CHAPTER XI.
"A MARKED MAN" The first indication that something was approaching the opposite side of the camp was made known by the sudden restlessness of the ponies, which sprang up and gave every indication of fright.
The action of the ponies was followed by a floundering and crashing out there in the bushes as if a large animal were tearing its way through them.
"Hold your fire!" directed Lieutenant Wingate in a low voice.

"It may be that one of the ponies has broken loose." No one answered, but every rifle was held at ready.
"There it comes! It's a man," cried Nora, as a figure burst into view from the bushes.
"Doan shoot! Doan shoot! It am Wash," howled Washington Washington, then tripping on a vine, he fell flat on his face.

"It kotched me! It kotched me!" he bellowed, springing up ready to make another dash.
By this time Hippy had him by the collar.
"Oh, fiddlesticks! All this scare for a black nightmare," groaned Emma.
"Stop that racket!" commanded Hippy.

"Is any one chasing you ?" "Ah--Ah doan know.

Ah--Ah reckons de debbil hisself am chasing me.