ledge of the native tendency to exaggerate,
had thus fixed the probable number at about eight hundred men.

The second and the third days passed. The troops were now far up in the
mountains, though up to that time they had not encountered the enemy.
Captain Freeman, however, pushed forward, feeling confident that he
would sooner or later encounter the datto's forces.

On the fourth morning, an hour after daylight, the troops were again
under way. They moved slowly, for the roads were in bad condition and
the column could not go ahead at greater speed than the transport wagons
could maintain.

A "point" was out in advance, followed by a slightly larger advance
guard. Behind marched a watchful rear guard. The little column, for its
own safety and convenience, was strung out over a goodly length of road.

As Lieutenant Prescott passed, Sergeant Noll Terry stepped out and
saluted.

"What is it, Sergeant?"

"If it is proper, I would like the lieutenant's permission to go up
ahead and walk with Sergeant Overton."

"That will be all right, Sergeant--if you will remember that, in case of
emergency, you are to return hastily to your proper place in the line."

"Thank you; I will, sir."

"Very good, Sergeant."

Once more saluting, Noll hastened up forward.

"You have a message?" asked Hal.

"No; but I have the lieutenant's permission to walk with you."

"I'm glad of it, chum. Talking makes the walking easier."

"Walking--yes," grumbled Noll. "I'm afraid that's about all we're going
to get out of this hike."

"Never pray for a fight, Noll. It's all right when it has to be, but any
real fight always means the last hour for some good fellows."

"I'm no hog for a fight," grunted Terry, "but I'd like to have just a
little real practice, after the long, long time I've had to put in
preparing for it."

"Hm!" smiled Sergeant Hal. "I could almost qualify as a member of a
peace society. _I_ don't care how long it is before the next fight. I'd
hate to see it come along this stretch of road."

"Why?"

"Well, look over at our left, Noll. Below us is a deep gully, with a
swift stream flowing. Beyond it is that wooded ledge. Any number of
Moros could conceal themselves there and fire at us, and we couldn't
reach 'em with the bayonet. Ahead----"

Sergeant Hal may have finished, but, if he did, his voice was drowned
out by the savage clamor of yells ahead. Barely a hundred yards beyond
the point came a rushing mob of Mor