But the first step he made wrung such a hideous creak from the crazy floor that he sank down almost dead with fright.

He never made a second attempt.

The boys lay there counting the dragging moments till it seemed to them that time must be done and eternity growing gray; and then they were grateful to note that at last the sun was setting.
Now one snore ceased.

Injun Joe sat up, stared around--smiled grimly upon his comrade, whose head was drooping upon his knees--stirred him up with his foot and said: "Here! YOU'RE a watchman, ain't you! All right, though--nothing's happened." "My! have I been asleep ?" "Oh, partly, partly.

Nearly time for us to be moving, pard.