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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Adrift in the Wilds, by Edward S. Ellis
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Adrift in the Wilds
+       or, The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys
+
+Author: Edward S. Ellis
+
+Release Date: May 27, 2007 [EBook #21626]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADRIFT IN THE WILDS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Garcia, Mary Meehan and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Kentuckiana Digital Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                           Adrift in the Wilds;
+
+                                   OR,
+
+                  The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys.
+
+                            By EDWARD S. ELLIS
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATED.
+
+NEW YORK:
+A. L. BURT, PUBLISHER.
+
+Copyrighted 1887, by A. L. Burt.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+'May the good Lord preserve us! them are Injuns,' said
+Tim.
+
+"The Indian drew forth a tiny canoe and shoved it into
+the water"
+
+"We are lost."
+
+
+
+
+ADRIFT IN THE WILDS;
+
+OR,
+
+The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+HO, FOR CALIFORNIA.
+
+
+One beautiful misummer night in 18-- a large, heavily laden steamer was
+making her way swiftly up the Pacific coast, in the direction of San
+Francisco. She was opposite the California shore, only a day's sail
+distant from the City of the Golden Gate, and many of the passengers had
+already begun making preparations for landing, even though a whole night
+and the better part of a day was to intervene ere they could expect to
+set their feet upon solid land.
+
+She was one of those magnificent steamers that ply regularly between
+Panama and California. She had rather more than her full cargo of
+freight and passengers; but, among the hundreds of the latter, we have
+to do with but three.
+
+On this moonlight night, there were gathered by themselves these three
+personages, consisting of Tim O'Rooney, Elwood Brandon and Howard
+Lawrence. The first was a burly, good-natured Irishman, and the two
+latter were cousins, their ages differing by less than a month, and both
+being in their sixteenth year.
+
+The financial storm that swept over the country in 18--, toppling down
+merchants and banking-houses like so many ten-pins, carried with it in
+the general wreck and ruin, that of Brandon, Herman & Co., and the
+senior partner, Sylvanus Brandon, returned to his home in Brooklyn, New
+York, one evening worse than penniless. While he was meditating,
+dejected and gloomy, as to the means by which he was to keep the wolf
+from the door, his clerk brought him a letter which had been overlooked
+in the afternoon's mail, postmarked, "San Francisco, Cal." At once he
+recognized the bold, handsome superscription as that of his kind-hearted
+brother-in-law, Thomas Lawrence. His heart beat with a strong hope as he
+broke the envelope, and his eyes glistened ere he had read one-half.
+
+In short, it stated that Mr. Lawrence had established himself
+successfully in business, and was doing so well that he felt the
+imperative need of a partner, and ended by urging Mr. Brandon to accept
+the position. The bankrupt merchant laid the epistle in his lap, removed
+his spectacles and looked smilingly toward his wife. They held a long
+discussion, and both decided to accept the offer at once, as there was
+no other recourse left to them.
+
+It was evident from the letter that Mr. Lawrence had some apprehensions
+regarding Mr. Brandon's ability to weather the storm, but he could not
+be aware of his financial crash, as it had only become known on the
+street within the last twenty-four hours. Mr. Brandon deemed it proper,
+therefore, before closing with the offer, to acquaint his brother-in-law
+with his circumstances, that he might fully understand the disadvantage
+under which he would be placed by the new partnership.
+
+The letter was written and duly posted, and our friends rather anxiously
+awaited the answer. It came in the gratifying form of a draft for $1,000
+to defray "his necessary expenses," and an urgent entreaty to start
+without delay.
+
+The advice was acted upon, and within two weeks of the reception of the
+second letter, Mr. Brandon and his wife were on board the steamer at New
+York, with their state-rooms engaged for California. They had but one
+child, Elwood, whom they had placed at a private school where he was to
+prepare himself for college, in company with his cousin, Howard
+Lawrence, who had been sent from California by his father and had
+entered the school at the same time.
+
+Mr. Brandon learned that Mr. Lawrence was a brother indeed. The position
+in which the two men were placed proved so favorable to the former that
+in a few years he found himself almost as wealthy as in his palmiest
+days, when his name was such a power in Wall Street. He had come to like
+the young and growing State of California, and ere he had been there two
+years both himself and wife had lost all longings for the metropolis of
+the New World.
+
+In the meanwhile, Elwood and Howard were doing well at their studies in
+Brooklyn. They had been inseparable friends from infancy, and as their
+years increased the bonds of affection seemed to strengthen between
+them. They were the only children of twin sisters, and bore a remarkable
+resemblance in person, character and disposition. Both had dark,
+curling, chestnut hair, hazel eyes, and an active muscular organization
+that made them leaders in boyish pastimes and sports. If there was any
+perceptible difference between the two, it was that Elwood Brandon was a
+little more daring and impetuous than his companion; he was apt to
+follow out his first impulses and venture upon schemes without
+deliberating fully enough. Both were generous, unselfish, and either
+would have willingly risked his life for the other.
+
+Thus matters stood until the summer when our young heroes had completed
+their preparatory course, and were ready to enter college. It was
+decided by their parents that this should be done in the autumn, and
+that the summer of this year should be spent by the boys with their
+parents in California. They had been separated from them for five years,
+during which they had met but once, when the parents made a journey to
+New York for that purpose, spending several months with them. That
+visit, it may be said, was now to be returned, and the boys meant that
+it should be returned with interest.
+
+And so Tim O'Rooney, a good-natured, trustworthy Irishman, who had been
+in the employ of Mr. Lawrence for eight years, almost ever since his
+arrival in America, was sent to New York to accompany the boys on their
+visit home.
+
+Howard and Elwood were standing one afternoon on the corner of Montague
+Street, in Brooklyn, chatting with each other about their expected trip
+to California. They had closed their school studies a week before, and
+boy-like were now anxious to be off upon their journey. Suddenly an
+Irishman came in sight, smoking furiously at a short black pipe. The
+first glance showed them that it was no other than Tim O'Rooney, the
+expected messenger.
+
+"Isn't that good?" exclaimed Elwood, "the steamer sails on Saturday, and
+we'll go in it. Here he comes, as though he was in a great hurry!"
+
+"Don't say anything, and see whether he will know us!"
+
+"Why shouldn't he?"
+
+"You know we've grown a good deal since he was here, and the beard is
+getting so stiff on my chin that it scratches my hand every time I touch
+it."
+
+"Yes; that mustache, too, is making you look as fierce as a Bluebeard;
+but here he is!"
+
+At this instant Tim O'Rooney came opposite them. He merely glanced up,
+puffed harder than ever and was passing on, when both burst out in a
+loud laugh.
+
+"Be the powers! what's the mather with ye spalpeens?" he angrily
+demanded. "Can't a dacent man be passing the sthrats widout being
+insulted----Howly mother! is it yerselves or is it your grandfathers?"
+
+He had recognized them, and a hearty hand-shaking followed. Tim grinned
+a great deal over his mistake, and answered their questions in his dry,
+witty way, and assured them that his instructions were to bring them
+home as soon as possible. Accordingly, they embarked on the steamer on
+the following Saturday; and, passing over the unimportant incidents of
+their voyage, we come back to our starting point, where all three were
+within a day's journey of their destination.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+FIRE.
+
+
+"To-morrow we shall be home," said Elwood Brandon, addressing his
+companion, although at the time he was looking out on the moon-lit sea,
+in the direction of California.
+
+"Yes; if nothing unexpected happens," replied his cousin, who was
+pushing and drawing a large Newfoundland dog that lay at his feet.
+
+"And what can happen?" asked his cousin, turning abruptly toward him.
+
+"A hundred things. Suppose the boiler should blow up, we run on a rock,
+take fire, or get struck by a squall----"
+
+"Or be carried away in a balloon," was the impatient exclamation. "One
+is just as likely to happen as the other."
+
+"Hardly--heigh-ho!"
+
+Howard at that moment had twined his feet around the neck of Terror, the
+Newfoundland, and the mischievous dog, springing suddenly to his feet,
+brought his master from his seat to the deck, which, as a matter of
+course, made both of the cousins laugh.
+
+"He did that on purpose," said Howard, recovering his position.
+
+"Of course he did. You have been pestering him for the last half-hour,
+and he is getting tired of it; but I may say, Howard, I shall hardly be
+able to sleep to-night, I am so anxious to see father and mother."
+
+"So am I; a few years makes such a difference in us, while I can't
+detect the least change in them."
+
+"Except a few more gray hairs, or perhaps an additional wrinkle or two.
+What's the matter with Tim?"
+
+"Tim! O nothing, he seems to be meditating and smoking. Fact is that is
+about all he has done since he has been with us."
+
+"It's been a grand time for Tim, and I have no doubt he has enjoyed the
+trip to and from California as much as either of us."
+
+The subject of these remarks was seated a few feet away, his arms
+folded, while he was looking with a vague, dreamy expression out upon
+the great Pacific, stretching so many thousand miles beyond them,
+rolling far off in each direction, until sky and ocean blended in great
+gloom.
+
+"Maybe he is looking for Asia," laughed Elwood in an undertone.
+
+"More likely he is hoping to get a glimpse of Ireland, for he would be
+as likely to look in that direction as any other. I say, Tim!"
+
+The Irishman did not heed the call until he was addressed the second
+time in a louder tone than before, when he suddenly raised his head.
+
+"Whisht! what is it?"
+
+"What are you thinking about?"
+
+"Nothin', I was dreaming."
+
+"Dreaming! what about?"
+
+"Begorrah but that was a qua'r dream, was that same one."
+
+"Let's hear it."
+
+"But it's onplaiasnt."
+
+"Never mind, out with it."
+
+"Well, thin, if I must tell yees, I was thinking that this owld staamer
+was all on fire, and all of us passengers was jumping around in the
+wather, pulling each other down, away miles into the sea, till we was
+gone so long there wasn't a chance iver to git up agin."
+
+A strange fear thrilled both of the boys at the mention of this, and
+they looked at each other a moment in silence.
+
+"What put that into your head, Tim?"
+
+"And it's just the question I was axing meself, for I never draamed of
+such a thing in my life before, and it's mighty qua'r that I should take
+a notion to do it now."
+
+"It ain't worth talking about," said Elwood, showing an anxiety to
+change the subject.
+
+"Be yees going to bed to-night?"
+
+"I don't feel a bit sleepy," replied Elwood. "I'd just as soon sit up
+half the night as not."
+
+"And so would I; it must be after eleven o'clock, isn't it?"
+
+"It's near 'levin," replied Tim. "I'm not able to examine me watch; and
+if I was, I couldn't tell very well, as it hasn't run for a few months."
+
+Howard took out his watch, but the moonlight was too faint for him to
+distinguish the hands, and the three were content to let the precise
+time remain a matter of conjecture.
+
+"Tim, how close are we to land?" asked Elwood.
+
+"I should say about the same distance that the land is from us, and
+begorrah that's the best information I can give yees."
+
+"I could see the mountains very plainly when the sun was setting," said
+Howard, "and it cannot be many miles away."
+
+"What sort of a country is it off here?" pursued Elwood, pointing in the
+direction of the land.
+
+"It is wild and rocky, and there are plenty of Indians and wild animals
+there."
+
+"How do you know?" asked Elwood, in some amazement.
+
+"I have taken the trouble to learn all about California that I could
+before coming."
+
+"I believe they have _gold_ there?" said Elwood, in rather a bantering
+vein.
+
+"Tim can tell you more about that than I can, as he came to California
+to hunt gold."
+
+"How is that, Tim?"
+
+"Begorrah, but he shpakes the truth. I wint up among the mountains to
+hunt gowld."
+
+"And what luck had you?"
+
+"Luck, is it?" repeated the Irishman, with an expression of ludicrous
+disgust. "Luck, does ye call it, to have your head cracked and your
+shins smashed by the copper-skins, chawed up by the b'ars, froze to
+death in the mountains, drowned in the rivers--that run into the top of
+yer shanty when yer sound asleep--your feet gnawed off by wolverines, as
+they call--and--but whisht! don't talk to me of luck, and all the time
+ye never gets a sight of a particle of gowld."
+
+The boys laughed, Howard said:
+
+"But your luck is not every one's, Tim; there have been plenty who have
+made fortunes at the business."
+
+"Yis, but they wasn't Tim O'Rooneys. He's not the man that was born to
+be rich!"
+
+"You're better satisfied where you are."
+
+"Yis, thank God, that I've such a good home, and an ongrateful dog would
+I baa if I should ask more."
+
+"But, Elwood, it's getting late, and this night air begins to feel
+chilly. It can't be far from midnight."
+
+"I am willing; where's Terror? Ah! here he is; old fellow, come along
+and keep faithful watch over your friends."
+
+"Boys," said Tim O'Rooney, with a strange, husky intonation, "you
+remember my dream about this steamer burning?"
+
+"Yes; what of it?"
+
+"It is coming thrue!"
+
+_He spoke the truth!_
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+AFLOAT.
+
+
+As Tim O'Rooney spoke, he pointed to the bow of the steamer, where, in
+the bright moonlight, some smoke could be seen rising--where, too, the
+next instant, they caught sight of a gleam of fire.
+
+"Oh, heaven! what shall we do?" exclaimed Elwood, struck with a panic.
+
+"Wait and trust to Providence."
+
+"Let us jump overboard; I'd rather be drowned than burned to death.
+Come, Howard, let's jump over this minute!"
+
+He made a move toward the stern of the steamer, near which they had been
+seated, as if he intended to spring overboard, when his arm was sternly
+caught by the Irishman, who said in an indignant tone:
+
+"Kaap cool! kaap cool! don't make a fool of yoursilf. Can ye swim?"
+
+"Yes," answered Howard, "we can both swim very well. Can you?"
+
+"Indaad, I can--swim like a stone."
+
+"But good heavens!" exclaimed Elwood, who had not entirely recovered
+from his excitement, "the land is miles off, and we can't swim there,
+not taking into account the heavy sea."
+
+"What does that mean?"
+
+As Howard spoke, the bow of the steamer made a sweeping bend to the
+right.
+
+"They've headed toward shore," said Elwood.
+
+This snatch of conversation had occupied the shortest possible space of
+time. The fire had been discovered by the officials on board fully as
+soon as by our friends, and the men could be seen running hurriedly to
+and fro, all quiet and still, for they knew too well what the result
+would be if the alarm was communicated to the sleeping passengers. The
+pilot had headed the vast craft toward land, and by the furious
+throbbing of the engines it could be seen that the doomed vessel was
+straining to the utmost, like some affrighted, faithful horse striving
+to carry his master as nearly as possible to the port of safely ere he
+dropped down and died.
+
+It was fully midnight, and, as a matter of course, very nearly all the
+passengers were in their berths. There were a few, however, who were
+lingering on the promenade deck, some smoking--here and there a couple
+of lovers all unconscious of everything else--one or two avaricious
+speculators; and but a few minutes could elapse before the startling
+danger should become known.
+
+The last words, which we have given as spoken by our friends, had
+scarcely been said, when a man, who apparently had been stretched out
+sound asleep, suddenly sprung up, wild with terror. "The boat is on
+fire! _fire! fire_!"
+
+He darted hither and thither like some wild animal compassed on every
+hand by death, and then suddenly made a leap overboard, and was
+swallowed up in the sea.
+
+The alarm spread with fearful rapidity, and was soon ringing through
+every part of the steamer, and now began that fearful confusion and
+panic which no pen can clearly picture, and which, once seen, can never
+be forgotten to the dying day.
+
+Our three friends were gathered at the stern of the steamer, earnestly
+and anxiously discussing the best course to pursue.
+
+"Let's stay here," said Howard, "for every second is taking us nearer
+land."
+
+"That is what nearly all will do," said Elwood, "but we can never reach
+the shore, and when the time comes we shall all be in the sea together,
+struggling and sinking, and we shall then be sure to go down."
+
+"Yez are right," said Tim, addressing the last speaker. "Our only chance
+is to jump overboard this very minute, before the sea is full of the
+poor fellows. They'll begin to go over the ship's side and will kaap it
+up until the thing is burned up."
+
+"It's time then that we hunted our life-preservers," said Howard.
+
+"Git out wid yer life-presarvers!" impatiently exclaimed Tim. "Didn't me
+uncle wear one of 'em for six months, and then die with the faver! I'll
+heave over one of these settaas, and that'll kaap up afloat."
+
+"Be quick about it, Tim," urged Elwood, who was beginning to get
+nervous. "See, the fire is spreading, and everybody seems to have found
+out what the matter is."
+
+There was indeed no time to be lost. The steamer was doomed beyond all
+possibility of salvation, and must soon become unmanageable, when
+everything would be turned into a pandemonium. One of the large settees
+was wrenched loose and lifted over the stern of the steamer.
+
+"Now," said Tim, "the minute it goes over yez must follow. The owld
+staamer is going like a straak of lightning, and if aither of yez wait,
+he'll be lift behind."
+
+"All right, no danger, go ahead!"
+
+They now clambered up, and sat poised on the stern. In this fearful
+position Tim O'Rooney held the settee balanced for a few minutes.
+
+"Be yez riddy?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Do yez jump a little to the right, Elwood, and yez a little to the
+left, Howard, so as not to hit the owld thing. All riddy; here we go!"
+
+The next moment the three were spinning down through the air, and struck
+the water. They went below the surface, the boys sinking quite a
+distance; but almost instantly they arose and struck bravely out.
+
+"Tim, where are you?" called out Elwood, not seeing his friend.
+
+"Here, to the left," responded the Irishman, as he rose on a huge swell.
+"Can ye swim to me?"
+
+"I hope so, but my clothes bother me like creation."
+
+Strange! that not one of the three had once thought of removing their
+superfluous clothing before jumping into the ocean. But Elwood was a
+fine swimmer, and he struggled bravely, although at a great
+disadvantage, until his outstretched hand was seized by the Irishman,
+and he then caught hold of the settee and rested himself.
+
+"Where is Howard?" he asked, panting from his exertions.
+
+"Here he is," responded Howard himself. "I struck the water so close
+that when I came up my hand hit the settee."
+
+"I tell you what it is," said Elwood. "We ought to have brought
+something else with us beside this. We have got to keep all of our
+bodies underwater for this to bear us."
+
+"And what of it?"
+
+"Suppose some poor fellow claims a part. Gracious! here comes a man this
+minute!"
+
+"We can't turn him off," said Tim, "but this owld horse has all the
+grist he can carry."
+
+A dark body could be seen struggling and rapidly approaching them.
+
+"Whoever he is, he is a good swimmer," remarked Howard, watching the
+stranger.
+
+"Of course he is, for it comes natural; don't you see it isn't a man,
+but old Terror."
+
+"Thank heaven for that! we never thought about him. I am glad he is with
+us."
+
+The next moment the Newfoundland placed his paw on the settee and gave a
+low bark to announce his joy at being among his friends. The sagacious
+brute seemed to understand how frail the tenure was that held them all
+suspended over eternity; for he did nothing more than rest the top of
+his paw on the precious raft.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A PASSENGER.
+
+
+By this time our friends were a quarter of a mile in the rear of the
+burning steamer. The furious pulsations of the engines had stopped, and
+from stern to stern the great ship was one mass of soothing flame. The
+light threw a glare upon the clouds above, and made it so bright where
+our friends were floating in the water that they could have read the
+pages of a printed book. The illumination must have been seen for many
+and many a mile in every direction upon the Pacific.
+
+"Yes, the steamer has stopped," said Howard; "the fire has reached the
+engines, and now they must do as we have done."
+
+"But they have boats and may escape."
+
+"Not half enough of them; and then what they have got will be seized by
+the crew, as they always do at such times."
+
+"Look! you can see them jumping over. The poor wretches hang fast till
+they are so scorched that they have to let go."
+
+"It's mighty lucky yees are here," said Tim, "for every mother's son
+that can swim will be hugged by a half-dozen that can't, which would be
+bad for me."
+
+"Why so; can't you swim?"
+
+"Not a bit of it."
+
+"And nothing but this bench to keep us from sinking."
+
+"And be the same towken isn't that good enough, if it only kaaps us
+afloat? Can't ye be satisfied?"
+
+"Look! how grand!"
+
+It was indeed a fearful sight, the steamer being one pyramid of roaring,
+blazing fire, sweeping upward in great fan-like rifts, then blowing
+outward, horizontally across the deep, as if greedy for the poor beings
+who had sprung in agony from its embrace. Millions of sparks were
+floating and drifting overhead and falling all around. The shrieks of
+the despairing passengers, as with their clothes all aflame they sprung
+blindly into the ocean, could be heard by our friends, and must indeed
+have extended a far greater distance.
+
+For an hour the conflagration raged with apparently unabated violence,
+the wreck drifting quite rapidly; but the fire soon tired of its work,
+large pieces of burning timber could be seen floating in the water, and
+finally the charred hull made a plunge downward into the sea, and our
+friends were left alone upon their frail support.
+
+"Now, it's time to decide what we are going to do," said Howard.
+
+"You are right, and what shall it be? Shall we drift about here until
+morning, when some vessel will pick us up? I have no doubt this fire has
+drawn a half-dozen toward it."
+
+"No; let's make for shore."
+
+"That is the best plan," said Tim.
+
+"But it is a good way off," remarked Howard; "and I have little hope of
+reaching it."
+
+"Never mind; it, will keep us busy, and that will make the time pass
+faster than if we do nothing but float."
+
+"We may need our strength; but it is the best plan."
+
+"But do we know the direction?"
+
+"I can tell you that," said Elwood; "for the moon was directly over the
+shore; so all we've got to do is to aim for the moon."
+
+"Begorrah! we can walk and talk, as the owld lady said when her husband
+stopped on the way to the gallows to bid her good-by. So paddle away!"
+
+It being a warm summer night, the water was quite pleasant, although our
+friends were sure to get enough of it long before they could hope to
+place their feet upon the earth. Having now an object, they began
+working with a will, the boys swimming as lustily as possible straight
+for the shore, while Tim assisted materially in pushing forward the
+craft.
+
+The intelligent Newfoundland appeared to comprehend what was wanted, and
+contributed not a little to the momentum.
+
+"Do you think we are making any progress----"
+
+"O, save me! save me! I'm drowning!"
+
+The voice sounded close by them, and caused an involuntary start from
+all three.
+
+"Where is he?" asked Howard, in a terrified whisper.
+
+"There!"
+
+At that moment they caught sight of a man fiercely buffeting the waves,
+as he rose on an immense swell, and then sunk down again in the trough
+of the sea.
+
+"Can we do anything for him?" asked Elwood. "It's too bad to see the
+poor fellow sink when we may save him."
+
+"I'm afeared the owld bench won't bear another hand on it."
+
+But Terror had heard that cry and anticipated the wishes of his friends.
+Leaving them with their raft, he struck powerfully out toward the
+drowning man, and they both went down in the vast sea chasm together.
+When they came in view again upon the crest of the swell, the
+Newfoundland had the hair of the man's head in his teeth and had begun
+his return. A moment later the gasping man threw out his hands and
+caught the settee with such eagerness that it instantly sunk.
+
+"Be careful!" admonished Howard, "or you'll drown us all. One of us
+can't swim!"
+
+"Won't your raft bear us?"
+
+"Yes, if you keep only your head above water and bear very lightly upon
+it. Don't attempt to rise up."
+
+"All right!"
+
+The buoyant raft came to the surface, and was instantly grasped firmly
+but carefully by all. Poor Tim O'Rooney had come very near drowning. A
+man when suddenly cast into the water for the first time has been known
+to swim long and well; and the Irishman, by the most furious effort, had
+saved himself from strangling and sinking, although he had swallowed a
+good deal of the nauseating sea-water, and was now ejecting it.
+
+"Worrah! I took an overdose that time, and it wouldn't sthay on my
+stomach!" he said. "I'm thinking there'll be no necessity of me
+swallowing any salts for some time to coom, be the towken that I've
+enough to last me me life-time."
+
+"We are all right now!" said the stranger. "I can swim, but I was just
+about used up when your dog took me in tow. May I inquire who my friends
+are?"
+
+Howard gave their names and destination, and he instantly said:
+
+"My name is Manuel Yard, and my place of business is next door to that
+of your fathers."
+
+"You know them then."
+
+"I have known them both very well for years, and now that you have given
+me your names I remember you both."
+
+After a few more words, our friends recognized him as a tall,
+pale-looking man, with whom they had exchanged greetings more than once
+on their passage from Panama.
+
+"I've been down to the Isthmus," he added, "and was on my way home when
+the steamer took fire."
+
+"Where were you when you heard the alarm?"
+
+"Sound asleep in my berth; I had no time even to put on my clothes; but,
+thank God, if I can escape in any way."
+
+"Stick to us, and help shove this craft, and I'm in hopes we'll fetch up
+somewhere by morning."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+LAND.
+
+
+Under the united propulsion of three men and a large Newfoundland dog,
+the small raft moved shoreward with no insignificant speed. It was found
+amply sufficient to preserve them all from drowning had none known how
+to swim, provided they managed the matter prudently. There is so little
+difference in the quantity of water and the human body, that a slight
+effort, if properly made, will keep it afloat. The trouble with new
+beginners is that when they first go beyond their depth their blind
+struggles tend to carry them downward more than upward.
+
+"This is rather pleasant," remarked Mr. Yard. "There is little doubt, I
+think, of reaching land. There is only one thing that makes the shivers
+run over me."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"The thought of _sharks_!"
+
+"Ugh! Why did you spake of them?" asked Tim, with a strong expression of
+disgust. "I've been thinking of 'em ever since I've been in the water,
+but I didn't want to skeer the boys."
+
+"They never once entered my head," said Howard.
+
+"Nor mine either," added Elwood. "Are they in this part of the ocean?"
+
+"You will find them in almost every part of the sea, I was going to say.
+They abound off the coast of California."
+
+"But it is night, and they will not be apt to see!"
+
+"This fire and the numbers of drowning people will draw hundreds of the
+finny inhabitants toward us. You know a fire at night is sure to attract
+fish."
+
+"You seem determined to frighten us," said Howard, "but I shall continue
+to think that God who has so mercifully saved us intends to save us to
+the end."
+
+"Perhaps so, too, but it does no harm to understand all the dangers to
+which we are subject."
+
+"I believe with Howard," said Elwood. "I ain't afraid of sharks, but for
+all that, they are ugly creatures. They swim under you and the first
+thing you know clip goes one of your legs off, just the same as a pair
+of snuffers would clip off a piece of wick."
+
+"They are the hyenas of the sea," said Howard, "although I believe some
+kinds are stupid and harmless. I think I have heard them called that by
+somebody, I don't remember who. They will snap up anything that is
+thrown to them."
+
+"Wouldn't it make their eyes water to come this way then? Jis' to think
+of their saaing four pair of legs dancing over their hids, not to spake
+of the dog that could come in by way of dessart."
+
+"O Tim! keep still, it is too dreadful!"
+
+"Worrah! it wasn't meself that introduced the subject, but as yez have
+got started, I've no objection to continue the same."
+
+"Let us try and talk about something more pleasant----"
+
+"A shark! a shark!" suddenly screamed Elwood, springing half his length
+out of the water in his excitement.
+
+"Where?" demanded Mr. Yard, while the others were speechless with
+terror.
+
+"He has hold of my leg! O, save me, for he is pulling me under!"
+
+There was danger for a moment that all would go to the bottom, but Mr.
+Yard displayed a remarkable coolness that saved them all.
+
+"It is not a shark," said he, "or he would have had your leg off before
+this."
+
+"What is it then? What can it be?"
+
+"It is a drowning man that has caught your foot as he was going down.
+You must kick him off or he will drown you. Has he one foot or both?"
+
+"My left ankle is grasped by something."
+
+"That is good; if he had hold of both feet it would be bad for you. Use
+your free foot and force his grasp loose."
+
+Elwood did so with such vigor that he soon had the inexpressible relief
+of announcing that the drag weight was loosed and his limbs were free
+again.
+
+"That is terrible," said he, as they resumed their progress. "Just to
+think of being seized in that way by some poor fellow who, I don't
+suppose, really knew what he was doing."
+
+"How came he there?" asked Howard.
+
+"You see, we ain't far from where the steamer sunk, and there may be
+more near us. This man has gone down just as we were passing by him, and
+in his blind struggles has caught your ankle."
+
+"If a drowning man will catch at a straw, wouldn't he be after catching
+at a leg?" inquired Tim.
+
+"It seems natural that he should do so; but we are in the most dangerous
+place we could be. Let's keep a sharp lookout."
+
+Our friends peered in every direction, as they rose and sunk on the
+long, heaving swell of the sea. They saw pieces of charred wood and
+fragments of the wreck, but caught sight of no human being until Mr.
+Yard pointed, to a dark mass some distance away.
+
+"That is a raft covered with people," said he.
+
+"They seem to be standing still."
+
+"Yes, they merely want to keep afloat until morning, when no doubt they
+will be picked up and cared for. Keep quiet, for if we talk too loud
+some one may start for us."
+
+"And work hard," whispered Tim, struggling harder than ever. "Aich of
+yees shove like a locomotive."
+
+"Good advice," added Mr. Yard, in the same cautions undertone. "Let's
+get away as fast as possible."
+
+Hour after hour the men toiled, following the moon, that appeared to
+recede from them as they advanced. They had passed safely the debris of
+the wrecked steamer, and were again talking loudly and rather
+cheerfully, when Tim O'Rooney interrupted them:
+
+"Yonder is something flowting in the darkness."
+
+"It is a boat full of people," said Mr. Yard. "I have noticed it for the
+last few minutes."
+
+All turned their eyes toward the spot indicated, and agreed that Mr.
+Yard was correct in his supposition.
+
+"I will hail it," he quietly added, and then called out: "Boat ahoy!"
+
+"What do you want?" came back in a gruff voice.
+
+"Can you take four drowning passengers on board?"
+
+"Not much," was the unfeeling answer, "Paddle away and you'll reach
+California one of these days."
+
+"How far are we from it?"
+
+"Double the distance, divide by two, and you'll have it."
+
+Nothing further was extracted from the men, but they could be heard
+laughing and talking boisterously with each other, and the odor of their
+pipes was plainly detected, so close were the parties.
+
+"Thank heaven, we are not dependent upon them!" said Mr. Yard. "If we
+were, we should fare cruelly indeed."
+
+"Who are they?"
+
+"A part of the crew of the steamer, who seized the boat at the first
+appearance of danger, and left the helpless to perish."
+
+An hour later, long after the boat had disappeared, and when our friends
+were toiling bravely forward, a low, dark object directly in front
+attracted their notice.
+
+"What is it?" whispered Elwood.
+
+"_It is land!_" was the joyful reply. "I am walking upon the sand this
+minute, and you can do the same!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE CALIFORNIA COAST.
+
+
+They were safe at last! The four dropped their feet and found them
+resting upon smooth packed sand, and wading a few rods they all stood
+upon dry earth. Terror, as he shook his shaggy coat and rubbed his nose
+against his young masters seemed not the least joyful of the party.
+
+"Isn't this grand!" exclaimed Elwood. "When did the ground feel better
+to your feet? Saved from fire and water!"
+
+"Our first duty is to thank God!" said Mr. Yard reverently. "He has
+chosen us out of the hundreds that have perished as special objects of
+his mercy. Let us kneel upon the shore and testify our gratitude to
+Him."
+
+All sunk devoutly upon their knees and joined the merchant, as in a low,
+impressive tone he returned thanks to his Creator for the signal mercy
+he had displayed in bringing them safely through such imminent perils.
+
+"Now, what is to be done next?" inquired Mr. Yard, as they arose to
+their feet and looked around them. "The first thing I should like to do
+is to procure a suit of clothes, and I hope I shall be able to do it
+without stripping any of the dead bodies that will soon wash ashore."
+
+"What is the naad?" asked Tim O'Rooney. "Baing that it's a warrum summer
+night, and there saams to be few in the neighborhood that is likely to
+take exsaptions to your costume."
+
+"But day is breaking!" replied the merchant, pointing across the low,
+rocky country to a range of mountains in the distance, whose high,
+jagged tops were blackly defined against the sky that was growing light
+and rosy behind them.
+
+"Yes, it will soon be light," said Howard. "See! there are persons along
+the shore that have come down to the wreck?"
+
+"They are some of the passengers that have managed to reach land. I will
+go among them and see whether any of them have any clothing to sell,"
+laughed Mr. Yard as he moved away.
+
+As the sun came up over the mountains it lit up a dreary and desolate
+scene. Away in the distance, until sky and earth mingled into one,
+stretched the blue Pacific, not ridged into foam and spray like the
+boisterous Atlantic, but swelling and heaving as if the great deep was a
+breathing monster. A few fragments of blackened splinters floating here
+and there were all that remained to show where a few hours before the
+magnificent steamer, surcharged with its living freight, so proudly cut
+the waters on her swift course toward the Golden Gate.
+
+Several ghastly, blue-lipped survivors in their clinging garments were
+wandering aimlessly along the shore, the veriest pictures of utter
+misery, as they mumbled a few words to each other, or stared absently
+around. They seemed to be partially bereft of their senses, and were
+probably somewhat dazed from the fearful scenes through which they had
+so recently passed.
+
+Several sails were visible, but they were so far away that it was vain
+to hope to attract their attention. Three large boats could be seen away
+to the northwest, skirting along shore and making their way toward San
+Francisco as rapidly as muscle and oars could carry them. What recked
+they whether the passengers were buried with the steamer, sunk in the
+ocean, or left to perish on the desolate coast?
+
+The Coast Range, which descends into California from Oregon, in some
+places comes within twenty-five or thirty miles of the sea, while at
+other times it recedes to over a hundred. The particular point where our
+friends were suffered to land was rough, barren and rocky, and behind
+them, with many peaks reaching the line of perpetual snow, rose the
+noble Coast Range, between which and them stretched a smaller range of
+mountains.
+
+Around them the country appeared desolate and uninhabited. Howard and
+Elwood were well acquainted with geography, and had a general idea of
+California, although they could not be expected to know much of the
+minor facts of the State. They were aware that at no great distance--but
+whether north or south it was impossible to say--lay the missionary town
+of San Luis Obispo, and between them and the Coast Range ran the Salinas
+River, formerly known as the San Buenaventura, and a smaller chain of
+mountains or highlands.
+
+They knew, too, that after crossing the Coast Range, you descended into
+the broad and beautiful Sacramento Valley, where abounded wild animals,
+Indians, gold, silver, and the most exuberant vegetation. This was about
+all they knew; and this, after all, was considerable. When persons
+expect to make a journey to some distant country they are very apt to
+learn all that they possibly can about it; and this was the way they
+came to understand so much regarding the young State of California.
+
+They had stood some little time conversing together when they saw Mr.
+Yard approaching, clad in quite a respectable suit of black, albeit, as
+a matter of course, it was thoroughly soaked with salt water.
+
+"You are fortunate," remarked Howard.
+
+"Yes," he laughed; "what strange beings we are! Do you see that elderly
+gentleman yonder, with his hands in his pockets walking back and forth
+as though he expected some arrival from the sea?"
+
+The personage alluded to could be easily distinguished from the others.
+
+"Well, his berth was next to mine. When the alarm of fire was first
+heard he sprung from his bed, dressed himself and caught up his valise,
+which contained an extra suit of clothing, and rushed on deck with the
+other passengers."
+
+"How was he saved?"
+
+"It is hard to tell. He and several others hung fast to some such sort
+of a raft as we had, and managed to get ashore. And all the time he
+grasped that valise, even when besought by his companions to let it go,
+find when it endangered his chances of life fully ten-fold."
+
+"He must be very poor."
+
+"Poor! He is worth half a million in gold this minute. That valise
+contained all his property that he had entrusted to the steamer, and it
+was his fear that he might lose the few dollars that it is worth that
+made him cling so tenaciously to it."
+
+"How was it that he gave them to you?"
+
+"No fear that he gave them. I stated in the presence of two witnesses
+that, I would give him a hundred dollars for the suit as soon as we
+reached San Francisco. He racked his brains to see whether there was not
+some means of my giving him my note for the amount; but as that couldn't
+be done under the circumstances, he did the next best thing and
+established my obligation in the mouth of several witnesses."
+
+"Strange man! But, Mr. Yard, what is to be done?"
+
+"I intend to wait here during the day, as I know of nothing better that
+we can do. I think some friends will find us before nightfall."
+
+"We have decided to go inland a short distance, dry our clothes and give
+our bodies a good rubbing, to prevent our taking cold."
+
+"A wise precaution, but useless in my case as I have already caught a
+very severe one."
+
+"Should we become separated, you will tell our parents that we reached
+the land in safety and are in good spirits."
+
+"Of course; but don't wander too far away, as you may lose your chance
+of being taken off. You know this isn't the most hospitable country in
+the world. There are treacherous and thieving Indians in these parts,
+and they would have swooped down on us long ago if they had only known
+we were here. As it is, I fear their approach before a friendly sail
+comes to us."
+
+"Never fear; we will take good care not to wander too far away."
+
+And the parties separated for a much longer time than any of them
+imagined.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE RESCUE.
+
+
+Our three friends--although it seems equally proper to speak of four, as
+Terror was a most important member of the party--walked away from the
+sea-shore and began making their way back into the country. As we have
+hinted in another place, they found this section wild and desolate.
+Little else than huge rocks, bowlders and stunted trees met the eye,
+while there was no appearance of vegetation, nor was the slightest
+vestige of a human habitation visible, let them look in whatever
+direction they chose.
+
+The air was clear, the sky decked by a few fleecy clouds over the
+Pacific, and there was little doubt that the day would be a fine, warm
+one. The climate of California is mild, except when the winds from the
+Pacific bring chilling fogs along the coast. The view in the east was
+particularly grand, the peaks of the gigantic Coast mountains and of the
+smaller range rising and swelling in vast peaks, appearing as if the
+Pacific when tossed and driven by some hurricane had suddenly congealed
+with the foam upon the tops of its mountainous billows. Looking
+northward, the last object that met the eye was these mountains
+gradually blending with the brilliant sky, while to the southward the
+prospect was repeated.
+
+They wandered along, springing up the sides of rocks, jumping quite a
+distance to the ground, again passing around those that were too high to
+climb, Terror all the time frolicking at their sides, certainly as happy
+as any of them, while they chatted and laughed, their hearts buoyant in
+the beautiful summer and the pleasing retrospect of a thrilling
+adventure already safely passed through and the prospect of a few others
+close at hand.
+
+In this wandering manner they at last found themselves fully a mile from
+shore, and in a wild, rocky place where they felt secure from
+observation. Here all removed their clothes, subjected their bodies to a
+vigorous rubbing that made the surface glow with warmth and reaction,
+and then spread their garments out to dry. Their extended walk before
+reaching this place had partially done the latter for them, so that in
+the course of an hour or so they found them free from all moisture, and
+as they donned them they once more felt like themselves.
+
+"Now," said Elwood, "I am very tired and sleepy; is not this a good
+place to lie down and rest?"
+
+"I was going to suggest the same thing," added Howard. "I do not see in
+what better manner we can spend a few hours."
+
+"And it's the same idaa that has been strhiking me ever since we sot
+foot in this qua'r looking place. It's meself that is so sleapy that at
+ivery wink I makes I has to lift the eyelids up with my fingers, and me
+eyes feels as though the wind has been blowing sand in 'em all day."
+
+The proposal thus being satisfactory to all, they proceeded to carry it
+out at once. The day was so mild that the only precaution necessary was
+to secure themselves against the rays of the sun. This was easily done,
+and stretching out beneath the shelter of a projecting ledge of rocks
+they had scarcely laid down when all were sound asleep.
+
+And leaving them here for the time being, we give our attention for a
+few moments to the survivors of the steamer.
+
+Some thirty odd of the passengers succeeded in reaching the shore, while
+about a dozen were saved with the crew, who, as is generally the case at
+such times, acted upon the idea that it was their duty to take charge of
+the boats and prevent the passengers from risking themselves in such
+frail structures. After all, no doubt their lives were as valuable as
+were those of the hundreds they carried, and their conduct, when viewed
+in an unprejudiced manner, perhaps was not so criminal.
+
+The destruction of so large a steamer along the California coast, in the
+regular track of the vessels going to and coming from Panama, could not
+occur without the knowledge of many upon the ocean. Indeed, the glare
+upon the heavens was seen far up the coast, and in San Luis Obispo, to
+the south, was pronounced by all to be caused by the burning of some
+large vessel at sea.
+
+It so came about that there were but two vessels near enough to go to
+the relief of the unfortunate steamer; but these were controlled by
+rival captains, each of whom hoped to enter the Golden Gate an hour or
+so in advance of the other; and therefore they had not time to slacken
+sail and lay to, but pressed forward with an expression of regret that
+the necessities of the case compelled them thus to refuse all succor to
+the needy ones.
+
+But there were others at a greater distance who bore down upon the fiery
+scene at once; but they were miles away when the last vestige of the
+steamer disappeared, and it was only a matter of conjecture as to where
+a few of the survivors might be struggling with the waves. Not until the
+sun had been up over an hour did the man at the mast-head of the nearest
+vessel call out that he saw several boats pulling up the coast, while a
+few persons could be seen on the shore making signals to attract their
+attention.
+
+Some time after, the Relief--happily named--cast anchor a half-mile from
+land and two boats put off from her side. The survivors were quickly
+within them, and they were about putting off again when the mate of the
+Relief said:
+
+"Are you all here?"
+
+"Yes, yes," was the impatient reply of Mr. Tiflings, the man who had
+sold the suit of clothes to Mr. Yard, "don't wait any longer. I shall
+lose $500 by not being in San Francisco to-day."
+
+"But they are not all here," interrupted Mr. Yard, in some excitement.
+"There are two boys in charge of an Irishman that are missing."
+
+"Where are they?" asked the mate.
+
+"They went back from the shore some time ago. I do not think they can be
+at any great distance."
+
+"Perhaps if you called to them they might hear you."
+
+Mr. Yard sprung out upon the beach, ran to and mounted a goodly-sized
+rock, and shouted at the top of his voice. He called again and again,
+and listened intently, but there was no response.
+
+All this time Mr. Tiflings sat leaning his head forward and nervously
+beating a tattoo upon the side of the boat with his long, thin fingers.
+Occasionally he glanced at the "foolish" Mr. Yard, and muttered:
+
+"What nonsense! What valuable time we are losing by his childishness!
+Time is too precious to fritter away in this manner!"
+
+While the kind-hearted merchant was shouting himself hoarse, our friends
+were heavily and sweetly slumbering, totally oblivious to external
+things, as indeed they would have been were he within a few rods of
+them, instead of over a mile away. Finally he was compelled to give up
+the task and reluctantly return to the boat.
+
+"This is too bad," said he, "to leave them in this manner. What will
+become of them?"
+
+"They will be picked up by some of the passing vessels."
+
+"Certainly, certainly," assented Mr. Tiflings, "don't wait any longer;
+it will be a week before we get into San Francisco."
+
+"We will row away," said the mate, "and if we see anything of them
+before we reach the vessel we will put back and take them aboard."
+
+This was reasonable, and Mr. Yard could not object to it. The sailors
+plied their oars, and the passengers were borne swiftly toward the
+friendly Relief. Mr. Yard kept his eyes fixed upon the bleak coast which
+they were so rapidly leaving behind them. He saw nothing of his friends;
+but, after reaching the ship's deck, he took the spy-glass from the
+captain and discovered a party of a dozen Indians wandering up and down
+the beach as if in quest of plunder. Finally, sail was hoisted, the
+Relief bore away to the northward, and the scene of the rescue dwindled
+away and vanished in the distance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+INDIANS.
+
+
+The sleep of perfect health is dreamless, and is not easily aroused by
+external disturbance. Tim O'Rooney, Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence,
+sweetly forgetful of the need of their being within sight and hearing of
+the shore, slept through the entire day without once awaking. The sun
+was just dipping beneath the Pacific when Howard opened his eyes with
+that confused, indistinct recollection which often takes possession of
+our faculties when first aroused from a deep slumber. He stared around
+and the sight of the unconscious forms of his two companions, and the
+mute Newfoundland dog with his nose between his paws, but blinking as if
+to show he "slept with one eye open," quickly recalled his situation. In
+considerable alarm, he sprung up, and began rousing the others. As they
+rubbed their eyes and rose to the sitting position, he said in
+excitement:
+
+"Do you know we have slept ever since morning?"
+
+"It can't be possible!" exclaimed Elwood.
+
+"I should say we had slept a waak be the token of the hunger I feels,"
+said Tim, with a most woeful countenance.
+
+"I don't see any likelihood of our getting anything to digest in these
+parts," replied Howard.
+
+"And where else shall we look for the same?"
+
+"Nowhere that I know of."
+
+"Suppose some ship has stopped here while we have been asleep!" suddenly
+interrupted Elwood.
+
+"Wouldn't they have looked for us? But then they couldn't have known
+where we were," said Howard, asking and answering his own question in
+the same breath.
+
+"We are in a pretty fix then," was the comment of Elwood, laughing at
+the doleful countenances he saw.
+
+"Boys," said Tim, hitching up his pantaloons and scratching his head,
+"shall I tell yees something to your advantage, as the papers say?"
+
+"Of course," answered Howard, "nothing could suit us better."
+
+"Well, then, while we've been slaaping, our friends along shore have
+been carried away, and we're lift to make ourselves comfortable, as the
+peddler said when he hung himself up by his foot."
+
+"Let us see!" exclaimed Elwood, "perhaps we are not too late yet."
+
+The three rushed ever the rocks pell-mell, the dog being at their side,
+and giving vent now and then to short, sharp barks, as if he enjoyed the
+ramble.
+
+Elwood was at the head, and had run but a short distance when he sprung
+upon a bowlder higher than the others, and shading his eyes for a moment
+as he looked off toward the sea, he called back:
+
+"Yes, yonder they are! We are not left alone."
+
+"But it's good to have company!" laughed Tim, "it won't be long before
+some vessel will step in and lift us aboard."
+
+"How odd they look!" remarked Elwood, as his friends clambered up beside
+him. "They don't seem dressed in their usual fashion."
+
+The Irishman, upon rising to his feet on top of the rock, uttered an
+expression of surprise, looked intently toward the sea, and then quickly
+sprung back again.
+
+"Off of there quick!" he commanded in a hoarse whisper, at the same time
+catching the shoulder of the up-climbing Howard and forcing him back
+again.
+
+"Why, what's the matter?" asked Elwood, a vague alarm taking possession
+of him, as he rather hurriedly obeyed him.
+
+"May the good Lord presarve us! _them are Injuns!_"
+
+[Illustration: "'May the good Lord preserve us! them are Injuns,' said
+Tim."]
+
+"I thought they looked odd," said Elwood, "but I did not think of that.
+Are they friendly?"
+
+"Friendly!" repeated Tim, with an expression of intense disgust. "Do you
+know what they are walking up and down the sand fur in that sassy
+shtyle?"
+
+"Plunder, I suppose."
+
+"Yis; they are in hopes the saa may wash up some poor fellow that they
+may have the pleasure of hacking him to pieces."
+
+"Are they such terrible creatures. Perhaps they have slain those who
+escaped from the steamer."
+
+"Niver a fear; there was too many of 'em, as me brother used to say when
+his wife tuk her broomstick at him."
+
+"But they had no weapons to use."
+
+Tim shook his head. He evidently had a small opinion of the courage of
+the California aborigines.
+
+"Had they massacred the survivors, we could see their bodies along
+shore," remarked Howard. "The sun throws such a glare upon the sand that
+we can detect a very small object."
+
+This settled the matter in the mind of Elwood, who had been heartsick at
+the great fear of such a fate having befallen his friends.
+
+"Then the burning of the steamer has attracted the notice of a great
+many vessels, and I think Mr. Yard was right when he was sure of being
+taken off by some one."
+
+"What a mistake we made in wandering away and going to sleep where no
+one could find us!"
+
+"We did, indeed, Elwood; we voluntarily banished ourselves."
+
+"But Mr. Yard certainly knows we are here, and will he not get a company
+of men to come after us?"
+
+"Perhaps so; but, if he doesn't, your father and mine will certainly do
+so, so soon as they find where we are."
+
+"Yes, but what is to become of us between to-night and that time? I am
+half-starved to death, and must get something to eat pretty soon."
+
+"Providence, that has preserved us so kindly thus far, will still watch
+over us."
+
+"There's one bad thing," remarked Tim, "them Injins will hang around the
+shore, and it won't do for us to show ourselves niver a bit."
+
+The faces of the two boys now blanched with fear, for they understood
+the danger that threatened them. It was truly a fear-inspiring sight, as
+they gazed out from their hiding-place in the direction of the sea. The
+sun was partially down the horizon, and appeared unnaturally large,
+while the gaunt Indians, in their fantastic costume, assumed the form of
+giants striding along apparently on the gleaming surface of the ocean
+itself. They were outlined with that sharp, black distinctness which is
+seen when at night a fireman runs along the outer walls of a burning
+building.
