Page:Edward Ellis--Alden the Pony Express Rider.djvu/80

 down for a short time in one of the wagons, hut he didn’t expect to feel any drowsiness unless he was robbed of slumber for two or three nights in succession.

Each of the six wagons was put under the charge of a single man, who was warned to be vigilant through every minute while on duty. They did not need to be told that their foes were the most cunning fighters in the world who were sure to try every possible trick upon them.

“If ye see anything moving outside, shoot!” was Shagbark’s instruction to each: “no matter if it is only a bunch of grass waving, bang away at it and ye’ll find it’s the head of a redskin. If ye fall asleep when you wake up ye’ll put your hand on top of your head and discover yer skulp’s gone.”

Since the sentinels could not pace to and fro, as is the usual custom, they were at much disadvantage in that respect, for we all know how insidious sleep is and how in many circumstances it is impossible to fight it off. Shagbark met this statement of the situation by Fleming thus:

“Ye ain’t likely to begin snoring so long as ye keep on your feet. No matter how much