Without losing any time he swiftly, yet silently advanced toward the forsaken buildings, being careful to keep under the cover of the trees.
His followers closely imitated his example, and a few minutes later, without having met with any renewed cause of alarm, they gained the summit.
Under the giant pine Lieutenant Boggs ordered a halt.
“One of us had better climb the tree. If I mistake not, from its top the camp of the Yanks will be in plain view. You are the man to do it,” he concluded, turning to Cavalry Curt.
The words in themselves were innocent enough, but they were no sooner spoken than the scout instantly interpreted a double meaning.
He saw Lieutenant Boggs and the deserter exchange significant glances, and all at once it flashed through his mind that his identity had been discovered!
He had been betrayed!
It was evidently a part of the plans of his foes to get him into the tree, where he would be at their mercy.
A hurried glance around showed that there was no way for him to escape.
He must either climb the tree or refuse to obey the order. In the latter case he would only hasten the crisis without bringing any especial benefit to himself.