man come flying toward them. This, although the lads did not know it
at the time, was Briggs.

Straight past the American troops Briggs sped, and disappeared in the
darkness beyond.

"Hello!" said Hal, "that man is an American. Wonder where he's going?"

"It's Briggs, sir," said a man in the ranks. "He has queer spells some
times. Can we go after him, sir?"

Hal put the question up to Captain O'Neill. The captain hesitated.

"My friend and I will go," said Hal. "We've been in this fighting game
too long to take unnecessary chances, sir, but I don't like to see the
man get into trouble when we can save him."

'Very well," said the captain; "you have my permission, but don't go
too close."

"I'd like another man, sir."

"Take your choice."

Hal glanced at the men, and called:

"McKenzie."

A soldier stepped forward. This man, at one time, had been a top
sergeant in the British army. He had served through the Boer war in