“Hippy Wingate!” rebuked Nora.
“Yes, I was, but only for a few minutes. It was right after I had made my trip to inspect the camp, after Grace turned in. Everything was snug and quiet, so I leaned my rifle against a tree and sat down. Well, I lost myself, that’s all. I ought to be shot.”
“You said it,” approved Emma Dean.
“I promise you, on my honor, that it will not occur again,” protested Hippy.
“What woke you up?” asked Grace.
“Ike’s first shot.”
“I thought so,” nodded Grace. “He must have known you were asleep, but Ike never mentioned it to me. Please listen to me, Lieutenant! We are really in a serious situation at this moment. The thieves who took our horses probably had a further plan in mind at the time, and I should not be at all surprised if they attempted to carry it out this very night.”
“Just what are we to infer from that remark, Loyalheart?” asked Miss Briggs a bit anxiously.
“I mean that this camp may be attacked before morning—that in all probability it will be!” declared Grace Harlowe.