of saving his companion from a terrible fall. But, as usual, his
effort had resulted in his own undoing.

"Got anything to eat?" he asked, approaching the group.

"You deserve to go hungry," retorted Ned.

"Looks as though he would, whether he deserves it or not," added
Walter.

"Young men, there are some canned beans in my saddle bag. I carried
them along in case we should become separated from our pack train,"
observed the Professor.

"Hooray!" laughed Ned, tossing his hat in the air. "I guess we won't
starve this evening. Let's cook them?"

"What shall we cook them in?" asked Walter.

"That's so. I'd forgotten that. Our cooking outfit is at the bottom
of the gorge."

"I think you will find something on one of the two remaining
mules--something that will answer the purpose," suggested the
Professor. "But first, I would suggest that you unpack your tents and
pitch them. It is plain that we shall have to remain here all night."

"Why not throw Tad's tent down to him if we don't succeed in getting
him up?" asked Chunky.