The three friends turned in in the officer's own tent and soon were fast asleep, their desperate mission of the morrow weighing not at all upon their minds. They were too seasoned veterans for that.
Half an hour before daybreak they were aroused. All were perfectly wide awake in a moment and donned their civilian clothes. Then they left the tent and joined the Italian officer, where he awaited their coming and explained to the officer of a squadron of cavalry what was expected of him.
The latter nodded his understanding of the order and repeated it to his men.
It was cool in the early morning air, close to the mountains as they were, and the boys shivered a bit. Both were anxious for the time for action.
A faint tinge of gray streaked the eastern sky; and gradually it grew brighter.
"Well, guess we may as well be on our way," said the colonel. "Have you got our horses?"
The animals were led up at a command from the Italian officer. The three swung themselves to the saddles.
"Ready?" queried the colonel, gazing carefully around.
"All ready," came the reply.
"Good! Here we go then," and the colonel set off at a gallop, his revolver in his hand. Hal and Chester spurred after him.