dark. I'd be likely to get hurt if I did. You had better all turn in
now. There will be no need for you to sit up."

"All right," answered Ned and Walter at once.

"I think perhaps Master Tad is right. We had better go to bed. I
would suggest, however, that one of you roll up in his blankets
outside here, so that he can hear if Master Tad calls," suggested
Professor Zepplin.

"That's a good idea. I'll do that, with your permission, Professor,"
offered Ned Rector promptly.

"Yes. Then Walter and Stacy had better go to their tents. If
anything occurs during the night, remember you are to let me know at
once. If Eagle-eye returns, I want to know it, too."

"Very well, sir," answered Ned.

After replenishing the fire, determined to remain awake until
daylight, the lad rolled up in his blankets.

In a few minutes after the camp quieted down he fell sound asleep; and
he did not open his eyes again until the sun peeped over the eastern
range of the mountains and burned apart his eyelids.

Ned awoke with a start. He could scarcely believe that another day
had dawned.

He sat up, rubbing his eyes and blinking in the strong morning light.