814 AS IN THE OLDEN DAYS. 



his revolvers were at command, and he reflected that he had learned to use them 

 with considerable promptness in an emergency. 



The question whether there was one or more savages had not yet been solved, 

 and it was that which chiefly occupied Jack as he began creeping toward the 

 camp-fire. 



Once free of the grass, he crouched lower than the native in front of him. The 

 Texan had discovered in his Indian campaigns how to move silently over the 

 ground, with his chin but a few inches from it. By this means, too, he brought his 

 man into clearer relief against the yellow flame beyond. 



"I'm satisfied," he concluded, after progressing some way, "that, no matter how 

 many darkeys may be in the neighborhood, there's only one atween me and Carl, 

 and he's the one I've got to deal with ; I'll 'tend to the others afterward." 



The savage, having shown himself, now sank down again and became almost 

 invisible. This meant that he was advancing upon the camp. When he straight- 

 ened up, it was to note his progress and bearings. 



A few minutes later, the head and shoulders reappeared, this time so much 

 nearer the camp that all doubt of the native's hostile purpose was removed. He 

 meant to slay Mr. Godkin, and was steadily advancing to do so. 



Indeed, he was so near that Jack was sure the director must be able to see every 

 unovement, a fact to which the wild man was singularly blind. 



At any rate, he had approached so close that there was no call for him to go 

 closer, and that such was his own conclusion was oroven by the next step he took. 



