After a few moments had passed, Dad stirred the fire, then he too strolled off toward the rim. Tad, fearless, regardless of the peril to himself, was lying flat on his stomach gazing down over the rim, listening to the mysterious voices of the Canyon.
"I don't want you to be here, boy," said the guide gently.
Though he had approached silently, without revealing his presence, Tad never moved nor started, the tone was so gentle, and then again the boy's mind was full of other things.
"Why don't you want me here, Mr. Nance?" Dad squatted down on the very edge of the rim, both feet banging over, one arm thrown lightly over Tad's shoulders.
"You might fall."
"What about yourself? You might fall, too. You are in more danger than am I."
"Dad is not afraid. The Canyon is his home—-"
"You mean you live here?"
"The greater part of the year."
"Where?"