in the street to receive and hold any prisoners -that Overton or Terry may bring to you. Men, you are armed, but you -will remember that you are to use your weapons only in case of dire -necessity. Yet, at any hazard, you will arrest and hold any man of B -Company that you find." - -"Shall we arrest any of C Company's men that we may find?" inquired Hal. - -"You won't find any," replied Sergeant Hupner. "All of C's town-leave -men were back on time. It's B that takes all the disgrace this time." - -For this important duty Sergeant Hupner had chosen Hal and Noll, -because he knew they could be depended upon to enter saloons without -being tempted to buy any of the vile wares exposed there for sale. - -Moreover, they were both so staunch in their principles that they could -enter such places--on duty--without being degraded thereby. - -But, though both soldier boys searched saloon after saloon, they did -not seem destined to find any of the delinquents. Private Hyman was -standing out in the street, with nothing to do. - -"Some one must have spread the alarm," thought Private Overton. "Or -else the men are really not in any of these vile places. I hope the -last guess is the true one." - -At last Soldier Hal came to the last resort of the kind on his side of -the street. - -As he started to push open the door of this place a big, -broad-shouldered, red-faced man stepped into the doorway. - -"Nothing doing here, soldier kid," leered the fellow. - -"Pardon me, but I didn't ask you," was Hal's quick retort. - -"Clear out! Hear? You can't come in here, I told you." - -"You're dealing with the United States Army now, my man," Hal retorted -coolly. "Out of my way, if you please. I'm going inside." - -"No, you're not." - -"Out of my way was what I said." - -"An' I said----" - -The red-faced man didn't finish. - -Private Hal Overton had drawn his service revolver from its holster -without the loss of another instant. - -It rested now with its muzzle poking against the big fellow's belt line. - -Gasping, he looked into the clear, cool eyes of the young soldier boy. - -Then, with an oath, the bully sprang aside, and Hal stepped inside -as though no interruption had occurred, at the same time slipping his -weapon back into its holster. - -The man who had stopped him was not, sometimes, much afraid of -revolvers. But he had seen something in the glint of Private Overton's -eyes which had made him realize that the young soldier would not -tolerate any nonsense whatever. - -As Hal stepped inside the place his gaze swept around through the fog -of the smoke-laden atmosphere. - -It was a saloon of the worst description, as was amply testified by the -appearance of the rough-looking customers there. - -Overton was the only man in sight who wore the United States uniform. - -However, the soldier boy walked down the length of the room, for it -was within the range of possibilities that a soldier starting in on -a carouse might first exchange his uniform for a suit of civilian -clothing. - -Not a face in the assemblage was that of a B Company man. - -"The sneak!" Hal heard a voice say, and knew that the epithet was -applied to himself. But he paid no heed. - -"Club him," advised another. - -"No wonder soldiers desert," growled still another sodden fellow, -"when they send anything like that, with a gun, after another soldier -that's out for a good time." - -To not one man in the place did the clean-cut face, the evident -manliness and fine soldierliness of Private Overton appeal. Hal was not -of their kind, and these creatures could not appreciate the higher kind -of manhood in this young soldier. - -"Ye may jest as well get out of here, kid in brass buttons," jeered a -voice behind the bar. "None of yer crew are in here." - -But Hal had halted before a door at the end of the room, his hand on -the knob. - -"Here," yelled a voice, "don't you go in there! That's my family's -quarters. Private!" - -But Soldier Hal, without replying, pushed the door open and stepped -over the sill. - -He found himself in a short, narrow passage, the only light coming from -the room he had just left. - -Beyond was another doorway. Hal stepped to that and turned the knob. - -"Waiter!" hailed an impatient voice. "What kept you so long?" - -Two other men laughed coarsely, but in an instant the laughter had died -out of their voices. - -Hal was in a room in the center of which stood a table. - -Gathered around that table, in a dense blue haze that ascended from -burning tobacco, sat Corporal Minturn and Privates Dowley and Hooper. - -"Attention!" Private Overton rapped out sharply. "You are all under -arrest for over-staying your leave!" - -"Forget it, and get outside as quick as you can," growled Private -Dowley. - -"You are all under arrest," Hal repeated firmly. - -With an oath Dowley leaped up, retreated to the far end of the room -and picked up a club. With this in his hand, he wheeled about, glaring -angrily. - -Corporal Minturn and Private Hooper were also on their feet. - -"Get out of here, you little tin soldier!" roared the corporal, who -appeared to have imbibed more than either of his companions. - -"Come, start, you kid gun-toter," insisted Bill Hooper. - -"Stop your nonsense, men," Hal replied, gazing at them steadily. "I -have told you that you are under arrest." - -"Floor him with that club, Dowley!" ordered Hooper. - -"Won't I, though--just!" retorted Dowley, adding an oath as he leaped -forward. - -Soldier Hal knew that he had reckless men to deal with, but that was no -reason why he should not do his full duty. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -DOWLEY EGGS ON A CATSPAW - - -Dowley, as he sprang forward, found the muzzle of Private Overton's -revolver uncomfortably close to him. - -"No nonsense," warned Hal. "I don't want to hurt any one, but I'm here -on duty." - -Dowley eyed the soldier boy viciously for an instant, then, with -another oath, leaped forward. - -Bang! - -Private Overton fired without a second's delay, though he did not shoot -to hit. - -Into the wood at the end of the room crashed the bullet. - -But Dowley, who had not believed that the "kid soldier" would dare -fire, dropped to the floor. - -"Get up," commanded Hal, eyeing him closely. - -"I'll suit myself," snarled the man on the floor. - -The firing had been plainly heard in the outer room. - -Two or three of the weaker-nerved patrons out there promptly made a -break for the street. None ventured into that inner room. Corporal -Minturn and his companions must now take care of themselves. - -But this, in their present ugly mood, they seemed quite able to do. - -"Don't act like a fool, Dowley," rasped Hal impatiently. "The -detachment is strong enough to take you back, man, and you'll have to -go back in irons if you attempt to stir up trouble. Get up!" - -"Not to please you, though!" growled Dowley, as he leaped to his feet. - -He still retained his grip on the bludgeon. - -"Drop that club," ordered Hal sternly. - -"You clear out!" - -"Drop that club!" - -"Make me." - -"You're determined to act foolishly, aren't you?" demanded Hal with the -ring of contempt in his voice. - -"I'm bound to do as I please," leered Dowley viciously. - -"You can't when you're in arrest," replied Hal. - -"But I'm not in arrest." - -"I've already told you that you are," Hal insisted coolly. - -"I don't take my facts from a kid like you," sneered Dowley, edging -closer. - -"Get back!" warned Soldier Hal. - -But Dowley, grasping the club tighter, made a sudden lunge. - -Bang! - -Hal fired his second shot. Not even now did he aim to hit. The bullet -whizzed past Dowley's left ear. But that fellow, who had seen the quick -pressure of Soldier Hal's finger on the trigger, threw himself flat to -the floor once more, and this time the club rolled from his hand. - -"I mean business, and it will be better for all of you to understand -it," Private Overton announced. "Get up, Dowley, and you three men form -in single file. Corporal Minturn, you take the lead." - -"I'll take it in another way," leered the corporal, bending and -snatching up the club. "Hooper, you pin the kid's arms!" - -Hooper made a move on Hal's other side. The soldier boy had to dodge to -avoid being seized. - -As he did so Dowley leaped up from the floor to join in the attack from -in front. - -Again Hal Overton raised his service revolver, though with no more -intention than before of wounding any of the ugly trio. - -But Corporal Minturn, as his muddled brain now figured it, had to -strike in self-defense. - -Whack! - -It was a lusty blow, backed by venom and muscle. - -Private Hal Overton simply crumpled up and fell to the floor, -motionless. - -"You sneaking dogs!" rang Private Hyman's scornful voice from the -doorway. "Get your hands up now, all of you, or there'll be some real -war!" - -Backing Hyman, Noll Terry darted into the room. - -Hal's first shot had not been heard, but Hyman's quick ear had heard -the second. - -Scenting trouble, in an instant Hyman had summoned Private Terry, who -just then appeared on the street, and both had dashed into this place. - -"Get your hands up, all of you, before I shoot fast and hard to square -matters for the kid!" Hyman now insisted savagely. - -Noll got a glimpse of Hal lying on the floor, and added savagely: - -"Oh, I'm just itching for an excuse to shoot!" - -There could be no doubt of the temper of these newcomers. Danger -partially sobered these ugly ones. Up went their hands without further -delay. - -"Put your hands down, just one at a time," continued Hyman. "Terry, you -take Corporal Minturn first and iron him." - -Click! Snap! Minturn was in no position to do further harm. - -It was Hooper's turn next. That big fellow was utterly cowed and began -to talk rather whiningly. - -"Hold your tongue!" commanded Noll angrily. - -Then he went over and ironed Dowley, who, still sullen, was capable, -while free, of becoming suddenly more dangerous than either of his -companions. - -"I reckon Minturn fixed your bunkie for good, anyway. I hope he did," -Dowley ground out between his closed teeth. - -"I'm sorry I've got the handcuffs on you," flared Noll; "If your hands -were free I'd enjoy pounding you all over the floor!" - -"Take off the links, then, and try it," sneered Dowley. - -"Hold your tongue, you dog!" barked Private Hyman. - -"Oh, you're a brave man, when you've got the other crowd in irons," -spat out Dowley sneeringly. - -"I'm brave enough for you at any time," taunted Hyman. "This was your -job"--pointing to prostrate, unconscious Hal--"but you egged another -man on to do it, you cowardly cur!" - -"Is that so?" sneered Dowley. - -"Well, you know best," retorted Hyman contemptuously. - -"You can watch 'em now for a minute," broke in Noll. "I'm going to see -if I can find Sergeant Hupner. If I can't, I'm going to get the first -doctor I can." - -"You can get doctors to burn," replied Hyman. "This is a sanitarium -town, and the pickings here are fat for the medicos." - -Noll ran through the larger room. The men there turned to scowl