+
+"Just to think!" said Elwood "we haven't a gun or a pistol with us."
+
+"And I'm a little hungry, as the man said after fasting three waaks."
+
+"Suppose they saw you?" said Howard.
+
+"I ain't sure but what they did. They are looking in this direction, and
+appear to be disputing about some matter."
+
+There were grounds for this alarming view of the case. The Indians
+numbered about a dozen, and half of these could be seen in a knot,
+gesticulating in their extravagant manner, while the others were running
+up and down the shore as if they had detected something interesting in
+the surf.
+
+"Are they looking at us?"
+
+"There is such a glare, from the sun that I cannot tell whether their
+faces or backs are toward us. Tim, what do you say?"
+
+The Irishman gazed long and carefully over the face of the rock, and
+finally said:
+
+"They've seen something this way that has tuk their eye."
+
+"They are moving, too."
+
+"Maybe they've seen the dog, and are coming to look for us."
+
+"Heaven save us!" exclaimed Tim, in some excitement, "there's no maybe
+about it; they're coming, sure!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE PURSUIT.
+
+
+It was not the first time that Tim O'Rooney made a mistake. The Indians
+were excited over something, but as yet they held no suspicion that
+three white persons stood behind them and could be so easily reached.
+They were talking in a wild manner, and ran several rods from the beach,
+when they suddenly paused and picked up an object over which they
+quarreled and were almost ready to proceed to violence. From where our
+friends stood it looked as if it were nothing more than a coat or some
+cast-off garment that had been thrown aside by so me of the survivors
+when they were taken away by the Relief.
+
+"No, they have not seen us yet," said Howard, who was watching them
+intently, while his two companions where looking upon the readiest means
+of escape.
+
+"Then why did they start after us, be the same token?" demanded Tim,
+with a great sigh of relief.
+
+"They are quarreling over something that lies upon the beach."
+
+"If they'd only have the onspakable kindness to go to fighting each
+other like a lot of Kilkenny cats, and not sthop till there's not one of
+'em left--I say if they'd have the kindness to do that, it would be
+fortinit for us."
+
+"Hardly probable, Tim; the fact, is they appear to have settled the
+matter already, and have gone down to the edge of the sea again."
+
+"I don't see the use of our remaining here," said Howard. "We daren't go
+any nearer them than we now are, while if we put back into the country
+we stand a chance of getting something to eat. As near as I can
+calculate, the Salinas River isn't very far away, and California is said
+to be very fertile along its streams, if it is barren in such places as
+this."
+
+"And we may come upon a party of miners further inland."
+
+"I don't know about that," rejoined Howard. "The diggings are on the
+other side of the Coast Range, between that and the Sierra Nevada, in
+the Sacramento Valley, and I think they are further north, too."
+
+"Let's lave," said Tim; "if we only start tramping perhaps I may git my
+mind off the subjact and forgit that I'm hungry enough to eat a toad,
+which I'd starve to death afore I'd do the same."
+
+While they were thus debating with themselves, Terror, unobserved by any
+of them, whisked to the top of a high rock and announced his discovery
+of the Indians by several loud, gruff barks. At so great a distance it
+was impossible that the dog should be heard, but the danger was that the
+lynx-eyed savages would see him, and thus discover the presence of his
+friends. The peril was imminent, and a hasty word from Howard brought
+the Newfoundland to their feet.
+
+But it was too late. He had scarcely ascended his perch when an Indian
+caught sight of him, and giving out a strange half-whoop and stream, he
+started on a full run toward him, closely followed by half of the entire
+party.
+
+"There's no mistake this time!" exclaimed Howard, wheeling round and
+springing away. "Don't wait."
+
+There was no waiting by either Tim or Elwood. The two boys were slim and
+fleet-footed, and could easily distance their more awkward companion;
+but they could not leave him alone, although he besought them to secure
+their own safety, while he would attend to his.
+
+There were several things in favor of the fugitives and several against
+them. It was growing dark quite rapidly, and they had a good start; but
+the pursuers ran over the rocks and bowlders with the facility of
+mountain goats and gained very rapidly; they were also familiar with the
+face of the country, while our friends were literally "going blind."
+
+"But don't we make 'em run!" called out Tim, glancing over his shoulder.
+"Them fellers was made to travel, and if they'd only throw down their
+guns and take up a sprig of the shillaleh, like an ilegant gintleman
+should do, I wouldn't ax better fun than to jine in wid 'em and tach 'em
+a few scientific tricks, such as can be got in Tipperary and nowhere
+ilse--Worrah!----"
+
+Tim's exclamation was caused by catching his foot against a large stone
+and falling flat upon his face with considerable violence. He quickly
+scrambled up again, while Elwood anxiously inquired whether he was hurt
+by the fall.
+
+"Not by the fall, plase your honor, but by the stone that whacked me
+betwaan the eyes."
+
+"They are gaining!" whispered Howard, pausing a moment for his
+companions to come up.
+
+"Yes, but it will be so dark in a few minutes that they can't see us,
+and then we will hide ourselves until the danger is past. Let us get
+along an fast as possible while the danger lasts."
+
+They did strain themselves to the utmost, and speedily reached a more
+open country, where they could travel with greater safety. This, which
+at first appeared sadly against their prospects, was really the means of
+securing their escape. The moment they reached it they darted away at
+almost double their rate of speed, and shortly reached another hilly
+portion, into which they plunged, and running a short distance, at a
+signal from Howard, they dropped flat upon their faces, and crawled
+beneath thy sheltering projections of the rocks, Terror at the same time
+nestling down by the prostrate form of Elwood.
+
+In a few minutes they heard the tramp of their swift-footed pursuers,
+who were running without exchanging words with each other, or uttering
+those exultant whoops which the Indian of other portions of our country
+are so accustomed to give when exulting in the certainty of capturing
+their enemies.
+
+Our friends did not venture to exchange a word with each other until a
+long time after the Indians had passed, and nothing could be heard to
+indicate that they were anywhere in the neighborhood. Then they crawled
+near together and spoke in low whispers.
+
+"They are gone!" said Elwood.
+
+"I think so," replied Howard, "but they may be watching somewhere. We
+must be very careful. How is it, Terror, are there any strangers near
+us?"
+
+The dog snuffed the air, but made no sound, which was a negative reply.
+
+"I guess he is right," added Howard. "We will get as far away from here
+as we can, for I am sure those Indians will look around here until
+morning in the hope of getting us then."
+
+All three crawled a considerable ways on their hands and knees, when
+they stealthily arose to their feet, and seeing nothing suspicious,
+followed a northeasterly direction--one that would both lead them away
+from their pursuers and at the same time take them toward the Salinas or
+San Buenaventura River, which point they hoped to reach some time the
+next day.
+
+After going some distance they walked more rapidly, and ventured to
+exchange words with each other. Terror kept the advance, fully aware of
+the responsibility that rested upon him. There was little fear but that
+he would give timely notice of the approach of danger, and a sense of
+comparative security took possession of our friends as they proceeded.
+
+To their great surprise, after journeying a half-mile or so, the
+character of the country underwent a great change. The ground became
+more level, and they found themselves traveling among stunted trees and
+sparse vegetation. The moon did not rise until quite late, so that until
+then they could barely see each other's bodies as they moved along. This
+made them uncertain as to whether they were following the right course;
+but they were greatly pleased to find that they had deviated but
+slightly from the line they intended to pursue.
+
+All at once a low whine from Terror arrested them. At the same instant
+all three detected the glimmer of a light among the trees. Cautiously
+approaching, Tim O'Rooney in the advance, he said in his husky whisper:
+
+"There's an owld Injin noddin' by the fire, and if he has a gun, or
+anything to eat, we'll try and get him to lend 'em to us!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A GOOD SAMARITAN.
+
+
+The three carefully approached the camp-fire, and soon assured themselves
+that there was but a single person near it, an old Indian who sat with
+closed eyes and nodding head, totally unmindful of their presence.
+
+"Yes, he is all alone," remarked Howard, in response to the statement
+that Tim had made on first seeing the fire. "But he has no gun, so far
+as I can see."
+
+"Has he anything to eat?" inquired Elwood. "For that is getting to be
+the most important matter."
+
+"There doesn't appear to be any."
+
+"Jist howld still where you baas, till I takes a look around," said Tim,
+with an admonitory wave of the hand.
+
+They obeyed while he went still nearer on tiptoe. When he was scarcely
+twenty feet away he paused, and stooping down and bending his head first
+to one side and then to the other, and raising and arching his neck
+until his longitudinal dimensions became fearful, he at last satisfied
+himself that the Indian was alone.
+
+Without moving his feet, Tim now turned his head and motioned for his
+companions to join him. They did so very carefully and silently, and the
+three men then stood where the light of the fire shone full in their
+faces, and where they could not help being the first objects the Indian
+would see when he was pleased to look up.
+
+"We'll have to wake him," whispered Tim, "and shall I yill, or hit him
+with a stone on top of the head?"
+
+"Neither; I have heard that the slumber of Indians is very light, and if
+you just speak or make a slight noise I have no doubt it will rouse
+him."
+
+The fire, which had at its first kindling been large, was now
+smouldering as though it had not been touched for several hours. The
+Indian was seated on a large stone, his arms hanging listlessly over his
+knees, and his head sunk so low that his features could not be seen.
+Instead of the defiant scalp-lock drooping from his crown, his hair was
+long and luxuriant, and plentifully mixed with gray. It hung loosely
+over his shoulders, and in front of his face, and helped to give him a
+strange, repulsive appearance.
+
+"I say, owld gintleman, are you draaming, or--"
+
+As quick as lightning the head of the Indian flashed up, and his black
+eyes were centered with a look of alarm upon the individuals before him.
+Tim had had some experience with these people when a miner, and he now
+began making signs to the savage, who seemed on the point of springing
+up and darting away. Naturally enough the Irishman continued talking,
+although it was certain that the one could not understand a word the
+other uttered.
+
+"We maan no harrum," said the Irishman, raising his hands and letting
+them fall at his side, to show that he carried no weapons, and held good
+will toward the stranger. The boys judged it best to imitate their
+comrade; and after standing a few moments, the three walked quietly up
+to the fire. The startled Indian instantly rose to his feet and placed
+his hand upon the haft of a large knife at his waist.
+
+"None of that, ye spalpeen, or I'll smash you to smithereens!" said Tim,
+who, although his words were of such dire portent, spoke as gently as if
+he were seeking to quiet an infant.
+
+They now noticed that the Indian was very old. His face was scarred and
+wrinkled, his body bent, and his limbs tottered as if scarcely able to
+bear his weight; but his eye was as keen and defiant as the eagle's, and
+he stood ready to defend himself if harm were offered him.
+
+Tim did the most prudent thing possible. He advanced straight to the
+savage and offered his hand. This means of salutation was understood by
+the latter, who, after some tottering hesitation, raised his right hand
+from the knife and returned the pressure. Dropping it, he looked toward
+Elwood and Howard, who saluted him in the same manner, and the parties
+were now satisfied regarding the feelings of each other.
+
+"Ask him for something to eat!" said Elwood; "I am beginning to feel
+faint for the want of food."
+
+"What good will the same do? He hasn't anything to give."
+
+"He must live some way himself, and what will support such an old man as
+he is, is surely good for us."
+
+The signs that Tim now made were unmistakable in their import. He opened
+his huge mouth until the cavern was fearful to contemplate; then he
+snapped his teeth together like a dog that has failed to catch a piece
+of meat thrown to him; after which he carried his hand back and forth to
+his mouth, and opened and shut it again.
+
+The Indian watched these manuevers a moment, and then gave an
+exclamation intended solely for his own benefit--and which, therefore,
+it is not necessary to give, if we could, and we can't--and turning his
+back, commenced moving away with the feeble, uncertain gait of old age.
+
+"What does that mean?" inquired Howard.
+
+The savage, seeing they did not follow, paused and looked back.
+
+"That is an invitation," said Tim; "do yees foller."
+
+"But where will he lead us?"
+
+"How can I tell?"
+
+"But it may be into danger," admonished the most cautious Howard.
+
+"It's the only chance we've got to save ourselves from starving, and for
+me getting a shmoke out of a pipe, which I am as hungry for as I am for
+a few pounds of mate."
+
+The three, the Irishman taking the lead, did not hesitate longer, but
+stepped forward, and the Indian immediately resumed his guidance. The
+boys could not avoid some alarm and misgiving in thus following blindly
+an Indian whom they had not seen until a few minutes before, and who,
+they had every reason to believe, was hostile; but there seemed no other
+course, and they obeyed the suggestion of Tim O'Rooney.
+
+The Indian led the way for several hundred yards, when he halted before
+one of the rudest and oddest habitations imaginable. It was made of
+stones, stumps, limbs, dirt and skins, its dimensions being about twenty
+feet in every direction. The savage paused but a moment when he shoved a
+large skin aside, entered and held it open for his friends to do the
+same. Tim O'Rooney peered cautiously into the lodge before trusting
+himself within it, but seeing nothing alarming, he stepped briskly
+forward, and was followed by the two boys and Terror.
+
+A dim fire was burning in one corner, against the face of a rock, and
+opposite it lay a bundle of clothes, which, upon being rather roughly
+touched by the foot of the Indian, resolved itself into a being of the
+feminine gender, unquestionably the partner of the master of the lodge.
+A few words were exchanged between the two, when the squaw busied
+herself in preparing a meal, while her husband stirred the fire into a
+cheerful blaze that brightly illuminated every portion of the singular
+dwelling. He seemed entirely forgetful of the presence of the strangers,
+who seated themselves upon a broad flat stone and calmly awaited the
+result of his doings.
+
+The old lady speedily appeared with a huge piece of meat, which was soon
+roasting on the fire, its savory odor filling the apartment, and
+rendering our friends half frantic in their starving condition. It was
+quickly cooked; the Indian severed it into four equal portions with his
+hunting-knife, and tossed one to each of his visitors, including the
+dog, which was really suffering for the want of nourishment.
+
+As Elwood and Howard ravenously ate the well-cooked, juicy meat, free
+from pepper and salt, they were sure they had never tasted such a
+delicious morsel in all their life. The pieces were of a generous size,
+and after all three had gormandized themselves until, absolutely, they
+could contain no more, each had some left. This, as a matter of course,
+was thrown to Terror, and by the time he had swallowed them all, he
+licked his jaws to show that his pangs of hunger were also fully
+satisfied.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+FURTHER EAST.
+
+
+"With your lave?" said Tim O'Rooney, stepping forward and drawing the
+pipe of their Indian host from his mouth. The latter gazed at him in
+amazement but said nothing, and offered no objection to the impudent
+proceeding.
+
+"I fales better," complacently added the Irishman as he emitted volume
+after volume of tobacco smoke. "We've had a good schlape, a good male,
+and I'm quieting my narves with the ould gintleman's pipe."
+
+"It strikes me, Tim, you were rather discourteous," said Elwood. "Be
+careful that we do not trespass too much on his good nature."
+
+"This is the calomel o' pace, as they calls it, and when you shmoke it
+it manes there's no enmity atween us. You see, the ould gintleman and
+meself have shmoked it together, and that makes us frinds. That is a
+wise shtroke of policy on the part of Tim O'Rooney, beside the comfort
+it gives him. Will aither of yez indulge in a few whiffs?"
+
+Both replied that they did not use the weed in any form.
+
+"That's right. It makes me indignant when I sees a youngster puffing
+away at a pipe or a segar; but never mind that, boys; do yez jist look
+over the top of our ould frind's head and tell me whether yez sees
+anything."
+
+"I have noticed that fine-looking rifle before," replied Howard; "I only
+wish each of us had such a one."
+
+"We will have that before we lave this mansion. Do ye mind that, boys?"
+
+"I will starve to death before I will consent to take it away from the
+old Indian after the kind treatment he has given us," said Howard.
+
+"So would I," promptly added Elwood. "No matter how badly we may want it
+I shall never consent to steal it."
+
+"Shtale it! Who talks of shtaling it!" indignantly demanded Tim. "You're
+a couple of fine spalpeens, ain't you, to think that of me. I mane to
+buy it, and give the ould man his own price."
+
+"What have you to buy it with?" asked Elwood in surprise. "I have a
+little money, but I don't believe it is enough to buy such a
+good-looking gun as that."
+
+"No; if your pockets were lined with gold pieces he would care nothing
+for them," said Howard; "but what will you offer him, Tim?"
+
+"Each of you has a knife, and likewise have I; you carry two pretty fine
+gold watches, while I've a bull's-eye as big as a half-dozen like them.
+An Injun will sell his squaw and lodge for such trifles."
+
+"Well, try it, then."
+
+The Irishman arose to his feet when, as a matter of course, the black
+eye of the old man was fixed upon him. He pointed to the gun overhead,
+whereupon the Indian, with surprising quickness, caught it down and held
+it with a nervous grasp, his squaw taking his seat beside him. Tim
+offered the three knives which the party owned for it, opening and
+flicking them to excite his cupidity. The eager look that came into his
+face showed that he understood what was meant; but he only hugged his
+property more tightly and shook his head from side to side.
+
+"I knew he wouldn't part with it," said Elwood.
+
+"Howld on a minute," replied Tim; "I'm only throwing out me skirmishers;
+I'll fetch him yet. He's larned how to make a bargain."
+
+The Irishman now produced his watch--an immense affair that would have
+made a load for a small child. He pried open its gigantic case and
+showed the dazzling array of brass wheels and the glittering coil of
+steel. It could not but be attractive to a savage mind, and the Indian's
+eyes sparkled as he looked upon it.
+
+"Keep yours and let me offer mine," said Howard.
+
+"Howld on, I tell yees, howld on; maybe you'll both have to offer 'em
+afore he'll bite. My repater is like myself--it took too much salt water
+for its good and hasn't been well for a few months. If the ould thing
+would only tick a little he couldn't resist it; it has a beautiful voice
+when it starts--like a thrashing machine."
+
+Equally to the surprise of Tim and the boys, the savage arose and handed
+the gun to the Irishman, who was only too glad to put his watch and
+three knives into his possession.
+
+"I only wish he had a couple more," said Howard, "so that we could each
+get one. We ought to be able to take care of ourselves then."
+
+Tim in the meantime was turning the rifle over in his hand and examining
+it with an appearance of great pleasure.
+
+"That come from San Francisco," said he.
+
+"How did it reach these parts?"
+
+"Aisy enough, as me uncle said when he fell off the house. Some trader
+has let him have it for about five hundred dollars' worth of furs and
+peltries."
+
+"Don't forget the ammunition," admonished Elwood, "or the gun will do us
+little good."
+
+"Worrah! it's meself that came nigh doin' the same. That's a fine
+powdther-horn that he has. I say, Misther----"
+
+Tim now began motioning very earnestly for this article, bullet-pouch
+and box of percussion caps that the savage had at his side; but the
+shrewd old fellow was sharper than they expected. He indulged in a
+peculiar grin, and held them very rigidly.
+
+Howard laughed.
+
+"You don't get anything more without paying for it?"
+
+"What shall I pay? I've alriddy overdrawn me bank account, as they say."
+
+"Let him take my watch," said Elwood. "Fact is, I think it has been
+ruined by the salt water."
+
+"No, that's too much; haven't ye got some trinket about yees that isn't
+good for nothing and that you doesn't want?"
+
+The boys searched themselves. Elwood finally produced a small silver
+pencil.
+
+"Just the thing," said Tim.
+
+But the old Indian, evidently failed to consider it just the thing, for
+he continued obdurate and shook his head.
+
+A new idea struck Howard. He wrenched off several brass buttons from his
+coat, and handed them to Tim. The eyes of their host fairly sparkled, as
+does a child's at sight of a coveted toy, and rising to his feet he
+tottered hastily toward them, and tossed the coveted articles into the
+Irishman's lap.
+
+"Now, if the owld gentleman would only dispose of his pipe and a ton or
+two of tobaccy to me, or make me a prisent of 'em, I'd lave and feel
+aisy."
+
+A few more brass buttons procured this also, and our friends had good
+cause to feel delighted over the result of the bargain.
+
+"There doesn't seem to be anything more that we can do, and it strikes
+me that it would be prudent for us to leave," said Howard.
+
+"I think so," added Elwood. "I believe there are other Indians at hand,
+or within call, else he wouldn't be so willing to part with his gun."
+
+The savage now rose and acted in rather a singular manner. Walking to
+the opening which answered for a door, he passed out and motioned for
+his visitors to follow. They did so, and when upon the outside he
+pointed off to the east, nodded his head, and swept his left arm.
+
+"What does he mean?" asked Howard, totally at a loss to understand him.
+
+"He means that this is the direction for us to follow."
+
+"He maans, too, that there's danger in waiting here, and that we'd
+better be thramping."
+
+Elwood took a step or two in the direction indicated to test the meaning
+of their friend. He nodded very earnestly, and satisfied them all that
+the safest plan was for them to leave as soon as possible, and take the
+course pointed out by him.
+
+Accordingly, thanking him as well as they could by signs, the three
+moved away toward the east.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE SALINAS VALLEY.
+
+
+Our friends journeyed forward until broad daylight, when they found
+themselves fairly among the high range of hills which in this portion of
+California comes down almost to the edge of the sea. The scenery was
+bleak and rugged, and the country was barren and showed very few signs
+of vegetation, so that for all practical purposes they were little
+better than if in the sandy desert of the south-eastern portion of the
+State.
+
+They observed, too, a disagreeable change in the climate. The moist
+winds of the Pacific being cooled by these mountains caused the air to
+become chilly and foggy and all felt the need of additional clothing.
+
+They had now concluded to pass through these hills to the Salinas Valley
+and then follow this northward until they reached the more settled
+portion of California, or come upon a party of miners or hunters, in
+whose company they could feel safe against the treacherous Indians, and
+who might perhaps afford them their much-needed weapons and more
+abundant food.
+
+The latter question assumed the first importance with them. They saw no
+fruits, and very few animals. The discharge of their rifle was
+dangerous, as it could be heard at a great distance, and if there is any
+creature that is extraordinarily inquisitive it is the American
+aborigine.
+
+Several times they heard the faint report of guns in the distance, but
+for some days saw no human beings except themselves. At night, when they
+lay down to rest, Terror kept a more faithful watch over them than
+either of their number could do. They generally found some secure place
+among the rocks where they could slumber in safety.
+
+On the third day after the shipwreck they crossed the dividing ridge and
+had a view of Salinas or San Buenaventura Valley. It was comparatively
+narrow, looking straighter than it really was, from the towering Coast
+Range that rose in vast massive ridges, several of the peaks piercing
+the clouds and reaching far up into the snow line. This was indeed an
+impassable barrier to their further progress beyond the valley, had they
+wished to make the attempt; for among those wild regions, where at
+midsummer the snow is whirled in blinding eddies, and the storm howls
+through gorges and canyons, and the lost traveler gropes blindly for a
+secure foothold along the mountain paths--it would have been fatal for
+them to venture without a sure guide.
+
+The Salinas Valley looked like a garden to them, and was indeed a
+promised land. There was fruit in abundance, and every prospect of
+meeting some of their own people. The Buenaventura, years ago, was a
+fabled river, and the geographies made it a huge stream, taking every
+course except the true one. They found it a river inferior in breadth
+and length to the Hudson, but vastly more interesting from its primeval
+character and the wild scenery along its banks.
+
+On the eastern slope of the mountains they discerned a great variety of
+trees, among them the _Palo Colorado_ or Lambertine fir, some of them a
+dozen feet in diameter, although they did not attain any remarkable
+height. These were not the colossal pines so famous the world over.
+There were quite a number of beech, sycamore, oak, spruce, and maple,
+and other trees whose particular names they were unable to tell.
+
+There was a noticeable change in the climate also. The air had parted
+with a great deal of its moisture, and although very warm, it had a
+dryness about it that made it more grateful and pleasant than the
+coolness along the coast.
+
+When fairly in the Salinas Valley, and along the river, they found the
+vegetation remarkably luxuriant. Oats grew wild in many places, and the
+plants partook greatly of a tropical character. Grapes were very
+abundant, although it was too early in the season to find them ripe; yet
+they gathered a few berries that were very pleasant to the taste.
+
+The first day among the hills was spent like the first one on
+shore--without food, although they had so gormandized themselves on the
+preceding evening that they were able to stand this privation much
+better.
+
+On the second morning among the hills, just as they had risen and
+resumed their journey, Terror gave notice of something unusual in his
+characteristic manner--by halting and uttering a low whine. At that
+moment they were making their way around a huge mass of rocks, in a path
+that seemed to have been worn by the feet of wild animals. Tim paused,
+cocked his rifle and held it ready for instant use, while the boys
+looked around for some covert into which to retreat, if danger
+threatened.
+
+While they stood in anxious suspense, an animal about the size of Terror
+walked leisurely into view, and catching sight of the strangers raised
+its head with a look of alarm, then uttered a shrill _baa-aa_ after the
+manner of affrighted sheep, and turned to flee. But he was too valuable
+a prize to be let run away in this manner, and ere he could turn round,
+or the Newfoundland could reach him, Tim had sent a bullet through his
+head that tumbled him over and over as if he had been hit by a
+cannon-ball.
+
+Hurrying up to him, they found they had been fortunate enough to secure
+a good large mountain sheep, a species of animal that run wild in
+California, and at certain seasons of the year are in prime condition.
+This was found only tolerable, but he was fully appreciated by our
+friends. Tim O'Rooney had managed to conceal a second knife about his
+person when bargaining with the Indian--one made on the liberal ideas
+that was displayed in the construction of his watch, and far more useful
+than the ornamental trifles that the boys carried.
+
+With the help of this and the anatomical knowledge he possessed, he was
+not long in dressing the sheep, and everything was made ready for
+cooking him. The sticks were placed together, the choice steaks were
+suspended on cross pieces, and the leaves heaped up, only awaiting
+ignition.
+
+"I declare!" exclaimed Howard, "how are we going to kindle it?"
+
+Every face looked blank, for the thought had never entered their minds
+until that moment.
+
+"Haven't yees a match about you?" he asked, turning to the boys.
+
+Naturally enough the two searched every pocket, and having finished
+searched them over again, even turning them wrong side out, and then
+turning them in and turning them wrong side out again; but all in vain,
+there was not a lucifer in the party.
+
+"Too bad!" exclaimed Elwood, "we are all as hungry as we can be, and we
+shall have to remain so for the want of fire."
+
+"If we wait a while we'll not need the match."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"It isn't very hard to git hungry enough to ate the same without waiting
+for the benefit of cooking."
+
+"I can't do that," added Elwood, with an expression of disgust.
+
+"Nor can I," added Howard.
+
+"I've done it, and found it tasted good," said Tim, "and so would
+yez--but howld on! One of yez whack me over the head!"
+
+"For what?" they demanded in amazement.
+
+"For being an owld fool, and be the same towken it's yourselves that is
+the same."
+
+"We do not understand you," they said, in some perplexity.
+
+"Yez are talking about fire when we has it here at hand."
+
+They looked inquiringly around, but did not understand the allusion
+until he began loading the gun, when a new light broke upon them, and
+they smiled knowingly at each other.
+
+Tim put in a good wadding composed of dry leaves, and placing the muzzle
+of his gun among the leaves that they had gathered for ignition, he
+discharged it. The intense flame of fire that streamed forth for an
+instant communicated itself to the kindlings, and this being quickly and
+vigorously blown by all three, almost immediately spread into a blaze,
+the wood gathered heat speedily, and in a few minutes the juicy steaks
+of the mountain sheep were steaming and ready for the voracious mouths
+of the four gathered around.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ANOTHER BARGAIN.
+
+
+Our friends were prudent enough to cook every available portion of the
+mountain sheep, and to preserve what remained for future contingencies.
+The climate was so warm that they could not hope to keep it more than a
+day or two; and, as it was, they took the wise course of placing as much
+of it within their stomachs as they could conveniently carry. The
+good-tempered red Newfoundland seemed to be growing corpulent on this
+species of living, protracted hunger alternating with an over supply of
+food.
+
+They saw no more wild animals during the day, but just as they were
+entering the Salinas Valley Elwood discovered something lying in the
+path before them which at first he believed to be an Indian, either
+asleep or dead; but Terror instantly ran up, and seizing it in his teeth
+laid it at his feet, and discovered a beautiful Indian blanket.
+
+"Strange!" exclaimed the boy, holding it up before him. "This shows that
+we are not the first persons who have traversed this section."
+
+"I wonder that we do not see more savages."
+
+"Isn't it beautiful?" said Elwood, turning the blanket over and
+examining its texture and designs. It was indeed handsome and very
+valuable, resembling much the famous blankets made by the Apache
+Indians. It was fully a half-inch in thickness, so compactly knit
+together as to be water-proof. Its border and the design of the figures
+were a miracle of skill in color and combination. Every hue of the
+rainbow seemed reproduced in the most pleasing combinations. The
+center-piece was a figure of the sun which, with the rays radiating from
+it, was of a most intense yellow, while around the border were pictured
+all the fruits that any one has ever heard as being indigenous to
+California.
+
+"That must be very valuable," said Howard.
+
+"It is so heavy it tires my arms to hold it."
+
+"That same thing would bring yez five hundred dollars, any day, in San
+Francisco," added Tim O'Rooney. "It'll pay yez to carry it there."
+
+"It is just the thing to wrap around us when we lie down to sleep."
+
+"Yis, if ye wraps up in that yez'll wake up and find yersilves roasted
+to dith. Yez might as well crawl into an oven and bake yersilves and be
+done with it."
+
+"We can then spread it on the ground, and protect ourselves from the
+moisture!" said Howard, who was beginning to appreciate the value of the
+article.
+
+"I've saan them things before," added Tim O'Rooney. "The Apaches and
+Mohaws in New Mexico make 'em. It has tuk a couple of squaws the bist
+part of a year to do the same."
+
+"But where is the owner? An Indian could not lose such a thing without
+knowing it. Why, it is a load to carry, and I should expect to lose my
+coat as soon as to part with this."
+
+Of course there could be no explanation of the cause of the blanket
+being found where it was. It was plain that no Indian could have parted
+with it unknowingly, and its high value made it still more puzzling that
+it should have been left in such a place. It might be that the
+owner--some fragile Indian girl--had wearied with carrying it, and had
+thrown it down for a warrior friend of hers to pick up and take to its
+destination for her.
+
+This conjecture, made by Tim O'Rooney himself, raised a serious question
+as to whether they had a right to carry the blanket away when there was
+good reason to doubt its being lost or abandoned.
+
+"If a year's work has been lavished upon it," said Elwood, "it cannot be
+possible that it has no owner."
+
+"I think Tim is right; he or she expects to return or send and get it."
+
+"But it is singular that if such is the case it should be left here,
+when it could have been easily hid in these bushes."
+
+"That only proves that there are no people about--no white ones at
+least. If the owner had any fear of this place being visited by
+_Christians_, he would have taken pains to hide his property; but as he
+was sure there were none but savages and heathen, he was certain his
+blanket was safe."
+
+Howard Lawrence, jesting though he was, spoke the truth, and deeply
+ashamed are we to confess it.
+
+The question received an unexpected and unmistakable solution. While
+they were still conversing, they descried a gaudily dressed, rather
+handsome-looking squaw tripping lightly behind them. Her head was bent,
+and she did not discover them until the growl of the dog caused her to
+raise her head. She was then within a dozen yards of Howard, he being in
+the rear and holding the blanket in his hand. She looked at them with an
+alarmed expression in her strange dark eyes, and seemed to be too much
+frightened to think of fleeing.
+
+Howard signified his friendship by walking quietly toward her and
+holding out the blanket as if inviting her to take it. She readily
+comprehended the meaning of his advance, and when the article was within
+reach she took it.
+
+"Now make a bargain if you can," called out Elwood.
+
+Howard produced the gold watch--a small hunting-case--and offered it to
+the young woman. She examined it with childish curiosity, but in a
+manner that showed that it was not the first time she had looked upon
+such an article. She held it a for moments, and then with a pleased
+smile passed the blanket to him, bowed gracefully, wheeled quickly, and
+slipped away charmingly.
+
+"Hurra!" fairly shouted Elwood, "you are as good as Tim at making a
+bargain."
+
+"She must live somewhere about here, and no doubt will tell how she got
+the watch, and that may set some of her friends on our track."
+
+"Let 'em come," said Tim. "I've a gun that I larned how to shoot, and
+that blanket we can wrap around us, and I don't believe you could shoot
+a bullet through it by raison of its thickness."
+
+The party resumed their journey, quite jubilant over the rifle and
+blanket. They still needed but one thing, or rather two things, guns for
+the boys. Terror was such a sharp and faithful sentinel they would have
+felt almost safe with these additional fire-arms. Howard and Elwood were
+quite confident that they could shoot with remarkable precision,
+although, neither had ever aimed or discharged a gun; but in this
+respect they were not so very different from other boys.
+
+At noon they made a hearty meal upon a portion of what still remained of
+the mountain sheep, and then stretched themselves out for an hour's
+rest. Tim O'Rooney was plentifully supplied with tobacco, and perhaps
+could not have felt more comfortable or satisfied with his situation. He
+lolled on the grass, and wondered whether Mr. Lawrence was anxious for
+him to get home or not, finally reaching the conclusion that he was
+rather indifferent upon the subject himself. The greatest distress of
+Howard and Elwood was the pain that their parents would feel regarding
+them; but they hoped to reach home without great delay, when they would
+quickly turn their weeping into joy.
+
+The two could not grow weary of admiring their beautiful blanket. It was
+a wonderful affair indeed, and doubtless contained within it enough
+material to supply a "shoddy" contractor with the basis for a thousand
+army blankets. The boys would have willingly given both their watches
+for it and considered themselves greatly the gainers. They looked upon
+it as their joint property.
+
+"I do believe it is rifle-proof," said Howard. "The fine threads of
+which it is composed are woven so compactly that you can hardly
+distinguish them."
+
+"I should be rather fearful of risking a rifle-shot from any one if that
+were all that protected me."
+
+"We can easily test it. Let's hung it up and shoot a bullet at it."
+
+"No, that would be too bad. The ball might go through, and then it would
+be spoiled in its looks. Now it seems really perfect----"
+
+"I say, me boys----"
+
+Tim's utterance was checked by the discharge of a rifle and the near
+whistle of the bullet. He started up and glanced around him.
+
+"Injuns, or me name isn't Tim O'Rooney, from Tipperary, Ireland, the gem
+of the say!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+A STRANGE OCCURRENCE.
+
+
+On a slight eminence, about an eighth of a mile south of them, stood the
+solitary Indian who had fired the alarming shot, he was in open view, as
+though he had no fears of the results of his challenge, and appeared to
+be surveying the white people with an air of curiosity that they should
+presume to encroach upon his hunting-grounds.
+
+"If yez manes that, there's two of us, as me brother Pat towld the judge
+when he called him a good-for-nothing dog."
+
+With which exclamation Tim O'Rooney sighted his rifle at the aborigine,
+and taking a tedious, uncomfortable aim, pulled the trigger, and then
+lowered his piece and stared at his target to watch the result. The
+Indian stood as motionless as a statue, and finally the Irishman drew a
+deep sigh.
+
+"I wonder whether the bullet has reached him yet?"
+
+"Reached him!" laughed Howard. "I saw it clip off a piece of rock fully
+forty feet from him."
+
+"Worrah, worrah! but I've ate so much dinner I can't howld the gun
+stiddy."
+
+"I saw it vibrate----"
+
+"Look out! he's going to shoot again!" called Elwood, as he and Howard
+dropped on their faces. "Get down, Tim, or he'll hit you. He's a better
+marksman than you are."
+
+"Who cares----Heaven! save me!"
+
+The second discharge sent the bullet within a few inches of the
+Irishman's face, and somewhat alarmed him.
+
+"Load quick!" admonished Howard, "and shelter yourself, or you are a
+dead man."
+
+The Irishman obeyed this, and had his gun reloaded in a few moments.
+
+"Now let me try my hand," said Elwood; "you can never hit him."
+
+"Be all manes, if yez wish it."
+
+"The piece is too heavy for me to shoot off-hand and I'll rest it on my
+knee."
+
+The boy took the gun, and placing the barrel on his knee, drew back the
+hammer, when presto! the savage whisked out of sight like magic. The
+noble aborigine had come to the conclusion that discretion was the
+better part of valor.
+
+"Where is he?" asked the bewildered boy, rising to his feet and looking
+around him.
+
+"He is gone," replied Howard.
+
+"I admire his sense; he doesn't care about being shot just yet."
+
+Howard laughed.
+
+"You have a good opinion of your marksmanship, Elwood, and he seems to
+fear you more than Tim."
+
+"But he didn't give me time to practice on 'im," said the latter. "If he
+had stood there an hour or two I'd hit him sure."
+
+"Yes, and he would have picked you off at the next fire. He's a good
+marksman at any rate."
+
+They kept their position for some time, but saw nothing more of the
+Indian.
+
+"He has left," said Elwood, "and will give us a wide berth after this."
+
+"It was rather curious that he should expose himself in that manner."
+
+"Perfectly natural," replied Elwood. "He knew there was no danger until
+_I_ took the gun; then he thought it best for him to clear out."
+
+"He may turn up again when we least expect it."
+
+"Do yees understand the maning of that?"
+
+"Not precisely; do you?"
+
+"He's a lover of the fair female that ye gave the watch to for the
+blanket, and he had been watchin' us till he sane me, and then he got so
+jailous of me that he has tried to put me out of the way."
+
+The boys laughed at this explanation, which Tim gave with every
+appearance of earnestness, and were rather doubtful about believing it.
+
+There was some fear expressed that this Indian might send them a bullet
+from some covert, when he could make his aim sure and shelter himself
+from all danger of a return fire; although as regards that the specimen
+he had been given of the skill of the whites should have convinced him
+that there was no need of his being particularly alarmed on this point.
+
+Our friends were sufficiently rested, and the associations of the place
+were such that they resumed their journey at once toward the Salinas
+river. They had gone but a short distance when Howard exclaimed:
+
+"Halloo! yonder goes that Indian!"
+
+He pointed in the direction of the river fully a mile away, and looking
+there they saw very near the center of the stream a small Indian canoe,
+propelled by a single occupant. The distance was so great that they
+could decide nothing regarding his dress and appearance, and for a time
+it was doubtful whether there were one or two in the boat. They were
+sure, however, that it was the same personage that had so startled them,
+and that he was returning to his home.
+
+"That looks as though he did not belong to these parts," said Elwood,
+"and seems to throw doubt on his being the young squaw's lover."
+
+"And it's a qua'r lover the same would be if he wouldn't go five hundred
+miles for the smile of his beloved. Begorrah! but it was meself that
+used to walk five miles and back agin ivery Sunday night in Tipperary to
+see Bridget Ann Mulloney, and then lost her after all when I'd spent
+almost half a pound on her."
+
+"There's another thing I'd like to buy, beside our rifles," said Elwood.
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"A canoe. See how smoothly the savage floats down the river. The current
+is quite rapid, and it would take very little labor for us to make much
+better headway than we now do.'"
+
+"But we do not know how to paddle one of those frail concerns."
+
+"We could learn soon enough."
+
+"We may find one of them along the shore, as there seem to be plenty of
+Indians hereabouts, and I suppose every one of them is the proprietor of
+one of these establishments."
+
+"It isn't likely if yees finds one ye'll find the owner," said Tim, "and
+I s'pose your conscience wouldn't let you take it unless you made a fair
+bargain with the owner."
+
+"I don't know," laughed Howard, "but what under the circumstances we
+could persuade ourselves to take it."
+
+In the course of a few hours they found themselves in the vicinity of
+the Salinas River, and turned to the left so as to follow its windings
+as nearly as possible to the mouth, where they hoped to secure safer and
+speedier transportation to their homes.
+
+At night when they encamped the soft murmur of the river was in their
+ears, and the cool, dry wind fanned them quietly as they sat down near a
+cluster of thick cottonwood to smoke their pipe, chat and prepare for
+the night's rest. They made a good meal from their mountain sheep, and
+gorging Terror, threw the rest away as they deemed it hardly fit for
+further use.
+
+It was quite late when they camped. Tim would have nothing to do with
+the blanket, so the boys spread it upon the earth, lay down upon it, and
+then drew the borders over them.
+
+Wearied out they soon fell asleep, depending, under the kindness of
+heaven, upon the watchfulness of the faithful Newfoundland that had
+never yet proved unfaithful to his trust.
+
+In the middle of the night Elwood awoke from a feeling of uncomfortable
+warmth, and threw the blanket off and slept thus until morning. He was
+the first to awake, just as light was dawning, and was on the point of
+rising when he started and became suddenly transfixed with horror at a
+sight directly before his eyes!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE CROTALUS.
+
+
+There are several species of rattlesnakes found in California, among
+which are the black, spotted and striped. Some of them grow to an
+enormous size and are anything but pleasant strangers to encounter,
+especially when you come upon them suddenly and find them coiled. It is
+a peculiarity of these specimens of the _Crotalus_ of America that they
+strike only from the coil, are easily killed, and generally, although
+_not always_, do they rattle before they dart forward their poisonous
+fangs.
+
+We can conceive of nothing upon the face of this beautiful earth more
+shudderingly repulsive than a rattlesnake. The arrowy head, and shiny,
+flabby body, with its glistening scales and variegated color, its
+tapering tail, with that dreadful arrangement by which it imitates so
+closely the _whirr_ of the locust, the bead-like eyes, with no lids and
+a fleshy film dropping over them--all these make up the most terrible
+reptile found on the American continent.
+
+And then imagine one of these creatures _coiled_! The thick, heavy body
+with the tail projecting upward from the center, the head drawn back,
+and the red, cavernous mouth open, with the curved, hollow teeth and the
+sacs at their roots filled nigh to bursting with this concentrated
+essence of the vilest of all poison--imagine this, we say--but don't do
+it either! If you have never seen a rattlesnake, don't go near one,
+unless you have a chance to kill it, even if his fangs have been
+extracted. The heel shall bruise the serpent, and that is the best use
+to which they can be put.
+
+But as Howard Lawrence opened his eyes, in the dull light of this summer
+morning, he saw coiled within five feet of him a striped rattlesnake,
+its intensely black eyes fairly scintillating light, and its rattle
+gently waving but making no noise.
+
+In a single second his true peril flashed upon him. If he moved the
+reptile would strike. He might throw himself suddenly backward, but in
+that case if he escaped, the malignant fangs would be buried in the
+sleeping Elwood ere he could open his eyes and understand the danger
+that threatened him. And he was afraid, too, to speak to him and Tim in
+the hope of awaking them. There would be blundering upon their part, and
+blundering meant but one thing--death.
+
+Howard looked straight at the serpent's eyes and became conscious of a
+strange sensation passing through him. The small, black orbs seemed to
+advance, shrink and float away through the air, enchaining his own
+vision until the will, which had so vehemently repelled the danger grew
+indifferent, and the thought of peril merged into a vague, dreamy
+semi-consciousness, which, while it took knowledge of the terrible
+reptile, coiled and ready to strike, yet failed to impress the mind with
+the energy to withdraw from its terrible power. His blood slowly
+chilled, as if vein by vein it froze throughout his person, until from
+head to foot the vital current was congealed. At times he strove to
+move, or more properly sought, in the mysterious make-up of our
+composition, to rouse the will from its torpor, but with the same result
+as follows the effort of the sufferer to use his paralyzed limb. The
+will seemed to make a feeble twitch or two and then subside, unable to
+break the fatal spell spreading over his mind and faculties. The eyes of
+the reptile glared upon his own, their bead-like blackness taking the
+form of a point of fire waving, floating, gyrating and circling in the
+air, doubling in and out in rings of the rainbow's hues, melting away
+into the distance, then drifting forward until mingled with his own, up
+and down in the same bewildering maze of color and design that visits
+the patient when lost in the delirium of fever. And all the time it was
+as if the rattlesnake was conscious of the dreadful power he held over
+his victim. Its arrowy head and long neck were started silently toward
+him, as if threatening instant destruction; and then, like the cat
+toying with her victim, it was withdrawn again, and the spell deepened
+and increased. A strange whirl passed through the mind of the boy. By a
+violent attempt to call in his wandering thoughts he gathered an idea of
+the mortal danger impending over him, but he could not centralize his
+mental powers.
+
+The bewildering sensations were somewhat similar to that of a man whose
+brain has received a violent concussion--the mysterious chambers and
+channels through which thought forced its way were choked up and the
+subtle impetus recoiled, powerless to perform its function. He felt the
+necessity of clear, vigorous thought, but his dull brain would not
+work--the cold incubus upon it chilled it through and through; and all
+the time the malignantly beautiful reptile was partly coiling and
+uncoiling, the articulated ring giving a faint rattle, as if caused by
+the slight vibration of its body. After a while the serpent lay still,
+but never once was its eye removed from its victim. It was growing tired
+of dallying with its prey and was making ready to strike. The coil
+became close and compact, the rattle rising from the center, and the eye
+assumed a clear, metallic sharpness that appeared to throw forward its
+fateful rays into his own. He saw that the sport was done and the snake
+was ready to strike; he strove to move, but could not; he essayed to
+speak, but the words choked him unuttered. He saw the reptile calling in
+its strength and----
+
+_"Quick, Howard, draw the blanket over you! He can't strike through
+that!"_
+
+The practical, energetic words of Elwood Brandon, whom he had imagined
+asleep at his side, broke the dreadful spell that had enchained Howard.
+He felt the mist pass from his eyes, his mind threw off the incubus
+which had borne it down, and he was himself again, with clear mental
+powers.
+
+His right hand lay upon the thick blanket, and sensible of his extreme
+peril, he quickly closed it, grasping the edge firmly, and then threw
+himself over upon his face and against his cousin, but covering both
+their bodies at the same instant with the heavy, closely-knit cloth.
+
+At the very moment of doing so the angry locust-like ring of the reptile
+and a sharp thrust against the blanket as if struck by a small stick
+announced that it has given its blow.
+
+Howard and Elwood both shouted to Tim to come to their assistance; but
+ere he could respond a rush was heard, followed by a fierce growl, and
+they understood at once that Terror had appeared upon the scene.
+
+They let him rage for a few moments and then, Tim having informed them
+that the snake was "kilt entirely," they cautiously crept forth. As they
+looked furtively around they saw at once that the Newfoundland had done
+his work well. The reptile was torn into shreds and strewn over an area
+of several yards. Its fangs had entered the blanket where, while they
+did not pierce through they stuck irrevocably, holding the reptile a
+prisoner to the fury of the dog.
+
+Thankful indeed were the boys for their providential escape from this
+dreaded creature. Elwood had been awakened by its slight rattling, when,
+suspecting the danger that was closing around his cousin, he uttered the
+warning words which we have given and which proved the means of robbing
+the blow of the reptile of its danger.
+
+The fangs were carefully extracted from the blanket, and Howard declared
+his intention of preserving them as a curiosity; but within a half-hour
+after leaving the camp they were lost, and he did not judge it worth
+while to search for them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE CAMP-FIRE.
+
+
+As our three friends on that bright summer morning stood on the slope of
+the mountains and gazed down into the beautiful Salinas Valley before
+them, Elwood Brandon suddenly pointed a little to the north and said:
+
+"See! there are others beside us!"
+
+About a mile distant, and not far from the river, they saw a thin, black
+column of smoke rising among the trees, of so dark and palpable a
+character that it could be distinguished at once.
+
+"Another party of Indians," replied Howard. "We seem to be getting into
+their neighborhood."
+
+"I only wish they were a party of white hunters or miners, for I long to
+see a friendly face."
+
+"What good could it do us? They wouldn't accompany us home, or take any
+trouble to see that we were protected."
+
+"Perhaps not, but I tell you, Howard, this begins to look dangerous when
+we see nothing but enemies. There are but three of us, and one gun only
+between us. I believe a single Indian could destroy us all if he chose
+to do so."
+
+"Except in one contingency."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"That you should aim the gun. He would then flee at once."
+
+Elwood laughed and added:
+
+"But we have no breakfast, and we may as well be moving."
+
+"You're a sensible boy," added Tim O'Rooney, "be the towken that when ye
+spakes ye quiverally anticipates me own thoughts."
+
+They soon reached the level of the valley, and then took a direction
+straight toward the spot where they had seen the camp-fire burning. The
+intervening space was quite thickly grown with trees and vegetation, so
+that they could obtain no sight of the fire itself until they were very
+close to it.
+
+"We must be careful," admonished Howard. "If it is a party of Indians
+they may discover us before we do them."
+
+"I don't suppose it will do for us all to walk straight up to them, for
+they'll be sure to see us then."
