horse he ran up to his children, and, pulling them
both to the ground at once, folded them in his arms. But we will not say
any more about that meeting, will we? The joy of a family reunited under
circumstances like these is something too sacred to be intruded upon
even by a sympathizing pen, isn't it? Even the troopers, some of whom
had witnessed many an affecting scene, could not stand it, but turned
away their heads and drew their hands hastily across their eyes, as if
to brush away something that seemed to be obscuring their vision. One of
them caught Mr. Wentworth's horse, and after the latter had mounted and
taken his boys up with him, one in front and the other behind, the squad
continued its march toward the camp.

When Bob came to look in front of him, he found that the appearance of
things had changed somewhat. The comrades who had started out to meet
him were no longer advancing in a compact body. They had halted and
drawn themselves up in two parallel lines, facing each other, and
leaving room enough between them for Bob and his squad to pass through.

"Hallo!" exclaimed the delighted corporal. "The boys have got up a
reception for us, and we must meet it in good shape.--Attention, squad!
Draw sabres!--Loring, ride on ahead with Mr. Wentworth.--George, come up
on my right."

When these orders were issued the men promptly fell into line,
conversation ceased on the instant, tobacco was knocked out of pipes
that had but just been filled, carbines were adjusted in
soldier-fashion, caps that had been worn with the peak behind were
turned right side in front, and twelve bright blades leaped from their
scabbards. In this order the successful troopers rode by their comrades,
who cheered them loudly, and then fell in behind and followed them into
camp, marching in column of fours. Bob at once rode up to Captain
Clinton's fire, and dismounted to make his report, which he did in this
way:

"I have the honor, sir, to report that we surprised five Indians in camp
last night, captured one, killed three and released Mr. Wentworth's
boys."

"Good for you, corporal!" exclaimed the captain, his astonishment
getting the better of him for the moment. "Anybody hurt on your side?"

"One wounded, sir. Private Carey received a knife-thrust in the right
arm while assisting Private Loring to capture the Indian."

"Very good," said the captain, resuming his official tones and dignity
at the same time. "Stake out your horses,