The scheming corporal tried to slip a two-dollar bill into the other's hand, but the latter drew away from it. "Take it," urged Raynes. "It's government money." "Young man, I'm an American, and I don't have to be paid to stand by my own country! I'll do all ye say, and more, ef I git a chance, jest to see the American company wallop the make-believe Jap company." "You'll do us a huge service if you don't fall down on the job, Pop. Why, the news will travel all the way to Japan, and the Japs will gnash their teeth over it." "I'll put the trick through fur ye, young man--even if I have to use bear traps to ketch the two young soger boys ye told me about," promised the aged hunter earnestly. "Say, Corporal, cut your tether, if you're going to ride with us," called the wagon boss. "I'm coming," announced Corporal Raynes, rising. "Don't forget, Pop," he whispered back over his shoulder. "Ye kin trust me, young man!" By the time he was out of sight of the cabin, around a turn of the road, the chuckles inside of Corporal Raynes got so close to the surface that they surged over. "What's the smile, Corporal?" demanded the wagon boss. "Oh, I'm pretty near choking over one of the lying yarns that old fellow told me about how he bagged twelve grizzlies single handed one day," lied the corporal. "He must be a talented old liar," nodded the wagon boss. "He is," agreed Corporal Raynes. "I never could understand, either, why anyone would take the trouble to lie unless he was paid for it." * * * * * Hal and Noll, all unsuspicious of trouble of any other kind than that against which Captain Cortland had warned them, kept on cautiously along the trail, then branched off at the road shown them on the map. Two miles further on they reached a village, with its two hotels for health-seekers, cottages and other buildings. Even in this basin in the mountains the Western Union Company had penetrated. The two young military messengers found the telegraph office, turned over their message and then were ready to return. "But, war or no war," declared Noll bluntly, "I'm not going to start back until I've crossed the street and had an ice cream soda." "We'll have two," laughed Hal boyishly, "and then make up for lost time on the trail." Unmindful of the curious glances cast at two soldiers in full field equipment, Hal and Noll enjoyed their treat to the utmost. Then they started back, traveling fast. Nor did they run into any lurking detachments from C Company. Their "hike," as a fast march is termed, was uneventful until they reached the old hunter's cabin. "Pop" was awaiting their coming, and a keen look flashed into his old eyes when he saw them and recognized them from Raynes's description. "Sogers, hey?" he demanded, going sociably down to the road. "Yes, sir," nodded Hal respectfully as he paused. "Seen a lot of 'em go by to-day," continued the hunter.