“Will it do to leave the other black there alone?” asked Ted.
“He isn’t there,” Andy replied. Then, in response to the looks of alarm which spread over the boys’ faces, he added: “I brought him over with me. He’s out in your barn now, Jasper.”
“And we never heard you—that’s b—” began Mr. Jay.
“You were laughing and talking too much,” interrupted Andy. “Joy, just tell us where we are to sleep. We must be up early, we’ve a lot to do tomorrow.”
Quickly Joy disappeared into the other room the cabin held downstairs, and when she reappeared she announced that all was ready for the guests, and with hearty “good-nights” they retired.
Wearied by the events of the day, the young homesteaders quickly fell asleep, and when he was sure of the fact, Andy arose, joining Jasper outside the cabin, and together they guarded the buildings against any attempt at revenge on Petersen’s part.
No mention did either of the men make of their vigil, and after a delicious breakfast the agent and the boys returned to E 1.
“So long as I am here, we’d better build your irrigation plant,” announced Andy when they arrived at the camp.
“But we won’t need to irrigate this year, shall we?” queried Ted.
“Depends on the season. According to the signs, I think it’s going to be hot and dry. Anyhow, it won’t do any harm to have the plant ready, and we can put it in in a few days and at less cost than you could hire any one else next year or the year after. Besides, you won’t be obliged to make a long haul with the necessary timber.”