"Yes, the way he nabbed that German was just fine; he had very little data upon which to go, and it seems that this man Werter has been on the loose for weeks. Nancarrow, however, spotted him, and now he will not do any more spying. If Nancarrow doesn't get killed, he will be of great service to us."
"We'll give him every chance," was the General's reply, "and if what you have told me is a true indication of his quality, he shall not lack for opportunity."
This was probably why, a few days later, Bob was placed in command of a number of men to do outpost duty in the direction of the enemies' lines.
For three days the English had been preparing for an attack which they hoped might be of considerable importance, but it was vital to the fulfilment of their plans that they should not be in any way surprised before they were ready.
It was well known that the Germans were in strong force close by, and that any false step might prove disastrous.
It was late in the evening when Bob and the men placed under his command found themselves at the post which had been allotted to them. All round them was wooded country, which made observation difficult, but which also sheltered them from the enemies' fire.
"Anything may happen here, sir," said a young non-commissioned officer to Bob.
"Still things seem pretty quiet; we may as well feed now."
Bob was on good terms with his men, and while he never slackened discipline in the slightest degree, he tried to be friendly with all. He ate the same food and partook of the same danger—never in any degree commanding them to do what he himself shirked.
The little meal was nearly over, and Bob was taking his last drink of tea out of a tin can, when he caught a sound which brought him quickly to his feet.