savage band that had in past years caused the Government so much
trouble and bloodshed.

"They're off their reservation, if they are Apaches," whispered the
lad.

"What does that indicate, Tad?"

"I don't know. They may be on the warpath; then, again, they may be
down here after game. I'm not sure even, if there is any game here.
We'll lie still until they get by us. That's the best plan; don't you
think so?"

"Yes."

"Lie perfectly still, Chunky. The little bushes in front of us will
screen us, providing we don't move about. Indians have quick eyes,
though they do look as if they were half asleep."

"They're getting off their horses, Tad. What does that mean?"

"I don't know."

Tad peered through the bushes, noting every move that the redskins
made. At first he thought they had discovered him and were about to
surround the rock and take him prisoner. But he soon saw that such was
not their intention. Tethering their ponies, the Indians cast their
blankets on the ground, after having first picked out a suitable
place.