"The only explanation I can give is that they must have been in hiding near us at the time we camped," continued Mayhew. "I remember taking the packet out, so as to fasten it in my pocket anew, since it was not as secure as I desired. I believe some one was watching from the bushes near by, and saw me do it. Then, while we struggled there on the ground, he managed to tear open my tunic, and, while half-choking me, snatched the paper away." "And giving a prearranged signal at the same time to tell of his success," remarked the captain, this time nodding his head in the affirmative, as though he had come around to the same way of thinking as Mayhew. "The fighting ceased as if by magic," declared the messenger. "One minute all of us were struggling as for our lives; then that cry rang out, and immediately we found ourselves deserted. We heard retreating footsteps, a harsh laugh, and shortly afterwards the distant hoofstrokes of horses being ridden rapidly away." "And you slept no more, but stood on guard, not knowing but that the unseen and mysterious foes might return to finish their work?" suggested Captain Lewis. "It was well on toward morning at the time, sir, for we had slept. I think they took a lesson from the redskins, who always make it a point to attack a camp just before the coming of dawn. They believe that men sleep heavier then than earlier in the night." "You talked it over with the other men after the paper was missed, did you," continued the commander, "and decided that, while they continued on their long journey, it was your duty to return and report your loss?" "I was broken-hearted over it, sir; but it was my duty. If I have been neglectful, I must stand the consequences. But we saw nothing suspicious, and did not dream of danger until it burst so suddenly upon us." "I shall say nothing about that until I have consulted with Captain Clark, who, you know, is the military leader of the expedition. Have your horse rubbed down, and secure food and refreshment for yourself, Mayhew. I must talk with these boys now." CHAPTER V READY FOR A FRESH START TURNING to Dick and Roger, Captain Lewis told them to follow him to the shack where he and Captain Clark transacted whatever business they found necessary for the conduct of the expedition. It had been built so that the severe cold of winter might not interfere with their comfort and such was the success of the experiment that other cabins were even then in process of construction for the remaining members of the party. Here they found the military head, busy with his charts. The leaders knew so little of the mysterious country which they were bent on exploring in the coming spring that notes were carefully kept of every scrap of information obtainable.