gon across the mountains. It'll stay right here."

The "false bottom" was a simple affair, but well made, and there was
room between it and the real bottom of that wagon to stow a great deal
more than the miners were now leaving.

They would have had no time to dig a hiding-place in the earth if they
had wanted to, for messengers came from To-la-go-to-de before sunset to
tell them he was nearly ready to start, and from that time forward the
keen eyes of strolling Lipan horsemen were watching every step that was
taken in the camp of their pale-face allies.

"If they want to know how much supper we eat," said the Captain, "we
can't help it. I only hope I can blind 'em in some way before morning."

The supper that was eaten was a hearty one, but there was no use in
providing any great weight of provisions to carry with them. Every man
and horse had already enough to carry, and the largest and heaviest men
were most in doubt as to whether they had better take any provisions at
all.

CHAPTER XXI

As Steve walked away with Red Wolf, Many Bears at once turned his
attention to Murray and the great affairs to be decided by the chiefs
and councillors.

For himself, the first idea that called for expression was suggested by
a faint odor of something broiling on the coals just in front of Mother
Dolores.

"Send Warning ride long way. Get very hungry. Come. All great braves
eat a heap."

If the power to eat very nearly as fast, for a given time, as Dolores
herself could cook, was a sure mark of greatness, Many Bears had no
superior in his own band. It had not made a fat man of him yet, but
there was no telling what it might do for him in the course of time.

The chiefs and warriors whose fame and rank entitled them to such a
privilege soon gathered for the expected "talk," and there were some of
them whose busy squaws ventured to bring them supplies of provisions,
but the greater number were contented to wait a while.

Murray found himself regarded as an honored guest. Not only were his
hosts indebted to him for past favors, but they were anxiously
expecting more. Indians are just like other human beings in such
matters. Always ready to give a good dinner to a man from whom they
expect something. To be sure, all they were now looking for was good
advice, and sometimes people are not willing to give much for that.
There was plenty to eat, and with it a great deal of dignity. Even
questions were asked s