Part 32 (1/2)
To tell the truth, n.o.body felt like sleeping, and all huddled together in a hollow, close to where the horses had been tethered. Wags came and rested his head in Tom's hand.
”Old boy, you know we are worried, don't you?” said Tom, and the dog looked up as if he understood.
It was a long time before their watches pointed to midnight. Then Songbird stretched himself.
”I am so sleepy I can scarcely keep my eyes open,” he said with a yawn.
”Then go to sleep,” said Tom.
”I take a leetle nap, too,” said Hans, and soon both were slumbering, leaving Tom and Fred on guard. They wished they had a fire--it would make things more cheerful--but they did not dare to indulge themselves, for fear their enemies might see the light.
By the time it was three in the morning, even Fred could hold out no longer. He dropped off, leaving Tom to keep the vigil by himself.
But soon Songbird started up.
”Have they come back, Tom?” he asked.
”Not yet.”
”They must be making some wonderful discoveries. Hullo! so the others went to sleep, too? Don't you want a nap?”
”Well, I'll take forty winks, if you'll promise to keep a good lookout.”
”I'll do that. I'm as fresh as a daisy now.”
Tom leaned back against a tree, and in a minute more was in slumber-land.
When the others awoke, they did not disturb him, consequently it was some time after sunrise when he opened his eyes.
”I declare! I've had a regular sleep!” he cried. ”Why didn't you wake me up?”
”We didn't think it necessary,” said Fred.
”Have they got back?”
”No.”
At this, Tom's face grew serious.
”That's strange, and I must say I don't like it.”
”Oh, I guess they'll show up before a great while,” answered Fred.
”They couldn't travel very well in the dark. If they tried it, they'd be sure to get lost.”
Once more, they unpacked the provisions they had brought along and made a leisurely break-fast. Then they packed their things again and waited.
”I am going up to the top of a tree and take another look around,”
announced Tom about ten o'clock. He could scarcely stand the suspense.
”I'll do the same,” said Songbird, and soon they were in the top of a tall tree and gazing axiously in the direction of Red Rock ranch.
The place looked to be deserted.