t least
an hour.

Meanwhile it was agreed that the center of the rock should be made the
starting place for the new expedition. Slow progress was certain, but all
were more eager now to avoid mistakes than they were to make haste.

John, who declared he had now acquired an accurate stride which covered
exactly a yard, led the way. Directly behind him was Zeke, while the boys
were scattered on either side. Pete again formed the rear guard, although
no danger now was feared unless the actions of Thomas Jefferson implied
that they were being watched by others. Zeke had declared positively to
Fred that he thought the Indian was not telling him the truth. "There's
all the more reason," he explained, "why we must keep our eyes open. I'm
sure that the Navajo is being paid for his work and I shouldn't be
surprised if that man with the scar was the treasurer of the fund."

Even Fred now ignored any peril that might arise from the supposed
interview of Thomas Jefferson with other enemies, for the excitement of
the last part of their investigations was strong upon him.

Slowly the little band advanced over the broken surface. There were
gullies so deep that at first it seemed impossible to gain the opposite
side. Most of these, however, were narrow and consequently the
difficulties of John in measuring the distance were not greatly increased.

Grant had explained that if they did start from the wrong place they would
steadily swing more and more away from the spot they were seeking.
However, there was nothing to be done except to try and the eagerness of
the boys clearly showed how willing they were to make the attempt.

As the distance covered by John steadily increased, the boys became more
silent though they were steadily watching for some object that might
indicate the end of the first part of their search. No object, however,
was seen and when at last John halted, declaring that he had covered
exactly the distance required, he was standing on an elevation so slight
that no one believed it was a landmark.

"Now, from here," said Grant, "we turn and go southeast a quarter of a
mile."

"From where?" demanded Zeke.

"From where String is standing."

"Might as well start from there as anywhere," growled Zeke. "It's a kind
of fool's journey anyway."

The sun was now pouring its beams directly upon the heads of the young
explorers and there was no relief to be had. Across the desert stretch not
a place of refuge was wit