THE WOLF HUNTERS 



"I don't think there's any need of it here," 

 added Tom as he looked toward the timber at the 

 crossing of the creek ahead of us, "but, to be on 

 the safe side, while I drive the team, Jack, you 

 an' Peck may take your guns and form a skirmish 

 line ahead of me as we go through the timber." 



We did so, but, finding no sign of an enemy, as 

 we again came out on the prairie we joined the 

 wagon and rode up to the abandoned house and 

 camped in a good, defensible position. There was 

 no grass close to the house whereon to picket our 

 team, but some hay that had been left in the 

 barn made a good substitute. 



Finding the inside of the house littered with 

 waste and rubbish left by the recent occupants, 

 we pitched our tent near the wagon, as usual, 

 camping by the house merely to secure a defen- 

 sible location in open ground with wood and 

 water convenient. 



We were confident that we would receive a call 

 from the jayhawkers and hurried our dinner, 

 keeping an anxious lookout back along the road 

 toward the store, which was now hidden from us 

 by the timber. 



After we had cleared away the dishes Tom or- 

 dered : 



"Now, men, see that everything is prepared 

 for action. See that all arms are in good work- 

 ing order, an' have a good supply of ca'tridges 

 handy." 



52 



