Part 34 (1/2)
”But perhaps I can't help falling asleep.”
”Mr. Peabody,” said Fletcher sternly, ”you must keep awake. Not only your own safety, but that of the whole camp, may depend upon your vigilance. If you choose to risk your own life, I don't complain of that, but you shall not imperil ours. I therefore give you notice, that if you fall asleep on guard you will be drummed out of camp, and left to s.h.i.+ft for yourself.”
”But I couldn't find my way on the prairie,” said Peabody, very much alarmed.
”You had better think of that when you are tempted to close your eyes, Mr. Peabody,” replied Fletcher.
Lawrence Peabody walked off, feeling very much disconcerted. Fervently he wished himself back in Boston, where there are no Indians, and a man might sleep from one week's end to another without any danger of losing his scalp.
”What's the matter, Mr. Peabody?” asked Tom, observing his melancholy appearance.
”I don't think I shall ever live to see California,” answered Mr.
Peabody plaintively.
”Why, what's the matter now?” asked Tom, checking an inclination to laugh; ”are you sick?”
”I don't feel very well, Tom. I'm very delicate, and this journey is almost too much for my strength.”
”Oh, cheer up, Mr. Peabody! Think of the gold that awaits you at the end of the journey.”
”It's all that keeps me up, I do a.s.sure you. But I am afraid I shall never live to get there,” said Peabody, with a groan.
”Don't think of such things, Mr. Peabody. Of course none of us is sure of living, but the chances are, that we shall reach California in health, make our fortunes, and go home rich. At any rate, that's what I am looking forward to.”
”I wouldn't mind so much but for one thing, Tom.”
”What is that?”
”Fletcher insists that I shall take my turn in standing guard. If I were not so delicate I wouldn't mind; but I know I can't stand it. I'll give you two dollars to take my place, every time my turn comes.”
”I am willing, if Mr. Fletcher is,” said Tom, who was by no means averse to making a little extra money.
”But he isn't. I proposed it to him, for I was sure I could arrange with you; but he refused.”
”I suppose,” said Tom slyly, ”he thought I couldn't fill your place. You are a brave, resolute man, and I am only a boy.”
”Tom--I--I don't mind telling you; but I am afraid I am not brave.”
”Oh, nonsense, Mr. Peabody! that is only your modesty.”
”But I a.s.sure you,” said the young Bostonian earnestly, ”I am speaking the truth. If I should see an Indian crawling near the camp I'm really afraid I should faint.”
”You won't know how brave you are till you are put to the test.”
”But do you think there is any chance of my being put to the test? Do you think there are any Indians near?” asked Lawrence Peabody, wiping the damp perspiration from his brow.
”Of course there must be,” said Tom. ”We are pa.s.sing through their hunting-grounds, you know.”