92 A MASTERLY RETREAT. 



half of the night, with the intention of alternating with Mr. Godkin, Dick and two 

 others for the remaining hours of darkness. 



The Texan's experience in Indian campaigning in the Southwest convinced him 

 that if any demonstration was made, it would be from the direction of the stream 

 flowing near the camp. 



Accordingly, he located himself in the grass on that side. He did not hesitate 

 to lie on, his face, for he had learned long before to do that through the entire night 

 without falling asleep. The confidence of his friends in him was such that they 

 felt that, despite the peculiar peril to which the approach was exposed, it was really 

 the safest spot while under his guardianship. 



Sure enough, just before the turn of night, Jack detected several dusky figures 

 stealthily moving along the stream, close to the water, and he knew they were his 

 old enemies. The instant he was able to locate them, he opened with his repeater, 

 launching the whole nine shots in such rapid succession that the recipients must 

 have believed an old-fashioned bombardment had opened. 



This volley of Jack's accomplished its purpose. The terrified Bushmen skurried 

 out of reach with the utmost precipitation, and, though Jack remained on guard 

 till morning, he saw nothing mote of them. 