+
+"No, one must creep up and find whether the coast is clear. Tim has seen
+more of California than we have, and he can do that if he wishes."
+
+"Sinsible agin, for I was about to spake the same. Do yees tarry here
+while I takes a look around. Whist! now, and kaap so still that ye'll
+hear me brathe all the way there and back agin."
+
+The boys took their position each behind a large tree, and looking
+cautiously forth they awaited the return of their friend.
+
+When these precautions were taken they were not a hundred yards distant
+from the strangers. The Irishman stepped very carefully, moving on
+tiptoe, and not making any noise that was perceptible. This was no great
+attainment in woodcraft, as any person could have done the same with
+ordinary care, when the woods were of the character of this one. Had
+there been briers or brambles, or swampy ground, or that which was
+unusually dry, and covered with twigs, it would have been a feat far
+more difficult of attainment.
+
+Just before Tim disappeared from view they saw him sink down upon his
+hands and knees and creep forward; but the bushes soon shut him out from
+view and they could only wait with all the patience possible.
+
+At the end of about ten minutes the genial face of the Irishman
+appeared, and the expression upon it gave rise to pleasant
+anticipations.
+
+"Who are they?" asked the two boys together, as soon as they deemed it
+prudent.
+
+"Whist! now don't spake so loud. Ye'll wake 'em out."
+
+Tim looked behind, and became satisfied that there was no fear of
+discovery, when he arose to his feet, and took his careless, sauntering
+manner.
+
+"Well, Tim!'" said Howard inquiringly.
+
+"What is it yez wishes?"
+
+"We wish to know whether these strangers are white men or Indians."
+
+"Well, ye saas, I had to crawl up to 'em mighty careful, for if you step
+upon a stick no bigger than a tooth-pick, yees are sortin to wake up a
+slaapin' copper-skin----"
+
+"So they were Indians, then," interrupted Elwood somewhat impatiently.
+
+"Do yes be aisy now, and not be interruptin' of me, and yer observations
+and questions which ain't naaded in this case. Me owld grandfather used
+to till a great many stories to us spalpaans about the part he took with
+young Emmett--when owld Ireland stood up against England. He used to
+tell us his stories--did the same--and just so sure as one of us axed
+him a question, he'd go back to the beginning and till the whole story
+over again. He'd begin airly in the evening, and kaap it going till tin
+or eleven o'clock. I belave the old gintleman rather liked to have us be
+interruptin' him, for he laid bates for us wee ones, and ye see by that
+manes one story sometimes kept him going for a waak. Heaven bliss the
+owld gintleman--he had a habit of stopping in the middle of an exciting
+part and lighting his dudheen, and then when he'd begin again, he'd skip
+over a part on purpose to make us ax him a question----"
+
+"Well, Tim, we will talk about your grandfather some other day," said
+Howard, who, as naturally may be supposed, was impatient for him to come
+to the point.
+
+"Yis, I was just through with him, but yees should never be overmuch in
+haste. Me blessed mother always told me that it was the same as being
+too slow, and if anybody could spake of the same, could me mother do it.
+I was about to obsarve when yees interrupted me, that a man must be
+mighty careful in going up to a camp-fire, for these Indians slaap so
+quietly that the overturning of a leaf is sure to wake 'em, and you saa
+by this, if we'd all three gone up, as we war thinkin' about, they'd
+heard us long before we could have got sight of 'em, and our tramping in
+Californy would be done with----"
+
+"So they were Indians were they?" asked Elwood again, partly amused and
+partly vexed at Tim's persistent dallying with their curiosity.
+
+"Who said the same?"
+
+"You implied it. Were they red or white men? Answer us--yes or no!"
+
+"And that is just the pint I's raching for, as me frind, Michael
+O'Shanghangly, said when he took a half-quart of whisky. Yez understands
+that I wanted to make sure just who the same might be, and what was
+their number. 'Spose, now, I should have come back and said there war
+but three of the same, and there should be a half-dozen, or I should say
+they was white gintlemen like ourselves, and they should turn out to be
+of a darker hue. Ye saas that it wouldn't do."
+
+The boys had become so uneasy by this time that they were walking back
+and forth, and talking to each other in low tones.
+
+"I will go forward and see for myself," said Elwood. "I don't care about
+waiting an hour or two for him to answer my question."
+
+"He will soon answer us; he is only indulging in a little pleasantry."
+
+"Rather a bad time for jesting."
+
+"I think we can be sure of one thing," added Howard a moment later.
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"That we are not in much danger. If we were he wouldn't wait so long to
+tell us."
+
+"I don't know about that; it would be in keeping with his foolishness. I
+tell you, Howard, I will ask him once more, and if he doesn't answer me
+at once, I shall go forward and learn for myself."
+
+"Well, do so."
+
+"Tim, are those Indians or white men?"
+
+"That's it, is it? Why didn't yez ax me before? They're a party of white
+men, be the same!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE MINERS.
+
+
+"I wished to give yez a pleasant surprise, as the doctor said when he
+told the man that his wife was dead," remarked Tim, in explanation of
+his conduct. "Had there really been any of the red gintlemen around I'd
+have told you soon enough."
+
+Our young friends were too well pleased at the intelligence to feel
+other than good natured, and they gladly forgave Tim for his trespass
+upon their patience. Without waiting further they walked hastily
+forward, and a moment later stood by the camp-fire.
+
+Three men, apparently, had just aroused themselves from slumber, and
+were now stirring around making preparations for their breakfast. They
+were shaggy, unshorn, grimy-looking fellows, who had "run wild" for
+several years, but who had not necessarily lost their humanity, even
+though they had in a great degree lost its outward semblance. In the
+center, a large bundle of sticks were burning quite briskly, and one of
+the men was turning and watching some meat that was cooking over it. The
+others had evidently just returned from the river, for their red temples
+and foreheads still glistened with moisture which sparkled like dew on
+their patriarchal beards.
+
+They were rough, hardy-looking fellows, but Elwood felt little
+apprehension as he stepped forward and said:
+
+"Good morning, gentlemen!"
+
+He who was cook turned his head, but a hot drop of moisture from the
+steaming meat at that moment flew in his eye, and clapping his finger to
+it, he muttered something, and forthwith and instantly gave his
+exclusive attention to his culinary duties.
+
+The second man was rubbing his face with a piece of coarse cloth, and he
+suddenly paused with his black eyes glaring over the top, his face
+resembling the head of some huge animal clambering over the edge of a
+rock, and who, having just gained a foothold, is looking hurriedly
+around for his prey.
+
+The third was combing his hair, and just at this moment it was moistened
+and sticking straight over his forehead like the horn of an animal. He
+would run the comb through with his right hand and then smooth the hair
+with his left. He stopped with both arms crooked over his head, and
+wheeled around like an automaton, and stared at the boy a moment, and
+then said:
+
+"Well, there! Why didn't you ring the door-bell? I say, youngster, come
+forward and give us a grip of your hand. Halloo! you've got your brother
+with you!"
+
+"Not my brother, but my cousin, Howard Lawrence."
+
+The two boys shook hands with the three, and the grip that they received
+from the horny palms made them wince with pain.
+
+"But where'd you come from? We don't see a couple of youngsters dressed
+up in your style promenading 'round in these parts every day. Where'd
+you come from?"
+
+"The steamer on which we took passage the other day from Panama, was
+burned off the coast, and we got ashore on a raft."
+
+"Be you the only ones?"
+
+"No; there were quite a number that escaped."
+
+"Where be they?"
+
+"They were carried away by a vessel while we had wandered inland."
+
+"And you two--halloo! here's your grandfather!"
+
+"No; that is Tim O'Rooney, a good friend of ours."
+
+"Your humble sarvint!" saluted the Irishman, removing his hat, making a
+profound bow and scraping a large foot upon the ground.
+
+"Well, there! We're glad to see you. What's all your names?"
+
+They were given several times, and then carefully spelled at the request
+of the large-whiskered man, who desired that no mistake might be made.
+
+"You may call me Ned Trimble, and that ugly-looking fellow 'tending to
+the fire is George Wakeman, and that horrid-looking chap scrubbing off
+his dirty face, is Alfred Wilkins. Neither of them know much, and I
+brought them along to black my boots and dress my hair."
+
+It looked as though Ned was a sort of a wag, for his companions smiled
+as if they were used to that thing. He continued:
+
+"We're a party of hunters that have been in Californy for the last five
+years, and I rather guess I've prospected through every part of it."
+
+"You must be rich by this time."
+
+"Rich!" laughed Ned Trimble. "Well there, we're everything but rich.
+Somehow or other we hain't had the luck. We sold a claim up in the
+diggings for five hundred dollars, and the next week the party sold it
+for fifteen thousand. That's the way it has always gone with us; but we
+are going to be rich yet--ain't we, boys."
+
+"Yes, if we only live long enough," replied Wakeman.
+
+"I told you that chap hadn't much sense," remarked Ned, addressing his
+three visitors. "He doesn't know enough to answer a question as he
+oughter. I've been trying to teach him something, but I shall have to
+give it up as a bad job. Been to breakfast?"
+
+"No--not yet."
+
+"Thought you hadn't. Cook, put up another slice, douse it in butter,
+salt and pepper, and serve it up as you used to do when I employed you
+at the Astor. Gentlemen, how do you like it, rare or well done?"
+
+All made answer that they were not particular, and Ned replied thereunto
+as follows:
+
+"Sensible fellows! If you don't care what you get, you won't have to
+care much for what you don't get. What will you select as a dessert?
+Plum, rice, bread, or cherry pudding? Apple, mince, cranberry, plum,
+peach, or lemon pie? Cup-custard, tapioca, watermelon, citron, or
+sherry, maderia, or port. Order which ever you choose, gentlemen, it
+don't make any difference to us. We can give you one just as well as the
+other."
+
+"I suppose you can," laughed Howard; "so we'll not take the trouble to
+order any."
+
+"All right; as you please, gentlemen. We haven't any turkey or oysters
+left so you will have to put up with a little antelope that we shot
+yesterday afternoon. Fine condition for this time of year, and the best
+kind of flesh to starve to death on."
+
+"We haven't had a taste of it yet; but we devoured a goodly piece of a
+mountain sheep."
+
+"Just so. I was going to speak of a mountain sheep, if my servants
+hadn't interrupted me so often with inquiries as to how they should make
+the wine sauce. Ah! I see our meal is ready; we will therefore repair to
+the banquet hall."
+
+The six took their seats upon the leaves, and ate the meal in the usual
+primitive manner, verifying the adage, "hunger is the best sauce."
+
+Ned Trimble enlivened the meal in his usual loquacious manner; and after
+a great many words and circumlocution, the fact was discovered that he
+and his friends had spent the last five years in California, not having
+visited a civilized post within two years.
+
+Disgusted with their ill success in the Sacramento Valley, they had
+pulled up stakes and started off to hunt new fields for themselves. They
+were very cheerful and hopeful, and according to their accounts had
+encountered every imaginable danger of the California wilds.
+
+Elwood inquired whether they had met any grizzly bears.
+
+"Grizzly bears!" repeated Ned, stopping just as he was about to insert a
+huge piece of meat in his mouth. "Grizzly bears? Well, there! _We've
+lived among 'em!_"
+
+"Is it possible?"
+
+"Yes; I tracked a big grizzly in the Sierra Nevada for two days and then
+I stopped."
+
+"What made you stop?"
+
+_"I concluded the bear tracks were getting a little too fresh!"_
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+A WANT SUPPLIED.
+
+
+One thing attracted the notice and pleased our friends, and gave them a
+hope of being able to supply a want they had felt every moment since
+landing upon the California coast. Each of the miners had two rifles,
+and were abundantly supplied with ammunition and mining tools. The
+wonder was how they could carry so heavy a load for such a distance. It
+could not be understood until Ned Trimble stated that they had two good,
+tough mules pasturing in a secluded place about a half-mile distant.
+
+"That 'ere Injin blanket you're carryin' is rather pretty!" remarked Ned
+as he rubbed his greasy fingers through his hair.
+
+"Yes, we got it of an Indian girl, and take great pride in it."
+
+"You did, eh? What did you give her for it?"
+
+"A gold watch."
+
+"Ah! Well, if the watch was a first-rate one maybe she got her pay; but
+what did she want with a watch? That's just the way with all women.
+They'll give ten times the value for some little gewgaw to wear about
+'em. I was engaged to a fine-looking girl in North Carolina, but I seen
+she was getting so extravagant that I couldn't understand it, so I left
+before it was too late."
+
+"A very wise plan."
+
+"Yes, she was very extravagant."
+
+"In what respect?" asked Elwood, who was quite amused at their
+newly-found friend.
+
+"Well, you see, she would persist in wearing shoes on Sunday instead of
+going barefoot like the rest of the young ladies. I warned her two or
+three times, but I catched her at church one day with them on, and so I
+went over to the house that night and told her I couldn't trust her any
+longer, and we exchanged presents and parted."
+
+"Exchanged presents?" laughed Wakeman. "What sort of presents were
+they?"
+
+"I wish no trifling insinuations, sir," replied Ned, with a
+grandiloquent air. "She returned to me a tooth brush that I had
+presented her some months before, and I gave back to her a tin button
+that she had bought of a traveling peddler, and that I had been wearing
+on Sundays for my breastpin. 'Tis not the intrinsic worth you know, but
+the associations connected with such things that makes 'em dear. But it
+is a painful subject, gentlemen, and let us, therefore, dismiss it."
+
+Howard and Lawrence thought it best to introduce the matter upon which
+they had been so long meditating.
+
+"I notice that each of you have two guns apiece. Did you leave San
+Francisco with that supply?"
+
+"No; we've got 'em of the redskins we've run agin on the way."
+
+"Would you be willing to sell us a couple? You observe we have but one
+between us, and it makes it rather dangerous, as none of us are very
+skillful in the use of the rifle."
+
+"You needn't take the trouble to tell us that," replied Ned, with a
+quizzical look. "I'd like to accommodate you, but we had begun to think
+that we needed three or four guns apiece; for, you see, we intend to
+stay in these parts some time, and we are sure to have trouble with the
+redskins."
+
+"If you really wish them," remarked Elwood, "of course we cannot ask you
+to part with them."
+
+"What'll you give?" abruptly asked Ned.
+
+"What will you take?"
+
+"I couldn't sell you both of mine, as I wouldn't have one; but, Wakeman,
+if I part with one of mine will you do the same?"
+
+"Yes; for I know they'll need the arms before they get back to San
+Francisco."
+
+"Then the question is, what will you ask us for the two guns?"
+
+"Can you give us a hundred dollars?"
+
+"Apiece?"
+
+"No, no, no; for both of 'em."
+
+"Yes; we will gladly do that."
+
+Now came the crisis. The party had not a dozen dollars among them.
+Howard and Elwood had left their money in the berth of the steamer, and
+of course it was irrevocably gone. But Elwood's watch remained, and that
+at the least calculation was worth one hundred and fifty; but whether
+the miners would accept it at a fair valuation for their pieces, was in
+their minds very doubtful.
+
+"We have no money," said Howard, "but my cousin has a watch that is
+worth more than that sum, which he will give you for the two guns."
+
+"Let's see it."
+
+It was produced and passed around the company. Ned opened and shut it,
+and shook it and placed it to his ear.
+
+"It ain't running," he suddenly said.
+
+"No; the salt water has stopped it, but I do not think it is really
+injured. A little cleaning will speedily set it going."
+
+Ned passed the time-piece back again.
+
+"Don't want it; it won't do us no good."
+
+"But you are hunting for gold, and there is enough in it to make it
+worth your while to take it."
+
+"We expect to find all the gold we can carry back with us without
+loading our mules down with gold watches."
+
+Elwood replaced the watch in his pocket, disheartened at the failure of
+his offer.
+
+"We have no money; if you will call at my father's the next time you go
+to San Francisco, he will gladly give you your price."
+
+"Don't know as we shall go to San Francisco for the next five years;
+shan't go any way until we are loaded down with gold, and then we won't
+care about calling on your father--more likely he'll want to call on
+us."
+
+An idea struck Howard.
+
+"You are pleased with our blanket. Will you exchange your guns for
+that?"
+
+Ned shook his head.
+
+"Got all the blankets we want; don't want it; keep it yourself."
+
+"Will you not give us one gun for both the blanket and watch?"
+
+The miner now laughed, and shook his head again.
+
+"Don't want either; can't do it."
+
+The boys now despaired.
+
+"Well, we may as well give up. We can't get any guns of you."
+
+"What is the reason you can't?"
+
+"You seem unwilling to trade, and we can not buy them."
+
+"Of course you can't; but----"
+
+And thereupon the miner rose to his feet and handed one gun to Elwood
+and the other to Howard.
+
+"What does this mean?" asked the latter, not comprehending him.
+
+"You don't suppose we would be _mean_ enough to _sell_ you anything you
+needed so bad, do you? No; take them both, and here's a lot of lead,
+gun-caps and ammunition."
+
+"But----"
+
+"No _buts_ about it. Take 'em, you're welcome, for you need 'em. I was
+only joking with you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE CANOE.
+
+
+Ned Trimble would not hear the repeated thanks of our friends, but waved
+them an impressive and magnificent farewell as they took their
+departure. They were not yet beyond sight of each other when they heard
+him calling to them in excited tones, and the next moment he came
+running after them.
+
+"I think you said you was going to undertake to foller the river down
+the valley, didn't you?"
+
+They made answer that such was their intention, whereupon he hastened to
+add:
+
+"About a mile down, under some bushes that stick out by a big rock, on
+the same side that you're traveling, is a little Injin canoe that is
+just the thing you want. You're welcome to it."
+
+"But how shall we thank you?"
+
+"I don't know; again, my noble friends, I bid thee farewell, and if
+forever, still forever, fare thee well."
+
+The eccentric miner lifted his hat, bowed very low, and sauntered back
+to his friends with the air of a monarch who had just indulged in some
+gracious act of condescension, while our friends, delighted beyond
+measure, hurried forward on their journey.
+
+They were now amply provided--each having a gun and plenty of
+ammunition, and their faithful dog. They began to look upon themselves
+as on a holiday excursion. The only thing was, that there was rather too
+strong a tinge of danger about it. If they were but a hundred or two
+miles nearer home, and their parents had no anxiety regarding them, it
+would be more pleasant. But then, they could easily understand how much
+worse it easily could be, and they were heartfelt at the good fortune
+which had followed them thus far on their strange entry into California.
+The most that they could ask was that it might continue.
+
+Elwood and Howard were anxious to test their marksmanship, but prudence
+forbade it, as the chances were that they would need all their
+ammunition, and the report of their guns might draw inconvenient
+attention to themselves.
+
+They were walking cheerily along when a singular object caught their
+eyes. At first sight it resembled an Indian hut; but it was much too
+small to be inhabited by a human being, and therefore must have been the
+handiwork of some animal.
+
+"Shall we batter it down?" asked Elwood.
+
+"No; we do not know what is in it, and there is no use of wantonly
+destroying the home of any dumb creature."
+
+"It reminds me of me birthplace in ould Ireland," said Tim, with a sigh.
+
+But Terror was not so considerate as his masters; for bursting forward
+he placed his snout at the lower orifice, snuffed furiously, and then
+clawed so savagely that the greater part of the singular fabric came
+tumbling to the ground. It was made of brush and twigs, and like
+everything constructed by instinct, was put together with great skill.
+Terror could not be restrained until he had inflicted great injury.
+
+"Look! what are they?" exclaimed Howard in astonishment. "What
+strange-looking creatures!"
+
+"Snapping tortles!" replied Tim, staring with an expression of the
+greatest astonishment at the objects.
+
+Three animals, about the size of a musk-rat, with webbed feet, and the
+color of mice, came scrambling forth and scampered away for the shelter
+of the rocks.
+
+Terror by this time had been brought under restraint, and was prevented
+from crushing them to death as they ran.
+
+Great speculation was caused by their appearance, as none of our friends
+had seen anything like them, nor had they ever heard or read of such.
+They were, in fact, a species of mountain rat living in the vicinity of
+mountains and constructing their singular-looking huts with remarkable
+skill, often building them to a height of six feet. Their fur is very
+fine, and the hunters and trappers frequently take the animals for their
+coats, although their diminutive size, when compared with the beaver,
+otter, and other fur-bearing animals, prevents their being much in
+demand.
+
+The hunters, as perhaps it is proper to term them, were too anxious to
+discover the canoe to pause long at any curiosity unless it was
+something extraordinary. They carefully noted the distance they
+journeyed, and when they judged they had gone about a mile, stepped into
+the edge of the river and looked about them. But they saw nothing
+answering to Ned Trimble's description of the hiding-place of the boat.
+
+"Perhaps he was jesting," remarked Elwood.
+
+"No; I think he is too kind-hearted for that. He may have been mistaken
+as to whether it is precisely a mile or not."
+
+"Whist! but it strikes me that the bushes are rather thick just ayonst
+you."
+
+Tim pointed to a spot a hundred rods away which had failed to arrest
+their attention. There was nothing unusual, except mayhap that the
+overhanging shrubbery was rather denser than usual; but it held out
+hope, and the party hurried pell-mell to the spot.
+
+There, sure enough, they descried the rock, and lifting the bushes,
+caught sight of the small, delicate canoe concealed beneath. Elwood was
+in the advance, and quickly pulled it forth with the wildest expressions
+of delight.
+
+"Isn't it splendid!" he fairly shouted. "And here is a long paddle. Our
+work is now done."
+
+"Do yees jist stand up in the same," said Tim, "and see what a beautiful
+rest it gives to the faat."
+
+The impulsive boy caught up the paddle, and rose to his feet; but it was
+like unto him who first puts on skates. It flashed from beneath him, and
+he was precipitated headlong into the water. The others, as a matter of
+course, laughed.
+
+"That was done on purpose," said Elwood as he clambered to his feet
+again.
+
+"I wished to give yees a little insthruction, and that was me first
+lesson."
+
+"Well, I learned considerable at any rate."
+
+The canoe was caught, and the three carefully entered and seated
+themselves. It was made of bark, bound together with cord and gum, and
+would have held double their weight, being very light and buoyant.
+
+A vast amount of sport was afforded the party in learning to navigate
+the frail vessel. Tim had had some experience in the matter, and could
+propel it quite dexterously; but the boys were much at fault: they
+expended far more strength than there was any need for, and soon
+exhausted themselves so thoroughly that they were obliged to relinquish
+the sole management of the boat into the hands of Tim O'Rooney.
+
+"There's a bootiful current here," said he, "and we can have the
+illegant pleasure of moving along without working ourselves, as me
+frind, Michael McGubbens, said when they carried him off to Botany Bay."
+
+The Irishman first dipped his paddle upon the one side and then upon the
+other, and imparted quite a velocity to the canoe. The boys were so
+pleased with the easy, gliding motion that they failed to notice the
+shores they were passing between. When finally Tim lay down his paddle
+and rested they were charmed.
+
+All were tired enough to make them enjoy this relaxation and the
+sensation of floating so idly forward. The sky was clear and almost free
+of clouds, the dry air was not uncomfortably warm, and an occasional
+breeze that came floating apparently from the snowy peaks of the Coast
+Range imparted delicious coolness. On the left stretched the high hills
+intervening between them and the Pacific, and on the right rose the vast
+Coast Mountains, forming in its extensive line some of the finest
+scenery on the North American Continent.
+
+By-and-by, as they rounded a bend in the river, a small island appeared
+near the center of the channel.
+
+"There we will rest," said Howard.
+
+A half-hour later the canoe lightly touched the shore, and springing out
+they pulled it up on the land after them. They had scarcely done so when
+a groan very near them startled them all.
+
+"Whisht!" whispered Tim; "there's somebody else beside us on this
+island."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+SHASTA, THE PAH UTAH.
+
+
+All three paused and listened. For a moment all was still; and then the
+suppressed groan of distress was heard, as though the sufferer were
+seeking to keep back the outcry that was forced from him.
+
+"There it is!" whispered Howard, pointing to a clump of bushes near the
+edge of the river.
+
+"It strikes me we had better leave!" replied Elwood, looking forward to
+the canoe as if fearful that that would be taken from them and all
+escape be thus cut off.
+
+"Do you sind the dog forward and let him smell out the difficulty,"
+suggested Tim O'Rooney.
+
+Terror stood there between the boys, his head raised and his whole
+appearance indicating that he had scented something unusual, but was
+awaiting orders before advancing upon it. The Newfoundland looked up as
+if asking for directions. Elwood simply pointed toward the brush and the
+dog galloped to it. Instead of entering, he stopped by it and gave a low
+growl of discovery.
+
+"What is it, Terror?" asked Howard.
+
+The brute whined and ran to his masters and then back to the bushes.
+
+"It maybe a trap to catch us," said Elwood. "I prefer very much taking
+to the canoe and getting away from the island."
+
+"But it may be some one suffering and needing help. He may perish if we
+leave him here."
+
+"Yez spakes the truth," said Tim. "The blessed Father would never
+forgive us if we should desart one of his creatures when he needed
+hilp."
+
+Tim now advanced straight to the bushes, paused, and then parted them
+and looked in. He was heard to mutter something to himself; then he came
+back.
+
+"It's an Injin, a-layin' on the ground, a-groanin' and a-rollin' over. I
+guess the poor fellow has got his last sickness, and we can't help him
+any."
+
+All feelings were at once merged into that of pity. The three advanced
+and parted the bushes. There, sure enough, lay an Indian apparently nigh
+unto death. He turned his black eyes up to the white people in a manner
+that would have melted the heart of a Nero. He lay doubled up on his
+blanket, with his gun a short distance from him. He belonged to the Pah
+Utah tribe, although their hunting-grounds are further to the southwest.
+This fact, as a matter of course, was unknown to our friends.
+
+The first impression was that he had been badly wounded, but a second
+glance showed that he was deadly sick.
+
+Elwood Brandon had placed his hand upon the dusky forehead, and the heat
+and throbbing temples told him at once that he was possessed with a
+burning fever.
+
+The poor Indian muttered something unintelligible, but which bore some
+resemblance to the word "Shasta," and he made a motion toward his mouth
+and then threw his head back and imitated the act of drinking.
+
+"He must be suffering with thirst," said Howard. "How shall we manage to
+give him water?"
+
+"God save the poor fellow! I will soon fix that!" exclaimed the
+kind-hearted Tim, rising to his feet and hurrying to the river's edge.
+Here he speedily constructed quite a capacious cup of leaves, and
+carefully filling it with cool water he as carefully carried it back to
+where he lay.
+
+"Now, me good felly, just tip up his noddle and we'll make him faal
+aisy."
+
+Elwood carefully raised his head, and the trembling sufferer eagerly
+reached forward for the cooling fluid. It was placed to his parched lips
+and swallowed hastily, when he immediately motioned for more.
+
+"Will it do to give it?" asked Howard. "Will it not injure him?"
+
+"Niver a bit," replied Tim, hurrying away for another supply.
+
+In a moment it was brought and swallowed with the same avidity. He then
+lay his head back upon the blanket of the boys, which had been folded
+into a pillow by Howard. His great black eyes looked the thanks which
+his tongue was unable to express.
+
+"Now he will slaap," said Tim. "Lave him alone."
+
+He was relinquished to slumber while our friends retired a short
+distance to consult.
+
+"How providential that we landed here," said Howard. "He was too feeble
+to help himself, and might have died in great distress."
+
+"Yes, I am glad that we found him, for if he does die we may be the
+means of robbing his last moments of great suffering."
+
+"Boys," said Tim, hitching up his pantaloons and scratching his head,
+"me mind is made up to one thing."
+
+The boys looked inquiringly at him.
+
+"I stays here till that poor copper-skin gets well or dies."
+
+This decision pleased his companions, who declared their resolve of
+doing all they could for the sufferer.
+
+"How much more pleasant than shooting at him," said Elwood. "I never
+felt better in my life than when I found I was able to do something for
+this Indian."
+
+What a happiness it is indeed to minister to the wants of the suffering
+and distressed! What purer joy than to wipe away the damp from the brow
+of the dying and to speak words of consolation in their ears? That last
+agony must come to us all sooner or later, and oh how deeply we shall
+then appreciate the kindness of the friend who stands beside us,
+ministering to our wants and doing all possible to cheer and soothe our
+suffering! True, we must go alone through the Dark Valley, but others
+may lead us down to the border, and their cheering words may yet linger
+with us as the day closes and we step into that awful gloom through
+which we must pass before we can enter into the eternal day beyond.
+Though we know that He stands waiting to take our hand in His and lead
+us through the solemn darkness, yet the soul, hovering in its flight,
+longs for the companionship of the dear ones, until the final adieu must
+come! Oh, loving Father, whose sympathizing arms reach out to enfold us
+all, grant that such may be mine and the lot of all my friends.
+
+Upon looking at the Indian an hour later, he was seen to be sleeping as
+calmly as an infant, while his face was covered with a mild, healthful
+moisture.
+
+"He will git well!" said Tim. "Did I not stand by the bedside of my poor
+mother and give her the cowld water that brought her back to life agin?"
+
+"The crisis of the fever has passed, or is passing," said Howard. "He
+must have an iron constitution, like all his people, and he will rally,
+I have no doubt."
+
+"Yes," added Elwood, with much feeling, "there is one thing certain;
+_all_ are not our enemies; we have made one friend at least."
+
+"True, an Indian never forgets an injury nor a kindness, and his
+friendship may be of benefit to us before we reach home."
+
+"I b'laves you, boys; that Injin will remember us as long as he lives,
+and will sarve us a good turn if the chances for the same be iver given
+him."
+
+"But see, he has awaked!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+A HUNT FOR FOOD.
+
+
+The Indian was awake and making signs to his friends. For some time they
+were at a loss to understand their meaning, but Howard noticed that he
+had a leaf in his hand which he offered to them. When the boy took it
+his face showed that he was pleased, but continued his signs as before.
+
+Suddenly Elwood's eyes sparkled.
+
+"He wants us to bring him some of those leaves. Let me have it; they
+must be on the island."
+
+He hastened away and was not long in finding a bush that bore precisely
+the same species, and gathering quite a lot he returned to the Indian
+and offered them to him. But he did not seem satisfied. He looked at the
+leaves, nodded his head, and then taking them by the slight twigs to
+which they were fastened, he made as if to pull them up again.
+
+"Ah! I know what he means!" said Howard. "It is not the leaf but the
+root that he wishes."
+
+"I can soon get that."
+
+Elwood verified his words, and scarce ten minutes elapsed ere he
+returned with several goodly-sized roots, which were washed and cleaned.
+The look of the Indian showed that he had now got what he wanted, and he
+began gnawing the bark and chewing it.
+
+"He's a docthering himself now!" said Tim, "as the patient said when he
+gave the docther his own medicine and pisened him to death by raisin of
+the same. He will get along."
+
+They watched the sufferer for a few moments. Gathering his mouth nearly
+full of the bark, he continued chewing and swallowing for some time
+longer, when he finally shut his eyes and again slept.
+
+Picking up a piece of the root which he had gathered Elwood tasted of
+it. He found it so bitter that he instantly spat it out.
+
+"It must have some medicinal quality," remarked Howard, "or he would not
+use it. I believe the Indians doctor entirely with herbs, and I have no
+doubt that he will soon be well."
+
+"Do yez mind that if it isn't noon it is close to the same? And be the
+tame towken we are all slightly hungry."
+
+Now arose a query. The island was so small that it contained no game of
+any kind, and so was unavailable to supply their wants. The river
+abounded in fish, but there was no means of catching them; and finally,
+after some discussion, it was agreed that Tim should cross over to the
+mainland and shoot something.
+
+"Do yez kaap your eyes about yez till I'z back again, for some of the
+coppery gintlemen may take a notion to pay yez a visit."
+
+The boys felt a little uneasiness as they saw their companion enter the
+canoe and paddle toward the eastern shore--the shore which as yet had
+been unvisited by them. They watched until he landed, pulled the boat up
+behind him into shelter, and then disappeared in the wood.
+
+"We shall be in rather a bad situation if he never comes back," remarked
+Elwood.
+
+"I don't know about that; in what better occupation can we be found than
+in ministering to the wants of a suffering Indian? Would not that itself
+protect us from injury?"
+
+"Perhaps it might; but what would become of us any way? They wouldn't be
+kind enough to guide us up to San Francisco."
+
+"They might take us so far that we could find our way."
+
+"Hardly; I don't like to see Tim go to that shore; it looks too
+dangerous. I wonder why he did it?"
+
+"He must have believed there is more game there."
+
+"But there is enough on the other side, and he would avoid this greater
+danger by going there."
+
+"I imagine that a river running through a hostile country is as
+dangerous upon one side as upon the other, and there is little choice,
+Howard, in the matter."
+
+"But I know _you_ feel unpleasant in being thus left alone."
+
+"I know I shall be glad to see Tim come back again, for there is always
+great danger in such a small party separating."
+
+"Halloo! there goes his gun or somebody else's."
+
+The sharp crack of the rifle came from the shore, and Elwood was sure he
+saw the faint smoke of the discharge ascend from some thick bushes near
+the edge of the wood. But he was no doubt mistaken, for as they
+scrutinized the spot they detected nothing of him who had fired the gun.
+
+"I suppose it was Tim firing at some game. You know he is not a very
+good shot, and so he has badly wounded without killing it."
+
+"Then we ought to hear his gun again."
+
+"We shall no doubt----"
+
+"Hark!"
+
+Crack went a gun, almost instantly followed by three similar reports.
+The boys turned pale and looked at each other.
+
+"What does that mean?" whispered Elwood.
+
+"That is bad; Tim is in trouble."
+
+"He ought to have had better sense than to paddle out there in open day,
+plunge right into the woods and go to shooting without stopping to see
+what the danger is. But what will become of him?"
+
+"And of us?"
+
+"This Indian here must have had some way of getting upon the island. I
+believe he has a canoe hid somewhere."
+
+"But what of it? We cannot think of leaving until we know something
+definite about Tim."
+
+"Unless some of the Indians start to come over to the island, and then
+we'll leave."
+
+"Do you think that would be the wisest plan, Elwood? They can handle the
+paddle so much better than we that it would take but little time for
+them to overhaul us. Then, too, if they should find us by this suffering
+brother of theirs would it not make friends of them?"
+
+"Suppose this Indian here is one of their enemies?"
+
+This was a supposition that had never occurred to Howard before, but
+which he saw was very reasonable. All Indians not belonging to the same
+tribe might be supposed to be enemies of each other, and thus the mercy
+and kindness of our young heroes might be made the means of their
+destruction.
+
+"I didn't think of that," said Howard, "it may be so. But let us hope
+for the best. Tim may soon return to us again."
+
+"Not if he has a grain of sense left."
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"He has been seen by Indians, and if they haven't got him now they will
+soon have him if he undertakes to paddle his canoe over to the island."
+
+"You are right, Elwood; he will no doubt wait until it is dark, and then
+come out to us as stealthily as he can."
+
+"That is if he gets the chance. I tell you, Howard," said his cousin,
+starting up, "this begins to look bad."
+
+"I know it does."
+
+"We know how those red men handle their guns, and it don't look likely
+to me that all those shots have missed Tim."
+
+"They may be quite a distance apart--far enough to make their aim
+uncertain."
+
+"But then they could cut off his return to the shore."
+
+Howard suddenly laid his hand upon the arm of his cousin and pointed to
+the other shore.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+DANGER.
+
+
+Three Indians walked leisurely down to the shore of the river, as though
+in quest of nothing particular, and stood gesticulating as they
+generally do with their whole arms. They were about two hundred yards
+above the point where Tim O'Rooney landed, but their position was such
+that the canoe might have rested on the surface of the water without
+being seen. Sensible of their danger, the boys at first sight of them
+withdrew into cover, from which they cautiously peered out and watched
+their movements.
+
+"Those must be the three who fired the guns," whispered Elwood.
+
+"Very probably they are; that looks more encouraging, for I do not see
+Tim among them."
+
+"Maybe they have slain him and are talking as to where he came from."
+
+"Heaven! I hope not."
+
+"So do I; but it looks reasonable that they have made away with him and
+are now looking for us."
+
+"How did they know he had any friends with him? Then, too, if they had
+slain him, would they not have followed his trail straight down to the
+water?"
+
+"I didn't think of that. _That_ question makes me more hopeful than
+anything else. It does now look somewhat cheering. But what are they
+after?"
+
+The Indians were still talking in an excited manner, and more than once
+pointed across the river to the island as if there were something there
+which claimed their attention. It might be the boys themselves, or they
+may have known that one of their race lay there in dire extremity; but
+whatever the cause was it boded no good to the two boys, who were
+crouching in the bushes and grass and furtively watching their motions.
+
+The latter were still gazing at them when their hearts were thrilled by
+the sight of Tim O'Rooney. The eyes of Elwood chanced to be fixed upon a
+small open space, a rod or two from where the canoe lay, when he saw the
+Irishman come cautiously into view, and then pause and look around him.
+He had an animal slung over his shoulders, whose weight was sufficient
+to make him stop and travel with some difficulty. They saw him turn his
+head and carefully scrutinize every suspicious point that was visible,
+and then he walked slowly toward the spot where the canoe was concealed.
+Whether his low stoop was caused by the weight of his game, or whether
+it was a precautionary measure on his part, was difficult to decide. The
+boys at once became painfully excited and alarmed.
+
+"They will see him! they will see him!" said Elwood, "and it will be all
+over with us. What a pity! when he has got along so well!"
+
+"Can we not warn him in some manner? The Indians do not know how near he
+is, nor does he know how close they are."
+
+"How can we do it?" asked Elwood, who was anxious to give Tim some
+warning of his danger. "If we make any sign the Indians will see us."
+
+"Perhaps not; for they are not looking in this direction all the time,
+while Tim knows that we are watching him."
+
+"Yes; but he has his hands full to see that the savages do not find
+him."
+
+The case looked critical indeed. Tim was nearing the point where it
+seemed inevitable that a discovery should take place. He paused at
+nearly every step or two, looked behind him and up and down the river in
+a manner that showed plainly enough his fear of his enemies. Elwood
+Brandon in his eagerness had risen to his feet, and was looking intently
+at him, waiting until he should cast his eye toward the island that he
+might give him warning. But the Irishman was so occupied with his
+enemies that he appeared to forget the existence of his friends.
+
+Elwood did not remove his gaze, and all at once he saw him raise his
+head. Quick as a flash the boy sprung up a foot or two from the ground
+and waved his hat toward him.
+
+"Did he see me?" he asked, as he sunk down to the earth again.
+
+"He has paused and is looking toward us."
+
+Tim had caught sight of the signal of the boy, but was uncertain as to
+its meaning. The waving of the hat might be supposed as an act of
+encouragement than otherwise; but there was something in the silent,
+hurried manner of his young friend, united with the fact that he had
+been, and was still, in great personal peril, that arrested his
+attention and set him to thinking.
+
+"Did the Indians see me?" asked Elwood.
+
+"I can't say positively, as I was looking at Tim at the moment you made
+your signal, but they do not seem to act as if they had discovered us."
+
+"Tim saw me, didn't he? He doesn't know what to make of it."
+
+The Irishman had laid the animal he was carrying upon the ground, and
+stood looking toward the inland as if waiting for some further
+manifestation before advancing or retreating. Believing the safety of
+the entire party demanded it, Elwood begun cautiously rising to his feet
+to repeat his warning, when he was quickly caught by his cousin.
+
+"Down! those Indians are suspicious; they are looking right at us--don't
+stir."
+
+The admonition was not a moment too soon; but while it prevented
+discovery on the part of the boys, it rendered the signal already given
+the Irishman void and of no effect. Tim, seeing nothing more of his
+young friend, concluded that all was right, and lifting his game to his
+shoulder continued his descent until he reached his canoe. This was
+drawn from its hiding place and launched in the water, and the animal
+placed in the rear. Seating himself carefully in the front, Tim lifted
+his paddle and began making his way toward the inland.
+
+"Too bad! too bad!" muttered Elwood, unable to repress his feelings. "He
+is coming right out where they will have a fair chance with their
+rifles."
+
+"If he would only turn up stream, they would see nothing of him."
+
+"_Can't_ I warn him?"
+
+"No, Elwood, it will make matters worse. Their eyes are fixed upon us."
+
+Grasping the long oar Tim headed his boat somewhat up stream, so as not
+to let it drift by the island, and commenced paddling across. He had
+gone twenty rods or thereabouts when he was discovered by the Indians,
+and one of them raised his rifle and took aim at him.
+
+"Quick, Tim, drop down, or you'll be shot!" called out Howard, forgetful
+of his own danger in the single hope of saving his friend from a violent
+death.
+
+At the same instant that this cry was uttered the terrified boy saw a
+puff of smoke issue from the Indian rifle, and simultaneous with the
+sharp crack Tim O'Rooney was seen to fall flat in the canoe.
+
+"He is shot!" called out Elwood.
+
+"It is time then for us to do some of the same kind of business,"
+replied Howard, sighting his own gun at the savage upon the shore. The
+distance was too great and his skill too slight to guide the ball with
+anything like certainty, but it skipped over the water at their very
+feet, and so alarmed them that they immediately dodged back under the
+shelter of the rocks and trees.
+
+"What is the use?" asked Elwood gloomily. "Poor Tim is killed and there
+is no chance for us."
+
+"Look! he is not dead!" whispered Howard.
+
+The head of the Irishman was seen to rise stealthily from the bottom of
+the canoe, and to peer around, and then to dash down again as though
+fearful of another shot.
+
+"I don't believe he has been struck!" added Howard. "He dropped down so
+as to save himself."
+
+"Oh! I hope so, for we need him bad enough. See! he is fixing the body
+of the animal so that it shall be between him and the Indians' guns."
+
+Such was the case. Tim was arranging and placing the carcass so that it
+might shield his own body while he managed the paddle. This completed he
+turned his face toward his young friends and called across the water:
+
+"Be aisy, me darlings! The owld bullet come close, but not a hair of Tim
+O'Rooney's head was touched, and thanks be to heaven for it!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+DRIFTING AWAY.
+
+
+The bullet of the treacherous Indian had indeed whizzed harmlessly by
+the head of Tim O'Rooney and when he fell to the bottom of the canoe it
+was for the purpose of preventing any more of their missiles passing too
+near him.
+
+The savages, hastily driven to shelter by the unexpected shot from the
+island, did not by any means relinquish their designs upon the
+unfortunate white man in the canoe. He who had taken the quick aim and
+fired saw that his bullet missed, but he understood the disadvantage of
+his enemy, and was confident that he would still fall into their hands.
+
+As we have shown, when the Irishman was thus suddenly interrupted, he
+was but a short distance from the shore. So abruptly compelled to
+relinquish his paddle and simply shelter his person, the current carried
+him quite rapidly down the stream.
+
+Tim did not become sensible of his disadvantage until he had drifted
+below the island, and then upon partly rising to use his paddle the
+crack of a gun from the shore told him that he was watched by vigilant
+eyes, and that _that_ occupation was vetoed most unmistakably.
+
+Forced thus to act entirely on the defensive, he carefully drew out his
+rifle and resting it on the body of his game waited his chance to avenge
+himself upon the unrelenting savages. He could tell from the faint blue
+smoke that curled upward where they were concealed, but could not catch
+sight of them.
+
+Had they shown themselves, the Irishman knew it was about impossible for
+him to harm them at such a distance, while their dexterity in the use of
+the gun made it too dangerous for him to expose himself to their fire.
+He watched them until he had floated quite a way below, when he began to
+hope that they had given up their designs upon him, and he might make
+his way back to his friends upon the island in safety.
+
+But when on the point of rising to a sitting position he saw them whisk
+through the bushes he knew they were following him along the
+shore--following him, too, with that skill and stealth which prevented
+his getting a shot at them, and placing it totally out of his power to
+prevent himself from being "commanded by their fire."
+
+As may well be imagined, Howard and Elwood were deeply interested
+spectators of these events. Now that they had revealed their presence
+upon the island, and there was no further use in attempting to conceal
+the fact, they were eager to render their companion all the assistance
+possible.
+
+But the nature of the occurrences made them helpless. Tim had drifted
+such a distance down stream, and had consequently drawn his enemies so
+far after him, that they had not the slightest chance of reaching them
+with their rifles, if they chose to expose themselves. They could only
+watch, therefore, and pray for their safety.
+
+Floating slowly onward, onward, they observed that Tim's canoe gradually
+swerved to the left until it disappeared around a curve in the river. It
+crossed the center and was nearer the western than the eastern shore.
+This seemed to show that, despite his unfavorable situation, he was able
+to impart a motion to the boat, which, slight as it was, would
+eventually bring him to the opposite side of the stream.
+
+Nothing more was seen of the Indians, although the report of several
+guns, heard within a half-hour of the disappearance of the canoe,
+prevented their feeling too sanguine over the position of Tim O'Rooney.
+
+"We can now see the blunder he committed," said Howard. "He did wrong in
+going to the eastern bank when he could have secured his game as well
+upon the other side."
+
+"I think he will be able to get away, unless they have a canoe with
+which to follow him."
+
+"Even then he can take to the woods and hide himself until dark, and
+then make his way back to us."
+
+"I hope so, but fear he will be prevented or overtaken before he can
+reach shelter."
+
+"But think, Howard, he has a gun and plenty of ammunition, and there are
+but three of them. I should say they would hesitate some time before
+advancing upon him."
+
+"But he is a poor shot, like ourselves."
+
+"He could not miss them if they came very close to him."
+
+"Yes; there seems to be a good chance, if they don't find more Indians
+to unite with them in the hunt."
+
+This was a contingency that had not occurred to Elwood, and he was
+almost overwhelmed at its import until he came to reason upon it, when
+the likelihood of such being the case dwindled away until it almost
+vanished.
+
+"We have seen no large bodies of savages, and I don't believe they care
+enough about catching or slaying a single man to go to all that
+trouble."
+
+"Not so much trouble, perhaps, as you are apt to think. War is the
+business of the American Indians, you know, as it is of all barbarous
+people."
+
+"But look at Ned Trimble and his friends. There are but three of them,
+and I have no doubt that their security is in their strength--otherwise
+they would not be so indifferent as to what is going on around them. You
+remember they did not see us until we first spoke to them."
+
+"So it appeared; but I have an idea that they knew of our presence
+before Tim discovered them."
+
+"They did not show it, at any rate."
+
+"They looked surprised when we came up, but if we had been enemies
+instead of friends I believe we would have been the surprised parties.
+They have lived too long in the wilds of California to permit a party of
+strangers to steal upon them unaware."
+
+"But what is to become of us if Tim doesn't come back?"
+
+"We shall have to put ourselves under the care of Shasta--that is, if he
+gets well."
+
+"Why do you call him _Shasta_? Where did you hear that name?"
+
+"The only word I have heard him speak sounded like that, and I do not
+know of any better name. Can you think of one?"
+
+"No; that is good enough; let him be called Shasta, then. There may be a
+greater Providence in our coming upon this island than we imagine."
+
+"There is a Providence in everything that occurs, though it may be that
+we are not always able to see it. Do you remember the copy we had so
+often at school, 'Misfortunes are often blessings in disguise?'"
+
+"Yes; but like the truths that were driven into our heads so often at
+school, we fail to appreciate them until some occasion like this
+impresses them upon our minds. But I declare, Howard, we are turning
+philosophers."
+
+"What better can we do, when there is nothing else to employ ourselves
+about? We need all our philosophy at such a time."
+
+"But we must not forget our patient, Shasta."
+
+"True. He had gone almost out of my mind until you referred to him a
+moment ago. Let us look at him."
+
+The two had been stationed near the lower end of the island, and they
+now walked back to where they had left the suffering stranger. What was
+their surprise to see him standing on his feet, his blanket wrapped
+around him, and his attitude and position such as to raise a strong
+suspicion that he understood all that had taken place within the last
+hour or two.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+A HUNT.
+
+
+When Tim O'Rooney left the island and crossed to the eastern shore of
+the Salinas he had almost forgotten the existence of any such thing as
+hostile Indians. He was after something to eat, and some how or other it
+seemed to him that the climate of California had given him a most
+ravenous appetite, which demanded satisfaction regardless of
+consequences.
+
+Touching land, he pulled his canoe up the bank to prevent its being
+carried away by the current, and then plunged boldly into the forest.
+The land from the river rose quite rapidly until it reached an elevation
+of several hundred feet, when it was broken by gorges, ravines and
+chasms, which made it rattier difficult to travel, and gave it an
+extremely wild and picturesque appearance.
+
+Fairly among these broken hills, Tim began to look for his game, but for
+a time saw nothing to draw his fire. Finally he reached a wild-looking
+gorge which descended over a hundred feet below him, while upon the
+opposite side it rose to a greater height than the place upon which he
+stood.
