"We welcome you to our camp," said young Captain Colden, with dignity.

Captain Colden sat down on a log and waited for them to state their wants.

"We thank you, Captain Colden," he said, "for the offer of supper and bed, but I must say to you, sir, that it's no time for either.

You and your force, Captain Colden, are surrounded already.

"Beyond a doubt and we must be prepared to meet them." Colden took a few steps back and forth, and then, like the brave young man he was, he swallowed his pride.

" "Then," said Captain Colden briskly, "we'll occupy it inside of five minutes.

"Sir," said young Captain Colden, again putting down his pride, "I beg to thank you and your comrades.

" Captain James Colden had his share of pride, and much faith in himself, but he had nobility of soul, too.

" "Yes, I can make out some movement there," said Colden.

You'll have to guard most, Captain Colden, against the temper of your troop.

" Captain Colden, adhering to his resolution to take the advice of his new friends, crept along the line, telling the men in sharp whispers to hug the earth, a command that they obeyed willingly, as the darkness, the silence and the mysterious nature of the danger had begun to weigh heavily upon their nerves.

Colden looked at him, and then at Willet, who nodded.

"I think he has slain more of our enemies than the rest of us combined," said Captain Colden.

They talked also of victory, and, knowing that it was only two or three hours until dawn, Captain Colden's spirits rose to great heights.

"I'm sure Captain Colden would receive your surrender and treat you well.

My force is very much greater than Captain Colden's, and has him hemmed in.

" "I don't think it necessary to consult Captain Colden, and without doing

You're quite sure you don't wish to consult your superior officer, Captain Colden?" "Absolutely sure.

Young Captain Colden was in good spirits.

Captain Colden did not forget to be grateful to Willet for his insistence that the soldiers should always lie low, as the hostile lead, instead of striking, now merely sent a harmless shower upon them.

At the advice of Willet, Captain Colden would not let his men reply, restraining their eagerness, and silence soon returned.

Captain Colden saw that it was taken, although two more of his men were slain as they advanced and several were wounded.

" "It's a just view you take, Captain Colden," said Willet.

The task before Captain Colden's slender force was full of danger.

" Captain Colden was glad to take his advice, and the white youth and the red went forward silently through the forest, hearing the sound of cheerful voices, as they drew near to the campfire which was a large one blazing brightly.