Yes, father."

"You others have the tent-pitchers, and I the short pole. Take your
places at once; lie right down among the bushes till you hear my
whistle, and then up and send the big stones down with all your might."

No more was said, for not one present had the heart to speak. To Chris
it was just as if he had said "Good-bye" to the American, who had gone
straight to his death.

"And he has gone thinking me queer and ungrateful," the boy said to
himself, "for not insisting upon going with him."

And even while stumbling up and up among the stones and bushes in the
darkness to the spot which he was to occupy with his father, the boy
could think of nothing else but the brave fellow going slowly along the
lower part of the gulch in the black darkness, to wait until the morning
came before starting boldly off into the open to meet the Indians.

"It will mean arrows," thought Chris. "He'll be shot down somewhere out
yonder, for it's a mad trick, and can't do him any good, nor yet us.
Oh, I do wish I wasn't such an idiot! So proud I was in my miserable
conceit of having thought out a way to trap the Indians, and a nice mess
I've made--sent the best friend I ever had to certain death."

"What are you thinking about, Chris?" said the doctor at that moment.

"Thinking about, father?" faltered the boy.

"Yes; you have turned so quiet."

"I was thinking about poor Griggs, father, and feeling afraid that he'll
never come back."

"Then don't think any more of such things. We none of us know. Wait
and see. Now then, how long shall we have to wait before we see our
brave fellow come along hunted by the enemy?"

"Don't ask me, father."

"Why not? How far are we off the morning?"

"Hours."

"No; I think not. I dare say we shall be having the day break within
one hour, then the exciting time will begin."

"Do you think we shall see Griggs again?"

"Oh yes, of course. He's a fleet runner, and I shouldn't be a bit
surprised to see him come tearing along with a band of mounted Indians
at his back."

"Do you really think so, father, or is this only to encourage me?"

"Both, my boy. Come, keep a good heart. I shall be glad when the day
comes--shan't you?"

"Yes, father. But do you think the ponies and mules will stray away?"

"I hope not, my boy. Oh no, it's not likely. Cheer up; we shall do it,
never fear."

Chris heaved a big sigh.

"Why, hullo, my boy! Do you call this cheering up?" said the