“Mind the trees, sir,” said Gedge warningly. “I’ve just ketched myself an awful rap.”
“Feel your way with your rifle,” said Bracy hoarsely. “We need only go a little farther, so as to be well in shelter.”
So, after cautiously advancing about a hundred yards, feeling their way from trunk to trunk, they stopped short beneath one of the largest trees, and sank down amongst the fir-needles.
“Shall I make a fire, sir?” said Gedge; “here’s heaps of wood as ’ll burn like hoorrah.”
“Fire! Are you mad?” cried Bracy.
“No, sir; but I was feared you’d be cold.”
“No fire, and no watch, my lad,” said Bracy. “It would be impossible for any one to find us here. Make the best meal you can in the dark; then take out your revolver, and lie down with it in your hand, as I shall. You must sleep as hard as you like till daybreak. Think you can?”
Gedge said something indistinctly, for he had begun eating, but ten minutes later his voice sounded clear again.
“Likely to be any bears, sir?” he said.
“Very likely,” replied Bracy. “If one comes supper-hunting he’ll wake us by pawing us about and sniffing. Use your revolver then, only make sure of his head. Good-night, my lad.”