us."

"Then do not fire. It is of the greatest importance that we should
remain concealed, and to discharge a weapon now would only be to bring
down a crowd upon us. Get back to the farther end of the ravine while
Poyor and I find out what is going on."

The boys did as they were bidden, taking their station where it was
possible to see all the men were doing, and after ten minutes both were
surprised by hearing Cummings say in a tone of relief:

"It is only that idiot, and he evidently mistakes us for enemies. The
best thing we can do is to let him stay where he is, for then he can't
get us into another scrape."

"It's Jake!" Teddy cried. "I thought that arm didn't look like an
Indian's!"

"It will be worse than wicked if Cummings don't let him know who we are.
Of course he's hunting for us, and we _must_ call to him."

As Neal spoke he stepped forward, and was about to cry out when Cummings
prevented him.

"Let the fool alone," the latter said. "If he joins us we shall never be
able to pass the sentinels."

"You can't mean to let him wander off by himself."

"Better that than give him another chance to bring the enemy down upon
us."

"But I won't allow it," Neal cried angrily. "It is true he has been
worse than foolish twice----"

"And the third time he'll succeed in bringing all hands up with a sharp
turn. We are where very little is needed to put us in the power of the
enemy, and we cannot afford to take such chances as he appears to
delight in."

"Then Teddy and I will leave you, and run all the risk with him, which
is nothing more than fair, considering the fact that he is one of our
party."

From the look on Cummings' face it was evident he intended to make an
angry reply; but before he could speak Poyor said:

"The boys are right. It is not good to desert a friend, no matter what
he has done."

"Very well," Cummings said impatiently. "Call him in, and during the
remainder of this journey, if we live to finish it, I will see that he
does not have a chance to work any more mischief."

Neal did not delay. Stepping out from the ravine he shouted:

"Jake! Jake, come in here!"

Although the engineer was so far away the cry of mingled surprise and
joy which burst from his lips could be heard distinctly, and in the
shortest possible space of time he was in the ravine shaking the boys'
hands vigorously.

"What are you up to here?" he asked. "Looking for me?"

"Indeed we were doing nothing of