“Yes, sir,� said Tom, without the least boy desire to describe what was a bold and dangerous adventure.

“Never mind your story now. Captain McLane will tell me later. You are a brave lad, and if God had given me one like you I should have been glad.�

Tom felt somehow that he was well rewarded.

“But,� added the tall man, setting kind, blue eyes on the lad, “this will make a great stir, and you will, I fear, suffer for it when you reach home.�

“Yes, sir,� said Tom. “And the twins?�

“Twins? What’s this, McLane?�

“There were three in the business,� said the Captain.

“Indeed. I wish there were as much spirit in the army.�

“After all, sir,� said McLane, “what can they do to a mere boy whose horses ran away?�

“But how are they to get to the city?