ground for the purpose of smoking and chatting, as was their usual
custom at such times.

The evening whiled pleasantly away, and when it had considerably
advanced, the question of who should act as sentinel was discussed. Up
to this, young Brainerd had never once performed that duty at night,
although he had frequently solicited the privilege. He now-asked
permission to try his hand. After considerable talk it was agreed that
he might do. The trapper had lost so much sleep, that he was anxious
to secure a good night's rest, and the careful scrutiny which he had
taken of the surrounding prairie convinced him that no danger
threatened. So he felt little apprehension in acceding to the wish of
the boy.

At a late hour the two men stretched themselves upon the ground, with
their blankets gathered about them, and they were soon wrapped in
profound slumber, while Johnny, filled with the importance and
responsibility of his duty, felt as though he should never need
another hour's sleep. He was sure of being able to keep up an
unintermitting watch several days and nights, should it become
necessary.

Following the usual custom of sentinels, he shouldered his gun and
paced back and forth before the smoldering camp-fire, glancing in
every direction, so as to make sure that no enemy stole upon him
unawares.

It formed a curious picturethe small fire burning in the
valleymotionless forms stretched out before it, the huge steam man
silent and grim standing near, the dwarfed boy, pacing slowly back and