nd fro for five minutes.

Then an answering signal came back from some brushwood on the top of a
distant hill--the answer being similar to the signal itself, showing the
message was seen and understood.

It is likely that the Indians and desperadoes were much chagrined to
think that they would have to hold off for two days, but if so they made
no sign.

The next day proved unusually warm. There was nothing for the boys to do
in the fort, and they wandered around from place to place. At drill but
thirty-eight soldiers presented themselves, all the others being on the
sick list.

"I must say I don't feel very well myself," remarked Darry. "I can
hardly keep my eyes open."

"Gracious! don't say that you're going to get sick too!" cried Joe.

"I won't get sick if I can help it," replied Darry. "But I feel awfully
queer."

Joe did what he could for his cousin. But, with the limited means at
hand, this was not much, and by sundown Darry was flat on his back,
although the attack he sustained was not as severe as that of many
around him.

"I feel as if I was in something of a dream," he told Joe. "That drug
must have opium in it."

"It's something like opium--I heard the surgeon say so," answered his
cousin.

At night a strict watch was kept, and twice old Benson went out to
reconnoiter.

"The Indians and desperadoes have surrounded us on all sides," he
announced. "But it don't look as if they meant to attack us just yet."

With the coming of morning it began to rain, but this cleared away by
noon, and then the sun boiled down as fiercely as ever. The sunny spots
within the stockade were suffocating, and the boys were glad enough to
stay within the cool walls of the stone fort.

As far as he was able Captain Moore had prepared the place to resist an
attack. A weak spot in the stockade was strengthened and the cannon of
the fort were put in the best possible condition. The soldiers were told
where to go in case of a sudden alarm, and were cautioned not to waste
any ammunition, for the supply was limited.

Thanks to the surgeon's efforts Colonel Fairfield was now somewhat
better. Yet he was too weak by far to get up or to manage affairs, so
the command still remained in Captain Moore's hands. Even Captain Lee
was now down, and it was a question whether he would live or die.

"You must do your best, Captain Moore," said the colonel feebly. "I know
I can trust you. You are brave, and your training has been a jud