"Don't you think it safe to sleep here?" asked Ben gravely.
"I think if we are prudent we shall keep a careful watch over our host and hostess; they may mean us harm."
"What motive would they have for harming us, Jake?"
"To get possession of our money. There's a gang of robbers hereabouts, who make their livin' by stopping stages, and lyin' in wait for solitary travelers, and I strongly suspect that this man is one of them."
"Do you judge from his looks?"
"Not wholly, but I can't think of any other motive he can have for livin' in this out-of-the-way place. There are no mines near, and the huntin' wouldn't pay him. I may be mistaken, but that's what I think."
"What shall we do?" asked Ben, a little startled by his companion's suggestion.
"That's more than I can tell you, Ben."
"We might camp out."
"And be surprised in our sleep. No, we shall be as safe in the cabin as outside. Besides, I may be wrong. But, hush! here comes our agreeable friend."