Then the soldiers were treated to the unexpected spectacle of their lieutenant embracing the two young men in corduroy.
Soon after, however, Mr. Prescott wheeled about, one friend on either side of him.
"Attention! Men, the gentleman on my right is Midshipman David Darrin, United States Navy, and the gentleman on my left, Midshipman Daniel Dalzell, also of the Navy. They are to be treated with all the respect and courtesy due to their rank."
Readers of the "High School Boys' Series" and of the "Annapolis Series" will recall these two splendid young Naval officers, first as High School athletes, and later among the most famous of the midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy.
"But how on earth did a lucky wind come up to blow you out this way?" asked Lieutenant Prescott.
"Good fortune ruled it that we should be assigned to duty on the China station," replied Midshipman Darrin. "So we're journeying across the continent to San Francisco, on our way. But our orders allowed us time enough to stop over a fortnight on the way. Dick, did you imagine we'd go through Colorado without stopping to see you?"
"Of course not," glowed Lieutenant Prescott. "When did you arrive at Clowdry?"
"Day before yesterday. Ever since then we've been on the way. As soon as we reached the end of the rail part of the journey here we engaged Mr. Sanderson as our guide. While coming along this afternoon we saw something like helio signals flashing in the air. The message was one for help, so we hustled along, our guide piloting. And, from some things I've heard and observed since arrival, Dick, I imagine we got here just about in time."
"As you always did," laughed Lieutenant Prescott. "But, now that I've got my breath back from my delight—Sergeant Overton, what is the meaning of prisoners in camp? And where did you find Hinkey?"
"Didn't you hear quite a lot of firing, sir?" asked Sergeant Hal.