the cattle, and also
act as a place of retreat for a certain number to protect them, the
horses being kept in Joses' Hole, as Bart christened the place.

There was plenty of willing labour now that the goal had been reached,
and a few of the principals had been with the Doctor to inspect the vein
of silver, from which they came back enthusiastic to a degree.

Leaving the greater part busy over the task of forming the cattle corral
or enclosure, the Doctor called upon Bart and Joses, with three or four
of his leading followers, to make the ascent of the mountain, and to
this end a mysterious-looking pole was brought from the Doctor's waggon,
and given to one of the men to carry. A pick and some ropes and pegs
were handed to Joses, Bart received a bag, and thus accoutred they
started.

"Where are we going?" said one of the party, as he saw that they were
walking straight for the perpendicular wall.

"Up to the top of the mountain," replied the Doctor.

"Have you ever been up?" the man asked, staring at him wonderingly.

"No; but I believe the ascent will be pretty easy, and I have a reason
for going."

"Is he mad?" whispered the man to Bart. "Why, nothing but a fly could
climb up there."

"Mad? No," replied Bart, smiling. "Wait a bit, and you'll see."

"Well, I wouldn't have believed there was a way through here!" said the
man, slapping his leg, and laughing heartily, as they reached the narrow
slit, crept through, and then stood with the long slope above them ready
for the ascent. "It seems as if nature had done it all in the most
cunning way, so as to make a hiding-place."

"And a stronghold and fort for us," said Bart. "I think when once we
get this place in order, we may set at defiance all the Indians of the
plains."

"If they don't starve us out, or stop our supply of water," said Joses,
gruffly. "Man must eat and drink."

By this time the Doctor was leading the way up the long rugged slope,
that seemed as if it had been carved by water constantly rushing down,
though now it was perfectly dry. It was not above ten feet wide, and
the walls were in places almost perpendicular.

It was a toilsome ascent, for at varying intervals great blocks of stone
barred the path, with here and there corresponding rifts; but a little
labour enabled the party to surmount these, and they climbed on till all
at once the path took a new direction, going back as it were upon
itself, but always upward at a suffici