n, and
let the boys learn how well we are watched."

The Indian did as he was requested, and had hardly left the
fortification when those in the valley made a series of signals to the
men above, and instantly Cummings had another opportunity to empty his
weapon at a living target as several men sprang out from beneath the
ledge.

"Now you have some slight idea of what the result would be if we should
attempt to run away," he said while re-loading the gun.

"But what is to be gained by staying here if you are certain we shall be
surrounded? Wouldn't it be better to have the fight out when it is
possible to see what we are doing?"

"Yes, decidedly; but I prefer to wait longer. While there's life there's
hope, and before sunset something may happen to give us the advantage."

Poyor came back leisurely, and as he re-entered the circle of rocks
those in the valley settled down contentedly once more.

During this conversation Jake had been sleeping soundly; but now the sun
shone full upon him, and the heat was so great that he was forced to
change his position, saying as he did so:

"In a couple of hours more we shall be roasted to a turn."

"That isn't the worst that may befall us," Cummings replied, evidently
pleased at an opportunity to increase the engineer's fears.

"But it seems as if we might make a try for some game. I'm very nearly
starved."

"You are at liberty to do as you please, because it is not possible to
work us any further injury. According to your belief the Chan Santa Cruz
Indians are such peaceable fellows that they might allow you to hunt in
the valley awhile."

"What's the use of roughing into me now? I know I've made a fool of
myself twice; but I'm in the same hole with the rest."

"That doesn't make our situation any the more bearable, and when we
think how it was brought about it is only natural to feel sore. Even now
you insist on taking rest when the others are working."

"But I traveled steadily for twenty-four hours, and haven't had half as
much sleep as the remainder of the party."

"What about last night?"

Jake made no reply. He considered himself abused because Cummings
persisted in talking about what had been done, when he believed the
matter should be dropped after the fault was acknowledged.

Another hour passed. The sun was directly overhead, and the heat seemed
excessive. There was no longer any shadow cast by the rocks, and the
sand was so hot as to be painful to the