tay here," Poyor said before any reply could
be made. "While looking at what we believe to be the grave of the Chan
Santa Cruz army, they may be climbing the mountain to cut us off."

"You are right, Poyor. Boys, look around for the ammunition and Neal's
gun, and whether we find anything or not we must be on our journey in
five minutes."

Cummings led in the search, which resulted in nothing, for even the
boulders which formed the fort were hidden from view by the sand and
gravel, and then Poyor advanced on the way upward once more.

Although it seemed certain the enemy had been destroyed the Indian did
not neglect any precaution. He traveled further in advance than usual
and from time to time cast searching glances toward the valley where, in
all probability, so many lay dead.

Now every member of the party were suffering for food. It was thirty-six
hours since they had satisfied their hunger, and during the greater
portion of this time a large amount of labor had been performed.

"I believe I could eat an iguana, and that's the most disagreeable
looking reptile I've ever seen," Teddy whispered to Neal, and the latter
replied gravely:

"It doesn't seem right to complain about being hungry after escaping
from such a terrible situation; but at the same time I'm willing to
confess that almost anything would taste mighty good just now."

The travelers were nearing the summit of the mountain where not so much
as a blade of grass could be seen, and there was nothing for it but to
endure hunger, as they were forced to, the heat, which, as the day
advanced, seemed almost insupportable.

It was about noon when the little party stood on the highest point of
land, and, looking over a long stretch of valley and plain covered with
verdure of the deepest green, saw the blue waters of the Caribbean sea,
the crests of the waves sparkling in the sunlight like jewels set in
sapphire-colored enamel.

Never had the ocean seemed so beautiful and friendly as now, after the
long, dangerous tramp, and the boys forgot all privations and
discomforts as they gazed at the broad expanse of water.

"If the Sea Dream was afloat and anchored off there how quickly we could
get home," Teddy cried.

"Even allowing that nothing happens to prevent our traveling ten hours a
day, it will be a week before you can stand on the shore of the sea,"
Cummings replied, glancing backward as if regretting that he was about
to descend the range which woul