“We lost the Na-che—­” said Agnew.

“The what?” demanded Diana.

“Jonas rechristened the Mary, the Na-che,” Agnew replied.  “We lost her in a whirlpool six days back.  Most of the food was in her.  Two of us had to go out and Harden and Forrester volunteered.  We are very much worried about them.”

“And when did Mr. Milton break his leg?”

“On that same black day!  The water’s been disagreeing with him, making him dizzy, and he took a header from the Ida, after rescuing Forrester from some rapids,” said Enoch.

“Doesn’t sound much, when you tell it, does it!” Agnew smiled as he sighed.  “But it really has been quite a busy five days.”

“One can look at your faces and read much between the lines,” said Diana, quietly.  “Now, while Na-che works with Mr. Milton, I’m going to give you each some coffee.”

“Diana, how far are we from the nearest doctor?” asked Enoch.

“There’s one over on the Navajo reservation,” replied Diana.

“Wouldn’t it be better to keep Milton right here and one of us go for the doctor?”

“Much better,” agreed Diana and Agnew.

“Lord,” sighed Milton, “what bliss!”

“Then,” said Enoch, “I’m going to start for the doctor, now.”

“Nonsense!” exclaimed Diana, “that’s my job.  We’ve been here two days and we and our outfit are as fresh as daisies.”

“I’m going, myself,” Agnew rose as firmly as his weak and weary legs would permit.

It was Na-che who settled the matter.  “That’s an Indian’s job,” she said.  “You take care of Mr. Milton, Diana, while I go.”

“That’s sensible,” agreed Diana.  “Start now, Na-che.  You should reach Wilson’s by to-morrow night and telephone to the Agent’s house.  That’ll save you forty miles.”

Jonas’ face which had fallen greatly suddenly brightened.  “Somebody’s coming!” he cried.  “I hope it’s our folks!”

The door opened abruptly and in walked Curly and Mack.

“Here’s the whole family!” exclaimed Curly.  “Well, if you folks don’t look like Siberian convicts, whiskers and all!  Some trip, eh?”

Mack, shaking hands all round, stopped beside Milton’s bunk.  “What went wrong, bud? and where’s the rest of the bunch?”

Enoch told the story, this time.  Mack shook his head as the final plans were outlined.

“Na-che had better stay and nurse Milton.  I’m feeling fine.  We just loafed along down here.  I’ll start out right away.  I should reach Wilson’s to-morrow night, as you say, and telephone the doctor.  Then I’ll load up with grub at Wilson’s and turn back.  Do you find much game round here?”

Diana nodded.  “Plenty of rabbit and quail, and we have some bacon and coffee.”

“I guess I’d better go out and look for the two foot-passengers,” suggested Curly.  “I’ll stay out to-night and report to-morrow evening.”

“We’ll be in shape by morning to start on the search,” said Enoch.