“They passed over these rocks, Dave. Come, let us move to the left.”
Joseph Morris proceeded over the rocks with care, for the way was uncertain and he did not wish to court a fall in that darkness. The rocks and more brush passed, they came to the ravine again, but at a point where there was a well defined trail leading downward.
“Found!” cried Dave. “See, here is the trail as plain as day.”
No more was said, and they plunged into the darkness of the ravine. Here it was even wetter than it had been at the brink, and the bushes, laden with water, struck them in the faces at almost every step. But as they were already soaked this was no added discomfort, although the water made Dave shiver with cold.
Fearing the Indians might reach some point where they would take to the horses, they hurried onward with all speed. Soon they were out of the hollow once more and moving to the point where Dave had discovered the redskins.
They now learned why one of the Indians had been on foot and why both were moving so slowly. The ground was full of treacherous holes and soft spots and presently Joseph Morris went up to his knees in one of these.
“A horse would have broken his leg here, were he on a swift walk,” said he, while Dave helped him out of his difficulty. “It is almost like a honeycomb.”
Presently the trail led away from the ravine and through a cedar grove. This caused their hearts to sink within them, for they felt that a good road could not be far off. They were not mistaken, and soon came out upon it.
“This is the end,” groaned Joseph Morris.
“Yes, this is the end,” echoed Dave. “Oh, what luck! I suppose they must be several miles away by this time.”