ing, for he
was not of the stuff of which heroes are made. "Do you--think there is
any danger of that?"

"Considerable, if you neglect your duty."

"But perhaps I can't help falling asleep."

"Mr. Peabody," said Fletcher sternly, "you must keep awake. Not only
your own safety, but that of the whole camp, may depend upon your
vigilance. If you choose to risk your own life, I don't complain of
that, but you shall not imperil ours. I therefore give you notice, that
if you fall asleep on guard you will be drummed out of camp, and left to
shift for yourself."

"But I couldn't find my way on the prairie," said Peabody, very much
alarmed.

"You had better think of that when you are tempted to close your eyes,
Mr. Peabody," replied Fletcher.

Lawrence Peabody walked off, feeling very much disconcerted. Fervently
he wished himself back in Boston, where there are no Indians, and a man
might sleep from one week's end to another without any danger of losing
his scalp.

"What's the matter, Mr. Peabody?" asked Tom, observing his melancholy
appearance.

"I don't think I shall ever live to see California," answered Mr.
Peabody plaintively.

"Why, what's the matter now?" asked Tom, checking an inclination to
laugh; "are you sick?"

"I don't feel very well, Tom. I'm very delicate, and this journey is
almost too much for my strength."

"Oh, cheer up, Mr. Peabody! Think of the gold that awaits you at the end
of the journey."

"It's all that keeps me up, I do assure you. But I am afraid I shall
never live to get there," said Peabody, with a groan.

"Don't think of such things, Mr. Peabody. Of course none of us is sure
of living, but the chances are, that we shall reach California in
health, make our fortunes, and go home rich. At any rate, that's what I
am looking forward to."

"I wouldn't mind so much but for one thing, Tom."

"What is that?"

"Fletcher insists that I shall take my turn in standing guard. If I were
not so delicate I wouldn't mind; but I know I can't stand it. I'll give
you two dollars to take my place, every time my turn comes."

"I am willing, if Mr. Fletcher is," said Tom, who was by no means averse
to making a little extra money.

"But he isn't. I proposed it to him, for I was sure I could arrange with
you; but he refused."

"I suppose," said Tom slyly, "he thought I couldn't fill your place. You
are a brave, resolute man, and I am only a boy."

"Tom--I--I don't mind telling you; but I am af