Finding they could do no better they descended one by one to surrender themselves as prisoners of war.
Lieutenant Boggs swore at a fearful rate until threatened with a gag when he relapsed into silence.
When Curt had securely bound the last of the squad, the scouts resolved to march with them to the camp of McPherson.
Who can blame them if they felt a bit proud of their capture, while the Confederates gnashed their teeth with rage, inwardly vowing that they would get even with their doughty captors.
Leaving the scouts to reach the Northern lines with their prize in safety, we must turn to follow the fortunes of others of our actors in this drama of war.
CHAPTER XVI.
WAS IT TREASON?
Sad, anxious days to Mara Morland followed her return from that eventful trip to Dalton.
Her grandfather sank fast from the wound he received that morning and it soon became evident, even to Mara, that he had but a few hours to live.
“I do not mind dying,” he said. “I have lived far beyond the age of man, and I have felt I must soon be called home. It is for you that I fear, my child. I dare not contemplate your fate.”
She tried to brighten his spirits with words of cheer.