sound as the cave had proven itself to be. There remained the same
probability that the Apaches would hear it as soon as Mickey, and they
would be stupid beyond their kind if they had not already gained a correct
idea of the situation.

Still, it was possible to see how the Irishman could succeed. Men placed
in fully as desperate situations as he had pulled through by showing nerve
and readiness of resource when the critical moment should arrive.

Mickey O'Rooney possessed originality and pluck. He had acquired
considerable experience and knowledge of Indian "devilments" on his way
across the plains, and, if the Apaches comprehended the situation, it was
not to be supposed that he was not posted fully as well. If he could see
no chance of getting a pull at the rope, he could easily keep out of the
way of the redskins. He had no fear of meeting any of them singly, and if
he could arrange it so as to encounter them one after another, and at his
own convenience, he might clear the track in that fashion.

As it was, therefore, Fred Munson could only await for the issue of
events. He was powerless to do anything until the sign should be made by
his friend at the other end of the rope.

For fully two hours things remained in _statu quo_. The lad lay upon the
ground close to the opening, listening, looking and thinking so intently
that there was no danger of his falling asleep. The profound stillness
remained unbroken during all that time. The murmur of the cascade had a
faint, distant sound, as if it came from the ocean, many long leagues
away, but there was nothing more--not even a signal from Mickey, who, if
he had any plans, was working them with admirable secrecy. At the end of
that time the lad concluded that it would be best to lower the lasso