Captain Moore carried the rifle, hunting-knife, and what was left of the meat, and also insisted upon having the private lean on his arm. In this fashion two miles were covered by noon, when they came to a rest under the shade of a big tree. Peck was pale, and showed plainly that the exertion had done him no good.
"Hardest walking I ever did," he admitted, as he stretched himself at full length. It was his will-power alone that had kept him up.
"Well, we are gaining," said Captain Moore cheerfully. "Three miles more will see us through."
"If the enemy don't gobble us in the meantime."
"The Indians are nowhere in sight."
"They won't be showing themselves if they can help it. They spring on us——Hark!"
Peck broke off short, and both listened.
"Somebody is coming this way!" whispered the young officer. "Come, we must get out of sight!"
He took the wounded soldier by the hand, and with all speed the pair crept into some brushwood behind the big tree. In the meantime the foot-steps of the unknown party came closer.
As the man came into view, Captain Moore let out a shout which was full of joy.