That was an inspiration, and without waiting to reply Alfred leaped the hedge and rushed across the field, followed by Ralph, and one of the men. They were half-way across the field before their fellow passengers realized the importance of the boys' actions.
The crest of the hill was reached but no one was in sight. They passed within fifty feet of the spot where they saw the smoke of the guns, and beyond, hidden in the trees was a farmhouse.
"Let's go up there?" said Ralph.
"Hello, boys!" said a suppressed voice. They turned around in astonishment.
"Where are you?" asked Ralph.
"That's Pierre, I'm sure," said Alfred.
"So it is," said Pierre, as he arose from a cozy position behind a rock. "Are any of the soldiers aboard?"
"No, no! they've gone," said Ralph. "Alfred gave them an awful fright."
"How's that?" asked Pierre.