dark objects looking like logs in the dim light were
his comrades.

He cast the blankets aside entirely and walked a little distance up the
stream. The instinct that had awakened him was right. He heard voices
and saw a light. Then he remembered the rope ferry and he had no doubt
that some one was crossing, although it was midnight and past. He went
back and touched Jarvis lightly on the shoulder. The mountaineer awoke
instantly and sat up, all his faculties alert.

"What is it?" he asked in a whisper.

"People crossing the river at the ferry above," Harry whispered back.

"Then we'll go and see who they are. Like as not they're soldiers in
this war that people seem bound to fight, when they could have a lot
more fun at home. Jest let Ike sleep on. He's my sister's son, but I
don't b'lieve anybody would ever think of kidnappin' him."

The two went silently among the bushes toward the ferry which crossed
the river at a point where the hills on either side dipped low. As they
drew near, they heard many voices and the lights increased to a dozen.
Jarvis's belief that it was no party of ordinary travelers seemed
correct.

"Let's go a little nearer. The bushes will still hide us," whispered
the mountaineer to the boy. "They ain't no enemies o' ours, but I guess
we'd better keep out o' their business, though my inquirin' turn o' mind
makes me anxious to see just who they are."

They walked to the end of the stretch of bushes, and, while yet in
shelter, could see clearly all that was going on, especially as there
was no effort at concealment on the part of those who were crossing the
stream. They numbered at least two hundred men, and all had arms and
horses, although they were dismounted now, and the horses, accompanied
by small guards, were being carried over the river first. Evidently the
men understood their work, as it was being done rapidly and without much
noise.

Harry's attention was soon concentrated on three men who stood near the
edge of the bushes, not more than thirty feet away. They wore slouch
hats and were wrapped in heavy, dark cloaks. They stood with their
backs to him, and although they seemed to be taking no part in the
management of the crossing, they watched everything intently. Two of
them were very tall, but the third was shorter and slender.

The moon brightened presently, and some movement at the ferry caused
the three men to turn. Harry started and checked an exclamation