"Very easily; by riding through this field, where we were posted this morning, crossing the east road, and then through a valley, which will conceal the force till they reach the shelter of the knoll." "How many men can you muster in your company?" "About eighty, if you are to remain in this vicinity; for ten or fifteen will be a sufficient guard for the prisoners." "Then you will march your available force to the point indicated. I see that you have hoisted the American flag on the railroad bridge," added the major. "It is the camp flag, and I wanted it in the most sightly place I could find," replied the captain. "It will answer a double purpose, then. Could you see it from behind the knoll?" "Perfectly; we did not get the flag-pole elevated till half an hour ago." "I shall send Deck to lower that flag, and remain by the staff till I give him the signal to hoist it again. Then you will march to the south road with all speed, and attack the enemy in the rear or on the flank." "I understand you perfectly, Major Lyon, and your order shall be carried out to the letter," replied Captain Truman, as he saluted, and hurried to his company, which had been formed in the field by the side of the road. "Dexter!" called the commander, when he had found his son in the ranks. Both of the boys had been used as messengers during the morning, and this service had led them into the most dangerous positions; and both of them had fought like heroes as volunteers while their company was at the plantation. Deck came out of his place in the ranks, saluted his father, and expected to be called upon for more messenger service, hoping it would lead him into the thickest of the action, as it had before. "Do you see that flag on the railroad bridge, Dexter?" asked his father, pointing at the ensign. "I do; and I take off my cap to it," replied Deck, suiting the action to the word. "You will go to it and haul it down, my son." "Haul down the American flag!" exclaimed Deck. "As long as it is not for a surrender or the abandonment of the camp, you need have no scruples about it," replied the major, with a smile at the boy's objection. "You will obey the order, and you will remain at the staff. When you see me wave my handkerchief three times in the air, you may set your conscience at ease by hoisting the flag again." The commander made the signal over his plumed hat, so that the messenger would be able to recognize it when it was given in the fight, if there should be one, of which he was not altogether sure after the disappointment of the morning. "I shall see that signal from the bridge if it is made three miles off." "Keep your eyes wide open after the engagement begins; for it is a signal, really an order from me, of the utmost importance, and the result of the action may depend upon it," added the major very impressively. "I have called upon you for this service because I know I can depend upon you, Dexter."