have put us in a very bad position without even the poor excuse of
having tried to benefit the party."

"From this out I won't so much as yip," Jake replied earnestly, as he
made a vigorous attack on the roast tapir. "Getting lost in such a
forest as this is enough to make a fellow's hair turn white."

"If it will prevent you from playing the fool any more I shall be
satisfied," Cummings, who had come up unperceived, said emphatically.

CHAPTER XXV.

ON THE RANGE.

Although it was nearly noon, the time when the natives of Yucatan
believe a siesta is absolutely necessary, Cummings insisted that the
flight should be continued without further delay.

"It would not be surprising if the Chan Santa Cruz sentinels had seen
that idiotic Jake, and followed him in order to learn where we were
hiding," he said when Neal asked why they had left the ravine during the
hottest portion of the day. "If the Indians should besiege us here, it
would only be a few hours before surrender must be made, because of lack
of water, therefore we can render our position no worse, and may succeed
in bettering it by going now."

Poyor evidently looked at the matter in the same light, for he made no
protest; but began at once to prepare for the tramp.

Jake, after eating a hearty meal, had stretched out at the further end
of the hiding place, and was just giving himself up to the luxury of
slumber when Teddy aroused him by saying:

"Come, what are you lying here for? We are ready to start, and there's a
good deal of satisfaction in knowing that this time you'll have to carry
your share of the load."

"But I've got to have a nap first. Just think how long it's been since
I've had a chance to close my eyes."

"You'll have to wait awhile. Both Cummings and Poyor believe it is
absolutely necessary for us to make a quick move, and if you're not
ready they will go away alone."

Jake began to protest; but Teddy cut him short by saying:

"It won't do any good to kick. They are angry because we were forced to
leave the cave, and won't spend much time coaxing."

"Hurry along," Cummings shouted impatiently. "We must be well up on the
range before sunset."

These words spoken in an imperative tone caused Jake to spring to his
feet very nimbly, and as he neared the entrance Poyor pushed one of the
packages toward him as he said:

"We carried all last night, and it would be only right to give you a
double load."

"I'd have to take it i