at the prospect. "I'd prefer to sleep in the wagon. Maybe what
Grandpa Oldberry said about wild animals is so. You say you like
to shoot 'em, so you stay outside and do it--I don't."

At last it was arranged that Ollie and I should sleep inside
and Jack under the wagon. We were surprised to find how early we
were ready for bed. The long ride and the fresh air had given us
an appetite for sleep. So we soon turned in, the dog staying
outside with Jack.

"Good-night, Uncle Jack!" called Ollie, as we put out the
lantern and covered up in the narrow bed. "Look out for
painters!"

I was almost asleep when Ollie shook me, and whispered,
"What's that noise?"

I listened, and heard a regular, hollow, booming sound,
something like the very distant discharge of cannon.

"It's the horses walking on the ground-always sounds that way
in the night," I answered.

Again I was almost asleep when Ollie took hold of my arm, and
said, "What's that?"

[Illustration: Effect of a Strange Noise]

I once more listened, and recognized a peculiar creaking
noise as that made by the horses cropping off the grass. I