"Take care of yourselves, men!"
"Yes, sir."
"We'll watch and listen until you get safely away. If any trouble starts near here hold your ground and rely upon my sending men to your aid."
"Very good, sir."
Lieutenant Prescott and Sergeant Overton watched the two soldiers step over the entrenchment, crouch, and vanish into the darkness.
"I hope they get through," sighed the young officer. "By the way, Sergeant, from the fact of your recommending the men I didn't ask you whether either man is likely to drink any intoxicant at Bontac and unfit himself for the return."
"Neither man touches liquor, sir."
"Then they're to be depended upon. I never trust work of importance to a man who drinks."
"There's a bed in the house for you, whenever you wish it to-night," announced Mr. Seaforth, stepping outside.
"Thank you, sir, but when in the field I sleep with my men. I shall spread my poncho and blanket on the ground presently. Sergeant Overton, I leave you in command until half past one in the morning. At that hour rouse me, report, and then turn in yourself."