I authorize you, at any time, if I am away with a portion of the troop, to take twenty-five men across if the signal is made.

If I am here I shall, of course, go over myself.

You can take any measures of preparation you may think necessary." Walter availed himself of the permission, and at once gave orders to the sentry posted on the river, in front of the village, that if a white flag was waved by day, or a fire lit by night on the opposite bank, he was to shout loudly and fire his pistol, and that these orders were to be passed on to the sentry who succeeded him at the post.

Then he picked out twenty-five men, and told them that, at any time in the night or day, if they heard a shot fired by the sentry they were to seize their arms, rush down to the boats, launch them and take their places, and wait for orders.

He told them to sleep without removing any of their clothes, so as to be ready for instant action.
The next night, Larry again crossed and brought back a little note from Claire Conyers, thanking Walter for letting her know they were so close, telling him of her father's return, and saying that there was no fear of her mother or herself forgetting their late visitors.