"Some day, if the war lasts, I shall go," asserted Tad in a low voice, tense with emotion.
Billy said he had been East to Chicago once, where he had been robbed of everything he had on except his clothes.
"Funny, isn't it? I'd like to see a fellow go through me out here in my native pastures. But back there in the city—-" Billy shook his head. The subject was too great for words.
They found the camp quiet and in order. The three boys and the professor had been sleeping a good part of the afternoon, and without having put out a guard, either. The captain shook his head, glancing significantly at Tad as he heard this. In fact the two had to shout to awaken the party. Then to learn that they had been sleeping all day—-well, there was nothing to be said.
"Do we move to-night, sir?" asked the professor.
"Can't tell you. Not until I hear the reports of my men, and the messenger or scout whom I looked for to meet us here at noon. Seen. anything of that rattler around these diggings, Professor?"
"No, we haven't seen any rattler."
"We don't want to see any rattler," piped Chunky. "I'd snip his head off with my pistol if I caught sight of him."
"Yes, you would!" grinned Tad.
"You'd have to learn to shoot first," scoffed Rector.