Woofer's blankets had been spread at the edge of the circle farthest from the fire. Ted also slept on the outer rim, and not more than ten feet from Woofer.
It was past midnight, as Ted could tell by the stars, for he was not asleep, although feigning to be.
He lay facing the place where Woofer was circled up in his blankets, when he saw the cow-puncher raise his head cautiously, not more than an inch or two, and look around.
Ted closed his eyelids to a mere crack, for the light from the fire shone on his face, and in that position watched Woofer's movements.
Woofer was very sly and cautious. Ted had observed that he had ostentatiously pulled off his boots when he lay down. Now he could see by the movements of the blankets that he was pulling them on again out of sight.
"That fellow is going to get up in a minute," thought Ted, "and I think I know just what he is going to do."
He had not long to wait, for presently Woofer crawled out of his blankets on the far side, and began to wriggle away on his belly, like a snake.
Ted still kept his eyes upon him.
Once Woofer stopped and looked back to see if his escape from camp had been observed, or if any one was stirring.
Ted had not moved, and apparently was as sound asleep as ever.