“Exactly my sentiments, too,” cried Larry.
The lads eyed the form of the trooper, rapidly growing smaller in the distance; then, when a patch of timber finally hid him from view, dismounted and picketed their horses.
“It’s a long time before daylight,” said Witmar. “I’d advise you to take a snooze.”
At first neither of the boys felt disposed to accept his suggestion. The excitement of the night had affected their nerves to too great an extent. But finally tiring of walking up and down, or endeavoring to draw the silent policeman into conversation, they spread out their blankets and lay down.
Tom was continually finding something new to relate about his adventures, and Larry, also, discovered several points he had omitted. Gradually, however, under the influence of the silent, peaceful night, their lively tongues began to be heard less and less, and in another hour Witmar alone was awake.
THE WHOLE CROWD WAS THERE
To Tom Clifton it seemed but an instant when his slumber was broken by the sound of voices and pounding of horses’ hoofs. He had a dim consciousness that this was but the part of a dream, until Witmar’s voice, raised as though in a loud hail, effectually startled sleep from his heavy eyes.
Tossing aside the blanket, he rose to a sitting position, then uttered a loud exclamation.
Several horsemen, riding at a good pace, were bearing down directly upon the wagon, and, to his unbounded amazement and delight, he recognized in the foremost the sturdy, athletic form of Bob Somers.