Before it was sufficiently light to distinguish surrounding objects the wind lulled, and, standing erect each looked anxiously down the side of the mountain, waiting impatiently for the rising of the sun.
As the misty clouds which veiled the top of the range drifted away, an exclamation of astonishment burst from the lips of all.
Where, a few hours previous, had been a band of men eager to capture or slay the white strangers, was now only a yawning chasm.
Beginning at the ledge of rocks it appeared as if a giant hand had rent the side of the mountain apart, throwing the huge mass of earth into the valley, uprooting or crushing trees, and making desolate for many hundred yards what had been a perfect garden of trees, flowers and shrubs.
"Why, there must have been an earthquake!" Jake exclaimed when the first burst of astonishment passed away.
"Hardly as bad as that," Cummings replied. "I fancy the lightning struck the ledge, and then a regular land slide followed."
"Do you suppose the Indians are buried under that pile of earth and rocks?"
"Unless they understood what damage might be done by such storms they must be, and it stands us in hand to get away from this spot before others can arrive."
"It is terrible to think of so many being killed," Teddy said mournfully, and Jake asked sharply:
"Are you sorry we've got a chance for escape?"