so quick getting out the things, he pleased Jeff,
who remarked to him, when he saw Lem was safe out of earshot: 'Look
here! Ye're a sharp lad, an' I'm glad I promised Steve Byrne as I'd do
my best for you. All the same, I'm a bit afraid as to how Lem'll take
it, for he can't abide kids, an' I haven't told him as you're a-comin'
along with us. He's my mate an' a terribly cranky chap.'

'I won't bother him a bit,' cried Jack, delighted to find one of his
escort inclined to be so friendly, and hoping to be able in time to
please the doubtful Lem too.

Jack confessed to himself he did not like the man's looks at all, and
when Jeff at breakfast intimated to him that he intended to take 'the
kid' along, he only received a disapproving 'Humph' in return. Jack,
distrusting the dark, sullen face, determined to have as little as
possible to do with him while he formed one of their party.

CHAPTER IV.

JACK STARTS ON HIS JOURNEY.

The sun had not risen far above the horizon when the waggon started.
The men very carefully extinguished every ember of their camp fire
before they left the place, by pouring buckets of water over it, as the
laws were very strict on that point. Many of the terrible prairie
fires are traced from time to time to sparks left by careless people
camping out, which, blown by the wind, ignite the dry grass near, and
start the destructive flames which spread and rush on for miles,
carrying ruin in their track.

Lem sat in front of the waggon, driving the four horses, while Jeff was
beside him, both smoking. As Jack was afraid of being pursued, Jeff
suggested it would be safer for him to ride inside the waggon for the
first day or two. They had only got a few miles from Longview, when
Jeff perceived a horseman tearing after them, evidently bent on
overtaking them.

'Lie down, boy!' he called through the waggon opening to Jack. 'We're
followed already. Get under the blankets.'

Poor Jack obeyed, trembling with fright, and not daring to look out and
see who it was. How relieved he felt when the horse came up close
behind and he heard Steve's cheery voice hailing them: 'Hi, stop!'

'Hold on, Lem, for a bit,' cried Jeff. 'It's the young un he wants to
see.'

Lem pulled up with evident reluctance.

'Have you got the kid?' asked Steve anxiously.

'Yes, there he be,' returned Jeff, as Jack's happy face looked out
through the canvas curtains; 'I guess we can take care o' him for a
spell