The Indian did as he was requested, and had hardly left the fortification when those in the valley made a series of signals to the men above, and instantly Cummings had another opportunity to empty his weapon at a living target as several men sprang out from beneath the ledge.
"Now you have some slight idea of what the result would be if we should attempt to run away," he said while re-loading the gun.
"But what is to be gained by staying here if you are certain we shall be surrounded? Wouldn't it be better to have the fight out when it is possible to see what we are doing?"
"Yes, decidedly; but I prefer to wait longer. While there's life there's hope, and before sunset something may happen to give us the advantage."
Poyor came back leisurely, and as he re-entered the circle of rocks those in the valley settled down contentedly once more.
During this conversation Jake had been sleeping soundly; but now the sun shone full upon him, and the heat was so great that he was forced to change his position, saying as he did so:
"In a couple of hours more we shall be roasted to a turn."
"That isn't the worst that may befall us," Cummings replied, evidently pleased at an opportunity to increase the engineer's fears.
"But it seems as if we might make a try for some game. I'm very nearly starved."
"You are at liberty to do as you please, because it is not possible to work us any further injury. According to your belief the Chan Santa Cruz Indians are such peaceable fellows that they might allow you to hunt in the valley awhile."