He went back and touched Jarvis lightly on the shoulder.

The mountaineer awoke instantly and sat up, all his faculties alert.
"What is it ?" he asked in a whisper.
"People crossing the river at the ferry above," Harry whispered back.
"Then we'll go and see who they are.

Like as not they're soldiers in this war that people seem bound to fight, when they could have a lot more fun at home.

Jest let Ike sleep on.

He's my sister's son, but I don't b'lieve anybody would ever think of kidnappin' him." The two went silently among the bushes toward the ferry which crossed the river at a point where the hills on either side dipped low.