In taking a backward step at that moment, Fred placed his foot directly on the stomach of Habakkuk McEwen, who lay flat on his back, sound asleep.
The New Englander emitted a groan, and sprang to his feet.
Several minutes passed before everything was understood.
Fred apologized, and shook hands with him, as well as he could in the gloom, and Habakkuk then became a listener to the all-important conference that followed.
Fred, in making his reconnoissance, had discovered that Jake Golcher was the leader of the Indians.
The coolness with which Fred Godfrey discussed the situation had the effect of inspiring his friends with something of his courage.
He stood erect while talking, and Maggie leaned on one arm, while Eva, fully awake now, clung to the other side. Even Aunt Peggy relaxed from her usual reserve, and only expressed displeasure when the young man said that he saw Golcher and failed to shoot the "scand'lous villain."
Habakkuk possessed sense enough to take no part in the conference, feeling that he had forfeited all consideration in such a matter.
"The moon is working around in the sky," said Mr. Brainerd, "so that I am afraid we shall not have the shadow until morning."
"Consequently we must not wait; nothing is to be expected from Gimp, and we may as well venture at once."