t, and sweeping off at full gallop over the plain, leaving their
dead and wounded behind, and pursued by many a deadly shot.

This was the result of their surprise, however; for before they had gone
far, they turned and charged down again, yelling furiously.

"Don't fire till they're close in, Master Bart," Joses shouted from
above; "they've come back for their wounded. Give 'em some more to
take."

Joses was right, for the charge was not pushed home, the savages
galloping only sufficiently near to come to the help of their friends;
and doubtless they would have carried off their dead, but they
encountered so fierce a fire from the rock that they were glad to
retreat, leaving several of their number motionless upon the plain.

Then they rode on right away, and Bart threw himself down, completely
overcome, to lie there panting and exhausted, till the Doctor and Joses
came and led him up, the Beaver and his followers staying behind to
safely enclose the cavern stable with stones, after they had placed
their own ponies and Black Boy within.

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE.

HOW JOSES FED THE CATTLE.

The Apaches seemed to have had so severe a lesson that they kept right
away in the plain for the rest of the day; and as it appeared to be
safe, the Indians went out with the Beaver to hide the ghastly relics of
the attack, returning afterwards to the Doctor to sit in council upon a
very important point, and that was what they were to do about the cattle
and horses.

This was a terrible question; for while the occupants of the rock
fortress could very well manage to hold out for a considerable time if
they were beleaguered, having an ample store of meal and dried meat,
with an abundant supply of water, the horses and cattle must have food,
and to have driven them out to the lake grazing-grounds meant to a
certainty that either there must be a severe battle to save them or the
Apaches would sweep them off.

"The Beaver and his men will watch and fight for the cattle," said the
chief, quietly.

"I know that, my brave fellow; but if they were yours, would you let
them go out to graze?" said the Doctor.

"No," replied the chief, smiling; "because the Apache dogs would carry
all away."

"Well," said the Doctor, "we must not risk it. Let us go out and cut as
much grass as we can to-day, for the poor brutes are in great distress."

The chief nodded, and said that it was good; and while strict watch was
kept from the rock,