The clouds are beginning to clear away, and when there's light we'll have a fair chance at 'em." "I think," said Dick, "that it will be best for Mr.Shepard to return and hurry up a relieving column.

What do you say ?" "I think so too, sir," said Shepard.

"I can lead my horse back some distance through the forest, then mount and gallop up the road.

They may be gone before I come again, but if they are not we can soon drive them away." "We'll cover you with our rifles against any rush made by Slade's men," said Dick.
But it did not become necessary to fire.

Shepard was able to lead his horse through the woods without noise, until he was at least three hundred yards on the return journey.