"Ay, ay, colonel," added Jack.
"Spoken like true soldiers. I know I can depend on you. Now name the number of men you want to go with you, and I will have them detailed at once. Remember you are to have command of the squad, with your friend as deputy."
"I assure you, colonel, we appreciate the honor. I think three men will be sufficient. A small body of men can go where a large one would be likely to attract attention."
"Good! My scouts dare not stir out of their hammocks without an army is at their heels. How soon can you be ready to report, sergeant?"
"In half an hour, colonel."
"Thank you, sergeant. That will give me time to detain [Transcriber's note: detail?] the men, and I will see that you have the best in the regiment. By the way, sergeant, I wish to say that I have received as yet no reply from General Castro, but I probably shall before you get back. I would also add that I expect to move to Baracoa in the morning, where I shall await news from you."
"Well, Jack, what do you think of this?" asked Ronie, as soon as they had left the presence of Colonel Marchand.
"Looks as if we were going to taste of real warfare," replied Jack. "I can't say that I am sorry, for as long as we cannot go ahead with our work it will serve to break the monotony."
"If I only knew that mother was safely at home, and Harrie was with us, I really think I should enjoy it. If there was only some way I could get a letter sent to her, I would write to mother in New York, hit or miss."
"Perhaps the colonel will have a chance to get it to the capital," suggested Jack. "If you want to write it, I will see that everything is got in readiness for our start."