and this vigilance was increased as
the sun went down in the west.

"This night will tell the tale," was old Benson's comment. "Boys, it's
do or die, and don't you forget it!"

Whether or not the old scout was right we shall soon see.

CHAPTER XXX.

SIGNALS IN THE DARK.

"Joe, I've got a scheme to outwit the desperadoes and Indians, and I've
a good mind to propose it to Will."

It was Darry who spoke, as he and Joe were eating an early supper that
night, in one corner of the messroom.

"If the scheme is good for anything let Will have it by all means,"
answered his cousin. "Heaven knows we need all the help we can get!"

"My scheme is this," went on Darry. "Those Indians and the desperadoes
must know something of our sending off for re-enforcements. Now why
can't Will send out old Benson and a few others, to steal off for
several miles and light camp-fires, blow bugles, and all that, to make
the enemy think the re-enforcements are close at hand?"

Joe clapped his hands. "That's a grand scheme!" he cried. "Let's speak
to Will about it at once."

The supper was soon finished, and they sought out the young captain, who
was dividing up his force for guard duty during the night.

"I was thinking of such a scheme myself," he said, when he had heard
them. "And old Benson suggested it, too. Perhaps I'll do it."

"If old Benson goes can't I go with him?" asked Joe quickly.

"And let me go too," put in Darry. "You won't miss us as much as you
would miss two of your regulars."

At this the young captain grew grave. "Old Benson said he would like to
take you along. Perhaps it would be best, too." He paused. "You see,
they may fall on the fort to-night and wipe us out completely."

"Oh, Will, do you really believe that?"

"They will certainly attack us, and the men fit for duty number but
thirty-four. Thirty-four against several hundred is not much of a force,
even in a fort."

The matter was talked over for half an hour, and old Benson was called
in for consultation. In the end it was decided that the old scout should
head a party consisting of two regulars and the two boys, who were to
carry a drum and a bugle and a good supply of matches for bonfires.

"If you can pass them without being seen, head straight for Conner's
Hill," said Captain Moore. "Blow the bugle there, and beat the drum, and
then move over to Decker's Falls and light your first camp-fire. After
that you'll have to do what you think