ey'll shrink away to nothing
at last, and we must look forward to the time when all the extras'll be
gone and we shall have to live on meat and water."

"Rather starvation rations, Griggs," said Wilton, while the boys stared
at one another.

"Oh no, sir. I've been through it, and it isn't half bad. You soon get
used to it, and then you find out what roast meat and cold water really
are--about the most delicious eating and drinking in the world. Your
appetite's splendid; you can sleep like a top; and as to what you can
do, it's wonderful. You never seem to be tired."

"Then you don't feel any apprehension about our having to give up for
want of supplies?"

"Not a bit, sir, as long as the powder and shot last. When they're done
the sooner we make for civilisation the better."

"Yes," said the doctor thoughtfully. "You must be right, Griggs."

"Yes, sir, I am right," said Griggs, without a shadow of brag in his way
of speaking. "I wouldn't speak out as I do if I hadn't proved it."

"How long did you lead such a life as that?" asked Chris.

"Going on for four years. Why, I've talked to you and Squire Ned here
often."

"Yes, of course, about your experiences in the big north-west," said
Chris; "but I didn't know it lasted so long."

"Don't you remember about his fight with the Indians, when they rode
round his party?" asked Ned.

"Yes, I remember," said Chris. Then thoughtfully, "You think we shall
find Indians out here?"

"No, I don't, my lad; but I feel pretty sure they'll find us."

"Most likely," said the doctor, nodding his head; "but we can beat them
off. You feel, then, Griggs, that we need be under no apprehension
about our stores?"

"Not a bit, sir, so long as we keep within touch of the mountains. I'd
almost go as far as to say that we could do better without them. We
could after a time, for it will save a lot of trouble in loading up the
baggage. But they won't fail yet awhile. A man can do without tea and
coffee and sugar and pepper, and without meal too when he's obliged. We
shan't want for salt, I dessay, though the less we come across that the
better. We shan't fail over finding where that poor old chap made his
map, on account of the eating and drinking. I was thinking about him in
the night when I woke up to have a look round."

"What about him?" said Chris, for the American had stopped short.

"'Bout how long he'd been living out somewhere in these parts."

"Or some oth