Most of the Indian tribe were already far along the trail, and the boys had to hurry and catch up to them. The day proved a long one for the two Patriots for the sun was hot in the valley, and they were pushed to the utmost to keep up to the Indian leaders. Except for a short halt now and then when they all drank from some nearby rushing brook, they had been on the trail since before dawn. The men were also without any rest since the fight of the day before. The signal from Telca that they were to make camp was a very welcome one. "Well, I feel as if we had done a good day's work," said Dick, as they sat on a fallen log and watched the squaws gather wood for the fires. "Och, Dick Dare, a veek of whole sleep vill not my feet rest yet," replied Fritz. "See how small and how well concealed those squaws build their fires," said Dick. "Each one behind a tree or rock to keep anyone on that ridge up there from seeing the light." "So soon yet as they got somedings cooked, I don'd care vhere they haf fires," Fritz returned. In a surprisingly short time the food in the kettles was steaming, and the whole party felt strength returning to their tired muscles after eating and resting. Telca joined the boys after having satisfied his appetite, and unfolded to them his plans for the immediate future. An hour's march further along the trail along the mountain ridge came down and joined the one they were following. Just beyond that was the "big water," as Telca called the river, where they would search for canoes for the boys. The Indians would wait for the British troops where the trails met, for there were high wooded rocky slopes on both sides of the fork, and the Redman would have a position of great advantage for an ambush. "But wouldn't it be well to take up that position to-night?" asked Dick. "Don'd please some more mofe yet to-night," said Fritz. "After to-day's valk ve should be py the Pacific Ocean already." Telca considering Dick's suggestion, puffed deliberately at his pipe. "The mountain path is shorter than valley one," said the Indian. "If soldiers walk all day, be most there to-night. Maybe go through before sun to-morrow." "Then, let's get there to-night," said Dick. "You say it's an hour's tramp, and we can get there and take up our position before there is any possible chance of the British getting past." "You right," finally said Telca. "We move on now." "Ve don'd nefer sleep," grumbled Fritz, "und ven ve haf a chance, you must vent and spoil id." "Well, we'll be back on the water soon, and you can let your legs sleep while you paddle with your arms," said Dick, laughing.