Then, as the bewildered man gradually understood what was said, his son
fell on his neck, kissing him with passionate delight.

After the first rapturous joy of the recognition was over, "Ned and the
girls?" Major Warrener asked.

"The girls are at present safe," Dick said; "Ned is outside behind. He is
the sentry. Now, father, wake the others, and then let us steal off. Take
off your boots; the men's tents are only ten yards behind; once there, you
are safe. I will let Ned know when you are ready, and he will occupy the
sentry. We can't silence him, because he is within sight of the sentry of
the quarter-guard."

Major Warrener aroused his sleeping companions, and in a few whispered
words told them what had happened. In silence they wrung Dick's hand, and
then taking off their boots, stole one by one out of the tent. As Ned
passed he exchanged a silent embrace with his father. The next time the
sentry in front was passing before the tent, a heavy stone, hurled by Ned,
crashed into a bush upon the other side of the road. The sentry halted
instantly, and, with gun advanced, listened, but he could hear nothing,
for his comrade was at that instant seized with a fit of coughing.

After standing in a listening attitude for three or four minutes the Sepoy
supposed that the noise must have been caused by some large bird suddenly
disturbed in the foliage.

"Did you hear anything?" he asked Ned, as their path crossed.

"Nothing," Ned answered, continuing his march.