Out beyond the ledge, near the mouth of the cave, a figure paced. Hal, as his eyes became accustomed to the darkness, was sure that this man was Captain Freeman. Just a little later the young soldier was sure of it, for another figure approached and saluted. "Captain, I have to report that I have placed the guard as you directed." "That's Lieutenant Holmes. Pretty nearly as fine a fellow as our own second lieutenant, Prescott," thought Hal. "You impressed upon each of the men the cautions that I want observed?" queried Captain Freeman. "Yes, sir," answered Lieutenant Holmes, "and I took the liberty of adding another caution on my own account." "What was that, Mr. Holmes?" "I told each member of the guard, when I left him, to look well to it that that young scout of B Company, Overton, didn't get his rifle." Captain Freeman laughed quietly, then added: "Overton is a very capable young soldier, Mr. Holmes, and a good man in the service. But just now, while these manoeuvres are on, I'd like to make a prisoner of him, I can tell you." "Wouldn't you, though?" shivered Hal, listening from where he crouched, while Noll pressed his bunkie's arm again. "And I'm very much afraid, captain, that you're likely to have your wish!" "Ah, here comes the other member of our council. Good evening, Ray." "Good evening, sir," replied the first lieutenant of C Company. "Ray," continued Captain Freeman, "we were just discussing Overton, the scout of B Company, who made off with the arms of our outpost last night." "Well, sir, we have some pretty fair scouts of our own to-night," laughed Lieutenant Ray. "I'd like to wager a month's pay that not a soul of B Company knows where this command is to-night. On the other hand, we know to a dot where B Company is encamped." "And we'll have the enemy potted by eleven o'clock to-night," promised Captain Freeman in a tone of conviction. "But that's the least we're obliged to do after the disgraceful treatment that we had to stand last night. Unless our scouts bring different word by half past nine to-night, we'll slip in on 'em while they're asleep, rush the sentries and have B Company's camp for our own almost before the first blank cartridge has been exploded. It's fine work to roll in on your enemy and demolish him while he's asleep and dreaming of home." All three of the officers laughed heartily. "Their camp is well chosen, too," continued Captain Freeman. "In behind the rocks, just the other side of the blasted twin oaks, makes an ideal camp for a single company of infantry." "By which route do you plan to approach, sir?" asked Lieutenant Ray. "Through the ravine from the east," replied Captain Freeman, "for the simple reason that Cortland would least of all expect an attack from that quarter." "It couldn't be better," declared Ray. A fourth man now joined the group, saluting all three. "What is it, my man?" inquired Freeman. "Supper is ready for the officers, sir."