stones from the fireplace succeeded in breaking into fragments the
pine puncheons and posts of which they were made. Then Sergeant
Cunningham ascended the chimney and tore away one side of the part
which projected above the roof--the side looking in the direction
opposite the precipice. This would enable one of us to stand in the
top and replenish the fire, and at the same time remain concealed from
the enemy. As we could be fired upon from only two directions, the
fire tender would be safe.

Fortunately, Padre Gutierrez's housekeeper had put up a lunch
sufficient to last us, including Vic, for three days, and water could
be drawn easily through the southern window with a canteen and lariat.

"I'm afraid those chaps 'll get us in the end, sir," observed the
sergeant. "Of course we can eat horse-meat for a while after our
victuals are gone, but we are three and they are twenty-seven--we are
prisoners and they are free."

"Very true, sergeant," I replied, "but something may turn up in our
favor. The Jemez party will reach camp day after to-morrow, and when
it learns we are not there we shall be looked up."

"If another party of Navajos don't jump them, sir."

"Of course, the chances are against us, sergeant, but let us keep up
our spirits and make a good fight."

"I'll do my best, sir, as I always have done, but this is a beastly
hole to be caught in."