"As soon as we can see, we'll be off again, and ought to be able
to travel as fast as they will do. Where they must watch all the
time for our footprints, they cannot go off a walk."

"We may as well wait."

Throughout their haste, the blankets had been preserved. Indeed,
the one over Ben's arm had served to break his fall more than once.
These were placed on the ground, and the children lay down beside
each other, quickly sinking to sleep; but the others, though pretty
well worn, were too anxious to rest yet awhile.

"I have no idea where we are," said the son; "but one place is as
good as another at such a time, and the weather is so warm that
blankets are not needed. Now, mother, I wish you would lie down
beside the children and rest. You need it badly, I know."

"And so do you, my son."

"Not for some time yet."

"But, if you intend to watch until daylight, you will be worn out
by morning. Besides, you cannot stay awake unless you move about.
I will agree to lie down if you will promise to call me when you
think it is midnight, and let me take a turn."

"I will agree to call you when I feel the need of you, and I will
pace the ground like a sentinel on duty."