rtook it George rode
up beside the captain, and the Brindles, without creating the least
confusion, fell into their usual places--all except Bob Owens, who did
not belong in the ranks any longer. Being second sergeant, his place was
in the rear of his company, "opposite the left file of the rear four;"
and that was the position he fell into as soon as he had reported the
arrival of his squad to the lieutenant.

"Well, Ackerman," said Captain Clinton as the boy galloped up beside
him, "we are in your hands. We want to go to the nearest ford, and we
don't want to get there before dark."

"Very good, sir. If you will move the column in that direction," said
George, indicating a 'right oblique,' "you will cut off twenty miles,
and besides, you can walk all the way, and save your horses for a rapid
eighteen-mile ride that must come as soon as we cross the river."

We need not dwell upon the incidents of that day's march, or enlarge
upon the feeling of suspense that George Ackerman experienced during
that "rapid eighteen-mile ride" to which he had referred. It will be
enough to say that they crossed the ford just after dark in safety; that
George, without the least difficulty, found the narrow road that led
from the river to Don Miguel's ranche; that at his suggestion the column
marched "right by twos," which changed the troopers from four to two
abreast, Captain Clinton and George riding at the head; that they moved
as silently as possible, so as not to alarm any of the people living
along the route, and rapidly, in order to reach the ranche before the
cattle-thieves could receive notice of their approach; and that at the
end of two hours they galloped into the valley and saw Fletcher's
stronghold in plain view before them. A single glance at it showed them
that they had arrived just in the nick of time. The courtyard was
lighted up with lanterns, excited men were moving to and fro, loud
voices were heard shouting out words of command, and the whole interior
of the building presented a scene of the wildest commotion. Some
watchful friend had got ahead of the column and warned the thieves, and
they were gathering up their plunder preparatory to beating a hasty
retreat. They were on the watch too, for the column had scarcely made
its appearance when a sentry called out, "Who is it?" (equivalent to
"Who goes there?"), following up his challenge with the cry of "The
Americans! the Americans!"

George afterward said that he n