Are they coming?"

"No, no," almost impatiently. "It is still as death out there, but I
almost believe I have discovered a means of escape. Do you remember a
gully we ran over while I was on top of the stage?"

"I am not sure; was it when that awful jolt came?"

"Yes, it flung me to the foot-board just when I had untangled the
lines. We could not have travelled a dozen yards farther before we
struck this bluff--could we?"

"I hardly think so," yet evidently bewildered by his rapid questioning.
"Only I was so confused and frightened I can scarcely remember. Why
are you so anxious to know?"

"Because," he returned earnestly, bending toward her, "I believe that
gash in the earth is going to get us out of here. Anyhow it is the
only chance I can figure. If we can creep through to the river,
undiscovered, I 'll agree to leave Mister Indian guessing as to where
we 've gone."

The new note of animation in the man's voice aroused her, but she
grasped his arm tighter.

"But--but, oh, can we? Won't they be hiding there too?"

"It's a chance, that's all--but better than waiting here for a
certainty. See here, Miss McDonald," and he caught her hand in his
own, forgetful of all save his own purpose and the necessity of