So Hal plunged promptly into the narration of what he and Noll had been through, beginning with the false scent on which they had been sent by the hunter at the cabin. Captain Cortland held out his hand almost impulsively, both to Hal and to Noll. "My men," he said earnestly, "I must tell you that I believe you both did wisely in adopting the profession of arms. Obedience is the first requisite of the soldier. The records of both of you stand well in that respect. But scouting work, which comes under the head of the service of information and security, is of the utmost importance in a campaign, and you two show positive genius as scouts. This is all of a piece with your great work of last night, Overton. I shall not forget it. As every man will be called within fifteen minutes, you may remain here under Sergeant Hupner's orders. Mr. Hampton, you and I will take a brief stroll and decide swiftly upon what we are to do." "Lads," broke in Sergeant Hupner, as the officers strolled away, "either you're mighty lucky or else you're born soldiers. I believe it is the latter." Five minutes later the two senior company officers returned. "Sergeant Hupner, we are going to call the men, but no bugle will be sounded," stated Captain Cortland. "Rouse the remaining sergeants first; then instruct them to rouse all the men and with great quietness." B Company was soon aroused; in ten minutes more all of the guard except the soldiers down by the ravine had been recalled. "We won't strike our tents," Cortland informed his sergeants. "It will do no harm to leave the camp standing, especially if the enemy's commander uses his night glasses at a distance. He will feel certain that we are nicely bagged. Now, pass the word, without loud command, for the company to fall in." Two minutes later, in single file, B Company marched toward the ravine like so many unsubstantial spectres. CHAPTER X TRAPPERS AND TRAPPED "Halt, who's there?" A single sentry, just at the opening of the ravine, called the challenge in a low voice. There was no response. "Halt! Who's there?" There still being no response, the sentry advanced toward a line of bushes. He stepped through, peering beyond. Almost without sound four C Company men leaped at the sentry, clutching him by the throat and bearing him to the ground. The captured sentry was able to make only a low gurgling sound in his throat. His rifle was snatched away from him. Working at professional speed, the sentry was gagged and bound, then tossed upon the ground once more, while a C Company man sat upon him. "Now, take the word back, Daly," ordered the non-commissioned officer in command of the captors. The sentry did not offer to struggle. It was as though he feared physical punishment would be inflicted upon him if he dared attempt to make trouble.