They held a “council of war,” and it was resolved that they should go on through the pass and try to find the second water-hole before darkness fell.
Already night was close at hand, and they must needs lose no time.
“We can come back here in the morning and see if we’re able to solve the mystery,” said Merriwell. “I, for one, do not feel like going away without making another attempt at it.”
“Nor I,” nodded Rattleton.
“It is folly,” declared Jack, gloomily. “I say we have been warned, and the best thing we can do is get away as soon as possible.”
“By golly! dat am de firs’ sensibul fing I’ve heard yo’ say in fo’ days!” cried Toots, approvingly.
They picked up their wheels, and soon were ready to mount.
“Here’s good-by to the vanishing skeleton for to-night,” cried Frank.
He was answered by a wild peal of mocking laughter that seemed to run along the face of the cliff in a most remarkable manner.
“Ha! ha! ha!” it sounded, hoarsely, and “Ha! ha! ha!” came down from the rocks, like a mystic echo.