We'll leave our horses here, an' cross on foot.

Is that the right plan, boys ?" There was a murmur of acquiescence, a few questions, and then the silence of approval.

It was evident these minute men were under small discipline, and their officers led only by force of character.

Without orders the horses were led away, tied securely in the black depths of the woods, and the men came straggling back, rifles in hand, grouping themselves along the edge of the stream.

There was no attempt at military formation, but Duval straightened them out so as to count the number present.
"Sixty-nine, all told," he announced briefly.