e," said Griggs. "Well, come along; he's over there by the packs;
but promise me if he's asleep that you will not waken him."

Chris hesitated for a moment or two, and then promised unwillingly, the
boys following the American softly to where the heavy breathing of three
sleepers could be plainly heard.

"There," said Griggs, leading them back; "are you satisfied?"

"Yes," replied Chris. "They haven't been long going off."

"Do you know how long it takes a tired man to go to sleep, my lad?"

"No. I never noticed."

"Just about as long sometimes as it takes him to shut his eyes."

"Nonsense!"

"And sometimes not so long, for he's asleep before they're shut."

"Old Griggs is making this up, Ned," said Chris.

"No, he isn't, my lad, for I've seen it; and I tell you what I've often
seen too--a man go off fast asleep on horseback. There, now lie down
and get your own share."

"I wish I'd told father."

"Tell him in the morning over your breakfast, when you're eating
frizzled bird. Now then, no more talking."

"I haven't done yet," said Chris stubbornly, and now feeling wonderfully
wide awake. "Look here, I'm not going to have father woke up in four
hours. He's more tired than I am, and you are going to wake me to take
your place."

"No, I'm not, boy."

"Yes, you are. I order you to," said Chris.

"Are you boss of this expedition?"

"You know I'm not."

"Who is, then?"

"Don't ask stupid questions," said Chris irritably. "You know: father."

"That's right, and he gave the orders of the night--that I was to watch
four hours before calling him, and I was to see that all was right in
the camp. Now then, you're kicking up a disturbance instead of going to
sleep and resting yourself so that you may be useful in the morning."

"But, Griggs--"

"You obey orders, sir," said the man sternly. "Do you want to wreck the
expedition by breaking rules?"

"No."

"Then go to sleep."

"But I can't sleep now."

"Then lie down and keep awake."

"Yes, I'll do that," said Chris, spreading out his blanket. "Come on,
Ned; we'll lie down and wait till he calls father, and then we'll talk
to him and get him to lie down again while we take his watch. Will
you?"

"Of course," said Ned eagerly.

"Hah! That's better," said Griggs. "Now you're talking sensibly. It
doesn't do to oppose your captain at a time like that. Well rolled up,
both of you?"

"Yes," was the reply, from the ground where the boy