Walter availed himself of the permission, and at once gave orders to the sentry posted on the river, in front of the village, that if a white flag was waved by day, or a fire lit by night on the opposite bank, he was to shout loudly and fire his pistol, and that these orders were to be passed on to the sentry who succeeded him at the post.  Then he picked out twenty-five men, and told them that, at any time in the night or day, if they heard a shot fired by the sentry they were to seize their arms, rush down to the boats, launch them and take their places, and wait for orders.  He told them to sleep without removing any of their clothes, so as to be ready for instant action.

The next night, Larry again crossed and brought back a little note from Claire Conyers, thanking Walter for letting her know they were so close, telling him of her father’s return, and saying that there was no fear of her mother or herself forgetting their late visitors.  It was a prettily written little note, and Walter was delighted at receiving it.

“Well, my boy,” Captain Davenant said with a little smile, when Walter told him next morning that he had heard from Miss Conyers, “as you seem specially interested in this affair, I will let you have the honour and glory of being the first to come to the rescue of Miss Conyers and her mother, if they should need it; and therefore, whether I am here or not, I give you permission to cross at once, in the two boats, if you get the signal.  But on reaching the other side you are to send the two boats back at once, with two men in each, and I will bring the rest of the troop across as fast as possible.  There is no saying what force you may find there.  I shall leave it to your discretion to attack at once, or to wait until I come up with reinforcements.  You will, of course, be guided partly by the strength of the enemy, partly by the urgency for instant interference for the protection of the ladies.”

Four days passed quietly.  There was but little for the cavalry to do.  Small parties were posted at various spots, for some miles down the river, to give notice should the enemy appear on the opposite bank and show any intention of making a crossing; and, beyond furnishing these guards, the troop had little to do.

Walter spent much of his time watching the opposite bank.  He hardly knew whether he wished the signal to be displayed or not—­he certainly desired no trouble to befall the ladies; but, on the other hand, the thought of rushing to their rescue was undoubtedly a pleasant one.  Larry spent much of his time at the water’s edge, fishing—­a pursuit in which many of the troopers joined; and they were able to augment the daily rations by a good supply of salmon.