But it did, at last, and after he had eaten supper, he began mentally
reviewing the task that lay before him. The first thing to do would be
to get away from the encampment, and he decided to do this at once. He
had laid his plans, and going to the colonel, he asked permission to
take a walk.

"I am not used to camplife, sir," he said; "and I feel the need of a
little exercise. If not contrary to the rules, I would like to take a
walk of a mile or so in the country."

"I guess it will be all right," was the reply. "Go ahead, but don't
stay too long."

"I won't, sir. Thank you."

Dick walked boldly out of the encampment, and in order to disarm
suspicion, in case his action should occasion comment, he went toward
the east. To have started north might have aroused suspicion that he
was heading for New York.

"Where away, comrade?" queried the sentinel at the east side of the
encampment.

"Oh, out for a little walk for exercise," replied Dick, carelessly.

"All right. The Countersign is `The King Rules'."

"Thank you," said Dick. "I'll not forget."