e Doctor, one morning. "We'll
start at once."

"Why not wait till night and steal off?" said Maude.

"Because we could not hide our trail," said Bart. "The Indians could
follow us. I think it will be best to let them see we don't mind them,
and go away boldly."

"That's what I mean to do," said the Doctor, and directly they had ended
their meal, the few arrangements necessary were made, and after going
and shaking hands all round with the stolid Indians, the horses were
mounted, the waggon set in motion, and they rode back along the valley.
Passing the Indian camp, they arrived at the opening through which,
bearing off to the west, the Indians reached the plains, and for hours
kept on winding in and out amongst the hills.

It was after sundown that the Doctor called a halt in the wild rocky
part that they had reached, a short rest in the very heat of the day
being the only break which they had had in their journey. In fact, as
darkness would soon be upon them, it would have been madness to proceed
farther, the country having become so broken and wild that it would have
been next to impossible to proceed without wrecking the waggon.

Their usual precautions were taken as soon as a satisfactory nook was
found with a fair supply of water, and soon after sunrise next morning,
all having been well during the night, the Doctor and Bart started for a
look round while breakfast was being prepared, Bart taking his rifle, as
there was always the necessity for supplying the wants of the camp.

"I wonder whether we shall see any more of the Indians," said Bart, as
they climbed up amongst the rocks to what looked almost like a gateway
formed by a couple of boldly scarped masses, in whose strata lines
various plants and shrubs maintained a precarious existence.

"I wonder they have not followed us before now," replied the Doctor.
"Mind how you come. Can you climb it?"

For answer, Bart leaped up to where the Doctor had clambered as easily
as a mountain sheep, and after a little farther effort they reached the
gate-like place, to find that it gave them a view right out on to the
partly-wooded country beyond. For they had left the level, changeless
plain on the other side of the rocks, and the sight of a fresh character
of country was sufficient to make the Doctor eagerly take the little
telescope he carried in a sling, and begin to sweep the horizon.

As he did so, he let fall words about the beauty of the country.

"