and let us attend to the rebels."

"I suppose I should have done that," and the Colonel sighed as he
paused for a minute on the brow of a hill they had just climbed. "But
I want to do my part. I did it during the war to the best of my
ability. Jean was proud of me then, and I do not want her to be
ashamed of me now."

Dane was about to reply when a slight sound from one of the rangers
sealed his lips. He knew that it spelled danger, and that caution was
needed.

"We are close to the lake," he whispered. "It is just over there. We
are to remain here for a while."

The men were glad enough to rest, so throwing themselves down upon the
ground, they refreshed themselves with some food. Anxiously they
awaited the coming of the dawn, and through a break in the trees they
often turned their eyes eastward. At length the far-off horizon rose
slowly into view, the darkness began to melt away, and objects about
them grew more distinct. This was the signal for them to continue
their journey, and once again they set their faces toward the lake. It
was easier travelling now, and seldom did any one stumble. This was
well, for the strictest silence had to be maintained as they neared
their goal. They were walking in single file, and the rangers were
doubly alert, peering here and there, and listening to every sound.

At length they separated, Dane going alone with the Colonel somewhat to
the right. Each ranger took one or two of the settlers, and in another
minute all had disappeared among the trees. Dane led the Colonel
slowly along, until presently an opening appeared before them.

"It is the lake," Dane whispered. "We must creep now to the edge of
the woods, and keep ourselves well hidden."

Dropping upon their hands and knees, they worked their way along until
they came right to the border of the forest. Here they stopped, and by
the dim light of the morning they could see before them a band of men
lying upon the shore, wrapped in their blankets. There were fifty or
more, including Indians, and they were sound asleep.

"We've got them this time, all right," Dane again whispered. "Here is
your gun; you may need it. We must now wait for Davidson to make the
next move."

It was a beautiful spot which the rebels had chosen for their place of
meeting. The lake was not large, but it lay like a gem amidst its
setting of great dark pines. The shore where the plotters were lying
was sandy, and from all appe