Part 8 (2/2)
”I don't see a thing,” said Darry, co sleepy I hardly think Leeson will be back untilLet us take turns at watching The one on duty can walk around the cabin now and then, and that will give each of us soreed upon, and they tossed up to see who should go on guard first It fell to Darry's lot, and Joe, hardly able to keep his eyes open, quickly retired, without undressing
Darry's vigil was certainly a lonely one, doubly so because it was new to him As he tramped slowly around the cabin, he could not help but contrast this situation with the one he was used to at hoht policeht-watchman,”
he reasoned ”They must be awfully tiresome jobs And the city isn't near as lonely as this, either, even in thebreath and looked at his watch ”Gracious, only three-quarters of an hour gone, and I've got an hour and a quarter still to serve! Hofully slow it is! If Leeson----What's that?”
He broke off short and caaze fixed on some brushwood a hundred feet to the rear of the stable He had seen so, but whether it was , I'm sure of that,” he told himself, after the object had disappeared fro on hands and knees”
He wondered if he had better awaken Joe, but hesitated, knowing how sleepy his cousin was Perhaps the object would go away--if it was a wild beast
Keeping his eyes on the spot, Darry waited what see time, but which was really but a few minutes Then slowly the bushes parted and the object caleamed fitfully even in that darkness
”A lad it isn't one of those desperadoes”
Taking up a stone he hurled it at the wolf, at the sao away At once the wolf turned tail and disappeared whence it had come
”Did you call?” came sleepily from Joe
”There's a wolf in the bushes back of the cabin,” returned Darry
”Does he want to attack you?”
”I don't know I just threw a stone at hiht”
By this time Joe was also outside, and the two cousins waited for the reappearance of the wolf
But the aniain, and presently Joe returned to bed The re unusual happening
CHAPTER IX
ARRIVAL AT THE FORT
Thefound the two boys still alone The sun ell up over the eastern prairie before both were dressed, for they had taken turns at guarding, as agreed, and each had consequently lost half his regular sleeping time
”Well, what's to do now?” questioned Darry, while they were stirring around getting breakfast
”I don't know of anything to do but to wait here until we hear from Benson and Hank Leeson,” answered his cousin
Breakfast was soon disposed of, and then they sat down to wait, still keeping their firear with the desperadoes had opened the boys' eyes, and they did not intend to be caught ”napping” no matter what else happened
Shortly before ten o'clock Joe espied three horse down the trail which led to the fort Both watched the approaching riders with interest, and presently saw that they were soldiers One wore the uniform of a lieutenant, and the others were privates