"What did you tell mother? Where did you say we were going?" asked Hal.
"I told her we were going out—I didn't say where," was the answer. "I'm something of a strategist myself, you know."
"I see you are," replied Chester.
"Now I want you boys to understand that I am under your orders," said Uncle John. "You are older heads at this game than I am. I am willing to obey orders."
"Which is the first essential of every good soldier," said Chester quietly.
"By the way," said Uncle John, patting his pocket, "this is the first time I have had a gun in my hands for a good many years. However, I used to be able to hit the side of a barn. I guess I haven't forgotten. Do you think we shall have to do any shooting?"
"I hope not," said Hal, "but you never can tell."
Uncle John lapsed into silence and the three made their way along slowly.
The hour was early, and, as Hal had said, there was no rush.
"Have you formed any definite plan?" asked Chester of Hal, as they walked along.
"Well, no," was the reply. "We shall have to let events shape themselves."