"To-night! Well, we've got to keep him off. He may try to establish residence in a wickie-up."
"But hasn't he a right? Can't he——"
"He hasn't, and he can't. And if he comes this way after midnight, I'll fix him for trespassing!" He laughed.
"I wish you wouldn't go to the Fort, though. You've heard dad—you know how he feels."
"I wouldn't go if I didn't have to. But the temperature's falling. By sundown, they'll begin changing the sentries at Brannon every hour. No one man could stay out even half the night. And this shack has to be guarded till morning. I must get someone to relieve me."
"I suppose you're right," she said reluctantly.
He brought the horse about. "Is there anything I can do before I go?" he asked.
"No. We've got everything but wood, and Charley brings us that."
"Charley," repeated Lounsbury. "Who's Charley?"
She told him.