“I knew he would say that, sir,” cried the youth who had been looking on and listening attentively; “I knew Joses would not leave us, nor any of the others.”
“Stop a moment,” interposed the first speaker. “What about your companions, my lad?”
“What, them?” said Joses quietly. “Why, they do as I do.”
“Are you sure?”
“Course I am, master. They told me what to do.”
“Then thank you, my lad. I felt and knew I could trust you. Believe me, I will take you into no greater danger than I can help; but we must be a little venturesome in penetrating into new lands, and the Indians may not prove our enemies after all.”
“Ha, ha, ha! Haw, haw, haw, haw!” laughed Joses hoarsely. “You wait and see, master. They stampeded your cattle when you had any. Now look out or they’ll stampede you.”
“Well, we’ll risk it,” said the other. “Now let’s be ready for any danger that comes. Saddle the horses, and tether them close to the waggon. I will have the first watch to-night; you take the second, Joses; and you, Bart, take the third. Get to sleep early, my lads, for I want to be off before sunrise in the morning.”
The men nodded their willingness to obey orders, and soon after all were hushed in sleep, the ever-wakeful stars only looking down upon one erect figure, and that was the form of Dr Lascelles, as he stood near the faintly glowing fire, leaning upon his rifle, and listening intently for the faintest sound of danger that might be on its way to work them harm.