"Sure, an' we seem to be up against it, intirely," said Tim, gloomily. "We can't hang the poor divil of an Injin, an' if we don't there'll be no more of the likes of us around much longer, whatever." "We have got to figure some way out of this," Tom said, firmly. "Have you any weapons about you?" "Weapons is it?" asked Tim. "If ye can call this foldin' knife a weapon, ye'll be doin' well." "It may be better than nothing," said Tom. "Try to keep it, anyhow, and don't let anyone see it again." "Where is it they are so anxious to hold their entertainmint?" asked Tim. "I don't know. We'll ask some of the men," answered Tom. "Ask the corporal," said the first trooper they questioned. "He has been through here before, and it's him as has picked out the spot." The boys went forward to find the corporal. They came up to him, near the head of the line. "Where is it we are going to string up the Indian?" asked Tom, indifferently. "Oh, it's a great place for a sign like that to hang," replied the corporal. "There is a big bare tree, I think it's a cedar, and it's right on top of a rocky mountain's back. The trail we are following leads right up to it, and the only other trail around here runs----" "The major wants you at once!" a soldier ran up and interrupted them just at that point. "Runs where?" said Tom, eagerly. "I will tell you when you come back from the major. We are most there now, so you will see for yourself soon." "So there is another trail, Tim," said Tom, excitedly. "And to think that we almost got a description of it, and then we are sent for. Well, we'll tell that old fox of a major that we'll obey his commands under protest, and run our chances of----" "If it don't rain, it'll be a foine day, Oi'm thinkin'," said Tim, cutting short Tom's comment and plans as the young southerner came into sight. "Do you know, Tom, there are some parties, mentionin' no names, moind ye, that are certainly very nosy around these parts." "And I'm thinkin', my young rebel, that there'll be two young spies less 'nosey' before a great while," rejoined the youth. "For one, I shall be glad to see the end of you." "Phat a happy party it would be with anither wan loike you about," replied Tim, looking for further trouble with their enemy. But the youth chose to ignore him, and hurried on to the major, with the two boys following. "Well," asked the officer, when they had come up, "what have you decided?" "There wasn't much to decide," replied Tom. "We shall have to obey your orders, but we shall do so under protest, and shall report the matter to the representatives of the crown when we get back to Philadelphia." "I represent His Majesty, here," said the major, "and your complaints will do no good. We are, I understand, approaching the spot which has been selected for you to perform your duty in, and you will soon be called upon to do your part and prove your assertion that you are not spies."