is best."

"I understand, captain," answered the old scout. "And trust me to fool
'em nicely, if the trick can be done at all."

"It is not going to be an extra-dark night," went on the young officer.
"So you will have your own troubles in getting away from the fort
without being seen."

"I know a route," answered old Benson. "Trust me for it." But just then
he would say no more.

The men to go along were named Cass and Bernstein. Cass was a good
drummer and bugler, and Bernstein was noted for his good sight and the
accuracy of his aim. All of the party went fully armed, and took with
them rations for two days.

"Good-by, Joe," said the captain affectionately, and he took his brother
by the hand. "I hope you pull through in safety."

"And I hope you do too, Will," answered Joe, and his lip quivered as he
spoke. Perhaps this would be the last time he would see his brother
alive. Never before had the situation appeared so serious as now. Darry
also received an affectionate farewell.

In absolute silence old Benson led his little party to a far corner of
the stockade, where there was a small gate, fastened with a strong log
bar. This gate was opened just far enough for them to slip through, and
then closed again. Their mission had begun. There was no telling how it
would end.

Slipping into the ditch, the old scout told the others to lie low, while
he and Bernstein surveyed the situation. It was silent, and from
overhead only a few stars twinkled down upon them.

Old Benson presently pointed with his bony hand.

"Clear that way, aint it?" he whispered.

"Looks so," answered Bernstein, after a searching look lasting several
minutes. "I wouldn't go too close to that patch of underbrush, though."

The party began crawling along the ditch, until they came to a little
gully which the last heavy rains had formed. Here they progressed on
hands and knees until they reached some low brushwood. Then old Benson,
still crouching close to the ground, set off on a lope, and the others
came after him in Indian file.

If they had been discovered, neither Indians nor desperadoes gave any
sign, and inside of ten minutes the fort was left out of sight, and
they were standing in a hollow fringed with berry bushes. The boys were
somewhat out of breath, and old Benson gave them a short spell in which
to get back their wind.

"We were right, they are none of 'em in this vicinity," said the old
scout. "Getting away was easier th