"As the gully looks like a natural trap, and the datto has at least four hundred men between himself and the gully, I suppose old Hakkut is not worrying a great deal," reflected Overton. Hal did not now trouble himself to move so stealthily, until he neared the American encampment. With noiseless step he approached and called out in the darkness: "Officer of the day!" "Halt! Who goes there?" called an alert soldier. "Sergeant Overton, in scout disguise," Hal returned. "I wish to return to camp." "Advance, Sergeant Overton, to be recognized." Thus assured that he would not be shot down by mistake, Hal walked slowly but openly in the direction of the voice from the trench. "If you can recognize me, Galbraith, you're a wonder," laughed Hal, as he came within the soldier's range of vision. "_You_, Sergeant Overton. Great Scott, I don't recognize anything but the voice. I know that, however; pass on, Sergeant." Hal went at once to Captain Freeman, whom, however, he had to awaken. Lieutenants Prescott and Holmes were quickly added to the lightning conference that followed. The officers listened almost in amazement to the yarn that Sergeant Overton rapidly spun for them. "We made no mistake in detailing you two sergeants to investigate the position of the enemy," remarked Captain Freeman warmly. "Now our course is clear. You understand my plan, gentlemen?" The two young lieutenants quickly assented. "We shall have to abandon our transport wagons, though I think we shall have no difficulty in recovering them later," went on the commanding officer. "Waken all the men, and have each man carry as much ammunition as he can pack. The Gatling gun goes with us, of course." "And the wounded men, sir?" asked Lieutenant Prescott. "Those still unable to walk will have to be carried on the same blanket stretchers. Caution these wounded men that, no matter what discomfort they may suffer on the trip, not one is to make a sound. Our lives are at stake. Now hustle, gentlemen! We must march from this position in less than twenty minutes." "And the prisoners, sir?" asked Lieutenant Greg Holmes. "Bind the prisoners and gag them, and do it effectively. We can't trust a prisoner on a dash like this. Leave them behind, but be sure that they can't effect their own escape. Gentlemen, I look to your effective aid in playing a most brilliant trick on the enemy." Twelve minutes later the column started. They moved in three bodies. In advance were twelve picked men of B Company, under Sergeant Overton. Captain Freeman accompanied this little advance guard. At a suitable interval behind marched fifty men under Lieutenant Prescott. Last of all Lieutenant Holmes headed the remainder of the expedition. With this rear guard marched such of the wounded men as were able to walk. The others of the wounded were carried on blanket stretchers.