“That sounds as though you had made a plan of campaign, Captain,” Dick observed, with a pleased look that was only exceeded by the smile on the face of his companion.
“I have laid out a little scheme which I think may work well, and trap the guilty wretch in the toils,” explained the captain. “You remember the special mention made of guns and ammunition, which he was told to take with him, if he really believed his usefulness in the camp had come to an end? That gave me my clew.”
“The bait will be a stock of powder and ball, and perhaps several guns, unless I fail to catch your meaning, sir?” Dick continued.
“Before we go to sleep, to-night, I shall have three men, whose names I need not mention, know that there are several good guns, and quite a quantity of ammunition for them, in the supply tent where we keep our extra provisions. It is not guarded beyond the fact that sentries are posted outside the camp to watch for enemies. But to-night both of you boys, together with myself and Captain Clark, will be in hiding, ready to capture any one who ventures to enter that supply tent.”
“Thank you for thinking of us, sir,” exclaimed Roger, warmly.
“Why should I not do so, when the first intimation I received that there was a traitor in the camp came through you two boys? And, besides, you are more deeply interested in his capture and punishment than any of the others, because this unknown spy is working hand and glove with François Lascelles, who hates you most bitterly.”
“Tell us what to do, Captain, and you can rely on our working with you to the best of our ability,” Dick assured the commander, who smiled at him and went on to explain further.
“Understand then, that, later on, both of you, when not observed, are to take your guns and disappear. I will look to find you in that bunch of brush yonder to the right, and from that point we can watch the supply tent until something happens. I think the bait will be sufficiently attractive to tempt the man to make his move, meaning to steal the guns and ammunition, after which he hopes to leave us in the lurch. After we make sure that he is inside the tent, we can creep up and face him as he comes out laden with his booty. That is enough, since you understand,” with which the captain laughingly arose to his feet and sauntered away, leaving the boys thrilled through and through.