“Sir,” replied the scout, with the utmost deference and respect.
“Understand my purpose. I am going to the stockade where the pay-master and his escort are, and where I requested him to remain until he heard from me.”
“Have you seen him?” asked Somers.
“I have; he has sent to the next post for more men. They must have reached him by this time. Now, Somers, if we are smart, we will report to the general before night with the pay-master, and these guerillas as prisoners. We have got things now where we can have it our own way, and it will be our fault if we don’t bag the whole squad.”
“If the pay-master has a hundred men, we can take them at once,” said Somers.
“I propose to haul in the whole company—those at Raybold’s as well as those with Lynchman. We have no time to lose,” continued the major, with increased energy. “Somers, you must go to Raybold’s, and deliver the message given you by the captain.”
“I’m willing,” replied Somers, taking from his pocket the papers he had removed from the body of Skinley. “I have the captain’s written order in my hand.”
“Good! Kill your horse, if necessary; but don’t lose an instant of time. Away with you!”
“But I don’t know the road.”
De Banyan instructed him very carefully in regard to his route.