The next minute he was leading the horse in and out among the rocks, Sandho's hoofs striking a stone with a sharp click; after which he checked the active little animal, and we stood together listening.

But all was still, and the night looked as if a black cloud had been drawn across the sky.
"Nobody can possibly see us," I said half-aloud; "and if they do they'll think it some of their own people." "Um!" said Joeboy, and as he said it I knew I was wrong, for I recalled what I had read, that in time of war sentries challenge, and, failing to receive the password of the night, fire at once.

It was a startling thought; but we went on all the same, I for my part feeling I must trust to my good-luck.
As we got farther in towards the mountains the obscurity increased and the air grew cooler.

I now began to feel how impossible it would have been for me to have come alone and found my way in the darkness, for in a few minutes I was quite helpless; but Joeboy seemed in nowise confused, and did not hesitate once.

It was as much as I could do to make out his black head and shoulders, and only at times found that the nodding ostrich-plumes were bobbing about just in front of me, as their wearer walked steadily on, holding my horse's head.