“Glad to hear that you’re interested, Bumpus,” answered the other readily. “And I think every one of you ought to know about it. When you’re out hunting, try and keep the location of any stream you happen to pass, in your mind. Then in case of being beset by fire, make your way there, and get in, up to your neck. You’re going to be safe there, every time. If it gets hot, duck under, and cool off. I’ll sure never forget the time I had; but then I hope none of you will ever have to hunt for a stream, or that you’ll even see a forest fire when up here, no matter how much Giraffe wants to look on one.”
Giraffe had dropped out of the circle, and apparently some idea had just flashed into his mind connected with his pursuit of that slippery contract, whereby he expected sooner or later to make fire come, after the fashion of the far away islanders of the Pacific.
No one paid much attention, for they were heartily sick of seeing him sawing away with his little bow, wasting so much time, most of them thought; though Thad for his part was secretly pleased to see that the tall scout stuck at his apparently hopeless job; with a persistence that must win out in the end.
Thad had been explaining just what the new system of standing sentry was to be. Each of the scouts would have his turn, even Bumpus being called on, though his partner was to be old Eli. There being eight of them, their fixed posts would not run much over an hour and a half each; and it was to be expected that the boys might receive more or less benefit from having to assume some of the responsibility of the camp’s security.
Bumpus had been yawning for some time; and presently, taking advantage of a lull in the conversation the fat boy clumsily gained his feet, and made a lunge for the nearest tent, in which he was supposed to sleep.
No one was really surprised to see Bumpus trip, and go floundering to the earth, for he frequently got his legs twisted, and did that; but when there was a shout of consternation, and the tall form of Giraffe bounded erect they realized that Bumpus had actually fallen over his chum, not noticing him, because his eyes were so heavy with sleep.
“Oh! Giraffe, excuse me, please!” he remarked, as he rolled over, and sat up. “I give you my word I didn’t know you were there. I was rubbing my eyes, because they felt so hot and tired, lookin’ into the fire so long. Hope I didn’t hurt you any?”
“Hurt me,” grumbled Giraffe; “I wouldn’t care for that so much, even if you’d broken a rib or two in my side; but to think that you’d upset me just when I was agoin’ to make it burst out into a nice little flame! Why, she was smokin’ to beat the band when you knocked it all into a cocked hat by bustin’ my bow; an’ now I’ll have to sit up another hour makin’ a new one. It’s always the way. I’m havin’ the toughest luck ever was, about that business; but I can hang on, like a bulldog to the seat of your trousers when you’re gettin’ over the fence. I’m game, all right. I’m agoin’ to get that, if it takes a leg.”
But his bow, he found, could be easily repaired, as it was only the cord that had been broken. And half an hour later everybody in camp was sound asleep, saving Thad and Allan, who had taken the first watch, so as to sit there, and talk in whispers; for the patrol leader wanted to tell his chum all about Jim’s case, because he felt so great an admiration for the short guide.
When their turn had expired, according to the little nickel watch Thad carried, they woke up Eli, who, with Bumpus was to take the next spell; in turn they were expected to arouse Step Hen and Davy Jones, to be followed by Jim and Giraffe; and this would finish the night, as daylight must arrive while the last named were on duty.