shoulders. The remembrance of Mickey O'Rooney going to sleep was alarming
to him. He looked upon him as one regards a sentinel who sinks into
slumber when upon duty. Knowing the cunning of the redskins, Fred feared
that they would discover the fact, and descend into the cave in such
numbers that escape would be out of the question.

And then again, suppose that their enemies did not disturb them, what was
to be their fate? The venison in the possession of the Irishman could not
last a great deal longer, and, when that was gone, no means of obtaining
food would be left. What were the two prisoners then to do?

Mickey had hinted to Fred what his intention was, but the lad felt very
little faith in its success. It appeared like throwing life away to make
such a foolhardy attempt to reach the outside as diving into a stream of
water from which there was no withdrawal, and the length of whose flow
beneath the rock could only be conjectured, with all the chances against
success. But Fred recalled in what a marked manner Providence had favored
him in the past, and he could but feel a strong faith that He would still
hold him in his remembrance. "I wouldn't have believed I could go through
all that I have had in the last few days; and yet God remembered me, and I
am sure He will not forget me so long as I try to do His will."

On the eve of starting he fancied he heard a slight rustling on his right,
and he paused, hoping that the wolf would show himself again; but he could
not discern anything, and concluded that it was the dropping of a stone or
fragment of earth. The lad was further pleased to find, upon examination,
that the revolver in his possession was uninjured by his fall. In short,
the only one that had received any injuries was himself, and his were not
of a serious character, being simply bruises, the effects of which would
wear off in a short time.