"Noll, the company is at supper now. The men have something especial to think of while they're eating. If we just lounge through the camp together, with our hats well forward over our faces, and keep from going too close to the groups, I don't believe any one will give us any thought, or recognize us in the dark. Understand, we'll just saunter until we get outside the lines. Then we'll vanish and duck as softly and swiftly as we can."
"By Jove, it's worth trying!" glowed Noll.
"Yes; because it's the only single chance there is of our getting back to B Company in time with the news. Wait—and watch!"
First Hal carefully took his own bayonet from the muzzle of his rifle, returning it to place at his belt. Then, on hands and knees, he crept forward to the mouth of the cave, cautiously peering beyond.
At last he signaled back.
In another moment Noll was by his side.
"Now, step out, old fellow," whispered Hal, rising. "Don't betray any sign of trying to escape attention. But, if you're spoken to, make believe you don't hear. Keep up your nerve, bunkie! This is real work for good old B Company and victory!"
In another instant the two soldier boys stepped carelessly out into plain sight, their sombreros drawn well down over their eyes.
C Company was just ahead at supper. As nonchalantly as possible the two young soldiers of B Company began their leisurely stroll through the "hostile" camp of C Company.
Could they hope to "get away" with this daring trick?