any of 'em, and I'll give you a little advice. Let's see, what's your
name?"

The Irishman gave it, and the hunter responded by mentioning his own.

"Do you put some one in here to keep watch night and day, and the
minute you see the redskins comin' give the signal and run for your
friends there. Then if the red-skins foller, you must let 'em have it
right and left. If you find you can't hold your own agin 'em, you
must make all haste to Fort Severn, as you heard me say a while ago.
Aim for the setting sun, and after you've gone fifty miles or so
you'll be thar. Good by to you, now; I'm watching the Injin movements
in these parts, and, if the signs are bad, and I have the chance, I'll
give you notice; but you must n't depend on me."

The hunter leaned over the saddle, and warmly shook the hand of the
Irishman, the two having conceived a strong liking for each other.

Then he wheeled his mustang about, and gave him a word that caused him
at once to break into a swift gallop, which quickly carried him up the
slope, until he reached the margin of the valley, over which he went
at the same rate, and speedily vanished from view.

The Irishman stood gazing at the spot where he had vanished, and then
he walked thoughtfully back toward the settlement, where all were as
busy as beavers, getting their rude huts and homes in condition for
living. In doing this Caleb Barnwell was guided by a desire to be
prepared for the Indian visitation, which he knew was likely soon to
be made. They had gathered an immense quantity of driftwood along the
banks of the Rio Pecos, and the other timber that they needed had