"I want a little talk with you in private, Benson," said the young officer.
"Yes, captain."
"I know you've been wondering why I didn't send you to Fort Prescott instead of sending Hank Leeson."
"You had a right to do as you pleased, captain."
"The truth of the matter is, Benson, I wanted you here. You brought Joe and Darry to the fort, and those two boys need looking after. We are going to have a fight, sooner or later. We may win, and if we do, all right. But if we don't——"
"You want me to stand by the boys to the last?" put in the old scout quickly.
"I do, Benson; and, no matter what comes, I want you to promise to do your level best to save them, and see them safe back to the East. If the worst comes I am willing to die fighting, but Joe must get out of it somehow. If he doesn't it will break my mother's heart. And you must do as well by Darry, for he is an only child."
The eyes of the old scout and the young captain met. Then Benson put out his hand, which Captain Moore quickly grasped.
"I understand, captain. I'll do my best, and if those lads don't get away it will be because Sam Benson aint alive to take 'em."
"As you are not a soldier you have a right to leave the fort as quickly as you please," went on the young captain. "Therefore, if you see the tide of battle turning against us, don't wait, but get the boys away as speedily and as secretly as you can."