om them then?

'Run over them.'

'Don't know whether the younker has fixed he engine so it'll run over'
the skunks, ef it doesn't run up hill.'

'It can be made to do that, I think,' laughed young Brainerd.

'Afore we stay hyar, I'll take a look round to make sure that thar's
some show for us.'

The trapper ascended the bank, and, while his companions were occupied
in their preparations for encamping, he examined the whole horizon and
intervening space, so far as the human eye was capable of doing it.
Finding nothing suspicious, he announced to his companions that they
would remain where they were until morning.

CHAPTER XIX. THE DOINGS OF A NIGHT.

IT WAS soon found that the camping ground possessed another advantage
which, during the discussion, had been altogether overlooked.

During the afternoon they had shot a fine-looking antelope, cooking a
portion at the time upon the prairie. A goodly portion was left, and
they now had an opportunity of kindling their fire without the
liability of its being seen, as would have been the case had they
encamped in any other place.

This being agreed to, the fire was speedily kindled, and the trapper
himself began the culinary performance. It was executed with the
characteristic excellence of the hunter, and a luscious meal was thus
provided for all. At its conclusion, all stretched themselves upon the
ground for the purpose of smoking and chatting, as was their usual
custom at such times.

The evening whiled pleasantly away, and when it had considerably
advanced, the question of who should act as sentinel was discussed. Up
to this, young Brainerd had never once performed that duty at night,
although he had frequently solicited the privilege. He now-asked
permission to try his hand. After considerable talk it was agreed that
he might do. The trapper had lost so much sleep, that he was anxious
to secure a good night's rest, and the careful scrutiny which he had
taken of the surrounding prairie convinced him that no danger
threatened. So he felt little apprehension in acceding to the wish of
the boy.

At a late hour the two men stretched themselves upon the ground, with
their blankets gathered about them, and they were soon wrapped in
profound slumber, while Johnny, filled with the importance and
responsibility of his duty, felt as though he should never need
another hour's sleep. He was sure of being able to keep up an
unintermitting watch severa