The old miner was in the lead, with Sam coming next, and Dick bringing up the rear. Thus nearly half a mile more was slowly covered.
"We ought to be drawing close to Tom now," said Dick.
"I've got an idea!" cried his brother. "Why didn't we think of it before? Let us call to him, and fire one of the pistols."
"All right," said the old miner. "'Twon't do no harm."
All three raised their voices in a lusty shout, and Dick fired a shot into the air. Then they listened intently. There was no answer of any kind.
"Let us try it again," suggested Sam. "Now then, all together!"
This time their yell was thrice repeated, and Dick fired two shots. They waited several seconds for an answer.
"Listen!" exclaimed Dick. "I hear something!"
All strained their ears, and from a great distance made out an answering cry. It appeared to come from somewhere above them.
"I believe Tom and that man with him are on the trail above the cliff!" cried Dick.