"Soon, I think. He may be needed for some work in Denver. I shall make a report to him when I have gathered the information we need, and urge him to come. He has brains, the captain has, and he must give us the advantage of them."
"What plan are you thinkin' of Kirby?"
"Hush!" said Kirby, glancing toward Dean. "I will speak with you about that later."
After supper they went out again, and sat on the settee, both smoking pipes provided by Dan. Dean was invited to come out also, but he felt very much fatigued, and asked if he might go to bed.
"Mother," said Dan, "can the kid go up to bed?"
"Yes, if he wants to."
"I'll go up with him."
Dan led the way up a narrow staircase to the second floor. There were two rooms, each with a sloping roof. On the floor was spread a sacking filled with hay, one end raised above the general level.
"You can sleep there, youngster," said Dan. "There's no use in undressin'. Lay down as you are."
Dean was quite ready to do so. Though he was apprehensive about the future, fatigue asserted its claim, and in less than five minutes he was sound asleep.