Lying at full length on the ground, heeding not that deadly reptiles might be close at hand, Neal and Teddy fell asleep almost immediately, and Poyor proposed that Cummings should also seek repose.
"I will watch," he said, "and when the sun rises we can decide whether it is safe to stay here."
Although the white man was weary he would not admit that the Indian could bear more fatigue, and insisted on keeping awake until it was learned if they should be warranted in remaining.
In perfect silence the two stood guard over the sleeping boys, and when the morning came the important question was soon settled.
The place of refuge to which chance had brought them was admirable both for purposes of defense and for hiding. It was a deep, narrow cut extending thirty feet into what appeared to be a mass of sandstone, and at the entrance was not more than ten feet wide, while over the top the foliage grew so luxuriantly as to completely conceal them from the view of any one who might be above.
In front the trees were small, and it was possible to see forty or fifty yards down the side of the hill, therefore the enemy could not approach unobserved save from the top.
"It is good," Poyor said approvingly. "We can remain here until night."
"But why have we not met the sentinels which you believe to be so numerous?"
"They are further on. At the end of the next march we shall be in their midst."
"And then comes the most difficult portion of our journey. But we won't search for trouble," Cummings added after a short pause. "Let us have breakfast, and then one shall stand guard while the others sleep."