at him, -but Noll gave no heed to any of them. - -Out in the street, at a little distance, he saw Sergeant Hupner and -the two remaining men of the detachment coming along with two soldier -prisoners. - -Noll set up a shout. Hupner, espying him, came on the run. - -"Have you found any of the others?" demanded the sergeant. - -"We have all the other delinquents. But," choked Noll, "I'm fearfully -afraid that Minturn has done for Hal Overton for good." - -"Where is Overton?" demanded the sergeant swiftly. - -"In a private room at the rear, Sergeant," Noll answered, pointing. -"You can find the way. I'm going to rustle for a doctor." - -"Good boy," nodded Hupner, and darted into the evil place. - -Within three minutes Private Noll Terry entered the place, followed by -a keen-eyed young physician. - -Hal still lay unconscious on the floor, a bad gap showing across the -top of his head, and a red pool on the floor near him. - -Private Hyman was now kneeling beside the young soldier, his eyes misty. - -"I'm glad you're here, Doctor," nodded Hyman, speaking huskily as he -rose. "I was just going to try to do something myself, but was afraid I -might do the wrong thing." - -"I didn't know what I was doing," muttered Corporal Minturn weakly. "I -wasn't responsible." - -"Silence! Tell that to the court-martial," broke in Sergeant Hupner in -a tone of sheer disgust. "Be quick, Doctor, won't you? And if there is -anything that we can do to help you, speak." - -The young physician was now feeling the cut on Hal's head, the skilled -fingers glided easily along the edges of the wound, pressing lightly -against the bones of the skull. - -"This couldn't well be much worse," announced the physician, looking -up. "But before I do much, or make a thorough examination, I want this -soldier in bed. Have you a surgeon at camp?" - -"No, sir," replied Sergeant Hupner. - -"Then I'll get out my automobile and take the young man up in the car, -after washing the cut and putting on a first bandage." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -A DISPUTE IN THE GUARD HOUSE - - -Of the ride that followed back to camp Hal Overton knew nothing. - -Noll Terry sat beside him, supporting him. - -Of course the automobile reached camp a long time ahead of the -detachment with prisoners. - -Captain Cortland caught sight of the car and came hastening to meet it. - -Noll Terry leaped out, saluting. - -"Sir, I have to report that Corporal Minturn assaulted Private Overton, -and that we called in a physician, who has brought Overton out here." - -"How badly is Overton hurt?" demanded the captain, hastening to the -side of the auto. - -"Badly," replied the physician. "Have you any facilities here for -the care of a man who may have brain fever if he lives for the next -forty-eight hours?" - -"We have a hospital steward and four hospital corps men," replied -Captain Cortland. - -"And bandages and medicines?" - -"An abundance of them." - -"Then your soldier lad may have some show. He'll no doubt be better -off here than among strangers in town. When do you start back to your -post, Captain?" - -"In the morning of the day after to-morrow," Cortland answered. "One -moment, please. Sergeant Gray!" - -The first sergeant hurried up, saluting. - -"Sergeant, send the hospital steward here. Then see that a hospital -tent is taken from one of the supply wagons and set up at once and make -the patient as comfortable as possible." - -Within ten minutes the tent was up, with a cot, a table, two chairs, -bandages, medicine chest and other accessories. - -Now, with the help of the steward, the physician gave the injured -soldier boy a very thorough examination, washed the gash carefully and -bandaged it. - -Directions were left with the steward, who was a trained nurse, and -then the physician returned to town, after having been requested to -call again on the following day. - -Hal Overton knew little, and that little in a dreamy, disorganized -way, even when his cot was carefully placed and secured in one of the -transport wagons for the return to Fort Clowdry. - -The roughness of the first part of the ride brought on mild delirium. -Two days later, however, after being placed on a cot in the military -hospital at Fort Clowdry, Soldier Hal opened his eyes with a keener -realization of the world about him. - -"How do you feel, Overton?" asked one of the hospital corps men, -bending over him. - -"Like a fool," sighed Hal. - -"Why?" - -"A youngster like me has no business wasting time in hospital. Can I -get out to-day?" - -"I'm afraid not," smiled the hospital corps man. - -"I'm not badly hurt, am I?" - -"If the rainmaker knows his business, you've had a fight for your life, -and youth and a good constitution have won out." - -"How long am I to be here?" - -"You'll be here for three or four days yet," answered the hospital -corps man. - -"But----" - -"That's about all the talking you'd better try to do until the -rainmaker has seen you," interposed the hospital corps man, and moved -away as he added: - -"Either sleep, or just keep quiet." - -But the next morning Hal was so much improved that the hospital corps -man took a chair by the bedside. - -"You may want some of the news, Overton, about things that have -happened while you've been here." - -"I am just a bit curious," smiled Overton. - -"Three of the delinquents got off with ordinary summary court -punishments--fines and a little stretch at the guard house. But -Minturn, Dowley and Hooper are locked up there, too, and they've got to -wait and stand court-martial. Their day in the Army is ended, I reckon." - -"It ought to be," nodded Hal. "They're no good to the service." - -Noll was allowed to come in for a few minutes that afternoon. - -Eight days passed ere Hal Overton was released from hospital. Then the -surgeon marked him "quarters" on sick report, which meant that Private -Overton was excused from all duties, and must spend his time in taking -care of himself only. - -For four days he continued to be marked "quarters," chafing all the -time. - -"There's a lot I've got to learn about the soldiering business," he -grumbled. "I haven't any time to waste loafing." - -"There's one soldierly duty you can learn right now, then," smiled -Soldier Noll quizzically. - -"What's that?" - -"You can learn how to obey the rainmaker when you fall under his -orders," replied his chum indulgently. - -"How does an impatient fellow learn that, I wonder?" sighed Hal. - -"Why, what are you kicking about?" demanded Noll in pretended -astonishment. - -"You're surely not being overworked, and you're getting in trim for the -next work we have cut out for us." - -"What's that?" - -"Haven't you heard?" - -"Not a word." - -"Why, the whole battalion, except for a small guard squad from each -company, is to be ordered to the September encampment of the Colorado -National Guard. The regulars are to be represented there by field -artillery, cavalry, infantry, signal corps men and engineer troops. -Hal, it's going to be great! There'll be more than eight hundred -regulars and two brigades of militia in camp together." - -"It won't do me any good," retorted Private Overton cynically. - -"Why not?" - -"I'm just out of hospital, and I'll be stuck on the home guard detail -from B Company." - -"Oh, I don't believe that," urged Noll soothingly. - -"Wait and see." - -There came a morning when Private Overton marched over to hospital with -the other men on sick report. - -"You seem to be doing pretty well now, Overton," remarked Lieutenant -Gross, the surgeon. - -"How are you going to mark me, sir, to-day?" breathed Hal anxiously. - -"Duty," smiled the rainmaker. - -"Thank goodness," murmured the soldier boy. - -"Why, what's the matter with being marked quarters, Overton?" - -"Fine, for a loafer, sir, but I want to learn the soldier business, and -I haven't any time to lose." - -"From all I hear," remarked the rainmaker, "you're learning the soldier -business fully as rapidly as you need to." - -"There's a lot more I want to know, sir, and it can't be learned when a -man is marked 'hospital' or 'quarters,' sir," Hal returned. "Thank you -for marking me 'duty.'" - -"There's a real soldier, or I'm too green to be an officer," thought -Lieutenant Gross, as his eyes followed Hal, who, erect and full of -spring, was striding from the room. - -On the third day after his return to duty Hal was warned for the guard. -The following morning he turned out to be inspected with the new guard. - -As he was not assigned to the first relief, Hal seated himself inside -the guard house, picking up one of the books that rested on a table -there and began reading. - -Presently the other soldiers sauntered outside, and Soldier Hal was -left there alone. - -"Overton!" - -Hal laid down his book, rising and stepping over to a cell door to find -Dowley's eyes glaring at him balefully. - -"You sneak, you're responsible for getting me into all this trouble!" -hissed the soldier in arrest. - -"Dowley, you know very well that the rules forbid a member of the guard -from talking with a prisoner, except when the talk is strictly in the -line of duty." - -With that Soldier Hal turned and went back to his book. - -"You could have gotten out of that place in Mason City when I told you -to," went on Dowley hoarsely. "Then all that followed would never have -happened." - -Hal went on reading. - -"Say, Hooper," muttered Dowley aloud to the man in another cell, "as a -fresh kid ain't that fellow the end of the world?" - -"He's a boot-lick," jeered Hooper. - -"He just sneaks around the officers, telling 'em lies so as to get -things easier for himself," broke in Corporal Minturn from still -another cell. For these three, unlike the ordinary run of guard-house -prisoners, had been placed in separate confinement. - -Hal read on, though the color mounted to his cheeks. - -"You dirty dog!" cried Dowley hoarsely. - -"Lying sneak!" from Bill Hooper. - -"Two-cent boot-lick!" was Corporal Minturn's contribution. - -Hal laid down his book, rose and stepped over to where he could look at -the three, one after another. - -"If you men don't hold your tongues," he warned coolly, "I shall have -to report you to the corporal of the guard for abusive talk. I don't -want to do that, either." - -"Oh, my, a little bit of authority!" sneered Corporal Minturn. - -"Tin general!" taunted Dowley. - -"Go and boot-lick some more!" urged Bill Hooper. - -"Corporal of the guard!" summoned Soldier Hal. - -Corporal Sykes entered promptly. - -"Corporal, these men in solitary are amusing themselves by heaping -insults upon me. I don't report them, Corporal, on account of personal -feeling, for they're down on their luck, and they hold me responsible -for it, as in a measure, of course, I am. But I don't want to get on -the record for laxity while on guard." - -"Quite right, Overton," nodded Corporal Sykes. Then, turning to the -three "solitaries," he demanded: - -"Why are you prisoners guilty of insulting and abusive language toward -a member of the guard?" - -"He's too well