“I’ve got a notion to tell you, jest to see if you’ll sleep any better, then.”
“Do you know?” asked Joe, quickly; “if you do, I’ll thank you with all my heart to tell me?”
“Dod! if I don’t!” said Sneak; “but all’s square betwixt us?”
“Yes, if you’re willing.”
“Well, don’t you remember when I told you to count the Indians standing out there, I leant agin you to look over your shoulder? I stole a cartrich out of your shot-bag then, and slipt it in the muzzle of your musket. Don’t you know it was leaning agin the post?”
Joe turned round and looked Sneak full in the face for several moments, without uttering a word.
“When it went off,” continued Sneak, “it made the tremendousest crack I ever heard in all my life, except when the keg of powder busted.”
“You confounded, blasted rascal you!” exclaimed Joe, doubling up his fists, and preparing to assault his friend.
“Now don’t go to waking up the folks!” said Sneak.
“I’ll be hanged if I hain’t got a great notion to wear out the iron poker over your head!” continued Joe, his eyes gleaming with rage.