some dark objects on the boughs of the trees and called Obed's
attention to them.

"Wild turkeys," said Obed, after a long look. "The first we've seen and
we can't take a shot at them. They must know it or they wouldn't sit
there so quiet and easy."

A half hour later, Ned saw something move among the trees at the nearest
point of the forest. It looked like a shadow and was gone in an
instant. But his heart leaped. He felt sure that it was a Lipan, and
told Obed of his suspicion.

"Of course you're right," said the Maine man. "They may have been there
in the woods for an hour spying us out. They've dismounted and have left
their horses further back among the trees. Suppose you watch to the
right while I face to the left. I think the two of us together can cover
a whole circle."

Ned felt a singular composure. It seemed to him that he had passed
through so many emotions that he had none left now but calm and
expectancy. As the night was somewhat cold he even remembered to throw
one of the blankets over his body, as he lay behind the log. Obed
noticed it and his sharp eyes brightened with approval. It was obvious
that the Lipans were now in the woods about them, and that the long
chase was at an end, but the boy was as steady as a rock.

Ned looked continually for the second appearance of the shadows. Nothing
within the range of his half circle escaped him. He saw the wild turkeys
unfold their wings, and fly heavily away, which was absolute proof of
the presence of the Lipans. He finally saw the shadow for the second
time, and, at almost the same moment, a pink dot appeared in the woods.
The crack of a rifle followed, and a bullet knocked up a little dust at
least fifty yards short of them. Obed sniffed contemptuously.

"One good bullet wasted," he said, "and one good bullet, I suppose,
deserves another, but they won't fire again--yet. It shows that they
know we're on guard. They won't rush us. They'll wait for time, thirst
and starvation."

Obed was right. Not another shot was fired, nor did any of the Lipans
show themselves. Day came, and the forest was as quiet and peaceful as
if it were a park. Some little birds of brilliant plumage sang as
heralds of dawn, and sunlight flooded the trees and the opening. Ned and
Obed moved themselves into more comfortable positions and waited.

They were to have another terrible trial of Indian patience. No attack
was made. The two lay behind the logs and watched the circle o