Part 38 (2/2)
”If old Benson goes can't I go with hio too,” put in Darry ”You won't ulars”
At this the young captain grew grave ”Old Benson said he would like to take you along Perhaps it would be best, too” He paused ”You see, they ht and wipe us out completely”
”Oh, Will, do you really believe that?”
”They will certainly attack us, and the ainst several hundred is not much of a force, even in a fort”
The matter was talked over for half an hour, and old Benson was called in for consultation In the end it was decided that the old scout should head a party consisting of two regulars and the two boys, ere to carry a druood supply of matches for bonfires
”If you can pass theht for Conner's Hill,” said Captain Moore ”Blow the bugle there, and beat the druht your first camp-fire After that you'll have to do what you think is best”
”I understand, captain,” answered the old scout ”And trust me to fool 'eoing to be an extra-dark night,” went on the young officer
”So you will have your own troubles in getting away fro seen”
”I know a route,” answered old Benson ”Trust me for it” But just then he would say nowere naler, and Bernstein was noted for his good sight and the accuracy of his aim All of the party went fully armed, and took with them rations for two days
”Good-by, Joe,” said the captain affectionately, and he took his brother by the hand ”I hope you pull through in safety”
”And I hope you do too, Will,” answered Joe, and his lip quivered as he spoke Perhaps this would be the last time he would see his brother alive Never before had the situation appeared so serious as now Darry also received an affectionate farewell
In absolute silence old Benson led his little party to a far corner of the stockade, where there was a sate was opened just far enough for theain Theirhoould end
Slipping into the ditch, the old scout told the others to lie lohile he and Bernstein surveyed the situation It was silent, and from overhead only a few stars twinkled down upon them
Old Benson presently pointed with his bony hand
”Clear that way, aint it?” he whispered
”Looks so,” answered Bernstein, after a searching look lasting several o too close to that patch of underbrush, though”
The party began crawling along the ditch, until they caully which the last heavy rains had forressed on hands and knees until they reached so close to the ground, set off on a lope, and the others came after him in Indian file
If they had been discovered, neither Indians nor desperadoes gave any sign, and inside of tenin a hollow fringed with berry bushes The boys were soave theet back their wind
”We were right, they are none of 'e aas easier than I expected”
”It was no easy matter with the dru and s it once”
The course now led up a small hill and then across a valley to another hill, a distance of nearly threewas bad, and Joe and Darry had all they could do to keep up with the others