to have trouble to take off. "I won't forget it," he said; "that's
all I can say--I won't forget it." Then they went out with the
settler. The rain had held up a little. Clatter of sliprails down
and up, but the settler didn't come back.

"Wonder what Peter's doing?" said the wife.

"Showin' 'em down the short cut," said Uncle Abe.

But, presently, clatter of sliprails down again, and cattle driven
over them.

"Wonder what he's doing with the cows," said the wife.

They waited in wonder, and with growing anxiety, for some quarter of
an hour; then Abe and Andy, going out to see, met the settler coming
back.

"What in thunder are you doing with the cows, Peter?" asked Uncle
Abe.

"Oh, just driving them out and along a bit over those horse tracks;
we might get into trouble," said Peter.

When the boys woke it was morning, and the mother stood by the bed.
"You needn't get up yet, and don't say anyone was here last night if
you're asked," she whispered, and went out. They were up on their
knees at once with their eyes to the cracks, and got the scare of
their young lives. Three mounted troopers were steaming their legs at
the fire--their bodies had been protected by oilskin capes. The