"I would have been culpable if no one but Poyor had accompanied me," he
said to himself, "and now I am directly responsible for the lives of
those who but for me, would at this moment be safe in Merida."

There was nothing to be gained by scolding one's self, and he strove
with very poor success to put such thoughts from his mind until the sun
rose, partially lighting up the gloomy recesses of the forest, and
sending tiny rays of light through the narrow aperture.

The three sleepers breathed regularly and noisily; but the sentinel
disturbed them not.

The minutes passed slowly until two hours had elapsed, and then a slight
rustling of leaves near the entrance caused Cummings to seize the rifle
more firmly and peer out.

It was Poyor returning, and he appeared weary like one who has run a
long race.

"Have you seen anything?" Cummings asked anxiously.

"There were four Indians about a mile south from here. They came from
the city last night, and are searching. It was possible to hear them
talk. The sentinels near the coast have been doubled in number, and
there is little hope we could pass them."

"It is barely possible they may not find this cave; the entrance is
small, and almost hidden by the brushes."

"Yet I found it in the night."

"True," Cummings replied gloomily, and as he said nothing more Poyor
went to the stream to quench his thirst.

While passing by Jake he accidentally brushed the latter's arm with his
foot, and the engineer was on his feet in an instant, staring around
stupidly as if believing the enemy was upon him.

"Why didn't you call me to stand my watch?" he asked in a loud tone, and
Poyor, darting back to his side whispered:

"It is not safe to make any noise. Do not so much as speak aloud."

By this time the boys were aroused, and when the Indian had cautioned
them in turn all three went to where Cummings was seated.

"Are we going to move, or have you concluded to stay here?" Neal asked.

"We shall be obliged to make this our headquarters for a few days. Poyor
has seen people from the city in the immediate vicinity, consequently it
is advisable to keep under cover."

"Do you think we will be able to leave in a week?" Teddy asked
anxiously, and Cummings replied evasively:

"I hope so."

To Jake, who did not feel so eager to reach home by the next steamer
that left Progresso, the prospect of remaining in the cave several days
was agreeable rather than otherwise, and he asked