Lieutenant Boggs and his party, however, had come to a sudden halt. “Hist!” exclaimed he. “I heard something move in the corner yonder.” His followers quickly came to a standstill, when an oppressive silence hung over the lonely scene. “Man or devil, come forth!” challenged Boggs, trying to appear calm though he was trembling with fear. No reply was made by word or move. The Wizard Scout stood in the darkness grimly watching them. “’Twas nothing!” exclaimed the boldest of the squad. “The first sound we heard was but the branches of the pine striking against the side of the house. Let’s get out of this. We are losing valuable time. Hark! Jones is calling for us.” “Yes; we have fooled here long enough,” assented Boggs. “Here seems to be a door leading out at the end of the house. Let’s go out this way.” Glad to escape from the place, the Confederates hastily passed out into the night. Had they looked back by the light streaming in through the door they had opened they might have discovered the tall figure of Old Fatality standing in the background, a smile upon his bronze visage. They left the door open. As soon as satisfied that they were beyond hearing Curt spoke in a low tone to the mysterious scout who without looking up or betraying any surprise motioned for him to descend the stairs. A minute later Curt stood beside him. “This is a glad meeting on my part,” whispered he. “I was wishing I had some one to help me.” “I mistrusted it,” replied the unknown, “so I followed you up here. Do you intend to capture the rebels?” “If possible.” “Good. Let’s get where we can see what they are doing now.” Noiselessly crossing the room they looked cautiously out upon the handful of perplexed Confederates, who were grouped under the pine discussing their next move. “We mustn’t lose that infernal spy,” declared Boggs. “Has he moved yet, Jones?” “Nary a bit.” “Queer. Some of us’ll have to dislodge the fellow. Who of you’ll climb up there?” “And get riddled for our pains!” growled one. “Bah! it’s got to be done,” said Boggs. “Strange the fool don’t know enough to come down.” “I’ll go for one,” volunteered Jones. “I reckon I ain’t afeerd to go with you,” supplemented Bronson. “Nor me,” added another. “And me,” shouted a fourth. “Enough,” said Boggs. “While you four are dislodging the game, Sperry and myself will see that he don’t get away. Where is he, Jones, anyway? Hang me if I don’t believe he has got off already!” “No; he’s there yet,” affirmed Jones. “See, there’s his head just to the right of that big limb with the crows’ nest boughs.” “Well, climb; we’ve lost time enough already.” “You had better keep your eye on him and the moment he moves warn us,” said Jones. “Yes, cover him with your gun, Sperry; and at the first move shoot him.” This last was spoken loud enough for the fugitive to hear even were he further away than was supposed. Nothing in shape of a reply was vouchsafed.