e to the
next fort and obtain re-enforcements."

"That's so, captain! I didn't think of that."

Leaving the dead Indians in the bushes and the others tied to the trees,
the captain and his companions now lost no time in striking out for the
fort.

Fortunately, Peck was well acquainted with every foot of the territory
to be covered, and he led the way by a route which was fairly easy and
as direct as could be expected, considering the wild region to be
covered.

As he hurried along, the young captain's thoughts were busy. Where were
Joe, Darry, and Benson, and how were things going at the fort?

"The Indians are not so much to be blamed as the desperadoes," he said.
"They have some wrongs, although they are more fancied than real. But
the desperadoes ought all to be either shot down or placed under
arrest."

"Right you are," returned Gorman. "This district will never prosper
until the desperadoes are cleaned out."

It was not long before the party began to grow hungry, and they had to
halt for an hour, to prepare some birds which one of the number had
brought down with a gun.

All the time they were eating, one of the soldiers remained on guard,
for they were fearful a band of Indians might come up unawares to
surprise them. But not a red man or desperado showed himself.

Nightfall found them still sixteen miles from the fort, and unable to
walk further.

"We will camp out where we are," said Captain Moore. "It is useless to
think of covering the distance in the dark. Besides, we might fall into
some trap."

A storm had been threatening, but now the clouds passed and the night
proved clear and pleasant. It was decided that two men should remain on
guard at a time, each taking a turn of three hours.

The young captain slept from nine o'clock until three in the morning.
Then he awoke with the feeling that further sleep was out of the
question. Getting up, he walked to a nearby brook, intending to wash up
and obtain a needed drink.

While Captain Moore was in the vicinity of the brook something stirring
in the bushes attracted his attention.

"Carwell, did you see that?" he asked, of the guard who was nearest to
him.

"See what, captain?"

"That thing in yonder bushes."

"I see nothing, sir."

"Something is moving there. Come here and look."

The private did as commanded, and both gazed steadily into the bushes.

"By Jove!" exclaimed the young officer at length, "Do you see what it is
now, Carwe