nd won't they make fur fly when they do come!" added the Texan
with a thrill; "they will welcome such a chance to even up matters with
these cattle thieves, who have been hanging round the country for nearly
a week; they will give them a lesson which will make it safe for the
women until we get back, even if gone six months."

Despite his watchfulness against his foes, his gaze continually wandered
to the northward, whence the expected aid was to come. His elevation was
not sufficient to permit him to see beyond the ridge which his relative
must pass to reach camp, but he listened for the assuring shouts which
were sure to proclaim the arrival of the brave fellows who were always
ready to risk their lives for a friend.

Although the captain relied chiefly upon the darkness to screen him from
sight of the Comanches, he could not feel sure of entire safety in his
situation. In order to hold all of the roof in his field of vision, he
had to keep not only his head but his shoulders above the level of the
scuttle. By doing this, he could look over the peak, but his danger lay
in the evident fact that the Indians knew the location of the opening,
and would use their eyes for all they were worth in striving to detect
anyone venturing out of it.

The conviction, therefore, was that his conspicuous posture was likely
to reveal his outlines to some watchful warrior, who might rise to his
feet on the back of his steed so as to permit a closer view of the
roof.

No more uncomfortable sensation can be imagined than that of one who
continually invites the skill of a sharp-shooter, and the Texan met the
difficulty not by shrinking, like a turtle, within his protection, but
by climbing stealthily out upon the planking, where he remained extended
at full length.

This rendered him less liable to be seen, but if his assailants should
take a notion to sweep the deck, as may be said, with rifle bullets, he
was far more likely to receive some of them in his person than he would
be by retaining his former place.

But a greater or less degree of danger must attend any effort to
frustrate the designs of the red men, who were inspired by a hatred
intensified by the loss of two of their number.

With his face almost pressing the planking the Texan drew himself, inch
by inch, along the roof, until he was some six feet distant. Then he
paused and listened, slightly raising his head and peering around in the
gloom.

Once he heard the hoof