But he could only wave his hat frantically.
One of the figures here bore away and impetuously darted forward again.
He was coming nearer, powerful, gigantic, formidable, as he loomed through the darkness.

All at once he threw up his arm with a wild gesture to the others; and his voice, manly, frank, and assuring, came ringing before him.
"Hold up! Good God! It's no Injun--it's a child!" In another moment he had reined up beside Clarence and leaned over him, bearded, handsome, powerful and protecting.
"Hallo! What's all this?
What are you doing here ?" "Lost from Mr.Silsbee's train," said Clarence, pointing to the darkened west.
"Lost ?--how long ?" "About three hours.

I thought they'd come back for us," said Clarence apologetically to this big, kindly man.
"And you kalkilated to wait here for 'em ?" "Yes, yes--I did--till I saw you." "Then why in thunder didn't you light out straight for us, instead of hanging round here and drawing us out ?" The boy hung his head.

He knew his reasons were unchanged, but all at once they seemed very foolish and unmanly to speak out.
"Only that we were on the keen jump for Injins," continued the stranger, "we wouldn't have seen you at all, and might hev shot you when we did.
What possessed you to stay here ?" The boy was still silent.

"Kla'uns," said a faint, sleepy voice from the mesquite, "take me." The rifle-shot had awakened Susy.
The stranger turned quickly towards the sound.