“I believe you, Clarence,” said Peyton quietly. “But why didn't you say it before?”
“I didn't like to say it before Susy and—her!” stammered the boy.
“Her?”
“Yes, sir—Mrs. Peyton,” said Clarence blushingly.
“Oh,” said Harry sarcastically, “how blessed polite we are!”
“That'll do. Let up on him, will you?” said Peyton, roughly, to his subordinate. “The boy knows what he's about. But,” he continued, addressing Clarence, “how was it the Injin didn't see you?”
“I was very still on account of not waking Susy,” said Clarence, “and—” He hesitated.
“And what?”
“He seemed more keen watching what YOU were doing,” said the boy boldly.
“That's so,” broke in the second man, who happened to be experienced, “and as he was to wind'ard o' the boy he was off HIS scent and bearings. He was one of their rear scouts; the rest o' them's ahead crossing our track to cut us off. Ye didn't see anything else?”