very
fast, for mounted men can't get along very well among rocks and trees.
What's more, they can't shoot straight with their ponies cantering. I
don't believe there's a bit of risk for me. I shall be all right. What
I'm afraid of is that when I come along through the narrows with the
whole herd full pelt after me, some of the mules and ponies will squeal
or neigh, and make the enemy suspicious. If they do hear anything,
we're done."

"But our animals will be well back in that hollow," said Chris.

"Yes, my lad; but I want them to be planted farther back still. There's
a bit I've been looking out quite a quarter of a mile farther off, and
I'm going to propose it to the doctor as being safest."

"I'm afraid father will say that the ponies ought to be close at hand."

"Yes, that's right, if it can be done; but it would go hard with us all
if the Indians gave up the bait of the trap and turned upon those who
set it. We mustn't run risks if there's a way of doing things more
safely."

"Well, you must talk it over with father," said Chris. "Let's see;
we're going to have another look at the place this afternoon, aren't
we?"

"We were," replied the American; "but we're not going now."

"Why?"

"Too many redskins about, as I told you."

"There are always too many redskins about," cried Chris impatiently. "I
wish we could charge them boldly, and send them flying over the plains."

"Never to come back again," said Ned sharply.

"Yes, that would be very nice, my lads," replied Griggs; "but it will
not do to be impatient."

"_Im_patient!" cried Ned. "We've been patient enough."

"Not quite, my lads. Don't you see that we're playing a very ticklish
game? The plan is to get out of this valley ourselves, where we are
regularly locked in, and to put the redskins in our place, locking them
in. It would be rather remarkable if it wasn't a ticklish job."

Just then the doctor came into the shelter where the boys had been
talking, bringing with him Wilton, who had been shooting, or rather,
trying to shoot, for he had had no success; and they too were talking
earnestly about ways and means.

"Oh, here you are, Griggs," cried the doctor. "Had a good turn at
scouting?"

"Yes, sir."

"And all seems favourable for our attempt to-morrow?"

"No, sir. The Indians have shifted their quarters, and they're in about
as awkward a position as they could contrive for our purpose."

"Then what do you propose?"

"N