The doctor stood at the opening, looking across the valley, as if impressed by the American’s words and expecting moment by moment to see one of the Indians creeping along the edge of the cliff.
Then he began to walk up and down slowly, evidently deep in thought.
At last he started, as he suddenly became aware of the fact that every one present was watching him keenly waiting for him to speak.
“There,” he said, “I’ve made up my mind. It is very evident that we may wait here till our stores are exhausted, and be as far off the opportunity we seek as ever. The Indians can wait; we cannot, and they seem to know it. I believe they feel that if they are patient their opportunity will come. I have felt something of the kind, but I am convinced now that it will not, and that we must chance something and make it.”
“Going to give up young Chris’s plan?” said Griggs slowly.
“No; I’m going to put it in force at once. We start to-night.”
A thrill of excitement ran through Chris, and his heart began to beat. Then he was listening, so to speak, with all his might.
“We shall make no particular movement till after dark,” continued the doctor, “only go on as usual apparently, in case there are eyes watching us, as is most likely to be the case.”
Griggs nodded his head.
“But all the same we can be making our preparations. The barrels can be filled with water, and every one’s bottle. Provisions can be packed in our wallets; in fact, everything held ready for a start. Finally, just at dusk the animals can be driven in for food and water, and—”