satisfied with himself," sneered Bill Hooper. - -"Ditto," scowled Dowley. - -"What have you to say, Minturn?" demanded Corporal Sykes. - -"The kid just sat down there to make us mad," replied Minturn in a -growling voice. "The sight of that boot-lick makes me sick all over." - -"That's all I want to know," replied Corporal Sykes calmly. "You've all -admitted the abusive language, so I'll enter it on report, which will -be brought up at court-martial. If there's any further report about you -men I'll mention the matter to the officer of the day. Where are you -going with that book, Overton?" - -"Since the sight of myself disturbs the prisoners," Hal replied, "I am -going to take my book outside." - -"I'd rather you wouldn't," replied Corporal Sykes crisply. "Members of -the guard have a right in here, and prisoners who don't like a member -of the guard had no business to become prisoners." - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -PROMOTION FLIES IN THE AIR - - -A few days later the court-martial was convened at Fort Clowdry. - -In the cases of the three "solitaries" the evidence was speedily in. - -With the evidence furnished by Hal, Noll, Hyman and others, the accused -delinquents were found guilty. - -At the trial there had come another surprise. Evidence had just been -forwarded from the recruiting office where Dowley had enlisted. This -evidence showed that Frank Dowley was a highly respected man in his own -part of the country, but he had left home and gone hundreds of miles -away for new employment. - -The prisoner who stood before the court as Dowley was Frederick Cramp -in his own proper name, and had served a term in jail for robbery. -Cramp had a generally bad reputation. Finding himself closely pursued -by the sheriff's officers for a newly committed crime, Cramp had -seized upon the inspiration to enter the Army under the assumed name -of Dowley. In the ranks he believed that none of the pursuing officers -would think of looking for him. - -The references of the supposed Dowley had come back from the home town -with such splendid endorsement that the enlisting officer had imagined -that he had found a most satisfactory recruit in Frederick Cramp. - -It is likely that the deceit would never have been discovered, had -not Frank Dowley--the real one--lately returned to his home town. He -had been astounded when his friends had questioned him about Army -life, and, on hearing the news, had hastened to the nearest recruiting -office, from which this strange story had come to be laid before the -court-martial just in time to punish the culprit. - -"Dowley" was sentenced to be dishonorably dismissed from the service, -with forfeiture of pay and allowances, to serve one year at a military -prison and then to be turned over to the civil authorities for such -further punishment as might develop. - -Corporal Minturn, too, was sentenced to be dismissed from the service, -and to serve one year at a military prison. - -Private Bill Hooper got off with simple dismissal. - -Then the prisoners were sent back to the guard house until the findings -and sentences had been passed upon and signed by the department -commander. - -A week later the papers were returned with the endorsement of the -brigadier general commanding the department. - -Dowley, Hooper and Minturn left under guard the same day. - -"They're all generals now," mimicked Private Hyman. - -"Generals?" queried Noll. - -"Yes; general prisoners." - -"Bill Hooper will be on the retired list when he reaches Denver, -anyway," smiled Hal. "Having no stretch to serve, he's to be turned -loose when the guard reaches that city." - -The morning after, as Colonel North sat in his office at headquarters, -an orderly entered and handed him a telegram. - -"Orderly!" called the colonel crisply two minutes later. - -A young soldier of the guard stepped in, saluting and standing at -attention. - -"Orderly, my compliments to Captain Cortland, and ask him to attend me -here as soon as possible." - -Five minutes later B Company's commander entered and saluted. - -"Take a seat, Cortland," urged the older man. "I have a telegram here -that will interest you. It's from the senior surgeon at department -military hospital. Corporal Hapgood, of your company, who was sent -there for treatment, died yesterday. A very bad case of typhoid had -developed." - -"Then poor Hapgood won't be sent back here for burial, sir?" - -"No; the dispatch says that the corporal is being buried there to-day." - -"I'm sorry for Hapgood," said Captain Cortland solemnly, a slight break -in his voice. "He was a man, every inch of him, and a fine soldier with -big promise for the future. I have his mother's address, and I will -write her. But the best kind of letter will seem a poor substitute for -a son in the case of that lonely old mother. He was all she had." - -"The mother will be able to draw a pension of twelve dollars a month -for the rest of her life, then," replied the colonel. "That is -something, even if not as good as having a live son to comfort her." - -"Yes; the pension will be assured," mused Captain Cortland. - -"By the way, Cortland, you are now shy on two corporals in your -company." - -"Yes, Colonel; I was about to speak of that to you." - -"Whom do you want appointed in their places?" - -The colonel of a regiment appoints all non-commissioned officers in -his regiment; he also "breaks," or reduces them to the ranks at his -pleasure, if any need comes up. - -But, though the colonel has the appointive power, he always consults -with the commander of a company about any new appointments of non-coms. -in that company. - -"I have several good men who are entitled to appointment," replied -Captain Cortland slowly. - -"Then you haven't made up your mind?" - -"I can, easily, sir, if you wish it." - -"I am thinking, captain, only of the fact that, if the appointments be -not promptly made you will run very short on corporals," replied the -colonel. - -"There's Hyman, sir, and Conrad. Both are bright, attentive soldiers. -Then there are Overton and Terry. They're quite new men, but they've -made records for themselves in the short time they've been with us." - -"Any others?" asked Colonel North, tapping his knee with the pencil -that he held in one hand. - -"A few others, sir, but none with quite as good claims as the four men -I've named." - -"Whom do you favor most, Captain?" - -"It's hard to say, sir. Hyman is nearly through with his enlistment, -and Conrad in the middle of his third enlistment. Now, from length -of service it looks as though Conrad ought to have one of the -appointments." - -"A man who is well along in his third enlistment, and hasn't been made -a non-com. in all that time ought not to have much consideration if -there are other men with better natural claims," replied Colonel North. -"A man who is thoroughly qualified to be a corporal ought to get there -in less than seven or eight years, don't you think so?" - -"That's true, sir," Captain Cortland nodded. - -"Is Hyman as good a man as Overton or Terry?" continued the regimental -commander, apparently much interested. - -"He has had longer experience, but I think Overton and Terry are -both a shade above Hyman in natural aptitude; in fact, the lads are -considerably above him." - -"Then----" - -"I see your drift, Colonel, and I agree with you. I therefore urge, -sir, that Overton and Terry be appointed as corporals, and I will keep -Hyman in mind for the next chance that comes up." - -"You are satisfied, then, Captain, to make Overton and Terry corporals?" - -"More than satisfied, Colonel. One of these days they'll be sergeants, -at that. A company commander, I take it, sir, can't start too early to -fire the spark of ambition in the right men." - -"You and I are agreed on that, then, Cortland. I am glad you have -recommended Overton and Terry as corporals. I will have their -appointments published in orders this afternoon." - -No suspicion had Hal or Noll when they fell in for parade that -afternoon. - -When Lieutenant Wright, battalion adjutant, published the orders, he -read off four routine orders before he came to that creating Private -Hal Overton a corporal in B Company. - -"Whew! It has come, but I didn't expect anything like that," quivered -Soldier Hal. "I didn't think I could do it inside of a year." - -"Lucky Hal," thought Private Terry. "He has gotten ahead of me, but I'm -glad just the same. It has always been the rule for Hal to beat me, -anyway." - -The next order made Noll Terry's hair stand up. He had been made a -corporal, too. - -How the hearts of both danced when the regimental band played the -headquarter's battalion from the parade ground. - -"You two are the lucky soldier kids," cried Private Hyman, coming up to -the boys with outstretched hands. "How did you manage it?" - -"That's the point, Hyman," laughed Hal happily; "we didn't manage it. -It just happened." - -Before the quartermaster's store closed both soldier boys drew their -corporal's chevrons, then hunted up the company tailor to get him to -sew these prized badges of rank on their sleeves. - -"I suppose, Sergeant, one or both of us will be transferred from your -squad room," said Hal regretfully, when they encountered Hupner. - -"I've heard nothing to that effect as yet, Corporal," replied the room -sergeant. - -"Corporal!" How wonderfully fine that simple title sounded, though the -title meant but one step above that of plain private soldier. - -"I'm sorry for one thing, Corporal," laughed Private Hyman, that night -after supper. - -"What's that?" Hal queried. - -"I'm extremely sorry that your old chums, Hooper and Dowley, tired of -the Army too soon to see your chevrons on your sleeves. Say, but I -think those chevrons are about the handsomest I've ever seen," added -Private Hyman, an undertone of wistfulness in his voice. - -The next day brought more good news. The date was set on which -headquarter's band and the first battalion of the Thirty-fourth was -to leave for Denver, to take part in the summer encampment of the -Colorado National Guard. Neither Corporal Overton nor Corporal Terry -was assigned to the guard detachment that was to remain behind. - -Lieutenant Greg Holmes, only a few months out of West Point, drew a -"blank" that made his face look gloomy. Lieutenant Holmes was the only -officer in the battalion who was to remain behind. He was to have -command of the guard that was to take care of the post in the absence -of the troops. