y man in it was
fastened upon the distant smoke. When it had ascended to such a height
that its top seemed lost in the clouds, it was suddenly cut loose from
the ground by some mysterious agency, and floated off into space. A few
seconds passed, and then two balloon-shaped clouds arose in quick
succession from the same spot, and George took note of the fact that
when the last one arose the captain looked at his watch. Another short
interval elapsed, and then two more clouds arose, and finally two more;
whereupon the captain gave his knee a ringing slap and consulted his
note-book.

"I knew I couldn't be mistaken," said he. "That's from Earle, and he is
about to communicate with me by courier.--Push ahead now, scout, for he
is on a hot trail. Hallo! have you found another?" he added as the
scout, instead of obeying the order to "push ahead," suddenly drew up
his horse and threw himself from his saddle. "How many have gone off
this time?"

"The same number," answered the scout, "an' they were goin' somewhar
too, for their ponies were movin' at full jump when they turned off
here. They're up to some trick or another, but I can't tell yet what it
is."

"Then we must find out, for it is our business to look into these little
things. I should like to know where this trail leads to, and I want--Let
me see."

The captain turned about and ran his eye over the column, which came to
a halt as soon as the commanding officer was seen to stop his horse. He
seemed to be in a quandary, out of which he was helped almost
immediately by the sight of a soldierly figure upon which his gaze
rested for a moment.

"He's the man I want," said the captain aloud.--"Ackerman, will you tell
Lieutenant Smith, who is now in command of Earle's troop, that I want to
see Corporal Owens?"

"Certainly, sir. May I go with him?" replied George, who knew in a
moment that there was something in the wind.

The captain nodded assent, and George galloped back to the column. When
he returned Bob Owens rode at his side. The captain was writing--copying
something upon a piece of paper from his note-book--but he stopped long
enough to return Bob's salute, although he did not say anything to him.
Seeing that the officer's horse was growing restive at the delay, and
that by his constant pawing and tossing of his head he disturbed his
rider, who did his writing while seated in the saddle, Bob dismounted
and took the animal by the bridle, and the troopers who