"I am as dumb as a dead horse," replied Deck.
Both of them were laughing; and Deck hastened to a place where he could see over the crest of the hill, while the lieutenant divided his force for the two undertakings. In a few moments all was ready, and Tom joined his friend.
"It is time we were moving," said Deck.
"All is ready for you; and Fronklyn will take counsel of you when necessary," replied the lieutenant.
"Don't show yourself on the top of the hill, Tom; for that might let the cat out of the bag," added Deck.
The scout, as Deck considered himself for the present, joined the detachment detailed for the by-road, and led them into the wild region, Fronklyn remaining some distance behind him. The enemy were in a deep hollow, and the guide soon assured himself that the detachment could be neither seen nor heard by them. The sergeant advanced in response to his signals. A spur of the hill concealed them, and they galloped across the field, from which the crop had been harvested. He guided the force to a point beyond the farmer's house. Leaving the sergeant and his men where the buildings shut off the view of the hill road, Deck rode cautiously to the other side of the house.
"What you uns doin' here?" asked the farmer, showing himself from behind his barn.
"We are attending to our own business, and it wouldn't be a bad idea for you to do the same," replied Deck, who did not like the looks of the man.
"I reckon you uns is Confedrits," he added.