failure," Jake added in
a tone of reproach.

"Yes, and I take upon myself all the blame. You have spent but little
time on the enterprise, while to it I have devoted not less than two
years, therefore you can get some idea of the extent of my
disappointment as compared with yours."

"We recognize that fully," Neal replied, "and understand that you
believed the expedition would be successful; but since it has proven to
be a failure let us decide upon the proper course to be pursued rather
than spend our time reproaching each other."

"You are talking like a sensible fellow," Cummings said approvingly.
"Here is the situation in a nut-shell, and Poyor understands English
sufficiently to follow us in all we say. To go back by the way we came
is now impossible, and yet we must leave the city before a house to
house search is made, as I am convinced will be the case when it is
shown that there are no strangers in the swamp. The only open course is
toward the east, over the mountains, and the journey can be accomplished
if we hang together. I am willing to acknowledge that I have led you on
an unsuccessful search, although that may be of little satisfaction, and
now my only aim is to release you from the dangers which beset us all."

"We understand that perfectly," Teddy said quickly, "therefore there is
no reason why the matter should be discussed. We took the same chances
that you and Poyor did, consequently our interests are identical. Show
us how to get out of here, and the Chan Santa Cruz Indians may keep all
their gold and silver so far as I am concerned."

"But how are we to be paid for the time spent?" Jake asked fretfully.

"By saving your own life, which is now in great danger," Neal replied.
"Give up all idea of making yourself rich by the venture, and think only
of how we can best get away."

"That is something for Cummings to fix," Jake replied in a sulky tone.
"I came here for gold, and if that can't be had let those who put up the
job help us out of the scrape."

"I have already taken upon myself all the blame of the failure, and
admitted that it came about through an oversight of mine," Cummings said
sternly. "Now if you will listen to my plan I believe we can get out of
here alive, which is the one important thing just at this time when
everything has gone against us."

"What do you propose to do?" Neal asked, with a glance at Jake which
should have silenced him.

"Strike for the sea-shore. Poyor