“Yes, when the sun’s up, sir.”
“But what shall we do now?”
“Well,” said the American, as coolly as could be, “seems to me that this is just a nice suitable time to sit round the lanthorn and tell bear stories.”
“What!” cried the doctor.
“Tell bear stories, sir. Young Chris here might begin by telling his experience over again with all the flourishes, crosses, and dots that he left out. He didn’t half tell it, I think.”
“Oh, that’s absurd,” said Wilton. “By the way, though, I didn’t hear a sound till Chris fired.”
“Hadn’t dropped asleep, had you?” said Griggs banteringly.
“No, certainly not,” said Wilton, angrily.
“Here, every one look to his rifle,” said the doctor, “and we’ll sit together and watch and listen. The brute may come back.”
This was done in silence for some time, when their patience getting exhausted, remarks were made about the ponies and mules, and wonder was expressed about their not having stampeded.