ld give him to understand that
we were not to be dictated to regarding our individual actions while
off duty.

"We prefer to remain awake. Even though the enemy was not so near, I
question if either of us would care to go into the hot cabin, unless
orders were given to the effect that we must do so."

"Well, I have it in mind to get forty winks when I'm able. We may be
kept on the move pretty much all the time after leavin' here, an' it
stands a man in hand to bottle up what sleep he can."

"I thought you counted on moving around all night?"

"So I did before we knew that the Britishers had settled down for a
spell; but now there's no need of more watchers than are already on
duty," the old man said as he disappeared through the companion-way
hatch, leaving me fully sensible of the fact that I had proven myself
a prig and a fool by trying to assert my right to do as I pleased.

We could see boats moving slowly to and fro a short distance down the
river, and thus knew, the guard having been largely increased, that if
an enemy came our way during the hours of darkness, he must be seen by
the sentinels some time before we on the schooner could distinguish
him in the gloom.

Then Jim Freeman and his friends followed Darius' example, by going
into the cabin, and but for what had passed between the old man and me
I would have gone with them. As it was, I felt bound to remain, and
Jerry, understanding the situation, although he refrained from
speaking of it, stayed with me like the true friend that he always has
been.

Before midnight my eyes grew heavy with slumber, and I said to my
partner, as I led him well forward where we could not be overheard in
case any of those in the cabin were awake:

"It would seem as if you and I were left to look after the schooner,
and surely some one ought to be on duty, even though the spies have
reported that the enemy has encamped for the night."

"Well, that's about what we're doin', ain't it?" Jerry asked, and I
fancied he was trying not to laugh.

"Yes, and yet I'm getting mighty tired. I propose that we stretch out
on the deck a few minutes, just to rest our legs."

"Won't that be deserting our post?" Jerry asked gravely.

"I don't think so, because we can hear all that is going on, and while
it is so dark there isn't much chance of seeing anything."

"But suppose we fall asleep?"

"I'll see to it there's no chance of that," I replied, finding it hard
work to repress a