t, as Charlie gave no heed to the peace-offering, Bub put the saucer
upon the table, and, seating himself in his usual place at meal time,
commenced eating. The compound was not so pleasant as its inventor had
expected, and, after the first few spoonfuls, was abandoned in
disgust. It now occurred to him that it was time to resume his post as
sentry. Mounting to his first outlook, his little blue eyes dilated,
for he saw an Indian creeping along.

"Charlie," said he, jumping down in terror. "Injun come to kill Bub!"

But, as Charlie did not reply, he clambered on the bed, crying,--

"Charlie, 'peak to Bub; Injun come!" Then, supposing that the reason
he made no answer was because he had burnt the powder, he said, with
quivering lip,--

"Bub's sorry he's been naughty; Bub won't be naughty no more. Bub love
Charlie;" and he put his little face lovingly against Charlie's. But
he started back as Charlie's hot cheeks touched his tender flesh.
Remembering how hot his own flesh was when tortured with thirst in the
tree, and how grateful the draught of water was Charlie fetched from
the spring at the risk of his life, Bub exclaimed,--

"Charlie dry; Bub give Charlie some drink!" and hastening to the
table, he took from it the large bowl, and filled it from the bucket
that Charlie had left on the floor, and, climbing with it on the bed
again, essaying to put it to his lips, upset the whole over his face
and neck. The sudden application of the cold water proved a balm to
the sick boy, and, recognizing Bub, he inquired, confusedly,--

"Where--where am I?--what's the matter?"

"Injun's come!" cried Bub, with renewed earnestness.

Charlie attempted to rise, but fell back, exhausted, saying, while a
growing faintness crept over him,--

"I can't get up, Bub, I'm so sick; pull the string."

Bub did as he was directed, and again the cabin fort broke the
stillness of prairie and forest with its unmanned broadside.

"Now," said Charlie, his voice sinking to a whisper, "go and hide
yourself in the cellar, Bub, and keep very still."

"I 'fraid 'out you!" said Bub.

"I am so sick," answered Charlie, "I can't go with you."

"I so 'fraid!" quivered Bub, as he saw the deathly pallor creeping
over Charlie's face, and the fixed look of his eyes.

"Pray, and then go and keep still," said Charlie.

And little Bub knelt by the bedside, and, folding his hands,
repeated,--

"Now I lay me down to sleep;