Twenty good, rough men, used to this life and not afraid of bullets, ought to make you feel wholly safe and secure on your own property." There was more talk, but neither Tom nor Harry again referred to their serving the new company as engineers.
In due course of time Jim Ferrers, with such help as Alf was able to give, had supper ready to serve.

It was a rough meal, of hard tack, pilot bread, potatoes, canned meats and vegetables, but outdoor life had given all a good appetite and the meal did not long remain on the camp table.
For guard duty that night it was arranged that Jim Ferrers and Joe Timmins should relieve each other.

Tom also offered to stay up with Ferrers, Harry taking the watch trick with Timmins, though neither of the young engineers was armed or cared to be.
Harry and Timmins were to take the first watch.

The others retired early.

Tom Reade was about to begin undressing when Hazelton came in for a moment.
While the chums were chatting, Alf Drew's forlorn figure showed at the doorway of the tent.
"Say, boss," complained Alf, "I haven't any place to sleep." "What ?" Reade demanded in pretended surprise, "with nearly all the ground in Nevada at your disposal ?" "But that isn't a bed," contended Alf.
"Right you are there, lad" agreed Tom.
"Now, see here, boss, only one of you two is going to sleep at a time tonight.