ould go no
farther.

"We must stop," he whispered to Poyor. "I have held out as long as
possible, and could not keep on half a mile more if the enemy were in
close pursuit."

The Indian nodded his head to signify that the halt should be made, and
a few moments later he turned aside into a small ravine or cut on the
side of the hill.

Here he threw down his burden, and the boys followed the example, paying
no attention to the advantages or disadvantages of the spot as a refuge
during the day which was so near at hand.

Lying at full length on the ground, heeding not that deadly reptiles
might be close at hand, Neal and Teddy fell asleep almost immediately,
and Poyor proposed that Cummings should also seek repose.

"I will watch," he said, "and when the sun rises we can decide whether
it is safe to stay here."

Although the white man was weary he would not admit that the Indian
could bear more fatigue, and insisted on keeping awake until it was
learned if they should be warranted in remaining.

In perfect silence the two stood guard over the sleeping boys, and when
the morning came the important question was soon settled.

The place of refuge to which chance had brought them was admirable both
for purposes of defense and for hiding. It was a deep, narrow cut
extending thirty feet into what appeared to be a mass of sandstone, and
at the entrance was not more than ten feet wide, while over the top the
foliage grew so luxuriantly as to completely conceal them from the view
of any one who might be above.

In front the trees were small, and it was possible to see forty or fifty
yards down the side of the hill, therefore the enemy could not approach
unobserved save from the top.

"It is good," Poyor said approvingly. "We can remain here until night."

"But why have we not met the sentinels which you believe to be so
numerous?"

"They are further on. At the end of the next march we shall be in their
midst."

"And then comes the most difficult portion of our journey. But we won't
search for trouble," Cummings added after a short pause. "Let us have
breakfast, and then one shall stand guard while the others sleep."

Poyor unpacked the provisions, awakened Neal and Teddy, and with a view
before them which, under other circumstances, would have called forth
expressions of the most lively admiration, the little party made a
hearty meal.

CHAPTER XXIV.

JAKE.

It was only natural that on awakening Neal