It's going to be a great loss, for I suppose the
Indians have stolen everything. If the gasoline is gone it will cut
short our work in the mountains."
"I don't think it will be lost," said Elmer, quietly. "We tried to
save it. We rolled it into the river."
"But it will float away," exclaimed Alan.
"Unless de tins caught on in de drift in de bend jes' below,"
answered Elmer. "I seen four ob de eight tins dar befo' dark."
"That's what I call genius," exclaimed Ned. "Elmer, you're a brick!
And now our course is due east at half speed. By daybreak we'll be
over the Tunit Chas. Until then, the rest of you turn in. I'll run
the ship."
Fifteen minutes later, despite the nerve-racking experiences of the
momentous day, Alan, Bob and Elmer were wrapped in their blankets
and sound asleep on the bridge deck of the Cibola.
The night passed slowly, but Captain Ned stood the long trick at the
wheel, happy and content. To feel the Cibola, the product of his
youthful genius, at last moving forward in obedience to his
slightest touch drove all thought of fatigue and sleep from him.
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