The pair strolled out towards where the animals were grazing, and went through the bit of performance arranged, Chris marvelling the while at the perfect coolness displayed by his companion, who was on the brink of a most daring adventure, the very thought of which sent the blood dancing through the boy’s veins and made the palms of his hands turn wet.
The shades of night were approaching as, after a long examination of Chris’s pony, the animals were headed towards the camp, and driven slowly in towards where they were regularly watered every night; and so well had all the preparations been timed that it was too dark for any scouts on the opposite side to see that after the watering, every beast was hobbled and held in readiness for the start that was to be made.
And now the business preparatory to the start was set about eagerly. The mules were laden with the much-reduced loads. Skeeter had his, but his bell was muffled so that it would be perfectly silent, and the water-barrels were hung in position across the back of their regular bearer.
There was plenty of time, and the doctor’s principal efforts were directed towards arresting hurry, for he had to allow for the Indian scouts to make their way back to the camp from which they came.
“If they have gone back,” he said, in a low voice, as the adventurous party sat together talking in a low tone, each with his weapons ready.
“Yes,” said Wilton, “if they have gone back. Suppose they have chosen this of all nights for an attack!”
“They’ll find that we are quite ready for them; that’s all,” said Griggs coolly.
“But it is possible,” said Bourne sadly.
“So’s everything else, sir,” replied the American. “But don’t you think it’s a pity to begin fancying what might happen?”
“Perhaps so,” said Bourne. “I beg pardon; I’m afraid I do anticipate a good deal. Well, boys,” he added, turning to where the pair sat together whispering, “how do you feel about to-night’s work?”