"Nor I," came from Si. He gave a shiver. "They might have murdered every one of us while we slept!"
"That is so," said Mark.
"How did you happen to spot them?"
"They must have pulled on the string which was fastened to my foot. I've used the string ever since Sag Ruff ran off with the outfit."
The fire was stirred up and they took a good look around that vicinity. But the Indians were gone, nor did they return that night.
"I suppose it would be best for somebody to remain on guard every night after this," said Mark, after the search had come to an end. "We'd be in a pretty pickle if we lost our outfit."
"We'd starve to death," said Si. "Especially if they happened to steal our guns, too."
"Well, we can divide up each night and each take his turn at watching," said Bob; and so it was arranged.
The next day they overtook the Sockets, who had had a small breakdown. They, too, had met the Indians and had given them a few things.
"I was afraid they'd steal some of the children if we didn't give them something," said Mrs. Socket. "They looked at the girls so suspiciously."