uring one part of the journey Steve Harrison and Murray had found the ledge along the mountain-side pretty rough travelling, but after a while they succeeded in getting out on to the comparatively smooth slope of the pine forest.
"Our only risk now is that we may meet some of their hunters up here after game. We'll push right on."
"I'll fight if it can't be helped, Murray, but I'd a good deal rather not meet anybody."
"We must find a hiding-place for the horses, and creep down into the valley on foot. I'll show you some new tricks to-day."
After searching some time, they tethered their horses between two rocks, where the thickly woven vines overhead made almost a dark stable for them.
"Now, Steve, a good look up and down, and we're off."
Between them, and what could be called "the road" were many yards of tangled growth, and before they had gotten through it, Steve felt his arm gripped hard.
"Listen! Horses coming. Lie still."
A minute more and they were both willing to lie as still as mice, for they had nearly walked into the very cover chosen by Bill and his two comrades in which to wait for their intended prisoners.