f the
cave. That the Indians would not be turned from their purpose he
realized fully, and there could be no mistaking the desperate condition
in which he had placed all hands.

He was supposed to be aiding Poyor; but, as a matter of fact he could do
little more than look out over the fortifications, fearing each moment
that the enemy would make a sudden dash.

The particular thought in the minds of all was as to what might be done
in the way of replenishing the larder, for now the siege had really
begun the question of how food could be procured was a serious matter,
more especially since no one had eaten what would be worthy the name of
breakfast.

Neither Cummings nor Poyor feared a direct assault. In their opinion it
was only a question of holding the enemy in check, and to this alone did
they pay any attention.

Cummings watched over the line of rocks, and at the slightest show of a
living target discharged his weapon; but, so far as could be
ascertained, without inflicting any injury upon those who were ready to
deal out death at the first opportunity.

"It is only a question of holding back until the night comes, when they
can ascend the mountain, and, being above us, be able to shoot us down
without exposing themselves," Teddy said as he sat by the aperture
watching for a sight of the enemy.

"We will wait until sunset before we give up entirely," Neal replied, in
a tone that showed he had lost all hope. "Then, unless Poyor can devise
some plan for escape, we shall have to stand a hand to hand fight which
can result in but one way."

"You admit that we can't escape?" Teddy replied interrogatively. "Five
against a hundred won't be able to stand very long."

"We can at least hold our own a few hours, and when the end comes we
will be found fighting."

This was poor consolation for a fellow who hoped his friend might see
some better way out of the difficulty, and Teddy settled back to watch
for an opportunity to discharge his weapon with effect; but feeling that
it was vain labor so far as the ultimate result was concerned.

During the forenoon, while every crevice in the rocks was running with
water, Poyor filled the canteens, and when this work was done he
insisted that Jake should continue to aid him in lowering the level
behind the line of rocks; but the engineer was, to use his own words,
"completely played out," and the necessary work was neglected until he
could gain a certain amount of rest, wh