Shif'less

After midnight Henry and Shif'less Sol slipped away and went northward.

The Free Rangers A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi 1890

"It's a risky thing to try," said Shif'less Sol, "but ef he comes in here, an 'you think it the best thing to do, I'm ready to help."

The Free Rangers A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi 1890

It was the homely language of Shif'less Sol that recalled him from his dreams.

The Free Rangers A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi 1890

"Not to be lost, never to be lost, Jim," said Shif'less Sol earnestly.

The Free Rangers A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi 1890

The glance of Shif'less Sol followed the hand and saw a brown face emerging from the water and fog.

The Free Rangers A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi 1890

Shif'less Sol and Long Jim were already asleep, but Paul was restless and slumber would not come.

The Free Rangers A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi 1890

Shif'less Sol judged that it was about midnight, and he became troubled.

The Free Rangers A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi 1890

Henry, Paul, and Long Jim were In one of the leading boats, and Tom Ross and Shif'less Sol were in another near them.

The Free Rangers A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi 1890

"Wa'al, I guess he knows now," said Shif'less Sol with a silent but deep laugh.

The Free Rangers A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi 1890

"That's a right noisy fight," said Shif'less Sol, looking toward the south, where pink and red spots of flame still appeared in the dark and the rattling fire of rifle and musket grew louder.

The Free Rangers A Story of the Early Days Along the Mississippi 1890