Two soldiers came with their blankets and spread them near. For a
time they smoked and talked. One of them was short of tobacco;
the other said, "Never mind, we'll get plenty in Plattsburg," and
they guffawed.
Then he heard, "As soon as the colonel" and other broken phrases.
It was a most difficult place for Rolf; he was tormented with
thistles in his face and down his neck; he dared not change his
position; and how long he must stay was a problem. He would try
to escape when all was still.
The nearer soldiers settled to rest now. All was very quiet when
Rolf cautiously peeped forth to see two dreadful things: first, a
couple of sentries pacing up and down the edges of the camp;
second, a broad, brilliant, rising moon. How horrible that lovely
orb could be Rolf never before knew.
Now, what next? He was trapped in the middle of a military camp
and undoubtedly La Colle Mill was the rendezvous for some
important expedition.
He had ample time to think it all over. Unless he could get away
before day he would surely be discovered. His uniform might save
his life, but soldiers have an awkward, hasty way of dealing
summarily with a spy -- then discovering too late that he was in
uniform.
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