already been cut and dragged from the woods, so that about all the
material they needed was at hand.

Even with their huts a third or a half finished, they would be in a
much better condition to receive the attack of the Apaches than if
compelled to place their heavy luggage-wagons in a semi-circle and
fight from behind them.

"The gentleman spakes the thruth," muttered Mickey, as he walked
along, "and I'm not the one to forgit such a favor, when he took so
much pains to tell me. I'll remember and fix a watch in the wood."


CHAPTER III
FRED GOES ON GUARD

Mickey O'Rooney, fully believing the warning of the hunter, could not
but feel deeply anxious for the safety of himself and those around
him. He was particularly concerned for his young friend, Fred Munson,
who had been committed to his charge.

"It's myself that is the only one he has to look after him, and if I
does n't attend to my dooty, there's no telling what may become of it,
and be the same towken, I can't say what'll become of him if I _does_
attend to the same. Whisht! there."

The last exclamation was uttered to Caleb Barnwell, whom he approached
at that moment. The leader stepped aside a few minutes, and they
conferred together. The Irishman impressed upon the leader the
warning he had received from the hunter, and Barnwell admitted that