CHAPTER XXIII
THE STIRRING GAME AT DAWN
"THERE is the ledge, sir, right in yonder," announced Hal, peering through the darkness. A wind was coming up and the stars had faded. It was in the darkest hour before dawn.
Captain Cortland stepped back, holding out one hand as a signal.
Sergeant Hupner saw, and halted his detachment, marching almost without a sound.
"Remain here, guides, with the detachment," directed the company commander, in a whisper. "Sergeant Hupner, you and I will go forward and reconnoitre."
As soon as the officer and the non-commissioned officer had departed Private Bill Hooper growled out:
"What kind of a fool chase is this you've got us into, Overton?"
"Silence in the ranks," hissed Corporal Cotter sharply. "Not a word!"
Fifteen minutes later Captain Cortland and the sergeant returned.