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -THE PRICE OF BEING A MAN - - -The occasion was the encampment of the Colorado National Guard, and the -scene was a few miles outside of Denver. - -Here was some of the real glory of the soldier's life! - -At the head of the line rode two troops of cavalry belonging to the -regular Army. - -Immediately behind these yellow-legs an awe-inspiring drum-major strode -along, his glittering, ball-tipped staff going through many smart -movements. Right behind him came the Thirty-fourth U. S. Infantry Band, -crashing out a soul-stirring march. - -At the heels of the band rode Colonel North, Major Silsbee and staff, a -splendid, soldierly looking lot in saddle. - -Then the head of A Company, Captain Ruggles commanding. B Company next, -and to B Company fell the honor of being color company and escorting -the Flag. C and D behind--the whole khaki-clad battalion moving at -easy swing, and yet in the straight, precise lines that only regulars -know how to display, however close near-soldiers may imagine they come -in excellence. Over all, in brisk cadence, and in exact time to the -spirited music ahead, sounded the steady whump! whump! whump! of the -exactly gaited feet of regulars on the march. - -No wonder the crowd that lined the sides of the road cheered! No wonder -that girls waved handkerchiefs! Here and there men, youths and boys who -knew enough lifted their hats as the colors passed. - -It is strange that not all American males, of all ages, know that the -hat is to be raised from the head and lowered to place over the heart -as the national colors are borne by. - -Yet all of those of the male spectators who did not know enough to -uncover on the approach of the colors still felt the glory of the -scene. Love of the military is common to all true-beating hearts. The -country dies in which this love of the military vanishes. - -Behind the infantry lumbered the guns and caissons of two batteries of -field artillery, drivers alert and gunners sitting up very straight, -yet appearing wholly at ease. - -It takes the man of military experience to be both erect and at ease at -the same time. Some civilians come very close in this achievement, but -theirs is the imitation grace of personal carriage. - -At the extreme left of the line marched a platoon of engineer troops -and a detachment of men from the signal corps. - -The regulars were now in the last half mile of the march down a -beautifully shaded road that led to the broad fields on which the -encampment was pitched this year. - -Hundreds of boys were following the parade as a matter of course. Where -is the live boy whose heart is dead to the soldiers? - -As the Thirty-fourth's band played out the final notes of the march, -the order for route step marching ran down the line. - -Just then, from a parallel road less than a quarter of a mile away, -another band blared forth in a quickstep. The crowd was quick to turn -and look. - -Through the intervals between trees and bushes could be seen another -line of military. An entire brigade of the National Guard was over on -that road, also headed for the encampment field. - -"Hey, Tommie!" called one boy to another. "Cut across with me. There's -about ten miles of sogers over there!" - -"Chase yourself, if you wanter go," yelled back Tommie. "They're -militia. Me for here, with the real-thing sogers, just back from the -wars!" - -There was a laugh from many in the crowd, while the smaller boys -whooped. It was hard even for the erect regulars in ranks to repress -their grins when they received that tribute from a discerning small boy. - -But the small American boy, even if ignorant of everything else in the -soldier's manuals, can usually be depended upon to know the difference -between regulars and militiamen. To the small boy's mind the difference -is as great as that between the circus and the country fair. - -Uncle Sam's musicians struck up again, just as the column entered the -encampment field. - -Wagon trains had gone on ahead. - -Regulars and national guardsmen broke ranks at nearly the same moment. - -Then followed an exhibition that some of the spectators never forgot. - -In about a half an hour the regular troops had their tents up, in -straight, precise company streets, and all their belongings moved in. -Nor were these the "dog-tents" of field duty. As the encampment was to -last for a week, the regulars slept at night in full-sized Army tents, -with several men in each tent. - -At the end of two hours the national guardsmen were still perspiring -over their tasks of pitching camp. - -The regulars, cool and wholly at ease, were going about other camp -duties. - -"Look at the amateurs over yonder," grinned Corporal Noll Terry, -calling his chum's attention to the brigade of national guardsmen. - -"Poor fellows, it's a good deal like work for them," remarked Hal. -"They're not drilled in this thing all the time." - -"They go about it like so many clowns," laughed Noll. - -"Now, I wouldn't say that," urged Corporal Hal. "Remember, the national -guardsmen do other things for a living, and do this work for love of -state and country." - -"But why do they need to be such boobs about pitching a camp?" demanded -Noll. - -"Because it isn't their accustomed business," Hal retorted. - -"Bosh! The tin soldiers make me tired," laughed Corporal Noll. - -"Then you want to change your attitude," warned Hal, "for you've -got the wrong view, old fellow. There probably isn't a man over in -that militia brigade who wouldn't make a smart enough regular if he -enlisted." - -"Now, I don't know about that," argued Corporal Noll seriously. - -"I can remember the time, not very long ago, Noll, when you and I were -greener than any militiaman over yonder." - -"We were green," admitted Corporal Terry, "but not green in the same -way that those state troops are. Some how, regulars and militiamen are -quite a different proposition from the very first day." - -"True," agreed Corporal Hal. "But what makes the difference?" - -"Well, what does?" - -"The difference in officers, and in the methods that can be used. -Militia officers have to make soldiering the study of their leisure -hours, just as the guardsmen in the ranks do. Our regular officers are -first given a hard training, and then make a life study of soldiering. -Keep those guardsmen in camp for three months, and put regular officers -over them all the time, and I tell you, Noll, they'd make most of us -regulars look hard to our laurels." - -"I don't know," muttered Corporal Terry dubiously. - -"Then you want to think it over," retorted Hal. "Just remember that -regulars and militiamen are both enlisted from the people at large. Put -any militia regiment in the country through a regulation three-years' -enlistment in the Army and under regular officers, and that militia -regiment would then be the equal of any regular regiment in the line. -Noll, the whole difference lies in officers, opportunity and training. -Don't ever look down on national guardsmen unless you want to prove -yourself less of a soldier than I think you are." - -"Corporal Terry!" summoned Sergeant Gray, and Noll hurried off to some -new duty, but he was thinking. Corporal Hal had shown him how to look -at the national guardsmen from another point of view. - -The day was one of arduous duties, but with nightfall came a period of -rest. More, some of the regulars in each company, troop or battery were -granted town leave. There was a trolley line near at hand that carried -many a pleasure-loving regular into town. - -Corporals Overton and Terry went by themselves. - -"As we have never seen Denver, I guess it will be about enough for us -to look around and see what we can of the town, won't it?" proposed Hal. - -"Yes; if we keep to the main streets. I feel as though I may want -to squander a bit of my pay on ice cream and such frothy trifles," -returned Noll. - -"We won't spend it, anyway, on anything that will make us forget the -limits of our leave and turn delinquents," returned Hal. - -"Small danger of that," retorted Corporal Terry. "That game doesn't go -with the making of good soldiers." - -"I don't believe Captain Cortland will have any delinquents to deal -with this time," predicted Hal. "He doesn't intend to have the Mason -City business done over again." - -Denver proved full of delights to these soldier boys, who had really -seen very little of the world. - -But, being under orders to return to camp not later than midnight, the -time came when they must think of getting back. - -"I wonder what's the quickest way to the trolley line?" pondered Noll. - -"We'll ask our way," Hal answered. - -They had no trouble in getting clear directions from a passing citizen. -The shortest way led down through a narrow street that appeared to -belong to a rough part of the city. - -"I wouldn't care to live on this street," smiled Noll. - -"Hardly," agreed Hal. "Yet I guess it won't hurt us any just to walk -through." - -Ere the soldier boys had gone more than two blocks their attention was -attracted by sounds of a commotion in a crowd just ahead. - -A crowd had started to collect, and was every moment increasing in size. - -"Wonder what's up?" murmured Noll Terry, as the soldier boys quickened -their pace. - -"Some earthquake in the under world, I suppose," returned Hal. - -Just then the scream of a woman's voice reached them. - -"Shame! shame!" cried half a dozen male voices in protest. - -Then the same voice sounded, in sobs this time. - -Hal Overton had broken into a run, and Noll was almost at his side. The -soldier boys pushed their way into the crowd. - -A brutish, square-jawed young fellow of twenty-one or twenty-two, -dressed loudly, and with an ill-smelling cigar between his teeth at one -side of his mouth, held a sobbing girl by the wrist. - -"Cut out the boo-hoo story, Lizzie, and come along with me to the -dance," he ordered gruffly. - -"I don't want to go," faltered the terrified girl. "You know well -enough, Bill, that my mother don't want me going to dances with you." - -"What's your old woman got against me?" demanded the young brute. - -"You know well enough, Bill, that mother don't like you, and that she'd -sooner see me dead than running around with you." - -"She won't have her wish to-night, then, Liz. You're going to waltz -with me. You know that wot I say goes, and it's the hop for yours -to-night." - -"Shame!" cried some one back in the crowd. "Let the girl go home." - -"Mind your own biz," growled back the bully, "or I'll step over there -and make some changes in yer style of face." - -Evidently Bill was known as an ugly customer. Close to him, on the -other side from the girl, stood another man, somewhat older and -exhibiting the promise of even more brute strength. Plainly he stood -by to back Bill up against interference that the crowd might want to -attempt. The pair of bullies were such as a city crowd usually doesn't -care to risk meddling with. - -"Wipe off the boo-hoo, Lizzie, and come along," ordered the fellow who -held the girl's wrist. "No use of making a fuss. You're headed for the -waltz with me." - -"Shame!" some one in the crowd had courage enough to utter again, as -Bill, still holding the girl's wrist, started to force her along the -sidewalk. - -"What do you more decent people expect to do by just talking?" Corporal -Hal Overton demanded angrily. - -"Hullo, brass-button boy!" called Bill cheerily, turning and leering at -the youthful-looking corporal. "When did you blow out of the sewer?" - -[Illustration: "Let Go That Young Lady's Wrist."] - -"If