“I believe he threw the stone to hit the Indian’s rifle, a feat he accomplished. I do not think he intended to hit the Indian. Anyhow, I owe him my life, and I am grateful.”
For a few minutes longer they remained there, discussing what had happened, and then Merry again led the way into the valley. As they advanced it slowly broadened before them. The valley was eight or ten miles in length, and a stream ran through it, disappearing into a narrow gorge. Near the head of the valley was a pretty little lake, with timber about it. In the valley were to be seen a few grazing cattle, yet from their position the boys could see no ranch-house.
“But I’m certain somebody lives here,” said Frank. “The sight of the cattle convinces me of that.”
They soon found that it was no easy matter to ride down into the valley from that point, but they discovered a dimly defined trail, which they ventured to follow. Fortunately the hardy little mustangs were steady and sure of foot, for there were points where it seemed that no horse could go down without falling.
The little beasts squatted on their haunches more than once and literally slid along till they could recover themselves.
Bart had his teeth set, and no word came from his lips, as he was ready and determined to follow wherever Merriwell led. No accident happened, and the level of the valley was reached. Then they headed toward the lake at the upper end.
The sun was dropping behind the western peaks when they entered a strip of timber that lay across their path in the vicinity of the lake.
The cattle they had passed gave them little notice, convincing them that they were accustomed to the presence and sight of mounted riders. The timber was open, yet they were unable to ride through it at a swift pace, as they had not entered on a regular trail. When they had proceeded a considerable distance they came at last upon a path. In the deepening gloom it was not easy to make out if it was a horse-trail or a foot-path.
As they reached this path, Frank suddenly pulled up, uttering a soft word of warning.
“Stop, Hodge!” he said. “I thought I heard something.”