"Coming, sir, with the sergeant of the guard."
At this moment Sergeant Collins stepped forward into the light.
"These are the two recruits, sir, who caught the prisoner," announced Sergeant Collins, making the rifle salute.
"Your names and company, men?" asked Lieutenant Mayberry.
"Private Overton, A Company, sir," replied Hal, saluting.
"Private Terry, A Company, sir," from Noll.
"How long have you men been on post?" asked the officer of the guard.
"Since about noon, to-day, sir." Hal was spokesman this time.
"And you've already started your Army career by catching a man in the act of desertion?" cried the lieutenant. "Men, you're beginning well. Corporal, lock the prisoner in a cell. Then report to me at my desk. Sergeant, bring Privates Overton and Terry inside with you."
Hal and Noll, the sergeant and the corporal soon stood grouped before the desk of the officer of the day. Sergeant Collins had turned over the revolver that Private Hal had taken from Shrimp.