A little while after this a troop of ten horsemen came up the same road, but instead of turning west they kept on north. At the head of the troop rode a youthful officer.
One of the soldiers with Fred was one of the number that had been attacked and defeated two days before by the squad of which they were in search.
"That's he, that's the fellow!" exclaimed the soldier, excitedly.
Fred's breath came thick and fast. What he had come for, fate had thrown in his way.
"They are only one more than we!" he exclaimed.
"If they were double, we would fight them," cried the men all together.
"Let them pass out of sight before we pursue," said Fred. "The farther we get them from their lines the better."
"Now," said Fred, after they had waited about five minutes. A ride of a few minutes more brought them into the road. Halting a moment, Fred turned to his men and said:
"Men, I know every one of you will do your duty. All I have to say is obey orders, keep cool, and make every shot count. Forward!"