n to think that standing watch was
a useless precaution when an unusual rustling among the foliage caused
him to start in surprise.

His first thought was that the Chan Santa Cruz had followed them over
the range; but an instant later this was shown to be a mistake, as four
copper-colored men, bearing no resemblance to the inhabitants of the
Silver City, however, passed through the forest a short distance away
without apparently being aware of the proximity of the white party.

To arouse Poyor was but the work of an instant, for it was only
necessary to touch him gently on the shoulder when he sprang to his
feet.

"There are some men over there," Teddy whispered as he pointed in the
direction taken by the strangers.

The Indian started through the underbrush as noiselessly as a serpent,
and as he disappeared the boy awakened Cummings.

"Were they armed?" the latter asked, after the short story had been
told.

"I didn't notice. My only idea was to arouse you and Poyor, and there
wasn't much time for an examination."

"It can't be that they have followed us over the range," Cummings said,
half to himself, as he seized his weapon and made sure it was loaded.
"It won't do any harm to be prepared, therefore you had best get the
others on their feet; we may have to trust to our legs."

It was not an easy matter to awaken the remainder of the party without
causing an outcry; but by first covering the mouth of each with his hand
Teddy finally succeeded, and then stood on the alert with them as
Cummings made his way in the direction taken by Poyor to assist in the
investigation.

One, two, three minutes of suspense followed, and then came a cry which
set all their fears at rest. It was the salutation of friends, and an
instant later Cummings shouted:

"Do not fear; we have found acquaintances."

"It is time something of the kind was discovered," Jake said in a tone
of relief. "I was beginning to think we should never meet one again."

"They looked like Indians," Teddy said doubtfully, and Neal added:

"I fancy we can take Cummings' word for it. Here they are, and it will
soon be possible to know why they were so foolish as to come into this
part of the country where wild beasts are not the least of the dangers
to be encountered."

The strangers appeared, escorted by Poyor and the white man, and the
latter said as they came into the opening selected as a halting place:

"These are acquaintances of ours from Mer