of a frog in some
hollow and the answering squeak of a lizard.

"Somebody is coming!" cried Joe at last, and both of the boys stood on
the defensive, rifles in hand. The party came closer and closer, and at
last they made out the form of the old scout. He was riding at the top
of his speed.

"Quick! follow me!" he exclaimed, as he dashed up. "There is not a
moment to lose!"

The boys needed no second bidding, and in a trice they were in the
saddle once more and riding after old Benson, who now took to another
trail leading somewhat to the south of that formerly pursued.

"You saw the Indians?" questioned Joe, as they dashed on.

"I did. White Ox is ahead, with sixty or seventy of his best warriors.
From what I could learn he and Lieutenant Carrol have had a fight, and
half a dozen of the soldiers were either killed or wounded. Now White Ox
is marching for the fort."

"To attack it?"

"I can't say about that, but I think he is going to hide in the
vicinity, to wait for the coming of the desperadoes."

"And what of my brother?" questioned Joe anxiously. "Did he get through
all right?"

"Nothing was said about the captain, lad. I suppose he got through."

It was hard to talk while riding at such a rate of speed, and soon the
conversation came to an end. The horses now showed plain evidence of
their long journey, but each rider kept his steed at his best.

It was after two o'clock in the morning when the fort came into view,
dark and silent in the midst of the plain surrounding it. Benson now
rode in advance.

"Halt!" came the sudden command, while the scout was still a hundred
yards from the stockade. The command was loud and clear, but the speaker
was invisible.

"It's all right, friend," answered the old scout. "It's me, Sam Benson.
Let me in, quick, I've news for the colonel."

"All right, Benson," was the answer. "But who is that behind you?"

"Joe Moore and Darry Germain. Is the colonel sleeping?"

"The colonel is very sick."

"Sick?"

"Yes."

"What's the trouble?"

"The surgeon can't make out exactly. He's in a sort of stupor, and they
can't rouse him."

By this time the stockade gate was open, and all three of our friends
lost no time in entering the yard. Then the gate was closed and barred
again.

"Has Captain Moore returned?" asked Joe, as soon as he could get the
guard's attention.

"I haven't seen him."

"How long have you been on duty?"

"Came on about an hour ago."

"Has