forest, and they often glanced apprehensively toward the walls of
blackness which surrounded them. They were not cowards, for their
courage had been fully proved in many a hard fight. Even the Colonel
felt somewhat depressed as the night wore on. It seemed weird and
unnatural, this mode of warfare against a skulking enemy. If he could
only lead his men against the rebels out in the open it would have been
different. But this waiting for hours, and with no apparent method of
attack, was hard for him to endure.

The rangers, on the other hand, did not mind it in the least. This was
their life, and they took it as a matter of course. Dane, especially,
was at his ease. He was glad of the rest, as he had been on the move
all day. But he was anxious to get through with the job that he might
return to Jean. He had asked the Colonel about her, and they had
talked apart for some time.

"I hope she is not too much distressed over this affair," he said.

"She is naturally worried," was the reply. "But she has great
confidence in the rangers--and in you," he added after a slight pause.
"I agree with her, and feel greatly indebted to you and Pete for what
you have done. I hope we may be able to settle the rebels once and for
all."

"I don't think there is any doubt about it. So far, our plans have
worked without a hitch, and Davidson is an old reliable hand at such
work. Strategy with him is the main thing, and it has proven useful on
many occasions ere this. He always avoids bloodshed as far as
possible."