He had no doubt that the boy had been mistaken for Nestor.
Besides, the boy's mind was naturally excited over the strange revelations of the night.

The arrival of the secret service men, the announcement that Nestor was working with the War department, the story that he had been in communication with the government at Washington ever since leaving New York, the hint that he held very important papers in his possession, all these supplied food for thought.
Under ordinary conditions the boy would have enjoyed himself to the limit in the mountains.

He loved the forests and the wild places, the great spaces; he loved the light of the campfire and the rustle of foliage in the night.

However, he was now by far too anxious to appreciate the outing he was having.
While he lay there trying to sleep he heard the guards whispering together.

They were speaking of the important part Nestor was playing in the happenings there, and the boy was proud of his association with the resourceful patrol leader.
In a short time the boy heard the guards moving about as if acting under strong excitement.