The sun had now disappeared below the horizon, and it was growing dark rapidly, but they could still see the trail very plainly.
However, in less than five minutes, it was lost altogether, owing to the fact that the pathway was now of solid rock.
But, weapons in hand, the six bold adventurers kept on, expecting every minute to find soft earth once more.
Suddenly a wild, unearthly noise rang out, which sounded like the barking of a thousand dogs.
Joe's horse shied and collided with the animal ridden by Jack Howard. The consequence was that both riders were thrown to the ground in a confused heap.
Before the rest of the party could comprehend what had happened, a veritable swarm of dwarfish figures burst from the cover of the adjacent rocks and rushed upon them.
Jack Howard and Joe were instantly seized by the curious beings, and then, as if by magic, the whole crowd disappeared.
Meanwhile, Van and the rest of his companions had been carried several yards from the spot by their frightened horses.
So suddenly had the whole thing occurred that they were not aware of the fact that Jack and Joe were missing until they beheld their two riderless steeds galloping madly from the spot.
"What in thunderation has happened, anyhow?" gasped Lank Edwards, gazing about him in dumfounded amazement.