The Rovers were placed in two adjoining apartments,
while the natives and Aleck were quartered in an addition of
bamboo in the rear.
"Keep your eyes and ears open, Aleck," whispered Dick, on
separating from the faithful colored man. "And if you find
anything wrong let us know at once."
"Do you suspect anyt'ing, Massah Rober?" was Pop's anxious
question.
"I do and I don't. Something in the air seems to tell me that
everything is not as it should be."
"Dat Frenchman don't look like no angel, sah," and Aleck shook his
head doubtfully.
"You're right, Aleck, and his wife is a terror, or else I miss my
guess."
"Dat's right, Massah Rober; nebber saw sech sharp eyes. Yes, I'll
look out-fo' my own sake as well as fo' de sake ob Ye and de
rest," concluded Aleck.
CHAPTER XVII
THE ATTACK AT THE HOSTELRY
The night was exceptionally cool for that locality; and, utterly
worn out by their tiresome journey, all of the Rovers slept more
soundly than they had anticipated.
But not for long. Dick had scarcely dropped off when he heard a
noise at the doorway, which was covered with a rough grass
curtain.
"Who is there?" he demanded, sitting up.
"Dat's all right," came in a whisper from Aleck. "Is dat yo',
Massah Dick?"
"Yes, Aleck. What brings you?"
"I dun discovered somet'ing, sah."
"What?"
"Dat udder party dun come up an' is in de woods back ob dis,
house."
"In camp?"
"No; dare is a Frenchman wot is talkin' to dah chap wot runs dis
shebang, sah.
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