"It looks loike she wur a sure enough fairy," said Barney. "Av not thot, thin this is th' Ould Nick's oun worruk!"
At this moment all were startled by a cry that came from the timber—the cry of a child, broken and smothered.
Old Rocks straightened up, and the light of the torch fell on four pale, startled faces.
"Something has happened to her!" panted Frank. "Forward, man, forward! She may have been attacked by a wild beast!"
In another instant the guide was striding swiftly along the trail, making it necessary for the others to run in order to keep up with him.
They penetrated the timber for a considerable distance, and then, of a sudden, Old Rocks stopped short, stooping low to stare at the ground, grinding an exclamation of dismay through his teeth.
"What is it?" demanded Frank fearing the worst.
After a hasty survey of the ground, the guide replied:
"Injuns! Ther leetle gal has been ketched by ther p'izen varmints, sure as shootin'!"