“Nothing is changed,” returned Buffalo Bill, “and there’s no one here besides ourselves. I have been to the end of the level, and I am positive of it. Haul up the rope, Dell,” he shouted, “and lower the grub and the water.”
Dell and Cayuse, their forms silhouetted against the background of sky overhead, could be seen bending over the mouth of the shaft and pulling up the rope.
In a little while the provision-bags and the canteens were lowered, untied from the end of the rope and carried by Nomad and Wild Bill into the level.
“Now,” cried the scout, “haul up the rope, Dell, and go off to the gully with the horses.”
“You’re sure there’s no one down there besides yourselves?” called the girl anxiously.
The scout’s reassuring laugh bounded upward between the rocky walls.
“We’re absolutely sure, Dell. We’re safe enough down here. If there’s any trouble, the chances are that you and Cayuse will see the most of it. Don’t do any worrying about us.”
“I don’t know,” answered Dell, “but I’ve got a feeling that there are some—some disagreeable surprises in store for all of us.”
“Let ’em come!” whooped Wild Bill. “We’re not looking for trouble, but you can bet your spurs we’re not going to dodge any.”
Slowly the rope was drawn upward, untied from the plank platform, and Dell and Cayuse vanished from the mouth of the shaft.