“It must have been,” answered Harry. “But where is he?”
“He wasn’t with me. When we started back to the lodge we separated. I just shot another brace of squirrels, when I heard him yell.”
“I think the cry came from that direction,” said Fred, pointing with his finger.
“And I think it came from over there,” said Harry, pointing in another direction.
“I think Harry is right,” said old Runnell. “Go slow, boys. There are many pitfalls among the rocks.”
He led the way, and they came after him, spreading out a distance of several rods. Presently they reached the gully, but not at the point where Joe had taken the fall.
“Hello, Joe? Where are you?” called Harry.
No answer came back, and the call was repeated several times. Not a sound broke the stillness of the evening.
“He’s in trouble, that is certain,” said Harry, looking more anxious every minute.
“Perhaps he fell over the rocks, and broke his neck,” put in Fred.