that young lady wishes to go home, let her do so," ordered Hal -sternly. - -"So?" queried Bill mockingly. "But maybe that won't suit me." - -"Then let go of the young lady's wrist, for you'll need both hands up -in front of you," warned Hal, springing forward, his hot blood flushing -his face with righteous anger. - -"Get out, ye tin-soldier militiaman!" - -"If it makes any difference," retorted Hal, "we happen to be regulars." - -"No difference at all," the young brute leered. "I eat both kinds!" - -"Let go that young lady's wrist!" - -"Sure!" - -Bill did so, and the girl shrank back through the pressing crowd. But -Bill aimed a crushing blow at Corporal Hal Overton. - -Hal wasn't just on the spot to receive it. But the next instant he and -Bill were exchanging hard blows at a rate that made the crowd yell with -delight. - -"Go it, Bill! Go it, buttons!" - -Bill's tough friend reached out to hit Hal from the side. Corporal Noll -jumped in, throwing up the fellow's arm. There were two real fights on -now. - -How it would have ended it would be impossible to say. Strong, daring -and skilled though they were, the soldier boys might have been beaten -by superior strength. - -But a heavy, blue-coated figure darted in, scattering the combatants. -Then a Denver policeman gripped both Hal and Noll by the collar. - -"Stop it! Stop, I tell ye!" ordered the policeman gruffly. - -"Ye've got good game there, Johnson," called out the fellow Bill. -"They're a nasty pair of brass buttons. They insulted my girl, and then -pitched into me and my friend." - -"I'll run these soldier-loafers in, Bill," agreed the policeman. "We've -got too many of these soldier-loafers in the country. It's time for -some of 'em to learn something." - -For Bill and his friend were a pair of amateur thugs who were most -useful to the ward's ruling political machine. Bill and his friend were -often extremely useful in cleaning out hostile primaries, and in other -dirty work incidental to city politics. - -"Officer!" protested Corporal Hal. - -"Shut up, ye loafer!" ordered the policeman. - -"But this is----" - -"Will ye shut up, now?" - -The policeman gave the soldier boy a vigorous shaking. - -"The soldiers were in the right of it, Johnson," protested a voice in -the crowd. - -"Now, can yer gab, or I'll run you in, too," warned Johnson hoarsely. -At that dread warning opposition died out in the weak-kneed crowd. - -"Now, come along, ye young loafers in brass buttons," commanded the -policeman. "Bill, you and your friend be in court in the morning." - -"Sure we will," chuckled Bill. - -"Officer, will you let me explain?" insisted Hal, as the two young -corporals started down the street on either side of the policeman, who -kept a rough grip on the arm of either. - -"Pickle it, and tell it all to the judge in the morning," retorted the -policeman gruffly. - -Some of the crowd--Bill's friends, evidently--followed, hooting and -abusing all soldiers in general. - -Four blocks away Hal and Noll were lined up before the officer in -charge at a station house. - -"Assaulting Bill Dabner and his friend and insulting Bill's girl," -announced Policeman Johnson gruffly. - -"I hope now, sir, we can have a chance to explain," protested Hal, -looking squarely at the officer behind the desk. - -"Did you see all this business, Johnson?" asked the officer at the desk. - -"Yes," lied the policeman glibly. "I caught 'em at it." - -"You men can save your explanations for the judge in the morning," -wound up the officer at the desk. "Cell number twelve, Johnson." - -Down below the cell door clanged on two white-faced, angry young -soldier boys. It was a serious thing, they knew, for ambitious soldiers -to have a clash with the civil authorities. - -"We'll lose our corporal's chevrons through this," Noll predicted. - -"Yes," assented Corporal Hal Overton, his eyes flashing. "But I can't -help it if we do. It's worth that price to be a man!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -TWO YOUNG CORPORALS SEND OUT THE "C. Q. D." - - -When the two young corporals had had time to cool down somewhat, Hal -made a racket on his cell door until a house policeman came to see what -was wanted. - -"Will you bring me paper and an envelope?" Hal asked. - -"Want to make your will, I suppose," jeered the policeman. - -"No; I intend to write a note to my company commander." - -"Is he out at camp?" - -"Yes." - -"Who do you think is going to take the note out there?" - -"Call a messenger boy, and I will pay him for going out there," -Corporal Hal replied. - -"I don't believe the lieutenant at the desk will do it," returned the -policeman. - -"See here," Hal went on, warming up perceptibly, "we are members of the -United States forces, under detention by the civil authorities. Now, -the civil authorities have full right to arrest United States soldiers -on proper charges. We'll let the question pass of whether we've been -properly arrested. But, as members of the United States Army, we have -a right to communicate with our commanding officer. If this isn't done, -the governor of Colorado is quite likely to hear from Washington. Now, -we demand paper and envelope, and also that a messenger boy be called -to take our letter." - -"I don't know what the lieutenant will say----" began the house -policeman dubiously. - -"Of course you don't," Hal broke in. "So go and find out what he says, -won't you? And you might explain to him my version of what is likely -to happen if he fails to give us a chance to communicate promptly with -Captain Cortland." - -Twenty minutes passed. - -"They're just laughing at us," muttered Noll. - -"Then in the morning they may find where the laugh really belongs," Hal -retorted. - -"Hush! Here comes some one." - -It was the house policeman, returning with stationery and a messenger -boy. - -Taking a pencil from one of his pockets, Hal wrote at some length, -though he tried to make his letter as brief as possible. - -"Got any matches, boy?" Hal asked of the waiting messenger. - -The boy passed a small box in through the grating of the door. - -"Here, stop that!" warned the policeman, though he reached forward too -late to stop the passing of the matches. - -"You shall have them back in a moment," Hal promised the boy. - -Drawing a piece of sealing wax from another pocket, Hal lighted a -match, dropping the hot wax over the flap of the envelope. - -"Here, you can't do that," warned the house policeman, who, however, -could get the cell door key only by going upstairs to the desk. - -"But I've already done it," smiled Hal. - -Noll handed his chum a signet ring, which Hal pressed into the wax. - -"That won't go," muttered the policeman. "The lieutenant won't have it. -He has to see all letters that go out of this station." - -"Then let your lieutenant break the seal, or interfere in any way with -the prompt delivery of an official communication between a member of -the United States Army and his commanding officer, and see what will -happen to your lieutenant upstairs. If the lieutenant is a friend of -yours you might call that little point to his attention," Hal retorted, -with a cool smile, as he passed the envelope to the messenger. - -"How much will it be to deliver that letter promptly out at the camp?" -Corporal Overton inquired. - -The messenger boy named the sum, to which Overton added carfare and a -little "tip." - -"As quickly as you can, please, boy. And report to your manager in case -the lieutenant, or any other policeman attempts to hinder or bother -you on this work. We shall want your report as evidence if you are -interfered with." - -"Say, that kid corporal downstairs knows all his rights," declared the -house policeman admiringly to the lieutenant, after the messenger had -departed unmolested. - -"He'll forget a large part of what he knows, after he's been before -the judge in the morning," replied the lieutenant, lighting a cigar. -"Soldiers, as well as citizens, can be punished, and Johnson has a -clear case against that pair of soldier kids." - -For the next two hours Hal and Noll took turns pacing back and forth -within the narrow confines of the cell in which they had been thrust. - -"I guess we're not going to hear anything to-night," muttered Hal -disappointedly at last. "Noll, we may as well get some of the sleep -that's coming to us." - -Young soldiers accustomed to sleeping on the ground did not find -it extremely hard to get to sleep on the hard wooden benches. More -than that, they contrived to get a pretty fair rest before they were -awakened in the morning by a station-house trusty who thrust two chunks -of bread and two tin cups of coffee into the cell. - -"Get that down and be ready to go to court," called the trusty as he -passed along. - -Breakfast eaten, the two young corporals had a lot more time on their -hands before a squad of policemen came downstairs and began to busy -themselves with marshaling the prisoners and driving them toward a -basement door. - -Here, mingled with the scum of the city, in the persons of other -prisoners, two unoffending young soldiers of the United States Army -were forced to enter the dark interior of a covered wagon. A steel door -was slammed into place and locked and the ride began. - -In a few minutes they were let out, superintended by a guard of other -policemen, and driven into another basement. Here, in a dark, dingy, -foul-smelling room, this batch of prisoners was herded with those from -other police stations. - -A lot of time passed. Occasionally court policemen came into the room, -selected more prisoners and drove them out toward a stairway. - -At last it came the turn of Corporals Hal and Noll. They were taken -from the room, up an iron staircase, and then pushed into the pen of a -police court. - -"Henry Overton and Oliver Terry!" called a clerk. - -"There's yer cue," announced a gruff court policeman, pointing to the -two young soldiers. He conducted them to the front of the pen where -they stood facing a police magistrate. - -The clerk announced the charge against them, then ordered wearily: - -"Prisoners, hold up your right hands. You do solemnly swear----" - -The two young corporals had been duly sworn to tell the truth. - -"Where's the arresting officer?" demanded Judge Guffey. - -Policeman Johnson came forward, held up his hand and was sworn. - -Then the policeman started to tell the story of what he claimed to -have seen. According to this evidence, Noll and Hal had first insulted -a young woman with whom Bill Dabner was walking at the time. Bill had -naturally resented the insults, and then the soldiers had violently -assaulted Bill and his male friend, while the girl broke through the -gathering crowd and fled for home. - -Then Bill came forward, in his best, loudest clothes, and with his -hair much greased. Bill's story, under oath, put a few flourishes to -Policeman Johnson's plainer tale. Bill's friend was also there and -backed up all that the policeman and Dabner had said. - -"We have plenty of other witnesses, your honor, if you desire to -examine more," interposed the policeman. - -"Where's the young woman herself?" queried Judge Guffey. - -"Home in bed, ill from the shock, your honor," Bill asserted gravely. - -"Prisoners at the bar, have you anything to say?" queried Judge Guffey. -"Overton?" - -"I've a lot to say, your honor." - -In tones ringing with indignation, Corporal Hal Overton, United States -Army, gave his version of the affair. Bill Dabner listened with a -broad, impudent grin, as Hal told the true story of the encounter of -the night before. - -Then Noll spoke in his own behalf. - -"I saw the assault myself, your honor, and have other witnesses here -for our side if you wish to hear them," said Policeman Johnson. - -"This testimony is very much confused," commented Judge Guffey at last. -"But the evidence of the police officer is evidently worth that of -all the other witnesses combined, for the policeman has no personal -prejudices in the matter. Prisoners at the bar, you appear to have -forgotten that you were sworn into the Army and enrolled among the -defenders and protectors of the country. It is no light thing to insult -a young woman, even if she does happen to belong to the poorer classes -of society. Prisoners, such conduct as yours, under any circumstances, -is a disgrace to the splendid uniform that you wear. Soldier hoodlumism -shall find no more sanction in this court than any other kind of -rowdyism. I sentence you each, therefore----" - -Judge Guffey's voice paused for a moment, as though the magistrate were -thinking deeply. - -Then he added: - -"----to thirty days in the workhouse!