+
+The Irishman was so struck with the wild scenery that he stood a few
+moments contemplating it in silent admiration, when all at once he
+became conscious that something else beside himself was engaged in
+looking. Directly across the gorge, so as to be almost opposite to him,
+he saw the head of an animal which he recognized at once as belonging to
+a black-tailed deer.
+
+"Be the powers! but you're jist the gintleman that I'd like to make an
+acquaintance with, as me mither said when me father axed her hand in
+marriage."
+
+Tim drew his rifle carefully and rested it upon a rock beside him. The
+deer gazed at him with that expression of stupid wonder which wild
+animals assume when confronted with something, and they seem to be
+debating with themselves whether to leap away at high speed or to stare
+a moment longer.
+
+The distance was so slight that Tim was sure of his aim. Nevertheless,
+he took great care in sighting his piece, and as his finger gently
+pressed the trigger, he held his breath. The bullet sped true, entering
+just below and between the eyes, and with such deadly effect that the
+mortally wounded deer sprung several feet in the air and fell dead
+within a rod of the spot where it had stood when struck.
+
+"That is plaisant," muttered the Irishman, as he saw the animal fall,
+"and yez hav the distinguished honor of baing the first deer that Tim
+O'Rooney brought down; but yez ain't the first he fired at--but whist,
+Tim, don't be telling your secrets, for somebody else might larn them."
+
+He now began making his way carefully down the gorge in order to ascend
+upon the opposite side and secure his prize. He had no thought that the
+report of his gun could reach the ears of hostile persons, and he did
+not heed anything except the place and manner in which he put his feet
+in going down and up the ravine.
+
+After no little toiling he reached the dead body, and found that he had
+shot a rather small black-tailed deer. It was in middling condition, and
+was the very prize he was anxious to secure for his hungry self and
+equally hungry friends.
+
+As he stood admiring it, for the first time the thought of personal
+danger crossed his mind, and he glanced hurriedly around him, but saw
+nothing to occasion alarm. Then he leaned forward and gazed down the
+gorge, and as he did so he descried three Indians looking up the side of
+the chasm. Slight as was the distance his head projected, it was seen by
+them, and he only drew it back to escape the effect of three discharges
+of their guns.
+
+"And that is your shtyle of saluting a gintleman is it?" said Tim in
+some trepidation. "But yez has a forcible way of saying 'how do yez do,'
+in this counthry, that a stranger would do well to imitate."
+
+The Irishman hastily debated with himself upon the best plan to pursue
+to escape the serious peril that threatened him, for he was sure the
+savages would follow up their shot.
+
+"The best thing I can do is to lave," he concluded. "There is strong
+raison for belaving that I've given some one slight offinse by walking
+into their house without ringing the bell."
+
+He stooped over and lifted his game. He found its weight somewhat less
+than he had suspected.
+
+"I have no objiction to your going wid me. If I has to have the same
+dispute about ivery deer I tips over, I may as well hang on to the fust
+one."
+
+Slinging it over his shoulder, he began his return with the carcass. It
+proved beneficial to him in a way that he had little suspected. Not
+wishing to go any further down the gorge, where there was reason to fear
+a collision with the savages, he clambered still higher, taking great
+care to shield himself from observation from below.
+
+This made his labor excessive, and he was often obliged to pause and
+rest himself. But at length he reached what might be termed the brow of
+the hill, and began making his way along the edge of a smaller ravine,
+that led toward the river. While thus engaged, the body of the deer
+struck a projecting rock, and before Tim could save himself he rolled
+over and over for a distance of twenty odd feet, coming down plump upon
+the deer without injuring himself in the least.
+
+"I'm obliged to yez," he said, as he rose and stared around with a
+bewildered air. "That was kind in yez, and I'll not forget the favor."
+
+Again raising his carcass to his shoulder, he resumed his journey toward
+the river. But as he progressed the weight upon his shoulder seemed to
+grow heavier, and he was obliged to pause and rest himself quite often.
+On these occasions he looked around him half-expecting to see the three
+savages spring out of the bushes.
+
+If such a thing should occur, Tim had already decided upon his mode of
+procedure. He intended to sink to the ground at once, with the body of
+the deer as a sheltering breastwork, and make as gallant fight as
+possible. His success in bringing down his game, when it was fully fifty
+yards distant, gave him quite a flattering estimate of his prowess.
+
+The Indians, as the Irishman had anticipated, hastened up the gorge to
+secure the daring hunter, who had so audaciously exposed himself to
+their anger. It required some time for them to find the exact spot where
+the deer had fallen, and when they did so, they followed him readily by
+the blood which had trickled from its drooping head, which as Tim bore
+his prize away he little dreamed would betray the course he took.
+
+When the point of Tim's fall was reached, all signs of his trail ceased,
+and they supposed he had checked the flow of blood, and thus concealed
+his tracks. The surface over which he traversed being rock and flinty
+ground, left no evidence of his passage; and resigning, therefore, the
+pursuit in this manner, they made their way leisurely down to the river
+and waited until the hunter appeared.
+
+Tim's heart beat high with hope when he found himself close by the
+stream and saw nothing of his pursuers. The hasty signal given by Elwood
+Brandon, as we have shown, caused him some uneasiness, but not being
+repeated, and being very anxious to get back to the island, he placed
+the deer in the canoe and paddled away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+A SINGULAR ESCAPE.
+
+
+The shot from the treacherous Indian upon the shore was the first
+intelligent warning Tim had that he was discovered by them. The kind
+Providence who had so often turned aside the dangerous missile still
+protected him, and when he so suddenly dropped to the bottom of his
+canoe, it was with a bullet-hole through his coat but not through his
+body.
+
+"Another illigant compliment to mesilf that it would afford me great
+pleasure to return, and if you'll only be kind enough to wait a few
+moments, I'll do the same."
+
+But ere he could bring his gun to bear, the wild shot from the island
+drove the savages to cover, and raised the Irishman's finger that was
+pressing the trigger.
+
+We have already told how, when he undertook to use the paddle, he found
+it too dangerous, and coming again behind the deer, he floated down the
+current. This, after the severe labor he had undergone, was an agreeable
+change, but he was not long in discovering it was dangerous. He was
+drifting away from his friends, and the further he went the greater did
+the danger become to both parties. He speedily discovered that the
+Indians were following him, and the interposing body of the black-tailed
+deer was a most effectual protection. More than his own bullets were
+buried in it ere he had gone a half-mile down stream.
+
+"If I entertained a small doubt that yez was killed, I couldn't howld it
+with them bullets rattlin' in your hide, me owld friend."
+
+The efforts of a child, if steadily persevered in, would move the Great
+Eastern in calm water, and Tim was not long in making the discovery
+that, if he could not use the paddle, he still was able to exert a
+motive power upon the canoe by a very slight means.
+
+Reaching his hand over the side, he began paddling the water, and soon
+had the gratifying consciousness that he was moving across the river.
+True, it was slow, but it was nevertheless certain and positive, and was
+carrying him further away from his troublesome pursuers, and must
+eventually bring him against the western shore.
+
+But when the island disappeared from view, and he had barely crossed the
+center of the stream, he begun to think that this species of locomotion
+was rather tardy, and he partially came to the sitting position and
+ventured to take his paddle in hand. A discharge from the shore warned
+him of the danger he ran, and he was reluctantly forced to drop his head
+again and resort to his tedious method of moving.
+
+By this time the afternoon was well advanced, and it looked as though it
+would be fully dark before Tim could regain the ground he had lost. Now
+and then he peered over the top of the deer to see whether he could
+possibly catch sight of his acquaintances, but they whisked from cover
+to cover so dexterously that he had not the encouragement even to hope
+for success, and so he did not fire.
+
+But a new fear took possession of the fugitive. If they were Indians, it
+was to be expected that they had canoes somewhere, and if they were
+speedily found, he would as speedily be overhauled.
+
+"In which case Tim O'Rooney will lose his daar, and be the same towken
+lose himself, and the boys won't get their dinner."
+
+He squinted at the sun, now low in the sky, and quickly asked himself:
+
+"If a man doesn't git his dinner, and ates half-way atween noon and
+midnight, is it his dinner or supper? But that is a mighty question, is
+the same."
+
+He evidently concluded it was too vast for him to decide, for he
+speedily dismissed it and turned his attention to that which more nearly
+concerned him. Still toiling with his hand, much in the same manner that
+a child would dabble in the water, he kept up the tardy movement of the
+canoe until he began to grow fearless again, and he took his paddle once
+more.
+
+Now, when it was almost too late, he found that he could use it without
+danger to himself. By bending his body forward, the deer protected him
+and he could labor with impunity.
+
+"Tim O'Rooney, I fears yez are lacking in the iliments which go to make
+up a mon of sense. Why didn't yez think of this when it would have done
+yez more good?"
+
+When he was yet within a few yards of shore, he looked back and was not
+a little frightened to see that the savages had launched a canoe and
+were coming across the river with the speed of the swallow.
+
+"Whisht now! but that is onexpected," said he, as he redoubled his own
+exertions. Observing that his pursuers were rapidly gaining, he suddenly
+recalled an artifice that he had seen practiced during his experience in
+the mines years before. Catching up his rifle, he aimed it at the
+advancing Indians.
+
+Quick as a flash they ducked their heads and held up the two paddles
+they were using as a protection against the expected bullet. But it was
+not Tim's purpose to fire. He knew better than to do that, for ere he
+could have reloaded they would have been upon him.
+
+The minute they stooped he lowered his gun and caught up his paddle and
+used it furiously. In this he was imitated by the Indians, whose
+superior skill sent their frail vessel forward with such velocity that
+it looked as if they would reach the shore but a short distance behind
+him.
+
+Again he raised his gun, and as before they attempted to screen
+themselves from danger, while the next impulse of his paddle sent his
+canoe high up the bank, and he sprung out and plunged into the woods.
+
+Tim O'Rooney had no thought of the particular manner in which he was to
+effect his escape. His one desire was to get away from them. The
+probabilities are that, beyond all doubt, he would have been speedily
+overtaken and slain but for one of those singular occurrences which do
+not happen to a man more than once in a life-time, and which seem to
+show unmistakably that Providence often interferes directly in favor of
+the innocent and distressed.
+
+He had run perhaps a couple of hundred yards, or thereabouts, when a
+peculiar whoop from his pursuers announced that they had landed and were
+now coming speedily behind him. He knew that he had no chance in
+running, and was looking about him for some place in which to take
+shelter, when a furious growl startled him and he found himself within a
+dozen feet from enormous grizzly bear. This quadruped seemed anxious for
+a fight, for he came straight at the fugitive, who might certainly be
+excused for being dazed at the combination of dangers by which he was
+surrounded.
+
+That of the grizzly bear was the greatest; for with mouth open and his
+red tongue lolling out he came fiercely at him. His gait was awkward and
+shambling, but he managed to get over the ground very rapidly. Indeed,
+the danger was so imminent that Tim, seeing there was no choice, raised
+his gun and fired at the monster.
+
+The bullet struck him near the head, but it did not kill him, nor did it
+cause him to fall, but it bewildered him, and he rose on his hind feet
+and clawed the air as if the bullet was a splinter and he was seeking to
+pluck it from his flesh.
+
+This bewilderment was the means of Tim being saved. Before the animal
+had entirely recovered, he had darted out of sight, and when the Indians
+came up the bear was just in "fighting trim," and immediately made at
+them. Consequently they were compelled to give over all thoughts of the
+flying hunter and attend to their own personal safety. What the final
+result was Tim never learned, and we cannot speak with certainty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+SHASTA'S HUNT.
+
+
+If the Pah Utah in the extremity of his suffering had been betrayed into
+the extraordinary weakness of manifesting it, he now seemed anxious to
+make amends for the humiliating fact. It may have been that among his
+own people he would have restrained those utterances which declared his
+agony, and borne the utmost with the stoicism of his race; but knowing
+that civilization does not teach such outward indifference to pain, he
+had adopted the surest means to reach the sympathy of the white
+strangers; or, if we may conjecture still further, the consciousness of
+the instinctive feud between the American and Caucasian race told him
+that the plan he took was the only one that offered safety to himself.
+What reason had he to believe that the hunters were kind of heart? If he
+hid his distress, would he not be treated as a well Indian? And was
+there any but the one common ground upon which the two races met?
+
+But the fever had passed and he was himself again. True, he was still
+feeble, and his limbs trembled at times like those of an old man; but
+the disease had gone, and the stern, unbending will had resumed its
+sway. He was not a child, but he was Shasta, the Pah Utah Indian.
+
+The inexperience of Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence with these
+strange people made this savage an enigma to them. As he stood with his
+arms folded, his blanket wrapped around him, his long black hair
+streaming over his shoulders, and the mingling of the paint on his crown
+and over his face, and his midnight eyes fixed upon them, it was hard
+indeed to conjecture the thoughts filtrating through his brain.
+
+But there is a language in which the human heart can speak--that of
+emotion. The boys felt no fear--ingratitude is not an element of the
+savage character, though sad to say it is sometimes manifested among us
+of greater moral pretensions.
+
+He looked at them as they came up and paused a few feet from him.
+
+"You seem to be better?" asked Elwood, feeling it incumbent that he
+should make some remark, even though it was incomprehensible to their
+dusky friend. He muttered something and then stretched out his arms as
+if to show that he had recovered from his illness.
+
+At this point Terror went up to the savage and snuffed around him, as if
+to satisfy himself of his identity. The latter laid his hand upon his
+knife and watched the dog narrowly, but he appeared to judge the animal
+by the company, and quietly removed his hand and folded his arms again.
+
+He stood thus a moment, when he pointed to the eastern shore and then
+down the river, nodding his head and gesticulating somewhat excitedly.
+The boys in return nodded, which satisfied the aborigine. All at once he
+moved off and strode rapidly to the other side of the island, where he
+drew forth a tiny canoe and shoved it into the water.
+
+[Illustration: "The Indian drew forth a tiny canoe and shoved it into
+the water"]
+
+When it was launched he turned again toward his friends, and looking
+steadily at them a moment, once more pointed down stream, sprang into
+the boat and dipped his paddle first upon one side and then upon the
+other.
+
+It was a sight to see him manage the canoe! It seemed made to contain a
+single person, and the way it skimmed over the water was a perfect
+marvel to the spectators. It appeared fairly to fly, scarcely touching
+the water, while human art could not have exceeded the skill with which
+he managed the paddle. He sat as motionless as a statue, like the
+artistic violinist. It could not be seen that he raised his arms above
+the elbow.
+
+The sun was just going over the western hills, and the reflection of the
+water as it flashed and rippled from his paddle gave a fairy-like
+appearance to the Indian as he sped down stream that was pleasing to the
+last degree.
+
+"What does that mean?" asked Elwood.
+
+"It means that he is going to the rescue of Tim."
+
+"If he goes after him he will bring him back. Just see the way in which
+he manages that canoe! It is worth going a hundred miles to see!"
+
+"No doubt he has practiced it long enough."
+
+"But what of our remaining here?"
+
+"I don't see how it can be helped."
+
+"Suppose those Indians that have followed Tim take it into their heads
+to pay us a visit?"
+
+"He will take all their attention, if Shasta concludes to have a part in
+the matter, and they won't have time to think of us."
+
+"But suppose they _do_ come back here?"
+
+"We must be prepared at any rate; but don't let the thought make us
+uneasy. We have two good guns, and Terror would be worth half a dozen
+men if we get into close quarters."
+
+"He may be all that; but a rifle-shot could quickly stretch him out
+lifeless. It won't do for us to go to sleep until Tim or Shasta come
+back."
+
+"Of course not. I do not feel like it, even if we were satisfied that it
+was safe for us to do so."
+
+"Look at Shasta!"
+
+The Indian was far down the stream, still speeding with his
+extraordinary velocity, using his arms as though they would never tire.
+
+"So sick a few hours ago!"
+
+"Well enough now."
+
+"Didn't you notice how he trembled?"
+
+"Yes; he is still weak, but an Indian soon recovers himself."
+
+"All he needed was the root which he chewed and which cured him almost
+immediately. These savages are what you call Thomsonians I suppose."
+
+"They are the original ones no doubt. I have heard that some of their
+medicine men are the most skillful of physicians."
+
+"Yes; we hear all kinds of things about them. What stories we have read,
+and yet they don't look and act as I imagined they would. I thought they
+would suffer and die without showing the least pain, and yet Shasta
+wasn't anyways backward about it."
+
+"No doubt the poor fellow felt bad enough, and he hasn't got over it
+yet. You can tell that from his appearance."
+
+"It will take all his skill to help Tim. Just as like as not he will
+take Shasta for an enemy and shoot him."
+
+"If they only see each other before dark, so that Tim can understand
+that he has a friend at work."
+
+"But you see it is nearly dark now, and it is likely he is in the woods
+by this time."
+
+"What danger can he be in then?"
+
+"The Indians may cross over to follow him."
+
+They were silent a while when Elwood suddenly exclaimed.
+
+"Suppose Shasta is an enemy and has gone to help his people?"
+
+Howard shook his head.
+
+"No fear of that. That is the last thing that can occur."
+
+The night gradually deepened and proved to be quite dark, a faint moon
+shedding a luster that made the dim light more impressive. The boys
+walked back and forth, watching and listening for some evidence of the
+approach of their friends, and gradually becoming apprehensive despite
+the attempt each made to cheer the spirits of the other.
+
+It was not until quite late that Terror gave utterance to a low, warning
+growl, and as they looked across the river they descried a dark object
+cautiously approaching.
+
+"What is it?" whispered Elwood.
+
+"It is too dark to tell; but it can't be Tim or Shasta for it's coming
+from the wrong direction."
+
+"Aisy now, Mr. Shasta, aisy I say, for the boys may be asleep and we
+won't come upon them too sudden't like, as me uncle said when he sat on
+a barrel of gun-powder and it blowed up with him. Aisy, Mr. Shasta,
+aisy!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE NIGHT VOYAGE.
+
+
+The indistinct object gradually took shape, and the boys then saw Shasta
+sitting in his small canoe, while directly behind him was Tim O'Rooney,
+his left hand extended backward and grasping the prow of his own boat,
+which was being towed by the Indian.
+
+The next moment the foremost lightly touched the shore and the savage
+sprung out, quickly followed by the Irishman.
+
+"I beg yez pardon, boys, for the time I tuk to git your dinner; but to
+shpake the thruth, I was unavoidably detained, as me brother writ me
+when he was locked up in Tipperary jail on his way to visit me."
+
+"We are glad enough to see you again, but where is your game?"
+
+"Worrah, worrah, but I had bad luck wid it. When I tuk it ashore, I sat
+it down for a minit, and I hadn't the time to pick it up again."
+
+"But tell us all about it."
+
+This was quickly done, up to the point where Tim was saved by the timely
+appearance of the grizzly bear, when, as may well be supposed, the
+expressions of wonder were loud and continued.
+
+"You saw nothing more of your pursuers?" asked Howard.
+
+"Not a bit--nor be the same towken do I think they saw me."
+
+"How did you and Shasta meet?"
+
+"That was shtrange, was the same. After I found I was cl'ar of the
+varmints, from the raisin that their exclusive attention was occupied by
+the b'ar, I stopped and went to thinking--did I. I could saa the great
+necessity of our having me own canoe and I went back to whom I left the
+same. It took me some time to find it, and when I did find it, it wasn't
+it, but the one that belonged to the red gintlemen.
+
+"There was little difference atwixt the two and I thought the best thing
+was to make a thrade, and just as I thought that I spied another canoe
+coming along the shore as though it was looking for something. I stepped
+back and raised the hammer of my gun, when I obsarved there was but one
+Injin in the same--was there. So, 'Tim,' says I, ''twould be a shame,'
+and I lowered me gun agin.
+
+"Just then, and fur the life of me I don't know what put it into me
+head, I thought it was Shasta, though I knowed I had lift him with a big
+pain all through him. So I give a low whistle like, and called out
+'Shasta,' and with one whip of his paddle he sent his canoe right at my
+faat, though I was sure he didn't saa me, and then waited fur me to step
+in.
+
+"But he's a quaar fellow, is Shasta," added Tim. "I rached out me hand
+to shake his own, but he never noticed it, but motioned fur me to stow
+mesilf into the bottom of the canoe; and thin, after some muttering and
+throwing of his arms, I could saa he wanted me to howld on to the other
+canoe."
+
+"And I did the same, and the way he towed us over the water would have
+frightened a steamboat."
+
+"He is a smart fellow, indeed."
+
+The Indian upon landing had just pulled his canoe slightly up the bank
+and then had gone at once to the opposite side of the island where he
+had lain when sick. They could see him walking slowly back and forth us
+if searching for something which he had some difficulty in finding.
+
+"Well, boys, I shpose you are hungry," said Tim, "If yez isn't I begins
+to howld a very strong suspicion that it's meself that is."
+
+"Yes," replied Elwood, "we are both very hungry, but we had little
+appetite so long as we knew you were in danger."
+
+"It was very kind of yez to restrain your appetite out of respict to me,
+and I'll not forgit to do the same when yez git into throuble."
+
+"We can afford to go supperless to-night," remarked Howard, "and feast
+on the contemplation of our good fortune. There was a time when our
+prospects looked pretty dark."
+
+"Yis, sir; you may well say that. When I had the big bear walking at me
+from one direction and the three red gintlemen from the other, I thought
+to mesilf what a shplendid opportunity there was for the illigant
+exercise of one's idaas. But it was all the doings of the good Lord
+above," added Tim very reverently.
+
+"Yes; there can be no doubt of that," replied Howard. "He has cared for
+us all the time."
+
+Tim now gave an account of his adventures in his hunt after the deer,
+previous to when he was first seen from the island. When he had finished
+Elwood asked:
+
+"Are we to stay here over night?"
+
+"I think not, but I defers to the judgment of Mr. Shasta. It's just as
+he says about it."
+
+"He appears to be taken up with something over yonder."
+
+"He is searching for some object that he left when he made up his mind
+to get well," said Howard.
+
+"He must know all that has occurred, for when we came back from watching
+you, there he stood with his arms folded, and a look in his eye that
+said he understood more about matters and things than we imagined he
+did."
+
+"He must know that we are in danger so long as we are upon this island,
+and I should think he would leave it while it is dark."'
+
+"Do yez rest on that pint?" said Tim. "The red gintlemen will attind to
+the same--will he."
+
+At this juncture the Pah Utah was observed walking slowly toward them,
+his long blanket grasped at the breast by his left hand, while his right
+was free. As soon as he came up he pointed at the canoes and muttered
+something.
+
+"What does he mean?" asked Elwood.
+
+"Terror understands him better than we do," replied Howard, as the
+Newfoundland sprung into the larger boat and nestled down near the
+stern.
+
+Our friends were not long in imitating the action of the dog. Tim made
+as if to step into the Indian's boat, but he motioned him back, and took
+his seat in the front of the larger canoe. The savage now produced a
+cord, probably the tendon of some wild animal, with which he speedily
+fastened the prow of the larger canoe to the stem of his own.
+
+This done he turned the head down stream and began using his paddle with
+the same wonderful dexterity he had displayed during the afternoon. The
+boys watched and admired his skill for a long time. The faint moon
+barely revealed the shores on either hand, stretching away in misty
+gloom, while all before and behind them was darkness.
+
+The muscular arms of Shasta appeared to be as tireless as the
+piston-rods of an engine, and at last our friends grow weary of watching
+him. The boys became drowsy, and they finally lay down in the bottom of
+the boat, with their blanket over them, and went to sleep.
+
+In the course of an hour Tim did the same, and the Pah Utah was this
+left alone to ply the canoe, the Newfoundland now and then raising his
+head and looking over the edge as if to satisfy himself that all was
+right.
+
+Once near the middle of the night Elwood awoke, and pushing his blanket
+from his face, raised himself on his elbow and looked around. The same
+picture met his eye--the dark-hued Shasta, his long hair streaming over
+his shoulders, the blanket down to his waist, and his bronzed arms
+working with the silence, skill and regularity of a perfect machine.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A PAH UTAH'S METHOD OF FISHING.
+
+
+The gray light of dawn was spreading over the wood and river when Elwood
+Brandon again opened his eyes. He was somewhat startled to see nothing
+of the Pah Utah, although his canoe was still in the advance; but a
+second look showed that they were resting against the bank, and the
+Indian lay asleep in the front of his boat, his body and face covered
+entirely by his somber-hued blanket.
+
+"No doubt he needs rest, and so I will not wake him!" was Elwood's
+thought, as he carefully raised himself to the sitting position. But he
+had scarcely moved when the end of Shasta's blanket was raised, and the
+boy saw his dark eyes fixed inquiringly upon him. Satisfied that there
+was nothing wrong the blanket dropped again and all was still.
+
+Elwood now looked around. Howard was sleeping soundly, his feet resting
+against the shaggy sides of Terror, who was equally oblivious to the
+external world. There could be no doubt of Tim's somnolence for he gave
+unmistakable evidence of it. The light was just sufficient to afford a
+distinct view of the other shore, and in the clear summer air of the
+morning it had a cool appearance, very pleasing and refreshing to the
+eye.
+
+Elwood, of course, had no knowledge of the distance they had come during
+the night; but he believed Shasta had not slept more than an hour or
+two, and that as a consequence they were many miles from their starting
+point--far enough at any rate to make them perfectly easy regarding the
+troublesome visitors of yesterday.
+
+He noticed the peculiar character of the place in which Shasta had run
+the canoe. It was a small indentation covered with overhanging limbs and
+shrubbery in such manner that while the whites could peer out upon the
+river there was no danger of their being seen by any passers-by, unless
+particular suspicion was directed toward the spot.
+
+Elwood's limbs were so cramped from the forced position in which he had
+lain during the night, that he concluded there could be no harm in
+stepping ashore to yawn and stretch himself. Of course he would take
+good care not to wander away from the boat, as he had seen the danger of
+secession in a small party like theirs. As he was stepping over the
+canoe he saw Shasta looking at him so intently that he paused. The Pah
+Utah nodded, but made a rather odd gesture, which Elwood took as a
+caution not to wander away. He nodded assent and stepped out upon the
+land. At this juncture Howard awoke and followed him.
+
+"Shall we try and hunt something for breakfast?" asked Elwood.
+
+"Tim's troubles have proved that it is hardly safe; I think we had
+better leave all such matters to Shasta."
+
+This was good advice certainly, and the boys acted upon it. They walked
+up and down the banks of the river admiring the beautiful scenery, but
+seeing nothing of wild animals. They heard the whirr of a flock of birds
+overhead, alarmed by the apparition of two human beings, but the
+luxuriant vegetation allowed but a glimpse of them as they shot away.
+
+While a few rods distant, they heard the discharge of a rifle, and in no
+little trepidation they hastened back to their friends. They were
+relieved by finding that it had been done by Tim O'Rooney for the
+purpose of affording a means of ignition to some sticks and leaves. He
+and the Pah Utah were on shore, making as much preparation for their
+breakfast as though they had a dozen men to provide for.
+
+"What does yez think of it?" asked Tim.
+
+"All very well, but where is your breakfast?"
+
+The Irishman jerked his thumb in a very significant manner toward
+Shasta.
+
+"You don't mean to eat him," laughed Elwood.
+
+"Git out wid yer nonsense!" retorted Tim. "He and meself have been
+talking together, and we've fixed the whole thing."
+
+"What language did you use?"
+
+"This kind of talk."
+
+And the Irishman explained himself by several extravagant but
+meaningless gestures.
+
+The fire being nicely burning, Shasta took some white crumbs from a sort
+of receptacle in his hunting-shirt, stepped carefully into the canoe,
+and then gently dropped them upon the surface of the water. Our friend
+watched his movements with interest.
+
+Leaning carefully over the boat, he curved his arm and held his closed
+fingers so that they were just within the water, looking down into the
+stream all the time with the fixedness of gaze that characterizes the
+hawk when about to dart downward after his prey.
+
+Suddenly a flight ripple was heard, and before either of the three on
+shore comprehended what he was doing, something flashed before their
+gaze, and a plump, glistening fish, fully two pounds in weight, lay
+floundering at their feet.
+
+"Capital!" shouted Elwood in his excitement, and he was proceeding to
+pay the Pah Utah several highly flavored compliments, when he raised his
+hand as a warning for them to remain quiet. Bending still further over
+the canoe, he soon thrust his hand beneath, and with the same
+lightning-like quickness flung a still larger fish up the bank. This was
+continued for some time, until he had five fine plump-looking fellows
+all shining and fresh, waiting for the hungry stomachs.
+
+They had an abundance of food, and its preparation now only remained.
+Here Shasta displayed his remarkable culinary skill. With his keen-edged
+hunting-knife he slitted the fish, excepting Terror's portion, which of
+course was devoured raw, the entire length of the bodies, and throwing
+aside the superfluous portion, then skewered them upon some green prongs
+in such a manner that they were completely flat, and the entire internal
+and external surface exposed.
+
+The fire, which had been burning some time, was now raked down until
+several square feet of live red coals lay bare, when one of the fish was
+held down within a few inches. As soon as one side was thoroughly cooked
+the other was turned under, and after this same fashion the four were
+most speedily and thoroughly prepared for the palate.
+
+"Luxurious!" exclaimed Howard, as he took his prize and buried his teeth
+in its flesh. "It is cooked to perfection--a trifle of pepper and salt
+would make this the best dish I ever tasted."
+
+"I never enjoyed a meal more," replied Elwood. "But when I come to
+think, the first one I tasted in California was nearly as good as this."
+
+Tim was too much engaged to take time for conversation. He waited until
+he had filled himself to repletion, when he gave a great sigh of relief
+and remarked:
+
+"I ain't hungry--not a bit; I've lost me appetite very quickly. Mr.
+Shasta, you're an excellent cook--worthy of the honor of attending to
+the wants of Timothy O'Rooney, Esquire."
+
+The Pah Utah paid no heed to this praise, but contented himself with
+devouring his fish, which he did until he had all that he wished, when
+from some hidden recess he produced a beautifully carved Indian pipe.
+
+"There I'm wid yees agin," remarked Tim, as he replenished his own. "The
+pipe is very soothin' to one's faalings after sevare labor, as me
+brother's wife used to say after whacking a few hours wid her
+broomstick--what is your opinion upon the same, Mr. Shasta?"
+
+The Indian nodded his head and murmured some unintelligible reply.
+
+"Precisely," assented Tim, as he puffed forth a thick volume of smoke;
+"that's me own idaas exactly, and the boys here will bear me witness
+that I've always contended for the same."
+
+"What's that?" asked Elwood.
+
+"Ax him," replied Tin, nodding his head toward his dusky friend. "He's
+able to explain better nor is meself."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+A NIGHT DISTURBANCE.
+
+
+Neither the Pah Utah nor the Irishman were disposed to make a move until
+they had finished their "smoke," and both of them whiffed as leisurely
+as though they had contracted to spend several hours thus. Howard and
+Elwood passed the time in walking around the woods and along the stream,
+taking particular care not to go beyond sight of Shasta, whose black
+orbs they could see attentively following their movements.
+
+"All aboord!" shouted Tim at the expiration of an hour or so, and the
+boys hurried down to the "wharf" with as much alacrity as if they had
+heard the last bell of the steamer.
+
+The Indian stood upon the shore with a look of inquiry. He pointed up
+stream and then down.
+
+"He is inquiring which way we wish to go," said Howard.
+
+"That, is strange, after bringing us so many miles from the island."
+
+Elwood pointed down stream, but Shasta was not satisfied; he wished to
+know something more. He described several circles, terminating each time
+by pointing to the north. All three looked inquiringly at one other's
+faces. They could not comprehend his meaning.
+
+"What does he wish to say?"
+
+"I am sure I cannot tell."
+
+"He wants us to travel the rest of the way by turning summersits."
+
+Seeing that he was not understood, the Pah Utah took the paddle from the
+canoe and made in the air as if he were impelling the boat, then
+pausing, he again pointed to the north, and took several long strides in
+that direction, as though he were going to walk a long distance.
+
+Elwood's eyes sparkled.
+
+"I know what, he means! I know what he means!"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"He wishes to ask whether we want to _go a good ways_!"
+
+"You are right," replied Howard. "He doesn't know whether we are hunting
+in these parts, and wish to stay in the neighborhood, or whether we are
+hurrying home as fast as we can."
+
+Shasta's motions and signs were imitated as nearly as possible, and he
+nodded his head and muttered something doubtless to signify that he was
+satisfied. Terror whisked into the canoe and took his position in the
+prow, while his three masters, if a dog can own that many, arranged
+themselves behind him. The tendon still united the two boats, and one
+sweep of Pah Utah's paddle sent the two far out into the river, where he
+began his work.
+
+For a time our friends gave themselves up to the enjoyment of this
+pleasant motion. At each dip of the paddle, or contraction of the iron
+muscles of Shasta, they could feel the canoe jump forward as does a
+steamboat under the throbs of the mighty engine. At the same time the
+motion was light and airy, as if the boat were skimming over the very
+surface. Indeed, by shutting the eyes and feeling the light wind fanning
+the temples, it was easy to imagine that they were borne through the air
+by some great bird whose wings could be felt to pulsate beneath them.
+
+"Look at that machinery!" exclaimed Howard. "Did you ever see anything
+like it? Not an ounce of superfluous flesh upon him. See how the muscles
+swell and ridge, and yet he doesn't swerve his body a hair's breadth to
+the right or left."
+
+"He can 'paddle his own canoe,'" laughed Elwood.
+
+"Look at those shoulders; they are perfect mountains of muscle, and
+those sinewy arm! His legs are fully as perfect, and I'll warrant he can
+run a dozen miles an hour for a whole day without getting tired. He
+would be a dangerous man to meet as an enemy."
+
+"And a good one as a friend."
+
+"Yes; I can hardly see what chances we would have had of reaching the
+mouth of the river without his help."
+
+"We had no chance unless we could join a party of hunters and induce
+them to go with us."
+
+"Boys," said Tim, looking hard at them, "it isn't right--isn't the
+same."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"That Mr. Shasta should tow us along in this shtyle, and we sit in the
+owld boat and permit him. No, it's wrong."
+
+The boys admitted that it looked hardly proper, whereupon Tim took the
+paddle and began plying it with all the skill of which he was master.
+The Pah Utah looked over his shoulder now and then with a strange
+expression, as if he were amused at the white man's furious efforts, but
+he did not abate his own labor in the least.
+
+Tim O'Rooney made a great deal of splashing, occasionally flirting a
+shower of spray over his friends as the paddle took an unexpected twist
+in his hand; but, as we have said before, he had had considerable
+experience in propelling a canoe, and he gave a little assistance to
+their dusky friend.
+
+When the sun was overhead, Shasta directed the prow of the boat toward
+the western bank, and they landed in a place somewhat resembling that of
+the morning. The boats were drawn upon land in the usual manner, by
+which they were concealed from the observation of any passing up or down
+stream.
+
+The Indian resorted to the same means by which he had caught the fish in
+the morning and with equal success. They were rather smaller, but none
+the less savory, either to man or brute. An hour sufficed to rest them
+all, and to give Shasta all the pleasure of his pipe that he wished,
+while Tim continued his after entering the canoe. Howard and Elwood made
+an essay with the paddle, but the result with the latter was that the
+instant he so cautiously thrust it beneath the surface, it was suddenly
+wrung from his hand, and in an instant left a rod or two astern. This
+necessitated a delay in order to pick it up, and the boys concluded to
+await another time to perfect themselves in the art of managing an
+Indian canoe.
+
+It was not until it was quite dark that they once more set foot upon
+land and kindled their fire. There was quite a strong wind blowing, and
+the chill of the air appeared to indicate that it came from the snowy
+peaks of the Coast Range. Fully an hour was taken in gathering wood,
+sticks, broken limbs and branches, for they had concluded to keep it
+burning until morning.
+
+The fire was kindled against the trunk of a giant sycamore, and as the
+flames waved up the shaggy bark the reflection upon the outstretched
+limbs and neighboring trees gave them a weird appearance that made the
+boys gather close to the somber-hued Pah Utah as though conscious of his
+ability to stand between them and evil.
+
+Tim and Shasta were leisurely smoking their pipes, and Howard and Elwood
+were conversing together in low tones of their homes and friends, when a
+quick bark from Terror, as he rose to his feet and looked in the
+darkness, drew all eyes in one direction. A score of flashing eyes,
+gleaming teeth, lank, restless bodies and greedy jaws announced, that a
+new danger threatened them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+THE WOLVERINES.
+
+
+The Pah Utah was the only member of the party that did not manifest any
+alarm or excitement. Carelessly removing his pipe from his mouth, he
+turned his head, looked at the animals a moment, and then resumed
+smoking, without giving utterance to a single sound or changing his
+posture in the least.
+
+Tim O'Rooney, with an ejaculated prayer, caught up his rifle, and
+turning his back toward the fire, stood like a person driven at bay and
+waiting to decide in his mind the best way to strike his last blow. In
+his haste and alarm his pipe fell from his mouth and lay unheeded at his
+feet. Shasta quietly picked it up, handed it to him, and motioned for
+him to seat himself upon the ground again. Tim stared alternately at the
+animals, the Indian and his pipe, and finally gathered the idea that no
+imminent danger threatened them.
+
+Howard and Elwood also held their rifles ready for it charge from the
+growling wolverines, for such they were, while the Newfoundland growled
+in turn, and glared defiantly at them. The intelligent brute appeared to
+comprehend that it would not do for him to sally out and charge upon the
+enemy's works, but he stood ready to fight and die in the defense of his
+friends.
+
+"Why don't they attack us?" asked Elwood, seeing that they didn't
+advance nearer than a dozen feet.
+
+"Don't you know that wild animals are afraid of fire? That is what
+restrains them."
+
+"Of course! I didn't think of that. How fortunate that we gathered
+enough wood to last!"
+
+"Just look at Shasta! He doesn't even stop smoking!"
+
+"He must know there is no danger."
+
+"Let us try our guns upon them!"
+
+The proposal pleased both, especially as there was no fear but what they
+could make every discharge tell. Each of them singled out two of the
+largest wolverines, and fired their guns at the same instant. An
+ear-splitting clamor succeeded, and as the brutes scampered away in the
+darkness two of their number were seen stretched out, quivering and
+dying.
+
+The wolverine is an animal found in California which unites the
+characteristics of the bear, weasel, fox and wolf. It is sullen and
+ferocious, and one of the most troublesome of the wood-denizens. When
+first seen it is apt to be mistaken for a small bear, or rather
+heavy-looking wolf. The sensuous neck and head bespeak the wolf and
+weasel nature, the sly persistency the fox, and the savage stubbornness
+that of the bear; while a resemblance to all four can be seen in the
+general contour, appearance and habits of the animal.
+
+Attracted, no doubt, by the smell of the cooking fish, a number of these
+brutes had slyly gathered and crept to the camp, where, finding their
+prey protected by the fire, they proclaimed their furious disappointment
+by loud howls--half bark and half yell--springing hither and thither
+among each other, sometimes vaulting over each other's backs, and
+darting as close to the bristling dog as their mortal dread of the fire
+would permit.
+
+Terror stood on the outskirts of the camp, occasionally moving forward
+toward the animals, as if to match his long white teeth and massive
+strength against their glittering fangs and treacherous ferocity.
+
+When the two guns were discharged the rest disappeared as if a bombshell
+had exploded in their midst; but scarcely a dozed seconds elapsed ere
+they closed together again, fiercer and more clamorous, if possible,
+than before.
+
+In a few moments the boys had their guns reloaded, and they immediately
+repeated their former proceeding with precisely the same result. At this
+point a surprising occurrence came to pass. The dead wolverines were
+pounced upon by their survivors and torn instantly to shreds, and even
+devoured with as much avidity as if they were Terror and his human
+companions.
+
+"Did you ever hear of such a thing?" asked Elwood, watching them in
+great amazement.
+
+"Yes; I have read of wolves doing the same, even when one of their
+number was not killed but only wounded slightly."
+
+"Any animals that act in that manner deserve death; so let's send a few
+more rifle-balls among them."
+
+"If we keep this up for a few hours I don't see that there will be any
+left, and we may rest in peace."
+
+"They will keep on gathering until there are twice that number. If it
+wasn't for our fire we should have to take to the trees; and what, then,
+would become of poor Terror?"
+
+"He will get into trouble as it is," said Howard, "if we don't keep an
+eye on him."
+
+The dog had continued advancing closer to the wolverines, until there
+was an imminent probability of a collision occurring between him and two
+of the largest, that sprung forward until they were within a few inches
+of him, when they darted back again to repeat the feint, seemingly with
+the purpose of drawing the Newfoundland further toward their clutches.
+
+Howard spoke sharply to Terror, but he paid no heed to the call. The boy
+repeated it with the same uselessness, and he was beginning to become
+seriously alarmed for his fate when Shasta laid down his pipe and rose
+to his feet. The eyes of the three were now centered upon him.
+
+The Pah Utah left his gun and blanket upon the ground, so that his arms
+and breast, excepting a few ornaments, were bare. He then drew his keen
+hunting-knife and held it rigidly grasped in his right hand. Stooping
+down, he caught a blazing brand with his left, swung it rapidly over his
+head a few times to give it additional blaze, and then darted away like
+a meteor directly among the wolverines. The latter scattered in greater
+terror than ever, but the Indian, instead of returning, actually
+followed them.
+
+The brand could only be seen flitting among the trees, its flaming glare
+giving a wild, unearthly appearance to the face and breast of the Savage
+as he sped swiftly in and out among the trunks and vegetation, like an
+avenger bent on destroying the entire band.
+
+One of the largest wolverines, in his wild fear, sprung so close to
+Elwood that his tail whisked against him. Ere he could clear himself the
+Indian burst upon him, his iron arm flashed out with lightning-like
+swiftness, the wire-like fingers caught the brute by the neck, and the
+knife was buried so deep in his throat that when he was thrown back he
+fell limp and dead to the ground. After which Shasta sat down upon the
+ground again, folded his blanket over his shoulders and appeared much
+occupied in contemplating the burning sticks before him.
+
+"Mr. Shasta, that was well done!" exclaimed Tim in admiration. "I very
+much doubt whether it could be excelled by your humble servant, the
+undersigned."
+
+"I very much doubt it also," said Elwood. "I shouldn't fancy chasing
+those animals with a firebrand."
+
+"No; if you should drop it or fall down unpleasant consequences might
+follow."
+
+The boys kept up their loading and firing among the wolverines until
+they had slain over a dozen. But instead of diminishing, the number
+continued to increase till there must have been nearly two-score
+growling, snapping and snarling around the camp-fire.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+SHASTA'S HUMOR.
+
+
+The camp-fire was kept burning unremittingly until morning, and the
+wolverines as unceasingly continued their clamor, so that none of the
+parties secured a moment's sleep. The boys were signaled several times
+by Shasta to lie down, but they were too unaccustomed to such sights and
+sounds to permit them to do so with anything like peace; so they used
+their rifles upon the savage animals until prudence advised them to
+husband their ammunition until they had better use for it.
+
+Tim O'Rooney was fully as restless as they. He was in continual dread
+that some of the treacherous animals would steal up behind him and
+fasten their teeth so securely in him that they could not be shaken off.
+This uneasiness caused him ever to be shifting his position, now on one
+side the fire, now on the other--springing suddenly upward as though he
+already felt the nip of their fangs.
+
+The Pah Utah, at this time, displayed a grim humor, so exceptional with
+his people, as to be almost incredible, except to the boys who were
+witnesses to it. Believing such traits should be encouraged among all
+aborigines as an antidote for their melancholy dispositions, it gives us
+great pleasure to record it, and it will afford us far greater enjoyment
+to testify regarding any other such performances that may come under our
+notice.
+
+Tim was standing with his back toward the fire, and his hands,
+carelessly crossed behind him. He was intently watching the quarrelsome
+animals, and all thoughts of attack in the rear had for the time
+departed. Shasta leaned silently forward and lifted a small brand to
+relight his pipe, which had gone out some time before. As he was passing
+it back to the embers the red coal just grazed one of Tim's fingers,
+while at the same instant the Indian imitated the snarl of the wolverine
+so exactly that the follow was sure he was seized, and he made the most
+agile leap of his life.
+
+"Murther! murther! pull him off, Mr. Shasta, catch hold of him!"
+exclaimed the affrighted Irishman, springing wildly on every side of the
+fire, and striking with blind fierceness at the imaginary brute in his
+rear.
+
+Howard and Elwood laughed till the tears rolled down their cheeks. They
+had seen Shasta's trick and they could therefore appreciate it. Never a
+smile lit up the grim face of the Pah Utah. He continued leisurely
+smoking, his keen black eyes looking dreamily into the fire, as if lost
+in some pleasant reverie.
+
+But what of that? Who can doubt, that he laughed internally full as
+heartily as the youngsters? Who can tell what surges, and waves, and
+ripples of laughter went through and through him, until his whole being
+was absorbed in merriment?
+
+Finally Tim's terror passed away and he became comparatively quiet.
+
+"Worrah! worrah!" he exclaimed, panting from his severe exertions. "What
+a narra 'scape I had."
+
+"Did he really bite you?"
+
+"Bite me! Didn't ye see him fasten his teeth in me and hang on till I
+shuk him off?"
+
+"No; I didn't observe him."
+
+"Git out wid ye nonsense. But I felt him sure and it was meself that
+thought once he'd pull me off into the darkness and make me a prey to
+the beasts there--that I did think, did I."
+
+"No danger," remarked Howard, as he and his cousin were unable to
+restrain their laughter.
+
+"What be ye spalpeens laughing at?" indignantly demanded the Irishman.
+
+"But, Tim, are you sure you were not mistaken? We saw nothing of the
+kind," pursued Howard.
+
+The fellow looked too full of indignation to speak.
+
+"What is getting into your heads? Ye saam to be losing your sinses
+intirely."
+
+"And I can say I saw none of them touch you."
+
+"Then you was blind," was the indignant retort. "Ye harrd him sing out
+at me heels, didn't you?"
+
+"Of course, we heard them all the time, as we do now; but the one you
+imagined so close may have been a dozen feet distant."
+
+"_But he bit me!_" was the triumphant reply to this.
+
+"Where?"
+
+"On the hand."
+
+"Let us see the mark!"
+
+The boys arose and walked up to their friend, who bent over the fire,
+held his hand close to his face, turning it over and over and
+scrutinizing it with the closest attention. Concluding he was mistaken,
+he exchanged it for its fellow, which was subjected to an equally severe
+cross-examination. Still nothing confirmatory of his words could be
+found.
+
+The amazed Irishman now held up both his hands, turning them over and
+over and pressing them close to his face.
+
+"Do yees saa anything?" he abruptly asked, thrusting them toward the
+boys.
+
+They went through the form of a search for a scratch or a bite, but
+declared themselves unable to discover any.
+
+"Don't you feel any pain?" asked Howard.
+
+"I thought I did," replied Tim, with a serious, puzzled look upon his
+countenance.
+
+"In what part of your body?"
+
+"Whisht!"
+
+He motioned to them to maintain silence, while he closed his eyes and
+waited for some evidence of the pain he had so sharply felt a few
+minutes before. As he stood thus, he stealthily brought each hand around
+in front of his face and subjected them to the same examination.
+
+Suddenly his eye sparkled, and he held out his left:
+
+"That's the hand!" he exclaimed exultingly.
+
+"Let's see?" asked the boys, stepping up to him.
+
+"Yees'll find it somewhere there, if yees'll take the throuble to
+examine it closely."
+
+They did so, but declared themselves unable to find the wound.
+
+Tim finally showed a small red spot upon one of the fingers, which he
+affirmed was where the cruel tooth did bite him.
+
+"That cannot be, for the skin is not broken."
+
+"But it faals as if the same had been bit off."
+
+"It looks more like a burn," added Elwood.
+
+Tim now turned around and looked at the Pah Utah. The latter was smoking
+his pipe, as if unconscious of the presence of any being or animal near
+him. Perhaps they were mistaken, but Howard and Elwood always affirmed
+that they detected a twitching at the corners of his mouth, as if he
+were ready to explode with laughter.
+
+But if it was that, it was nothing more, and it manifested itself in no
+other manner. Tim gazed fixedly at him a moment, and then turning to the
+boys, asked in a whisper:
+
+_"But didn't ye hear it snarrl at meself?"_
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+AGAIN ON THE RIVER.
+
+
+The Newfoundland, Terror, occasioned more apprehension to his friends
+than did anything else. They came to see that no personal danger
+threatened so long as the fire kept burning, and as there was an
+abundance of fuel, this settled that point; but the dog grew enraged at
+the furious uproar, which drove away all sleep, and appeared to give him
+fear that the entire party were in danger.
