The Overland girl caught her breath suddenly, and a rush of color leaped to her cheeks, for Elfreda Briggs had made another discovery, and with it came the realization that a most amazing thing had occurred.
Uttering a shrill little cry, Elfreda started forward at a run.
CHAPTER IV
THE LOST CABIN
“The village is saved!”
Hamilton White, blackened, red-eyed, his clothing scorched, made that announcement as, at the break of day, he had opportunity to look about him.
“Yes, and not a life lost,” agreed Grace Harlowe, herself worn out and disheveled. “It is a miracle. Mr. White, they should get down on their knees to thank you for what you have done for Silver Creek. Without your resourcefulness—Well, there would be nothing left of the village or people.”
“Thank you!” Ham White bowed and grinned through the soot on his face. “The credit is due wholly to the assistance of the Overlanders. In other words, the shoe is on the other foot.”
“Well, what next?” demanded Hippy Wingate coming up, Emma Dean following, and taking her place beside the guide.
“Something to eat if we can find it, then to get out of here and to dodge what is left of the fire,” replied the guide. “Suppose we go down to the creek and wash our faces.”
“Get out of here!” jeered Hippy. “With what? I haven’t seen anything that looked like a horse since yesterday. I think our animals must have gone downstream, and that we are all fixed for a long hike to some place where fresh mounts can be had.”