From the flashes, it could now be seen that Tip Branders was firing with a revolver in each hand.
The bullets came in so swift and close that Private Hal Overton expected, every instant, to be bowled over.
But still he fired deliberately, though he now strove to make each shot effective.
In a few moments he fired next to the last cartridge in his magazine, just as the furious revolver fusillade came to an end.
"O-o-oh!"
Then the young sentry felt, rather than saw, something topple over at the base of the tree.
Hal leaped up, at the same instant hearing some one run up behind him.
That brought the young sentry about like a flash.
"I'm Captain Ruggles, Sentry!" came the prompt hail, and Private Overton recognized the voice.
Then Hal wheeled the other way, rushing toward the tree, calling back as he ran: