It was too dark to enable the boys to determine just how many were in the waiting band. It was believed, however, that there were at least twenty. Perhaps there was another little force also approaching. The two boys in blue were caught between the two bands, and their only way of escape was through the swamp. A hasty inspection, however, convinced both boys that escape in that way was impossible. Even in the dim light they were able to see the water which covered the soft ground, and it was plain that if either of them should step upon the perilous footing he might be in greater danger than he would be compelled to face if he should be caught between the two little bands of their enemies. Abruptly the lanky negro broke in upon the silence by calling loudly, "Is dat yo', Massa Little Ben Fowler?" There was silence for a moment, and then the reply came from some one whom the boys could not distinguish from the body of the men. "Is that yo' all, Long John?" "Yas, suh. Yas, suh." "Are yo' alone?" "No, suh. No, suh. Dere's two gen'lmen with me." "Bring them out." "Yas, suh. Yas, suh," repeated Long John, though he made his way so speedily to the more solid road that under other circumstances Noel might have laughed. As it was, however, both boys were aware, or at least they now suspected, that the negro had been sent out by the rebels either to gain information or to serve as a decoy for any of the straggling soldiers. There was, however, apparently no way of escape. In front of them was the band of which Little Ben Fowler undoubtedly was a member; while from behind was approaching part of the force which had followed them into the swamp after the two young soldiers had gained the corduroy road. Noel heard a smothered exclamation of anger from Dennis and he knew that the feeling of his companion was not unlike his own. However, it was impossible now, after the loud warning which Long John had given, for them to expect to escape. Suddenly some one called to them from the border of the swamp, "Come out of there, Yanks! There isn't any use in trying to get away. The corduroy is the only safe spot you'll find on either side of the road; so come out and give yourselves up." "All right," responded Noel, although, as he spoke, Dennis grasped him roughly by the shoulder as if he was protesting against the surrender. "You keep still, Dennis," whispered Noel to his companion. "You leave this to me and I'll see what can be done. We can't get away, and we might as well make the best of a bad bargain. We're coming," he again called aloud. "Don't try any of your Yankee tricks here," called the voice which had spoken before.