THE WOLF HUNTERS 



of happiness/ as the Bible says. We know how 

 tricky Injuns are, and, although we've seen no 

 fresh signs, a prowling party is likely to drop onto 

 us any time; and just think what a fix we'd be in 

 if they should happen to get into our camp and all 

 hands away. How completely they'd have the 

 drop on us! I'm not scared of them, nor trying 

 to scare you, but we've got to keep our eyes 

 peeled and be prepared all the time." 



"All right," I replied with an air of more con- 

 fidence than I really felt, "I guess Found and I 

 will be able to take care of camp." 



"Of course," continued Tom reassuringly, "all 

 Injuns ain't hostile, but we've got to keep on the 

 safe side; and if a party of them approaches our 

 camp at any time, even if they profess to be 

 friendly, we must stand them off and never allow 

 more than a few just what we feel sure we can 

 handle to come into camp at a time; and even 

 then, always keep your eyes on them and your 

 arms and cartridges handy." 



Leaving me with these cheerful subjects for 

 thought, the two men proceeded to their work. 



After they left I moved our horses and mules 

 across the ravine where the dog and I could guard 

 them on one side, while on the other the two hay- 

 makers would be some protection. During the 

 forenoon I worked at the banks of the gulch, a 

 little above our tent, to make a crossing for the 

 wagon. 



140 



