Then, at a word from Hal,
the troop moved forward at a slow trot.
They rode for perhaps fifteen minutes, and so far Hal had seen no signs
of an enemy, nor was there any evidence that a large force had passed
that way recently. He turned to Stubbs.
"I see no sign of the enemy," he said. "Where were they?"
Stubbs motioned to the left.
"Beyond the woods, there, in an open field," he replied. "I didn't see
them, but I heard 'em, all right. They are probably lying in ambush, and
we shall all be killed."
Hal halted his men, and, dismounting, plunged into the woods to
investigate. At the edge of the woods he came upon a field, and there he
saw the "enemy" or at least what had caused Stubbs' fright. He broke into
a loud laugh, and hurried back.
"I have found the enemy," he said quietly. "Come, men, I shall show
them to you."
All dismounted, and Hal led the way, Stubbs following protestingly. At
the edge of the woods Hal stopped, and, taking Stubbs by the arm, led
him forward.
"There," he said, pointing, "is the enemy; and I don't believe they
chased you very far.
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