k
I's lyin', and what's de use?"

"Zeb," commenced George, not regarding the last remark, "you, as well as
we, are aware that we are encompassed by peril. You have seen that the
Indians are constantly prowling around, and evidently for no good
purpose. What would you advise us to do under the circumstances?"

"Give 'em all a good floggin' and set 'em to work," he replied.

"Come, come, Zeb, we want no jesting," interrupted Rosalind.

"Dar 'tis ag'in. Who war jestin'? Dat's what I t'ink is de best. Give
'em a good lickin', and set 'em to work clearin' off de wood till dar
spunk is gone."

"Fudge!" said George, impatiently, turning his back toward Zeb, whose
head ducked down with a chuckle.

"Rosalind," said George, "the best plan is certainly to wait until
Leslie returns, which will be either to-morrow or the next day. We will
then determine upon what course to pursue. Perhaps we shall be
undisturbed until that time. If not, it cannot be helped."

"Wished dis pusson warn't so hungry," remarked Zeb, picking up a stick
and whittling it.

Rosalind smiled as she arose and remarked:

"It is getting late, George, and it perhaps is best to have supper."

He made no answer and turned toward the negro.

"Zeb," said he, "in all probability we shall be obliged to leave this
place in a few days for a safer location. Of course you will accompany
us, and I wish it to be understood that you are to lay aside this levity
and carelessness. Remember that you are in danger, as much as ourselves.
Your scalp may be the first taken."

"What, dis yere wool of mine? Yah! yah! yah! Lord bless you, dey'd have
a handful!"

"How would you relish being roasted at the stake?" asked George, hoping
to terrify him.

"Yah! yah! Dey'd be some sizzlin', I guess."

"You will think soberly about the matter, perhaps sooner than you
suspect."

"Yas," said Zeb, and his face straightened out in an instant, while he
slowly and thoughtfully continued whittling.

"Zeb," continued George, leaning toward him and speaking in an
undertone, "I think we shall be attacked in two days at the latest."

"Jest keep de whip in good order, and I'll put it into 'em and teach 'em
manners."

"I fear you will learn wisdom only by experience, even if you do then,"
returned George. "It would be a good thing for you, should you meet with
something that would impress you with a sense of your peril. I can only
wonder at your stupidity."

"Gorra mighty! do you s