+
+Several times, when some of the wolverines came too close, he made a
+spring at them, and they snapped back. But the good sense of the dog
+kept him from venturing among the ravenous brutes, and they in turn were
+in too much dread of the fire to do more than spring at him and then as
+quickly dart back again.
+
+It was an impressive sight and one which could never be forgotten. The
+large, noble Newfoundland, standing out in relief against the glare of
+the camp-fire, his eyes aflame with anger, every muscle braced, the jaws
+parted and his eyes fixed upon the dark bodies plunging over each other,
+darting forward and back again, snapping, snarling and furious; the Pah
+Utah stretched upon the ground, deliberately smoking, all unheedful of
+the deafening clangor and the savage brutes that sometimes approached
+almost within striking distance; the two boys, so close to the fire that
+they were often scorched by it, gazing at the animals with an expression
+of half fear and half wonder, starting when one of them came unusually
+near, and now and then sending the fatal bullet among them; the nervous
+Irishman, darting hither and thither, taking great care that the fire
+was kept fully burning; all these, we say, made a scene impressive in
+the highest degree.
+
+Terror, when sharply spoken to, would withdraw from his dangerous
+proximity to the wolverines, but almost immediately he stepped forward
+to the same spot he first occupied, and his obedience to the commands of
+the boys was so sullen and ill-natured that they forebore speaking to
+him except when his safety seemed absolutely to demand it.
+
+At times there was an interruption in the clamor, but the wolverines did
+not appear to relax their vigilance in the least. It was as if they had
+determined to make their evening meal upon the party though they were
+forced to wait until morning for it. During these intervals of
+comparative silence our friends gained opportunity for the exchange of a
+few words, but they were often compelled to shout at the top of their
+voices to make themselves heard.
+
+During one of these lulls Elwood spoke to Howard.
+
+"What will take place in the morning, when these creatures are not
+afraid of our fire?"
+
+"I think they will go away."
+
+"Perhaps so: but we are not so sure of that."
+
+"Shasta will no doubt turn the whole thing over in his mind, and be
+prompt enough to act when the danger comes. I suppose we can take to our
+canoes and give them the slip in that manner."
+
+"Yes; the Indian appears to have rather a contemptible opinion of them.
+He scarcely heeds their wrangling."
+
+"He is not so timid as we and Tim are; but he doesn't forget to look at
+them once in a while, so as not to forget what they are doing."
+
+"They are a savage set of animals. How angry Terror is! Don't you notice
+that they are trying to entice him to venture out a little nearer them?
+They hate him more than all of us."
+
+"Do you think so?"
+
+"You can see it in their manner. If they can once get hold of him they
+will tear him to shreds."
+
+"And they will catch him, too, if he isn't careful. He is so surly and
+cross himself that it is dangerous to touch or speak to him."
+
+"We can't afford to lose him. We must watch, and if he gets too close to
+any of them, why, all we shall have to do is to crack them over, and
+give the others warning to keep their distance."
+
+While they were speaking a huge wolverine darted close enough to strike
+Terror. Instantly the two closed and rolled upon the ground in the
+fierce death struggle. Over and over, snapping, snarling, growling,
+biting, scratching with lightning-like fierceness, now one below and
+then the other, and finally the dog on top.
+
+The conflict was as short as it was furious. The massive jaws of the
+Newfoundland closed on the throat of his antagonist and his teeth met
+through his windpipe. There they stuck for a minute, and when he relaxed
+his hold it was all over with the reckless animal.
+
+Still it would have fared ill with the dog but for Shasta, for the other
+wolverines would have sprung upon him and destroyed him before he could
+have escaped. At the moment the two closed the Indian darted forward,
+seized a brand and flourished it over the combatants. This so terrified
+the others that they kept their distance until the conqueror resumed his
+place in triumph by the fire.
+
+This encounter proved it lesson to both the dog and the wolverines. The
+latter appeared to comprehend the disadvantage under which they were
+placed, while Terror, having had a taste of their mettle, was satisfied
+for the time, and kept a safe position further away from the brutes that
+were so eager to fasten their teeth in him.
+
+It was now verging toward morning, and the Pah Utah looked about him as
+if he were going to make his preparations for moving. He looked toward
+the raging creatures, still fierce and furious, and then glanced at the
+canoes drawn up within a few feet of the camp-fire, and pointed toward
+them and the river.
+
+Fortunately but a few feet intervened between their present position and
+the stream, so that the latter was easy of access in case it should
+become necessary to retreat before the wolverines. Still the fire did
+not protect this enough to make it a safe undertaking in their present
+situation.
+
+Shasta picked up several blazing sticks, and carrying them to the
+water's edge, placed them together and covered them with some dry
+brush-wood. They speedily fanned themselves into a flame, and the
+gathering brutes withdrew and offered a fine approach to the river.
+
+The Indian's next proceeding was to launch the two boats. This was done
+easily and without difficulty. The blankets and guns were placed within,
+and then motioned for the dog to follow; but Terror did not seem
+disposed to leave his present quarters. Perhaps the idea worked its way
+into his shaggy head that it savored too much of deserting his friends,
+or it may be that he still coveted a taste for another collision with
+the audacious animals that had pressed him so sorely.
+
+Our brave soldier boys, who abhor bloodshed from a principle, still have
+a love for the wild abandon of camp life, and many a one looks back with
+a sigh to the rough experiences which we all pray may never come again.
+So it may be the Newfoundland, naturally peaceful, having had his blood
+fairly roused by his tussle and triumph, yet longed for more of victory.
+
+Finally Howard and Elwood took their seats, and Tim O'Rooney followed;
+then Terror, casting one reluctant look behind him, jumped into the boat
+and lay down in his usual position; and so, at length, they all were
+embarked in safety.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+A HALT.
+
+
+It was just growing light as the two canoes shoved out in the river and
+resumed their journey. The rapacious wolverines, enraged at the loss of
+their expected prey, followed them to the very edge of the stream, where
+their ear-splitting clamor grew more furious than ever. At one time,
+indeed, it looked us though they were about to jump into the water and
+swim out to them; and both the boys looked inquiringly at the face of
+the Pah Utah. The stolid, indifferent expression that they there saw
+relieved them, and they withdrew all further thought regarding the
+troublesome animals.
+
+Shasta had loosened the connection between the two boats--not, perhaps,
+that he was unwilling to carry them also along, but because he judged it
+was time that the party learned to navigate for themselves.
+
+Tim O'Rooney grasped the paddle, and his handling of it showed no
+ordinary skill. He had greatly improved upon his performance of
+yesterday, and kept his position slightly in the rear of the other
+canoe, whose owner, as a matter of course, timed his speed to that of
+his pupil.
+
+When the Irishman was tired he passed the paddle to Howard, who had been
+carefully studying the "style" of Shasta, and whose efforts were modeled
+after his. Practice alone can make perfect, no matter if the theory in
+absolutely so. The mind may hold the exact idea, and may send the
+precise message through the nerves to the muscles, but the latter must
+make a good many trials before they can carry out orders with exactness.
+
+And so the boy, although, as he believed, he imitated exactly the manner
+of their dusky friend, was not long in finding that the paddle was by no
+means as obedient. The reason was that the delicate play of the iron
+muscles of the Pah Utah could not be seen. They had done this thing so
+often that it became a matter of course with them.
+
+But having started upon right principles, by the time the boy was so
+exhausted that he could not move his arms, he could see that he had
+improved, or as the sovereign people say, "he was getting the knack of
+it." It was now Elwood's turn, and he caught the paddle with all the
+enthusiasm which might be expected in a youngster who had been
+impatiently waiting to take part in some game.
+
+By the time Elwood needed rest, Tim O'Rooney was ready, and so the
+paddle did unceasing work, each member having all the time necessary for
+rest, until after they had been to work some hours, the boys found their
+arms remained tired, and a longer cessation needed.
+
+Shasta seemed to look upon these essays of his friends with no little
+pleasure. He watched their movements all the time, and a horrible
+suspicion once entered the head of Tim O'Rooney that he saw him come
+very near smiling. Whether there were any grounds for this suspicion
+probably will never be known, unless the Pah Utah takes it into his head
+to write and tell us.
+
+Shasta remained a few feet in advance, his back being placed toward the
+prow of his own boat. This relative position--and our "pale faced"
+friends, it may be said, labored savagely--was kept by him without any
+effort. Now and then he touched the point of his paddle, but there was
+scarcely a ripple. It was as a fish is sometimes seen to move through
+the water with the slightest quiver of its fins.
+
+When all three of our friends were used up, red in the face, panting and
+sighing for a chance to take a good long rest, a tiny island came in
+view round a bend in the river, and to their joy they saw Shasta fix his
+eye upon it and then head his canoe toward the point. Cheered by the
+prospect, they renewed their work with greater ardor, and in a few
+moments the boats buried their points in the luxuriant undergrowth along
+the shore.
+
+The island was quite small, and offered no inducements in the way of
+game, unless some animal in crossing the river had paused to rest itself
+and make an exploration of the place. This was scarcely to be expected,
+and none of the party based any hopes upon it.
+
+After the inmates of the large canoe had stepped upon shore, Shasta sent
+his backward into the river again by a sweep of his paddle, and headed
+for the eastern bank, shooting over the surface with amazing speed. His
+movements were watched with interest and some surprise.
+
+"What can it mean?" asked Elwood.
+
+"Perhaps he is going to leave us."
+
+"I don't think he would do it in that manner. He will make an elaborate
+good-by for us, for we are getting to understand each other quite well
+by means of signs."
+
+"Arrah now!" exclaimed Tim O'Rooney, "didn't ye saa that he was
+disgusted wid our paddling and kaaping him back, and has gone out jist
+that he may enj'y the pleasure of shtretching his arms in the
+owld-fashioned manner, as Father O'Shaughnessy said when he tipped over
+his brother?"
+
+This may have satisfied the Irishman, but hardly the boys. It did not
+look reasonable to them that the Indian, having just finished three
+times the amount of work performed by each, was in so great need of
+additional exercise that he must abandon his friends and paddle off over
+the river.
+
+"I think he is going to hunt for fish," said Elwood.
+
+"But he could have caught them without going to land."
+
+"Perhaps not. I noticed yesterday that he went where there was a sort of
+eddy, and you see he can't find that very well unless it is close by
+land."
+
+Howard pointed to the lower end of the island:
+
+"What better place could he find than that? It is just the spot to catch
+fish."
+
+By this time Shasta's canoe had reached the bank, but instead of landing
+he turned the prow down stream, and slowly glided along as if in quest
+of something. This to Tim O'Rooney was proof of the truth of his
+declaration.
+
+"What did I tell yees? The thrip to shore was not enough, and he's
+taking a wee turn further."
+
+"He is looking for a good fishing ground," affirmed Howard. "If it were
+anything else he would not go so slowly."
+
+"But, see! he has stopped?"
+
+As Elwood spoke the Pah Utah rose in his canoe and stepped ashore. He
+stooped and employed himself a moment with the canoe and then
+disappeared.
+
+"It cannot be that he has left us," said Elwood, in considerable alarm.
+
+"No; I think he is hunting for game."
+
+This seemed very reasonable, and the party waited patiently for his
+return. No personal danger to himself could be expected, as he could not
+be approached undiscovered by any hostile white man, and being an Indian
+he could have no cause to fear anything from his own race.
+
+Still there was a vague misgiving that everything was not right--that
+something unusual would be the result of this separation--and each
+member of the little party awaited, with more anxiety than he would have
+confessed, some evidence of the intention of the Pah Utah.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+EXIT SHASTA.
+
+
+The three whites were still gazing toward the eastern shore, intently
+looking for some sign, or listening to some sound which might tell
+something regarding Shasta, when they were startled by a loud whirring
+or buzzing overhead, and looking up saw a large bird passing within a
+few feet of them--so close that its claws could be seen curled up
+against its body, as it made a sudden sweep to the right, frightened at
+its near approach to its human enemies.
+
+"Shoot it!" called out Elwood to Howard. "My gun isn't loaded, and it
+will make us a good breakfast."
+
+But the bird, whatever it was, did not choose to wait until the heavy
+rifle could be brought to bear upon it; and by the time Howard had
+fairly got the idea through his head, it was skimming away over the
+country toward the Coast Range.
+
+But a sharper eye and an unerring aim was leveled against it, and as
+they were watching its flight it suddenly turned over and over, its
+great wings going like the arms of a windmill as it dropped swiftly to
+the earth; and, as it disappeared in the trees and undergrowth, the
+crack of a rifle came across the intervening space.
+
+"That was Shasta!" exclaimed Elwood in delight.
+
+"Certainly, we might have known what he was after. He thinks we do not
+admire fish as a steady diet and has gone after fowl for us."
+
+"I don't know about that," said Elwood, who sometimes seemed to
+alternate with Howard in his knowledge of the ways of the wood. "I can't
+see that there was any more chance of seeing birds there than upon the
+island. That same fowl passed closer to us than it did to him."
+
+"I suppose," laughed Howard, "that he was hunting after game of some
+kind, and had no idea of shooting the bird until it passed so near him
+that he saw it was quite the thing we needed, and so he toppled it
+over."
+
+"Me views intirely," assented Tim. "I agraas wid both of yees."
+
+A few moments later the Pah Utah appeared with the bird in his hand, and
+flinging it into the canoe quickly paddled back to the island. His bird
+proved to be a species of wild goose, that seemed to have strayed from
+its flock and gone wandering through the Salinas Valley at this season
+of the year ultimately to fall before the rifle of Shasta.
+
+Our friends were in ecstasies over their prospective meal. The Indian
+displayed the same skill in dressing the bird that he did in preparing
+the fish. The feathers were quickly twitched off, and the dry driftwood
+piled upon the upper end of the island was the best fuel they could have
+had for the purpose. When done, it was "done brown," and to a turn; and
+to the famishing travelers nothing could have been more savory and
+luscious.
+
+The truth of it was, the boys found that this kind of life was agreeing
+with them amazingly. Their appetites were fierce, their sleep sound, and
+a feeling of perfect health diffused itself through their glowing
+frames, such as they had never known before. Their exposure to the night
+air troubled them at first, but they soon recovered from it and enjoyed
+"camping out" as thoroughly as did old campaigners.
+
+It was a very good thing, it is true, for a while; but don't let any
+boys get the idea of following their example, unless they are compelled
+in precisely the same manner to do so. If any youngster imagines he has
+formed true ideas of distant countries from the narratives of adventures
+which he may have read, he will find himself most woefully mistaken.
+Never think of traveling until you are a married man, and by that time
+you will have made up your mind to be sensible and stay at home.
+
+When the meal was finished, and their appetites satisfied, the Pah Utah,
+instead of immediately embarking, walked to the lower end of the island,
+and stood for some time apparently examining some sign further down the
+river. Following the direction of his eyes, our friends could see
+nothing unusual until Elwood detected something in the air on the
+western bank which at first resembled a light cloud, but which they
+imagined might be caused by a camp-fire.
+
+Whatever it was that attracted the attention of Shasta he took but a few
+moments to decide regarding it. Going again to his canoe, he entered it
+without a word or sign, and paddled away at his swiftest rate straight
+toward it, while his companions watched the proceeding with as much
+interest as in the preceding case.
+
+The camp appeared fully a half-mile distant, and it took but a short
+time for the Indian to reach a point opposite, when he sprung lightly
+ashore and disappeared with his usual celerity.
+
+"He is cautious," remarked Elwood. "He doesn't wish us to undertake to
+pass it unless he is sure there will be no trouble."
+
+"A sinsible young man!" asserted Tim. "His parents have the best raison
+for faaling proud of so promising a young gintleman."
+
+"And so have we."
+
+A few moments elapsed, when the Pah Utah reappeared and came back as
+rapidly as he went.
+
+The first thing he did upon reaching the island was again to fasten the
+boats together, and then motion to the three to enter. This, of course,
+they did without delay, and took their usual positions.
+
+But Shasta was not satisfied. He told them, in his manner, to lie down;
+and not until the three had so arranged themselves as to be invisible
+from both shores, did he dip his paddle and resume his journey.
+
+"This means danger," said Elwood. "He doesn't wish any one to know we
+are in the boats."
+
+"And we must be sure and obey him."
+
+"It's aisy doing, as my brother used to say whin his wife tould him, in
+her gintle manner, by the help of her broomstick, to go to bed."
+
+"And, Elwood, you are close to Terror, see that he doesn't let his
+curiosity got the better of his judgment."
+
+The Pah Utah was satisfied, and now began plying his paddle. It was
+difficult for the three so to govern their curiosity as not to peep over
+the side of the canoe; but there were good reasons for their not doing
+so, and they scarcely moved a limb for the next hour.
+
+They had gone but a little way when Terror raised his head and uttered a
+slight bark; but a word from Elwood quieted him. Finally, Shasta paused
+and uttered a guttural sound in his own tongue, which was taken as
+permission for them to rise.
+
+As they did so, they looked behind. The dim smoke ascending in the
+summer sky was seen far behind, and between it and them the Salinas made
+another bend, so that they had no cause to fear observation from that
+party at least.
+
+Shasta again disconnected the two canoes--an act which did not surprise
+them; but his next proceeding astonished them a good deal.
+
+Reaching across the boats, he shook hands with them all, at the same
+time muttering a word or two to each.
+
+"He is going to leave us," said Elwood, with an air of disappointment.
+
+"He has good reason for doing so, but I am afraid it will be bad for
+us."
+
+"Adieu, Mr. Shasta, adieu!" said Tim O'Rooney, with considerable
+feeling. "You've done us a good turn and we'll not forget you. If yez
+ever drifts into San Francisco, give us a call."
+
+The Indian motioned to them to proceed, and using his paddle with his
+extraordinary skill, he sped up the river toward the camp-fire, and in a
+very short time vanished.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+THE WESTERN SHORE.
+
+
+The departure of Shasta gave rise to all manner of doubt and
+speculation. None of them believed he meditated bidding the party
+good-by until he went through the ceremony of shaking hands. This
+settled the matter, and they could have no cause for hope of seeing him
+again.
+
+"That must have been a party of his people," said Howard, "or he would
+not have taken the pains to help us out of sight."
+
+"At any rate, he has done us good service," replied Elwood. "I don't
+know what would have become of us but for him."
+
+They had not yet begun using their paddle, but were drifting with the
+current, debating upon their course of action.
+
+"I think I understand why he left us," added Howard, after a moment's
+pause.
+
+Tim and Elwood looked up in his face.
+
+"I think we have passed through most of the danger, and he thought we
+were just as safe without him as with him. Don't you see, Elwood, that
+we have come a good ways down the river, and we must be near some
+settlement. I think there is a place called Soledad somewhere along this
+river, but whether on the eastern or western bank I cannot tell."
+
+"It is a good ways off, I should say fifty miles, and is on the western
+bank."
+
+"How comes it that _you_ are so well informed?" asked Howard, repeating
+the question that had been asked him by his cousin when on the steamer.
+
+"It is only accidentally that I know that. A few weeks ago I was
+comparing an old and new geography and noticed what different views they
+gave of the western part of our country. The old maps had the
+Buenaventura so wrong in every particular that I learned considerable
+about the true one, which you know is called Salinas by most people."
+
+"If we are very careful, I think we can get home without trouble; but
+although there must be white people--settlers and miners--in these
+parts, still they are so scattered that we are less likely to see them
+than we are the Indians."
+
+"Boys," said Tim O'Rooney, who had not let his pipe go out since
+morning. "Shall I give yez some good advice?"
+
+Both expressed their eagerness to receive it.
+
+"There bees plenty of the rid gintlemen yet in this counthry, and we
+haven't got beyant them. If we goes paddling in this canoe when the sun
+is shining overhead, some of 'em will see us, and if we don't put into
+shore they'll put out after us--that they will."
+
+"What is it that you propose, then?"
+
+"That we turns the night into day, and slaaps and smokes and meditates
+by sunlight, and does our traveling by moonlight, or what is bether,
+without any light at all."
+
+This proposal suited the boys exactly. It was so plainly dictated by
+common sense that the wonder was they had not thought of it long before.
+Elwood took the paddle in his hand and held it poised.
+
+"Which way--east or west?"
+
+Howard pointed to the left bank.
+
+"That is the side where _they_ are," replied Elwood, referring to the
+Indian party they had passed.
+
+"And where _he_ is," meaning their good friend, the Pah Utah.
+
+"To the left--to the left," said Tim. "Didn't I git into the worst
+throuble of me life--always barring the repulse me Bridget give me--by
+hunting in them parts?"
+
+Elwood delayed no longer, but plied the oars with a dexterity that
+showed his experience had not been lost upon him.
+
+"You understand it quite well," said Howard approvingly.
+
+"Yes; but my arms ache terribly."
+
+"Ah! here we are."
+
+The prow of the canoe moved as silently and easily into the undergrowth
+as if it were water, and our friends at a step passed from every portion
+of it to dry land.
+
+As they intended remaining in their present quarters until darkness,
+they took some pains to select a suitable place. They finally hit upon a
+spot, on an incline of the river bank, and about a dozen yards distant.
+Here the grass was green and velvety, and the wood so thick that they
+had little fear of discovery, unless by some who had seen them land and
+took the trouble to hunt them out.
+
+It was about noon when they landed, and as they had all spent a wakeful
+night, their first proceeding was so to arrange themselves as to enjoy a
+quiet sleep. Terror was placed on duty as sentinel, and all lay down
+with a sense of security to which they had been strangers in a long
+time.
+
+As usual, the boys were the first to awake, doing so almost at the same
+moment. They saw by the sun that the afternoon was about half gone, but
+they were not troubled from hunger, as their morning meal may be said to
+have been their midday one, and had been one of those royal ones whose
+memory is apt to linger a long time with us, especially if we are boys.
+
+"This is tiresome," said Elwood, yawning and stretching his limbs, "let
+us take a tramp of discovery."
+
+The proposal suited Howard, although prudence told him to remain where
+he was and keep his friend with him. But the restraint was so irksome
+that he was all too willing a listener to the persuasions of his
+companion.
+
+"I noticed there was quite a high range of hills just back of us," added
+Elwood. "Let's take a look at them."
+
+"Is it prudent?" and Howard only repeated audibly the question that his
+conscience had just asked him.
+
+"Prudent? Of course it is, if we only take good care of ourselves."
+
+"Shall we awake Tim before we go?"
+
+"No; he will sleep until to-morrow morning."
+
+"We must leave Terror to watch him then, for it wouldn't do for him to
+lie alone and asleep."
+
+"Of course not."
+
+The Newfoundland, which had risen to his feet, was told to remain on
+guard, and the boys started off on a ramble that was to be a most
+eventful one to them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+THE RAMBLE.
+
+
+After the restraint the boys had undergone, cramped in the canoe, and
+not daring to wander out of sight of their camp-fire when upon shore,
+there was a delicious relief in rambling through the woods. The clear,
+pure air that was dry and cool in the shadow of the forest, the
+undulating, charming scenery, the novel look that rested upon all they
+saw--these possessed a charm to our young friends which they hardly
+could have resisted, even if they had the will to do so; but when we say
+that after starting forth scarcely a thought of their imprudence entered
+their heads, it was but natural that they should find themselves led
+much further away than was either wise or consistent with the resolves
+with which they left their friends, Tim and Terror.
+
+They took no notice of the direction they were following, nor of the
+distance they had gone, until near the middle of the afternoon Howard
+abruptly paused and asked, with a look of alarm:
+
+"Elwood, what have we done?"
+
+"Why? What is the matter?"
+
+"We must be a mile off from Tim, and it will be dark before we can get
+back."
+
+"O! I think not. You know we have walked very slowly, and we can hurry
+when we take it into our heads to return."
+
+"But do you know the way?"
+
+"Certainly. Don't you?"
+
+"What course must we follow?"
+
+Elwood pointed to the northwest, which, while it was not far from their
+general course, was by no means the proper one by which to rejoin their
+companion.
+
+"How strange!" said Howard. "It seems to me that yonder is the point
+from which we started."
+
+And _he_ pointed nearly due west, just as wrong as he could possibly be.
+
+"You are wrong," said Elwood positively. "I am sure of the right way."
+
+"We won't dispute over it," replied his companion, with some sadness,
+"for it is very doubtful if either of us is right."
+
+"All we have to do then, is to hunt for the river and follow that up
+until we find Tim sound asleep."
+
+"Yea; but how is the river to be found? To you it lies in one place, and
+to me in another."
+
+"But I can prove that you are wrong, and," laughed Elwood, "that I am,
+too, although I was never right."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"The sun sets in the west, and notice where it is."
+
+Howard now opened his eyes in amazement. He would have been sure that it
+was going down in the other part of the sky; but the proof before his
+eyes was irrefragable.
+
+"It must be," he replied. "We have been 'turned round.' Just as when we
+left the wharf at New York. I was below when the steamer came out, and
+so long as New York was in sight I was sure it lay in the wrong place."
+
+"But, how bad even that makes it! We cannot reach the river before dark,
+and we shall not know whether we am a mile above or below where Tim is
+sleeping."
+
+"If we go straight for the river, I think it likely that we shall come
+much nearer him than that."
+
+"It may be, but how are we to tell?"
+
+"Why, if we don't find him by night, we can fire oft our guns and call
+to him."
+
+"And bring a party of the savages down upon us."
+
+"That may be if there are any in the neighborhood, but we shall have to
+run the risk."
+
+By this time the boys were fully impressed with their want of discretion
+and with the urgent necessity of making all haste back to the river.
+
+"Let us keep our thoughts about us," said Howard, "for we have been
+without them long enough. Now, the Salinas River runs very nearly north
+and south, doesn't it?"
+
+"This portion of it does."
+
+"Then we must go as nearly east as we can, and let's be off."
+
+Turning their backs upon the sun, they began retracing their steps; but
+they had journeyed scarce half an hour when they found themselves near a
+range of hills, which they were sure they had not passed through, and
+did not remember to have seen.
+
+"What does this mean?" asked Howard, still more alarmed. "We never have
+been near these."
+
+"Are they not the hills we noticed just us we were about starting?"
+
+"They cannot be;--these are larger, have not half as much wood upon
+them. I tell you, Elwood, there is one thing sure."
+
+"I know what you mean."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+_"We are lost!"_
+
+[Illustration: "We are lost."]
+
+"You are right. We may find Tim again, but we are going to have trouble
+to do it."
+
+"Listen! He may call to us."
+
+They stopped walking find held their breath, but not a sound broke the
+solemn stillness, save a faint, hollow roar--whether the deep murmur
+that is always heard in a great forest, or the sound of the distant
+Pacific Ocean they could not tell.
+
+"No; he is asleep yet," said Elwood. "If he would only wake up he would
+shout to us."
+
+"Thus you see, if we shoot our guns, the chances are that _he_ will not
+hear it, while it may be the means of bringing to us the very ones we
+are so anxious to keep away."
+
+So they concluded not to fire their rifles for the present.
+
+"But these hills," continued Howard, "they don't extend in any great
+direction either north or south. The question now is, shall we pass
+around the northern or southern end?"
+
+"What difference will it make?"
+
+"All the difference in the world. If Tim is to the south of us, and we
+pass around that way, I think we shall find him without much hunting,
+while if we take the wrong course it will be night before we can get
+anywhere near him."
+
+"I see," replied Elwood. "We shall have to guess at it. But, hold!" he
+exclaimed, with sparkling eyes. "You go one way and I will another!"
+
+Howard shook his head.
+
+"There is too much risk."
+
+"Not at all. The distance is short, and we can whistle to each other
+every few minutes. Then, you know, as we shall be looking for each
+other, we cannot lose ourselves in these still woods. The minute I get
+sight of the river I can tell whether we are above or below Tim."
+
+Howard would not consent at first, but his cousin set forth the
+advantages of the plan so eloquently that he finally agreed. Arranging
+their signals and manner of proceeding, the boys, therefore, separated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+BACK TO CAMP.
+
+
+The hill which the boys proposed to pass around was about a quarter of a
+mile in length and but slightly less in breadth--much greater than
+either of them suspected when they set out. It rose like a peak to the
+height of several hundred feet, as if it were an offshoot from the main
+ridge of hills, left to flourish by itself.
+
+Howard walked slowly along, after glancing back at his cousin until the
+intervening wood concealed him from view, when he gave a short, sharp
+whistle, which was immediately answered. Then, appreciating the
+necessity of haste, he quickened his footsteps.
+
+As he advanced the hills assumed proportions of which he had not
+dreamed, and that raised in his mind strong doubts as to the wisdom of
+separating from his companion. He would not have done it had not the
+latter urged him so. Misgivings now arose in the mind of the boy. He
+looked upon his duty as that of restraining and tempering Elwood's
+impulsiveness. He had done so several times to his manifest advantage;
+but on this day, as Howard looked back, it really appeared as if he had
+bidden good-by to his senses. Their separation from Tim was almost
+criminal in its foolishness, and yet he had scarcely raised an
+objection; and now, was not the last proceeding still more imprudent? As
+it stood, the three members of the little party who should never have
+been out of each other's sight, were now a good distance from each
+other, and that, too, when in a hostile country.
+
+From these rather sad reflections Howard was roused by the faint,
+echoing whistle of Elwood.
+
+"He is all right," thought he, feeling much relieved, as he placed his
+fingers to his mouth and returned the whistle. "We are both now passing
+around the hill, so that we cannot get further apart, and can keep
+within call all the time."
+
+Admonished by the lateness of the hour, Howard almost ran. He grew
+somewhat impatient at the unexpected extent of the hill; but finally he
+passed beyond the southern point, and as he stood and listened, he heard
+the murmur of the river--proof that it was close at hand.
+
+"Now," thought he, "if Elwood will only hurry, we have a good chance of
+finding Tim before he gives us up for lost."
+
+The boy could not see that anything at all was gained by their course in
+passing around the ridge. Neither of them, were in sight of the river,
+and would have to advance still further before they could form any idea
+of their whereabouts. He was resolved to do this in company with his
+cousin, so that precisely the same thing would have been accomplished
+had they remained together.
+
+Howard having hurried a great deal, thought it likely that he was some
+distance in advance of his cousin. He stood some minutes listening for
+his signals, and then began walking toward the northern end of the hill
+that he might meet him as he came around. He observed as he advanced
+that they increased in rocky ruggedness, and could see that it was quite
+a feat to pass through them.
+
+Going some distance he paused again, and listened intently, but nothing
+beside the deep murmur of the woods reached his ear.
+
+"What can it mean?" he finally asked himself, as a vague alarm crept
+over him. "We must be much closer together than we were before, and I
+haven't heard him whistle for the last half-hour."
+
+He began to doubt whether it was best to proceed further or not. It
+might serve only to mislead in case Elwood was searching for him. Still
+hearing nothing to indicate the location of his friend, he made the
+signal himself--a long, screeching whistle, that rang out in the solemn
+stillness with a penetrating clearness that sent the chills over him
+from head to foot.
+
+"He must hear that if he is within a mile," was his reflection, as he
+leaned his head forward and listened for the first approach of the
+answering sound.
+
+Ten, fifteen, twenty minutes passed away, but nothing was heard, and the
+poor boy looked around in sore alarm.
+
+"Can it be that Elwood is jesting?" he asked himself. "He would not do
+so if he knew what I am suffering."
+
+Howard was now in great distress. He could not decide what to do. If he
+advanced he could feel no assurance of meeting his friend, while a
+retreat was equally hopeless.
+
+Where was Elwood? Had he wandered off among the hills, tempted by the
+wild scenery, and had he lost his way? Was he searching for his cousin?
+Or had he been found by Indians?
+
+The last inquiry had been rising in Howard's mind for a half-hour, but
+he had resolutely forced it down again, until he could keep it away no
+longer. He could find no other reason to account for the silence, and
+failure to answer his call. The whistle which he had given must have
+spread miles in every direction--so far that Elwood could not have got
+beyond its range had the course of both been precisely opposite. No; it
+must----
+
+But, hark! A faint, tremulous whistle comes to his ear. It is far away
+and sounds among the hills behind, as though it had labored up from some
+cave or chasm miles distant. Howard held his breath, and as he
+anticipated, it came again so faintly and distantly that had he been
+walking he could not have heard it.
+
+On both occasions it sounded behind him among the hills, though its
+tremulous faintness made it appear as though it came from far up in the
+air, or down deep in some of the gorges of the hills--so uncertain was
+the exact point of its starting.
+
+Poor Howard was now in a dilemma. Whether to attempt to follow up the
+signal or to go on to the river and search out Tim O'Rooney and the
+Newfoundland was a question which was difficult to decide. But his
+eagerness to find his cousin led him on into the hills, until he had
+penetrated quite a distance. He then paused and listened for the signal,
+but none was ever to come to his ears again.
+
+Howard repeated the whistle over and over, and finally fired his gun;
+but both were equally fruitless. He waited where he was until dark, when
+with a sad heart he withdrew and resumed his tramp toward the river.
+Gloomy indeed were his meditations, as he reflected on the occurrences
+of the day, and there was scarcely anything he would not do, if by any
+means he could recall _his_ part since he landed upon the main shore.
+
+In the course of half an hour he reached the river, and looked intently
+out into the semi-darkness to see whether he could recognize anything
+familiar; but so far as he was able to see, all was strange, from which
+he concluded that he had struck at a point lower down than where Tim had
+been left.
+
+He therefore began making his way south, that is, toward the source of
+the river, after halting and listening for some sound that might tell
+something either of Tim or Elwood. Suddenly a threatening growl startled
+him, and then came the welcome bark of Terror, and the next moment the
+dog was frolicking around him and showing his delight in the most
+extravagant manner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+WAITING AND WATCHING.
+
+
+"Worrah! worrah! but this is a fine scare you've been givin' Tim
+O'Rooney, so me uncle said whin they towld him his wife was coming over
+to Ameriky to see him. Here I've been awake fur the last two hours,
+jist, looking and expacting you to come back, and thinking the red
+colored gintleman had carried you away entirely----"
+
+Howard impatiently interrupted him.
+
+"Have you seen or heard anything of Elwood?"
+
+"No-o-o!" replied Tim, his answer rising and falling in a circumflex
+through a half-dozen notes of the scale.
+
+_"Then he is lost!"_
+
+"What?" fairly shrieked the Irishman.
+
+"He is lost in the woods."
+
+Howard had little heart to go over the experiences of the afternoon. He
+simply told his friend that he and Elwood had separated on their return,
+and he had been unable to find him again.
+
+"What did you separate for?" asked the listener.
+
+"Because I was a fool; but O, Tim, there is no use of regretting what
+has been done. If Elwood is lost, I shall never leave this place."
+
+After a while Howard became more composed, and they conversed rationally
+upon the best plan for them to follow. Tim O'Rooney was strenuous in his
+belief that Elwood had wandered off among the hills, and finding it
+growing dark, had sought some secure shelter for the night. He was sure
+that he would give vigorous signs of his whereabouts as soon as day
+dawned.
+
+There was something in the daring nature of the boy that made it
+probable that Tim was right. Tempted out of his path by some singular or
+unexpected sight, he had wandered away until he found it too dark to
+return, and so had made the best of the matter and camped in some tree,
+or beneath the ledge of some projecting rock.
+
+Such was the theory of Tim O'Rooney, and so ingeniously did he enforce
+it that Howard could not avoid its plausibility. None knew better than
+he the impulsive nature of the boy, and such an act upon his part would
+be in perfect keeping with similar exploits.
+
+There was but one thing that raised a doubt in the mind of Howard--and
+slight as was this, it was enough to give him sore uneasiness, and at
+times almost to destroy hope. At the time the boys separated, Elwood had
+shown a great anxiety to reach Tim, and proposed his plan in the belief
+that it would bring them together the more quickly.
+
+This made it seem improbable to Howard that he would have allowed
+anything to divert him from his course unless his personal safety caused
+him to do so; but Tim said that if such were the case they would have
+heard his gun.
+
+"Do you s'pose he's the boy to lit a wild animal or any of them red
+gintlemen step up to him without his tachin' thim manners? But he's the
+youngster that wouldn't do the same. You'd hear that gun of his cracking
+away as long as there was any lift for him to crack."
+
+"It may be as you think, Tim, but I believe it is worse. Suppose he is
+in the hands of some of these wandering bands of Indians."
+
+"S'pose he isn't."
+
+"We have done that; but let us face the worst. If he has been taken away
+by them, what shall we do?"
+
+"Hunt him up."
+
+"That is true, but how that is to be done is the difficulty. If we only
+had Shasta with us."
+
+"Arrah, now, if ye'd had him ye'd've niver gone thramping off in the
+woods and having me alone here with the dog. The red gintleman knowed
+what was best for us, and do ye mind, he kept his eye upon yez all the
+time."
+
+Howard had thought the same thing a score of times since noon, and there
+was no need of his being told how the Pah Utah would have acted had he
+remained with them.
+
+"I thinks Mr. Shasta isn't a great many miles off. P'rhaps," added Tim,
+significantly, "he's kapin' watch upon us and will come to our help in
+our throuble."
+
+But the contingency, to Howard at least, was too remote for him to build
+any hopes upon it. It seemed more probable that the Indian's friendship
+had led him much further out of the way than they had suspected, and
+that he was now many a long mile off, speeding toward home.
+
+"He may find out that the youngster is wid 'em," added Tim, "whin he
+will hasten to his relaaf."
+
+"That seems the most likely."
+
+"There's but one thing agin it."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+But the Irishman was silent. The boy repeated his question.
+
+"It's bad--let it be."
+
+But Howard insisted.
+
+"Wal, you know, they may--wal--_put him out the way_."
+
+"O Tim!" groaned Howard, "that cannot be, that cannot be!"
+
+"I hopes not, but there's no telling what these sarpints may take into
+their heads to do. They're a bad set of craytures, always barring Mr.
+Shasta, and I'd've thought a good daal more of the same if he'd only
+staid a few days longer wid us."
+
+"He thought we had enough sense to take care of ourselves, after he had
+seen us through the most dangerous part of our journey, otherwise he
+would have remained with us to the end. But, as I said a minute ago, it
+does no good for us to lament what cannot be helped. As soon as it is
+light we must go up among the hills with Terror and make a hunt for
+Elwood."
+
+"Yees spake the truth. The dog may be smarter than we is, and I'm
+thinkin' it wouldn't have to be very smart to be in that same fix, and
+we'll sarch till we finds out something about him."
+
+"It is fortunate for poor Elwood that the night is so mild and
+pleasant."
+
+"Fort'nit for ourselves, be the same towken; for without our fire we'd
+be rather cool when we slept, and the cold would keep us awake all
+night."
+
+"But we have the blanket with us, and that would protect us at any time,
+no matter how cold it might be."
+
+"Yis," assented Tim, with a great sigh. "If I only had me pipe under way
+I'd faal somewhat more comfortable, barring the worriment I faals at the
+absence of the youngster. May God watch over him through the darkniss!"
+
+"Amen!" was this reverent response of Howard.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+THE SEARCH.
+
+
+All through the night Tim O'Rooney and Howard Lawrence sat in close
+consultation. Hunger and sleep were alike unthought of. Elwood Brandon
+was lost, and that was all of which they could think or speak. How they
+longed for the morning, and how impatient they were to be on the hunt!
+It seemed to Howard as if he could go leaping and flying down the chasms
+and gorges among the hills, and never tire until he had hunted out and
+brought back his cousin. Where could he be? If nestling in the branches
+of a tree, or hid away among the rocks, was he asleep? Or if awake, of
+what was he thinking? Did he believe that Howard was searching for him?
+Or did he imagine him also lost? It would not be reasonable to suppose
+that he had any suspicion of his finding Tim O'Rooney.
+
+If in the hands of California Indians----But it would be vain to trace
+out all the thoughts and speculations that ran through the head of the
+boy. Some of them were of the wildest and most grotesque character, and
+would assume a ludicrous phase to one whose mind was not in such a whirl
+of excitement and distress.
+
+In the gloom of the wood the darkness was so intense that neither Tim
+nor Howard could distinguish each other, though only a few feet apart.
+The Newfoundland lay close to his master, seemingly sound asleep, but
+more heedful than the two of the approach of danger.
+
+Occasionally through the night the call of some wild animal was
+heard--sometimes distant and sometimes so near that they started to
+their feet and were about to enter their canoe and shove out into the
+stream; but when it came no more they were reassured. Then something
+like the report of a gun came faintly up the river to their ears.
+
+These sounds only served to render the night more gloomy and lonely, and
+to make the daylight the more welcome.
+
+"Now let's be off," said Howard, as soon as it was light enough to
+distinguish each other's faces.
+
+"We must find some means of remembering this place, or we'll never see
+the canoe agin, and will be obliged to sail into San Francisco on fut."
+
+The boat was drawn entirely out of the water and covered as much as
+possible with leaves and undergrowth; for it was a loss that under any
+circumstances they could not sustain. The feat of marking the place so
+that they could readily return to it from any direction was more
+difficult; but Howard finally hit upon quite an ingenious scheme. They
+waited until the sun had approached near enough to the horizon that they
+could tell precisely the point where it would appear, and then turning
+their backs against it they walked forward until they reached the hills
+where Elwood had disappeared. Here they noticed the character and
+formation of the rocks so particularly that they could recognize them
+the moment they saw them. Thus the hills were such a conspicuous
+landmark as to be seen from a great distance; and, as they did not
+intend to go out of their sight, all they had to do was to hunt till
+they found this spot, and then walk due east.
+
+All this was agreed upon, and they were among the hills just as the sun
+was coming up the horizon. Here, after whistling and shouting for
+sometime without receiving any response, they concluded to search for
+the point where the boys separated. This was quite distant, and over an
+hour was required to find the place, and when it was discovered Howard
+could not be positive that he was right.
+
+But as time was of the greatest importance, they pressed on, the dog
+snuffing the ground as though he had scented the footprints, but he
+failed to follow them with certainty. Several hundred yards brought them
+to an opening in the hills just broad enough to admit the body of a man.
+It was not a tunnel-like opening, but a rent, as if the hills had been
+pulled a few feet asunder by the power of an earthquake.
+
+The two paused in doubt before this.
+
+"He went in there," said Tim. "He couldn't help it, no matter how great
+his hurry."
+
+"I am half disposed to believe you; at any rate let us follow it some
+ways."
+
+Terror was running over the ground, as though he had made a discovery,
+and he finally whisked forward out of sight.
+
+"That looks as if he were upon his trail."
+
+"Yis, or somebody ilse's; maybe some of the rid gintlemen has took his
+marnin' walk in this direction."
+
+They followed the path with caution, and were surprised the further they
+advanced. It wound around and among the rocks, which came so close
+together as to forbid the passage of a man, and the sides never
+withdrawing more than a dozen feet.
+
+"It looks as though it had been made on purpose," said Tim, gazing
+around him in admiration.
+
+Finally, it was broken up among the hills, after winding through every
+point of the compass for fully an eighth of a mile. It gradually rose
+from its commencement--occasionally interrupted by sharp ascents--until
+its termination, when they found they had reached no mean elevation.
+
+Still the rocks rose on every hand, and shut out their view of the
+surrounding country, but showed them a specimen of the wild scenery
+produced in California. The interior of the hills was cut up by chasms,
+gorges and ravines, and they heard, but did not see, the rush of a small
+stream of water.
+
+They stood in silence a few moments and then Howard said:
+
+"If he is lost in here there is no need of us looking for him."
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"We might search till we died of old age, and never find the least trace
+of him."
+
+"And might discover the poor youngster's body the first half-hour we
+spint in looking."
+
+This last remark caused Howard to start off at once, fully resolved not
+to pause again in the search until compelled to do so.
+
+Terror was constantly commanded to hunt for the trail of the boy, and
+the dog appeared to understand what was expected of him, for he was
+running constantly hither and thither, but never gave sign that he had
+found anything positive.
+
+This fact led Howard to doubt whether Elwood had preceded them in this
+place. If he had really been here, he must have passed directly over the
+spot upon which they were standing, and it seemed hardly possible that
+the dog could miss the scent. So strong was he impressed with this that
+he proposed to Tim O'Rooney to turn back and resume their search outside
+the hills; but he was so sure that Elwood Brandon could never have
+passed unentered such an inviting opening that he would not consent to
+withdraw until they examined further.
+
+Looking around they saw several paths by which they could enter the
+wild, desolate-looking scene before them. Of course, it was all a matter
+of chance whether they took the one which had been followed by their
+lost friend. Tim affirmed that the one that looked the most dangerous
+and uninviting was surely the right one; but Howard was hardly prepared
+to admit this. Selecting the most accessible, they carefully followed it
+for over an hour. In and out among the rocks, sometimes over their tops,
+then between or around them, down through ravines, and then along their
+edges, up the stony, earthy sides of the gorges, until at length they
+halted as they believed in the very heart of this wild looking place.
+
+"Here we are!" said Howard. "I don't see how we can advance much further
+without going out to the other side."
+
+"It's the qua'rest sight I iver looked upon," said Tim, turning round
+and round, meaning the wild scenery.
+
+"But there is nothing learned of Elwood."
+
+"Niver a sign do I saa of the youngster," rejoined Tim. "I graive to
+think we cannot be near him."
+
+"We have gone on the wrong track."
+
+"I'm a feared so."
+
+"Too bad, too bad," wailed Howard, "what is to come of the poor fellow?"
+
+"But we can't till," hastily added Tim, "do yees put your fingers in
+your mouth and give that jolly little whistle."
+
+Howard Lawrence was in the very act of doing so when his arm was
+suddenly arrested by his companion, who, with an exclamation of surprise
+pointed to a ledge of rocks above them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+THE END OF THE SEARCH.
+
+
+About a hundred and fifty feet above them, almost perpendicularly
+upward, stood an antelope, its small neck outstretched, and its dark,
+beautiful eyes fixed upon them with a wondering expression. It was on
+the very edge of a projecting rock where one step more would bring it
+over.
+
+"It is jist the jintleman we wants," whispered Tim, fearful that he
+would alarm the timid animal. "We've ate but once in twenty-four hours,
+and I've jist learned from me stomach that it would have no objection to
+breaking the same fast; so do yez jist kape still till I pops him over."
+
+"Can you hit him?" asked Howard, scarcely less excited than his
+companion.
+
+"Be aisy now till ye see the scientific manner I takes to doot."
+
+"Well, be quick, for he is likely to vanish any moment."
+
+Tim O'Rooney carefully sighted his rifle, took a quick, steady aim, and
+pulled the trigger. Howard, who was keenly watching the antelope, saw it
+spring up, and as it came down it missed the cliff and fell almost at
+their very feet with a violence and crash which must have broken half
+the bones in its body.
+
+"Arrah now, an' wasn't that done nicely?" exclaimed Tim, in great
+exultation, as he ran up to the animal with his knife.
+
+"Are you going to dress it?"
+
+"Yis; an' do yez gather what sticks an' stuff ye can, an' we'll have him
+cooked in a jiffy."
+
+Howard set about it, for he understood the wisdom of providing
+themselves with food in the prosecution of this hunt, which in all
+probability would employ them for some time to come.
+
+"Now, I will give the signal," said he, when his work was completed. "If
+he is within hearing he will answer it."
+
+"Yis; do your bist, while I pays my respects to this gintleman, an' do
+ye do the listenin' while ye are about it, for I'm so taken up with this
+job that I haven't the time to attend to that aither."
+
+Howard strained his cheeks nearly to bursting, and completely exhausted
+himself in giving forth those ringing screeches which seem to come
+natural to all school-boys, and are made by uniting the ends of two
+fingers, inserting them between the lips, and blowing with all the
+might.
+
+He listened--listened--listened--and then repeated the signal with a
+desperate fierceness that left him no strength at all; but all in
+vain--the echoes died away among the rocks and hills, but no answer came
+back.
+
+"It's no use," remarked Tim O'Rooney, who despite what he had said was
+listening as earnestly as his young friend.
+
+"The youngster don't hear us. We've got to make a hunt through this old
+place, and afore we begins it we'll take something for the stomach's
+sake."
+
+The fire was kindled in the usual manner, and the dinner was not
+unskillfully prepared by the Irishman. They ate all they could hold. The
+dog did the same. Tim lit his pipe, and then declared that he was ready
+for any duty that might be required of him.
+
+As they rose to their feet they were somewhat alarmed at the appearance
+of the sky. It was overspread with dark, threatening clouds, from which
+issued rumbling peals of thunder and arrowy lines of lightning. They
+became darker and more tumultuous each moment, until semi-darkness
+shrouded them.
+
+"We are going to have a storm," remarked Howard.
+
+"Yis; and a good-sized one, too."
+
+"We shall have to find shelter for ourselves. If much rain falls, this
+gorge looks to me as if it will be filled with water."
+
+"Worrah, now, but yez are a smart child!" exclaimed Tim O'Rooney,
+looking admiringly at the boy. "Scarcely mesilf would have thought of
+the same, and what a credit, therefore, that it should have come into
+your own."
