After an hour or so Mr.Bennett went out to replenish the fire and see how the cooking was coming on, and when I went to put more water in the kettle, he found that to his disappointment, the most of the meat was gone.

I was rolled up in my blanket under his wagon and awoke when he came to the fire and saw him stand and look around as if to fasten the crime on the right party if possible, but soon he came to me, and in a whisper said: "Did you see anyone around the fire after we went to bed ?" I assured him I did not, and then he told me some one had taken his meat.

"Do you think," said he "that any one is so near out of food as to be starving ?" "I know the meat is poor, and who ever took it must be nearly starving." After a whispered conversation we went to bed, but we both rose at daylight and, as we sat by the fire, kept watch of those who got up and came around.
We thought we knew the right man, but were not sure, and could not imagine what might happen if stealing grub should begin and continue.

It is a sort of unwritten law that in parties such as ours, he who steals provisions forfeits his life.

We knew we must keep watch and if the offense was repeated the guilty one might be compelled to suffer.
Bennett watched closely and for a few days I kept closely with the wagons for fear there might be trouble.