Ralphson George Harvey - Boy Scouts on the Open Plains; The Round-Up Not Ordered стр 21.

Oh! well, I thought you seemed to be sleeping so sound that Id let it run on a little, the other made answer, for Jack was as generous as they make boys, and then, you see, I got interested watching him come creeping along like a snake, stopping every minute to examine one of the dead wolves, and saying something to himself each time, like he kept getting madder and madder.

Well, Im going on duty now, Jack, so just crawl over to your blanket and turn in, said Ned, in his quiet but positive way.

Amos was hovering near him at the time, as though he wanted to say a few words on the sly. He found the chance when Ned sat down, also leaning against the same tree that had supported the other vidette.

I wouldnt think too much about hurtin the feelings of that old mule-skinner if I was you, Ned, the kid cow-puncher went on to say, he aint near so mad as he puts on. Why, if it hadnt been for you and the rest, hed never got a single pelt of all that pack. They were free and would a got clear away, if we hadnt rounded the same up here. Fifteen hides, and as many scalps, he gets, without wasting his ammunition. Hes putting on thats what. But keep an eye out for him, Ned. That was a smart trick to take his gun away; but youve only scotched the snake, not killed it.

Ned promised that he would watch the wolf-herder closely and not allow him to make any sort of suspicious move.

I dont think he means to try any funny business, though, he added. You see he stands to lose all his pelts if he pulls his freight and gives us the good-bye sign. And with five against him, the odds are too big; for a boy with a rifle can be just as dangerous as a full-grown man.

It was somewhere near one oclock at the time of the alarm. The moon was high up in the heavens and even starting down her road toward the western horizon.

Ned kept watch and ward diligently. He did not mean to be caught napping by any unsuspected circumstance. It was hardly likely that Harkness could have any allies near by. Ned had been particular in asking about that, and Amos assured him that so far as he knew, the wolf-herder conducted his business alone, shunning the society of others, save on rare occasions when he came to town for a spree.

The night passed away without anything else happening to disturb the sleep of Jimmy. Harry awoke later on and insisted on taking his turn at keeping watch; so Ned secured his blanket and lay down close to him, having impressed it on Harrys mind that, at the least sign of a movement on the part of Harkness, he was to reach out a hand and shake him.

But just as Ned had said, the wolf man must have figured it out that he had everything to gain and nothing to lose by staying where he was and waiting for the boys to break camp, when his gun would be returned and himself left at liberty to rid those dead animals of their shaggy gray coats.

Jimmy was thoughtful to cook enough breakfast for an extra mouth, and so Harkness was given his full share of coffee, bacon, and fried potatoes, as well as all the crackers he could eat.

He said little or nothing, unless some question happened to be fired his way, when he would make a curt answer. All the while he kept his ears open and eyed the boys in a suspicious way, as though disturbed by their presence in the neighborhood. Those suits of khaki evidently puzzled Harkness, who could never have run across Boy Scouts before and knew nothing about their ways.

Noticing these looks on his part, and how he appeared to be listening intently, as though desirous of picking up certain information that might prove of value to him later on, Ned cautioned his chums against speaking of their affairs. This he managed to do, through certain gestures and nods, when the mans eyes happened to be turned in another direction.

Later on they made ready to pull up stakes and once more start on their journey toward the cattle ranch, which they expected to reach before sunset on this same day.

Harkness was eagerly waiting to be handed his gun, which Ned had taken the trouble to unload while it was in his possession. There was not much chance that the man would dare fire upon them, since he knew what the result would be and how apt to prove unpleasant for a fellow

of his size; but, then, Ned believed in taking all precautions possible, and he certainly did not like the looks of that heavy face with its rat-like eyes, which Jimmy compared with the glittering orbs of a pet ferret he had at home.

He had already been busily engaged removing the hides of the slain wolves and seemed to be willing to accept what the fates had given him. All the same, Ned believed he was a treacherous character who would betray his best friend for a money consideration, and he did not mean to trust him too far.

When everything had been packed and they were ready to depart, Ned laid the rusty gun of the wolf-herder on the ground.

Theres your property, Harkness, he remarked casually, just as I promised. And I want to say in parting company with you, that I think youre lucky to get about half your pelts, after losing the whole outfit. Of course, we dont expect you to thank us for saving half a loaf; but well be looking back as we leave here to see how you get on. And, Harkness, I wouldnt be in any too big a hurry to step over to where I laid your gun. So-long!