But when next Dora opened her eyes, the moon had set; it was quite dark; the fire had gone out, and the cold was more biting than ever.
"Talabor!" she cried, alarmed and bewildered, for she could not see a step before her.
"I'm here!" he exclaimed, starting up from the bare floor, on which he had been lying near the hearth, and rubbing his eyes as he did so.
"I have been asleep," he said, greatly displeased with himself. "I was overpowered somehow, and our fire is out! Never mind, we will soon have another!" and he set to work again with flint and steel. But when the fire was once more blazing, and both were a little thawed, Talabor would not hear of any more sleep.
"I have slept!" he said, still indignant with himself. "For the first time in my life I have slept at my post, slept on duty—I deserve the stocks!"
"And you are not sleepy still?"
"No!" and then he suddenly jumped up from the floor, on which he had but just thrown himself.
"What is it?" asked Dora nervously, and she, too, started up.
"Nothing! nothing—I think," he answered, taking up his bow and quiver as he spoke.
"I hear some noise, I'm sure I do," said Dora, listening intently. "What can it be? Quick! we must put out the fire!"