ck; he
was pinned to the ground almost as effectually as though secured there
by ropes.

Bumpus finished his part of the job, and arose, perspiring, but
triumphant.

"She's done, Giraffe, and as good as I know how," he said, exultantly.
"I just warrant you that neither of them game stealers is agoin' to
break loose in a hurry now. What's next on the little programme? This is
sure turning out to be a warm night for us, Giraffe. Tell me, won't the
fellers stare when we walk into camp drivin' these jail birds before us?
Oh! my! Oh! me, I can see Davy and Step Hen give us the royal salute.
And I'll whistle 'Lo, the Conquering Heroes Come,' see if I don't."

"Well, we ain't in camp yet awhile," retorted Giraffe; "and give me a
hand to assist old Si here over to that there tree. We c'n lean him up
against the trunk, so he can keep warm, and look around him. Then Ed, he
might have a place against this other pine, here. But Bumpus, there
ain't going to be any sleep much for us this blessed night, with two
toughs to watch like these fellers."

Bumpus sighed, for he was very tired after a whole day's tramp.

"I suppose not, Giraffe;" he remarked, but stiffening up to add; "you'll
find me ready to back you up in anything you start goin'. I'm game for
it, I reckon; and if you see me agoin' to sleep in spite of everything,
why, Giraffe, just give me a kick or a punch in the ribs. I want to do
my duty every time."

"Good for you, Bumpus; I ain't goin' to make fun of you any more,
because of your size. Even fat fellers c'n come in mighty handy
sometimes, especially when you've got a game poacher to hold down."

They managed to get the two men against the trees, and as they still had
their legs free this was not so difficult a task. Then the watch began.
Giraffe kept his gun close to his hand. He spoke to his chum
occasionally, more to see if Bumpus were awake, than because of any
desire to engage in conversation.

The two men mumbled for a while, but finally their heads dropped on
their chest and they seemed to slumber, though Giraffe was suspicious,
and would never slacken in his watchfulness on this account.

He had made up his mind, however, that if Bumpus did fall asleep, he
would not arouse him, when there was no necessity for more than one
guard at a time.

An hour passed thus. Then Bumpus, who was just losing himself, in spite
of his determination to remain on duty, felt his chum give him a shake.

"Oh! I'm awake,