We must be on the lookout, tonight.

The natives on this side are not like those beyond the mountains.

They have been so horribly ill treated, by the Spaniards, that they must hate any white face; and would kill us without hesitation, if they got a chance.

We shall have difficulty with the Spaniards, when we fall into their hands; but they will at least be more reasonable than these savages." All night they kept up their fire, and sat up by turns, on watch.
Several times they thought that they heard slight movements, among the fallen leaves and twigs; but these might have been caused by any prowling beast.

Once or twice they fancied that they detected forms, moving cautiously just beyond the range of the firelight; but they could not be certain that it was so.
Just as morning was breaking, Ned sprang to his feet.
"Wake up, Tom!" he exclaimed; "we are attacked;" and as he spoke, an arrow quivered in the tree just over his head.
They had already discussed whether it would be better to remain, if attacked, in the light of the fire, or to retreat into the shadow; and concluding that the eyes of the natives would be more accustomed to see in darkness than their own, they had determined to stay by the fire, throwing themselves down on their faces; and to keep the natives at bay beyond the circle of the light of the flames, till daylight.