low.

"What is it?" asked Jack, over his shoulder.

"Indians--the 'Paches are out. I'm hit," gasped Dick. He crawled
painfully and slowly to Jack's side, dragging his leg after him. He
pulled with him his rifle, which he picked up as he passed from the
spot where it had fallen in his first wild rush for water.

"The soldiers told me at Fort Grant about the 'Paches being out," Jack
whispered hoarsely. "I thought they'd crossed the border into Mexico."

Seeing a spasm of pain sweep over Dick's face, he asked: "Are you hurt
bad?"

"I don't know. My left leg is numb."

Both men spoke scarcely above a whisper, fearing to betray their
positions by the sound of their voices. Dick lay on his back gathering
strength to ward off with rifle and revolver the rush which would come
sooner or later.

Jack caught the sound of a falling stone. Peering cautiously over the
rock, he saw an Indian creep up a draw toward them. Throwing his rifle
to his shoulder, he took quick aim and fired. The Apache jumped to his
feet, ran a few steps forward, and fell sprawling. A convulsive
shudder shook him, and he lay still.

"I got him!" cried Jack exultantly, as he saw the result of the shot.

But the exposure of his head and shoulders above their barricade had
drawn forth more shots from other members of the band.

The bullets struck near the two men, showing that the Apaches had the
range.

Dick's wound was bleeding freely, but the shock of the blow had passed
away, and his strength returned. Drawing his revolver, he crept closer
to Jack, crying: "I can shoot some."

"I reckon you haven't more than a flesh-wound," encouraged Jack. "Can
you crawl to the horse?"

"I think I can," answered Dick.

"Then go. Take the trail home. I'll keep these fellows busy while you
get away."

The Apaches were showing themselves more as they darted from rock to
rock, drawing closer to the entrapped men down the boulder-strewn draws
or ravines leading into the canon. An Apache had crawled to the head
of a draw, and crossed the butte into a second ravine, which led to the
trail down the cliffside. On his belly he had wormed his way up the
pathway until he overlooked the rear of the defensive position the two
men occupied. Screened by a hedge he awaited a favorable shot.

Jack again cautiously raised his head and peered over the barricade.
Still not an enemy was in sight. As the Apaches had ceased to fire, he
knew they were gathering f