army during a
spasm of reformation.

The actions of the pair did not suit Captain Moore in the least, and
that night he took it upon himself to watch them more closely than ever.

In the darkness he saw Bicker make his way to the stable, and to that
spot, a little later, Drossdell followed.

"Something is in the wind, and I'm going to find out what it is," he
mused, and watching his opportunity he passed into the stable
unobserved.

At first he could hear nothing but the movements of the horses, but
presently came a low murmur from one corner of the loft.

Cautiously the young officer climbed the ladder and stepped into the
hay.

Here he could hear the conversation between Bicker and Drossdell quite
plainly.

"They never suspected the butter," he heard Bicker say. "It tastes a
little strong, but they would rather have it that way than have none,
and the same way with the condensed milk."

"When shall we give the signal to the boys?" came from Drossdell.

"Not yet. There will be more of them sick by to-morrow night," replied
Bicker.

More of the same sort of talk followed, until the young captain became
fully convinced that Bicker and Drossdell were in league with the
desperadoes, and that they had been using some drugs in the butter,
milk, and other articles consumed at the fort, in order to make the
soldiers sick.

As soon as he realized the importance of his discovery Captain Moore
went below.

A corporal's guard was called out and sent over to the stable, and when
Bicker and Drossdell came below they were placed under arrest.

"What's this for?" demanded Bicker, putting on a bold front. Drossdell
had nothing to say, and trembled so he could scarcely stand.

"You know well enough, Bicker," answered Captain Moore sternly.

"No, I don't. I haven't done anything wrong, captain."

"March them to the guardhouse," was all the young commander said, and
the two were promptly marched away.

As may be surmised, the moment the evildoers were alone each accused the
other of having done something to bring on exposure.

Captain Moore knew his men well, and presently he sent for Drossdell and
interviewed the soldier in private.

"I am sorry to see you in such trouble as this, Drossdell," he said. "I
thought you were a better soldier."

"I haven't done anything, captain."

"It is useless for you to deny it. Do you know what my men would do to
you and Bicker if they learned the truth? They would rebel and