The Ring Tailed Panther handily tied his
wrists together, and then his ankles, but in such fashion that he could
still sit in comfort, leaning against the tree, although the pleasure of
the cigarette was no longer for him.
"If you don't mind," he said, "I think I shall go to sleep."
"No objections a-tall, a-tall," said the Ring Tailed Panther. "Have nice
dreams."
Urrea closed his eyes, and his chest soon rose and fell in the regular
manner of one who sleeps. Ned could not tell whether he really slept. A
feeling of compassion for Urrea rose again in his heart. What if he
should be telling the truth after all? Wild and improbable tales
sometimes came true. He was about to speak of his thoughts to the men,
but he checked himself. Disbelief was returning. It was best to take
every precaution.
"You go to sleep, Ned," said Obed. "You've done a good job and you are
entitled to a rest. The Panther and I will watch till day."
Ned lay down between his blankets and everything was so still that
contrary to his expectations, he fell asleep, and did not awaken again
until after dawn, when Obed told him that they would resume the march,
eating their breakfast as they went. Urrea was unbound, although he was
first searched carefully for concealed weapons.
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