It was Darry who spoke, as he and Joe were eating an early supper that night, in one corner of the messroom.
"If the scheme is good for anything let Will have it by all means," answered his cousin. "Heaven knows we need all the help we can get!"
"My scheme is this," went on Darry. "Those Indians and the desperadoes must know something of our sending off for re-enforcements. Now why can't Will send out old Benson and a few others, to steal off for several miles and light camp-fires, blow bugles, and all that, to make the enemy think the re-enforcements are close at hand?"
Joe clapped his hands. "That's a grand scheme!" he cried. "Let's speak to Will about it at once."
The supper was soon finished, and they sought out the young captain, who was dividing up his force for guard duty during the night.
"I was thinking of such a scheme myself," he said, when he had heard them. "And old Benson suggested it, too. Perhaps I'll do it."
"If old Benson goes can't I go with him?" asked Joe quickly.
"And let me go too," put in Darry. "You won't miss us as much as you would miss two of your regulars."
At this the young captain grew grave. "Old Benson said he would like to take you along. Perhaps it would be best, too." He paused. "You see, they may fall on the fort to-night and wipe us out completely."
"Oh, Will, do you really believe that?"