and, if we have to, Zeke and I
can make two trips from the place where we can land to the opening to
Thorn's Gulch. Hold on," he called to Zeke.

The little party abruptly halted and after Pete had warmly urged his views
Zeke reluctantly consented to a change in their plans. Pete, accompanied
by Fred and John were to return and use the boat as far as they were able
to make their way safely toward Thorn's Gulch. They would then land, draw
the boat up on the shore, where it would be safe from storms, and at once
start for the entrance of Thorn's Gulch where they were to await the
coming of their companions. Naturally it was expected that the party led
by Pete would arrive at the Gulch before the others. In that event Pete
was to select a camp and make such provisions as were in his power for
spending the second night.

Zeke had explained that he was not planning to rush his party across the
desert. Rather he explained he would move leisurely, finding some place
for rest and refuge in the middle of the day. In no place would he depart
far from the rim of the Grand Canyon. He was confident that even with
these expected delays he would easily arrive at their destination by
sunset of the second day.

The two Navajos had not been included in either party; the truth of the
matter being that neither Zeke nor Pete wanted the young Indians among his
followers.

The feeling of the boys, however, was markedly different, but they did not
make any objections, relying upon the need of assistance later to warrant
them in inviting Thomas Jefferson and his friend to become members of
their party at that time. Indeed Fred had expressed himself in this manner
to the Navajos, and Thomas Jefferson, indicating that he understood fully
the conditions, promised to report later after the party had entered
Thorn's Gulch.

There was no further delay and George and Grant following Zeke soon
disappeared from the sight of their companions.

Meanwhile Fred and John assisted Pete in packing in their boat the
supplies which they were to carry down the Colorado.

Both George and Grant had protested against their companions attempting
the passage of the river. They were aware of the perils that awaited them
and were fearful that they would not be able to land all their cargo
safely.

"That's the way of it," said Fred in mock solemnity when he had responded
to George's protest. "You don't care anything about us, but you're
mightily afraid that so