The Reds could not believe that so few men would advance with such confidence unless they momentarily expected large reinforcements, so, without attempting to stop them, they turned and ran. As their fire slackened, those who were returning from the valley saw them retreating, and the men in blue cheered—a long, derisive, parting cheer.
This charge ended the fight and won the day for the Blues.
* * * * * * * *
“Where are Hugh Hardin and Alec Sands?” inquired Denmead, a few hours later, when the divided armies had returned to their common camp on Oakvale meadows. “Hasn’t anyone seen them in camp?”
“No, sir,” replied Walter, giving the scout salute.
“Do they know we’re going back to our own camp to-day, by automobile as far as the railroad station nearest camp?”
“Yes, sir, they know it; but they haven’t showed up yet.”
“Can anything have happened to them, do you think, Chief?” queried Sam Winter.
“I should hardly suppose so. They may be lost in the woods; but, in that case, each one is capable of finding his way to Rainbow Lake, and thence to Pioneer Camp. However, if we don’t see them or receive any message from them before we start, I’ll send out a search-party, and we’ll make the trip home on foot, to see if we can find them.”