If he comes again tell him I won't wake up until it's time for my watch." He was asleep again inside of a minute, and the Panther followed him quickly.

Both men trusted Ned fully, treating him now as an experienced and skilled frontiersman.

He knew it, and he felt proud and encouraged.
The panther did not come back, but the wolves did, although Ned now paid no attention to them.

He was growing used to their company and the uncanny feeling departed.

He merely replenished the fires and sat patiently until it was time for Obed to succeed him.