"'Pache, go dance."

"He means they're bound for a pow-wow somewhere. That explains it,"
nodded the lad.

The rest of the day passed without incident. Not a sign of the Indians
did the boys see. As a matter of fact, the roving redskins were as
anxious to keep out of the sight of the Pony Riders as the boys were
to have them do so.

The party enjoyed the trip over the mountains immensely; and, when, a
few days later, they made camp in the foothills on the southern side
of the Zuni range, the boys declared that they had never had a better
time.

Professor Zepplin decided that they would remain in that camp for a
couple of days, as be desired to make some scientific investigations
and collect geological specimens. This suited the rest of the party,
who were free to make as many side trips as they wished, into mountain
fastnesses or over the plains to the south of them.

Early in the day the guide asked permission to go away for an hour or
so. They noticed that he had been uneasy, apparently anxious to get
away for some reason unknown to them.

"He's got something up his sleeve," decided Tad, eyeing Juan narrowly.

"You may go, but we shall expect you back in time for the noon meal,"
the Professor told him.