Badger was in the advance, groping with his hands for the trail, and not daring to strike a light, for fear of making it the target for Sam.
"Keep close behind," whispered Badger to Shirley, who, as they crept on, showed a decided disposition to lag to the rear.
"Have you found the trail, Badger?"
"I think so."
"Is it steep?"
"Hist, man, don't talk, but foller close up. Here's the place where we begin to climb. Mind, it's no fool of a job to get to the top at the best of times," said Badger, as he began the ascent on hands and knees.
Shirley, trembling in every limb, came close after, his fears somewhat allayed by the comforting thought that Badger's huge form would shield him from any bullets that might be fired down.
Sam was on the alert. The sounds about the place died out, and the stillness added to the painful intensity of the situation.
Unable longer to control his feelings, Ike bent down and whispered:
"Say, Mistah Sam."