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Dewey, quick as a wink, saw the ruse. The other two, confused and frightened, dashed across to their tent and hid, wondering what was up, what Texas was trying to do. But Dewey slid into the blankets that made Mark's "bed," drew the sheet over him, all but his head, and then lay still, gasping and trembling like a leaf.
Texas and the other two sprang for their places and imitated him. And an instant later the white light of the officer's lantern flashed into the tent.
The four held their breath; their hearts fairly ceased to beat as the tac glanced around. He saw a tent undisturbed; he saw Texas, and the Parson and Sleepy; and he saw the brown curly hair of the fourth occupant, lying upon his stomach, his face turned away from the light.
A second more and he pa.s.sed on; and the four almost fainted with the reaction of relief.
It was not over yet, though. "Allen" had two more tents to visit up that row, and then he would turn to B Company. Texas peered out and watched him reach the last tent, and then uttered a whispered "Now!"
Quick as a flash, Dewey slid under the wall at the rear, whisked across the open s.p.a.ce, and dived into his own tent--safe!
The camp settled down into quietness a few minutes after that. But the six never slept another wink. Mark had escaped that danger, he was safe for a moment. But another alarm might come any moment! And reveille was sure to come in a few hours! And where was Mark?
Texas, ever sly, had become suspicious by that time; ever bold and faithful, he lost not a moment in hesitation. He left camp again! He ran straight to Mary Adams' house, and from it straight out the path he had seen the two take. It was a forlorn hope, but it met with fulfillment.
Texas heard a low groan, the only signal Mark could make when he heard the step of a possible rescuer.
And in half an hour more Mark Mallory was back in camp again, safe, telling to his furious friends the tale of his betrayal and hearing from them the tale of his "escape."
"We must get square, b'gee!" cried Dewey.
"Yes, we must get square, by Zeus!" came from the Parson.
"Give me time, boys, give me time," put in Mark. "I will think up a plan."
"Gosh, but it was a night o' nights," was the comment from Texas. "But we fooled them ole yearlin's nicely, didn't we?"
"Oh, they can't down us," chimed in Dewey. "We'll go 'em one better, b'gee, every time, b'gee!"
And the Banded Seven agreed to a man.
THE END.
