Page:Taylor - In the Dwellings of the Wilderness.djvu/112

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A Touch of the Sun


Later he put away his papers, and prepared for bed. As he stretched out a hand to extinguish the lamp, he stopped suddenly, head bent, listening intently. On the other side of the wall, close against the canvas, was a small sound as of a heavy body which had brushed against it in rolling over. Deane removed his boots, and went noiselessly to the door. He peered through the flap into the moonlight; abruptly drew back with a quick intake of breath.

"Good Lord!" he muttered. "That boy!… Camping down here in one blanket instead of sleeping decently in his tent … Is the youngster crazy?"

An instant he thought rapidly. He drew on his boots, bestirred himself briskly a moment, making much noise;

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