believes it is yet possible to leave
the city on the eastern side without danger of meeting the sentinels,
the majority of whom have been withdrawn to aid in searching the swamp,
and by moving quickly we can at least be out of this hornets' nest
before sunrise."

"You are the best judge; we will follow your directions," Teddy said,
speaking more calmly than one would have fancied was possible in view
of all the danger. "Tell us what you think is best and we will agree to
it, for now Neal and I have but one desire, which is to leave the Silver
City in the shortest possible space of time. We can be of but little
assistance in case of a regular fight, and according to my way of
thinking, your greatest mistake has been in accepting such useless
companions."

"I am perfectly satisfied that so far as you are concerned I have not
made any error. With twenty well-armed men I should not try to maintain
my position, for to hold out against an attack would be impossible, and
the only question now is whether we can escape. Having been here once I
will come again, and at some time in the future you shall hear that I
succeeded in bringing away treasure from this same wonderful city."

Then Cummings held a short conversation with Poyor, and when it was
concluded turned toward Neal and Teddy, as if disdaining to submit any
plans to Jake, and said:

"My first idea was to make an effort to return by the same way we came;
but the Indian has persuaded me to the contrary. Are you willing to do
as we think best?"

"You are as eager to save your own lives as we are ours," Neal replied,
"and since you are familiar with this country it would be foolish for us
to offer any advice. Do whatever in the opinion of both is best, and we
will obey orders."

"Our scheme necessitates an immediate move, for, as yet, no attempt has
been made to learn if there are any strangers in the city."

"Then you propose to go without making any effort to carry away gold?"
Jake asked.

"Exactly. The journey has been a failure, through my carelessness as I
said before, and to load ourselves down with treasure when a long march
is before us, would be the height of folly."

Jake remained silent, and Neal said:

"Don't waste any more time talking. Let us start at once."

Cummings spoke with Poyor, and the latter replied with the air of one
who considers himself vanquished, after which the former said:

"We may need all this food. Make it up into bundles, an