"
"That is a good idea," said Ted, and they crossed the clearing to the
woods, and found a place of concealment from which they could see all
that took place at the house.
The night was far advanced, and the girls were sleeping on a couch of
dried pine needles, which Ted had gathered for them.
Ted was on watch to shield them from harm, and to drive away the animals
of the night.
He was half asleep himself, sitting with his back to a tree with his
head on his arms, which were crossed on his knees.
An unusual sound brought him to his senses instantly, and he was
listening intently.
He heard the sound of horses' feet, and the subdued rumble of men
talking.
There were only two horses, and they were coming on uncertainly.
Evidently their riders did not know their way, and were feeling along in
the dark, which was intense.
"It ought to be along here somewhere."
It was the voice of Woofer.
"Well, I hope it is," said another voice, "I'm tired of this night
riding. When did the boss say he'd be here?"
"Early in ther mornin'. He's goin' ter make an attack on ther cow camp
ter-night, an' what he don't kill he's goin' ter bring here, an'
stampede ther cattle an' scatter them all over ther range."
Woofer laughed as he said it.
"I don't care much what he does," he continued, "if he'll only turn over
ther Injun gal ter me.
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