Edward Stratemeyer

“ By this time Allen was thoroughly worn out and hungry to the last degree. Bitterly he regretted the loss of his favorite mare, Lilly.
"If I had her I imagine I could strike home inside of a couple of hours," he said to himself. "But on foot it will take me until noon or longer."
But there was no use to grumble, and after resting a spell the young man again started on his weary tramp through thicket and brush, over hills and through hollows. More than once he stumbled and fell, and it was all he could do at times to regain his feet.
"It's no fun to be afoot on the long range," he soliloquized. ”

“ I must ask Wampole if he remembers any letter addressed to us."
It was now the hottest part of the day. The road was dry and dusty and the horses hung out their tongues as they toiled onward. All were glad when they reached a portion of the road overhung by huge rocks a hundred feet or more in height.
"A day in the saddle seems a long while," said Noel Urner.
"And we have four more days to follow," smiled Allen. "I was afraid it would tire you."
"Oh, I am all right yet, Allen. But look, what is that ahead, a building?"
"That's the crossroads hotel. Come, we have less than a mile more to go." ”

“ Allen knew they must keep on the move if they expected to reach Daddy Wampole's crossroads ranch before the evening shadows fell.
On through the forest of spruce and hemlock, with here and there a tall cottonwood, they spurred their horses. The foot of the hill was soon reached, and up they toiled.
"A grand country," murmured Noel Urner.
"And big room for improvements," returned Allen, grimly. "It will take a deal of labor to put this land in shape for use."
"We never realize what the pioneers had to contend with when they first settled this country until we see things as they are here. ”

“ He plunged into the basin he had designated, which was six or eight feet below the level of the trail and not over ten yards in diameter. Chet followed, ducking low as he did so, for already was the air filled with flying branches.
"None too soon!" ejaculated Paul. "Down, Rush!"
Between them they managed to get the horse to lie down close to a wall of dirt and rocks. They lay near, waiting almost breathlessly for that awful time of peril to pass.
No one who has not experienced the dreadful effects of a cyclone can imagine it, be the description of it ever so fine. ”

“ Some men think life altogether too slow unless they are doing something against the law."
Allen, as he rested, could not help but think of his two brothers. What were Chet and Paul doing? He sincerely trusted all was going well with them.
"They ought to be old enough to take care of themselves," said Noel. "You mustn't worry too much on their account."
"Well, we have to be on guard out here night and day, Noel. You really don't know who to trust."
"Oh, I know that."
"Just think of what my uncle has suffered, and of what he may be suffering this minute. It is enough to make one's blood boil!" ”

“ He can make her do most everything," laughed Chet.
On they went over the rocks and the level prairie beyond. The sun was now sinking in the west, and ere long the evening shadows would be upon them.
"Well, we found a horse even if we didn't find a mine, and that's something," said Paul, as they reached the trail beside the river.
"But I hope that the mine isn't lost for good," replied Chet, quickly. "The mine is worth a good deal more than even Lilly."
"Maybe you can't tell that to Allen."
"Oh, yes I can; for he saw the wealth there, you know."
"If only he finds Uncle Barnaby," sighed Paul. ”

“ Slavin was glad enough to drop into a light doze.
"He's a changed man, unless I miss my guess," said Allen to Noel.
"I think you are right, Allen. That adventure took him so close to death I fancy it rather awakened his conscience."
"I hope he does turn over a new leaf. He doesn't appear such a bad fellow at heart."
"You are right. I suppose some men get bad out here simply because they haven't any good example to follow. They cut loose from their old associates and fall in with the wrong sort." ”

“ I already have my pistol."
"You are not going alone, are you?" demanded Paul.
"I'll have to. There is only my mare to be had."
"It's foolhardy, Allen," urged Chet. "What could one fellow do against two or more? They would knock you over at the first chance."
"I won't give them the first chance," grimly replied Allen, as he ran for his rifle. "As they used to say when father was young, I'll shoot first and talk afterward."
"Can't two of us ride on the mare?" asked Paul. "I am not so very heavy." ”

“ Half a mile beyond the rolling land was a nasty bit of spongy soil known as the sink hole. Not unfrequently the cattle would stray in this direction and more than one had sunk to death in the mire.
"Some cattle around there now!" cried Paul, as they drew close to the spot. "It's lucky we came this way."
"Go to the westward of them," said Chet. "We can drive them——" Chet broke off short, for just then a piercing cry rang in their ears:
"Help! help! For the sake of heaven, help!" ”

