CHAPTER IX.
ARRIVAL AT THE FORT.
The morning found the two boys still alone. The sun was well up over the eastern prairie before both were dressed, for they had taken turns at guarding, as agreed, and each had consequently lost half his regular sleeping time.
"Well, what's to do now?" questioned Darry, while they were stirring around getting breakfast.
"I don't know of anything to do but to wait here until we hear from Benson and Hank Leeson." answered his cousin.
Breakfast was soon disposed of, and then they sat down to wait, still keeping their firearms close to hand, in case of unexpected attack. The meeting with the desperadoes had opened the boys eyes, and they did not intend to be caught "napping" no matter what else happened.
Shortly before ten o clock Joe espied three horsemen coming down the trail which led to the fort. Both watched the approaching riders with interest, and presently saw that they were soldiers. One wore the uniform of a lieutenant, and the others were privates.
