He reached out his hand and tore away the weeds and stones that obstructed the way, and then cautiously advanced his head until he could see into the world beyond.
Twilight was settling down, but it was still light enough to enable him to see that they were much further up the hill than the entrance to the other cave, and some distance to the left of it. He could not see the Indians at the mouth of the cave, but could hear their voices. Taking a closer look of the place, he recognized it, and knew they were about a hundred yards from the other cave mouth; Deep Creek flowed tranquilly along about forty feet below him.
“We’re all right,” he whispered, as he drew back and Wild Nat took his place. “As soon as it’s dark we’ll bid adoo to this hole, an’ turn toes for Fort Laramie. We’ll hev tew keep powerful still, an’ work our passage with shut-off steam, or we’ll hev a score of red devils arter us in jest no time.”
“Look here,” said Nat, as he concluded his survey, “ye see it’s gittin’ dark fast. In half an hour it’ll be as dark as a pocket. Tharfore ye go back an’ tell Kent an’ Marion, an’ git reddy tew tramp, an’ I’ll stay here, an’ purty shortly go out to the gulch whar the animiles war hid, an’ git them ef the reds hasn’t made off with ’em.”
“Tain’t likely the hosses is disturbed, as the reds wouldn’t take ’em till they cl’ared the kitchen for good, an’ they hain’t done thet yit.”
“Ye know whar that all-fired big cottonwood leans over the creek?” added Wild Nat. “Wal, steer for thar as soon as it’s dark. I won’t be fur off. Signal, owl’s hoot.”
Vic nodded, and started for the first cave, followed by Scip.
CHAPTER IX.
HO-HO! AND AWAY!
The lovers were beginning to wonder at the long absence of their friends, and both anxiously awaited their return.
“What success?” asked Wayne, eagerly, as Vic entered.