“But do you suppose this is the only stream in the mountains? There are hundreds of such, and you would be a great deal more likely to get upon the wrong than upon the right one. I mention these facts, because I wish to impress upon you the great necessity of being careful. Boys are very seldom inclined to be thoughtful, and you are no exception to the general rule.”
Edwin repeated his resolve to take good heed of what he did, and appealed to his record since coming into California in support of his actions.
“Yes; I am glad to say that you have, but I sometimes tremble to think of what we have done.”
“You ain’t sorry, George?”
“No; but I am frightened almost. Just to think that we are entirely cut off from the civilized world, and it is known to these Indians that we are here.”
“But they can’t harm us.”
“Suppose they took it into their heads to root us out, what is to hinder them? They could soon starve us to terms, and then do as they pleased with us.”
“You seem gloomy to-night, brother.”
“No; I do not mean to be so—I wish you to understand truly our situation.”
“I am sure I do—but isn’t Jim gone a long time?”