"Bunkie, we're pickled!"

Noll pressed his comrade's arm understandingly.

"Pickled and sealed in jars," Hal's whisper continued. "C Company is camping here, and we'll be prisoners inside of a minute. And, great Scott—C Company eats the bear steaks!"


CHAPTER VIII
IN THE MIDST OF THE "HOSTILES"

IT was a pretty fix, indeed!

"Confound that lying old hunter down at the cabin!" ground Noll wrathfully behind his teeth.

Then both bunkies from B Company held their very breath.

Out beyond the ledge, near the mouth of the cave, a figure paced. Hal, as his eyes became accustomed to the darkness, was sure that this man was Captain Freeman. Just a little later the young soldier was sure of it, for another figure approached and saluted.