“Of course,” cried Wilton; “but I don’t like that striking off south to-morrow; why should we do that?”
“It means getting clear of the Indians,” said Griggs, “and into a more likely part.”
“But we should have to go right across that desert yonder. I could see it stretching away to the horizon from one point we passed to-day.”
“So did I, sir,” said Griggs.
“Then why not keep hugging the mountains?”
“Or letting them hug us, Ned,” whispered Chris.
“Didn’t use the glass when you looked out over the salt plain, did you, Mr Wilton?” said Griggs.
“No; there wasn’t any need. I could see nothing else but one vast alkali plain.”
“That’s a pity, sir,” said the American.
“That’s what I say, and I propose that we keep on in the mountains till we can see a place likely to be that we are looking for.”