l we make sure of the trail of the mules, and then gallop."

"But the ponies will have gone with the mules," cried Chris excitedly.

"You'd better not let them," said Griggs, with a grim smile at the boy.
"You've got to see the train started well on its way from the bottom of
the gully, and then bring the horses here--all six, mind."

"Yes, I see," said Chris, brightening up, the sun seeming to come out on
his gloomy, powder-smirched face. "But what about Ned's and Mr
Bourne's ponies?"

"They'll have to be contented with mules. They've only got to walk, and
there are several now with half loads. We shall want their ponies for
spare mounts, so as to give the others a rest now and then, for when we
leave here we shall have to make the best of our way."

"Oh!" cried Chris joyously. "I wish I were as clever as you are,
Griggs."

"It's all right, my lad," said the American grimly; "don't be in a
hurry. I've learned a bit about the Indians, and you've got that to
begin with; by the time you get as old as I am you'll have picked up a
deal more than I know, and you will not think much of me then. Now,
doctor, what's your idea?"

"Yours, Griggs," cried the gentleman addressed. "It cannot be bettered.
You hear, Bourne?"

"Yes, I hear," was the reply; "but about the Indians. You will not
escape them; they'll follow your trail."

"A bit," said Griggs, "while they're hot and wild after finding out that
we've tricked them and gone; but I seem to think that they won't tramp
far and leave their mustangs shut up in the valley. They'll come back
to get them out, and that will take them days, even if they do it then;
while if they can catch us after giving us about a week's law, I shall
feel disposed to forgive them."

"We need not discuss the matter further, eh, Wilton?" said the doctor,
turning to the young man, who had crouched close by, watching the spot
where the Indians had disappeared.

"No. It's all cut and dried," said the young man quietly. "Be off,
Bourne; you're going to have the best of it."

"That father isn't," said Ned sharply. "I don't think it's fair. Let
Chris go. I want to stop and fight."

"Nay, nay, nay," said Griggs, smiling; "don't be greedy, lad. You've
killed quite as many redskins to-day as is good for you. Be satisfied.
I dare say we can contrive a bit more fighting for you by and by."

"He may have all my share," said Chris, screwing up his face. "I hate
it. It's horrible."