Gilroy," returned Leeson. "I got the word from Sam Benson early this
mornin'."

"And where was Benson?"

"Out among the hills, a-lookin' fer you."

"And what of my brother, and my cousin? Have you heard anything of
them?"

"They are safe at the fort."

"Thank Heaven for that!"

"I see ye'er both of ye wounded," went on Leeson, as he came closer.

"My wound is not much. But Peck's is bad. I hardly knew how I was going
to get him to the fort. Are the Indians or desperadoes around?"

"They are, captain--but whar is jest now the conundrum. Captain
Lee--he's in command now--thinks there's a big plot on foot ter wipe out
the fort."

"He is right. But Colonel Fairfield--what of him? Did they drug him?"

"They did, captain. But it's queer you know of all this."

"Then Joe didn't tell you I was with him at the cave?"

"I didn't have time to hear the whole story. Benson was coming out, and
I came with him. Now, as you're found, I reckon I had better go back
with you," went on Hank Leeson.

"By all means, for we'll have to take turns in supporting Peck."

A few minutes later the march for the fort was taken up. It was a
tedious journey, and there were times when the young captain felt as if
it would never come to an end. But at last they came within sight of the
stockade and the big flag floating so proudly to the breeze, and then
several came rushing out to meet them, and their hard-ships, for the
time being, came to an end.

CHAPTER XXVI.

THE ENEMIES WITHIN THE FORT.

"Oh, I'm so glad to see you again, Will!" was the greeting which Joe
gave his brother. "We were almost certain either the Indians or
desperadoes had fallen upon you and killed you."

"Well, we did have some hot work," answered the young captain modestly.
"Are you all right?"

"I am."

"And you, Darry?"

"I'm first-class," answered the cousin. "But I can tell you, Will, there
is trouble ahead."

"I know that, Darry. I must see Colonel Fairfield at once."

"He is very ill. The surgeon can do hardly anything for him. He says he
has not the right drugs to reach such a dose as the colonel has
swallowed."

"That's too bad."

By this time Captain Lee was at hand, and the two officers exchanged
reports. Nothing had been heard concerning Lieutenant Carrol. The
command of the fort now fell upon Captain Moore.

As soon as possible the young commander went in to see his superior. He
found Colonel Fairfield very weak and in no cond