We conversed in whispers, until Tim, still influenced by his excessive drinking, became sleepy, and slid off the stump onto the ground, where he curled up on a pile of leaves.

I let him lie undisturbed, and continued my vigil alone, feeling no inclination to sleep, every nerve throbbing almost painfully.

Three or four men straggled into the saloon while I sat there, coming from the direction of the camp, and were doubtless waited upon by Sal.

None remained long within, and all I saw of them were indistinct figures revealed for a moment, as the light streamed out through the opened door.

One seemed to be an officer, wrapped in a cavalry cloak--hunting after men out of bounds, possibly--but, later than eleven o'clock, there were no more callers.