“Nothin’ doin’, sir,” answered Boyle.
“I expect you are both feeling pretty tired. Tollemache and I propose to relieve you at six bells.”
“But why?” demanded Christobal. “It is you who have passed an exciting day. I am ready to mount guard until dawn. Tollemache can join me now if he likes, as Mr. Boyle ought to be in bed.”
“I’m all right,” said Boyle, gruffly. “I am only sitting here because my back is stiff.”
Courtenay glanced at the somber shadow of Point Kansas, silhouetted against the deep blue of the seaward arc.
“Suarez has retired to roost,” he said. “He seems to be quite assured that the Indians will never deliver a night attack.”
“To-day’s hammering should teach them to leave the Kansas alone in future,” said Christobal.
“I hope so, but Suarez and Tollemache agree that they are most persistent wretches. Now, Boyle, you must obey the doctor. I am going back to the saloon to give Miss Maxwell some documents I wish her to see. Then, Tollemache and I will relieve the pair of you. All right, Christobal; I promise to take my share of the blankets in the morning. I shall be ready for a nap at four o’clock. At present I feel particularly wide-awake.”
He went to the cabin. They heard him unlock the door and enter. At that instant a startling hail came from two sailors stationed on the poop.
“Indianos!” they yelled.