"I will watch the camp to-night, and, if you hear a rifle fired, don't get excited.

It will be the man-with-a-price-on-his-head taking a pot shot at some fellow who is trying to earn the reward." The Overland Riders did not sleep very well that night, for each of them looked for action from the mountain men.

Nothing, however, occurred to disturb the camp.
Next morning Lieutenant Wingate went to the Thompson cabin to get milk, hoping to see Jed Thompson and have a talk with him, but Julie said "Paw" was not at home and might not be for "a right smart time." While at the cabin, Lieutenant Wingate inquired how to reach the schoolhouse in Coon Hollow where the dance was to be held that night.
Julie told him in such great detail that Hippy was positive he never should find his way there, but he promised to do his best to get there.
"Ah'd go 'long and show you-all the way if Ah didn't have t' meet mah fellow.

Bet you-all'll like him.

Name's Lum Bangs an' he kin wallop any fellow in the mountains." "Do you think he could whip me ?" teased Hippy smilingly.
"He shore could.