For an hour they continued on their way, and then suddenly the force began to increase as men appeared from other directions and joined the main body.
Although the girls did not know it, these were the same men who had scattered at the first sign of pursuit. They had made a detour to throw the pursuers off the track.
At last the commander called a halt. Then he approached the two girls.
“I guess I had better explain why I insisted on your coming with us,” he said with a pleasant smile.
CHAPTER XV.—AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE.
“If you please,” said Shirley.
The officer gazed at both girls admiringly.
“You take it coolly enough,” he declared. “Many in your places would be badly frightened.”
“Surely there is nothing to be afraid of,” said Mabel, determined to show as bold a front as possible.
“No,” said the officer, “there isn’t.” He looked at them closely. “I wonder if either of you happen to know who I am?” he asked.