They had chosen a place on a swell where they could see anything that approached a quarter of a mile away, and Obed stood near the recumbent boy, holding the bridles of the two horses in one hand and his rifle in the other.
The man's eyes continually traveled around the circle of the horizon, but now and then he glanced at the boy.

Ned, brave, enduring and complaining so little, had taken a great hold upon his affection.

They were comrades, tried by many dangers, and no danger yet to come could induce him to desert the boy.
The moon and stars were still very bright, and Obed, as his eyes traveled the circle of the horizon, saw no sign of the Indian approach.
But that the Lipans would come with the dawn, or some time afterward, he did not have the slightest doubt.

He glanced once more at Ned and then he smiled.

The boy, while never meaning it, was sleeping soundly, and Obed was very glad.