Private Slosson, holding his eye and feeling weak and dizzy, shouted:
"Some one run after Hinkey, B Company, and catch him!"
The call brought several men, among them Lieutenant Hampton, of B Company.
"What has Hinkey done?" demanded the lieutenant, running up.
"He knocked me down, and then deserted, sir."
"Why, my man?"
"Because he fixed the tree trunk in the way that nearly cost Sergeant Overton his life, and I just showed Hinkey that I had all the proof. You'll not see the fellow again, sir, unless you're swift."
Lieutenant Hampton bounded to the gateway. Down the street he saw Private Hinkey, running like a deer and already near a street corner.
Hal Overton was the only sergeant close enough for the lieutenant's purpose.
"Sergeant Overton, take four men, pursue Hinkey and bring him back here," ordered Lieutenant Hampton.