othing, sir, but wait."

"But we really cannot wait any longer, Griggs. Provisions failing too
fast. We must get away from here to some good hunting-ground. Do the
Indians seem to be camping, or only on the move?"

"They seem to me to be hatching up some dodge or another," replied
Griggs. "I shouldn't be a bit surprised if we saw them over the way
there--just one or two, scouting; and if we do I should be for a stand
at arms all night, for it might mean an attack after dark."

The doctor stood at the opening, looking across the valley, as if
impressed by the American's words and expecting moment by moment to see
one of the Indians creeping along the edge of the cliff.

Then he began to walk up and down slowly, evidently deep in thought.

At last he started, as he suddenly became aware of the fact that every
one present was watching him keenly waiting for him to speak.

"There," he said, "I've made up my mind. It is very evident that we may
wait here till our stores are exhausted, and be as far off the
opportunity we seek as ever. The Indians can wait; we cannot, and they
seem to know it. I believe they feel that if they are patient their
opportunity will come. I have felt something of the kind, but I am
convinced now that it will not, and that we must chance something and
make it."

"Going to give up young Chris's plan?" said Griggs slowly.

"No; I'm going to put it in force at once. We start to-night."

A thrill of excitement ran through Chris, and his heart began to beat.
Then he was listening, so to speak, with all his might.

"We shall make no particular movement till after dark," continued the
doctor, "only go on as usual apparently, in case there are eyes watching
us, as is most likely to be the case."

Griggs nodded his head.

"But all the same we can be making our preparations. The barrels can be
filled with water, and every one's bottle. Provisions can be packed in
our wallets; in fact, everything held ready for a start. Finally, just
at dusk the animals can be driven in for food and water, and--"

The doctor stopped, and looked full in the American's eyes.

"Not allowed to go off again?"

"Exactly," replied the doctor. "But before any more is said, Griggs, I
want to offer you the opportunity to draw back."

"What for?" said Griggs sharply.

"Because it is a very risky thing to do. You propose offering yourself
for a mark to the Indians' arrows, and--"

"Not a bit of it, sir.