He judged that he was about six miles from San Antonio, a reasonably
safe distance for the night, and, relaxing completely, he fell asleep.
Then nature began her great work. The pulses which were beating so fast
and hard in the hoy's body grew slower and more regular, and at last
became normal. The blood flowed in a fresh and strong current through
his veins. The great physician, minute by minute, was building up his
system again.
Ned's collapse had been so complete that he did not stir for hours. The
day came and the sun rose brilliant in red and gold. The boy did not
stir, but not far away a large animal moved. Ned's tree was at the edge
of a little grassy plain, and upon this the animal stood, with a head
held high and upturned nose sniffing the breeze that came from the
direction of the sleeper.
It was in truth a great animal, one with tremendous teeth, and after
hesitating a while it walked toward the tree under which the boy lay.
Here it paused and again sniffed the air, which was now strong with the
human odor. It remained there a while, staring with great eyes at the
sleeping form, and then went back to the grassy little meadow. It
revisited the boy at intervals, but never disturbed him, and Ned slept
peacefully on.
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