The night had passed away while the camp was being fortified. The sun, though still invisible, was beginning to tinge the horizon with a purple light.
"Ah, look!" Black continued, "here's day; let us lose no time, but set off. I recommend your mother and sister to your care, Will, as well as all that is here."
"You can go, father," the young man said. "I will keep good watch during your absence; you may be easy."
The emigrant pressed his son's hand, threw his rifle, over his shoulder, made a sign to Sam to follow him, and walked towards the entrenchment.
"It is useless to wake your mother," he said, as he walked on; "when she comes out of the tent, you will tell her what has occurred, and what I have done; I am certain she will approve of it. So, good-bye, my boy, and mind you are on the watch."
"And you, father—good luck!"
"May Heaven grant it, boy," the emigrant said, sorrowfully. "Such splendid cattle!"
"Stay!" the young man exclaimed, holding his father back, at the moment the latter was preparing to climb over the barricades. "What is that I see down there?"
The emigrant turned quickly.
"Do you see anything, Will—-whereabouts?"