Accordingly they ate their evening meal in silence, and curled up in
the bottom of their wagon, first taking the precaution to fill their
tank with water, and placing a portion of wood and kindlings in the
bowels of the steam man, so that in case of danger, they would be able
to leave at a short notice.
Johnny Brainerd was soon sound asleep, and the trapper followed, but
it was with that light, restless slumber which is disturbed by the
slightest noise.
So it came about that, but a few hours had passed, when he was aroused
by some slight disturbance in the grove. Raising his head he
endeavored to peer into the darkness, but he could detect nothing.
But he was certain that something was there, and he gently aroused the
boy beside him.
'What is it?' queried the latter in a whisper, but fully wide-awake.
'I think thar ar Ingins among the trees.' 'Good heavens! what shall we
do?'
'Keep still and don't git skeart'sh!' At this juncture he heard a
slight noise, and cautiously raising his head, he caught the outlines
of an Indian, in a crouching position, stealing along in front of the
wagon, as though examining the curious contrivance. He undoubtedly was
greatly puzzled, but he remained only a few minutes, when he withdrew
as silently as be had come.
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