But all was still, and blacker than ever, as Griggs with Chris at his side turned off to the right, to lead the party slowly onward towards the narrows, where all stood at last, hot and weary.
“Everything seems to have stretched out,” said Griggs, in a whisper. “I thought we were never going to get here.” Then to the doctor, “We’d better wait till day begins to break before you climb up the sides, eh?”
“No,” said the doctor; “that might mean failure. Every one must be in his place before the darkness fails us.”
“Yes, I suppose you’re right, sir; but make sure as soon as there’s light enough that every one is well hidden. Birds will not enter a trap if they see anything strange.”
“Nor Indians neither,” said the doctor quietly. “We shall see to that.”
“And you’ll let them get well out of hearing before you begin to stop the gap?”
“Of course,” said the doctor.
“That’s all right, then,” said Griggs. “So now, as you are going to divide into two parties, each to take a side, I’ll say good-bye and stop below.”
“One word more, then,” said the doctor, grasping the American’s hand. “Let’s repeat our plans so that there may be no misunderstanding.”
“That’s right, sir. I’ll say my lesson. As soon as it’s daybreak I shall move down the gully right on in the direction where I believe the Indians are encamped, and as soon as I think I’m near enough I’m going to begin shooting wherever I see a chance and picking up my birds, till the Indians hear me and come out to see what’s the matter. Then we suppose they’ll mount, the whole herd of them, and come after me.”