beyond
the reach of rifle-bullets, there was troop after troop of Indian
warriors riding gently here and there, as if to exercise their horses,
but doubtless in pursuance of some settled plan.

The Doctor inspected them carefully through his glass, to try and
estimate their numbers, and he quite came to the conclusion that they
intended to invest the rock fortress, and if they could make no
impression in one way, to try and starve out its occupants.

"We must make sure, once for all, Bart, that we have no weak points--no
spot by which these Indian wretches can ascend and take us in the rear.
Suppose you take the Beaver and two of his men with you, ascend the
mountain, and make a careful inspection."

"But that would hardly be so satisfactory, sir, as if we went all round
the base first to make sure that there is no way up from the plain."

"No, I know that," replied the Doctor; "but that is too dangerous a
task."

"I'm beginning to like dangerous tasks now, sir," said Bart; "they are
so exciting."

"Well, go then," said the Doctor; "but you must be mounted, or you will
have no chance of retreat; and of course you will all keep a sharp
look-out in case the Indians swoop down."

Bart promised, and went at once to the Beaver and Joses.

"I'm to come too, ain't I?" said the latter.

"No, you are to help keep guard," was the reply; and very sulkily Joses
resumed his place, while the Beaver descended with Bart and four of his
men to enter the rock stable and obtain their horses, the rest having to
remain fasting while their companions were mounted and ridden out; the
Indian ponies in particular resenting the indignity of being shut up
again behind the stones by turning round and kicking vehemently.

The Apaches were so far distant that Bart was in hopes that they would
not see the reconnaissance that was being made, as he rode out at the
head of his little Indian party, after fully explaining to the Beaver
that which they were to do.

His first step was to inspect the part of the mountain on the side that
was nearest to the chimney, and the chasm into which they had descended
to see the silver on their first coming.

This was the shortest portion by far, and it had the advantage of a good
deal of cover in the shape of detached rocks, which sheltered them from
the eyes of those upon the plain; but all the same, the Beaver posted
two of his men as scouts in good places for observing the movements of
the foe and