"You know they're ready to dare anything, and they don't anticipate any great danger, because we don't care to shoot at one another, until the campaign really begins." "At least," said Warner, "it's best to apply to the problem a good algebraic formula.

Here we are in a wood, some distance from our main camp.

Messages, bearing a warning either in jest or in earnest, have come floating down from a point which may be within the enemy's country.
One of the facts is x and the other is y, but what they amount to is an unknown quantity.

Hence we are left in doubt, and when you're in doubt it's best to do the safe thing." "Which means that we should go back to the camp," said Dick.

"But we'll take our fish with us, that's sure." They began to wind up their lines, but knowing that departure would be prudent they were yet reluctant to go in the face of a hidden danger, which after all might not be real.
"Suppose I climb this tree," said Pennington, indicating a tall elm, "and I may be able to get a good look over the country, while you fellows keep watch." "Up you go, Frank," said Dick.