fisherman who is angling for some plump piscatorial prize, which requires
the most skillful kind of persuasion to induce him to nibble the hook.

For a half-hour nothing touched it, and then Fred fancied that he felt a
slight jerk. He made no response, but instantly became all attention and
waited. A second later the jerk was repeated so distinctly that there
could be no mistake. The lad gave it a twitch in reply, and then all
remained still for a short time. Suddenly the thong was snapped from his
hand, and instantly became taut.

Fred applied his ear as before. Yes; some one was climbing up the rope
again.




CHAPTER IX.

GROPING IN DARKNESS.


It is proper, at this point, to introduce some history of the movements of
Mickey O'Rooney, after the separation between himself and his young
friend. The latter, it will be remembered, left him sleeping upon the
Apache blanket, at the bottom of the cave, while he, the lad, went off in
pursuit of the wolf, which came so near leading him to destruction, but
which, in the end, conducted him to freedom and safety.

The Irishman slept for several hours longer, as soundly as if he lay in
his own bed at home. He was sorely in need of sleep, and, having convinced