“I heard nothing of any Indians,” replied Joe truthfully.
“Then all I can say is, strangers, that you sleep uncommon sound.”
“Nothing wakes me up,” said Bickford. “What about them Indians? Did you railly see any?”
“I rather think I did,” said the man from Pike. “It couldn’t have been much after midnight when I was aroused by their war-whoop. Starting up, I saw twenty of the red devils riding through the cañon.”
“Were you afraid?”
“Afraid!” exclaimed the man from Pike contemptuously. “The Rip-tail Roarer knows not fear. I can whip my weight in wildcats——”
“Yes, I know you can,” interrupted Joshua. “You told us so yesterday.”
The man from Pike seemed rather annoyed at the interruption, but as Mr. Bickford appeared to credit his statement he had no excuse for quarreling.
He proceeded.
“Instantly I sprung to the back of my steed and gave them chase.”