“ But presently he plucked up courage, and, holding down his firebrand, he allowed it to burn up again and then proceeded along the chamber.
The flooring was uneven and covered with loose rocks and stones. Huge stalactites hung down from overhead, and in several spots the moisture dripped down with weird hollow sounds.
"I would like to know how far underground I really am," was Allen's earnest mental speculation as he came to a halt beside a tiny stream which flowed from one side of the cavern to the other. "If there was only some slope which led upward it would be more encouraging. ”

“ This unexpected reply staggered Allen. He had expected the man to either show fight or take to his heels. It was plainly evident that the fellow intended, if possible, to bluff him off.
"Your horse? Not much! Whoa, Rush, old boy!"
Commanded by that familiar tongue, the horse came to a halt that was so sudden it nearly pitched the rider out of his saddle. He muttered something under his breath, straightened up and gave the reins a vicious yank that made Rush rear up in resentment.
"See here, youngster, keep your parley to yourself!" howled the man, scowling at Allen. ”

“ He walked along its face until the very end was reached, and there, to his joy, discovered a dozen rudely cut niches, some of them were close together and others nearly a yard apart, but, with the end of the firebrand between his teeth, he had no great difficulty in pulling himself up to the level of the flooring of the cavern above.
Allen now found himself in an opening not over fifty yards square. The roofing was hardly out of reach, and the young man saw at a glance that the quartz rock was full of virgin gold and silver. ”

“ He pointed to a canyon all of five hundred feet deep and Allen had to draw back after looking into the awful depth.
"If a fellow should tumble here he would never live to tell it," said the young ranchman. "This would be a bad trail to follow in the dark."
Moving away from the spur of rocks overlooking the canyon, they turned to the northwest and plunged through a forest of cedar and hemlock. Here the wild birds were numerous and Allen was tempted to bring some of them down with his gun, but Watson demurred. ”

“ Slowly the sun faded from view behind the distant mountains, casting long shadows over the foothills and the level stretches beyond. The night birds sang their parting song, and then came the almost utter silence of the night.
"When do you suppose we'll reach Dottery's?" questioned Chet, after several miles had been covered.
"If all goes well, we'll get there by one or two o'clock," returned his brother. "You must remember we have Demon Hollow to cross, and that's no fool of a job in the dark."
"Especially if the Demon is abroad," laughed Chet. ”

“ The boys were Chetwood and Paul Winthrop, two brothers, tall, well-built, and handsome. The face of each was browned by exposure, and showed the perfect health that only a life in the open can give.
Chet and Paul lived with their elder brother Allen at a typical ranch home in Idaho, on one of the numerous branches of the winding Salmon River. The home was a rude but comfortable affair, with several outbuildings close at hand, the whole surrounded by a rude but substantial stockade, a relic of the time when troubles with the Indians were numerous. ”

“ If you wish I will remain here until your brother returns."
"You are right welcome to do that," cried Chet. "As for not having a horse, you are no worse off than ourselves, for we are without an animal of any kind, outside of the cattle."
"Then, being equally bad off, we ought to make good friends," smiled Noel Urner. "I shall like staying on a ranch for a few days first rate, and you can rely on my giving you all the assistance in my power when it comes to finding out the fate of your uncle."
"We can't do anything until Allen returns," sighed Paul. ”

“ And without another word he turned on his heel, strode out of the house, sprang on his horse, and rode away at top speed.
"Phew! but isn't he mad!" exclaimed Chet, as the rider disappeared up the river trail.
"You bet!" returned Paul, dropping into a bit of slang. "But he can stay mad as long as he pleases; he can't bulldoze us."
"He is not so sure of his rights as he pretends to be," remarked Noel Urner, who, in the course of his city life, had met many men similar to Captain Grady. "If he knew all was right he wouldn't bluster so much." ”

“ Consequently but little was said by way of opposition when Allen determined to go after the thieves alone, but nevertheless the hearts of both the younger brothers were filled with anxiety when they saw Allen disappear on the back of his mare up the trail that led to the southwest.
"It's too bad that we can't accompany him," was the way Chet expressed himself. "I'd give all I possess for a good horse just now."
"All you possess isn't much, seeing we've all been cleaned out," replied Paul, with a trace of grim humor he did not really feel. "But I, too, wish I had a horse and could go along." ”