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -THE WIND CHANGES ITS COURSE AND BLOWS - - -It was a dazing, fearful blow to two lads who had acted in accordance -with their highest ideals of right. - -"Step down there," ordered the court officer, giving the young -corporals a light shove. - -"You've got yours." - -Policeman Johnson, Bill Dabner and the latter's crony turned to leave, -as though satisfied that they had done their duty. - -At the back of the courtroom there was a slight commotion. Some one -there was endeavoring to push his way through the throng. - -"Your honor, one moment!" called a deep, manly voice. "Before the case -of the two soldiers is disposed of I wish----" - -It was some one in uniform at the back of the court room. More Judge -Guffey could not ascertain at that moment. - -"Who spoke then?" demanded the magistrate. - -"My name is Cortland, your honor. I am captain of the company to which -the two corporals belong." - -At the first sound of that voice Hal and Noll had turned back to the -front of the pen. - -"Get down below, you!" scowled the court officer. - -"Will you be good enough to hold your tongue, my man?" asked Corporal -Hal in a quiet voice, though his eyes flashed. "That's our captain -speaking, and his is the voice we follow." - -"Let the prisoners wait," directed Judge Guffey, sending the court -officer an annoyed glance. "Make way for Captain Cortland to come -forward." - -Policeman Johnson and Bill and his friend were trying to get out of the -court room, but the magistrate called to them to come back. - -"Captain," continued the magistrate, "I regret to say that the evidence -proved that your two men most wantonly insulted a young woman on the -streets last night, and then attacked her escort and a friend." - -Captain Cortland, as he came to a halt below the bench in that crowded -court room, presented a fine appearance that was in distinct contrast -with his surroundings. - -"With due respect for the court, your honor. I don't believe that any -such disgraceful conduct was engaged in by my young men." - -"But even the policeman's testimony bears out that of the real -complainants, Captain," replied Judge Guffey courteously. - -"Your honor, I don't know your policeman, but I do know my two young -men, Corporals Overton and Terry. I am as positive as I can be of -anything that neither young soldier is of the kind to allow himself to -get into any kind of disgraceful affair. There are no men in my company -for whom I entertain deeper respect than I do for Corporals Overton and -Terry. Your honor, may I ask that this case be reopened?" - -"I would gladly extend you that courtesy, Captain Cortland, but the -evidence has all been heard. As I understand it, Captain, you can -testify only to the previous good character of the prisoners. You were -not a witness of last night's occurrence?" - -"I was not, your honor, but I know my two young men so well that I -feel certain, sir, that you are unwittingly aiding in a miscarriage of -justice. Will the court be good enough to outline the nature of the -evidence?" - -Briefly Judge Guffey outlined the story of the prosecution, and also -the opposed story told by Corporals Overton and Terry. - -"Your honor may think me unduly trustful," smiled Captain Cortland, -"but I would believe the story of my men over the testimony of a -hundred men such as these complainants seem to be." - -Captain Cortland took a side look at Bill and his friend, who -unaccountably shivered under that scrutiny. - -"Has the young woman herself appeared in court, your honor?" resumed B -Company's captain. "Has she testified?" - -"I understand," replied Judge Guffey, "that the young woman is ill in -bed as a result of the shock of last night's occurrence." - -"Then, your honor," asked Captain Cortland, "may I ask a continuance of -this case until the testimony of the young woman herself may have been -heard, and until I can look up other evidence? And will you accept my -personal bail for Corporals Overton and Terry in the meantime?" - -"I want to show you every courtesy possible, Captain," began Judge -Guffey. - -"And I ask nothing, your honor, except that my men have every -opportunity for impartial justice." - -While this conversation had been going on an extremely mild-mannered -man in rather dingy black, had been quietly working his way forward. He -had just succeeded in passing a card to the clerk of the court and in -adding a few whispered words. - -"Your honor," interposed the clerk, "here is another witness who -offers, and wishes to be heard. He can bring us tidings of the young -woman who has been mentioned in connection with this case." - -Judge Guffey took the card, reading from it: - -"Dr. Alexander McKenzie." - -"That is my name, sir," replied the quiet man. - -"What do you know of this case, Doctor?" - -"Not much, sir, but it may be important," replied the physician. "I was -called in this morning by the mother of one Lizzie McAndrew, the girl -mentioned in this affair. Miss McAndrew is quite ill this morning, as -the result of a nervous shock, but her mind is clear enough. She begged -me particularly to come to court to see that two brave and gallant -young soldiers did not come to harm through befriending her." - -Captain Cortland uttered a low-voiced, triumphant exclamation. - -At a motion from the clerk Dr. McKenzie started around toward the pen -to be sworn. - -Policeman Johnson, his face violently red, whispered a few words in the -ear of the physician as the latter passed. - -"Now, don't bother me with your talk," retorted the physician in a -rather loud voice, and Johnson drew back. - -"What did that policeman say to you?" demanded the magistrate as soon -as the medical man had been sworn. - -"He told me to look out what I said, or I'd get myself in big trouble -down in the district," replied Dr. McKenzie promptly. - -"I never----" began Johnson, his face paling. - -"Put that policeman under arrest!" thundered the magistrate. - -A court officer moved over and stood beside the now much-disturbed -Johnson. - -Dr. McKenzie testified to the serious condition in which he had found -Lizzie McAndrew this morning. He was not permitted to repeat any of the -young woman's statements in her own words, but was allowed to state the -gist of what Miss McAndrew had said. - -"May I interrupt the court long enough to ask if there is not now -enough evidence to warrant postponing this hearing for a few days?" -inquired Captain Cortland. - -"I won't do it," replied Judge Guffey bluntly. "Plainly enough this has -been one of the court's foolish mornings. I am now convinced that the -testimony on which I had sentenced these two young soldiers was false -evidence. Corporals Overton and Terry are discharged from custody." - -Hal and Noll were about to step from the pen to join their captain when -the magistrate interrupted: - -"To you young military gentlemen I wish to offer the court's apology. I -apologize, also, in the name of the State of Colorado and of the city -of Denver. There is no calling more honorable than that of the soldier, -who offers his comfort, his life and his blood for his country at need. -The soldier who forgets the high nature of his calling and descends to -rowdyism cannot be too severely punished, but the soldier who lives up -to the high traditions of his calling cannot be too well commended. -Policeman Johnson, step forward. Bear in mind that you are still under -oath. In what work or business are Dabner and his friend engaged?" - -"Why, your honor, I--I----" - -"Have they any regular calling that you ever heard of?" - -"Your honor, I don't know," stammered the policeman. - -"Isn't it true that this precious pair seldom work?" pressed the -magistrate. - -"I--I'm afraid, your honor----" - -"Policeman Johnson, go to the complaint clerk and swear to two short -complaints charging Dabner and his estimable friend with vagrancy." - -Johnson changed color swiftly three or four times, but he went in a -daze to carry out his instructions. - -As for Bill Dabner and his friend, they looked as though they were -seeing ghosts. They did not attempt to speak until they were ordered -to step into the pen and be sworn. - -Then Policeman Johnson was called to the stand. Reluctantly he -testified that the new prisoners were well known to be loafers, making -a living mainly by their wits. - -Dabner and his friend were then asked to testify in their own behalf, -but they were too badly overwhelmed to be able to say much. - -"Prisoners," said Judge Guffey, gazing at them in sheer disgust, "it -would give me great pleasure to bind you over for the grand jury on -charges of perjury committed this morning. But I feel disinclined to -take any action that may drag these young soldiers away from their own -duties. Therefore, on the charge of vagrancy, I sentence you each to -two years in the workhouse. Take those prisoners below at once." - -Bill and his crony seemed barely able to walk when they were forced -below. - -"Policeman Johnson, come forward! Do you desire to offer any denial of -the evidence concerning the charge that Dr. McKenzie made against you a -few minutes ago!" - -Johnson opened his mouth to speak, but under the stern gaze of the -police magistrate he found it impossible to persist in his denial. - -"Johnson, for attempting to intimidate a witness in this court I -sentence you to thirty days' confinement at the workhouse. I shall