+
+"I see nothing so wonderful about that. Almost any one would see the
+danger we are in if we remain here when there is much rain falling. It
+is just the place for a stream of water."
+
+"So it is--so it is; and yez can saa that there has wather been running
+over the stones upon which we are standing."
+
+The storm which was so near at hand admonished them to lose no time in
+seeking shelter. This was a matter of small difficulty, as in such a
+wild, rugged place there were any number of retreats. They clambered up
+the path and over the rocks until they reached a point higher yet than
+where the antelope had stood when pierced by the bullet that had tumbled
+him over the cliff. They had brought a goodly portion of his meat with
+them, for there was no telling when they would dare fire a gun again.
+
+A gaping, overhanging ledge, which fortunately was turned from the
+direction of the storm, was selected as their house, and here they and
+the dog nestled and waited for the storm to burst. A few large drops
+that cracked smartly upon the rocks and stones, was the herald of the
+coming deluge; and then, at the same moment, with a terrific flash and
+report, came the rain in torrents.
+
+They stood and watched the storm as it raged, and when there was a
+momentary cessation Howard threw his blanket over his head and said:
+
+"I will run out to the edge of that rock and see whether there is any
+water in the place where we took our dinner."
+
+"Be careful yez don't tumble over," admonished Tim, feeling it his duty
+to say something.
+
+"Never fear."
+
+Howard stepped hastily to the spot and looked carefully over. A tiny
+stream was just beginning to run through the path they had occupied,
+which was increasing each moment, and would speedily reach the
+proportions of a torrent. But, although he saw this, there was something
+which interested him still more, and that was a party of five Indians
+attentively examining the remains of the antelope, and the signs around
+it, as if they were seeking their explanation. They looked down to the
+ground, and two of them pointed precisely in the direction which Tim and
+Howard had taken in leaving the place.
+
+The rain began falling again more copiously than ever, but Howard would
+not have heeded it had he not been shrouded in the water-proof blanket.
+Those Indians had found their camp-fire and were at that moment
+discussing the best method of capturing him and Tim; but the rain came
+down so furiously that they finally darted away to seek shelter, and
+Howard thereupon hurried back to his friend and told him all that he had
+seen.
+
+"That settles the matter," he added. "Elwood is in their hands, and if
+we aint careful we shall be with him, for they are searching for us."
+
+"But they can't find us--that they can't."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"This rain will wipe out our tracks as aisy as if yees had taken a cloth
+and done it yourself."
+
+"That is true."
+
+Howard was greatly relieved when he reflected that this was true, and
+that he and Tim were in no danger of capture from being pursued.
+
+The storm lasted several hours, and when it was finished they came
+cautiously forth and made their way stealthily back to where they had
+left the canoe. They had deliberated long and earnestly regarding Elwood
+Brandon, and neither of them had any doubt but what he was in the hands
+of Indians. They had little fear of his being put to death, but believed
+he would be held a prisoner until either rescued by Shasta, or a party
+could be sent from the nearest post to ransom him. They had concluded to
+make all haste homeward and adopt this method of rescue.
+
+And now, as they had given him up for a while, it is high time we took
+him in hand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI.
+
+A BOY LOST.
+
+
+When Elwood Brandon separated from Howard Lawrence on the afternoon of
+their ramble in the woods, it was with the firm intention of making all
+haste around the range of hills, and there to unite with him in their
+hunt for Tim.
+
+But, like too many boys, he suffered himself to be led from the sure
+path by the allurements of the false one. His example furnished a
+striking moral lesson, which he will doubtless remember to the day of
+his death.
+
+When we are following the course which conscience tells us is the true
+one, although it may be rough and stony, and at times most difficult to
+keep, yet the knowledge of what awaits us at the end should be proof
+against temptations to turn aside. Woe to him who chides the voice of
+conscience and listens to that of the charmer!
+
+Elwood had gone some distance, and was walking very rapidly, when he
+came abruptly upon the opening in the rocks which has been mentioned in
+another place.
+
+"Ah! here is a shorter cut across," was his reflection as he saw it, and
+not stopping to think further, he turned and walked rapidly through it.
+"I will beat Howard," and he smiled at the thought. "What will he think
+when he gets around to see me waiting for him? I know he will run so as
+to be there first."
+
+Thus hopeful, Elwood hurried forward, thinking only of the surprise he
+would give his cousin when they met again. As he found the path taking a
+most sinuous course, a dim idea came through his head that perhaps after
+all he had not gained so much by "cutting across." He would have turned
+back as it was but for the rapidly increasing darkness and the belief
+that he must speedily emerge from the eastern side of the hills.
+
+While walking through a narrow part of the path, he was alarmed by the
+rattling of some dirt, stones and debris over his head, and before he
+could retreat or advance he was stricken on the head by several pieces
+with such violence that he staggered and fell to the ground.
+
+He was not senseless, but somewhat stunned, and placed his hand on his
+head to see whether it was cut. Finding no blood, he arose to his feet
+and replied to the whistle of Howard, which had been ringing in his ears
+for the last ten minutes.
+
+Immediately after, he was taken with a sickness at the stomach, the
+result, doubtless, of the mental shock received. Such was his faintness
+and nausea that he lay down upon the ground for relief. When a boy feels
+so sick--as shown also by older persons in seasickness--he generally
+becomes perfectly indifferent to everything else in the world. Elwood
+concluded that Howard might whistle as long as he chose, and he would
+reply when he felt able. As for the gathering darkness, wild animals and
+savages, what did he care for them? They could exist and get along
+without his taking any trouble to think about them.
+
+And so he lay still until his sickness diminished and was gradually
+succeeded by drowsiness, which was not long in merging into slumber.
+
+Whoever yet remembered the moment he went to sleep? Whoever lay still to
+gain a few moments of slumber without obtaining far more than he
+expected, and regretting it when his intellect became sharp and clear?
+
+It was near midnight when Elwood awoke, and all was blank darkness. He
+called to Howard and Tim, and not until he had felt around with his
+hands, did he remember his situation. Then it all came to him.
+
+"This is a pretty piece of business," he thought, as he arose to his
+feet. "Poor Howard is half-frightened to death, and I suppose is still
+hunting for me. But I don't hear him."
+
+He listened, but all was still.
+
+"It may be that he has grown tired, but will hear me if I call to him."
+
+Whereupon he whistled again and again, and shouted and listened and then
+repeated his signals, but there was no response. But for the intervening
+hills his cry would have reached the two watchers by the river shore,
+but with twice the penetrating power he still would have failed to reach
+them.
+
+"Well, the best thing I can do is to wait here until morning, and then I
+can make my way back again."
+
+His sickness was gone, but he felt somewhat chilled from lying upon the
+ground with no extra covering, although the night was quite moderate, if
+not really warm. The contact with the ground had made a portion of his
+body cold, and the sluggish circulation prompted him to exercise.
+
+"I hardly know whether to stay here or to go back to the woods and take
+refuge in a tree. Some animals may find me here, while I shall be safe
+if I am only twenty feet above ground."
+
+The vivid recollection of the wolverines gave him this fear and finally
+induced him to leave the place and seek shelter.
+
+But at the moment of starting he was confronted by an alarming
+difficulty. He found it impossible to decide upon the proper course to
+follow, and could not tell with certainty which way led in or out. This
+resulted from his having turned around several times in his effort to
+restore warmth and circulation on awaking from his sleep. Had he not
+done this the position in which he lay during slumber would have told
+him the truth.
+
+"How strange!" he reflected, vainly seeking to recover from his
+bewilderment. "If I only had a little light I think I could tell, but
+this is rather delicate business when I don't know whether I may go over
+the rocks or not."
+
+He leaned against the wall of the path and thought. At last he believed
+he knew which way to turn, and facing backward he began to pick his way
+out. This, we may say, was the right course, and had he only persevered
+in it would have brought him out of the hills into the woods, restored
+him to Tim and Howard a few hours later and saved him one of the most
+momentous experiences of his life.
+
+He had retreated but a few rods when he became sure he had made a
+mistake and was going wrong. It seemed from his contact with the rocks
+and the curious windings it made, that he had never passed over the
+ground, but was advancing further into the hills.
+
+"This will not do," he said aloud, as he paused. "I am astray and must
+change about."
+
+He did so at once, and believing, of a surety, that he was now upon the
+right path he walked much faster than was prudent. The truth was, the
+associations of the plate were such as to make him in a hurry to get
+away from it. He knew he would feel relieved when he could get once more
+into the open air of the woods. A strange fear that the overhanging rock
+would fall or imprison him caused him to hasten still more. After
+walking some time further he slackened his steps.
+
+"I must be pretty near the opening, judging by the distance I have come;
+and if such be the case--"
+
+Further words were checked, for at that instant Elwood stepped off the
+path and went down--down!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLII.
+
+A DREARY NIGHT.
+
+
+Elwood fell about twenty feet, striking the solid earth, without losing
+his own perpendicular position. He was considerably pained, but not
+seriously hurt. His rifle had fallen from his hand, and was not found
+again until daybreak, as not knowing where he stood, whether upon the
+edge of some precipice or ravine, he scarcely dared move a limb.
+
+Ah! if the night was so weary to the watchers by the river shore, it was
+much more so to him for whom they thus lay awake. Utter midnight
+blackness all around, the profound and impressive stillness made more
+profound and impressive by the trickling of some current near, the
+occasional glimpse of some tiny star twinkling among the dark,
+straggling clouds overhead; such was Elwood Brandon's situation and
+surroundings.
+
+His only resource was thought, and the direction which this took for a
+time was anything but a relief. He saw that he himself was to blame for
+the disaster of the day. It was he who proposed this ramble, and he who
+insisted so strenuously upon separating from Howard in the journey
+around the hills. And then his present situation resulted wholly from
+his own foolishness--to call it no milder term--in entering an unknown
+path with the simple hope of reaching a designated point a few minutes
+in advance of his friend, whom he knew well enough had carried out to
+the letter their agreement, and was waiting his coming.
+
+Had Howard found Tim O'Rooney? That was the next question. Or was he
+still lingering on the other side of the hills, waiting for the morning
+to renew his hunt for himself before he sought out his companion? The
+latter seemed the most probable supposition to Elwood, and the odd whim
+took him that his cousin was close at hand and listening for the
+familiar signal. So he placed his fingers to his mouth and repeated the
+whistle which they had used so many times between them.
+
+He did this again and again, but there was no response, and he finally
+concluded that it was rather a monotonous manner of passing the time and
+ceased, and again gave himself up to thought.
+
+If he ever lived to see his friends at home what an experience would be
+his to tell! The burning steamer, the hours spent in drifting ashore,
+the wanderings through the wilds of California, this adventure among the
+hills--surely they were enough to last a life-time.
+
+Now and then a cold draft of wind swept by him, as though the
+temperature of the air was changing. It was in fact the premonition of
+the gathering storm to which we have referred in another place.
+
+Elwood had been in his constrained position a couple of hours when he
+was subjected to a terrible fright. Suddenly some dirt and stones
+commenced moving near him and he felt it strike his feet. He was fearful
+that a landslide was about to take place, but did not dare attempt to
+get out of the way. He could only shrink closer against the rocks, pray
+to Heaven for protection, and await the issue.
+
+The pebbles rattled around him for a long time, and when they had nearly
+ceased he learned that the whole tumult was caused by some wild animal.
+This dissipated all fear of being engulfed by a landslide, but scarcely
+relieved him. It was simply a change of species in the danger.
+
+He could hear the footsteps of the animal as it walked back and forth.
+They sounded above his head, but he could not judge with certainty.
+Several times it gave a low growl, from which he was sure that it was
+dangerous, and if it knew of his presence and could reach him would
+speedily end his reckless conduct forever.
+
+The animal was still for a while and the boy was indulging in the belief
+that it had gone, when he heard its footsteps so near that his hair
+fairly rose with terror. He stooped down and felt around in the darkness
+for his gun, but it was not within reach. He caught a huge stone and
+held it in reserve for defense.
+
+Straining his eyes through the darkness, he fancied he could see a dark
+object above him; but it was only fancy, for to his excited imagination
+the most extraordinary phantoms were flitting before him--floating in
+the air, around and above him, like the wonderful visions that visit us
+in delirium--until he closed his eyes to shut out the tormenting
+figures.
+
+Perhaps, after all, the presence of the wild animal was the means of
+saving him, for it kept his mind down to the hard, practical fact that
+imminent danger was close at hand, and all his thoughts were needed to
+meet it. He stood a long time grasping the stone and expecting the
+assault; but the tumult finally ceased and all became still.
+
+When Elwood looked up again he saw that it was growing light, and day
+was indeed breaking.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIII.
+
+WANDERINGS.
+
+
+The light increased each moment, and Elwood Brandon soon saw the
+position in which he was placed. He had walked along the path and fallen
+abruptly off, alighting on a projection that ran along the edge of the
+ravine, and was of sufficient width to only comfortably hold him. Had he
+gone a yard forward he would have fallen over to another ledge, although
+this was not more than a dozen feet below. Indeed, his rifle had done
+this, and now lay on this broad band of earth and gravel, which here
+sloped so gradually down to the bottom of the ravine that it could be
+descended without difficulty.
+
+His first proceeding, after thanking Heaven for the protection of the
+night, was to let himself down to where his rifle lay. An examination
+proved it uninjured, and with its possession came a feeling of
+confidence and safety such as he had not felt for a moment during the
+hours of darkness.
+
+"Now, if that wild creature, whatever it was, would like to introduce
+itself, I am prepared."
+
+And he looked around as if he expected its appearance; but it had left
+some time before. At first he was at a loss to understand what it had
+chosen as its parade ground, but, concluded it must have been the very
+path from which he had fallen, and where, had he remained, he could not
+have avoided falling into its power.
+
+Elwood could not see the possibility of extricating himself by the same
+way in which he had entered. In some places it was necessary to climb a
+score or two feet up the perpendicular side of the ravine; and as there
+was no means at hand for doing this, he thought it best to press on down
+among the hills in the hope of discovering a new way of egress, or an
+easier access to the paths behind him.
+
+He wandered rather aimlessly forward, his path being over loose,
+rattling stones, constantly descending, until he reached the hard-packed
+earth, and judged himself to be in about the lowermost part of the
+valley. On every hand rose the ridges, rocks and peaks of the hills,
+until, as he looked up at the cloudy sky so far above him, he seemed but
+the merest pigmy.
+
+As he turned his head he caught sight of something a few rods ahead that
+puzzled him. For some time he could not make out its meaning, but
+finally he saw that it was a smouldering camp-fire, while around it were
+stretched five Indians--although at the moment he could not be positive
+as to their number--their blankets over them and they seemingly sound
+asleep.
+
+He concluded that the best thing he could do was to leave that immediate
+neighborhood as speedily as possible. He looked hurriedly around for the
+best line of retreat. It was difficult to decide, and he was still
+debating with himself when, as he glanced at the terrifying forms, he
+fancied, or really saw, one of them move. Without further reflection he
+darted a rod or two backward and shrunk in behind a breach in the rocks.
+
+This was no hiding-place in case the Indians came along this path. He
+could not conceal his body, as it was merely a niche such as would have
+been made had this portion of the rocky wall been set back about a foot
+from the rest. If the savages left the ravine by another direction there
+was no cause for fear, but if they came this way he had good reason to
+tremble.
+
+He had scarcely ensconced himself in this place of refuge when from the
+woods and rocks above him came the clear, echoing whistle of Howard
+Lawrence. It startled him as if it were the whoop of this Indians so
+close at hand. Of course he dare not reply to it, for it could only
+precipitate his capture.
+
+But he trembled more for the safety of his friends than himself. They
+were advancing hurriedly in their search, without one suspicion of the
+enemies so near them. Had he dared, to make a noise it would have have
+been one of warning for Tim and Howard to hasten away ere it was too
+late; but even that small comfort was denied him.
+
+He peered cautiously out and saw that the Indians were awake, but
+curiously enough appeared to pay no heed to the whistling, which to the
+boy were uttered twenty times as often and as loud as there was any
+need. One of the savages was stirring the fire with a stick, while the
+others were looking stupidly on.
+
+Drawing back his head, Elwood looked up among the rocks in the direction
+of the signals for some sign of his friends. He was startled into a
+suppressed exclamation by the sight of Tim O'Rooney's hat and face
+passing along the path above him; but before he could catch his eye it
+was gone and he saw it no more.
+
+The whistling sound now gradually retreated until it sounded quite far
+away, and Elwood began to feel more at ease, although not entirely so.
+He wondered greatly that the suspicions of the Indians were not excited,
+and that they did not hasten away at once to destroy his friends.
+
+The report of Tim O'Rooney's gun that slew the antelope sounded
+fearfully near, and sent a shiver of terror through the youngster
+crouching in his hiding-place. At the same time, as he looked stealthily
+out, he saw that it had attracted the attention of the Indians. All five
+were standing on their feet, with their loose blankets hung over their
+shoulders, and gesticulating with their arms. The sound of their voices
+was plainly heard where he stood, and a thrill of hope ran through him
+as he imagined that he recognised in one of them a resemblance to that
+of Shasta, the Pah Utah.
+
+At this point the boy observed the storm gathering overhead--the sullen
+booming of thunder, the black clouds sweeping tumultuously across the
+sky, the vivid spears of lightning darting in and out among them. A cool
+wind whistled through the gorge overhead, and dust and leaves came
+whirling in the air and settled all around him.
+
+The boy looked above, and saw that when the storm did burst it was sure
+to spend its full fury upon his head. Not the least particle of shelter
+covered him, and he had to expect a full drenching; but this he was
+willing to bear, if it would only tend to keep the attention of the
+Indians diverted. It seemed to him very probable, as he stood between
+them and his own friends, that in following up the suspicious report of
+the rifle they would pass directly by him, in which case he had about
+one chance out of a thousand of remaining unseen by them.
+
+Elwood did not dare to look out, so fearful was he of being seen. He
+believed that the heads of the savages were turned toward him, in which
+case the risk was too great. He therefore, unheedful of the large drops
+that were beginning to patter around him, stood and listened.
+
+Hark! He hears their tread! His heart throbs faster than ever, as he
+knows they are coming toward him! Closer and closer he shrinks to the
+rock, as if to bury himself in its flinty surface.
+
+All at once, an Indian, too tall and muscular to be Shasta, steps to
+view and passes beyond him without turning his head; the second is about
+the right height, but the one furtive glance stole at him shows that he
+is a stranger; so as regards the third; the fourth is too short, he
+passes on in the procession. The fifth and last Elwood at first believed
+to be Shasta, but a second look showed him his mistake. Had he held any
+doubts they were removed by the Indian abruptly pausing, turning his
+face full toward him, and uttering the _"hoogh!"_ of surprise, as he saw
+the boy cowering against the rocks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIV.
+
+A OLD ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+The instant the hindmost Indian uttered his exclamation of surprise, the
+others paused, and thus, before Elwood Brandon fully realized his
+danger, he found himself confronted by the whole force. Resistance or
+flight was not to be thought of, so he merely stood still and
+tremblingly awaited their will regarding him.
+
+They were plainly surprised at finding a boy pressing against the rooks
+with an appearance of the greatest terror, and they gazed at him a
+moment as if uncertain what to do about it. However, they didn't seem to
+be particularly savage or blood-thirsty, nor frightened, as they kept
+their guns in their hands and their knives in their belts.
+
+He who stood nearest to Elwood reached out his brawny arm, grasped him
+firmly and drew him out from his hiding-place. All then scrutinized him
+as if to make sure whether he was some wild animal or human being.
+Satisfied on this point, the boy was then shoved forward so as to be
+between the savages, and as they stepped off he was motioned to do the
+same. Elwood understood that he was a prisoner, and he philosophically
+submitted to his fate.
+
+As yet they had not disturbed his weapons; but he had gone a short
+distance only when the Indian directly behind him placed his hand upon
+the muzzle of the gun which was protruding over the youngster's shoulder
+and began drawing it. The latter disliked very much to part with the
+rifle, and held it as tightly as possible; but as the savage only drew
+it the more powerfully, he finally let go and it instantly went from his
+possession.
+
+Elwood could not forbear looking around at the one who had thus deprived
+him of his property. As he gazed into his face he was at a loss to
+understand the expression. The Indian fixed his black eyes upon him, but
+his lips were closed and not a feature moved or twitched. The boy could
+not withstand the fierceness of those orbs and was glad to turn his head
+again.
+
+They walked quite rapidly up the path, making a turn that gave them a
+very steep ascent. The thunder was booming louder than ever, and the
+rain by this time was falling furiously. The party hurried forward until
+they reached the camp which Tim O'Rooney and Howard had so recently
+deserted. Here Elwood took the liberty of protecting himself by backing
+against the overhanging rock. This was precisely the position which he
+occupied when Howard Lawrence gazed over and missed seeing him by such a
+narrow chance.
+
+When the descent of the rain became so copious as to scatter the
+savages, two of them ran up beside Elwood and imitated his action in
+protecting himself from the descending deluge. This was only a partial
+success, yet much preferable to standing in the open air and receiving
+the full pelting of the storm.
+
+It will be remembered that Howard Lawrence waited until he saw the
+Indians hurry away for shelter, when he returned to Tim O'Rooney and the
+two effected a safe retreat from the dangerous locality. They saw
+nothing more of the savages, and their conjecture that Elwood was a
+prisoner among them was merely a conjecture, although absolutely
+correct.
+
+The tiny stream running so quietly at the feet of the two aboriginal
+Americans and Elwood Brandon increased so rapidly that it was evident it
+would speedily become a torrent that would sweep them off their feet,
+and that the only safety was to effect as speedy an escape as possible.
+Taking him between them, they started directly up the path in the
+direction of their companions. The falling rain and splashing water
+almost blinded Elwood, but he pressed bravely forward until conscious
+that they were beneath some kind of covering, and looking around, saw
+that they stood in a sort of cave, and where they had rejoined the three
+Indians who had fled some time before.
+
+The shelter proved a secure one, although it was reached rather late to
+be of much benefit to Elwood, who was thoroughly wetted to the skin. He
+was, however, rather pleased at the lenient disposition shown by his
+captors. They had not offered him the least violence, rudeness or
+insult, and appeared to maintain a very indifferent watch over him. He
+did not believe they intended him any bodily harm, although he trembled
+at the consequences when they joined another party or should reach their
+own homes. They probably intended to hold him a prisoner so long as he
+was no particular trouble to them; but their leniency was more the
+result of indifference than of genuine kindness--and indifference that
+would as soon witness death as life, and that would not stretch out the
+hand to avert the impending doom.
+
+The storm raged with unabated fury for several hours, and the tiny
+stream, whose murmur could scarcely be heard as it coursed its way
+through the hills, was now swelled to the dimensions of a torrent, and
+roared through its course with a clamor almost deafening. A vast amount
+of water had fallen within the few hours, and it would have been very
+perilous had any of the party remained where the fire that cooked the
+antelope was kindled. A yellow stream some six feet in depth rushed
+furiously through the narrow passage, like some river when compressed
+into its narrow canyon.
+
+The Indians stood as motionless as the rocks themselves until the storm
+was over. Each had his blanket slung over his shoulder, extending down
+to his knees, and effectually protecting their bodies from the rain
+which had so thoroughly soaked poor Elwood. None of them sported the
+defiant scalp-locks so common among the more northern Indians; but their
+long, black, stiff hair, resembling precisely that of a horse's mane,
+dangled around their shoulders, neck and ears and over their breasts.
+Mixed in among the hair on the crown were a number of painted feathers,
+which, having had a touch of rain, drooped down like those of an humbled
+chanticleer that has been rescued from the river by some kind hand.
+Their faces being daubed over with green, yellow and red, mixed and
+mingled with a sublime disregard of proportion, gave their features a
+peculiarly unnatural appearance, such as we see when we survey our
+particular friends through differently and highly colored pieces of
+glass. They were fine specimens of the "noble red man" that are
+occasionally met with now-a-days; but they are of that species of sights
+of which it may be said "distance lends enchantment to the view."
+However, they were happy, for as yet they had not come in contact with
+civilization, and had had no taste for the white man's "fire-water,"
+that scourge of the aboriginal race, and which seems destined finally to
+sweep them from the continent.
+
+Elwood occupied himself in looking from one of these Indians to the
+other, and speculating regarding their thoughts and opinions about
+himself, of whose presence they seemed so unconscious. Indeed, they
+scarcely looked at him except when he sneezed, and then their heads shot
+round as suddenly as if they were moved by machinery and the spasm had
+let on the steam.
+
+Finally, when the falling of the rain ceased, two of the Indians went
+out to look for the remainder of their prisoner's party, which they
+knew, if not already there, had been so recently among the hills. The
+vast rush of water, of course, had obliterated all signs where they had
+made any, and they could only hope to find them by discovering the trail
+made since the storm, or by the sight of themselves.
+
+Not a word did the savages exchange with each other. They appeared to
+understand what each thought, and what duty was required of them, which
+duty for the present resembled that of watching and waiting.
+
+As the day wore away the boy began to feel chilly and hungry. His wet
+clothes were anything but comfortable, and his hollow stomach was a poor
+protection against the sinking feeling. As his captors showed no
+disposition to leave the place, or even to change their statue-like
+positions, he began to grow anxious. He feared an attack of sickness if
+his wants were not supplied; and after debating with himself a few
+moments, he walked up to the tallest Indian and motioned that he needed
+something to eat.
+
+The reply was startling and decisive. The dusky rascal surveyed him
+sharply a moment, and then drew his knife and raised it in a menacing
+manner over his head. And thereupon Elwood retreated to his position,
+and concluded he wasn't quite as hungry as he first imagined.
+
+It is hard to tell what this singular captivity of Elwood Brandon's
+would have eventuated in had not an unexpected diversion occurred in his
+favor. Just as it was getting dark, the two Indiana who had gone out at
+the close of the storm returned. They had a companion with them, and we
+leave our readers to imagine what the boy's feelings were when he
+recognized in the third his old friend Shasta, the Pah Utah.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLV.
+
+A FRIEND IN NEED.
+
+
+When the Pah Utah entered the cave he did not appear to notice Elwood
+Brandon. The latter attributed this to the semi-darkness in which he
+stood, and was about to go forward and claim his friendship when
+something restrained him, and he concluded to wait until the Indian
+first recognized him.
+
+Shasta exchanged a few words with his friends, and immediately several
+of them went out in the darkness. When they returned, which was very
+speedily, they each bore a goodly bundle of sticks and kindlings. In
+what part of the wide creation they obtained them, directly after such a
+deluge of rain, it is impossible to tell, but American Indians have a
+peculiar faculty of doing such odd things.
+
+A few minutes later a blaze sprung out from the center of the bundle
+placed in the middle of the cave, and when Elwood looked downward toward
+it, he saw that Shasta was kneeling before the pile engaged in igniting
+it. As the flame flared out and illuminated the cave, the Pah Utah
+looked up and met the eyes of Elwood. For an instant, his black eyes
+were fixed upon him, and then he placed his finger to his lips and
+looked down again. The boy understood it all. _He didn't know anything
+of the Pah Utah._
+
+The fire burned vigorously and soon diffused a genial warmth throughout
+the cave. It was most grateful indeed to Elwood, who approached and
+subjected himself to a toasting process. The savages offered no
+objection, and he soon managed to secure a pleasant warmth, and
+partially to dry his damp clothes.
+
+He could not prevent himself from continually glancing at Shasta, but he
+never once caught his eye, and understanding the Indian's wishes, he
+compensated for this impertinence by staring twice as long at the other
+hideous visages.
+
+After all the great want of Elwood was food. He had fasted for thirty
+hours, and was faint and feeble. A month before such severe abstinence
+would have left him unable to stand; but the severe deprivation and
+hardship of the last week, united with its firm, buoyant constitution,
+and his freedom from the degrading use of tobacco, had developed a
+strength and endurance remarkable in one so young. He felt that he could
+wait until the next day without a mouthful, and still be able to travel;
+but the fainting, craving, hollow feeling rendered him uncomfortable and
+caused more than one longing look around the cavern and in the faces of
+his dusky-hued friends; but if the Indians understood his suffering they
+certainly did not care enough about them to give them heed.
+
+His hope was in the Pah Utah, but his situation was such as to deprive
+him of the expression of this hope. Shasta had given him to understand
+in an unmistakable manner that for the present they were to remain
+strangers; and no matter what his distress might be, he dare not
+disregard this command.
+
+Yet Elwood Brandon believed, if the Indian understood his case, he would
+find some means to relieve him, slight though it was. Finally he decided
+upon his course of action.
+
+Walking up to the tall Indian, who had received his previous request in
+such a threatening manner, and halting when at a safe distance, he
+motioned to him for something to place in his mouth. The unfeeling
+fellow scrutinized the boy a moment, and then coolly turned his back
+upon him, and acted as though the supplication had not been made.
+
+He was equally unsuccessful with the others, and the refusal of Shasta
+was made in a most emphatic manner. Glaring at the boy like an enraged
+tiger, he brandished his knife and sprung toward him with such a
+curdling yell that the youngster sprung trembling back to the furtherest
+verge of the cavern, and the eyes of the other Indians were all turned
+toward the expected tragedy. But Elwood wasn't frightened--not a bit; he
+understood what it all meant.
+
+The performance was followed by a conversation between Shasta and the
+tall Indian, who doubtless belonged to the Pah Utah nation or some tribe
+friendly with them. It's precise import Elwood found impossible to
+determine, but he could not avoid a feeling of uneasiness when he saw by
+unmistakable signs that it referred to himself.
+
+It looked very much as though Shasta was urging immediate disposal of
+the prisoner, and his friend was strenuously maintaining a different
+action. The Pah Utah showed great excitement, very often turning and
+gesticulating toward Elwood, and once or twice he look a step or two in
+that direction, as if he had resolved on a certain and speedy death for
+him.
+
+Finally, he appeared to yield the point, and turned his back upon his
+disputant and walked to the fire. As he did so his face was revealed
+alone to Elwood Brandon, and looking toward him, the boy again saw him
+place his finger to his lips and give that warning expression, which
+said as plainly as words, "Don't be frightened; all things are working
+right!"
+
+This was certainly gratifying, but our young friend was already
+satisfied upon this point, and would have much preferred a more
+substantial mark of friendship in the shape of something to supply the
+craving within. But on the very eve of despair he was delighted to see a
+couple of Indians--whose absence he had noted for the last
+half-hour--return heavily laden with fish. These were immediately taken
+in charge, by Shasta, and the savor of them as they were cooking drove
+the famishing boy almost frantic.
+
+While he sat with longing eyes, watching the motions of the cook, one of
+the fat roasted fellows suddenly shot from his hand and fell into the
+lap of the boy. The Pah Utah did not raise his head, and the act looked
+as if it were a voluntary one upon the part of the fish to escape the
+hands of its tormentors--so dexterously was the whole thing done.
+
+Elwood did not stop to thank his considerate friend, but devoured the
+food precisely in the fashion that a boy attacks a pile of gingerbread
+which he has been expecting and longing for during a half-day. When he
+had finished the fish, another in just as prime condition dropped into
+his lap, apparently from the top of the cave above.
+
+This satisfied his hunger, and he arose to his feet, casting his eyes
+toward Shasta, and testifying by his looks the gratitude which he dare
+not express audibly. He remained in the rear of the cavern, patiently
+waiting the pleasure of the Pah Utah regarding himself.
+
+The Indians completed their meal, and then exchanged a few words, when
+they prepared to leave. Elwood watched them with interest, and when the
+tall fellow motioned for him to come forward, he did so with alacrity,
+and took him place in the rear of the line which was formed. Glancing
+back as they were about to start, he saw by the light of the fire that
+the one immediately behind him was Shasta.
+
+The night was utterly dark--above, below and all around. The hand of the
+Pah Utah was placed upon his shoulder, as if to guide him aright, and
+the march began.
+
+Of course it was impossible for Elwood to tell where he was going, but
+he followed blindly the direction of him behind for a hundred yards,
+when he knew by the brushing of his hands against the sides that they
+were passing through a narrow passage. All at once he felt himself
+seized by an iron grip from behind, lifted from his feet and tossed into
+the air. He did not fall back in the path they were traversing, but lit
+lightly upon a ledge, where he concluded to remain until he heard
+further from the gentleman who had elevated him to that position.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVI.
+
+WHAT SHASTA DID.
+
+
+The night was still, and the regular tramp of the Indians sounded like
+the march of a file of soldiers, as they passed over the grass-covered
+earth. Elwood listened, hardly daring to breathe, as the tread grew
+fainter, fainter, fainter still, then died out; then was revived by a
+sigh of the night air, and all was still.
+
+The boy raised his eyes and looked upward. Through the dark clouds
+drifting tumultuously across the sky he detected the glimmer of a star
+or two, and in that moment of deep solemnity a passage of the Holy Bible
+came to him.
+
+     "They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no
+     city to dwell in."
+
+     "Hungry and thirsty, their souls fainted in them."
+
+     "When they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered
+     them out of their distress."
+
+It came from his heart, and he repeated it over again.
+
+How beautiful! How appropriate to the situation! The tears welled to his
+eyes, and his heart overflowed at the repeated remembrance of the
+all-merciful Father, whose eye alone saw him and whose ear alone heard
+the thankfulness that would find expression.
+
+He fell into a sweet reverie, from which he was awakened by a slight
+noise below. He leaned his head over the ledge and listened. All at once
+he heard a soft rush, and the next moment an Indian was holding on to
+the edge of the tabular-like projection with one hand, while his other
+was outstretched and placed upon his body.
+
+"Is that you, Shasta?"
+
+"Oogh! Sh-e-asta!"
+
+"All right! I am waiting for you."
+
+The hand closed upon his right arm; he was lifted bodily as if he were
+an infant, and held in mid-air; and the next instant the Pah Utah
+dropped lightly to the earth, and the two stood upon their feet. The
+Indian uttered an exclamation which seemed to be one of inquiry, and the
+boy made answer in this manner:
+
+"I am ready for anything, Shasta; lead the way."
+
+Instead of allowing him to walk, as Elwood confidently expected, the Pah
+Utah flung him over his shoulder and then started on a long, loping trot
+up the path. His extraordinary agility and muscular power made the
+weight he carried of the same effect as if it were his rifle he was thus
+transporting.
+
+This rapid progress continued but a few minutes, when he sunk into a
+walk--one of long strides, such as would have compelled the boy to a
+moderate run to equal. He could tell that he was going up quite an
+ascent, but toward what point it was impossible to tell. Occasionally
+his hand or his foot struck the projecting rocks, and the rush of the
+wind now and then against his face told when they were passing through
+the more open space.
+
+Wonderful indeed was the skill of the Pah Utah, that in the dense
+darkness showed him, just where and just the outlay of strength that
+would land his young white friend upon the shelf of safety. Equally
+extraordinary was the woodcraft that brought him back to the precise
+spot, and enabled him to thread his way through the impenetrable gloom
+with the surety of the mountain chamois, which bounds over the
+fastnesses of the Alps at midday.
+
+Elwood was quiescent, for he know whose hand held him upon those brawny
+shoulders, and he felt that the moccasined foot which touched the earth
+so lightly was too sure to miss its hold, and the heart throbbing within
+that dusky bosom pulsated too powerfully with the common humanity of our
+nature ever to falter or hesitate in its work of love.
+
+This singular means of progress was continued for the better part of an
+hour, when the Indian paused and placed him gently on his feet. The sky,
+which had partially cleared, enabled him to see that they had emerged
+from the ridge of hills whose entrance had been so eventful to him, and
+they now stood in the open woods.
+
+Elwood Brandon admitted to himself that the work of Shasta was now
+finished, and he fully expected to be left alone in the forest to seek
+his way back to his friends; but if _he_ thought so the Pah Utah
+certainly did not.
+
+Even in that moment the boy could not fail to notice that the Indian's
+breathing could not be heard. Not the slightest panting nor exhaustion
+from the tremendous exertion undergone!
+
+Shasta waited but a moment, and then gripping Elwood by the wrist he
+began threading his way through the forest. As he did so, instead of
+allowing the youngster to walk by his side, he held his arm backward, so
+that to all intents and purposes the boy was following behind him, and
+yet at such an angle that their feet did not interfere with each other.
+
+Not once did either the Pah Utah or his dependent strike a tree. Often
+did they graze the back, and brush through the limbs and undergrowth,
+but the uplifted arm of the Indian parted asunder the obstructions, and
+opened the way, as does the snow plow of the locomotive to the engine
+that drives it forward and the train coming behind.
+
+Whether the marvelous vision of the Pah Utah penetrated the Egyptian
+darkness or not, cannot be said. The veteran backwoodsman, as he strides
+through the midnight forest, seems to _feel_ the presence of each
+tree-trunk as he approaches it, just as the fingers of pianists strike
+the piano keys with such bewildering certainty, without their once
+looking at them.
+
+Onward they pressed, Elwood only now and then able to catch a glimpse of
+his faithful guide, who never vouchsafed a word or exclamation for his
+benefit. There was no need of it. Both fully understood each other, and
+the boy did not attempt to divert the attention which was so needed, at
+the present time, for the work before him.
+
+Finally Shasta seemed to hesitate--not the hesitation of doubt and
+uncertainty, but as if he had neared if not reached his destination, and
+had slackened his pace that he might not pass the exact point.
+
+He was not long in finding the proper spot, and Elwood could see that he
+was stooping down and busy at something. While he was closely
+scrutinizing him, he suddenly became aware that they stood beside the
+river, and the Pah Utah was engaged with his canoe. It occupied him but
+a moment, when he turned around, lifted the boy over and laid him down
+upon the blanket which was spread over the bottom of the boat, the
+remainder was folded carefully around his body, and then the Indian
+stood back, as if to command his young friend to go to sleep without any
+delay or questioning.
+
+The boy had lain but a short time when he found the blanket so
+intolerably warm that he threw a portion from him. It was instantly and
+rather roughly replaced--evidence that Shasta meant that his wishes
+should be obeyed. At any rate the boy thought so, and dared not repeat
+the act.
+
+The great warmth of the blanket caused Elwood to break out into a
+copious perspiration from head to foot, and caused him almost to gasp
+for breath; but when he seemed only to meditate on relieving himself of
+the superabundant clothing, the dusky watcher leaned forward to see
+whether he dared violate his implied commands. It looked very much as
+though the Pah Utah was acting as a physician to his youthful friend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVII.
+
+STILL WAITING.
+
+
+Tim O'Rooney and Howard Lawrence, after making their way out of the
+range of hills to the river-side, where their canoe lay, waited until
+dark, in accordance with their agreement, before venturing out upon the
+river. They were quite uneasy, and to prevent their trail revealing them
+they dropped a few hundred yards down the shore, where they awaited the
+coming of darkness.
+
+"Worrah! worrah!" said Tim with an immense sigh, "this is a bad day when
+we came to leave the youngster with the rid gintleman. A fine youngster
+was the same--bowld and presumin'. It's a qua'ar failin', Masther
+Howard, that comes to me."
+
+"Yes, I am sad enough, too."
+
+"Ah! but it is not exactly that be the towken of another faaling
+intirely."
+
+"What is it then?"
+
+"Whin it's yourself that is lost and awandtherin' off by yourself all
+alone, and nobody with yees, then I thinks it's yees that I loves more
+nor him that stays with me. But now, whin it's Elwood--God bless
+him!--that's gone, he's dearer to me than all the rest of the world, not
+exceptin' yourself. But," and Tim scratched his head in great
+perplexity, "it's the same that puzzles me sorely. Could yees be afther
+accounting for it?"
+
+"Elwood and I both know that you think a great deal of us, and no doubt
+it is because your affection is so equally divided."
+
+"That's it. Yees have made it all plain. I likes each of yees more than
+the other, and both of yees a great deal the most, whither be the towken
+of takin' yees apart or together, or takin' both of yees separate, and
+also wid each other."
+
+Tim nodded his head again and again, as if to signify that it was clear
+to his mind. Perhaps it was; but if so, one may doubt whether it was as
+clearly expressed.
+
+"There's another thing that troubles me," added the Irishman, with one
+of those great inhalations of breath which seem to fill the entire
+being.
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"Me pipe has gone out, and I hasn't the maans convanient to relight it."
+
+"That is a small infliction which you can well afford to bear. I am only
+anxious for the night, that we may speed on our way home to get
+assistance for poor Elwood."
+
+"Yis, if it's bist."
+
+And just in that exclamation Tim O'Rooney echoed the sentiments of his
+companion. Ever since leaving the range of hills, with the resolve to
+hurry away in search of help, the question had been constantly rising in
+his mind: "Is it best to do so?"
+
+He tried to put it out of hearing, with the determination that he had
+already decided; but, as if it were the pleadings of conscience, it
+would not be stifled, and it came again and again, until when Tim spoke
+it seemed almost as loud as his.
+
+"I can't make up my mind about that," said he. "When we left the hills I
+had not a moment's doubt but that he was in the hands of the Indians,
+where there was great danger of our getting ourselves; but then we are
+not sure of it, and suppose we go away and leave him wandering through
+the woods until he is captured or is obliged to give himself up to keep
+from starving. I imagine him following along the shore of the river
+looking for us----"
+
+"There! there! do yez shtop! No more for me; I've plenty," and the
+Irishman drew his sleeve across his eyes, as if he were wiping an undue
+accumulation of moisture, while Howard Brandon was scarcely less
+affected at the touching picture which he had drawn, and which he felt
+might be realized from his own remissness.
+
+"I am sure I cannot tell which is for the best," he added in great
+perplexity. "If a prisoner, he may be able to get away."
+
+"Yis, yees are right; some dark night he can give the owld haythen the
+slip, and make thracks for the river."
+
+"And who knows but he has been able to elude them, and is only waiting
+until dark to hunt us up?"
+
+"Yez are right agin; I was about to obsarve the same myself."
+
+There was one view of the case, which if it did occasionally force
+itself upon the attention of Howard, he resolutely refused to utter a
+reference to it. It was that Elwood had been killed accidentally, or by
+the savages. That was too terrible a contingency to take definite shape
+until there was no escaping it, and as all of us know better we won't
+refer to it again.
+
+"Then he may be in the power of these wandering Indians that took such
+an interest in the antelope we left lying down among the rocks."
+
+"Yis; yez are correct sure."
+
+"How is it, Tim, that you agree with every supposition I make, no matter
+bow different they are from each other?"
+
+"Wal, you saas me mind is a little foggy, be the towken that I hasn't
+had the pipe atween me lips since yesterday. When I'm deprived of that
+pleasure I finds meself unable to reason clearly."
+
+"That is the first time I have heard that smoke makes a thing clearer."
+
+"Ah! that's the trouble," added Tim, with a desponding shake of his
+head. "If this bad state of things continyees fur a few days longer,
+yees'll have to laad me around wid a string, or else taach Terror to do
+the same, as yez have saan a poor blind man and his dog do."
+
+"You draw rather a woeful picture of yourself. But I suppose you can
+hold out for a few hours longer, and when it becomes dark, we can make a
+fire, light your pipe and get far away from it before any of the Indians
+could reach the spot."
+
+"I think yez are right, but me intellect is working so faably this
+afternoon, that I faars to tax it too hard lest it topples over and gits
+upsit intirely. Yis, yez are right."
+
+"Somehow or other I think Shasta is in this neighborhood----"
+
+"So does meself," interrupted Tim, in his anxiety to give assent.
+
+"If he is, he will not forget the kindness of Elwood."
+
+"Never!"
+
+"And whether we wait here or not he will attend to his safety all the
+same."
+
+"That he will--you may depend on it."
+
+"Then shall we wait here or hurry down the river for help?"
+
+"Both, or aither as yez plaise."
+
+"But, Tim, we must do one or the other."
+
+"Let us slaap and draam over it."
+
+This struck Howard as a good suggestion, as they both needed slumber
+sorely, and adjusting themselves in the canoe, with the Newfoundland as
+ever maintaining guard, they were quickly wrapped in deep slumber.
+
+When they awoke it was broad day, and the whining of the dog told them
+at once that he had detected something suspicious.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVIII.
+
+THE MEETING.
+
+
+Tim O'Rooney and Howard Lawrence, awaking at the same moment, observed
+the alarming action of the dog. Raising their heads they looked
+carefully around but could detect nothing unusual. They were so securely
+drawn under the overhanging shrubbery and undergrowth that they were
+pretty certain no one else was aware of their presence; but the gaze of
+the dog being turned toward the river they judged that something must be
+nearing them from that direction.
+
+Nor were they mistaken. A slight ripple was heard, and the next moment a
+canoe glided to view. In the center, controlling its movements, sat
+Shasta, the Pah Utah, and directly behind was Elwood Brandon.
+
+Howard could scarcely believe his eyes. He stared again and again, while
+Tim rubbed his organs of vision, winked and blinked, as though vainly
+seeking to recover from the bewilderment of a sudden awaking from sleep.
+Finally he muttered to himself:
+
+"Heaven save me! me intellect has toppled over intirely by raison of the
+want of me pipe."
+
+"Elwood! Elwood!" called Howard, leaning forward and pulling the bushes
+apart.
+
+But secure as they deemed their concealment, the eagle eyes of the Pah
+Utah had penetrated it, while they were yet several rods apart, and
+abruptly turning the prow of his canoe to one side, he brought it to
+rest directly opposite and within two feet of the other boat.
+
+Elwood heard his name and saw his friends the next instant. Reaching
+forward, he grasped the hands of his cousin and the tears trickled down
+their smiling faces, while Tim continued rubbing his eyes.
+
+"Am I draaming? as me uncle said when they towld him his grandfather had
+died and willed him two pounds and a half, or does I raaly see before me
+the youngster that the rid gintlemin had burned up? Let me faal the baal
+of yer hand."
+
+The two closed hands, and the joy of both was unbounded. Shasta, at this
+point, showed a delicacy of feeling that did his heart credit. Joining
+the canoes together in the old-fashioned manner, he motioned Elwood to
+enter that of his friends, while he gave his exclusive attention to that
+of propelling the two.
+
+Of course, now that the three were reunited, they overran each other
+with questions, exclamations and the interchange of experiences since
+they had separated. It did not require much time for the voluble tongue
+of Elwood to rattle on his brief stay with the Indians and the
+remarkable manner in which Shasta had secured his escape. Howard had but
+little to tell, and that was soon given, and they were left to speculate
+and conjecture on the future.
+
+Tim's joy drowned his craving for his tobacco, and as he joined in the
+glowing conversation of the boys he made no reference to it.
+
+"I think for the prisent," he remarked, "we won't take any hunts upon
+shore, especially if aich of us has to go alone. The red gintlemen, for
+some raisin at all, or more likely without any raisin, have taken a
+great anxiety to make our acquaintance. As fur meself, I prefers to live
+upon fish to having these same fellows faading upon me."
+
+"Yes," replied Elwood, "I have learned something during the last few
+days. It is all well enough to be reckless and careless about danger
+when we are at home and there is no danger, but it is another thing when
+we are in these parts."
+
+"As the Frenchman remarked, 'tiger hunting is very fine so long as we
+hunt the tiger, but when he takes it into his head to hunt us the
+mischief is to pay."
+
+"If Shasta will have the onspakable kindness to tow us along in this
+shtyle for a few waaks, I think we will cast anchor at the wharf in San
+Francisco without any loss to passingers and freight."
+
+"He has seen what ninnies we were," said Elwood, "and no doubt will
+accompany us some distance further when he certainly ought to let us try
+it alone again."
+
+"Ah! but he's a smart young gintleman, as the acquaintances of Tim
+O'Rooney used to say when they made the slightest reference to him.
+Couldn't we persuade him to go on to San Francisco wid us? I think your
+father would be plaised to take him in as a partner in their business
+wid them."
+
+"But _he_ would hardly fancy the change," laughed Howard.
+
+"He might now. When we should state the sarvices he has rindered to us,
+it's meself that doesn't think they'd require him to put in a very large
+pile of capital."
+
+"I am sure if he should prove as keen and sharp in business matters as
+he does in the way of the woods, he would make one of the most
+successful merchants in the country."
+
+"It's a pity that he doesn't understand the illegant use of the tongue,
+that we might confaar wid him. We could lay the proposition forninst
+him, and he could gives us the tarms to carry wid us."
+
+However philanthropic this might be as regarded the Pah Utah, our
+friends deemed it hardly feasible to make the attempt to reach his views
+through the medium of signs.
+
+As for Shasta, he did not once look backward to observe what his
+passengers were doing. He was propelling his boat through the water with
+his usual celerity, his head occasionally turning slightly as he glanced
+first at one shore and then the other, as though looking for some sign
+or landmark.
+
+The day that succeeded the storm was beautiful and clear, everything in
+nature wearing a fresh and rosy look, as if refreshed by the needed
+shower. The current of the Salinas was as clear and crystal-like as
+though it had not received the muddy contents of a thousand brooks,
+rivulets and torrents gorged with the debris and leaves of its own
+valley.
