replied in a whisper.
"There are too many chances that the Chan Santa Cruz Indians may creep
upon us under cover of this mist, and both Poyor and myself are needed.
Sleep if you can, so that we may be prepared for a hard tramp
to-morrow."

As it proved, however, these excessive precautions were useless. The
rain continued to fall steadily and in great volume until daybreak, and
then all hands prepared for another tramp, for each one was so
completely drenched that a little water more or less could not make much
difference.

The breakfast was by no means a hearty one. The moisture had spoiled the
roast tapir, and even the remaining totopostes were so damp as to be
decidedly unpleasant to the sight as well as the taste.

Jake shut his eyes and ate a small quantity: but neither Neal nor Teddy
could force the food down, and, in view of the fact that there was
little likelihood of finding any game on the summit of the mountain, it
seemed reasonably certain they would be forced to fast a long while.

The burdens, soaked with water, had increased in weight very materially,
and again Poyor overhauled them in order to throw away yet more of the
load.

All the fishing tackle, two extra suits of clothes belonging to the
boys, the spoiled provisions and, in fact, nearly everything except the
ammunition and weapons, was left behind when the ascent of the mountain
was continued.

It was not yet time for the sun to rise; but the gray light of coming
day served to show the way, and Poyor strode on in advance at a pace
which would have soon winded the boys had Cummings not ordered him to
proceed more slowly.

"We must keep on without a halt until noon," he said, "and it would be
bad policy to use a portion of the party up before the journey has
fairly begun."

Even at the best pace possible the progress was by no means rapid, owing
to the obstructions in the path. Here it was necessary to make a long
detour that an overhanging ledge might be avoided, and there they were
literally forced to scramble among boulders of every size at imminent
risk of breaking limbs or being precipitated to the valley below.

Before half an hour had passed the rain ceased falling as rapidly as it
had begun, and as the sun appeared the clouds at the foot of the
mountain were dispersed.

Poyor halted and turned to look toward the valley.

Almost at the same instant a loud shout was heard and Cummings uttered
an exclamation of dismay, as a party