thus the burden of responsibility was shifted to the shoulders of
Fred Greenwood, the junior by a few months of Jack Dudley. No one could
have been more deeply impressed with his responsibility than Fred. He
knew that a hostile red man had entered the grove while two of the party
were asleep, and, but for the watchfulness of the sentinel, might have
slain all three.

"I don't know much about Indians," reflected Fred, "but I have been told
that they are a revengeful people. That fellow must be angered because
he was outwitted by Jack, and it will be just like him to steal back for
the purpose of revenge. It won't do for me to wink both eyes at the same
time."

This was a wise resolution, and the youth took every precaution against
committing what was likely to be a fatal mistake. Although his sleep was
broken, and he could have consumed several hours additional with
enjoyment, he was never more wide-awake. The temptation was strong to
sit down on the ground with his back against a tree, but he foresaw the
consequences. The man who yields only for a few minutes to the creeping
drowsiness is gone.

Fred was more circumspect, even, than his chum. Instead of taking his
position beside the trunk of one of the trees, he walked silently around
in a circle, keeping the camp-fire as a centre. By this means he not
only kept his senses keyed to a high point, but made his espionage
nearer perfect than his friend had done.

That the night was not to pass without a stirring experience to the
younger lad was soon evident. As nearly as he could guess, without
consulting his watch, it was about one o'clock, when he became aware
that some person or animal was astir in the grove. He heard the faint
footfalls on the ground, though for a time he was unable to catch so
much as a shadowy glimpse of the intruder.

"I believe it is that Indian, who has come back to square accounts with
Jack for getting the better of him. The wisest thing for me to do is to
not allow him to see me."

This was wise; and, to prevent such a disaster, Fred adopted the precise
tactics that had been used by his friend. He stationed himself beside a
friendly trunk, which so interposed between himself and the fire that he
was invisible, no matter from what direction approached. Standing thus,
he peered into the surrounding gloom and listened with all the intensity
of which he was capable.

Suddenly he caught a glimpse of the intruder. The relief was unspeakable