"Captain Freeman does not know, to a certainty, but he may suspect, and he may have men out to catch you."
"Thank you, sir. C Company's men won't get us if there's any way to prevent it."
"Join the company as soon as you can locate us, men. Firing may guide you, but, in that case, you'll have to avoid joining the wrong company."
Both young soldiers once more saluted. Then, with the message securely tucked in Hal's haversack, the bunkies started down the trail. They had not gone many yards ere they heard the orders for Cortland's company to fall in for the advance.
A mile of the distance Hal and Noll had covered when they encountered the slow-moving wagon train.
"Hello, rookies!" called Corporal Raynes banteringly. "Where are you headed."
"Yes, it's surely a fine day, Corporal," nodded Hal, as the two bunkies hurried on.
"That Overton kid is the one I must get hunk with before many days are over," grunted Raynes. "I must make him look as cheap with his company commander as he's made me look with mine."
When the wagon train had gone about two miles and a half further up the trail Corporal Raynes shook with his own chuckles.
He had run across his chance, and was shrewd enough to recognize it.