“I’m afraid father will say that the ponies ought to be close at hand.”
“Yes, that’s right, if it can be done; but it would go hard with us all if the Indians gave up the bait of the trap and turned upon those who set it. We mustn’t run risks if there’s a way of doing things more safely.”
“Well, you must talk it over with father,” said Chris. “Let’s see; we’ré going to have another look at the place this afternoon, aren’t we?”
“We were,” replied the American; “but we’re not going now.”
“Why?”
“Too many redskins about, as I told you.”
“There are always too many redskins about,” cried Chris impatiently. “I wish we could charge them boldly, and send them flying over the plains.”
“Never to come back again,” said Ned sharply.
“Yes, that would be very nice, my lads,” replied Griggs; “but it will not do to be impatient.”
“Impatient!” cried Ned. “We’ve been patient enough.”