The approach of the stranger aroused, of course, the deepest curiosity in everybody, and in a few moments a crowd gathered to gaze at this man who came on with such steadiness and assurance. His figure, still magnified by the moon, out of which he seemed to be riding, showed now in perfect outline. He carried no rifle, but they could see the hilt of a sword on his thigh. He wore a military cap, and the least experienced could no longer doubt that he was an army officer. "He knows that we are friends," said Middleton, "or he would not come on so boldly. Unless I mistake much, he sits his horse like a regular officer of the United States cavalry. That seat was learned only at West Point." The stranger rode out of the magnifying rays. His horse and himself shrank to their real size. He came straight to the group, leaped to the ground, and, holding the bridle in one hand, lifted his cap with the other in salute. Middleton sprang forward. "Edgeworth," he exclaimed, "when you came near I thought it was you, but I scarcely dared to hope." The officer, tall and striking of appearance, with penetrating gray eyes, seized Middleton’s hand. "And it is you, Middleton," he said. "What a meeting for two who have not seen each other since they were at West Point together." "But it’s where we both want to be," said Middleton. "That is so," said Edgeworth with emphasis, "but I had heard, George, that you were sent on an errand of uncommon danger, and I had feared--I will not hesitate to say it to you now--that you would never come back." Middleton laughed. He was obviously delighted with this meeting of the comrade of his cadetship. Then he introduced Woodfall and the others, after which he asked: "How did you know we were friends, Tom? You came on as if you were riding to a garden-party." "A scout brought news of you," he replied. "We have a small force about twenty miles ahead, and I rode back to meet you, and see what was here." "We have some good men," said Woodfall, "and they are willing to fight. We’ve come a good many hundreds of miles for that purpose." "I believe you," said Edgeworth, running his trained eyes over the crowd. "A finer body of men I never saw, and we need you, every one of you." "What news?" asked Middleton eagerly. "Much of it, and all bad. Our government has mixed the situation badly. We’ve been steadily strengthening Scott, and, in the same proportion, we’ve been weakening Taylor. There are rumors, I don’t know how authentic--perhaps you have heard them--that Santa Anna is coming north with a great force to destroy us. Taylor is expected to retreat rapidly, but he hasn’t done it. You know old Rough and Ready, George." "I hope to Heaven he won’t retreat!" exclaimed Middleton.