“Look here, you infernal Yank!” called out Boggs louder than before, “if you don’t come down we’ll riddle you with bullets! We have waited long enough and its time for you to know that your game is up!” Of course he received no reply and he stamped the ground madly, regardless of the danger he was courting, forgetting that he might have enemies within hearing. “He don’t move,” whispered the soldier. “Shall I fire at him?” “Curses upon our stupidity, no. It would wake up the whole army of Yanks. Let me speak to the dog once more!” Again he called out to the scout with, as might be expected, no better result. “One of you must go up there,” said Lieutenant Boggs. “Who will do it?” Not one of the little group volunteered to do so. “He’s a desperate chap,” ventured one; “and as he’s above he’s going to have us at a disadvantage. I don’t care to tackle him alone, I allow.” “Bah!” retorted Boggs, “you are a coward.” He shirked the undertaking himself, however. “Perhaps it would be safer for three to go up,” he said a minute later. “Can the dog have mistrusted our plan?” “Hark! what was that?” exclaimed one of the soldiers as a loud crash from within the house broke the stillness of the night. CHAPTER XV. TURNING THE TABLES. In a moment the little squad were on the alert. No sound, however, followed the crash which seemed like the concussion of a falling body. “Some one is in the house!” whispered Boggs, whose stock of courage never was great, was fast leaving him. “Let’s go in and see,” ventured one of the others with less fear. “We mustn’t leave the tree without a guard to see that the Yank does not get off. Jones and Monkton, do you keep a close watch over that spy while the rest of us explore the old building. Come on, boys; and mind that you keep your eyes open.” With these words he led the way toward the open door. It was dark and still within. Not without many misgivings did Lieutenant Boggs enter the deserted abode. Every footstep gave back a loud, creaking noise and he fancied that all kinds of creatures were in the place. A bat, started from its retreat by the nocturnal disturbers of its peace, flew uncomfortably near to his head. He crossed the first apartment closely followed by the others, to enter an adjoining room even darker than the first if that were possible. Unknown to them the eagle eyes of the scout were watching their movements from the second floor. Alike unseen and unheard by either friend or foe another with catlike steps was tracking the Confederates. Then as he crossed the threshold of the inner apartment the scout caught sight of his tall, powerful form. He started with surprise for even in the semi-darkness he had recognized the Wizard Scout! Here then was help he had little expected--an arm that was worth a dozen ordinary men. Until then Curt had thought only of escape for himself. Finding that he had an ally in the field, a bold, daring scheme entered his head.