“Yes, and I ought to be given the first watch, because I managed to get off so slick last night,” asserted X-Ray; “promise me that, won’t you?”
“If it’s going to worry you the sooner we say yes the better,” laughed Phil; “so we’ll consider that the night is to be cut up into thirds, and I choose the second watch for my turn; Ethan, you have to tag on at the end.”
“So long as I get my full share of the work it doesn’t matter a bit to me where I come in; but let there be no tricks on travelers played to-night. What’s fair for one is fair to all.”
“I suppose you mean to count me out, as usual?” complained Lub, feebly protesting.
“You have all you can do attending to the grub question,” said X-Ray, sternly. “If you do happen to wake up in the night, and can’t get to sleep again, why you might employ yourself fixing up in your mind some new dish you want to spring on us as a surprise. But as a sentry, wide awake and vigilant, you know you’re a rank fizzle, Lub. Now please don’t fire up, and want particulars, because I’d hate to rake up bygone happenings.”
“Oh! well, if you’re three to one against me there’s no use in my kicking,” admitted Lub, trying to look only resigned, whereas in spite of him a grin would persist in spreading across one side of his rosy features.
He had done his duty in showing a willingness to take part in the protection of the camp; if his chums were a unit in deciding against him having a share in the sitting-up business he could not say anything more.
“Your part to-night will be to see that our little friend here is kept cozy and warm,” Phil told him, as he patted the boy on his curly head, and was surprised when the little fellow in the gratitude of his heart suddenly seized hold of his hand and actually pressed it to his childish lips.
Never would Phil Bradley forget the sensation he experienced upon receiving mute evidence of affection; it drew him more than ever to the hapless one whom affliction had marked for its own in refusing him the great gift of speech.
“Hello! listen to all that row going over there, will you?” cried X-Ray Tyson.