f Indians
they may discover us before we do them."

"I don't suppose it will do for us all to walk straight up to them, for
they'll be sure to see us then."

"No, one must creep up and find whether the coast is clear. Tim has seen
more of California than we have, and he can do that if he wishes."

"Sinsible agin, for I was about to spake the same. Do yees tarry here
while I takes a look around. Whist! now, and kaap so still that ye'll
hear me brathe all the way there and back agin."

The boys took their position each behind a large tree, and looking
cautiously forth they awaited the return of their friend.

When these precautions were taken they were not a hundred yards distant
from the strangers. The Irishman stepped very carefully, moving on
tiptoe, and not making any noise that was perceptible. This was no great
attainment in woodcraft, as any person could have done the same with
ordinary care, when the woods were of the character of this one. Had
there been briers or brambles, or swampy ground, or that which was
unusually dry, and covered with twigs, it would have been a feat far
more difficult of attainment.

Just before Tim disappeared from view they saw him sink down upon his
hands and knees and creep forward; but the bushes soon shut him out from
view and they could only wait with all the patience possible.

At the end of about ten minutes the genial face of the Irishman
appeared, and the expression upon it gave rise to pleasant
anticipations.

"Who are they?" asked the two boys together, as soon as they deemed it
prudent.

"Whist! now don't spake so loud. Ye'll wake 'em out."

Tim looked behind, and became satisfied that there was no fear of
discovery, when he arose to his feet, and took his careless, sauntering
manner.

"Well, Tim!'" said Howard inquiringly.

"What is it yez wishes?"

"We wish to know whether these strangers are white men or Indians."

"Well, ye saas, I had to crawl up to 'em mighty careful, for if you step
upon a stick no bigger than a tooth-pick, yees are sortin to wake up a
slaapin' copper-skin----"

"So they were Indians, then," interrupted Elwood somewhat impatiently.

"Do yes be aisy now, and not be interruptin' of me, and yer observations
and questions which ain't naaded in this case. Me owld grandfather used
to till a great many stories to us spalpaans about the part he took with
young Emmett--when owld Ireland stood up against England. He used to
tell us his stori