+
+"I am troubled by one sore anxiety."
+
+"What can that be?"
+
+"It is for Mr. Shasta. He seems quite forgetful this morning."
+
+"In what respect?" asked Elwood, who did not see the drift of the
+Irishman's remarks.
+
+"He hasn't had his breakfast, and he must be faaling a wee bit hungry,
+and be the same token, he must be the victim of great distress, that he
+hasn't indulged in the use of his pipe."
+
+As Tim O'Rooney had made similar remarks on more than one previous
+occasion, it may be that the Pah Utah gathered an inkling of his
+meaning, for the words were scarce uttered when the canoes were headed
+toward shore, and a landing speedily made.
+
+A piscatorial meal was provided after the manner already fully given,
+and when finished the soothing pipe of Tim O'Rooney was produced and
+enjoyed to its full extent.
+
+But Shasta showed no disposition to wait, or to indulge in the solace of
+the weed. Motioning to his friends to enter the boat, he towed them to
+the center of the river, where he loosed the fastenings, and without a
+word or sign he headed his canoe up stream and sped away.
+
+"He is going home," said Howard.
+
+"He must imagine that we are owld enough to walk alone," remarked Tim as
+he took the paddle.
+
+"But why not bid us good-by?" asked Elwood.
+
+"As he has already done so," replied Howard, "he doubtless does not
+believe in adding a postscript."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIX.
+
+HOMEWARD BOUND.
+
+
+Now that our friends were left entirely alone, it became a question
+whether they should continue journeying by day or night.
+
+"It seems to me that we are approaching a more civilized part of the
+country," said Howard. "I think there will be little risk in continuing
+our journey."
+
+Tim industriously used his paddle, and shortly afterward, Elwood pointed
+to an open space some distance inland.
+
+"Yonder are people, and they look as if they were gathered around a
+camp-fire at their dinner."
+
+Tim jerked his head around, gave a puff of his pipe and said:
+
+"Rid gintlemen ag'in, and I'll shy the canoe under the bank, and craap
+along till we gets beyonst thim."
+
+"No, they are not Indians--they are white men," quickly added Elwood.
+
+A careful scrutiny by all ended in a confirmation of Elwood's suspicion.
+
+"That is good," said Howard, with a pleased expression, "it shows that
+we are getting beyond the wild country into a neighborhood where white
+men abound, and where we can feel some degree of safety."
+
+"I suppose they are miners or hunters who are taking their midday meal
+in the open air," added Elwood, who was still gazing at them.
+
+"Shall we heave too, pitch over the anchor, and s'lute them?" asked Tim.
+
+"No; go ahead, we have no time to spare."
+
+The cheering signs continued. An hour later they descried several white
+men seated in canoes and fishing near shore. They exchanged the
+courtesies of the day with them and passed on, growing more eager as
+they neared the goal.
+
+It would have been no difficult feat of the imagination for one standing
+on shore to fancy that the cause was a pocket edition of a Hudson River
+steamboat, so powerfully did Tim O'Rooney puff at his pipe, the whiffs
+speeding away over his shoulder in exact time with the dipping of the
+paddle, as though the two united cause and effect. The fellow was in the
+best of spirits. Suddenly he paused and commenced sucking desperately at
+his pipe-stem, but all in vain; no smoke was emitted.
+
+"What is the matter?" asked Elwood.
+
+"Steam is out, and the paddle won't go."
+
+"Let me relieve you."
+
+The boy used it with good effect, while Tim shoved his blunt finger into
+the pipe-bowl, shut one eye and squinted into it, rattled it on his
+hand, puffed at it again, turned his pockets wrong side out, then put
+them to rights, and repeated the operation, just as we open the door a
+half-dozen times to make sure our friend isn't behind it, then gave one
+of his great sighs and looked toward Howard.
+
+"I put the last switch of tobaccy I had in the world into that pipe,
+just arter throwing myself outside of that quince of fish."
+
+"Quience?" laughed the boy, "you mean _quintal_."
+
+"Yis, and what's to come of Tim O'Rooney, if he doesn't git some more
+right spaddily. His intellect toppled all the mornin', and can't stand
+another such strain, or it'll be nipped in the bud afore it has reached
+the topmost round at the bar of fame."
+
+"Why, Tim, you are growing poetical," called Elwood over his shoulder,
+not a little amused at his bewildering metaphors.
+
+"We shall doubtless come across some friends before long who will be
+glad to supply you."
+
+"Elwood!" called Tim.
+
+"What is it!" he asked, pausing in his paddling.
+
+"If you saas a rid gintleman do yez jist rist till I takes aim and
+shoots him."
+
+"Why so blood-thirsty?"
+
+"Not blood-thirsty, but tobaccy thirsty. The haythen deal in the
+article, and if we saas one he must yield."
+
+Elwood promised obedience, but they saw nothing of the coveted people
+whom they had been so anxious to avoid hitherto, but a half-hour later
+Howard said:
+
+"Heigh-ho! Yonder is just the man you want to see!"
+
+A single person dressed in the garb of a miner was standing on the shore
+leisurely surveying them as they came along. There could be no doubt
+that he was supplied with the noxious weed, for he was smoking a pipe
+with all the cool, deliberate enjoyment of a veteran at the business.
+
+"Shall I head toward shore!" asked Elwood.
+
+"Sartin, sartin. Oh that we had Mr. Shasta here that he might hurry to
+land wid the ould canoe!"
+
+A few minutes sufficed to place the prow of the boat against the shore,
+and Tim O'Rooney sprung out. The miner, if such he was, stood with his
+hands in his pockets, looking sleepily at the stranger.
+
+"How do yez do, William?" reaching out and shaking the hand which was
+rather reluctantly given him.
+
+"Who you calling William?" demanded the miner gruffly.
+
+"I beg yez pardon, but it was a slip of the tongue, Thomas."
+
+"Who you calling Thomas?"
+
+"Is your family well, my dear sir?"
+
+"Whose family you talking about?"
+
+"Did yez lave the wife and childer well?"
+
+"Whose wife and childer you talking about?"
+
+"Yez got over the cowld yez had the other day?"
+
+"'Pears to me you know a blamed sight more about me than I do,
+stranger."
+
+"My dear sir, I have the greatest affection for yez. The moment I seen
+yez a qua'ar faaling come over me, and I filt I must come ashore and
+shake you by the hand. I faals much better."
+
+"You don't say?"
+
+"That I does. Would yez have the kindness to give me a wee bit of
+tobaccy?"
+
+The sleepy-looking stranger gazed drowsily at him a moment and then made
+answer:
+
+"I'm just smoking the last bit I've got. I was going to ax you for some,
+being you had such a great affection for me."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER L.
+
+RESCUED.
+
+
+The miner having made his reply, turned on his heel, still smoking his
+pipe, and coolly walked away, while Tim O'Rooney gazed after him in
+amazement. The boys were amused spectators of the scene, and Elwood now
+called out.
+
+"Come, Tim, don't wait! We shall meet somebody else before long; and as
+you have just had a good smoking spell, you can certainly wait a while."
+
+"Yes," added Howard, "no good can come of waiting; so jump in and let's
+be off."
+
+The Irishman obeyed like a child which hardly understood what was
+required of it, and taking his seat said never a word.
+
+"Let me alternate with you for a while," said Howard to his cousin, "you
+have worked quite a while with the paddle."
+
+"I am not tired, but if you are eager to try your skill I won't object."
+
+The boys changed places, and while Howard gave his exclusive attention
+to the management of the canoe, Elwood devoid himself to consoling Tim
+O'Rooney in the most serio-comic manner.
+
+"Bear up a little longer, my good fellow. There's plenty of tobacco in
+the country, and there must be some that is waiting expressly for you."
+
+"Where bees the same?"
+
+"Of course we are to find that out; and I haven't the least doubt but
+the way will appear."
+
+"Elwood," sighed Tim, "'spose by towken of the severe suffering that
+meself is undergoing I should lose me intellect----"
+
+"I don't think there's any danger."
+
+"And why not?" demanded the Irishman, in assumed fierceness.
+
+"For the good reason that you haven't any to lose."
+
+Tim bowed his head in graceful acknowledgment.
+
+"But suppose I does run mad for all that?"
+
+"I can easily dispose of you?"
+
+"Afther what shtyle?"
+
+"A madman is always a dangerous person in the community, and the moment
+I see any signs of your malady all I have to do is to shoot you through
+the head."
+
+"Do yez obsarve any signs at presint?"
+
+"You needn't ask the question, for the moment it breaks out the report
+of the gun and the crash of the bullet will give you a hint of the
+trouble."
+
+Tim laughed.
+
+"Yez are a bright child, as me mother used to obsarve whin I'd wash me
+face in her buttermilk and smiled through the windy at her. If ye
+continues to grow in your intellect yez may come to be a man that I
+won't be ashamed to addriss and take by the hand when I maats yez in the
+straats."
+
+"I hope I shall," laughed Elwood, "the prize that you hold out is enough
+to make any boy work as he never did before. I hope you will not wish to
+withdraw your offer."
+
+"Niver a faar--niver a faar, as Bridget Mughalligan said, when I asked
+her if she'd be kind enough to remimber me for a few days."
+
+"Tim," added Elwood, after a moment's silence, "we are out of the
+woods."
+
+"What do yez maan by that?"
+
+"We can see signs of the presence of white men all around us, and we
+have nothing further to fear from Indians."
+
+At this point Howard called the attention of his companion to a large
+canoe which was coming around a curve in the river. It contained nearly
+a dozen men, and was the largest boat of the kind which they had ever
+seen, and savored also of a civilized rather than a savage architect.
+
+"They are white men," said Howard.
+
+"Do yez obsarve any pipes sticking out of their mouths?"
+
+"One or two are smoking."
+
+"Then boord them if they won't surrender."
+
+"They have headed toward us," remarked Elwood, "and must wish to say
+something."
+
+A few moments later the two boats came side by side, and before any one
+else could speak Tim made his request known for tobacco. This was
+furnished him, and as he relit his pipe he announced that he had no
+objection to their proceeding with their business.
+
+There were nine men in the larger boat, and all were armed with pistols,
+rifles and knives. In truth they resembled a war party more than
+anything else bound upon some desperate expedition.
+
+The boys noticed as they came along, and while Tim O'Rooney was
+speaking, that several of the men looked very keenly at them, as though
+they entertained some strong suspicion. Finally one of the men asked:
+
+"Are you youngsters named Lawrence and Brandon?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+Here the questioner produced a paper from his pocket, and seemed to read
+his questions from that.
+
+"And is that man Timothy O'Rooney?"
+
+"Timothy O'Rooney, Esquire, from Tipperary, at your sarvice," called out
+the Irishman from the stern of the canoe, where he was elegantly
+reclining, and without removing the pipe from his mouth.
+
+"Were you on the steamer ---- ---- that was burned off the coast of
+California?" pursued the interlocutor.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then you are just the party we are looking for."
+
+"Where do you come from?"
+
+"We are from San Francisco, sent out by Messrs. Lawrence and Brandon in
+search of their children, whom they learned a few days ago from Mr.
+Yard, one of the survivors, were left on the coast, having wandered
+inland at the time the others were taken off by the Relief."
+
+This was to the point.
+
+"It is fortunate for all parties that we met you," added the man with a
+smile, "for we receive a very liberal reward to bring you back, no
+matter whether we met you within a dozen miles of San Francisco, or were
+obliged to spend the summer hunting for you among the mountains, only to
+succeed after giving the largest kind of a ransom."
+
+"Prosaad," said Tim O'Rooney, with a magnificent wave of his hand,
+without rising from his reclining position. "We're glad to maat yez, as
+me uncle obsarved, whin Micky O'Shaunhanaley's pig walked into his
+shanty and stood still till he was salted down and stowed away in the
+barrel, by raisin of which Micky niver found his pig agin."
+
+The next day the party reached the outlet of the Salinas River, Monterey
+Bay, where they succeeded in securing transit to San Francisco, and the
+two boys were once more clasped in the loving arms of their anxious
+parents.
+
+Howard and Elwood remained in San Francisco until autumn, when they came
+East again and entered college, and having passed through with honor
+they returned to the Golden City, and are now partners in a flourishing
+business. Tim O'Rooney is in their service, and they both hold him in
+great regard. He is as good-natured as when "Adrift in the Wilds" with
+the boys, and his greatest grief is that he has never been able to meet
+Mr. Shasta, the most "illigent savage gintleman that iver paddled his
+own canoe."
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *      *
+
+
+
+
+THE BOYS' HOME SERIES.
+
+Uniform with this Volume.
+
+This series affords wholesome reading for boys and girls, and all the
+volumes are extremely interesting.--_Cincinnati Commercial Gazette._
+
+Joe's Luck; or, A Boy's Adventures in California. By Horatio
+Alger, Jr.
+
+Julian Mortimer or, A Brave Boy's Struggles for Home and Fortune. By
+Harry Castlemon.
+
+Adrift In The Wilds; or, The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys. By
+Edward S. Ellis.
+
+Frank Fowler, The Cash Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+Guy Harris, The Runaway. By Harry Castlemon.
+
+Ben Burton, The Slate-Picker. By Harry Prentice.
+
+Tom Temple's Career. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+Tom, The Ready; or, Up from the Lowest. By Randolph Hill.
+
+The Castaways; Or, On The Florida Reefs. By James Otis.
+
+Captain Kidd's Gold, The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy. By
+James Franklin Fitts.
+
+Tom Thatcher's Fortune. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+Lost In The Cañon. The Story of Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great
+Colorado of the West. By Alfred R. Calhoun.
+
+A Young Hero; or, Fighting to Win. By Edward S. Ellis.
+
+The Errand Boy; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By Horatio
+Alger, Jr.
+
+The Island Treasure; or, Harry Darrel's Fortunes. By Frank H.
+Converse.
+
+A Runaway Brig; or, An Accidental Cruise. By James Otis.
+
+A Jaunt Through Java. The Story of a Journey to the Sacred Mountain by
+Two American Boys. By Edward S. Ellis.
+
+The King of Apeland. The Wonderful Adventures of a Young Animal-Trainer.
+By Harry Prentice.
+
+Tom, The Boot-Black; or, The Road to Success. By Horatio
+Alger, Jr.
+
+Roy Gilbert's Search. A Tale of the Great Lakes. By William Pendleton
+Chipman.
+
+
+_The above stories are printed on extra paper, and bound in Handsome
+Cloth Binding, in all respects uniform with this volume, at $1.00 per
+copy._
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or will be sent post-paid on receipt of
+the price by the publisher._
+
+A. L. BURT, 56 Beekman St., New York.
+
+
+
+
+
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+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Adrift in the Wilds, by Edward S. Ellis
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Adrift in the Wilds
+       or, The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys
+
+Author: Edward S. Ellis
+
+Release Date: May 27, 2007 [EBook #21626]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADRIFT IN THE WILDS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Garcia, Mary Meehan and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
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+
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+
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+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+<h1>Adrift in the Wilds;</h1>
+
+<h3>OR,</h3>
+
+<h2>The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys.</h2>
+
+<h2>By EDWARD S. ELLIS.</h2>
+
+<h4>ILLUSTRATED.</h4>
+
+<h4>NEW YORK:<br />
+A. L. BURT, PUBLISHER.</h4>
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">Copyrighted 1887, by A. L. Burt</span>.</h4>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. -->
+<p>
+<a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I. HO, FOR CALIFORNIA</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II. FIRE</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III. AFLOAT</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV. A PASSENGER</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V. LAND</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI. THE CALIFORNIA COAST</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII. THE RESCUE</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII. INDIANS</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX. THE PURSUIT</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X. A GOOD SAMARITAN</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI. FURTHER EAST</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII. THE SALINAS VALLEY</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII. ANOTHER BARGAIN</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV. A STRANGE OCCURRENCE</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV. THE CROTALUS</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI. THE CAMP-FIRE</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII. THE MINERS</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII. A WANT SUPPLIED</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX. THE CANOE</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX. SHASTA, THE PAH UTAH</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI. A HUNT FOR FOOD</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII. DANGER</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII. DRIFTING AWAY</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV. A HUNT</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV. A SINGULAR ESCAPE</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">CHAPTER XXVI. SHASTA'S HUNT</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">CHAPTER XXVII. THE NIGHT VOYAGE</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">CHAPTER XXVIII. A PAH UTAH'S METHOD OF FISHING</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">CHAPTER XXIX. A NIGHT DISTURBANCE</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">CHAPTER XXX. THE WOLVERINES</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">CHAPTER XXXI. SHASTA'S HUMOR</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">CHAPTER XXXII. AGAIN ON THE RIVER</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">CHAPTER XXXIII. A HALT</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">CHAPTER XXXIV. EXIT SHASTA</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXV">CHAPTER XXXV. THE WESTERN SHORE</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVI">CHAPTER XXXVI. THE RAMBLE</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVII">CHAPTER XXXVII. BACK TO CAMP</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXVIII">CHAPTER XXXVIII. WAITING AND WATCHING</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIX">CHAPTER XXXIX. THE SEARCH</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XL">CHAPTER XL. THE END OF THE SEARCH</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLI">CHAPTER XLI. A BOY LOST</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLII">CHAPTER XLII. A DREARY NIGHT</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLIII">CHAPTER XLIII. WANDERINGS</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLIV">CHAPTER XLIV. A OLD ACQUAINTANCE</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLV">CHAPTER XLV. A FRIEND IN NEED</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLVI">CHAPTER XLVI. WHAT SHASTA DID</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLVII">CHAPTER XLVII. STILL WAITING</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLVIII">CHAPTER XLVIII. THE MEETING</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XLIX">CHAPTER XLIX. HOMEWARD BOUND</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_L">CHAPTER L. RESCUED</a><br /><br />
+<a href="#THE_BOYS_HOME_SERIES">THE BOYS' HOME SERIES.</a><br />
+</p>
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+
+
+<p><a href="#illus1">'<span class="smcap">May the good Lord preserve us! them are Injuns,' said
+Tim.</span></a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#illus2">"<span class="smcap">The Indian drew forth a tiny canoe and shoved it into
+the water</span>"</a></p>
+
+<p><a href="#illus3">"<span class="smcap">We are lost.</span>"</a></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>ADRIFT IN THE WILDS;</h2>
+
+<h3>OR,</h3>
+
+<h2>The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>HO, FOR CALIFORNIA.</h3>
+
+
+<p>One beautiful misummer night in 18&mdash; a large, heavily laden steamer was
+making her way swiftly up the Pacific coast, in the direction of San
+Francisco. She was opposite the California shore, only a day's sail
+distant from the City of the Golden Gate, and many of the passengers had
+already begun making preparations for landing, even though a whole night
+and the better part of a day was to intervene ere they could expect to
+set their feet upon solid land.</p>
+
+<p>She was one of those magnificent steamers that ply regularly between
+Panama and California. She had rather more than her full cargo of
+freight and passengers; but, among the hundreds of the latter, we have
+to do with but three.</p>
+
+<p>On this moonlight night, there were gathered by themselves these three
+personages, consisting of Tim O'Rooney, Elwood Brandon and Howard
+Lawrence. The first was a burly, good-natured Irishman, and the two
+latter were cousins, their ages differing by less than a month, and both
+being in their sixteenth year.</p>
+
+<p>The financial storm that swept over the country in 18&mdash;, toppling down
+merchants and banking-houses like so many ten-pins, carried with it in
+the general wreck and ruin, that of Brandon, Herman &amp; Co., and the
+senior partner, Sylvanus Brandon, returned to his home in Brooklyn, New
+York, one evening worse than penniless. While he was meditating,
+dejected and gloomy, as to the means by which he was to keep the wolf
+from the door, his clerk brought him a letter which had been overlooked
+in the afternoon's mail, postmarked, "San Francisco, Cal." At once he
+recognized the bold, handsome superscription as that of his kind-hearted
+brother-in-law, Thomas Lawrence. His heart beat with a strong hope as he
+broke the envelope, and his eyes glistened ere he had read one-half.</p>
+
+<p>In short, it stated that Mr. Lawrence had established himself
+successfully in business, and was doing so well that he felt the
+imperative need of a partner, and ended by urging Mr. Brandon to accept
+the position. The bankrupt merchant laid the epistle in his lap, removed
+his spectacles and looked smilingly toward his wife. They held a long
+discussion, and both decided to accept the offer at once, as there was
+no other recourse left to them.</p>
+
+<p>It was evident from the letter that Mr. Lawrence had some apprehensions
+regarding Mr. Brandon's ability to weather the storm, but he could not
+be aware of his financial crash, as it had only become known on the
+street within the last twenty-four hours. Mr. Brandon deemed it proper,
+therefore, before closing with the offer, to acquaint his brother-in-law
+with his circumstances, that he might fully understand the disadvantage
+under which he would be placed by the new partnership.</p>
+
+<p>The letter was written and duly posted, and our friends rather anxiously
+awaited the answer. It came in the gratifying form of a draft for $1,000
+to defray "his necessary expenses," and an urgent entreaty to start
+without delay.</p>
+
+<p>The advice was acted upon, and within two weeks of the reception of the
+second letter, Mr. Brandon and his wife were on board the steamer at New
+York, with their state-rooms engaged for California. They had but one
+child, Elwood, whom they had placed at a private school where he was to
+prepare himself for college, in company with his cousin, Howard
+Lawrence, who had been sent from California by his father and had
+entered the school at the same time.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Brandon learned that Mr. Lawrence was a brother indeed. The position
+in which the two men were placed proved so favorable to the former that
+in a few years he found himself almost as wealthy as in his palmiest
+days, when his name was such a power in Wall Street. He had come to like
+the young and growing State of California, and ere he had been there two
+years both himself and wife had lost all longings for the metropolis of
+the New World.</p>
+
+<p>In the meanwhile, Elwood and Howard were doing well at their studies in
+Brooklyn. They had been inseparable friends from infancy, and as their
+years increased the bonds of affection seemed to strengthen between
+them. They were the only children of twin sisters, and bore a remarkable
+resemblance in person, character and disposition. Both had dark,
+curling, chestnut hair, hazel eyes, and an active muscular organization
+that made them leaders in boyish pastimes and sports. If there was any
+perceptible difference between the two, it was that Elwood Brandon was a
+little more daring and impetuous than his companion; he was apt to
+follow out his first impulses and venture upon schemes without
+deliberating fully enough. Both were generous, unselfish, and either
+would have willingly risked his life for the other.</p>
+
+<p>Thus matters stood until the summer when our young heroes had completed
+their preparatory course, and were ready to enter college. It was
+decided by their parents that this should be done in the autumn, and
+that the summer of this year should be spent by the boys with their
+parents in California. They had been separated from them for five years,
+during which they had met but once, when the parents made a journey to
+New York for that purpose, spending several months with them. That
+visit, it may be said, was now to be returned, and the boys meant that
+it should be returned with interest.</p>
+
+<p>And so Tim O'Rooney, a good-natured, trustworthy Irishman, who had been
+in the employ of Mr. Lawrence for eight years, almost ever since his
+arrival in America, was sent to New York to accompany the boys on their
+visit home.</p>
+
+<p>Howard and Elwood were standing one afternoon on the corner of Montague
+Street, in Brooklyn, chatting with each other about their expected trip
+to California. They had closed their school studies a week before, and
+boy-like were now anxious to be off upon their journey. Suddenly an
+Irishman came in sight, smoking furiously at a short black pipe. The
+first glance showed them that it was no other than Tim O'Rooney, the
+expected messenger.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't that good?" exclaimed Elwood, "the steamer sails on Saturday, and
+we'll go in it. Here he comes, as though he was in a great hurry!"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't say anything, and see whether he will know us!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why shouldn't he?"</p>
+
+<p>"You know we've grown a good deal since he was here, and the beard is
+getting so stiff on my chin that it scratches my hand every time I touch
+it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; that mustache, too, is making you look as fierce as a Bluebeard;
+but here he is!"</p>
+
+<p>At this instant Tim O'Rooney came opposite them. He merely glanced up,
+puffed harder than ever and was passing on, when both burst out in a
+loud laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Be the powers! what's the mather with ye spalpeens?" he angrily
+demanded. "Can't a dacent man be passing the sthrats widout being
+insulted&mdash;&mdash;Howly mother! is it yerselves or is it your grandfathers?"</p>
+
+<p>He had recognized them, and a hearty hand-shaking followed. Tim grinned
+a great deal over his mistake, and answered their questions in his dry,
+witty way, and assured them that his instructions were to bring them
+home as soon as possible. Accordingly, they embarked on the steamer on
+the following Saturday; and, passing over the unimportant incidents of
+their voyage, we come back to our starting point, where all three were
+within a day's journey of their destination.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>FIRE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"To-morrow we shall be home," said Elwood Brandon, addressing his
+companion, although at the time he was looking out on the moon-lit sea,
+in the direction of California.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; if nothing unexpected happens," replied his cousin, who was
+pushing and drawing a large Newfoundland dog that lay at his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"And what can happen?" asked his cousin, turning abruptly toward him.</p>
+
+<p>"A hundred things. Suppose the boiler should blow up, we run on a rock,
+take fire, or get struck by a squall&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Or be carried away in a balloon," was the impatient exclamation. "One
+is just as likely to happen as the other."</p>
+
+<p>"Hardly&mdash;heigh-ho!"</p>
+
+<p>Howard at that moment had twined his feet around the neck of Terror, the
+Newfoundland, and the mischievous dog, springing suddenly to his feet,
+brought his master from his seat to the deck, which, as a matter of
+course, made both of the cousins laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"He did that on purpose," said Howard, recovering his position.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course he did. You have been pestering him for the last half-hour,
+and he is getting tired of it; but I may say, Howard, I shall hardly be
+able to sleep to-night, I am so anxious to see father and mother."</p>
+
+<p>"So am I; a few years makes such a difference in us, while I can't
+detect the least change in them."</p>
+
+<p>"Except a few more gray hairs, or perhaps an additional wrinkle or two.
+What's the matter with Tim?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tim! O nothing, he seems to be meditating and smoking. Fact is that is
+about all he has done since he has been with us."</p>
+
+<p>"It's been a grand time for Tim, and I have no doubt he has enjoyed the
+trip to and from California as much as either of us."</p>
+
+<p>The subject of these remarks was seated a few feet away, his arms
+folded, while he was looking with a vague, dreamy expression out upon
+the great Pacific, stretching so many thousand miles beyond them,
+rolling far off in each direction, until sky and ocean blended in great
+gloom.</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe he is looking for Asia," laughed Elwood in an undertone.</p>
+
+<p>"More likely he is hoping to get a glimpse of Ireland, for he would be
+as likely to look in that direction as any other. I say, Tim!"</p>
+
+<p>The Irishman did not heed the call until he was addressed the second
+time in a louder tone than before, when he suddenly raised his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Whisht! what is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"What are you thinking about?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothin', I was dreaming."</p>
+
+<p>"Dreaming! what about?"</p>
+
+<p>"Begorrah but that was a qua'r dream, was that same one."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's hear it."</p>
+
+<p>"But it's onplaiasnt."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind, out with it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, thin, if I must tell yees, I was thinking that this owld staamer
+was all on fire, and all of us passengers was jumping around in the
+wather, pulling each other down, away miles into the sea, till we was
+gone so long there wasn't a chance iver to git up agin."</p>
+
+<p>A strange fear thrilled both of the boys at the mention of this, and
+they looked at each other a moment in silence.</p>
+
+<p>"What put that into your head, Tim?"</p>
+
+<p>"And it's just the question I was axing meself, for I never draamed of
+such a thing in my life before, and it's mighty qua'r that I should take
+a notion to do it now."</p>
+
+<p>"It ain't worth talking about," said Elwood, showing an anxiety to
+change the subject.</p>
+
+<p>"Be yees going to bed to-night?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't feel a bit sleepy," replied Elwood. "I'd just as soon sit up
+half the night as not."</p>
+
+<p>"And so would I; it must be after eleven o'clock, isn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's near 'levin," replied Tim. "I'm not able to examine me watch; and
+if I was, I couldn't tell very well, as it hasn't run for a few months."</p>
+
+<p>Howard took out his watch, but the moonlight was too faint for him to
+distinguish the hands, and the three were content to let the precise
+time remain a matter of conjecture.</p>
+
+<p>"Tim, how close are we to land?" asked Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"I should say about the same distance that the land is from us, and
+begorrah that's the best information I can give yees."</p>
+
+<p>"I could see the mountains very plainly when the sun was setting," said
+Howard, "and it cannot be many miles away."</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of a country is it off here?" pursued Elwood, pointing in the
+direction of the land.</p>
+
+<p>"It is wild and rocky, and there are plenty of Indians and wild animals
+there."</p>
+
+<p>"How do you know?" asked Elwood, in some amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"I have taken the trouble to learn all about California that I could
+before coming."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe they have <i>gold</i> there?" said Elwood, in rather a bantering
+vein.</p>
+
+<p>"Tim can tell you more about that than I can, as he came to California
+to hunt gold."</p>
+
+<p>"How is that, Tim?"</p>
+
+<p>"Begorrah, but he shpakes the truth. I wint up among the mountains to
+hunt gowld."</p>
+
+<p>"And what luck had you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Luck, is it?" repeated the Irishman, with an expression of ludicrous
+disgust. "Luck, does ye call it, to have your head cracked and your
+shins smashed by the copper-skins, chawed up by the b'ars, froze to
+death in the mountains, drowned in the rivers&mdash;that run into the top of
+yer shanty when yer sound asleep&mdash;your feet gnawed off by wolverines, as
+they call&mdash;and&mdash;but whisht! don't talk to me of luck, and all the time
+ye never gets a sight of a particle of gowld."</p>
+
+<p>The boys laughed, Howard said:</p>
+
+<p>"But your luck is not every one's, Tim; there have been plenty who have
+made fortunes at the business."</p>
+
+<p>"Yis, but they wasn't Tim O'Rooneys. He's not the man that was born to
+be rich!"</p>
+
+<p>"You're better satisfied where you are."</p>
+
+<p>"Yis, thank God, that I've such a good home, and an ongrateful dog would
+I baa if I should ask more."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Elwood, it's getting late, and this night air begins to feel
+chilly. It can't be far from midnight."</p>
+
+<p>"I am willing; where's Terror? Ah! here he is; old fellow, come along
+and keep faithful watch over your friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Boys," said Tim O'Rooney, with a strange, husky intonation, "you
+remember my dream about this steamer burning?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; what of it?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is coming thrue!"</p>
+
+<p><i>He spoke the truth!</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>AFLOAT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>As Tim O'Rooney spoke, he pointed to the bow of the steamer, where, in
+the bright moonlight, some smoke could be seen rising&mdash;where, too, the
+next instant, they caught sight of a gleam of fire.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, heaven! what shall we do?" exclaimed Elwood, struck with a panic.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait and trust to Providence."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us jump overboard; I'd rather be drowned than burned to death.
+Come, Howard, let's jump over this minute!"</p>
+
+<p>He made a move toward the stern of the steamer, near which they had been
+seated, as if he intended to spring overboard, when his arm was sternly
+caught by the Irishman, who said in an indignant tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Kaap cool! kaap cool! don't make a fool of yoursilf. Can ye swim?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered Howard, "we can both swim very well. Can you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Indaad, I can&mdash;swim like a stone."</p>
+
+<p>"But good heavens!" exclaimed Elwood, who had not entirely recovered
+from his excitement, "the land is miles off, and we can't swim there,
+not taking into account the heavy sea."</p>
+
+<p>"What does that mean?"</p>
+
+<p>As Howard spoke, the bow of the steamer made a sweeping bend to the
+right.</p>
+
+<p>"They've headed toward shore," said Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>This snatch of conversation had occupied the shortest possible space of
+time. The fire had been discovered by the officials on board fully as
+soon as by our friends, and the men could be seen running hurriedly to
+and fro, all quiet and still, for they knew too well what the result
+would be if the alarm was communicated to the sleeping passengers. The
+pilot had headed the vast craft toward land, and by the furious
+throbbing of the engines it could be seen that the doomed vessel was
+straining to the utmost, like some affrighted, faithful horse striving
+to carry his master as nearly as possible to the port of safely ere he
+dropped down and died.</p>
+
+<p>It was fully midnight, and, as a matter of course, very nearly all the
+passengers were in their berths. There were a few, however, who were
+lingering on the promenade deck, some smoking&mdash;here and there a couple
+of lovers all unconscious of everything else&mdash;one or two avaricious
+speculators; and but a few minutes could elapse before the startling
+danger should become known.</p>
+
+<p>The last words, which we have given as spoken by our friends, had
+scarcely been said, when a man, who apparently had been stretched out
+sound asleep, suddenly sprung up, wild with terror. "The boat is on
+fire! <i>fire! fire</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>He darted hither and thither like some wild animal compassed on every
+hand by death, and then suddenly made a leap overboard, and was
+swallowed up in the sea.</p>
+
+<p>The alarm spread with fearful rapidity, and was soon ringing through
+every part of the steamer, and now began that fearful confusion and
+panic which no pen can clearly picture, and which, once seen, can never
+be forgotten to the dying day.</p>
+
+<p>Our three friends were gathered at the stern of the steamer, earnestly
+and anxiously discussing the best course to pursue.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's stay here," said Howard, "for every second is taking us nearer
+land."</p>
+
+<p>"That is what nearly all will do," said Elwood, "but we can never reach
+the shore, and when the time comes we shall all be in the sea together,
+struggling and sinking, and we shall then be sure to go down."</p>
+
+<p>"Yez are right," said Tim, addressing the last speaker. "Our only chance
+is to jump overboard this very minute, before the sea is full of the
+poor fellows. They'll begin to go over the ship's side and will kaap it
+up until the thing is burned up."</p>
+
+<p>"It's time then that we hunted our life-preservers," said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"Git out wid yer life-presarvers!" impatiently exclaimed Tim. "Didn't me
+uncle wear one of 'em for six months, and then die with the faver! I'll
+heave over one of these settaas, and that'll kaap up afloat."</p>
+
+<p>"Be quick about it, Tim," urged Elwood, who was beginning to get
+nervous. "See, the fire is spreading, and everybody seems to have found
+out what the matter is."</p>
+
+<p>There was indeed no time to be lost. The steamer was doomed beyond all
+possibility of salvation, and must soon become unmanageable, when
+everything would be turned into a pandemonium. One of the large settees
+was wrenched loose and lifted over the stern of the steamer.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said Tim, "the minute it goes over yez must follow. The owld
+staamer is going like a straak of lightning, and if aither of yez wait,
+he'll be lift behind."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, no danger, go ahead!"</p>
+
+<p>They now clambered up, and sat poised on the stern. In this fearful
+position Tim O'Rooney held the settee balanced for a few minutes.</p>
+
+<p>"Be yez riddy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Do yez jump a little to the right, Elwood, and yez a little to the
+left, Howard, so as not to hit the owld thing. All riddy; here we go!"</p>
+
+<p>The next moment the three were spinning down through the air, and struck
+the water. They went below the surface, the boys sinking quite a
+distance; but almost instantly they arose and struck bravely out.</p>
+
+<p>"Tim, where are you?" called out Elwood, not seeing his friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, to the left," responded the Irishman, as he rose on a huge swell.
+"Can ye swim to me?"</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, but my clothes bother me like creation."</p>
+
+<p>Strange! that not one of the three had once thought of removing their
+superfluous clothing before jumping into the ocean. But Elwood was a
+fine swimmer, and he struggled bravely, although at a great
+disadvantage, until his outstretched hand was seized by the Irishman,
+and he then caught hold of the settee and rested himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Howard?" he asked, panting from his exertions.</p>
+
+<p>"Here he is," responded Howard himself. "I struck the water so close
+that when I came up my hand hit the settee."</p>
+
+<p>"I tell you what it is," said Elwood. "We ought to have brought
+something else with us beside this. We have got to keep all of our
+bodies underwater for this to bear us."</p>
+
+<p>"And what of it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose some poor fellow claims a part. Gracious! here comes a man this
+minute!"</p>
+
+<p>"We can't turn him off," said Tim, "but this owld horse has all the
+grist he can carry."</p>
+
+<p>A dark body could be seen struggling and rapidly approaching them.</p>
+
+<p>"Whoever he is, he is a good swimmer," remarked Howard, watching the
+stranger.</p>
+
+<p>"Of course he is, for it comes natural; don't you see it isn't a man,
+but old Terror."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank heaven for that! we never thought about him. I am glad he is with
+us."</p>
+
+<p>The next moment the Newfoundland placed his paw on the settee and gave a
+low bark to announce his joy at being among his friends. The sagacious
+brute seemed to understand how frail the tenure was that held them all
+suspended over eternity; for he did nothing more than rest the top of
+his paw on the precious raft.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>A PASSENGER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>By this time our friends were a quarter of a mile in the rear of the
+burning steamer. The furious pulsations of the engines had stopped, and
+from stern to stern the great ship was one mass of soothing flame. The
+light threw a glare upon the clouds above, and made it so bright where
+our friends were floating in the water that they could have read the
+pages of a printed book. The illumination must have been seen for many
+and many a mile in every direction upon the Pacific.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, the steamer has stopped," said Howard; "the fire has reached the
+engines, and now they must do as we have done."</p>
+
+<p>"But they have boats and may escape."</p>
+
+<p>"Not half enough of them; and then what they have got will be seized by
+the crew, as they always do at such times."</p>
+
+<p>"Look! you can see them jumping over. The poor wretches hang fast till
+they are so scorched that they have to let go."</p>
+
+<p>"It's mighty lucky yees are here," said Tim, "for every mother's son
+that can swim will be hugged by a half-dozen that can't, which would be
+bad for me."</p>
+
+<p>"Why so; can't you swim?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not a bit of it."</p>
+
+<p>"And nothing but this bench to keep us from sinking."</p>
+
+<p>"And be the same towken isn't that good enough, if it only kaaps us
+afloat? Can't ye be satisfied?"</p>
+
+<p>"Look! how grand!"</p>
+
+<p>It was indeed a fearful sight, the steamer being one pyramid of roaring,
+blazing fire, sweeping upward in great fan-like rifts, then blowing
+outward, horizontally across the deep, as if greedy for the poor beings
+who had sprung in agony from its embrace. Millions of sparks were
+floating and drifting overhead and falling all around. The shrieks of
+the despairing passengers, as with their clothes all aflame they sprung
+blindly into the ocean, could be heard by our friends, and must indeed
+have extended a far greater distance.</p>
+
+<p>For an hour the conflagration raged with apparently unabated violence,
+the wreck drifting quite rapidly; but the fire soon tired of its work,
+large pieces of burning timber could be seen floating in the water, and
+finally the charred hull made a plunge downward into the sea, and our
+friends were left alone upon their frail support.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, it's time to decide what we are going to do," said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"You are right, and what shall it be? Shall we drift about here until
+morning, when some vessel will pick us up? I have no doubt this fire has
+drawn a half-dozen toward it."</p>
+
+<p>"No; let's make for shore."</p>
+
+<p>"That is the best plan," said Tim.</p>
+
+<p>"But it is a good way off," remarked Howard; "and I have little hope of
+reaching it."</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind; it, will keep us busy, and that will make the time pass
+faster than if we do nothing but float."</p>
+
+<p>"We may need our strength; but it is the best plan."</p>
+
+<p>"But do we know the direction?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can tell you that," said Elwood; "for the moon was directly over the
+shore; so all we've got to do is to aim for the moon."</p>
+
+<p>"Begorrah! we can walk and talk, as the owld lady said when her husband
+stopped on the way to the gallows to bid her good-by. So paddle away!"</p>
+
+<p>It being a warm summer night, the water was quite pleasant, although our
+friends were sure to get enough of it long before they could hope to
+place their feet upon the earth. Having now an object, they began
+working with a will, the boys swimming as lustily as possible straight
+for the shore, while Tim assisted materially in pushing forward the
+craft.</p>
+
+<p>The intelligent Newfoundland appeared to comprehend what was wanted, and
+contributed not a little to the momentum.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think we are making any progress&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"O, save me! save me! I'm drowning!"</p>
+
+<p>The voice sounded close by them, and caused an involuntary start from
+all three.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he?" asked Howard, in a terrified whisper.</p>
+
+<p>"There!"</p>
+
+<p>At that moment they caught sight of a man fiercely buffeting the waves,
+as he rose on an immense swell, and then sunk down again in the trough
+of the sea.</p>
+
+<p>"Can we do anything for him?" asked Elwood. "It's too bad to see the
+poor fellow sink when we may save him."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm afeared the owld bench won't bear another hand on it."</p>
+
+<p>But Terror had heard that cry and anticipated the wishes of his friends.
+Leaving them with their raft, he struck powerfully out toward the
+drowning man, and they both went down in the vast sea chasm together.
+When they came in view again upon the crest of the swell, the
+Newfoundland had the hair of the man's head in his teeth and had begun
+his return. A moment later the gasping man threw out his hands and
+caught the settee with such eagerness that it instantly sunk.</p>
+
+<p>"Be careful!" admonished Howard, "or you'll drown us all. One of us
+can't swim!"</p>
+
+<p>"Won't your raft bear us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if you keep only your head above water and bear very lightly upon
+it. Don't attempt to rise up."</p>
+
+<p>"All right!"</p>
+
+<p>The buoyant raft came to the surface, and was instantly grasped firmly
+but carefully by all. Poor Tim O'Rooney had come very near drowning. A
+man when suddenly cast into the water for the first time has been known
+to swim long and well; and the Irishman, by the most furious effort, had
+saved himself from strangling and sinking, although he had swallowed a
+good deal of the nauseating sea-water, and was now ejecting it.</p>
+
+<p>"Worrah! I took an overdose that time, and it wouldn't sthay on my
+stomach!" he said. "I'm thinking there'll be no necessity of me
+swallowing any salts for some time to coom, be the towken that I've
+enough to last me me life-time."</p>
+
+<p>"We are all right now!" said the stranger. "I can swim, but I was just
+about used up when your dog took me in tow. May I inquire who my friends
+are?"</p>
+
+<p>Howard gave their names and destination, and he instantly said:</p>
+
+<p>"My name is Manuel Yard, and my place of business is next door to that
+of your fathers."</p>
+
+<p>"You know them then."</p>
+
+<p>"I have known them both very well for years, and now that you have given
+me your names I remember you both."</p>
+
+<p>After a few more words, our friends recognized him as a tall,
+pale-looking man, with whom they had exchanged greetings more than once
+on their passage from Panama.</p>
+
+<p>"I've been down to the Isthmus," he added, "and was on my way home when
+the steamer took fire."</p>
+
+<p>"Where were you when you heard the alarm?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sound asleep in my berth; I had no time even to put on my clothes; but,
+thank God, if I can escape in any way."</p>
+
+<p>"Stick to us, and help shove this craft, and I'm in hopes we'll fetch up
+somewhere by morning."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>LAND.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Under the united propulsion of three men and a large Newfoundland dog,
+the small raft moved shoreward with no insignificant speed. It was found
+amply sufficient to preserve them all from drowning had none known how
+to swim, provided they managed the matter prudently. There is so little
+difference in the quantity of water and the human body, that a slight
+effort, if properly made, will keep it afloat. The trouble with new
+beginners is that when they first go beyond their depth their blind
+struggles tend to carry them downward more than upward.</p>
+
+<p>"This is rather pleasant," remarked Mr. Yard. "There is little doubt, I
+think, of reaching land. There is only one thing that makes the shivers
+run over me."</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"The thought of <i>sharks</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ugh! Why did you spake of them?" asked Tim, with a strong expression of
+disgust. "I've been thinking of 'em ever since I've been in the water,
+but I didn't want to skeer the boys."</p>
+
+<p>"They never once entered my head," said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor mine either," added Elwood. "Are they in this part of the ocean?"</p>
+
+<p>"You will find them in almost every part of the sea, I was going to say.
+They abound off the coast of California."</p>
+
+<p>"But it is night, and they will not be apt to see!"</p>
+
+<p>"This fire and the numbers of drowning people will draw hundreds of the
+finny inhabitants toward us. You know a fire at night is sure to attract
+fish."</p>
+
+<p>"You seem determined to frighten us," said Howard, "but I shall continue
+to think that God who has so mercifully saved us intends to save us to
+the end."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps so, too, but it does no harm to understand all the dangers to
+which we are subject."</p>
+
+<p>"I believe with Howard," said Elwood. "I ain't afraid of sharks, but for
+all that, they are ugly creatures. They swim under you and the first
+thing you know clip goes one of your legs off, just the same as a pair
+of snuffers would clip off a piece of wick."</p>
+
+<p>"They are the hyenas of the sea," said Howard, "although I believe some
+kinds are stupid and harmless. I think I have heard them called that by
+somebody, I don't remember who. They will snap up anything that is
+thrown to them."</p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't it make their eyes water to come this way then? Jis' to think
+of their saaing four pair of legs dancing over their hids, not to spake
+of the dog that could come in by way of dessart."</p>
+
+<p>"O Tim! keep still, it is too dreadful!"</p>
+
+<p>"Worrah! it wasn't meself that introduced the subject, but as yez have
+got started, I've no objection to continue the same."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us try and talk about something more pleasant&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A shark! a shark!" suddenly screamed Elwood, springing half his length
+out of the water in his excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"Where?" demanded Mr. Yard, while the others were speechless with
+terror.</p>
+
+<p>"He has hold of my leg! O, save me, for he is pulling me under!"</p>
+
+<p>There was danger for a moment that all would go to the bottom, but Mr.
+Yard displayed a remarkable coolness that saved them all.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not a shark," said he, "or he would have had your leg off before
+this."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it then? What can it be?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is a drowning man that has caught your foot as he was going down.
+You must kick him off or he will drown you. Has he one foot or both?"</p>
+
+<p>"My left ankle is grasped by something."</p>
+
+<p>"That is good; if he had hold of both feet it would be bad for you. Use
+your free foot and force his grasp loose."</p>
+
+<p>Elwood did so with such vigor that he soon had the inexpressible relief
+of announcing that the drag weight was loosed and his limbs were free
+again.</p>
+
+<p>"That is terrible," said he, as they resumed their progress. "Just to
+think of being seized in that way by some poor fellow who, I don't
+suppose, really knew what he was doing."</p>
+
+<p>"How came he there?" asked Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, we ain't far from where the steamer sunk, and there may be
+more near us. This man has gone down just as we were passing by him, and
+in his blind struggles has caught your ankle."</p>
+
+<p>"If a drowning man will catch at a straw, wouldn't he be after catching
+at a leg?" inquired Tim.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems natural that he should do so; but we are in the most dangerous
+place we could be. Let's keep a sharp lookout."</p>
+
+<p>Our friends peered in every direction, as they rose and sunk on the
+long, heaving swell of the sea. They saw pieces of charred wood and
+fragments of the wreck, but caught sight of no human being until Mr.
+Yard pointed, to a dark mass some distance away.</p>
+
+<p>"That is a raft covered with people," said he.</p>
+
+<p>"They seem to be standing still."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, they merely want to keep afloat until morning, when no doubt they
+will be picked up and cared for. Keep quiet, for if we talk too loud
+some one may start for us."</p>
+
+<p>"And work hard," whispered Tim, struggling harder than ever. "Aich of
+yees shove like a locomotive."</p>
+
+<p>"Good advice," added Mr. Yard, in the same cautions undertone. "Let's
+get away as fast as possible."</p>
+
+<p>Hour after hour the men toiled, following the moon, that appeared to
+recede from them as they advanced. They had passed safely the debris of
+the wrecked steamer, and were again talking loudly and rather
+cheerfully, when Tim O'Rooney interrupted them:</p>
+
+<p>"Yonder is something flowting in the darkness."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a boat full of people," said Mr. Yard. "I have noticed it for the
+last few minutes."</p>
+
+<p>All turned their eyes toward the spot indicated, and agreed that Mr.
