"What very boyish youngsters those two sergeants are," remarked Midshipman Darrin.
"Young, yes, but as seasoned and good men as we have in the company or the regiment," replied Lieutenant Prescott.
"They certainly look like fine soldiers," agreed Midshipman Dalzell.
"They'll look very much like fine young officers, one of these days, or I miss my guess by a mile," answered Prescott. "Colonel North is very proud of these two boys, and so are Major Silsbee and Captain Cortland."
In the morning the three wounded men were placed in one of the two wagons belonging to camp. Though their hands were left free, all three had their feet shackled to staples inside the wagon.
The other five prisoners stood sulkily behind the wagon. Noll assembled the guard at the side of the trail.
"Climb up on the wagon, hospital man," called Noll. "Start ahead, driver. Squad, by twos, right, forward march."
Then the party started out.
Two of the remaining soldiers were detailed for camp, as usual. The other enlisted men went off in a hunting party by themselves.
All except Sergeant Hal. He had been invited to go with Lieutenant Prescott and the latter's friends, and had gladly accepted.