He was in a tight place.
CHAPTER XIV.
TREED!
“Come, why don’t you obey orders?” growled Lieutenant Boggs, as Cavalry Curt hesitated a moment.
“Danged if I see just how I am going to get up to that first limb,” muttered the scout. “I never was much of a climber,” and he started around the tree, obviously to find a way to ascend its trunk, but really to test the intentions of his companions.
No sooner had he moved than their rifles were half-raised and they seemed ready to spring upon him. He no longer doubted their purpose. Neither did he delay further in his course of action.
“We’ll show you a way to get your lubberly carcass up there if you don’t try for yourself pretty lively,” exclaimed the lieutenant, impatiently.
“If some of you will just give me a boost I guess I can get up here,” declared Curt.
With the assistance of a couple of the others he was enabled to reach the first branch when he slowly drew himself up until he had gained its support.
Glancing over his shoulder he saw that the squad had covered him with their guns, and that Lieutenant Boggs was smiling triumphantly.
Without seeming to notice their hostile movement, however, Cavalry Curt continued his ascent of the pine.