“Don’t know; I’ve been listening for a bell.”
“It won’t do to fall asleep,” muttered Don.
But in a few minutes his head was on his chest, and his shoulder was resting comfortably against the side of the doorway.
Half an hour passed, and at the end of it Jud was nodding between sleep and wakefulness. Suddenly he felt a slight tug on the rope in his hands. With a start he sat bolt upright, and the next instant the chickens in the hen-house began to cackle furiously.
“Don! Don!” whispered Jud and seized his friend by the shoulder.
“What!” Don was wide awake in a flash.
But before Jud could reply something struck the fence. Jud gave a mighty heave on the rope, and as the gate came shut with a harsh bang both boys heard someone exclaim aloud.
“A Redcoat!” gasped Jud. “What shall we do?”
“Quick, call somebody!” cried Don, springing to his feet.
Both boys raised their voices and then rushed toward the house. The chickens were making a terrible noise now; and Jud’s dog, which he had tied at the back of the wagon shed, was barking at the top of his voice.