ou are,
sir!" And afar over to the south-east, the direction of Tonto Creek, a
little ruddy spark appeared through the gloom, and a moment later still
another was made out, farther to the left. In twenty minutes three were
in sight. "Anywhere from fifteen to twenty miles away," said Harris, as
he studied them with the signal glass, "and," he continued, "I looked
for one much nearer."

"There you have it, sir!" And almost opposite them, it seemed, and
lower, straight away to the east, so near they could almost mark the
waving of the flame, a fourth blaze burst into view.

"That's more like it!" said Harris. "Now the blanket. Give me a boost,
corporal," and with that, supported by the strong arm of one of the
soldiers, he stepped upon the nearest rock, the blanket in his left
hand. Briggs grabbed the opposite corner with his right, and the next
moment a woollen curtain swung flat between the fires.

"Now, Briggs, up!" and the hidden red eye was suddenly unmasked and
glared out over the east. "Down!" and all toward the opposite fire was
darkness again. Twice more was it raised and lowered. Then a five
seconds' pause. Then twice again. "Thirty-two," said Harris. "'Tonio's
old signal. Now watch for the answers!" From those at a distance there
came no sign. The flare at each was steady. From the nearmost, almost
instantly, came the desired response. It suddenly disappeared, and
Harris, at second intervals, counted low, "One, two, three." Then came
the red glow again, just a moment. Then darkness only for two seconds.
Then light again. "It is 'Tonio," said he, "and that's his call to me.
Now, Briggs, again! Slowly this time!"

And very slowly was the blanket raised and lowered twice. Then came two
or three quicker movements. Then the blaze spoke untrammelled, and all
eyes were on 'Tonio's torch, and they who had heard ill of him--had
doubted him--found themselves oddly drawn to him across the intervening
miles of darkness. Twice, thrice slowly his light, too, was curtained.
Then for a moment it burned clearer; then seemed suddenly to sputter
out. Within a few seconds, far more swiftly than it rose, the signal
fire vanished from sight, and Harris stepped quietly down. "That's
all," said he, yet the doctor, at least, could read the suppressed
exultation in his tone. Then, seeing inquiry and disappointment, both,
in the eager eyes about him, the young officer added, "He understands.
He's coming, or sending, in."

"Did you p