So Captain Boldwood got hold of a small scow, which he has sent in to shore, towed by one of our boats, to take you off.

We'll just about meet it if we hurry." By this time the unusual sight of a horse in that place had aroused much curiosity among the guests of the inn, who came out to see what was going on.

Among them was an army officer, who uttered an exclamation the moment his eyes rested on Ridge standing in the glow of an electric light.

Stepping quickly up to him, he placed a heavy hand on the young trooper's shoulder, and said, in a harsh voice: "I arrest you, sir, and order you to come at once with me to my camp on shore, where a guard-house awaits you." "On what charge am I arrested ?" asked Ridge, calmly, turning, and looking Major Herman Dodley full in the face.
"On the several charges of contempt for an officer, disobedience of orders, and desertion," was the startling reply.
"Very well, sir, I'll go with you," said Ridge, "seeing that I was going in that direction anyhow." "But--" remonstrated Ensign Comly.
"Who are you, sir?
And what have you to say regarding this business ?" demanded the Major, fiercely, at the same time drawing and cocking his revolver.
"Only a United States officer." "Then, in the name of the United States, I call upon you to assist me in carrying this deserter to a place of security," shouted the Major, in theatrical tones.
"Pretend to agree," said Ridge, in a low voice, heard only by Comly.
"All right, Major, I'll see the thing through," agreed the navy man; "though I must protest that it is wholly out of my line of business." With this the three set forth, Ridge leading Rita, and the officers walking on either side of him.

For some distance they proceeded in a silence that was finally broken by the sound of oars, apparently close to the pier, which touched land but a short distance ahead.