he sun was well up over the
eastern prairie before both were dressed, for they had taken turns at
guarding, as agreed, and each had consequently lost half his regular
sleeping time.

"Well, what's to do now?" questioned Darry, while they were stirring
around getting breakfast.

"I don't know of anything to do but to wait here until we hear from
Benson and Hank Leeson," answered his cousin.

Breakfast was soon disposed of, and then they sat down to wait, still
keeping their firearms close to hand, in case of unexpected attack. The
meeting with the desperadoes had opened the boys' eyes, and they did not
intend to be caught "napping" no matter what else happened.

Shortly before ten o'clock Joe espied three horsemen coming down the
trail which led to the fort. Both watched the approaching riders with
interest, and presently saw that they were soldiers. One wore the
uniform of a lieutenant, and the others were privates.

"You are from the fort?" cried Joe, running forward to meet them.

"Yes," was the answer from the lieutenant. "Which of you is Joseph
Moore?"

"I am."

"I am glad to know you, Moore. Your brother, the captain, and I are
great friends. I am Lieutenant Richard Carrol."

"Oh, I've heard of you," answered Joe, smiling. "Will has often
mentioned his chum, Dick Carrol, in his letters. This is my cousin,
Darry Germain. Did old Benson reach the fort last night?"

"He did," answered Lieutenant Carrol, as he shook hands with both boys.
"And your brother and a detachment of Company A have gone out to look
for Matt Gilroy and his gang. Benson went with them, and I was asked to
come down here and escort you to the fort."

"If my brother wants to round up Gilroy's gang he should have come
here," said Joe. "The rascals were here last night and stole our three
horses."

"Is it possible! And where is Hank Leeson?"

"He went after them on his horse, the only one they didn't get. We are
looking for his return at any moment. We promised to watch the cabin
until he got back."

"I see." The lieutenant turned to the privates. "Men, you may dismount
and tie up the horses for the present. We won't be going back just yet."

Lieutenant Carrol leaped to the ground, and one of the privates took
charge of his steed. The young officer was a handsome fellow, with a
smiling face, and both Joe and Darry took to him at once.

"Yes, Captain Moore and I are great friends," he said. "You see, we went
through West Point toge