k Boy to the Beaver and sent
him, I am sure the governor would never respond to my appeal for help.
I should be doubtful even if I sent Joses."

"Black Boy would not let Joses mount him, sir," replied Bart; "he never
would."

"I dare not send you," said the Doctor again.

"Why not, sir? I could find my way," replied Bart excitedly. "Trust
me, and I will go and tell the governor such a tale that you will see he
will send us a squadron or two of lancers, and horses and cattle for our
help."

"I do not like sending you, Bart," said the Doctor again, shaking his
head. "No, we will wait and see how matters turn out."

The silver-mining went on merrily, and universal satisfaction was felt
by the people, who were too busy to think of the rate at which
provisions were failing; but the Doctor thought of it deeply, and he
knew that help must be sent for if they were to exist.

They had made two or three excursions into the canyon and brought up
large quantities of salmon, and what was dearer to the hearts of all,
large pieces of virgin silver; and after the last excursion it had been
determined to risk the coming of the Indians, and work the rich deposits
of silver below, when, the very next morning at daybreak, the Beaver
announced the coming of the Apaches.

"And now," he said quietly to Bart and Joses, "the Beaver's young men
will get back many horses."

"Yes, I thought that," said Joses, "and I'm willing; but take care of
yourselves, my lads; there is danger in the task."

The Beaver nodded and smiled and went his way, while Bart joined the
Doctor, who was eagerly watching the coming savages as they rode slowly
across the distant plains.

"Bart," he said at last, shutting up his glass, "you are very young."

Bart nodded.

"But I find myself compelled to send you on a very dangerous errand."

"To ride on to Lerisco, sir?" said Bart promptly. "I'm ready, sir; when
shall I go?"

"Not so fast," said the Doctor, smiling at the lad's bravery and
eagerness. "You must make some preparations first."

"Oh, that will soon be done, sir; a few pieces of dried bison-meat and a
bag of meal, and I shall be ready."

"I was thinking," said the Doctor, "that I ought to have sent you off
before the Indians came, but I have since thought that it is better as
it is, for we know now where our enemies are. If I had sent you
yesterday, you might have ridden right into their midst."

"That's true, sir. But when shall I go?