Begorrah! but its fine, as me mither used to say when she run her hands over the head of me dad, and felt the lumps made by the shillelah." And, having spread the blanket out in the dark-ness, he rubbed his hands over its velvety surface, admiring its wonderful texture.

The texture is such that water can be carried in these Apache blankets with as much certainty as in a metal vessel.

But Fred protested against both lying down to sleep at the same time.

He thought it likely that the Apaches meant to visit the cave during the night; but his friend laughed his fears to scorn, assuring him that there could be no danger at all.

In view of the reception tendered the blanket, the Apaches would take it for granted that the parties beneath were too vigilant to permit anyone to steal a march upon them.
Mickey at once attested his sincerity by stretching out upon the inviting couch, and Fred concluded at last to join him.