"Yes, I think I can do it," he decided.

"Do what?" asked Walter.

"Get the stuff up."

"How?" demanded Ned sharply.

"Why, go down after it, of course."

"Out of the question," answered the Professor, with emphasis.

"No, I think it can be done, if you will allow me to--"

"You mean, Master Ted, that you will attempt to get to the bottom of
that gorge and bring up the provisions?"

"Yes, sir; I'll try it."

"Impossible. I cannot permit it."

"I should say not," growled Ned. "If anybody goes it should be the
guide. He is an expert at climbing, I should imagine, and--" Tad
laughed.

"Why, my dear Ned, you couldn't even push Eagle-eye down there. For
some reason he seems to have a superstitious dread of that place. I
don't know why, for Indians are not supposed to be much afraid of
anything. I'll ask him. Eagle-eye, will you go down there and try to
get the provisions for us?" asked Tad, turning to the guide.