also -see to it that a full account of this matter reaches the chief of -police. That is all." - -Captain Cortland thanked the court heartily. Then, with his young -soldier boys following, he made his way from the court room. Dr. -McKenzie was at their heels when they reached open air, and a pleasant -chat of a few moments followed. - -"Men, I would have come to you much sooner than I did," explained -Captain Cortland, "but an accident happened that couldn't be helped. -Through some stupidity your messenger left your note over among the -militiamen, and it did not reach me until this morning. Then I came as -fast as I could travel." - -The heartiest thanks of all three soldiers were extended to Dr. -McKenzie, after which the Army party started back to camp. - -Hal's adventures for the day, however, were by no means yet ended. - -As the three entered the regulars' infantry camp, Captain Cortland -caught sight of a horse being held before his tent by one of his -infantry privates. - -"I want to talk with you two a moment," remarked B Company's commander, -"but I see that I have a visitor from the cavalry. Wait outside until I -summon you." - -The horse, a beautiful animal, very plainly belonged to the cavalry, -for the saddle blanket and trappings were trimmed with yellow, which is -the cavalry color. - -"Had much work this morning, Claxton?" Hal asked of the private soldier -who was holding the horse's bridle. - -"We've been going some, Corporal," replied Claxton, with a smile. "And -it was hot in the sun to-day, too." - -"Even at that," observed Corporal Hal grimly, "I guess you had it -easier here than we did." - -"You've been in some trouble, Corporal?" - -"Yes, but now it's----" - -Corporal Hal Overton never finished that sentence. At that instant all -three became aware of a great clatter up the field. - -A pair of horses attached to a light victoria came racing down the -field, passing close to the head of the infantry camp. - -There was no driver on the seat; the reins were trailing at the heels -of the runaways. - -Nor did it take more than a glance to show that both of the runaways -were now frightened past all hope of stopping them by any simple -expedient. - -Less than a quarter of a mile down the field two regular and two -militia field batteries were drawn up in a long line, squarely in front -of the path of the flying horses. - -Worse still, the horses belonging to the batteries had been detached -and sent to the rear. There were some four hundred artillerymen in -all near the guns, but not one of them mounted in this period of -instruction. - -The horses seemed bound to dash in among the closely aligned field -guns, wrecking the victoria and probably killing the woman and girl who -now stood up in the vehicle screaming with terror, but seemingly too -frightened to jump. - -This Corporal Hal saw in his one swift glance, as the outfit went by -like a whirlwind. - -What he didn't see the soldier boy didn't even stop to guess. - -"Let go, Claxton!" he shouted, snatching the bridle from the orderly's -hand. - -All in a twinkling Hal was up in saddle and urging the magnificent -cavalry animal forward. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -CONCLUSION - - -Scores of brave, quick-witted men in uniform were leaping forward to -use their sweeping arms to divert the runaways. But Corporal Hal's -swift glance forward as he bent over the neck of the cavalry horse and -urged it forward showed that these soldiers could not possibly save the -woman and girl in the victoria. - -To whichever side the horses might be forced into dodging, the wild, -snorting animals would still run over blocking soldiers and bring up in -a confused tangle of wreckage among the guns. - -"On--on with you!" roared Corporal Hal, beating the horse's flank with -one hand and cudgeling with his heels. - -That cavalry mount was a magnificent beast. Corporal Overton was -quickly up alongside the victoria. Then he gained on the horses. - -"Now, in close, you good old brute!" glowed Overton, though his lips -were bloodless as he took the chance and threw the bridle over. - -Bending sideways from the saddle, Corporal Hal reached the bridle of -the nigh horse. - -Now he hung on grimly to the bridle of the runaway, at the same time -using his other arm to bring the splendidly trained cavalry horse back -on its haunches. - -That nigh runaway was checked, somewhat, but the pull threatened to -drag Corporal Hal's left arm out of its socket. - -Something had to give way! - -Then, with a suppressed yell, Overton felt himself being torn from -saddle. - -He held on. The runaways tried to forge ahead at renewed speed, but the -determined doughboy soldier, holding still to the bridle of one of the -animals, put a big check on the speed of the runaways. - -A few yards further they dashed, then slowed. Now a score of -artillerymen, regular and militia, sprang in and seized the animals -just as Corporal Hal Overton, his uniform torn and dust-grimed, and he -himself bleeding, fell in the dust. - -But the runaways were stopped, and other soldiers assisted the woman -and her fourteen-year-old daughter in safety to the ground. - -Back of them all the fine cavalry horse stood trembling and curious. -This cavalry horse, struck by the wheels of the victoria, now showed -blood spots along his glistening, lathered flanks. - -"Get up, messmate," called one of the regular artillerymen, bending -over Overton. "You did the whole trick like an Army man, and the -ladies want to thank you." - -He helped Hal to his feet. The soldier boy trembled slightly and almost -unconsciously put a hand to his head. - -"Your hat, mate? We'll help you find that." - -But Hal's hand had gone to a cut on his head from which blood was -oozing, for just as he went down one of the horses had struck him a -glancing kick there. - -It was Corporal Noll Terry, who sprinting desperately along the -field, espied his chum's campaign hat and picked it up with hardly a -slackening of his speed. - -But Noll did run more slowly when he saw Overton again standing on his -feet. Now Noll gently approached the cavalry horse, whose bridle reins -dangled. - -"Easy now, boy," urged Noll as he approached and reached for the lines. - -He secured them, then gently led the cavalry mount over toward the -crowd. - -"Hurt much, Hal?" hailed Noll - -"No; nothing worth talking about." - -A soldier had said something about the woman and the girl wishing to -thank Corporal Hal, but that man had spoken without looking, for now -the woman lay on the grass in a dead faint, while the girl bent over -her. - -"Noll," spoke Corporal Overton, "at last accounts I believe we were -supposed to be standing in front of Captain Cortland's tent, awaiting -his summons. I guess we'd better be hurrying back to get on our job." - -Noll led the horse at first. By and by Hal reached over and secured the -bridle, pausing just an instant to stroke the animal's neck. - -"You're a fine old fellow," Hal murmured, gazing wistfully at the horse. - -"Let's keep right on back," urged Noll. "Remember, we're here really -against orders." - -Neither soldier boy thought of mounting the animal for a ride back. No -need existing, either would have thought it a big piece of impudence to -mount an officer's horse unbidden. - -Captain Cortland was standing before the door of his tent, watching the -approach of his soldier boys. Beside Cortland stood another officer, -down the outer side of whose trousers' legs ran the broad, yellow -stripe of the cavalry. This gentleman was Captain Ellis. - -"We're in for it, I reckon," muttered Corporal Hal to his chum as they -drew nearer to Cortland's tent. "Leaving when under orders, and taking -an officer's horse, at that. Well, here's for our medicine!" - -Both soldier boys stepped forward holding themselves as erect as ever, -just the same. - -Then, halting before the captain's tent, they came very formally to -the salute. - -"Captain Cortland, I am obliged to report, sir, that I left here when -under orders. I have also to report that, seeing the danger of a -serious accident to others, I had the impudence to impress an officer's -horse. Unfortunately, sir, that animal now appears to be injured." - -"I have also, sir, to report leaving in the face of other orders," Noll -Terry stated gravely. - -"In view of the reasons that lay behind your acts," replied Captain -Cortland, with only the faintest twinkle of a smile, "I think we shall -have to conclude that discipline has not suffered a serious affront -this time." - -"I am very sorry, indeed, sir, that I rode your fine animal to any -injury," continued Corporal Hal, turning and saluting the cavalry -captain. - -"Pooh!" scoffed Captain Ellis, stepping to one side and surveying the -cuts on his mount's flank. "Nothing but a few scratches, Corporal--and -a whole horse is as nothing compared with human lives. We got out in -time to see your handsome work, Corporal, and all I'm sorry for is that -we haven't you in the cavalry." - -"Thank you, sir." - -"You can't have these non-coms. of mine for yellow-legs, Ellis," -laughed Captain Cortland. "You have just seen what a fine pair of -young soldiers they are. I intend to keep them right here in B -Company." - -"You always were a selfish fellow, Cortland," laughed Captain Ellis. - -"You are hurt, are you not, Corporal?" queried Captain Cortland, -turning to Hal Overton. - -"Nothing but a little scratch and a lump on my head, sir. I had -forgotten it until you asked." - -"Go over to hospital tent, Corporal Overton, and have your head -dressed. Corporal Terry, you may go with your friend if you wish." - -As the two young corporals saluted and turned away, Captain Cortland -stood gazing after them for a few moments, while Private Claxton walked -the horse up and down. - -"Ellis, you don't often find such a snappy, all-around good pair of -young soldiers, do you?" asked B Company's commander. - -"Oh, I don't know," replied Captain Ellis. "I have a few like them in -my troop, I guess." - -"My dear fellow, I'm from Missouri," laughed Captain Cortland. - -We would gladly carry the present narrative further, but here the -present tale is obliged to end, for there were no other developments of -an interesting nature while the encampment with the Colorado National -Guard continued. This period was filled with nothing beyond the -ordinary routine of camp instruction life, and when it was all over -Major Silsbee's battalion of the Thirty-fourth gladly enough returned -to Fort Clowdry. - -Our gallant soldier boys will be a little older when next we meet -them, as we shall do in the next volume in this series, which will be -published under the title, "UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; Or, -Handling Their First Real Commands." In this coming volume we shall -see to just what extent they made good as non-coms., and whether, in -the broader sense, they proved themselves the all-around soldiers that -their conduct up to date has seemed to assure. In the next volume -will be described