to be caught napping by Redskins; he is more
likely to lay a dozen of them low than lose his own scalp."

The Indian seeing Bartle go, took his leave, saying that he would join
his own people, who were to encamp, according to his orders, near a wood
in the valley below. He too intended to keep a watch on the enemy; and
should he ascertain that they were approaching, he would, he said, give
us warning.

"We can trust to your assistance, should we be attacked," said Uncle
Jeff; "or, if you will come with your people inside the house, you may
help us in defending it."

Winnemak shook his head at the latter proposal. "We will aid you as far
as we can with our small party," he answered; "but my people would
never consent to shut themselves up within walls. They do not understand
that sort of fighting. Trust to Winnemak; he will do all he can to serve
you."

"We are very certain of that, friend," said Uncle Jeff.

The Indian, after once more shaking hands with us, set off to join his
tribe.

Lieutenant Broadstreet expressed his satisfaction at having come to the
farm. "If you are attacked, my four men and I may be of some use to you;
for I feel sure that we shall quickly drive away the Redskins, however
numerous they may be," he observed.

He advised that all the doors and lower windows should be barricaded, in
case a surprise might be attempted; and that guards should be posted,
and another scout sent out to keep watch near the house, in case Bartle
might have missed the enemy, or any accident have happened to him. The
latter Uncle Jeff deemed very unnecessary, so great was his confidence
in Bartle's judgment and activity.

Notice was sent to the hut directing the men to come in should they be
required, but it was not considered necessary for them to sleep inside
the house.

These arrangements having been made, those not on watch retired to rest.
But although Uncle Jeff took things so coolly, I suspect that he was
rather more anxious than he wished it to appear. I know that I myself
kept awake the greater part of the night, listening for any sounds which
might indicate the approach of a foe, and ready to set out at a
moment's notice with my rifle in hand,--which I had carefully loaded
and placed by my bedside before I lay down. Several times I started up,
fancying that I heard a distant murmur; but it was simply the roaring of
the cataract coming down the canon.

At daybreak I jumped up, and quickly dressing, w