and they are
travelling north."

The older man adjusted the tubes to his eyes, and looked long and
steadily at the party. Then he slowly swung the glasses toward the
northwest, apparently studying the country inch by inch, his jaws
working spasmodically, his unoccupied hand clutching nervously at the
grass.

"They seem--to be a-closin' in," he declared, finally, staring around
into the other's face, all bravado gone. "There's anuther lot--bucks,
all o' 'em--out west yonder--an' over east a smudge is--just startin'.
Looks like--we wus in a pocket--an' thar' might be some--har-raisin'
fore long."

"Well, Murphy, you are the older hand at this business. What do you
advise doing?"

"Me? Why, push right 'long--while we kin keep under cover.
Then--after dark--trust ter bull luck an' make--'nuther dash. It's
mostly luck, anyhow. Thet canyon just ahead--looks like it leads a
long way--toward the Powder. Its middling deep down, an' if there
ain't Injuns in it--them fellers out yonder--never cud git no sight at
us. Thet's my notion--thet ivery mile helps in this--business."

"You mean we should start now?"

"Better--let the cattle rest--first. An'--if ye ever feed prisoners--I
'd like ter eat a bite--mesilf."

They rested there for over two hours, the tired horses contentedly
munching the succulent grass of the _coulee_, their two masters
scarcely exchanging a word. Murphy, after satisfying his appetite,
rested flat upon his back, one arm flung over his eyes to protect them
from the sun. For a considerable time Hampton supposed him asleep,
until he accidentally caught the stealthy glance which followed his
slightest movement, and instantly realized that the old weasel was
alert. Murphy had been beaten, yet evidently remained unconquered,
biding his chance with savage stoicism, and the other watched him
warily even while seeming to occupy himself with the field-glass.

At last they saddled up, and, at first leading their horses, passed
down the _coulee_ into the more precipitous depths of the narrow
canyon. This proved hardly more than a gash cut through the rolling
prairie, rock strewn, holding an insignificant stream of brackish
water, yet was an ideal hiding-place, having ample room for easy
passage between the rock walls. The men mounted, and Hampton, with a
wave of his hand, bade the old scout assume the lead.

Their early advance was slow and cautious, as they never felt certain
what hidden enemie