“You mustn’t be troubled, Diana.” said Enoch, huskily.  “But I’d be less than a man, if I didn’t pay that yellow cur up.  You see that, don’t you?”

“A Dutch family I have heard of has this family motto:  ’Eagles do not see flies.’”

Enoch gave a dry, mirthless laugh.  For a long time they tramped in silence.  Then Diana said, “We’ve been out half an hour, Enoch.”

Enoch turned at once, taking Diana’s hand as he did so.  He did not release it until they had reached the edge of the trail and the sound of men’s voices floated up to them.  Then taking off his hat, he lifted the slender fingers to his lips.  “This is our real good-by, Diana, for we’ll not be alone, again.  If anything should happen to me, I want you to have my diary, if they save it.  I’ll have it with me, on the trip.”

Diana’s lips quivered.  “God keep you, Enoch, and help you.”  Then she turned and led the way to the cave.

CHAPTER X

THE EXPEDITION BEGINS

“After all, there is a place still untouched by humanity, where skies are unmarred and the way leads through uncharted beauty.  When I have earned the right, I shall go there again.”—­Enoch’s Diary.

Before dawn the camp fires were lighted and the various breakfasts were in preparation.  When these had been eaten there was light from the pale sky above by which to complete the packing of the boats.

These were strongly built, wooden skiffs with three water tight compartments in each; one amidships, one fore and one aft, with decks flush with the gunwales.  There was room between the middle and end compartments for the oarsmen to sit.  The man who worked the steersman’s oar sat on the rear compartment.  In these compartments were packed all the dunnage, clothing, food, tools, surveying and geological instruments and cameras.  Each man was allowed about fifty pounds of personal luggage.  Everything that water could hurt was packed in rubber bags.

Milton was troubled when he found that Enoch had no change of shoes.

“You’ll reach camp each night,” said he, “soaked to the skin.  You must have warm, dry clothing to change to.  Shoes are especially important.  Jonas must have them, too.”

“How about Indian moccasins, Mr. Milton?” asked Jonas.  “I bought three pairs while I was with Miss Diana.”

“Well, they’re better than nothing,” grumbled Milton.  “Are you ready, Harden?”

“Aye!  Aye! sir!” said Harden, pulling his belt in tightly.  “Are you all set, Ag and Jonas?”

“All set, Harden,” Agnew picked up his oar.  “Are you ready, Matey?” to Jonas, who was saying good-by in a whisper to Na-che.

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be, Mr. Agnew,” groaned Jonas.  “Good-by, everybody!” stepping gingerly into the boat.

“All aboard then, Judge and Forr,” cried Milton.  “I’ll shove off.”