Tad tied his red handkerchief to a bush, so they might not miss the trail upon their return, after which the party started out on its long tramp.
"If we were nearer to food, I should not take the time to rescue the supplies. At the present rate, it may be days before we reach a settlement."
"Especially if we lose any more live stock," said Tad.
Lost in admiration, the lads worked their way along the bank, gazing first at the swirling waters, whose spray here and there gave off the colors of the rainbow in the morning sun, then up at the towering white limestone cliffs above them.
"There's the place," announced Tad finally.
"Where?" queried the Professor.
"Just below where you see that projection of rock that looks like an Indian's nose. That's the rock that I tumbled down after the rope broke with me. I am black and blue yet. Don't think there's a spot on the rock that I didn't hit on my way down. My, I got a bump!"
"Are the things damaged?" asked Ned solicitously.
"No, nothing to speak of. I guess I did the most damage when I helped myself last night," laughed Tad.
Tad, after finishing his meal, had carefully packed the stuff together, and they now found it all in excellent condition. The heavy canvas had protected the food and dishes in the dizzy fall, though some of the cans had been considerably flattened.