Page:Edward Ellis--Alden the Pony Express Rider.djvu/103

 “Look over the plain and tell me what you think of that,” said Alden impressively.

Startled by his words and manner, the African rubbed his eyes and did as directed, but failed to discover anything.

“I doan’ see nuffin,” he growled.

Nor did Alden. Everything was as when Jethro lay down. The sound of his voice must have been heard by the Indian, who vanished as suddenly as he had appeared. It was easy for Alden to understand that, but he could not comprehend why the redskin should have shown himself at all.

It was necessary to give some explanation to Jethro, but his young master had no purpose of telling everything.

“I saw an Indian out there a few minutes ago and stepped across to tell you about it, but you were asleep and didn’t know any more than you do when you are awake. The best thing for you to do, Jeth, is to lie down and keep on sleeping.”

“Do you mean dat?” eagerly asked the other.

“Of course I do.”

“All right; if you finds you have to do any trampin’ bout I’ll be obleeged if you doan’