e purayras, whether red
Injuns or white pirates. Ef thar air danger it'll come arter they've
settled down, an' growed unsurspishus. Then thar mout be a chance o'
circumventin' them. But then we'll be thar to purvent it. No fear o'
our arrivin' too late. We'll get up to the ole mission long afore noon
the morrow, whar ye'll find, what ye've been so long trackin' arter,
soun' an' safe. Trust Sime Woodley for that."

The comforting words tranquillise Clancy's fears, at the same time
checking his impatience. Still is he reluctant to stay, and shows it by
his answer.

"Sime, I'd rather we went on."

"Wal, ef ye so weesh it, on let's go. Your the chief of this party an'
kin command. For myself I'm only thinkin' or them poor, tired
critters."

The hunter points to the horses, that for the last hour have been
dragging their limbs along like bees honey-laden.

"To say nothin' o' ourselves," he adds, "though for my part I'm riddy to
keep on to the Rio Grand, if you insist on goin' thar."

Notwithstanding his professed willingness, there is something in the
tone of Sime's speech which contradicts it--just a _soupcon_ of
vexation.

Perceiving it, Clancy makes rejoinder with the delicacy becoming a
gentleman. Though against his will and better judgment, his habitual
belief in, and reliance on Woodley's wisdom, puts an end to his
opposition; and in fine yielding, he says:--

"Very well; we shall stay. After all, it can't make much difference. A
truce to my presentiments. I've often had such before, that came to
nothing. Hoping it may be the same now, we'll spend our night this side
the river."

"All right," responds the backwoodsman. "An' since it's decided we're
to stay, I see no reezun why we shedn't make ourselves as comfortable as
may be unner the circumstances. As it so chances, I know this hyar San
Saba bottom 'most as well as that o' our ole Massissip. An' ef my
mem'ry don't mistake, thar's a spot not far from hyar that'll jest suit
for us to camp in. Foller me; I'll find it."

Saying this, he kicks his heels against the ribs of his horse, and
compels the tired steed once more into reluctant motion, the rest riding
after in silence.

CHAPTER FIFTY SIX.

SPECTRAL EQUESTRIANS.

But a short distance from where the travellers made stop, a side trace
leads to the left, parallel to the direction of the river. Into this
Woodley strikes, conducting the others.

It is so narrow they cannot go