partook of the meal
brought to him, washing down the meat with some water from the brook.

"What do you calculate to do now, captain?" he asked.

"From the top of yonder hill I can see the fort in the distance,"
answered the young officer. "But how to get to it is a question. It
would be a hard enough journey as it is, without having to be on guard
against Indians and desperadoes."

"Better leave me here, and go it alone."

"No, I shan't desert you, Peck. We'll see the thing through together."

"But the Indians might come down on us."

"We've got to run that risk. The question is, can you walk at all?"

For reply Peck got up on his feet. At first he swayed around a little,
but presently steadied himself.

"I'm good for a little distance, captain, but I don't reckon to go into
any walking match just yet."

"Then we'll go ahead. As soon as you feel played out, don't hesitate to
say so."

Captain Moore carried the rifle, hunting-knife, and what was left of the
meat, and also insisted upon having the private lean on his arm. In this
fashion two miles were covered by noon, when they came to a rest under
the shade of a big tree. Peck was pale, and showed plainly that the
exertion had done him no good.

"Hardest walking I ever did," he admitted, as he stretched himself at
full length. It was his will-power alone that had kept him up.

"Well, we are gaining," said Captain Moore cheerfully. "Three miles more
will see us through."

"If the enemy don't gobble us in the meantime."

"The Indians are nowhere in sight."

"They won't be showing themselves if they can help it. They spring on
us----Hark!"

Peck broke off short, and both listened.

"Somebody is coming this way!" whispered the young officer. "Come, we
must get out of sight!"

He took the wounded soldier by the hand, and with all speed the pair
crept into some brushwood behind the big tree. In the meantime the
foot-steps of the unknown party came closer.

As the man came into view, Captain Moore let out a shout which was full
of joy.

"Hank Leeson! How glad I am to see you!"

The old hunter started around and drew up his gun. Then the weapon
dropped, and he ran forward.

"Captain Moore!" he ejaculated. "Hang me ef I aint glad to set eyes on
ye! Who is that with you?"

"Private Peck of Company B. We've had a fight with the Indians, and a
number of the soldiers were killed."

"The Injuns are on the warpath, along with the desperadoes under Matt