It finally was decided that while the two Indians were making their way along the side of the Gulch, all the others should be divided into two parties.  Each of these two parties was to spread out in such a manner that at least ten feet intervened between any two men.

It was decided also that the Indians should precede the others by at least an hour.

Meanwhile it was agreed that the center of the rock should be made the starting place for the new expedition.  Slow progress was certain, but all were more eager now to avoid mistakes than they were to make haste.

John, who declared he had now acquired an accurate stride which covered exactly a yard, led the way.  Directly behind him was Zeke, while the boys were scattered on either side.  Pete again formed the rear guard, although no danger now was feared unless the actions of Thomas Jefferson implied that they were being watched by others.  Zeke had declared positively to Fred that he thought the Indian was not telling him the truth.  “There’s all the more reason,” he explained, “why we must keep our eyes open.  I’m sure that the Navajo is being paid for his work and I shouldn’t be surprised if that man with the scar was the treasurer of the fund.”

Even Fred now ignored any peril that might arise from the supposed interview of Thomas Jefferson with other enemies, for the excitement of the last part of their investigations was strong upon him.

Slowly the little band advanced over the broken surface.  There were gullies so deep that at first it seemed impossible to gain the opposite side.  Most of these, however, were narrow and consequently the difficulties of John in measuring the distance were not greatly increased.

Grant had explained that if they did start from the wrong place they would steadily swing more and more away from the spot they were seeking.  However, there was nothing to be done except to try and the eagerness of the boys clearly showed how willing they were to make the attempt.

As the distance covered by John steadily increased, the boys became more silent though they were steadily watching for some object that might indicate the end of the first part of their search.  No object, however, was seen and when at last John halted, declaring that he had covered exactly the distance required, he was standing on an elevation so slight that no one believed it was a landmark.

“Now, from here,” said Grant, “we turn and go southeast a quarter of a mile.”

“From where?” demanded Zeke.

“From where String is standing.”

“Might as well start from there as anywhere,” growled Zeke.  “It’s a kind of fool’s journey anyway.”

The sun was now pouring its beams directly upon the heads of the young explorers and there was no relief to be had.  Across the desert stretch not a place of refuge was within sight.

“There’s nothing else to be done,” said Grant resolutely.  “Jack will have to keep on and follow the compass just as closely as he did on the way here.”