As the boys passed under the sluiceway trestle Jack exclaimed:
"See, here is a sort of path, and it leads right up the valley. We are on the right road."
"Be careful," cautioned Nat. "Remember what Mr. Tevis said about men shooting first and inquiring afterward in this country."
"I am going to find my father," was Jack's answer, as he hurried on.
The boys forgot their wet clothes. They forgot their recent peril, and their escape from the bad men. They thought of nothing but what might be before them. They had traveled about two hours. The valley was growing darker as the moon was sinking lower and lower behind the cliffs. All at once Jack, who was in the lead, stopped. He pointed ahead to a dark shadow.
"See; there is a cabin," he whispered.
CHAPTER XXXIV
JACK'S GREAT FIND
For a moment the boys stood still, contemplating the small log building, which was now but dimly visible. All was silent about it. There was no sign of life. Was it occupied? Was Jack's father there?
These were questions that flashed through the mind of the two lads as they stood there in the darkness. Then Jack, with a long-drawn breath, that showed how great was the strain on him, whispered: