view of the yard while remaining unseen, he continued his duties in what
appeared to him to be a much wiser, and certainly a more comfortable
fashion.

Here he was protected from the chill wind, and as was only natural, here
also he fell asleep even while saying to himself that nothing should
tempt him to close his eyes even for a single moment.

When the near-by clock struck the hour of twelve Dan was still wrapped
in slumber.

At three o'clock in the morning his repose was most profound, and just
at daylight Seth shook him by the shoulder as he asked with a laugh:

"How long have you been asleep?"

Dan's most intimate friends claimed that he never told a lie, and he was
not tempted to do so on this occasion, even though the truth provoked
mirth at his expense.

"It couldn't have been a great while after eight o'clock. It didn't seem
possible I'd go to sleep here, Seth, an' sure I meant to keep my eyes
wide open; but the first thing I knew it was done, an' I haven't woke up
since."

"Well, that shows how much need there is to watch for Jip Collins. He's
all wind, that feller is, an' likes to go 'round town braggin' what
he'll do to us; but you'll find every night will be jest like this. As
soon as it's dark he gets where he belongs, an' don't take the chances
of bein' out too late. Comin' up here in the night an' tryin' any funny
business is too much for a coward like him, an' I tell you we might as
well go to sleep as to stand guard."

Nothing could have been more convincing to Dan than this experience.
When the amateur detective left them it seemed positive Jip Collins
would attempt to work mischief before daybreak, and had he been forced
to lie down on the bed of shavings by the side of his landlord, Dan
Roberts would have felt decidedly uneasy in mind.

Now, however, since he had kept such poor watch, and it was evident the
enemy had not been in that vicinity, he came to look at the matter much
as did Seth.

Although no absolute decision was arrived at regarding what should be
done in the future as to standing guard, it was understood between these
two inmates of the shed-home, that such precaution was unnecessary.

Among his other conveniences for housekeeping Seth had a tin biscuit-box
which served him as cupboard, and the two were in the custom of bringing
home at night sufficient for their breakfast next morning.

It was necessary Dan should be ready to begin business at a very early
hour, and w