"But if we shut up that road against him, we shall leave the hill road open to him," replied Tom. [Illustration: "What are you uns doing here!"] Deck bit his lip, for he had not thought of this; for he was not a full-fledged strategist any more than his officer. "You are right, Tom; and that is the end of my scheme," added Deck. "Not a bit of it, Deck. Why not compromise on your idea; send half our force across the cornfield, and leave the other half to take care of this road? I like that idea," said Tom with enthusiasm. "You would have but twenty-five men to hold this road against the whole of Dingfield's company," said Deck. "But we don't intend to move till Captain Gordon is here to take a hand in the game," answered Tom. "You will go with Sergeant Fronklyn to the cross-road, and I will stay here. As soon as I see the rest of our company coming down the hill, I will strike the enemy in the rear, while the captain goes in on the front. You will sail in from the by-road as soon as you hear the firing, Deck. That is fixed. Now have deference enough for your officer to hold your tongue, and obey your orders." "I am as dumb as a dead horse," replied Deck. Both of them were laughing; and Deck hastened to a place where he could see over the crest of the hill, while the lieutenant divided his force for the two undertakings. In a few moments all was ready, and Tom joined his friend. "It is time we were moving," said Deck. "All is ready for you; and Fronklyn will take counsel of you when necessary," replied the lieutenant. "Don't show yourself on the top of the hill, Tom; for that might let the cat out of the bag," added Deck. The scout, as Deck considered himself for the present, joined the detachment detailed for the by-road, and led them into the wild region, Fronklyn remaining some distance behind him. The enemy were in a deep hollow, and the guide soon assured himself that the detachment could be neither seen nor heard by them. The sergeant advanced in response to his signals. A spur of the hill concealed them, and they galloped across the field, from which the crop had been harvested. He guided the force to a point beyond the farmer's house. Leaving the sergeant and his men where the buildings shut off the view of the hill road, Deck rode cautiously to the other side of the house. "What you uns doin' here?" asked the farmer, showing himself from behind his barn. "We are attending to our own business, and it wouldn't be a bad idea for you to do the same," replied Deck, who did not like the looks of the man. "I reckon you uns is Confedrits," he added. "You are out of your reckoning." "There's some more on 'em over to the brook. I reckon I'll go over, and let 'em know you're here," suggested the farmer. "If you do, you will get a bit of lead through your upper story," replied Deck, as he rode on. He had hardly started his horse before a volley was heard in the direction of the hill road. CHAPTER XXVI