“ Chet and Paul were thrilled to the heart to hear that wild, agonizing cry for assistance which rang out so clearly on the afternoon air. Plainly a human being was in distress, and needed immediate assistance. ”

“ She lost no time in quitting the vicinity.
The old hunter shook hands warmly with Barnaby Winthrop, who was profuse in his thanks to Watson for what he had accomplished.
"You shall lose nothing by what you have done, Ike," he said. "Just wait till I open up that new claim."
"Speaking of the claim, there is somebody else to see you," began Allen, when the talk was interrupted by the clattering of horses' hoofs on the rocks outside.
"Saul Mangle and Darry Nodley!" exclaimed Allen, as he glanced down the stony trail. "They are coming here, too!"
"They belong to the gang," said Barnaby Winthrop. ”

“ Noel was lying partly on his back, with one foot pressed against the wolverine's stomach. The wild beast still held the young man by the arm.
Allen realized that whatever good was to be done must be done instantly, and without stopping to think twice he blazed away at the wolverine, twice in quick succession. Watson likewise fired, and the creature was struck each time. With a yelp that was almost human the wolverine turned, let go his hold on Noel, and leaped for Allen. ”

“ CHAPTER XV. At Dottery's Ranch
"It's a shame, Paul!" ejaculated Chet, almost crying with rage. "We ought to have shot him where he stood."
"I suppose many a man would have done it," returned Paul, somewhat moodily. "But we must get him out."
"He won't go out without a fight." ”

“ The boys felt much more comfortable after Watson had started off to hunt up Allen. They knew the old man would do all in his power to help their elder brother, no matter in what difficulty he might find him.
"A rather odd character, truly," observed Noel, as they again passed into the house.
"Yes, but with a heart of steel and gold," returned Chet. "Idaho does not contain a braver or better hunter than old Ike Watson."
Shortly after this Chet and Paul went out to care for the cattle about the place, for quite a few head had already been penned up ready for the early fall drive. ”

“ Slavin demurred but his protest was unavailing and soon he and Watson were breaking up the large part of the tree branch, Noel looking on in wonder and Allen assisting on the smaller portions.
"My, but you are strong," said Noel, in open admiration. "I'd give a good deal for your muscles."
"Ye'll get the same, if ye stay out hyer long enough," answered Watson, "It's the mountain air as does it."
"Oh, come, Watson, you know you are extra strong," put in Allen. "Why, he can do some wonderful things when he wants to." ”

“ The morning dragged by slowly, and at the passage of each hour the boys grew more anxious.
"It's a dangerous proceeding, this chasing horse thieves," explained Chet to Noel Urner. "A fellow is apt to get shot, unless he is careful. That is what worries us so."
"Unless something turns up right after dinner, I'm going off on foot with my rifle," put in Paul. "I may not discover anything, but it will ease my mind trying to do something." ”

“ Chet hesitated.
"Direct to San Francisco to hunt up tidings of Uncle Barnaby."
Of course, Chet was taken completely back by Allen's announcement.
"To San Francisco!" he ejaculated.
"Yes, Chet. I feel that it is my duty to discover what has become of uncle, if possible, at once."
"I know, but it's such a journey——"
"I am not afraid to take it. I will ride to the nearest station on the railroad, which is not over a hundred and forty miles, and then take the train. The journey on the cars will not take over a couple of days, all told." ”

“ Paul set off on a run around the edge of the sink hole, which was all of several hundred feet in diameter. Close behind him came Chet, wondering who the man could be and how they might assist him should he be beyond their reach.
Two dozen steps brought them in sight of the sufferer. He was a young man and his general dress and appearance betokened that he was a stranger in those parts, and, in fact, a stranger to the wilds; a city fellow, born and bred. ”

“ Didn't know you had friends so far off."
"We don't know everything in this world," retorted Chet, pointedly.
"You're right, we don't," replied the captain with equal emphasis.
He tied his horse fast to the doorpost and strode into the house. Paul motioned Chet to follow, and then buttonholed Noel Urner.
"This is Captain Grady," he whispered. "We have told you a little about him. He is trying to get this ranch away from us."
"And he has no real claim to it?"
"I do not believe he has. But he is so slippery a customer he will swindle us if he can. Will you give us some advice how best to proceed? ”