“We shall see,” was the laconic reply of Thomas Jefferson.

“But what makes you think they will be where Fred left them?” demanded George.

“I do not know,” replied the Indian.  “One may look and one may stay.  If they think he is lost one may stay in the camp so that he will know where he is if he finds his way back to it.  You must both stay right here where you are,” he added.  “Do not move even if no one comes for a day and a night.  It is your only hope.”

“Hi!  Hi!” exclaimed George abruptly.  “I’ve found something in my pack!  It’s good to eat.”

George, greatly alarmed for his friend, had renewed his search among his belongings hoping to discover some food that might be prepared for the hungry lad.  Strips of bacon quickly were cut and the boys, in spite of George’s lameness and Fred’s hunger, insisted upon making a fire and cooking the food.  They were eager for the Indians to begin their search for their missing friends as speedily as possible.

It was not long before the two Navajos started on their expeditions, Thomas Jefferson moving in the direction in which Grant and Zeke had gone, while his companion retraced his way in the hope of discovering John and the other guide.

It had been agreed that neither should remain away longer than the following evening.  If the Indians were not back in camp by that time it was agreed that the meeting place which previously had been selected for the two parties should be the spot which all should seek when they returned with the lost members of the party.

It was also agreed that neither of the boys should try to withdraw from the place where they then were.  The overhanging ledge protected them from the heat of the sun, and if they should be compelled to spend the night there they would be safer from the attacks of any prowling beasts than would likely be the case in a more open or exposed spot on the way they had followed.

“George,” said Fred when the light had faded and the silence that rested over the great cliff was tense, “do you really think there’s anything in what the Navajo said?”

“What did he say?”

“Why, don’t you remember that he said that whoever tried to come in here to find the lost mine was certain to get into trouble?  It seems to have worked pretty well with us so far.  I lost my way and you fell and bruised your leg, to say nothing about trying to slide over the precipice and land in the valley below.”

“I guess what Thomas Jefferson said didn’t make you lose your way,” replied George.

“I know,” acknowledged Fred thoughtfully.  “But how do you account for it that he should have said what he did and then before we get very far on our way into the Gulch something happens to both of us and something may have happened to John, to say nothing about Grant and Zeke.”

“I guess you’re tired and nervous, Pee Wee,” said George, who was aware of the feeling in the heart of his friend.