"Hooroo! By Jingo we aer," the men shouted.
"We'd do it better if we had horses with us," one of them said. "Say, pard, you've been having gay times with the enemy; what's your opinion on the case?"
"I fancy that we are better as we are," Hal answered, with assurance. "You see, I know the country hereabouts; it is densely covered with bush, in which animals would be worse than useless, for they would stand clear against the green, and would show where we were lying. Without them we shall be more efficient scouts."
"Pass the word there for Trooper Marchant," the sergeant now shouted.
"What is it? Here I am," Hal answered, stepping forward.
"You are acquainted with these parts, I hear?" the sergeant answered.
"Yes, I have ridden through the bush more than once. What then?"
"The general'll be oblee-e-ged to yer ef you'll get ahead of the column and lead the way. We're kind er strangers here, yer see."
"I'll do what I can," Hal answered briskly, being overjoyed at the prospect. "I suppose my friend can come along too? He knows the country much better than I do."
"In course he can. Now, you'll be ready early, that's the order."