"Worse and worse!" groaned the old scout. "Who is in command here?"
"Captain Lee. But he's about half sick, too."
"It's a trick of the enemy!" cried Darry.
"A trick?" queried the guard with interest.
"Yes, a trick," put in Joe. "Benson, hadn't they better sound the alarm?"
"Yes, and I'll interview Captain Lee."
No more was said, and, while the sentinel called the corporal of the guard, the old scout hurried off to find the captain in command. With him went Joe and Darry. Joe's heart was like a lump of lead, for he was much concerned over the non-appearance of his brother. Had the captain met the Indians and been killed or taken prisoner?
Captain Lee was in a sound sleep, but quickly roused up when told that an important message awaited him. He met the party in one of the living rooms of the fort. His head was tied up in a wet towel, and his eyes showed that he was suffering.
"This is certainly a deep-laid plot," he said, when all had told their story. "The desperadoes and Indians intend to combine in an attack on the fort. Mose is undoubtedly that wily old half-breed who is still alive and who is very thick with White Ox. But I didn't know he could write."
"But what about this money at the fort?" asked Joe.