"March all the men to that spot, and form an ambush at the foot of those trees. Be quite ready for us when we join you." "What are you going to do?" "Silence, and listen to my orders," said Brace sternly. "You will march the men there in single file by keeping just at the edge of the forest, where it is more open; but the greatest care will be necessary so that you are not seen from the town. If you are, the plan is spoiled." "Right; I'll be careful. I understand. When am I to attack?" "When I or Vincent give the word. You ought to be at that spot in less than an hour, in spite of dense growth." "Yes; I'll be there." "Keep your men hidden, and whatever you see take place, don't stir, even if we are taken prisoners." "Well--I'll obey orders, sir." "That is good. Now then, back to your men; and, mind, it is of vital importance that you carry out my orders to the smallest item." "You may trust me," said Haynes, quietly; and it was the soldier speaking now to his superior. The friendly, easy-going ways of brother-officers were gone, and we stood together watching him till he disappeared among the trees. For a few moments Brace made no movement, but stood as if plunged in thought. Then, turning suddenly, he moved to the very edge of the forest, and leaning forward gazed intently at the town, whose houses looked bright in the morning sun, and among which were throngs of white-clothed people emerging here and there. We could see the guns too glistening in the sun, but no sign of armed men excepting the sentries, whose swords glittered as they walked to and fro. "Why, Gil," said Brace, drawing a long breath, "how satisfied they seem of their safety; a squadron of lancers would capture those guns with ease." "And we are going to capture them without," I said. "Hist! what was that?" "Haynes giving an order to march," I said. "No; some one coming this way! Well, what is it?" he cried to a man who came on at the double, and saluted. "The lieutenant, sir," replied the man. "Will you come at once?" "Something wrong," I heard Brace mutter, as he strode back through the trees to where the men were drawn up with Haynes in front. "Now, what is it?" said Brace, sharply. "Why are you not gone, sir?" "I thought it my duty to stop and see if you would change your plans," replied Haynes. "The prisoners have escaped." "What?" cried Brace, excitedly, as he ran his eyes along the men. "Who were on duty?" "The men were _all_ ordered to fall in," said Haynes. "Yes; quite right. Oh, what a blunder!" added Brace, excitedly, beneath his breath. Then turning to me--"Gil," he murmured, "our plan is thwarted." "Don't give up yet," I whispered. "But they will have gone to the town and given warning of our presence." "They may have fled in another direction." Brace was silent for a few moments, and then he said quickly-- "Well, it need not interfere; we should be obliged to move off, but must alter our plans a little."