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58 drifted into Texas from Missouri several years ago, and who had spent all of his life on the plains. "I've half a notion as how Bison Head is tryin' to git the whole Comanche nation on the war path."

"If that's the case, they may organise around here," said Ralph. "How long do you suppose it will be before father gets back?"

"He said he would try to make it by daybreak," answered Poke Stover. "It's accordin' as how he finds his men."

The talking now dropped off, as the frontiersman said it would be best to remain silent and keep on guard at the various port-holes in the shutters.

Slowly the night wore away, until it was three o clock in the morning. Only one alarm had come, but this had amounted to nothing.

"I see a light," announced Dan. "Can it be a camp-fire?"

"Not likely, lad," answered Stover. "Comanches on the war-path don't light em. It's a signal."

"Another signal to attack?" queried Ralph.

"More'n likely. We must keep our eyes peeled for 'em."

Another half-hour dragged by, and the only sound that broke the stillness was the morning breeze, as it began to stir through the timber