ppose there is
really no great danger."

"None at all, I guess, if we do as they say," agreed Baldy. "But I don't
fancy being kept here a week."

"Do their ceremonies last as long as that?" asked Russ.

"Often longer. Well, I'll go see what I can do, and then I'll come back
and report. Here, you keep one of those," and he handed a big revolver
to Paul.

"Don't you dare hold that close to me!" cried Ruth, apprehensively.

The result of Baldy's talk with Jumping Horse was not encouraging, as
the cowboy reported later.

"You can't argue with an Indian," he said, gloomily. "He can only see
his side of the game."

"Then he refuses to let us go?" asked Mr. DeVere.

"That's about it," was the moody answer. "He says we won't be bothered;
that we can have some huts to ourselves, away from the others, and that
we can have the best food they've got. Fortunately they came prepared
for a feast and as they've got mostly store victuals it may not be so
bad."

"Then you advise submitting quietly?" asked Mr. DeVere.

"For a time, anyhow," replied Baldy. "But I haven't played all my hand
yet. I'm going to try and get away, or else bring a rescue party from
the ranch."

"How can you do that?" asked Russ.

"Well, I've got to plan it out. Now, of course I'm willin', as it was my
fault for bringin' you here--I'm willin' to go out and try to break
through their line of guards, if you say so."

"Oh, no!" cried Alice. "Besides, it was as much our doing in coming here
as it was yours."

"Certainly," agreed her father. "Don't think of it, my dear sir! Don't
think of it!"

"Then we'll be as satisfied as we can," concluded Baldy. "And maybe
to-night, when they're at their ceremonies, we can sneak off."

They agreed this was the best plan under the circumstances, and a little
later they were led by two or three Indians to a collection of huts that
seemed larger and cleaner than the others. A supply of food was also
brought for the prisoners, and, as it consisted largely of canned stuff,
that was clean also.

The huts, which were really quite substantial wigwams, were apportioned
among the prisoners. Ruth and Alice received the largest and best one,
and their father had one by himself next to theirs. Paul and Russ
"bunked" together, for Baldy said he wanted to be free to come and go as
he liked.

"I'll have to be on the watch," he said.

"What's that big open place over there?" asked Russ, pointing to a
level, sandy circle