An ill-defined path led down the steep side of the gulch, and was lost to sight in the dense growth at the bottom.
Dyke Darrel followed this path, and soon found himself in a dense wood that seemed to cover a strip of bottom land. Moving on, the deep shadows soon encompassed him on every side.
A solemn stillness seemed to pervade the place, and a feeling of loneliness came over the detective.
"What a splendid place for secreting plunder, or hiding from officers of the law."
It was almost dark ere the detective turned to retrace his steps. The narrow path grew indistinct, and it was only with the utmost difficulty that Dyke Darrel kept his course.
The snapping of a dry twig suddenly startled him.
This sound was followed almost instantly by the whip-like crack of a rifle. A stinging sensation on the cheek, together with the whistle of a deadly bullet, warned Dyke Darrel of a narrow escape.