ost dangerous period, and they appreciated the
insecurity of the position to withstand a night attack.

The river was to their right, and not more than two miles away, and the
boys saw the Professor frequently look in that direction. "I believe,"
he finally said, "we can better afford to take the risk of a daylight
trip to the river, than to remain here another minute. The lesson we
gave is rankling within them, and they will attack us with different
tactics the next time."

The yokes were still on the yaks, and it was the work of moments only to
bring them to the pole and when the ring had been slipped on Harry had
them in motion down the hill. The Professor and John dismounted, and
stood guard, and Harry was told to move directly toward the river and
pass to the right of a hill, which appeared to have a precipitous side,
which was not more than a half mile away.

The parting injunction of the Professor was: "Go on without stopping
until you reach the clump of trees before you and just beyond the little
stream in your path. That will give you a good view of every approach."

The wagon went down the hill at a rapid pace. The Professor and John
kept a vigilant watch on their enemies, and it was not long before the
disappearance of the wagon was noted, and then the utmost excitement
prevailed. It was evident that there was no concerted movement among
them. There was an aimless running to and fro, but the two stood there,
guns in hand, and that no doubt disconcerted the natives, who evidently
believed that the wagon had been removed to a more advantageous
position.

The inaction did not continue long, for it was now noticed that parties
of two and three stole out from the shelter of the huts, some going to
the north and others to the south, with a view of surrounding and spying
the new position. The wagon was beyond the sight of their position on
the hill, and after John had looked inquiringly at the Professor several
times, both began a forward movement after the wagon, and by proceeding
at a rapid pace discerned it in the distance.

After crossing the little stream referred to by the Professor, both
halted, in order to scour the country behind them. John clutched the
Professor by the sleeve and pointed to several moving figures to their
left, cautiously moving up the hill to the position previously occupied
by the wagon.

This was a great relief, as it was evident the savages had no idea that
the wagon was in ful