Scouts had been sent out on either flank. The line moved slowly, as though fearing the presence of an actual enemy. There were frequent halts. At one time, while the line waited, Lieutenant Prescott took a detachment of twelve men to explore the country ahead. When he returned, reporting no enemy developed, B Company moved forward, though never without point and flankers.
At noon B Company, still having stirred up no enemy, halted for dinner.
Captain Cortland and his two young officers got through their meal with soldierly despatch. Then the company commander called to Sergeant Gray, who reported, saluting.
"Sergeant, direct Corporal Cotter to bring his prisoner here."
Seated on a small boulder, the captain eyed young Overton keenly as the latter was brought up.
"Private Overton," began Cortland, "have you yet discovered, or really suspected, how your rifle bolt came to be in such bad shape?"
"No, sir," replied Hal, again saluting.
"At first glance it looked like a case of sheer neglect on your part to care for your piece."
"Yes, sir."
"But those file marks?"