Then Dick, to help his confused comrade out of his difficulties, explained their proposed journey as clearly as possible to the delight of the soldier, who welcomed an opportunity to distinguish himself in so important a mission, and who was, moreover, greatly pleased at the prospect of a trip with Dick Dare.
While the three young fellows were engrossed in the discussion of their plans, there came to their ears the sound of horses in motion. They were passing under their window and drew the boys' attention outside.
"Our mounds ver?" asked Fritz in a puzzled tone.
"You wait here Fritz and I'll bring them up," said Dick, laughing as he and Tom hurried from the room.
They met the cavalry troopers leading two horses. At the entrance to the barn they made a careful examination of the animals by lamplight.
"Seem pretty wiry," ventured Tom, and then looking about he added: "Wonder what happened to Fritz?"
"We'll see about that," replied Dick, giving his new possession a final and parting pat. They retraced their steps and reaching the front of the house collided with Fritz. He had just ventured forth in an effort to find out what the others were doing.
"Your horse doesn't care to go up to see you tonight, Fritz," said Dick in an apologetic tone.
"Certainly," replied Tom, having difficulty in restraining his mirth.
"I do't you said it 'mound' vas," protested Fritz.
"That's a 'grave' mistake on your part," answered Tom, as pursued by the laughing Dick and the perplexed Fritz, he fled into the barracks.
"Time to turn in, I guess, as long as Fritz and I have to be up so early in the morning," Dick yawned.
So the three youths upon whom during the next few weeks so much was to depend, rolled themselves up in their blankets and with a muffled "Good night," closed their eyes for the last time together for many a night.
"Getting warm, isn't it" commented Dare about eleven o'clock the morning of their first day on the road.
"Dot's right, py jimminy," panted Fritz, mopping the perspiration from his red face. "But we fooled those Red-goats that time, eh Dick?"
"I'm not so sure," Dick replied gravely. "I'm very much afraid they knew that everything wasn't as it should be, and that they will suspect our mission. And if they do, we are going to have trouble before we arrive at Vincennes."