"I come to beseech you that you allow my poor fellows to come inside your lines. You know me, Corporal, and know that we're all right."
"Yes, bring your men inside our line," decided Corporal Duxbridge. "I'll vouch for you, Señor Davo, to our commanding officer."
Protesting his undying gratitude, Davo went below for his men, and brought them inside the lines, a sorry looking lot of fellows who at once threw themselves down as if to sleep.
"You'll notify Sergeant Overton, of course?" suggested the soldier who had first halted Davo.
"You mind your business, Strong," Corporal Duxbridge rebuked him. "I'll notify the sergeant in good time."
But Hal, as it happened, was nearer than had been imagined. Unobserved he had listened to the whole conversation. Now, Overton hastened silently away, awaking Lieutenant Holmes and ten soldiers. Without undue haste these marched down on Duxbridge's station.
"Halt! Who goes there?"
"The officer of the day and the sergeant of the guard," came the response, in Lieutenant Holmes's crisp tones.
"Advance, sir."
The seven new arrivals lay on the ground, apparently sound asleep. Davo had his hat over his face, and was snoring lightly.