"Unluckily, we can only keep on our guard, and it will be impossible for us to foil the plans which these Red demons are doubtless ruminating against us. Have you placed the sentinels as I recommended, Sergeant?"
"Yes, Captain, and I ordered them to display the utmost watchfulness; I do not believe that the Pawnees can surprise us, however clever they may be."
"We cannot take our oath of anything, Sergeant," the Captain answered, as he shook his head with a doubtful air.
At this moment, and as if accident wished to confirm his views, the bell hung outside, and which was used to tell the colonists someone desired to come in, was rung violently.
"What does that mean?" the Captain exclaimed, as he looked at a clock on the wall in front of him; "it is nearly eight o'clock, who can come so late? Have not all our men returned?"
"All, Captain, there is no one outside the palisades." James Watt rose, seized his rifle, and making the Sergeant a sign to follow him, prepared to go out.
"Where are you going, my love?" a gentle, anxious voice asked him.
The Captain turned; his wife had re-entered the keeping room unnoticed by him.
"Did you not hear the bell?" he asked her; "someone wishes to come in."
"Yes, I heard it, dear," she replied; "but do you intend to open the gate at this hour?"