Robertson mounted, and Dick, without another word, sprang up behind him.

Two of the privates rode up close, one on either side, and the other kept immediately behind.

He happened to glance back and he saw that the man held a drawn pistol on his thigh.

He wondered at such extreme precautions, and the ominous feeling increased.
"Now, lads," said Robertson to his men, "don't make no more noise than you can help.

There ain't much chance that any Yankee scoutin' party will be out, but if there should be one we don't want to run into it.
An' as for you, Mr.Mason, you're a nice boy.