The former told the young scout that he been sent out to
punish the raiders who had just recrossed the river, and that he was
going to do it, too. He was going to drive them out of their stronghold,
and George must show him the way to it. His men had already had their
coffee, but as George and the rest of Bob's squad had had none, they
might stay there at the farm-house until they had eaten the breakfast
that had been prepared for them, and then ride on rapidly and overtake
the column, which would move down the trail at a trot. This having been
decided upon, a squad was made up of details from the different
companies to take charge of the prisoners, and the command given to a
corporal, who was instructed to take them to the fort. Then the column
rode on, the corporal marched off with his captives, and Bob and his
troopers went back to the farm-house to eat their breakfast.

During the meal George Ackerman, who had thus far been one of the gayest
of the party, was very silent and thoughtful. It was almost impossible
for any one to get a word out of him. His face was as white as a sheet,
but although everybody noticed it, Bob Owens was the only one who could
account for it. When they had satisfied their appetites they went out to
hold the horses, so that the rest of the squad could come in, and George
and the new sergeant, who was not a little elated over his unexpected
promotion, led their nags off on one side, so that they could converse
without being overheard.

"I know just how it is," said Bob, "for I have felt so ever since
Captain Clinton ordered me to follow up that trail. When you know that a
good many lives besides your own depend upon a decision you may have to
make in an instant of time, I tell you it is rather trying to a
fellow's nerves. I used to envy the colonel and all the other high
officers in the garrison, but I wouldn't give up my little sergeant's
berth for double the money they make. There's too much responsibility
connected with the positions they hold."

George told himself that that was just the objection to his own
position. He began to see that being a scout meant something. There were
two hundred men in Captain Clinton's command, and what if they should
all be sacrificed by some blunder on his part?

As soon as the rest of the troopers had eaten breakfast, and Bob had
thanked the farmer for his hospitality, the troopers sprang into their
saddles and galloped after the column. When they ove