The way became more difficult as they advanced until they were clambering up rock-bound heights, clinging to narrow ledges and scrubby cedars, far above the cañon.
It was yet early in the day and the pards thus far had seen neither Indians nor large animals of any species. Higher up and beyond appeared to be a barren and almost impassable waste of rock, with here and there a stunted cedar or pine finding footing. To the left hung an immense bald dome of granite, and hither they bent their steps.
Panting and weary from the hard climb they found themselves at an elevation overlooking a vast expanse of country, both mountains and the plains beyond. The fort was distinctly visible and with the field glass men and animals were easily distinguished. Far to the northward the square-topped butte, the home of the queen of the stars, was to be seen.
That which interested the pards more, at this time, was the character of country immediately surrounding them. They could follow the windings of the cañon until it ended in a precipitous wall above which lay a broad plateau. To them it looked as though by following the gorge to the end and climbing the wall of the cul-de-sac, the high land, which was heavily timbered and surrounded by peaks, might be reached with comparative ease. They wished now that they had continued up the cañon instead of leaving their horses.
As they were studying the walls of the cañon through their glasses, an Indian appeared among the trees at the edge of the plateau and began a descent into the gulch. Others followed rapidly until twelve had disappeared in the depths below the scout’s line of vision.
“The village is on that wooded mountain plain,” said the scout decisively, “and their horses are anchored in the cañon below. There is the seat of all the trouble in this part of the country.”
CHAPTER XLIII.
CAYUSE FINDS OLD ENEMIES.
Little Cayuse’s trim figure sat astride the pinto Navi with all the pride of a king, as he rode out of view of the sacred mountain that afternoon.