398 WILD SPOETS IN THE SOUTH. 



nine in Tiger Tail's party. Had they sacked the light 

 and left with the spoils, after losing one man? This 

 seemed to be probable. This would be a likely result, 

 in case the two inhabitants of the Key were attacked in 

 such a manner that they could return but a single blow 

 before they were overpowered. 



" Or it might turn up," quoth Mike, to himself, " that 

 they treed more'n they could ketch, and were goin' off 

 for a time on a make-believe, leaving one to ketch the 

 old man when he cum down. That's like 'em. Cum 

 back, Yowler ; don't show your ugly mug to them crit- 

 ters ; they know you better'n their own squaws." 



And the old dog obediently resumed his place at his 

 master's side, and the couple quietly watched the open 

 sound that had now become too rough to cross in a canoe. 



" No, taint it," continued Mike, to himself. " They've 

 been here four or five days. They wouldn't have sot 

 there all that time and done nothing. Wall, wall, time'll 

 show." 



The hunter nibbled his jerked venison, giving a bit 

 now and then to his dog, who sat with his head in his 

 master's lap. He saw the screaming gulls come land- 

 ward, and the darkness gather like a pavilion. He saw 

 the light of the Indian fire, and the long reach of Key 

 Biscayne like a log on the wrathful sea, and the 

 breakers combing over either end. 



When the lantern suddenly looked down at him with 

 its tranquil eye, he sprang to his feet, exclaiming — " God 

 is good ! God is good to sinful critters. No daylight 



