surrounded by small huts.

"That's where they have all the rites and ceremonies," explained Baldy.

"Then that's just what I want!" went on Russ, with enthusiasm. "I can
poke a hole in the side of our hut, stick the lens of the camera
through, and get moving pictures of the whole business. That will be
great!"

"There is nothing but what seems to have some compensations," observed
Alice, in her droll way.

Left to themselves, though doubtless they were closely watched by the
Indians, the prisoners made ready for their stay. They had brought along
a number of blankets, for they were to have been used in taking pictures
of the scenes of one of the dramas. Now the coverings would come in very
nicely if they were obliged to remain all night.

"Well, let's eat," suggested Baldy. "It's most noon, and I'm hungry."

"So am I," confessed Alice.

It was not a very "nice" meal, but it was very satisfying, and certainly
everyone had a good appetite.

The tin cans served as dishes, and their fingers were knives and forks.
Baldy carried on his saddle a simple camping outfit, one item of which
was a coffee pot, with a supply of the ground berry, and, making a
little fire, he soon had some prepared. They all felt better after that.

Directly after noon the Indians went through some of their ceremonies.
They circled about the sandy place, to the accompaniment of wild and
weird yells, cavorting and dancing, weaving in and out and shaking all
manner of noisemaking contrivances. A fire was built in the center of
the circle, and there appeared to be some sort of sacrifice going on at
a rude stone altar.

Russ, with his camera concealed in a hut, got a fine series of moving
pictures of all that went on. Then came more dancing and wild howling,
all meaningless to the prisoners, but doubtless of moment to the
Indians.

"Oh, that one is doing a regular hesitation waltz!" cried Alice,
pointing to a tall, lank brave.

"How can you say such things--at a time like this?" Ruth demanded.

"Why shouldn't I? Besides I've got an idea for a new step in the
hesitation from him. I'm going to practice as soon as I get back."

All that afternoon the ceremonies kept up. At one time it seemed as
though the Indians would go wild, so frenzied did they become, and Baldy
thought it would be a good chance to see if he could not get past the
guards with his friends.

But when he reached the trail that led off the _mesa_ he found it
closely guarded