"It's a shame, thet's wot it is," he declared, after the youth and the Indian had departed. "It distresses me oncommonly to think such a thing could happen to Henry."
"I hope with all my heart he is alive," responded James Morris.
"But if he is dead—?"
"Then I shall return to Will's Creek without delay, and start for the west some time later—after I have given my brother and his family all the comfort I can," said the trader soberly.
CHAPTER XI
HAPPENINGS OF A STORMY NIGHT
It is now high time that we return to Henry and see how he fared after his sudden and unexpected disappearance over the edge of the cliff.
The young pioneer was well aware of his peril and as he rolled out of Sam Barringford's sight he clutched wildly at every bush and projecting rock that came near his hand.
Once a sapling, growing in a cleft of the cliff, struck his shoulder. Around this he managed partly to twist his arm, and this saved him from serious injury.
He struck some rocks, however, with considerable force and for a moment was stunned.