“Well, not especially dangerous,” said Don slowly. “The point wasn’t in such a position that it would have actually run into us. But he figured that we’d come in just at taps and jump into bed, landing on the points with enough force to make us squirm. The worst part of it all is that we can’t prove who did it.”
“From now on,” said Terry, his eyes narrowing, “we have got to keep a wary eye on that guy.”
“Yes,” nodded Don. “I guess he placed all three bayonets so that one of the disliked boys would be sure to get it. It would be funny if it had been me, who so far has done nothing to antagonize him.”
“If I catch him in any funny business I’ll sail right into him,” promised Jim, as they replaced the bayonets in the scabbards.
Taps rang out and the camp quieted down. In a moment the three boys drifted off to sleep.
4
Strange Tales from the Ridge
Three shots sounded from the east side of the camp. Almost on top of them three shots sounded from a point close by.
With the first shots the three friends stirred and woke up, listening while half asleep. But with the second three shots they rose up in their beds, wide awake.
Close at hand the sound of rapidly turning wheels reached their ears, accompanied by the beat of horses’ hoofs. Something metallic bumped and banged. A voice called out: “Corporal of the guard! Post Number Three!”
The boys jumped from their cots with one accord, reaching for their clothes.