"I am, God help me," the youth answered. "It's what I'd call a hell of a night."
The sentinel passed close by Jack on his way to his post. The latter crept away and followed, gradually closing in upon his quarry. When they were well away from the fire, Jack came close and called, "Bill."
The sentinel stopped and faced about.
"You've forgotten something," said Jack, in a genial tone.
"What is it?"
"Your caution," Jack answered, with his pistol against the breast of his enemy. "I shall have to kill you if you call or fail to obey me. Give me the rifle and go on ahead. When I say gee go to the right, haw to the left."
So the capture was made, and on the way out Jack picked up the sentinel who stood waiting to be relieved and took both men into camp.
From documents on the person of one of these young Britishers, it appeared that General Clarke was in command of a brigade behind the lines which Jack had been watching and robbing.
When Jack delivered his report the Chief called him a brave lad and said:
"It is valuable information you have brought to me. Do not speak of it. Let me warn you. Captain, that from now on they will try to trap you. Perhaps, even, you may look for daring enterprises on that part of their line."