"Captain, I have to report that I have placed the guard as you directed."
"That's Lieutenant Holmes. Pretty nearly as fine a fellow as our own second lieutenant, Prescott," thought Hal.
"You impressed upon each of the men the cautions that I want observed?" queried Captain Freeman.
"Yes, sir," answered Lieutenant Holmes, "and I took the liberty of adding another caution on my own account."
"What was that, Mr. Holmes?"
"I told each member of the guard, when I left him, to look well to it that that young scout of B Company, Overton, didn't get his rifle."
Captain Freeman laughed quietly, then added:
"Overton is a very capable young soldier, Mr. Holmes, and a good man in the service. But just now, while these manœuvres are on, I'd like to make a prisoner of him, I can tell you."
"Wouldn't you, though?" shivered Hal, listening from where he crouched, while Noll pressed his bunkie's arm again. "And I'm very much afraid, captain, that you're likely to have your wish!"
"Ah, here comes the other member of our council. Good evening, Ray."