picked up his prize and brought it to camp.

Turning that and his knife over to his mother, he made a fire ready
to pass the night, full of thankfulness that all had gone so well.
Ben agreed to stand watch until near midnight, and then allow his
mother to help him at the necessary duty.

While the simple preparations were going on, Linna knelt on the
bare ground with her ear pressed to the earth. Almost instantly
she raised her head and whispered:

"Somebody comin' dis way--guess be Injins!"

CHAPTER NINE: IN A CIRCLE

This was alarming news. Ben Ripley imitated the action of Linna.
Kneeling down, he pressed his ear to the earth.

Yes; he heard faint footfalls. Persons were moving about not far
away.

"She is right," he said in a low tone; "likely they are Indians,
though we cannot be certain."

"It won't do to wait till they come to us," remarked his mother.

"Shall I put out the fire?" asked Ben, disconcerted by the suddenness
of the danger.

"No; we can't spare the time. Let us leave. Come, children."