Of course, there was a chance that he might be mistaken. It
was possible that Bradley's might be a natural sleep, induced by
excessive fatigue, and there might be nothing sinister in the
intentions of their host.
Ben, however, found it difficult to convince himself of this, much
as he desired to do so. The existence of a gang of robbers in the
vicinity, referred to by Bradley, was not calculated to reassure
him. If Carter did not belong to this gang, his personal appearance
was certainly calculated to foster the suspicion of his connection
with them, and the suspicion was strengthened by the fact of his
living in this lonely place without any apparent inducement.
For the first time, perhaps, since he had left the East, he wished
himself in the security of home. As Deacon Pitkin's hired boy,
living on frugal diet, he would have been better off than here at
the mercy of a mountain bandit.
But Ben was a boy of spirit, and not inclined to submit in a
cowardly manner without first considering if in any possible manner
he could guard against the danger which menaced him. Fatigued as he
was by the day's ride, he would, under ordinary circumstances, have
fallen asleep quickly; but now anxiety and apprehension kept him
broad awake.
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