There was a commotion at the guard quarters; and before Artie had roused the bugler from his slumbers, he was called by the officer of the day. Was Major Lyon awake? He was, for he had called his orderly.
"Inform him at once that the sentinel from the by-road reports the disappearance of the enemy in the bog," said the officer.
As soon as he received the information, the major hastened to the guard tent, where the sentinel who had brought the news was detained. The trooper repeated his information to the commander. It was hardly light enough in the bog to see anything, but he and his mate had satisfied themselves that the Rangers had all disappeared; but of how or where they had made their escape he had no knowledge.
"Did you hear no noise of any kind?" asked the major.
"Nothing at all; it was as still as a tomb all the time I was on guard," replied the sentinel. "We were not sure they were gone till we walked out a piece on the meadow, and found the hay, of which they had made a road to solid ground; but it did not lead to the causeway."
"Where did it lead?" demanded the major.
"In the direction of the farmer's house; but we did not follow it, for it was decided that I should come up to the camp and report what we had found out."
"Who was with you, More?" asked the officer of the guard.
"Bunch; and he was to follow the hay-road after I left him," replied the sentinel.
Major Lyon was very prompt in deciding upon his action, and the first company was soon in line, and ready to march. Deck belonged in one of its ranks, and Artie was in close attendance upon the commander. As the former had conducted the detachment "across lots" the afternoon before, the major sent for him; and the two young soldiers rode side by side behind their father, who had Captain Gordon at his side.