uggests Heywood, "oughtn't we to take them along?"

"No need," answers Woodley. "Contrarywise, they'd only hamper us. If
the redskins make to rush past, we kin eezy shoot down thar animals, an'
so stop 'em. Wi' thar squaws along, they ain't like to make any
resistance. Besides, arter all, they may be some sort that's friendly
to the whites. Ef so, 'twould be a pity to kill the critters. We kin
capter 'em without sheddin' thar blood."

"Not a drop of it," enjoins Clancy, in a tone of authority. "No,
comrades. I've entered Texas to spill blood, but not that of the
innocent--not that of Indians. When it comes to killing I shall see
before me--. No matter; you know whom I mean."

"I guess we do," answers Woodley. "We both o' us understand your
feelins, Charley Clancy; ay, an' respect 'em. But let's look sharp.
Whilst we stan' palaverin the Injuns may slip past. They've arready
reech'd the bank, an'--Quick, kum along!"

The three are about starting off, when a fourth figure appears standing
erect. It is Jupiter. A life of long suffering has made the mulatto a
light sleeper, and he has been awake all the time they were talking.
Though they spoke only in whispers, he has heard enough to suspect
something about to be done, in which there may be danger to Clancy. The
slave, now free, would lay down his life for the man who has manumitted
him.

Coming up, he requests to be taken along, and permitted to share their
exploit, however perilous.

As there can be no great objection, his request is granted, and he is
joined to the party.

But this necessitates a pause, for something to be considered. What is
to be done with the ex-jailer? Though not strictly treated as a
prisoner, still all along they have been keeping him under surveillance.
Certainly, there was something strange in his making back for the
States, in view of what he might there expect to meet for his
misdemeanour; and, considering this, they have never been sure whether
he may not still be in league with the outlaws, and prove twice traitor.

Now that they are approaching the spot where events may be expected,
more than ever is it thought necessary to keep an eye on him.

It will not do to leave him alone, with their horses. What then?

While thus hesitating, Woodley cuts the Gordian knot by stepping
straight to where Harkness lies, grasping the collar of his coat, and
rudely arousing him out of his slumber, by a jerk that brings him erect