"Oh only old Dodge," said that personage, coming into full view. "I thought 'twas you: why how did you manage to get my side of the hut? I pushed out my blanket for you to have a shot at. Have you seen anything?"
"No, only your respectable self."
"Well, we must go back again; but it is queer. What can have become of Lady?"
They soon came in sight of Slinger on guard. He had lighted a pipe and was seated upon a log with his back to them.
"Steady," whispered Dodge, "Shall I show you what chance your friend would have with the natives?
"How will you do that?"
"You remain near this tree for five minutes, and you shall see the first lesson the blacks taught me. Now I'm going to make Slinger prisoner before he knows anything about it. Take care of my rifle." He then wriggled himself among the long grass, and was soon lost to Hugh. In a short time he saw Slinger rest his gun against the tree, for the moon was quite clear, and presently Dodge rose close behind him and clasped him tightly in his arms.
"Da" Slinger began to roar, when Dodge placed his hand upon his mouth.
"It is all right," he said, as he let him go, "don't swear, I told you I would not be far off. Now that is what I call taking advantage of a man behind his back." Hugh ran up, and they all returned to their shake-down, but the dog did not make her appearance.
