have to be careful."

"We shall indeed," returned his chum. "One little slip and there is no
telling what may happen."

Night brought them to Ivan's cavern again and there they decided to spend
the night. It had now been more than twenty-four hours since they had
closed their eyes and all were tired out.

They experienced no difficulty getting Nicolas under the rock into the
cavern, nor did the Montenegrin seek to attack them as they crawled after
him, as Hal had half feared he would. He seemed completely dejected and
downcast. He had not spoken a word during the day's march.

"I'll put him in your erstwhile prison," Ivan said to Chester with a
grin. "I guess he'll be safe enough there for the night."

He did so.

"Well, I'm going to turn in," said Stubbs. "I'm dead for sleep. I tell
you, it's no fun hoofing it over these mountains, particularly when you
are guarding a prisoner like I have been all day, never knowing what
minute he may make a break for liberty. No, sir, it's no fun."

"Did you watch him pretty closely, Stubbs?" asked Chester.

"I did," replied Stubbs, briefly.

"Why?" continued Chester. "Afraid he might jump you? Hope you didn't
think he could catch you if you had a two-foot start."