"I'll lead as well as I can," was the answer. "But there is no regular trail—-that is, on the other side of the river."
The walking now became very rough, and the three young hunters had to proceed slowly. At times they were in sight of the water, but often their course led them inland for a hundred yards or more.
"These rocks are something fierce!" exclaimed Giant at length, after slipping and sliding several times.
"You beware that you don't twist an ankle," cautioned Snap.
Presently they reached a spot where further progress seemed impossible.
Giant and Snap halted and looked at Shep.
Before them was a little hollow, filled with small stones, and beyond were some shelving rocks with large cracks between. Over the shelving rocks grew heavy masses of vines.
"Don't drag," urged the doctor's son. "It is getting late. The sun will be down in another hour."
"I can't go any faster," panted Giant. All three advanced and tried to climb the shelving rocks by holding on to the vines. Some of these gave way, and the three boys fell back. Then from under the rocks came a strange, hissing sound, followed by a curious rattle.
"What's that?" cried Snap.
"Snakes!" roared the doctor's son. "Back for your lives, fellows!
We have struck a den of rattlesnakes!"