nd it's no use to show ourselves till we are obliged. We'll
drive the beasts right up the valley here as soon as the coast's clear,
and then keep in hiding and try what a shot or two from where they don't
show will act. If we bring down a man and a horse or two they may turn
back in a state of superstitious panic. It's a good deal to hope for,
but it might turn out so."

"At any rate it's the best plan," said the doctor. "So be ready to act
as soon as the enemy disappears, and then we must pray for time."

Indian palavers are long and tedious, and the chief addressing the tribe
talked for long enough, and was succeeded, so Wilton reported, by
others, during all which time the watchers kept carefully out of sight
and waited in a state of suspense that was almost unbearable.

"At last!" cried the doctor, as the body of horsemen began to move off.
"Watch them carefully, Wilton, and see if you can make out how they are
armed."

"That's plain enough," said the member of the party addressed; "they
nearly all have long spears."

"That means bows and arrows as well, I should say," cried Griggs.
"Indians who carry spears have not learned to use rifles, as a rule.
Hah! There they go, riding straight back from the edge. I shouldn't
wonder if they have a long distance to go, right back over a plain,
before they can get round the mountains. They must come by the same
gulch as we did, and perhaps they've got to find it first."

"Think so?" said Bourne, putting the question that was on Chris's lips.
"They may be thoroughly acquainted with all this place."

"It's just as likely that they've never looked down into it before,"
said Griggs. "They belong to a roving band, and the country here is
very big."

"Ah, there goes the last of them," cried Wilton, closing and shutting up
the glasses.

"Give them a few minutes' law," cried the doctor, "just to make sure
that they have gone. Then down to the camp as quickly as possible, load
up, and bring everything up to the foot of the slope, unload, and I'll
drive the poor brutes up to the other end while you folks get the stores
under cover."

"But suppose the enemy come while you are away doing the driving?" cried
Chris excitedly.

"We'll suppose nothing of the sort, my boy," said the doctor sternly.
Then with a pleasant smile, "If they do come while I'm away you'll all
have to cover me with your rifles while I fight my way back. Now then,
time's up. Down with you, and a