nsisted upon bringing out one of the well-worn
blankets, but that Dick was decidedly opposed to taking anything from
the wagon which might in the slightest degree contribute to his
father's comfort.

"I'm very well off on the bare ground, and with the wagon to shelter
me from the dew I couldn't be better fixed. Our poor old man needs all
we've got, mother; and you may be sure I won't lay awake thinking of
the feather-beds we had at Willow Point, 'cause it's about as much as
I can do to keep my eyes open."

"You are a dear good boy, and God will reward you. In addition to
saving your father's life, for that is what you've done this day, you
have lightened my burden until it would be wicked to repine."

"I'll risk your ever doing anything very wicked, mother; and if the
time comes when it seems to you as though I don't do exactly as you
want me to, just remember all you've said about my being a good boy,
an' let it be a stand-off, will you?"

"I am certain you will never do anything to cause me sorrow, Dickey,
dear. Don't get up until you have been thoroughly rested; for now that
we have food in camp, I can do all that will be necessary."

Then Dick's mother kissed him again, not leaving him until he had
stretched out at full length under the wagon; and so tired was the boy
that Mrs. Stevens had hardly got back to take up her duties as nurse
when his loud breathing told that he was asleep.

When Dick awakened it was still dark; but he believed, because he no
longer felt extremely weary, that the night was nearly spent; and for
the success of his plan it was of the utmost importance he should set
out before his mother was astir.

It was his purpose to travel on foot to Antelope Spring, a distance in
an air-line of about forty-five miles, fifteen of which would be
across the upper portion of Smoke Creek Desert.

In this waste of sand lay all the danger of the undertaking. The
number of miles to be travelled troubled him but little, for more than
once had he walked nearly as far in a single day while hunting; and he
proposed to spend thirty-six hours on each stage of the journey.

Creeping cautiously out from under the wagon, he fastened his letter
to the flap of the canvas covering in such a manner that his mother
could not fail to see it when she first came out; and then he wrapped
in leaves several slices of broiled venison, after which he stowed
them in his pocket.

The canteen was filled at a spring near-by.