Part 10 (1/2)

”Now, you see,” said the guide, as he held up the piece of fresh venison so as to show the streaks of green, where the terrible poison had permeated it, ”after they done this, the reds used to jest let the meat lie till it was old and soft, and chuck full of pizen. Then all they had to do was to push the point of an arrow into the same, and dry it in the sun. But I'm told they never do such things any more, which I take it is a good job. Thar be some things that seem too tough even for savages to use in war; and pizen is one of 'em, I reckons.”

”For goodness sake bury it, Toby!” begged Smithy, turning pale as he contemplated the object the guide was holding up. ”And I surely hope we will not have the misfortune to run across any of the same breed while we're stalking those strange big-horn sheep.”

”Not much danger, because rattlers they's apt at this time of year to kim down to damp places, when they kin find such,” the guide explained; but at Thad's request he did put the piece of venison underground.

”If later on some hungry wolf digs it up, why, I'm sorry for that same beast,” Giraffe remarked, as they returned once more to the camp.

”Must be near time for us to skip out,” said Step Hen, giving the scoutmaster a look of entreaty, as though imploring Thad to be merciful, and cut their waiting short.

”Five minutes yet before the half hour is gone,” declared Allan.

An exclamation from the Indian drew their attention just then. The Fox was pointing, and on following the direction of his extended brown finger the boys saw what had caught his always vigilant eyes.

Away up on the top of the cliff that towered so many hundred feet above its base several figures were moving. They were plainly men, and white men at that. No need for any one to dart into the tent, and get the field gla.s.s, in order to know who these parties were, though Thad did secure it, as he wished a closer view.

”It's sure that Krackerjack crowd!” cried Giraffe. ”Better get a move on, Aleck, and drop out of sight before they glimpse you.”

But the other shook his head.

”It's too late for that now,” he declared. ”Kracker has got a spy gla.s.s leveled at this camp right now; and he's sure glimpsed me before this.”

And when Thad a minute later looked through the field gla.s.ses at the three who were on the cliff he saw that Aleck had spoken truly; for even then the biggest of the trio was watching them through a pair of gla.s.ses.

Now and then he would turn, to say something to one of his companions.

These fellows, known as Waffles and d.i.c.key Bird respectively, were not in the same cla.s.s with the giant Kracker, with regard to size; though as to reputation, possibly they were able to run him a close race; since they were all looked upon as a pretty bad lot by the settlers and miners with whom they came in contact.

”Wonder what he thinks?” remarked Davy Jones, who seemed almost tempted to try and use his kodak on the party, only his good sense told him they would look like specks at such a great distance, and there would be no satisfaction in the picture.

”How d'ye expect they ever found that Aleck was no longer on the ledge?” asked Step Hen.

”Perhaps they may have been in camp somewhere, that gave them a view of the ledge, and looking in vain for Aleck, they hurried up to see whether he had fallen, or was climbing up someway or other,” Allan suggested.

”And the chances are, they'll want to drop in here, now that they know he's taken up with us?” said Giraffe.

Step Hen looked anxious.

”Say, Thad, is that agoin' to interfere with our startin' out on our little excursion?” he demanded.

The scoutmaster knew what was in his mind. He smiled as he replied:

”Oh! I don't see why it should, Step Hen. Fact is, the time's up now; and as I've said all I want to about taking care of yourselves, why you might as well make a start. There'll be enough of us left behind to take care of Colonel Kracker and his friends, if so be they do chance to call on us.”

”Bring us back some nice juicy mutton, Step Hen!” called Giraffe.

”And Davy, be sure you snap 'em off in the air; we ain't from Missouri, but we like to be shown,” added b.u.mpus.

”I say, Smithy, the country expects every man to do his duty, suh; and if you get your chance, I give you my word, suh, that little gun can be depended on every single time!” shouted the Southerner, Bob White.