habitants; but the last figures
can be only guess-work, since regarding the unconquerable tribes of the
interior, such as we are now trying to escape from, all is conjecture."

This concluded the conversation so far as Cummings was concerned, for
Poyor had awakened and joined the party, and there was very much to be
discussed with him relative to what move should be made, when a
sufficient time had elapsed.

In order that the boys might understand all which was said, the two men
spoke only in English, and when the consultation was brought to a close
the former had a very clear idea of the condition of affairs.

"It is safe to venture out in search of food," Poyor said, when Cummings
intimated by his silence that there was no further topic which he wished
to discuss, "and I will go for a short time."

"Why not take one of the boys with you?" the leader of the expedition
asked. "It is dull work for them here, and a little exercise will be
beneficial."

"Not yet," the Indian replied quickly. "Too broad a trail would surely
attract the attention of the enemy, and we must not run such a risk."

"Very well, we will do a little fishing in order to have something
hearty for supper in case you are not successful."

Then the Indian went cautiously out through the narrow passage, and he
had but just disappeared when Jake awakened.

"What's goin' on?" he asked with a yawn. "Has Poyor left us again?"

"He thought it might be possible to get some game near by, and proposes
to make the attempt," Cummings replied carelessly. "Now that you are
awake stand watch awhile, for the boys and I are going to catch a few
more fish."

Jake seated himself by the entrance, and Cummings led the way to the
stream, never fancying for a single moment that the sentinel might
desert his post.

The second effort to draw food from the water was more successful than
the first. Cummings had hardly dropped the line before the bait was
seized, and he landed a fairly good sized fish, after which he proposed
that Teddy should try his hand at the work.

"I don't want to monopolize all the fun," he said laughingly, "therefore
you boys had better take turns until we get enough for supper. To-night
we'll ask Poyor to cut another pole, and then both can enjoy the sport
at the same time."

The fish were smaller than those previously taken and half an hour
elapsed before there were enough on the shore to make up what Cummings
believed was sufficient for