They chatted a little while with Mr. Prenter, outside, and then Dick rose at Tom's signal.
"We must be starting," said Reade. "I don't know just what we're going to do to-night, but we have miles to cover I'm afraid."
"Being an army officer, Dick, you've got a pistol, of course," suggested
Harry hopefully.
"I've a brace of them," nodded the army man.
"Good!" cheered Harry.
"But both of them, unloaded at that, are in my trunks at Mobile," laughed Dick, whereat Tom chuckled. Harry Hazelton was much inclined to want to carry a pistol in times of danger, but Tom didn't believe in any such habit.
"I thought soldiers went armed," muttered Hazelton ruefully.
"Only when on duty," Dick informed him.
Nicolas wistfully watched Reade out of sight. The Mexican had been ordered to remain at home to-night, and on no account to think of following his employer. That didn't at all agree with the faithful fellow's wishes.
"They'll be sure to get into some trouble, Senor Hazelton," Nicolas said mournfully. "I should be on their flank, watching over them."