"Two burds at one stone," volunteered Tim, smilingly.
"These two fellows are up to something," interrupted the southerner, running up at that minute. "I heard one of them say that he had a good idea, so they must be planning to escape."
The major looked from the speaker to the two boys. They were smiling innocently.
"We had two good ideas, begging your pardon," explained Tom. "One we explained to this young man and the other one to you."
"They were both all right, I think," said the major. "And I think, as these boys are in my charge at the present time, Mr. Wilson, you had better leave them undisturbed in the future. It looks as if it would be better for both of you."
"But," sputtered the excited fellow, "they insulted me, they——"
"We'll discuss that at another time," said the officer, coldly. "You may go now," he added, turning to the boys.
They withdrew and returned to the busy camp of soldiers who inquired how the "old man" had taken the affair. All expressed their pleasure at the way the boys had handled the arrogant young civilian.