es, never murmured. All persevered
until it was agreed that they were at least two miles from the camp
fire.

In making this hard journey, every one of the party met with several
narrow escapes, and it was agreed that it was best to go no further
until daylight.

"As soon as we can see, we'll be off again, and ought to be able to
travel as fast as they will do. Where they must watch all the time for
our footprints, they cannot go off a walk."

"We may as well wait."

Throughout their haste, the blankets had been preserved. Indeed, the one
over Ben's arm had served to break his fall more than once. These were
placed on the ground, and the children lay down beside each other,
quickly sinking to sleep; but the others, though pretty well worn, were
too anxious to rest yet awhile.

"I have no idea where we are," said the son; "but one place is as good
as another at such a time, and the weather is so warm that blankets are
not needed. Now, mother, I wish you would lie down beside the children
and rest. You need it badly, I know."

"And so do you, my son."

"Not for some time yet."

"But, if you intend to watch until daylight, you will be worn out by
morning. Besides, you cannot stay awake unless you move about. I will
agree to lie down if you will promise to call me when you think it is
midnight, and let me take a turn."

"I will agree to call you when I feel the need of you, and I will pace
the ground like a sentinel on duty."

The mother was forced to accept this proposition and, after some more
cautious conversation, she did as her boy wished, and he was left alone.

Ben did not forget his slip of the night before. It was necessary that
one of the company should maintain watch while the others slept, and
only these two could do it. He meant to guard the others through the
short summer night, trusting to a chance of getting what slumber he
needed on the morrow when the others were awake.

"I would like to catch myself waking her," he mused, after he had groped
around until he found a space a couple of rods in length over which he
could pace back and forth.

Then, with his rifle resting on his shoulder, he began his patient beat,
surrounded by impenetrable gloom, and with the lives of three loved ones
in his keeping.

By and by a lighting of the sky showed the moon had risen. This,
however, was of little or no help, since the abundance of leaves
prevented its rays piercing between and lighting up the groun