And they pursued their way in silence, until the forest grew thinner, and they seemed to be approaching a clearing.
“I see lights gleaming through the distance. Can they be the campfires of the Free Sword?” inquired Goldsborough.
“Yes, Colonel, I think so,” answered Mutchison, as they emerged from the thicket into a small, open space.
The next moment they came upon a picket guard, and were challenged.
“Who goes there?”
“Friends!” answered the colonel.
“Advance, friends, and give the countersign.”
“I don’t know your countersign, but you know me well enough, Robinson. I am Colonel Goldsborough.”
“Very sorry, Colonel, but I can’t let you pass without the countersign.”
“I am on a visit to your chief, in answer to his repeated invitations.”