"Like 'em? The same way I do pizen, rattlers and grizzlies!" exclaimed the old man with unlooked-for passion. Corporal Baynes jumped inwardly with glee. In a flash the whole of his plan came to him. "Have you seen any soldiers go by on this trail, Pop?" asked Baynes. "Some," nodded the old man. "'Bout an hour ago nigh onter a hundred of 'em went by. 'Bout twenty minutes ergo 'nuther hundred or so came along and tramped up that way. They didn't stop, so I didn't ask any questions." "If you had," prodded Corporal Baynes, "you would have learned something. The first company was C Company, and they represent American soldiers." "Well, that's what they are--American sogers. Why shouldn't they stand for it?" "But you see, the second company that went by here--B Company--they stand for Japs. In the game of manoeuvres that the officers are playing the second company, B, are supposed to be a force of Japanese troops that are chasing the American troops through the Rockies." "What do they wanter play that for?" demanded the old hunter, his eyes blazing wrathfully. "Why don't yer fool officers play that it's American sogers chasing Japs back to where they belong?" "Well, you see, the Americans may yet win out, before the game is played through," Baynes offered consolingly. "It all depends on which company is manoeuvred better by its officers. I belong to C Company, by the way; the American forces, you know." "Well, I reckon I like ye better for that," nodded the old man. "Pop, I wonder if you'd be willing to help the American company beat the Japanese company and bag it, whole hog?" proposed Raynes cleverly. "Would I?" demanded the old man eagerly. "But, sho! What could I do, d'ye reckon?" "Now, Pop, I reckon a couple of hours from now, or maybe three, there'll be two young soldiers come up along this way. You'll know 'em when you see 'em." Raynes dropped into a description of Hal and Noll, while the old man listened attentively. "Now, they'll probably ask you, Pop, which way the second company went. That's B Company, the Japs, you know. If they don't ask you outright, then you must fix it for 'em to ask you." "I'll manage it," nodded the old hunter, a look of craft coming into his eyes. "Now, don't let the make-believe Jap soldiers know that their company kept on up this trail. Tell 'em anything you like that'll send then off the trail--over to that hill, say," continued Corporal Raynes, pointing to a rocky peak distant about three miles. "Send 'em hiking straight over there. Then they won't get through with their news in time, and the American company will have a fair chance to bag the Jap company, whole hog. D'you see?" "Don't I, though?" demanded the old-time hunter. "Think you can work it, Pop?" "Young man," demanded the hunter, "d'ye reckon I look like anybody's fool?" "You sure don't," nodded Raynes. "And here's something to pay you for your trouble."