The Search for the Silver City Part 30

They asked concerning their location, and were told all that c.u.mmings and Poyor knew, and when the very satisfactory meal was brought to a close the former said as if inviting a discussion:

"We have sufficient food to last us three days if there is no game picked up on the way; but our supply of water threatens to run short very soon unless we can manage to refill the canteens. Are we likely to find a stream among these hills, Poyor?"

"When we descend into the valley there will be no lack of plenty to drink; but on beginning the ascent of the mountains we must be careful not to use too much."

"How long shall we probably be on the range providing every thing works smoothly?"

"Three days--perhaps four."

"But we can only carry water enough for two days at the best."

"Then each one must take but half as much as he needs."

"Of course that would settle the matter; but it is going to be pretty tough to travel in heat without all we want to drink."

"Better that than to fall into the hands of the Chan Santa Cruz," Poyor replied gravely.

"I am willing to admit it; but at the same time I believe we can hit upon some plan of carrying all that may be needed."

"We may find the water pitchers in the forest, and by means of them replenish the supply."

"That is figuring upon a possibility, and we are by no means certain of getting what we want."

"There is plenty of time to think the matter over, for, unless we are discovered, it will be necessary to stay here until night. Will you sleep now?"

"You need rest more than I," c.u.mmings replied. "Lie down while I stand guard."

The Indian did not hesitate; it made very little difference who remained on watch providing the utmost vigilance was maintained, and he stretched himself on the ground at the farther end of the ravine where he could be sheltered from the rays of the sun.

The boys seated themselves by c.u.mmings' side where the best view of the surrounding country could be had; but the latter was in no mood for further conversation, and the three remained silent for an hour or more, when Teddy asked:

"How long before you intend to call Poyor?"

"There is plenty of time," c.u.mmings replied carelessly. "We have all day before us, and when I am tired he shall take his turn."

"Why can't we do something? If you lie down now it will be gaining just so much more sleep, and surely both of us can keep watch as well as either you or he."

"That is a good idea, and I'll take advantage of the offer. Call me if you see the slightest thing suspicious, or hear any sound not made by the birds. I don't fancy we shall be troubled; but at the same time no one knows what may happen."

"We'll take good care; you shall be told if anything larger than a rat comes in view," Teddy replied, "so don't lose time that might be spent in sleep."

c.u.mmings followed this advice at once, and in a few moments his heavy breathing told that he had crossed over into slumberland.

During the next hour nothing was seen or heard by the sentinels, who sat just within the shadow cast by the rock gazing intently down the hill, and then Teddy whispered excitedly as he pointed to a clump of bushes near where the trees were thickest:

"Look in that direction. Can't you see the foliage is moving to and fro more than should be the case on a calm day like this?"

Neal followed with his eyes Teddy's finger, and after a close scrutiny said:

"I see what you mean: but there is probably some animal among the bushes. At all events we shan't be a great while finding out, and it isn't well to call c.u.mmings until we are positive something is wrong."

During five minutes the boys watched intently, and then there could be no question but that the leader should be awakened. They had seen a man, or at least a portion of one, as the foliage was parted gently to admit of his looking out, and Neal said as he raised his gun:

"Call c.u.mmings. I won't fire until he gives the word unless that fellow comes too near."

Believing that they were about to be attacked, Teddy shook the leader of the party vigorously as he whispered:

"They've found out where we are, and one is just getting ready to make a rush."

This information was well calculated to arouse Poyor as well as the white man, and they ran with all speed toward the entrance to the ravine where Neal was making ready to shoot.

"He has shown himself twice since Teddy went to call you," the boy said, "and I know exactly where to fire if you believe it ought to be done."

"Do you think he knows we are here?" c.u.mmings asked, and Neal replied:

"He has been looking out from among the bushes as if suspicious that there was something wrong in this quarter; but I don't fancy he has seen us."

"Then do not fire. It is of the greatest importance that we should remain concealed, and to discharge a weapon now would only be to bring down a crowd upon us. Get back to the farther end of the ravine while Poyor and I find out what is going on."

The boys did as they were bidden, taking their station where it was possible to see all the men were doing, and after ten minutes both were surprised by hearing c.u.mmings say in a tone of relief:

"It is only that idiot, and he evidently mistakes us for enemies. The best thing we can do is to let him stay where he is, for then he can't get us into another sc.r.a.pe."

"It's Jake!" Teddy cried. "I thought that arm didn't look like an Indian's!"

"It will be worse than wicked if c.u.mmings don't let him know who we are.

Of course he's hunting for us, and we _must_ call to him."

As Neal spoke he stepped forward, and was about to cry out when c.u.mmings prevented him.

"Let the fool alone," the latter said. "If he joins us we shall never be able to pa.s.s the sentinels."

"You can't mean to let him wander off by himself."

"Better that than give him another chance to bring the enemy down upon us."

"But I won't allow it," Neal cried angrily. "It is true he has been worse than foolish twice----"

"And the third time he'll succeed in bringing all hands up with a sharp turn. We are where very little is needed to put us in the power of the enemy, and we cannot afford to take such chances as he appears to delight in."

"Then Teddy and I will leave you, and run all the risk with him, which is nothing more than fair, considering the fact that he is one of our party."

From the look on c.u.mmings' face it was evident he intended to make an angry reply; but before he could speak Poyor said:

"The boys are right. It is not good to desert a friend, no matter what he has done."

"Very well," c.u.mmings said impatiently. "Call him in, and during the remainder of this journey, if we live to finish it, I will see that he does not have a chance to work any more mischief."

Neal did not delay. Stepping out from the ravine he shouted: