tion that hinders."

"I am glad of it, at any rate. I can sleep with greater comfort."

The rest were not as considerate as Tom and Ferguson. They tried,
indeed, to excite still further the fears of the young Bostonian.

"Peabody," said Miles, "have you made your will?"

"No," answered Peabody nervously. "Why should I?"

"Oh, I was thinking that if anything happened to you to-night you might
like to say how your things are to be disposed of. You've got a gold
watch, haven't you?"

"Yes," said Peabody nervously.

"And a little money, I suppose."

"Not very much, Mr. Miles."

"No matter about that. Of course if you are killed you won't have
occasion for it," said Miles, in a matter-of-fact tone.

"I wish you wouldn't talk that way," said Peabody irritably. "It makes
me nervous."

"What's the use of being nervous? It won't do any good."

"Do you really think, Mr. Miles, there is much danger?" faltered
Peabody.

"Of course there is danger. But the post of danger is the post of honor.
Now, Peabody, I want to give you a piece of advice. If you spy one of
those red devils crouching in the grass, don't stop to parley, but up
with your revolver, and let him have it in the head. If you can't hit
him in the head, hit him where you can."

"Wouldn't it be better," suggested Peabody, in a tremulous voice, "to
wake you up, or Mr. Fletcher?"

"While you were doing it the savage would make mince-meat of you. No,
Peabody, fire at once. This would wake us all up, and if you didn't kill
the reptile we would do it for you."

"Perhaps he would see me first," suggested Peabody, in a troubled tone.

"You mustn't let him. You must have your eyes all about you. You are not
near-sighted, are you?"

"I believe I am--a little," said Peabody eagerly, thinking that this
might be esteemed a disqualification for the position he dreaded.

"Oh, well, I guess it won't make any difference, only you will need to
be more vigilant."

"I wish I was blind; just for to-night," thought Peabody to himself,
with an inward sigh. "Then they would have to excuse me."

John Miles overtook Fletcher, who was with the head wagon.

"Captain Fletcher," he said, "I am afraid Peabody will make a mighty
poor watch."

"Just my opinion."

"He is more timid than the average woman. I've got a sister at home that
has ten times his courage. If she hadn't I wouldn't own the
relationship."

"I am not willing to excuse him."

"Of course not; but I'll