Some of the rest looked after him curiously, and wondered what he was up to; but as Step Hen had seen him in consultation with Thad he told them it was none of their business, but that the tall scout had undoubtedly been sent off on an errand by the commander.
Bumpus, feeling a certain sense of responsibility on account of having been especially designated as the guardian of the fire, took it upon himself to make certain that there was a plentiful supply of wood handy. It was a comical sight to see him swing the old ax, and hear him give a loud grunt every time he sent it home. But nevertheless he managed to keep things going, for he was very persistent, and hated to let any object escape him, once he had set his mind on accomplishing the same.
It was perhaps fifteen minutes later that they heard a shout, and looking up discovered some one running toward them, waving his arms wildly.
“There comes Giraffe, like hot cakes,” announced Bumpus.
“And he looks wild in the bargain,” added Step Hen. “I wonder now has he run on any savages getting ready for a feast like the ones Robinson saw.”
“Oh! you’re only fooling, I know, because savages couldn’t be here along the Susquehanna!” exclaimed Bumpus; but nevertheless he began to show signs of fresh anxiety; and waited for the runner to come up, with a thousand questions in his manner.
So Giraffe came along, slackening his pace as he drew near, for he was breathing hard, and casting occasional glances back of him, which latter action in itself was sufficient cause for Bumpus to believe he must have been chased by some one.
“What is it, Giraffe?” he called out, even before the other had arrived.
“Yes, tell us what ails you, and why you’ve been running so fast?” Step Hen went on to say, as they all crowded around the panting runner.