lly taking many a peep over the breastwork above the cliff.

"In my opinion, that part should not be left unguarded for a moment," he
said. "The rush of the water below prevents us from hearing anyone
moving beneath, and we can hardly see ten feet down, while an Indian
would not take half as many seconds to spring to the top and be in our
midst."

As it was important that the men should obtain some rest after the
fatigues they had gone through, those not required to be on guard were
ordered to lie down. Before doing so, however, the horses and cattle
were brought inside the camp, where they might be in security should the
Indians suddenly come upon us during the hours of darkness.

My father, Uncle Denis, and the Dominie divided the watch between them,
so that one was always on duty. I was appointed to act under Mr Tidey,
and it fell to his lot to keep the morning watch. I don't think I ever
slept more soundly in my life, for I had been on horseback, or in active
exercise since sunrise. I rubbed my eyes when called by Uncle Denis.

"We have had a quiet night, not a sign of the redskins, and I suspect,
should they have reconnoitred our camp from a distance, they have
thought it wise to let it alone," he said.

"You may be right, Mr O'Dwyer; but, notwithstanding, the night is not
over, and until I see the sun rise I shall not be satisfied that we are
to move on without a skirmish," observed the Dominie.

"Well, well! I hope to get my night's rest out without interruption,"
answered Uncle Denis, as he stretched himself on the ground, and turned
on his side to go to sleep.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

READY FOR THE FOE--DIO'S MASTER-STROKE--THE BATTLE--DEFEAT OF THE
REDSKINS--WATCHING THROUGH THE NIGHT--A RECONNOITRING PARTY--A PERILOUS
DUTY--THE COAST CLEAR--EXPLORING THE WOODS--THE RUSTLING IN THE LEAVES--
AN AMERICAN LION--FIGHT BETWEEN A PUMA AND BOAR--FRESH PROVISIONS--NO
ENEMY NEAR--TIM CASEY'S REDSKINS--THE START--SEEKING A FORD--CROSSING
DISCOVERED BY DIO--A CAVALRY ENGAGEMENT--DEATH OF AN INDIAN CHIEF--A
STRANGE COLONY--PRAIRIE DOGS--SCARCITY OF WATER--SUFFERINGS OF THE
PARTY--SET OUT TO PROCURE RELIEF--MAKE FOR FORT HAMILTON--HORSES BITTEN
BY RATTLE-SNAKE--A WELCOME SIGN--FRIENDS OR FOES--THE SERGEANT OF THE
GUARD--THE CHALLENGE AFTER THE SHOT--THE FORT REACHED--OUR RECEPTION--
THE DOCTOR'S TREATMENT OF MY HORSE--A VISIT TO THE FORTIFICATIONS.

Kept on the alert by Mr Tidey's warnings, I continued racing up