“A storm!” cried Gus.
“Yes; and I won’t be surprised if it is a heavy one.”
“Then why not seek shelter somewhere here?” went on Gus. “I am sure we can keep dryer here than out in the open.”
“Not much!” responded the guide. “If that storm is heavy this place will be a mighty dangerous one. Come, we must hurry along.”
“And why dangerous?” asked Oliver as they urged the mules forward.
“On account of the rocks that roll down the mountain, and the wind. At times it is something fearful. We must lose no time. I was in a storm down in the Gedney Pass one day in September two years ago, and I will never forget it. Hark!”
As Cottle concluded, a low rumble far to the north-west was heard, a rumble that seemed to rise and fall like the billows of the ocean.
“It’s coming!” cried the guide. “Forward as fast as you can!”
His directions were followed instantly. The mules seemed to understand the situation and did their best.
On and on they went, the sky above them each instant getting blacker and the roll of thunder coming nearer. Then a puff of heavy wind swept past them.