ar now was, would their pursuers keep up
the hunt until the sea came in sight? If they did it meant another
fight, or a retreat, with the only hope of securing the boat gone.

"We have a ticklish task before us. We must cross the river before we
get to the location of the boat, and if they are anywhere in the
neighborhood, our tracks will surely be seen," and Harry was at a loss
what suggestion to make in such an emergency.

"It seems to me," ventured George, "that one should take the rear, as a
guard, the one front keeping within supporting distance of the wagon at
all times. In this way we will not run into the party, and we shall then
know whether they are still trailing us."

This seemed the proper thing to do, and it was followed at once, Harry
taking the rear guard and Ralph acting as advance scout.

Fully three miles was covered, before the sun admonished them that a
camp must be made for the night. The selection of a suitable place was a
matter of great concern, as may be imagined.

They went on and on, ever in the search for a suitable place, and it was
beginning to grow dusk before their minds could agree as to a safe
place. Probably they passed a dozen spots more suitable than the one
finally selected, but it was that much nearer the river, and that was
some satisfaction.

The utmost care was taken to put the wagon and the yaks in a protected
position, and all that night two were on duty. Angel, during the entire
time, was quiet, and did not scent the approach of an enemy.

Early in the morning a hurried meal was prepared, and while the
preliminary steps were taken for a departure Harry and Tom made a
scouting tour to the southwest for nearly a half mile, and returned
satisfied that they had temporarily, at least, thrown them off the
track.

It was a surprise to find the river within a half mile of their last
camping place. If they had known this they would have pushed on and
attempted the crossing during the night. But there was no help for it
now.

"How far do you think we are from the mouth of the river, Harry?"

"This part is unfamiliar to me, but it is no doubt south of the point
where we crossed it on our way home."

"Do you think we ought to cross here or go down still farther?"

Ralph and Tom both urged an immediate crossing, for the reason that as
the savages were not in sight, they might as well take advantage of the
situation, whereas if they continued down the river, they might again