“Just over that pile of bowlders,” he whispered, “I found a narrow passage through the mountain side. It is almost a cavern, for the top is so closely overhung with bushes. It’s a close squeeze for the horses, but I think we can all get through and out upon the prairie before daybreak.”
Col. Clark was intensely excited.
“Good for you, Jason!” he cried, in a joyful manner. “Arouse the camp, but do it quietly. Put every man in his saddle within ten minutes. You have solved our salvation, and you shall be promoted.”
Jason hurried away to do the bidding of the colonel.
In a brief space of time the camp was aroused.
The weary soldiers, worn out with fighting, were only too glad to learn of the possibility of an escape.
At once preparations were made to steal a march upon the enemy.
The passage described by Jason was found. It was necessary to first pry aside a huge bowlder before passage could be made.
Into the passage the little band went, and one by one filed out into the valley beyond.
So skillfully was the move executed that the foe never dreamed of it. Daybreak came, and Cliff was furious to find that his intended victims had given him the slip during the night.