“No matter; it’s important, all the same. The thing that puzzled me was: Why did they choose this spot so near our lines for their meeting just now?”
“Perhaps they couldn’t arrange for a safer place.”
“Come on, Sam, let’s go back. We’ve got to tell what we’ve just learned.”
A few strokes carried them to the edge of the pool; they scrambled out, dressed hastily, and hurried to the tent where Lieutenant Denmead was sleeping.
“Hate to wake you up, sir,” said Hugh, when they entered.
“But we’ve got most important news!” supplemented Sam, forgetting his previous scoffing at the war game.
“Let’s hear it, boys,” said Denmead, sitting up attentively.
They told him, not hesitating to confess their breach of discipline in stealing out of camp for a swim. When they had finished, the Scout Master smiled.
“The importance of the news excuses the offense—this once,” he said grimly. “Go back to your cots and get a few hours of good sound sleep in preparation for the work cut out for you to-morrow. But report this plan to Major Brookfield, the first thing you do. I’ll go with you now.”
* * * * * * * *