Soon the deer were packed on the horses, old Benson having first cut some steaks from the smallest of the game, to leave behind.
"Take good care of yourselves while I am gone," he said on departing. "And you, Joe and Darry, mind what I told you about getting cornered." Then he was off, and a turn in the mountain trail soon hid him from view.
"A fine old fellow," was Joe's comment, when Benson was gone.
"He is that," answered the young captain. "I liked him from the first time I saw him, and I have never had cause to regret it. He is a good hunter, an excellent scout, and has done us many a good turn."
"What shall we do while he is absent?" questioned Darry.
"Oh, we can try our hand at small game and we can fish!" answered the young captain. "As it is, I reckon both of you would just as lief take it easy until morning."
"I would. That deer on me has made me feel sore all over."
They were soon in camp again, and while the boys rested Captain Moore stirred around and showed them how the soldiers prepared their meals. He cooked the steaks to a turn, and boiled a pot of coffee, and these, with some crackers they had brought along, made a most excellent meal. Being in no hurry, they took their time over the repast, and it was dark long before they finished.
"It's going to be a fine night, so we can sleep under the trees without fear," said the young captain.
"Don't you think some wild animals will attack us?"