much of both the work and the play that fall to the -regular Army soldier's lot, and many rousing adventures and ludicrous -happenings will therein be told. - - -THE END - - - - -HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S - -CATALOGUE OF - -_The Best and Least Expensive Books_ - -FOR - -_Real Boys and Girls_ - - -[Illustration] - -THESE FASCINATING VOLUMES WILL INTEREST BOYS AND GIRLS OF -EVERY AGE UNDER SIXTY - -[Illustration] - - -Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price - - Henry Altemus Company - 507-513 CHERRY STREET - PHILADELPHIA - - - - -The Motor Boat Club SERIES - -By H. Irving Hancock - - -The keynote of these books is manliness. The stories are wonderfully -entertaining, and they are at the same time sound and wholesome. The -plots are ingenious, the action swift, and the moral tone wholly -healthful. No boy will willingly lay down an unfinished book in this -series, at the same time he will form a taste for good literature and -the glory of right living. - - 1 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OF THE KENNEBEC; Or, - The Secret of Smugglers' Island. - - 2 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT NANTUCKET; Or, The Mystery of the - Dunstan Heir. - - 3 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OFF LONG ISLAND; Or, A Daring Marine - Game at Racing Speed. - - 4 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AND THE WIRELESS; Or, The Dot, Dash and - Dare Cruise. - - 5 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB IN FLORIDA; Or, Laying the Ghost of - Alligator Swamp. - - 6 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT THE GOLDEN GATE; Or, A Thrilling - Capture in the Great Fog. - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50 cts.= - - - Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price - - Henry Altemus Company - 507-513 CHERRY STREET - PHILADELPHIA - - - - -SUBMARINE BOYS SERIES - -By Victor G. Durham - - -These splendid books for boys and girls deal with life aboard submarine -torpedo boats, and with the adventures of the young crew, who, by -degrees, become most expert in this most wonderful and awe-inspiring -field of modern naval practice. The books are written by an expert and -possess, in addition to the author's surpassing knack of story-telling, -a great educational value for all young readers. - - 1 THE SUBMARINE BOYS ON DUTY; Or, Life on a Diving Torpedo - Boat. - - 2 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' TRIAL TRIP; Or, "Making Good" as Young - Experts. - - 3 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE MIDDIES; Or, The Prize Detail at - Annapolis. - - 4 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SPIES; Or, Dodging the Sharks of - the Deep. - - 5 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' LIGHTNING CRUISE; Or, The Young Kings - of the Deep. - - 6 THE SUBMARINE BOYS FOR THE FLAG; Or, Deeding Their Lives to - Uncle Sam. - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50 cts.= - - - Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price - - Henry Altemus Company - 507-513 CHERRY STREET - PHILADELPHIA - - - - -PONY RIDER BOYS SERIES - -By Frank Gee Patchin - - -These tales may be aptly described as those of a new Cooper. As the -earlier novelist depicted the first days of the advancing frontier, so -does Mr. Patchin deal charmingly and realistically with what is left -of the strenuous outdoor West of the twentieth century. In every sense -they belong to the best class of books for boys. - - 1 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ROCKIES; Or, The Secret of the - Lost Claim. - - 2 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN TEXAS; Or, The Veiled Riddle of the - Plains. - - 3 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN MONTANA; Or, The Mystery of the Old - Custer Trail. - - 4 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE OZARKS; Or, The Secret of Ruby - Mountain. - - 5 THE PONY RIDER BOYS ON THE ALKALI; Or, Finding a Key to the - Desert Maze. - - 6 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN NEW MEXICO; Or, The End of the - Silver Trail. - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50 cts.= - - - Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price - - Henry Altemus Company - 507-513 CHERRY STREET - PHILADELPHIA - - - - -High School Boys Series - -By H. Irving Hancock - -[Illustration] - - -In this series of bright, crisp books a new note has been struck. - -Boys of every age under sixty will be interested in these fascinating -volumes. - - 1 THE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN; Or, Dick & Co's First Year Pranks - and Sports. - - 2 THE HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER; Or, Dick & Co. on the Gridley - Diamond. - - 3 THE HIGH SCHOOL LEFT END; Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on the - Football Gridiron. - - 4 THE HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM; Or, Dick & Co. Leading - the Athletic Vanguard. - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -Grammar School Boys Series - -By H. Irving Hancock - -[Illustration] - - -This series of stories, based on the actual doings of grammar school -boys comes near to the heart of the average American boy. - - 1 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS OF GRIDLEY; Or, Dick & Co. Start - Things Moving. - - 2 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SNOW-BOUND; Or, Dick & Co. at - Winter Sports. - - 3 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN THE WOODS; Or, Dick & Co. Trail - Fun and Knowledge. - - 4 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS; Or, Dick & Co. - Make Their Fame Secure. - - =Cloth, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -West Point Series - -By H. Irving Hancock - -[Illustration] - - -The principal characters in these narratives are two sound, wholesome, -manly young Americans who go strenuously through their four years of -cadetship. Their doings will prove an inspiration to all American boys. - - 1 DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Two Chums in - the Cadet Gray. - - 2 DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Finding the - Glory of the Soldier's Life. - - 3 DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Standing Firm - for Flag and Honor. - - 4 DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Ready to - Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps. - - =Cloth, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -Annapolis Series - -By H. Irving Hancock - -[Illustration] - - -The Spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted in -these volumes. - - 1 DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Plebe - Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy. - - 2 DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Midshipmen - as Naval Academy "Youngsters." - - 3 DAVE DARRIN'S THIRD YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Leaders of the - Second Class Midshipmen. - - 4 DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Headed for - Graduation and the Big Cruise. - - =Cloth, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -Boys of the Army Series - -By H. Irving Hancock - -[Illustration] - - -These books breathe the life and spirit of the United States Army of -to-day, and the life, just as it is, is described by a master-pen. - - 1 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE RANKS; Or, Two Recruits in the - United States Army. - - 2 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY; Or, Winning Corporal's - Chevrons. - - 3 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; Or, Handling Their First - Real Commands. - - (_Other volumes to follow rapidly._) - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -Battleship Boys Series - -By Frank Gee Patchin - -[Illustration] - - -These stories throb with the life of young Americans on today's huge -drab Dreadnaughts. - - 1 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS AT SEA; Or, Two Apprentices in Uncle - Sam's Navy. - - 2 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS' FIRST STEP UPWARD; Or, Winning Their - Grades as Petty Officers. - - 3 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN FOREIGN SERVICE; Or, Earning New - Ratings in European Seas. - - (_Other volumes to follow rapidly._) - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -The Circus Boys Series - -By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON - - -Mr. Darlington is known to all real circus people along every route -that big and little shows travel. His books breathe forth every phase -of an intensely interesting and exciting life. - - 1 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the Start in the - Sawdust Life. - - 2 THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning New Laurels on the - Tanbark. - - 3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the Sunny - South. - - (_Other volumes to follow rapidly_) - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -The High School Girls Series - -By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M. - - -These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the reader -fairly by storm. - - 1 GRACE HARLOWE'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Merry Doings of - the Oakdale Freshmen Girls. - - 2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Record of the - Girl Chums in Work and Athletics. - - 3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, Fast Friends in the - Sororities. - - 4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of the - Ways. - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - - -The Automobile Girls Series - -By LAURA DENT CRANE - - -No girl's library--no family book-case can be considered at all -complete unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books, -written for present-day girls. - - 1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the Summer Parade. - - 2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; Or, The Ghost of Lost Man's - Trail. - - 3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in Sleepy - Hollow. - - (_Other volumes to follow rapidly_) - - =Cloth, 12mo, Illustrated. Price, per Volume, 50c.= - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber's notes - -Punctuation has been standardized; spelling has been preserved as -in the original publication except as follows: - - Page 112 - stated Captatin Cortland _changed_ to - stated Captain Cortland - - Page 160 - out of the quesetion _changed_ to - out of the question - - Page 195 - Four four days he continued _changed to_ - For four days he continued - - Page 233 - queried Judge Guffney _changed to_ - queried Judge Guffey - - Page 243 - entered the regular's _changed to_ - entered the regulars' - -Text enclosed by equal signs is in bold print, e.g. =bold=. - -Text enclosed by underscores is in italics, e.g. _italics_. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty, by -H. 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