lonel would give me Hail Columbia. Gus
has got himself into a mess, George. The first time he deserted he was
simply put into the guard-house and fined, but this escapade is going to
land him at Leavenworth. Now I will make you acquainted with our boys,
and then I will go down and tell Gus that you want to see him."

After the new scout had been introduced to the troopers, Bob raised the
trap-door and descended into the dug-out, while George opened his
pack-saddle and took out of it a tin cup and plate, a can of condensed
milk, a box or two of sardines and a few other delicacies, which he laid
upon the table beside the simple fare that Carey had just served up. By
the time he had finished the work of opening the cans with the aid of a
formidable-looking hunting-knife which he drew from his boot-leg, Bob
returned, followed by a soldier who looked so unlike the dashing,
fashionably-dressed Gus Robbins he had seen in company with his cousin
Ned that George could hardly bring himself to believe that he was the
same boy. He looked pale and haggard; and that was not to be wondered
at, for the prison at Fort Leavenworth was constantly looming up before
him.

George, as we know, had a very slight acquaintance with Gus Robbins,
having passed only a few hours in his company, and he was under no
obligations whatever to interest himself in his behalf; but when he saw
how utterly miserable he was, his heart bled for him, and he at once hit
upon a plan for getting him out of the trouble he had brought upon
himself. He greeted Gus very cordially, gave him a seat beside himself
at the table, and tried to put a little life into him by talking about
almost everything except life in the army.

The deserters must have thought that their captors felt very much elated
over their success, for a noisier party than that which was gathered
about that rough board table was never seen anywhere. Being almost
entirely free from military restraint--sergeants and corporals do not
hold their men with so tight a rein as the commissioned officers do,
although they exact just as prompt obedience to their commands--they
told stories and said witty things and sung songs until they were
hoarse. The additions to their larder which George had been able to
supply gave them a better supper than they were accustomed to, and they
were merry over it.

None of the members of Bob's squad had ever seen the new scout before,
and, although they treated him with the