+Yard was correct in his supposition.</p>
+
+<p>"I will hail it," he quietly added, and then called out: "Boat ahoy!"</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want?" came back in a gruff voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you take four drowning passengers on board?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not much," was the unfeeling answer, "Paddle away and you'll reach
+California one of these days."</p>
+
+<p>"How far are we from it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Double the distance, divide by two, and you'll have it."</p>
+
+<p>Nothing further was extracted from the men, but they could be heard
+laughing and talking boisterously with each other, and the odor of their
+pipes was plainly detected, so close were the parties.</p>
+
+<p>"Thank heaven, we are not dependent upon them!" said Mr. Yard. "If we
+were, we should fare cruelly indeed."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are they?"</p>
+
+<p>"A part of the crew of the steamer, who seized the boat at the first
+appearance of danger, and left the helpless to perish."</p>
+
+<p>An hour later, long after the boat had disappeared, and when our friends
+were toiling bravely forward, a low, dark object directly in front
+attracted their notice.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" whispered Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>It is land!</i>" was the joyful reply. "I am walking upon the sand this
+minute, and you can do the same!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CALIFORNIA COAST.</h3>
+
+
+<p>They were safe at last! The four dropped their feet and found them
+resting upon smooth packed sand, and wading a few rods they all stood
+upon dry earth. Terror, as he shook his shaggy coat and rubbed his nose
+against his young masters seemed not the least joyful of the party.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't this grand!" exclaimed Elwood. "When did the ground feel better
+to your feet? Saved from fire and water!"</p>
+
+<p>"Our first duty is to thank God!" said Mr. Yard reverently. "He has
+chosen us out of the hundreds that have perished as special objects of
+his mercy. Let us kneel upon the shore and testify our gratitude to
+Him."</p>
+
+<p>All sunk devoutly upon their knees and joined the merchant, as in a low,
+impressive tone he returned thanks to his Creator for the signal mercy
+he had displayed in bringing them safely through such imminent perils.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, what is to be done next?" inquired Mr. Yard, as they arose to
+their feet and looked around them. "The first thing I should like to do
+is to procure a suit of clothes, and I hope I shall be able to do it
+without stripping any of the dead bodies that will soon wash ashore."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the naad?" asked Tim O'Rooney. "Baing that it's a warrum summer
+night, and there saams to be few in the neighborhood that is likely to
+take exsaptions to your costume."</p>
+
+<p>"But day is breaking!" replied the merchant, pointing across the low,
+rocky country to a range of mountains in the distance, whose high,
+jagged tops were blackly defined against the sky that was growing light
+and rosy behind them.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it will soon be light," said Howard. "See! there are persons along
+the shore that have come down to the wreck?"</p>
+
+<p>"They are some of the passengers that have managed to reach land. I will
+go among them and see whether any of them have any clothing to sell,"
+laughed Mr. Yard as he moved away.</p>
+
+<p>As the sun came up over the mountains it lit up a dreary and desolate
+scene. Away in the distance, until sky and earth mingled into one,
+stretched the blue Pacific, not ridged into foam and spray like the
+boisterous Atlantic, but swelling and heaving as if the great deep was a
+breathing monster. A few fragments of blackened splinters floating here
+and there were all that remained to show where a few hours before the
+magnificent steamer, surcharged with its living freight, so proudly cut
+the waters on her swift course toward the Golden Gate.</p>
+
+<p>Several ghastly, blue-lipped survivors in their clinging garments were
+wandering aimlessly along the shore, the veriest pictures of utter
+misery, as they mumbled a few words to each other, or stared absently
+around. They seemed to be partially bereft of their senses, and were
+probably somewhat dazed from the fearful scenes through which they had
+so recently passed.</p>
+
+<p>Several sails were visible, but they were so far away that it was vain
+to hope to attract their attention. Three large boats could be seen away
+to the northwest, skirting along shore and making their way toward San
+Francisco as rapidly as muscle and oars could carry them. What recked
+they whether the passengers were buried with the steamer, sunk in the
+ocean, or left to perish on the desolate coast?</p>
+
+<p>The Coast Range, which descends into California from Oregon, in some
+places comes within twenty-five or thirty miles of the sea, while at
+other times it recedes to over a hundred. The particular point where our
+friends were suffered to land was rough, barren and rocky, and behind
+them, with many peaks reaching the line of perpetual snow, rose the
+noble Coast Range, between which and them stretched a smaller range of
+mountains.</p>
+
+<p>Around them the country appeared desolate and uninhabited. Howard and
+Elwood were well acquainted with geography, and had a general idea of
+California, although they could not be expected to know much of the
+minor facts of the State. They were aware that at no great distance&mdash;but
+whether north or south it was impossible to say&mdash;lay the missionary town
+of San Luis Obispo, and between them and the Coast Range ran the Salinas
+River, formerly known as the San Buenaventura, and a smaller chain of
+mountains or highlands.</p>
+
+<p>They knew, too, that after crossing the Coast Range, you descended into
+the broad and beautiful Sacramento Valley, where abounded wild animals,
+Indians, gold, silver, and the most exuberant vegetation. This was about
+all they knew; and this, after all, was considerable. When persons
+expect to make a journey to some distant country they are very apt to
+learn all that they possibly can about it; and this was the way they
+came to understand so much regarding the young State of California.</p>
+
+<p>They had stood some little time conversing together when they saw Mr.
+Yard approaching, clad in quite a respectable suit of black, albeit, as
+a matter of course, it was thoroughly soaked with salt water.</p>
+
+<p>"You are fortunate," remarked Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he laughed; "what strange beings we are! Do you see that elderly
+gentleman yonder, with his hands in his pockets walking back and forth
+as though he expected some arrival from the sea?"</p>
+
+<p>The personage alluded to could be easily distinguished from the others.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, his berth was next to mine. When the alarm of fire was first
+heard he sprung from his bed, dressed himself and caught up his valise,
+which contained an extra suit of clothing, and rushed on deck with the
+other passengers."</p>
+
+<p>"How was he saved?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is hard to tell. He and several others hung fast to some such sort
+of a raft as we had, and managed to get ashore. And all the time he
+grasped that valise, even when besought by his companions to let it go,
+find when it endangered his chances of life fully ten-fold."</p>
+
+<p>"He must be very poor."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor! He is worth half a million in gold this minute. That valise
+contained all his property that he had entrusted to the steamer, and it
+was his fear that he might lose the few dollars that it is worth that
+made him cling so tenaciously to it."</p>
+
+<p>"How was it that he gave them to you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No fear that he gave them. I stated in the presence of two witnesses
+that, I would give him a hundred dollars for the suit as soon as we
+reached San Francisco. He racked his brains to see whether there was not
+some means of my giving him my note for the amount; but as that couldn't
+be done under the circumstances, he did the next best thing and
+established my obligation in the mouth of several witnesses."</p>
+
+<p>"Strange man! But, Mr. Yard, what is to be done?"</p>
+
+<p>"I intend to wait here during the day, as I know of nothing better that
+we can do. I think some friends will find us before nightfall."</p>
+
+<p>"We have decided to go inland a short distance, dry our clothes and give
+our bodies a good rubbing, to prevent our taking cold."</p>
+
+<p>"A wise precaution, but useless in my case as I have already caught a
+very severe one."</p>
+
+<p>"Should we become separated, you will tell our parents that we reached
+the land in safety and are in good spirits."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course; but don't wander too far away, as you may lose your chance
+of being taken off. You know this isn't the most hospitable country in
+the world. There are treacherous and thieving Indians in these parts,
+and they would have swooped down on us long ago if they had only known
+we were here. As it is, I fear their approach before a friendly sail
+comes to us."</p>
+
+<p>"Never fear; we will take good care not to wander too far away."</p>
+
+<p>And the parties separated for a much longer time than any of them
+imagined.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE RESCUE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Our three friends&mdash;although it seems equally proper to speak of four, as
+Terror was a most important member of the party&mdash;walked away from the
+sea-shore and began making their way back into the country. As we have
+hinted in another place, they found this section wild and desolate.
+Little else than huge rocks, bowlders and stunted trees met the eye,
+while there was no appearance of vegetation, nor was the slightest
+vestige of a human habitation visible, let them look in whatever
+direction they chose.</p>
+
+<p>The air was clear, the sky decked by a few fleecy clouds over the
+Pacific, and there was little doubt that the day would be a fine, warm
+one. The climate of California is mild, except when the winds from the
+Pacific bring chilling fogs along the coast. The view in the east was
+particularly grand, the peaks of the gigantic Coast mountains and of the
+smaller range rising and swelling in vast peaks, appearing as if the
+Pacific when tossed and driven by some hurricane had suddenly congealed
+with the foam upon the tops of its mountainous billows. Looking
+northward, the last object that met the eye was these mountains
+gradually blending with the brilliant sky, while to the southward the
+prospect was repeated.</p>
+
+<p>They wandered along, springing up the sides of rocks, jumping quite a
+distance to the ground, again passing around those that were too high to
+climb, Terror all the time frolicking at their sides, certainly as happy
+as any of them, while they chatted and laughed, their hearts buoyant in
+the beautiful summer and the pleasing retrospect of a thrilling
+adventure already safely passed through and the prospect of a few others
+close at hand.</p>
+
+<p>In this wandering manner they at last found themselves fully a mile from
+shore, and in a wild, rocky place where they felt secure from
+observation. Here all removed their clothes, subjected their bodies to a
+vigorous rubbing that made the surface glow with warmth and reaction,
+and then spread their garments out to dry. Their extended walk before
+reaching this place had partially done the latter for them, so that in
+the course of an hour or so they found them free from all moisture, and
+as they donned them they once more felt like themselves.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said Elwood, "I am very tired and sleepy; is not this a good
+place to lie down and rest?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was going to suggest the same thing," added Howard. "I do not see in
+what better manner we can spend a few hours."</p>
+
+<p>"And it's the same idaa that has been strhiking me ever since we sot
+foot in this qua'r looking place. It's meself that is so sleapy that at
+ivery wink I makes I has to lift the eyelids up with my fingers, and me
+eyes feels as though the wind has been blowing sand in 'em all day."</p>
+
+<p>The proposal thus being satisfactory to all, they proceeded to carry it
+out at once. The day was so mild that the only precaution necessary was
+to secure themselves against the rays of the sun. This was easily done,
+and stretching out beneath the shelter of a projecting ledge of rocks
+they had scarcely laid down when all were sound asleep.</p>
+
+<p>And leaving them here for the time being, we give our attention for a
+few moments to the survivors of the steamer.</p>
+
+<p>Some thirty odd of the passengers succeeded in reaching the shore, while
+about a dozen were saved with the crew, who, as is generally the case at
+such times, acted upon the idea that it was their duty to take charge of
+the boats and prevent the passengers from risking themselves in such
+frail structures. After all, no doubt their lives were as valuable as
+were those of the hundreds they carried, and their conduct, when viewed
+in an unprejudiced manner, perhaps was not so criminal.</p>
+
+<p>The destruction of so large a steamer along the California coast, in the
+regular track of the vessels going to and coming from Panama, could not
+occur without the knowledge of many upon the ocean. Indeed, the glare
+upon the heavens was seen far up the coast, and in San Luis Obispo, to
+the south, was pronounced by all to be caused by the burning of some
+large vessel at sea.</p>
+
+<p>It so came about that there were but two vessels near enough to go to
+the relief of the unfortunate steamer; but these were controlled by
+rival captains, each of whom hoped to enter the Golden Gate an hour or
+so in advance of the other; and therefore they had not time to slacken
+sail and lay to, but pressed forward with an expression of regret that
+the necessities of the case compelled them thus to refuse all succor to
+the needy ones.</p>
+
+<p>But there were others at a greater distance who bore down upon the fiery
+scene at once; but they were miles away when the last vestige of the
+steamer disappeared, and it was only a matter of conjecture as to where
+a few of the survivors might be struggling with the waves. Not until the
+sun had been up over an hour did the man at the mast-head of the nearest
+vessel call out that he saw several boats pulling up the coast, while a
+few persons could be seen on the shore making signals to attract their
+attention.</p>
+
+<p>Some time after, the Relief&mdash;happily named&mdash;cast anchor a half-mile from
+land and two boats put off from her side. The survivors were quickly
+within them, and they were about putting off again when the mate of the
+Relief said:</p>
+
+<p>"Are you all here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes," was the impatient reply of Mr. Tiflings, the man who had
+sold the suit of clothes to Mr. Yard, "don't wait any longer. I shall
+lose $500 by not being in San Francisco to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"But they are not all here," interrupted Mr. Yard, in some excitement.
+"There are two boys in charge of an Irishman that are missing."</p>
+
+<p>"Where are they?" asked the mate.</p>
+
+<p>"They went back from the shore some time ago. I do not think they can be
+at any great distance."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps if you called to them they might hear you."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Yard sprung out upon the beach, ran to and mounted a goodly-sized
+rock, and shouted at the top of his voice. He called again and again,
+and listened intently, but there was no response.</p>
+
+<p>All this time Mr. Tiflings sat leaning his head forward and nervously
+beating a tattoo upon the side of the boat with his long, thin fingers.
+Occasionally he glanced at the "foolish" Mr. Yard, and muttered:</p>
+
+<p>"What nonsense! What valuable time we are losing by his childishness!
+Time is too precious to fritter away in this manner!"</p>
+
+<p>While the kind-hearted merchant was shouting himself hoarse, our friends
+were heavily and sweetly slumbering, totally oblivious to external
+things, as indeed they would have been were he within a few rods of
+them, instead of over a mile away. Finally he was compelled to give up
+the task and reluctantly return to the boat.</p>
+
+<p>"This is too bad," said he, "to leave them in this manner. What will
+become of them?"</p>
+
+<p>"They will be picked up by some of the passing vessels."</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, certainly," assented Mr. Tiflings, "don't wait any longer;
+it will be a week before we get into San Francisco."</p>
+
+<p>"We will row away," said the mate, "and if we see anything of them
+before we reach the vessel we will put back and take them aboard."</p>
+
+<p>This was reasonable, and Mr. Yard could not object to it. The sailors
+plied their oars, and the passengers were borne swiftly toward the
+friendly Relief. Mr. Yard kept his eyes fixed upon the bleak coast which
+they were so rapidly leaving behind them. He saw nothing of his friends;
+but, after reaching the ship's deck, he took the spy-glass from the
+captain and discovered a party of a dozen Indians wandering up and down
+the beach as if in quest of plunder. Finally, sail was hoisted, the
+Relief bore away to the northward, and the scene of the rescue dwindled
+away and vanished in the distance.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>INDIANS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The sleep of perfect health is dreamless, and is not easily aroused by
+external disturbance. Tim O'Rooney, Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence,
+sweetly forgetful of the need of their being within sight and hearing of
+the shore, slept through the entire day without once awaking. The sun
+was just dipping beneath the Pacific when Howard opened his eyes with
+that confused, indistinct recollection which often takes possession of
+our faculties when first aroused from a deep slumber. He stared around
+and the sight of the unconscious forms of his two companions, and the
+mute Newfoundland dog with his nose between his paws, but blinking as if
+to show he "slept with one eye open," quickly recalled his situation. In
+considerable alarm, he sprung up, and began rousing the others. As they
+rubbed their eyes and rose to the sitting position, he said in
+excitement:</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know we have slept ever since morning?"</p>
+
+<p>"It can't be possible!" exclaimed Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"I should say we had slept a waak be the token of the hunger I feels,"
+said Tim, with a most woeful countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see any likelihood of our getting anything to digest in these
+parts," replied Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"And where else shall we look for the same?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nowhere that I know of."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose some ship has stopped here while we have been asleep!" suddenly
+interrupted Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't they have looked for us? But then they couldn't have known
+where we were," said Howard, asking and answering his own question in
+the same breath.</p>
+
+<p>"We are in a pretty fix then," was the comment of Elwood, laughing at
+the doleful countenances he saw.</p>
+
+<p>"Boys," said Tim, hitching up his pantaloons and scratching his head,
+"shall I tell yees something to your advantage, as the papers say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course," answered Howard, "nothing could suit us better."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then, while we've been slaaping, our friends along shore have
+been carried away, and we're lift to make ourselves comfortable, as the
+peddler said when he hung himself up by his foot."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us see!" exclaimed Elwood, "perhaps we are not too late yet."</p>
+
+<p>The three rushed ever the rocks pell-mell, the dog being at their side,
+and giving vent now and then to short, sharp barks, as if he enjoyed the
+ramble.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood was at the head, and had run but a short distance when he sprung
+upon a bowlder higher than the others, and shading his eyes for a moment
+as he looked off toward the sea, he called back:</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yonder they are! We are not left alone."</p>
+
+<p>"But it's good to have company!" laughed Tim, "it won't be long before
+some vessel will step in and lift us aboard."</p>
+
+<p>"How odd they look!" remarked Elwood, as his friends clambered up beside
+him. "They don't seem dressed in their usual fashion."</p>
+
+<p>The Irishman, upon rising to his feet on top of the rock, uttered an
+expression of surprise, looked intently toward the sea, and then quickly
+sprung back again.</p>
+
+<p>"Off of there quick!" he commanded in a hoarse whisper, at the same time
+catching the shoulder of the up-climbing Howard and forcing him back
+again.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, what's the matter?" asked Elwood, a vague alarm taking possession
+of him, as he rather hurriedly obeyed him.</p>
+
+<p>"May the good Lord presarve us! <i>them are Injuns!</i>"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<a name="illus1" id="illus1"></a>
+<img src="images/illus1.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<h3>"'<span class="smcap">May the good Lord preserve us! them are Injuns,' said
+Tim.</span>"</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"I thought they looked odd," said Elwood, "but I did not think of that.
+Are they friendly?"</p>
+
+<p>"Friendly!" repeated Tim, with an expression of intense disgust. "Do you
+know what they are walking up and down the sand fur in that sassy
+shtyle?"</p>
+
+<p>"Plunder, I suppose."</p>
+
+<p>"Yis; they are in hopes the saa may wash up some poor fellow that they
+may have the pleasure of hacking him to pieces."</p>
+
+<p>"Are they such terrible creatures. Perhaps they have slain those who
+escaped from the steamer."</p>
+
+<p>"Niver a fear; there was too many of 'em, as me brother used to say when
+his wife tuk her broomstick at him."</p>
+
+<p>"But they had no weapons to use."</p>
+
+<p>Tim shook his head. He evidently had a small opinion of the courage of
+the California aborigines.</p>
+
+<p>"Had they massacred the survivors, we could see their bodies along
+shore," remarked Howard. "The sun throws such a glare upon the sand that
+we can detect a very small object."</p>
+
+<p>This settled the matter in the mind of Elwood, who had been heartsick at
+the great fear of such a fate having befallen his friends.</p>
+
+<p>"Then the burning of the steamer has attracted the notice of a great
+many vessels, and I think Mr. Yard was right when he was sure of being
+taken off by some one."</p>
+
+<p>"What a mistake we made in wandering away and going to sleep where no
+one could find us!"</p>
+
+<p>"We did, indeed, Elwood; we voluntarily banished ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"But Mr. Yard certainly knows we are here, and will he not get a company
+of men to come after us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps so; but, if he doesn't, your father and mine will certainly do
+so, so soon as they find where we are."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but what is to become of us between to-night and that time? I am
+half-starved to death, and must get something to eat pretty soon."</p>
+
+<p>"Providence, that has preserved us so kindly thus far, will still watch
+over us."</p>
+
+<p>"There's one bad thing," remarked Tim, "them Injins will hang around the
+shore, and it won't do for us to show ourselves niver a bit."</p>
+
+<p>The faces of the two boys now blanched with fear, for they understood
+the danger that threatened them. It was truly a fear-inspiring sight, as
+they gazed out from their hiding-place in the direction of the sea. The
+sun was partially down the horizon, and appeared unnaturally large,
+while the gaunt Indians, in their fantastic costume, assumed the form of
+giants striding along apparently on the gleaming surface of the ocean
+itself. They were outlined with that sharp, black distinctness which is
+seen when at night a fireman runs along the outer walls of a burning
+building.</p>
+
+<p>"Just to think!" said Elwood "we haven't a gun or a pistol with us."</p>
+
+<p>"And I'm a little hungry, as the man said after fasting three waaks."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose they saw you?" said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"I ain't sure but what they did. They are looking in this direction, and
+appear to be disputing about some matter."</p>
+
+<p>There were grounds for this alarming view of the case. The Indians
+numbered about a dozen, and half of these could be seen in a knot,
+gesticulating in their extravagant manner, while the others were running
+up and down the shore as if they had detected something interesting in
+the surf.</p>
+
+<p>"Are they looking at us?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is such a glare, from the sun that I cannot tell whether their
+faces or backs are toward us. Tim, what do you say?"</p>
+
+<p>The Irishman gazed long and carefully over the face of the rock, and
+finally said:</p>
+
+<p>"They've seen something this way that has tuk their eye."</p>
+
+<p>"They are moving, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe they've seen the dog, and are coming to look for us."</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven save us!" exclaimed Tim, in some excitement, "there's no maybe
+about it; they're coming, sure!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE PURSUIT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was not the first time that Tim O'Rooney made a mistake. The Indians
+were excited over something, but as yet they held no suspicion that
+three white persons stood behind them and could be so easily reached.
+They were talking in a wild manner, and ran several rods from the beach,
+when they suddenly paused and picked up an object over which they
+quarreled and were almost ready to proceed to violence. From where our
+friends stood it looked as if it were nothing more than a coat or some
+cast-off garment that had been thrown aside by so me of the survivors
+when they were taken away by the Relief.</p>
+
+<p>"No, they have not seen us yet," said Howard, who was watching them
+intently, while his two companions where looking upon the readiest means
+of escape.</p>
+
+<p>"Then why did they start after us, be the same token?" demanded Tim,
+with a great sigh of relief.</p>
+
+<p>"They are quarreling over something that lies upon the beach."</p>
+
+<p>"If they'd only have the onspakable kindness to go to fighting each
+other like a lot of Kilkenny cats, and not sthop till there's not one of
+'em left&mdash;I say if they'd have the kindness to do that, it would be
+fortinit for us."</p>
+
+<p>"Hardly probable, Tim; the fact, is they appear to have settled the
+matter already, and have gone down to the edge of the sea again."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see the use of our remaining here," said Howard. "We daren't go
+any nearer them than we now are, while if we put back into the country
+we stand a chance of getting something to eat. As near as I can
+calculate, the Salinas River isn't very far away, and California is said
+to be very fertile along its streams, if it is barren in such places as
+this."</p>
+
+<p>"And we may come upon a party of miners further inland."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about that," rejoined Howard. "The diggings are on the
+other side of the Coast Range, between that and the Sierra Nevada, in
+the Sacramento Valley, and I think they are further north, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's lave," said Tim; "if we only start tramping perhaps I may git my
+mind off the subjact and forgit that I'm hungry enough to eat a toad,
+which I'd starve to death afore I'd do the same."</p>
+
+<p>While they were thus debating with themselves, Terror, unobserved by any
+of them, whisked to the top of a high rock and announced his discovery
+of the Indians by several loud, gruff barks. At so great a distance it
+was impossible that the dog should be heard, but the danger was that the
+lynx-eyed savages would see him, and thus discover the presence of his
+friends. The peril was imminent, and a hasty word from Howard brought
+the Newfoundland to their feet.</p>
+
+<p>But it was too late. He had scarcely ascended his perch when an Indian
+caught sight of him, and giving out a strange half-whoop and stream, he
+started on a full run toward him, closely followed by half of the entire
+party.</p>
+
+<p>"There's no mistake this time!" exclaimed Howard, wheeling round and
+springing away. "Don't wait."</p>
+
+<p>There was no waiting by either Tim or Elwood. The two boys were slim and
+fleet-footed, and could easily distance their more awkward companion;
+but they could not leave him alone, although he besought them to secure
+their own safety, while he would attend to his.</p>
+
+<p>There were several things in favor of the fugitives and several against
+them. It was growing dark quite rapidly, and they had a good start; but
+the pursuers ran over the rocks and bowlders with the facility of
+mountain goats and gained very rapidly; they were also familiar with the
+face of the country, while our friends were literally "going blind."</p>
+
+<p>"But don't we make 'em run!" called out Tim, glancing over his shoulder.
+"Them fellers was made to travel, and if they'd only throw down their
+guns and take up a sprig of the shillaleh, like an ilegant gintleman
+should do, I wouldn't ax better fun than to jine in wid 'em and tach 'em
+a few scientific tricks, such as can be got in Tipperary and nowhere
+ilse&mdash;Worrah!&mdash;--"</p>
+
+<p>Tim's exclamation was caused by catching his foot against a large stone
+and falling flat upon his face with considerable violence. He quickly
+scrambled up again, while Elwood anxiously inquired whether he was hurt
+by the fall.</p>
+
+<p>"Not by the fall, plase your honor, but by the stone that whacked me
+betwaan the eyes."</p>
+
+<p>"They are gaining!" whispered Howard, pausing a moment for his
+companions to come up.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but it will be so dark in a few minutes that they can't see us,
+and then we will hide ourselves until the danger is past. Let us get
+along an fast as possible while the danger lasts."</p>
+
+<p>They did strain themselves to the utmost, and speedily reached a more
+open country, where they could travel with greater safety. This, which
+at first appeared sadly against their prospects, was really the means of
+securing their escape. The moment they reached it they darted away at
+almost double their rate of speed, and shortly reached another hilly
+portion, into which they plunged, and running a short distance, at a
+signal from Howard, they dropped flat upon their faces, and crawled
+beneath thy sheltering projections of the rocks, Terror at the same time
+nestling down by the prostrate form of Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>In a few minutes they heard the tramp of their swift-footed pursuers,
+who were running without exchanging words with each other, or uttering
+those exultant whoops which the Indian of other portions of our country
+are so accustomed to give when exulting in the certainty of capturing
+their enemies.</p>
+
+<p>Our friends did not venture to exchange a word with each other until a
+long time after the Indians had passed, and nothing could be heard to
+indicate that they were anywhere in the neighborhood. Then they crawled
+near together and spoke in low whispers.</p>
+
+<p>"They are gone!" said Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"I think so," replied Howard, "but they may be watching somewhere. We
+must be very careful. How is it, Terror, are there any strangers near
+us?"</p>
+
+<p>The dog snuffed the air, but made no sound, which was a negative reply.</p>
+
+<p>"I guess he is right," added Howard. "We will get as far away from here
+as we can, for I am sure those Indians will look around here until
+morning in the hope of getting us then."</p>
+
+<p>All three crawled a considerable ways on their hands and knees, when
+they stealthily arose to their feet, and seeing nothing suspicious,
+followed a northeasterly direction&mdash;one that would both lead them away
+from their pursuers and at the same time take them toward the Salinas or
+San Buenaventura River, which point they hoped to reach some time the
+next day.</p>
+
+<p>After going some distance they walked more rapidly, and ventured to
+exchange words with each other. Terror kept the advance, fully aware of
+the responsibility that rested upon him. There was little fear but that
+he would give timely notice of the approach of danger, and a sense of
+comparative security took possession of our friends as they proceeded.</p>
+
+<p>To their great surprise, after journeying a half-mile or so, the
+character of the country underwent a great change. The ground became
+more level, and they found themselves traveling among stunted trees and
+sparse vegetation. The moon did not rise until quite late, so that until
+then they could barely see each other's bodies as they moved along. This
+made them uncertain as to whether they were following the right course;
+but they were greatly pleased to find that they had deviated but
+slightly from the line they intended to pursue.</p>
+
+<p>All at once a low whine from Terror arrested them. At the same instant
+all three detected the glimmer of a light among the trees. Cautiously
+approaching, Tim O'Rooney in the advance, he said in his husky whisper:</p>
+
+<p>"There's an owld Injin noddin' by the fire, and if he has a gun, or
+anything to eat, we'll try and get him to lend 'em to us!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3>A GOOD SAMARITAN.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The three carefully approached the camp-fire, and soon assured themselves
+that there was but a single person near it, an old Indian who sat with
+closed eyes and nodding head, totally unmindful of their presence.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, he is all alone," remarked Howard, in response to the statement
+that Tim had made on first seeing the fire. "But he has no gun, so far
+as I can see."</p>
+
+<p>"Has he anything to eat?" inquired Elwood. "For that is getting to be
+the most important matter."</p>
+
+<p>"There doesn't appear to be any."</p>
+
+<p>"Jist howld still where you baas, till I takes a look around," said Tim,
+with an admonitory wave of the hand.</p>
+
+<p>They obeyed while he went still nearer on tiptoe. When he was scarcely
+twenty feet away he paused, and stooping down and bending his head first
+to one side and then to the other, and raising and arching his neck
+until his longitudinal dimensions became fearful, he at last satisfied
+himself that the Indian was alone.</p>
+
+<p>Without moving his feet, Tim now turned his head and motioned for his
+companions to join him. They did so very carefully and silently, and the
+three men then stood where the light of the fire shone full in their
+faces, and where they could not help being the first objects the Indian
+would see when he was pleased to look up.</p>
+
+<p>"We'll have to wake him," whispered Tim, "and shall I yill, or hit him
+with a stone on top of the head?"</p>
+
+<p>"Neither; I have heard that the slumber of Indians is very light, and if
+you just speak or make a slight noise I have no doubt it will rouse
+him."</p>
+
+<p>The fire, which had at its first kindling been large, was now
+smouldering as though it had not been touched for several hours. The
+Indian was seated on a large stone, his arms hanging listlessly over his
+knees, and his head sunk so low that his features could not be seen.
+Instead of the defiant scalp-lock drooping from his crown, his hair was
+long and luxuriant, and plentifully mixed with gray. It hung loosely
+over his shoulders, and in front of his face, and helped to give him a
+strange, repulsive appearance.</p>
+
+<p>"I say, owld gintleman, are you draaming, or&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>As quick as lightning the head of the Indian flashed up, and his black
+eyes were centered with a look of alarm upon the individuals before him.
+Tim had had some experience with these people when a miner, and he now
+began making signs to the savage, who seemed on the point of springing
+up and darting away. Naturally enough the Irishman continued talking,
+although it was certain that the one could not understand a word the
+other uttered.</p>
+
+<p>"We maan no harrum," said the Irishman, raising his hands and letting
+them fall at his side, to show that he carried no weapons, and held good
+will toward the stranger. The boys judged it best to imitate their
+comrade; and after standing a few moments, the three walked quietly up
+to the fire. The startled Indian instantly rose to his feet and placed
+his hand upon the haft of a large knife at his waist.</p>
+
+<p>"None of that, ye spalpeen, or I'll smash you to smithereens!" said Tim,
+who, although his words were of such dire portent, spoke as gently as if
+he were seeking to quiet an infant.</p>
+
+<p>They now noticed that the Indian was very old. His face was scarred and
+wrinkled, his body bent, and his limbs tottered as if scarcely able to
+bear his weight; but his eye was as keen and defiant as the eagle's, and
+he stood ready to defend himself if harm were offered him.</p>
+
+<p>Tim did the most prudent thing possible. He advanced straight to the
+savage and offered his hand. This means of salutation was understood by
+the latter, who, after some tottering hesitation, raised his right hand
+from the knife and returned the pressure. Dropping it, he looked toward
+Elwood and Howard, who saluted him in the same manner, and the parties
+were now satisfied regarding the feelings of each other.</p>
+
+<p>"Ask him for something to eat!" said Elwood; "I am beginning to feel
+faint for the want of food."</p>
+
+<p>"What good will the same do? He hasn't anything to give."</p>
+
+<p>"He must live some way himself, and what will support such an old man as
+he is, is surely good for us."</p>
+
+<p>The signs that Tim now made were unmistakable in their import. He opened
+his huge mouth until the cavern was fearful to contemplate; then he
+snapped his teeth together like a dog that has failed to catch a piece
+of meat thrown to him; after which he carried his hand back and forth to
+his mouth, and opened and shut it again.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian watched these manuevers a moment, and then gave an
+exclamation intended solely for his own benefit&mdash;and which, therefore,
+it is not necessary to give, if we could, and we can't&mdash;and turning his
+back, commenced moving away with the feeble, uncertain gait of old age.</p>
+
+<p>"What does that mean?" inquired Howard.</p>
+
+<p>The savage, seeing they did not follow, paused and looked back.</p>
+
+<p>"That is an invitation," said Tim; "do yees foller."</p>
+
+<p>"But where will he lead us?"</p>
+
+<p>"How can I tell?"</p>
+
+<p>"But it may be into danger," admonished the most cautious Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the only chance we've got to save ourselves from starving, and for
+me getting a shmoke out of a pipe, which I am as hungry for as I am for
+a few pounds of mate."</p>
+
+<p>The three, the Irishman taking the lead, did not hesitate longer, but
+stepped forward, and the Indian immediately resumed his guidance. The
+boys could not avoid some alarm and misgiving in thus following blindly
+an Indian whom they had not seen until a few minutes before, and who,
+they had every reason to believe, was hostile; but there seemed no other
+course, and they obeyed the suggestion of Tim O'Rooney.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian led the way for several hundred yards, when he halted before
+one of the rudest and oddest habitations imaginable. It was made of
+stones, stumps, limbs, dirt and skins, its dimensions being about twenty
+feet in every direction. The savage paused but a moment when he shoved a
+large skin aside, entered and held it open for his friends to do the
+same. Tim O'Rooney peered cautiously into the lodge before trusting
+himself within it, but seeing nothing alarming, he stepped briskly
+forward, and was followed by the two boys and Terror.</p>
+
+<p>A dim fire was burning in one corner, against the face of a rock, and
+opposite it lay a bundle of clothes, which, upon being rather roughly
+touched by the foot of the Indian, resolved itself into a being of the
+feminine gender, unquestionably the partner of the master of the lodge.
+A few words were exchanged between the two, when the squaw busied
+herself in preparing a meal, while her husband stirred the fire into a
+cheerful blaze that brightly illuminated every portion of the singular
+dwelling. He seemed entirely forgetful of the presence of the strangers,
+who seated themselves upon a broad flat stone and calmly awaited the
+result of his doings.</p>
+
+<p>The old lady speedily appeared with a huge piece of meat, which was soon
+roasting on the fire, its savory odor filling the apartment, and
+rendering our friends half frantic in their starving condition. It was
+quickly cooked; the Indian severed it into four equal portions with his
+hunting-knife, and tossed one to each of his visitors, including the
+dog, which was really suffering for the want of nourishment.</p>
+
+<p>As Elwood and Howard ravenously ate the well-cooked, juicy meat, free
+from pepper and salt, they were sure they had never tasted such a
+delicious morsel in all their life. The pieces were of a generous size,
+and after all three had gormandized themselves until, absolutely, they
+could contain no more, each had some left. This, as a matter of course,
+was thrown to Terror, and by the time he had swallowed them all, he
+licked his jaws to show that his pangs of hunger were also fully
+satisfied.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>FURTHER EAST.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"With your lave?" said Tim O'Rooney, stepping forward and drawing the
+pipe of their Indian host from his mouth. The latter gazed at him in
+amazement but said nothing, and offered no objection to the impudent
+proceeding.</p>
+
+<p>"I fales better," complacently added the Irishman as he emitted volume
+after volume of tobacco smoke. "We've had a good schlape, a good male,
+and I'm quieting my narves with the ould gintleman's pipe."</p>
+
+<p>"It strikes me, Tim, you were rather discourteous," said Elwood. "Be
+careful that we do not trespass too much on his good nature."</p>
+
+<p>"This is the calomel o' pace, as they calls it, and when you shmoke it
+it manes there's no enmity atween us. You see, the ould gintleman and
+meself have shmoked it together, and that makes us frinds. That is a
+wise shtroke of policy on the part of Tim O'Rooney, beside the comfort
+it gives him. Will aither of yez indulge in a few whiffs?"</p>
+
+<p>Both replied that they did not use the weed in any form.</p>
+
+<p>"That's right. It makes me indignant when I sees a youngster puffing
+away at a pipe or a segar; but never mind that, boys; do yez jist look
+over the top of our ould frind's head and tell me whether yez sees
+anything."</p>
+
+<p>"I have noticed that fine-looking rifle before," replied Howard; "I only
+wish each of us had such a one."</p>
+
+<p>"We will have that before we lave this mansion. Do ye mind that, boys?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will starve to death before I will consent to take it away from the
+old Indian after the kind treatment he has given us," said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"So would I," promptly added Elwood. "No matter how badly we may want it
+I shall never consent to steal it."</p>
+
+<p>"Shtale it! Who talks of shtaling it!" indignantly demanded Tim. "You're
+a couple of fine spalpeens, ain't you, to think that of me. I mane to
+buy it, and give the ould man his own price."</p>
+
+<p>"What have you to buy it with?" asked Elwood in surprise. "I have a
+little money, but I don't believe it is enough to buy such a
+good-looking gun as that."</p>
+
+<p>"No; if your pockets were lined with gold pieces he would care nothing
+for them," said Howard; "but what will you offer him, Tim?"</p>
+
+<p>"Each of you has a knife, and likewise have I; you carry two pretty fine
+gold watches, while I've a bull's-eye as big as a half-dozen like them.
+An Injun will sell his squaw and lodge for such trifles."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, try it, then."</p>
+
+<p>The Irishman arose to his feet when, as a matter of course, the black
+eye of the old man was fixed upon him. He pointed to the gun overhead,
+whereupon the Indian, with surprising quickness, caught it down and held
+it with a nervous grasp, his squaw taking his seat beside him. Tim
+offered the three knives which the party owned for it, opening and
+flicking them to excite his cupidity. The eager look that came into his
+face showed that he understood what was meant; but he only hugged his
+property more tightly and shook his head from side to side.</p>
+
+<p>"I knew he wouldn't part with it," said Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"Howld on a minute," replied Tim; "I'm only throwing out me skirmishers;
+I'll fetch him yet. He's larned how to make a bargain."</p>
+
+<p>The Irishman now produced his watch&mdash;an immense affair that would have
+made a load for a small child. He pried open its gigantic case and
+showed the dazzling array of brass wheels and the glittering coil of
+steel. It could not but be attractive to a savage mind, and the Indian's
+eyes sparkled as he looked upon it.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep yours and let me offer mine," said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"Howld on, I tell yees, howld on; maybe you'll both have to offer 'em
+afore he'll bite. My repater is like myself&mdash;it took too much salt water
+for its good and hasn't been well for a few months. If the ould thing
+would only tick a little he couldn't resist it; it has a beautiful voice
+when it starts&mdash;like a thrashing machine."</p>
+
+<p>Equally to the surprise of Tim and the boys, the savage arose and handed
+the gun to the Irishman, who was only too glad to put his watch and
+three knives into his possession.</p>
+
+<p>"I only wish he had a couple more," said Howard, "so that we could each
+get one. We ought to be able to take care of ourselves then."</p>
+
+<p>Tim in the meantime was turning the rifle over in his hand and examining
+it with an appearance of great pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>"That come from San Francisco," said he.</p>
+
+<p>"How did it reach these parts?"</p>
+
+<p>"Aisy enough, as me uncle said when he fell off the house. Some trader
+has let him have it for about five hundred dollars' worth of furs and
+peltries."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't forget the ammunition," admonished Elwood, "or the gun will do us
+little good."</p>
+
+<p>"Worrah! it's meself that came nigh doin' the same. That's a fine
+powdther-horn that he has. I say, Misther&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Tim now began motioning very earnestly for this article, bullet-pouch
+and box of percussion caps that the savage had at his side; but the
+shrewd old fellow was sharper than they expected. He indulged in a
+peculiar grin, and held them very rigidly.</p>
+
+<p>Howard laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't get anything more without paying for it?"</p>
+
+<p>"What shall I pay? I've alriddy overdrawn me bank account, as they say."</p>
+
+<p>"Let him take my watch," said Elwood. "Fact is, I think it has been
+ruined by the salt water."</p>
+
+<p>"No, that's too much; haven't ye got some trinket about yees that isn't
+good for nothing and that you doesn't want?"</p>
+
+<p>The boys searched themselves. Elwood finally produced a small silver
+pencil.</p>
+
+<p>"Just the thing," said Tim.</p>
+
+<p>But the old Indian, evidently failed to consider it just the thing, for
+he continued obdurate and shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>A new idea struck Howard. He wrenched off several brass buttons from his
+coat, and handed them to Tim. The eyes of their host fairly sparkled, as
+does a child's at sight of a coveted toy, and rising to his feet he
+tottered hastily toward them, and tossed the coveted articles into the
+Irishman's lap.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, if the owld gentleman would only dispose of his pipe and a ton or
+two of tobaccy to me, or make me a prisent of 'em, I'd lave and feel
+aisy."</p>
+
+<p>A few more brass buttons procured this also, and our friends had good
+cause to feel delighted over the result of the bargain.</p>
+
+<p>"There doesn't seem to be anything more that we can do, and it strikes
+me that it would be prudent for us to leave," said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"I think so," added Elwood. "I believe there are other Indians at hand,
+or within call, else he wouldn't be so willing to part with his gun."</p>
+
+<p>The savage now rose and acted in rather a singular manner. Walking to
+the opening which answered for a door, he passed out and motioned for
+his visitors to follow. They did so, and when upon the outside he
+pointed off to the east, nodded his head, and swept his left arm.</p>
+
+<p>"What does he mean?" asked Howard, totally at a loss to understand him.</p>
+
+<p>"He means that this is the direction for us to follow."</p>
+
+<p>"He maans, too, that there's danger in waiting here, and that we'd
+better be thramping."</p>
+
+<p>Elwood took a step or two in the direction indicated to test the meaning
+of their friend. He nodded very earnestly, and satisfied them all that
+the safest plan was for them to leave as soon as possible, and take the
+course pointed out by him.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, thanking him as well as they could by signs, the three
+moved away toward the east.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SALINAS VALLEY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Our friends journeyed forward until broad daylight, when they found
+themselves fairly among the high range of hills which in this portion of
+California comes down almost to the edge of the sea. The scenery was
+bleak and rugged, and the country was barren and showed very few signs
+of vegetation, so that for all practical purposes they were little
+better than if in the sandy desert of the south-eastern portion of the
+State.</p>
+
+<p>They observed, too, a disagreeable change in the climate. The moist
+winds of the Pacific being cooled by these mountains caused the air to
+become chilly and foggy and all felt the need of additional clothing.</p>
+
+<p>They had now concluded to pass through these hills to the Salinas Valley
+and then follow this northward until they reached the more settled
+portion of California, or come upon a party of miners or hunters, in
+whose company they could feel safe against the treacherous Indians, and
+who might perhaps afford them their much-needed weapons and more
+abundant food.</p>
+
+<p>The latter question assumed the first importance with them. They saw no
+fruits, and very few animals. The discharge of their rifle was
+dangerous, as it could be heard at a great distance, and if there is any
+creature that is extraordinarily inquisitive it is the American
+aborigine.</p>
+
+<p>Several times they heard the faint report of guns in the distance, but
+for some days saw no human beings except themselves. At night, when they
+lay down to rest, Terror kept a more faithful watch over them than
+either of their number could do. They generally found some secure place
+among the rocks where they could slumber in safety.</p>
+
+<p>On the third day after the shipwreck they crossed the dividing ridge and
+had a view of Salinas or San Buenaventura Valley. It was comparatively
+narrow, looking straighter than it really was, from the towering Coast
+Range that rose in vast massive ridges, several of the peaks piercing
+the clouds and reaching far up into the snow line. This was indeed an
+impassable barrier to their further progress beyond the valley, had they
+wished to make the attempt; for among those wild regions, where at
+midsummer the snow is whirled in blinding eddies, and the storm howls
+through gorges and canyons, and the lost traveler gropes blindly for a
+secure foothold along the mountain paths&mdash;it would have been fatal for
+them to venture without a sure guide.</p>
+
+<p>The Salinas Valley looked like a garden to them, and was indeed a
+promised land. There was fruit in abundance, and every prospect of
+meeting some of their own people. The Buenaventura, years ago, was a
+fabled river, and the geographies made it a huge stream, taking every
+course except the true one. They found it a river inferior in breadth
+and length to the Hudson, but vastly more interesting from its primeval
+character and the wild scenery along its banks.</p>
+
+<p>On the eastern slope of the mountains they discerned a great variety of
+trees, among them the <i>Palo Colorado</i> or Lambertine fir, some of them a
+dozen feet in diameter, although they did not attain any remarkable
+height. These were not the colossal pines so famous the world over.
+There were quite a number of beech, sycamore, oak, spruce, and maple,
+and other trees whose particular names they were unable to tell.</p>
+
+<p>There was a noticeable change in the climate also. The air had parted
+with a great deal of its moisture, and although very warm, it had a
+dryness about it that made it more grateful and pleasant than the
+coolness along the coast.</p>
+
+<p>When fairly in the Salinas Valley, and along the river, they found the
+vegetation remarkably luxuriant. Oats grew wild in many places, and the
+plants partook greatly of a tropical character. Grapes were very
+abundant, although it was too early in the season to find them ripe; yet
+they gathered a few berries that were very pleasant to the taste.</p>
+
+<p>The first day among the hills was spent like the first one on
+shore&mdash;without food, although they had so gormandized themselves on the
+preceding evening that they were able to stand this privation much
+better.</p>
+
+<p>On the second morning among the hills, just as they had risen and
+resumed their journey, Terror gave notice of something unusual in his
+characteristic manner&mdash;by halting and uttering a low whine. At that
+moment they were making their way around a huge mass of rocks, in a path
+that seemed to have been worn by the feet of wild animals. Tim paused,
+cocked his rifle and held it ready for instant use, while the boys
+looked around for some covert into which to retreat, if danger
+threatened.</p>
+
+<p>While they stood in anxious suspense, an animal about the size of Terror
+walked leisurely into view, and catching sight of the strangers raised
+its head with a look of alarm, then uttered a shrill <i>baa-aa</i> after the
+manner of affrighted sheep, and turned to flee. But he was too valuable
+a prize to be let run away in this manner, and ere he could turn round,
+or the Newfoundland could reach him, Tim had sent a bullet through his
+head that tumbled him over and over as if he had been hit by a
+cannon-ball.</p>
+
+<p>Hurrying up to him, they found they had been fortunate enough to secure
+a good large mountain sheep, a species of animal that run wild in
+California, and at certain seasons of the year are in prime condition.
+This was found only tolerable, but he was fully appreciated by our
+friends. Tim O'Rooney had managed to conceal a second knife about his
+person when bargaining with the Indian&mdash;one made on the liberal ideas
+that was displayed in the construction of his watch, and far more useful
+than the ornamental trifles that the boys carried.</p>
+
+<p>With the help of this and the anatomical knowledge he possessed, he was
+not long in dressing the sheep, and everything was made ready for
+cooking him. The sticks were placed together, the choice steaks were
+suspended on cross pieces, and the leaves heaped up, only awaiting
+ignition.</p>
+
+<p>"I declare!" exclaimed Howard, "how are we going to kindle it?"</p>
+
+<p>Every face looked blank, for the thought had never entered their minds
+until that moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Haven't yees a match about you?" he asked, turning to the boys.</p>
+
+<p>Naturally enough the two searched every pocket, and having finished
+searched them over again, even turning them wrong side out, and then
+turning them in and turning them wrong side out again; but all in vain,
+there was not a lucifer in the party.</p>
+
+<p>"Too bad!" exclaimed Elwood, "we are all as hungry as we can be, and we
+shall have to remain so for the want of fire."</p>
+
+<p>"If we wait a while we'll not need the match."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't very hard to git hungry enough to ate the same without waiting
+for the benefit of cooking."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't do that," added Elwood, with an expression of disgust.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor can I," added Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"I've done it, and found it tasted good," said Tim, "and so would
+yez&mdash;but howld on! One of yez whack me over the head!"</p>
+
+<p>"For what?" they demanded in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"For being an owld fool, and be the same towken it's yourselves that is
+the same."</p>
+
+<p>"We do not understand you," they said, in some perplexity.</p>
+
+<p>"Yez are talking about fire when we has it here at hand."</p>
+
+<p>They looked inquiringly around, but did not understand the allusion
+until he began loading the gun, when a new light broke upon them, and
+they smiled knowingly at each other.</p>
+
+<p>Tim put in a good wadding composed of dry leaves, and placing the muzzle
+of his gun among the leaves that they had gathered for ignition, he
+discharged it. The intense flame of fire that streamed forth for an
+instant communicated itself to the kindlings, and this being quickly and
+vigorously blown by all three, almost immediately spread into a blaze,
+the wood gathered heat speedily, and in a few minutes the juicy steaks
+of the mountain sheep were steaming and ready for the voracious mouths
+of the four gathered around.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>ANOTHER BARGAIN.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Our friends were prudent enough to cook every available portion of the
+mountain sheep, and to preserve what remained for future contingencies.
+The climate was so warm that they could not hope to keep it more than a
+day or two; and, as it was, they took the wise course of placing as much
+of it within their stomachs as they could conveniently carry. The
+good-tempered red Newfoundland seemed to be growing corpulent on this
+species of living, protracted hunger alternating with an over supply of
+food.</p>
+
+<p>They saw no more wild animals during the day, but just as they were
+entering the Salinas Valley Elwood discovered something lying in the
+path before them which at first he believed to be an Indian, either
+asleep or dead; but Terror instantly ran up, and seizing it in his teeth
+laid it at his feet, and discovered a beautiful Indian blanket.</p>
+
+<p>"Strange!" exclaimed the boy, holding it up before him. "This shows that
+we are not the first persons who have traversed this section."</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder that we do not see more savages."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it beautiful?" said Elwood, turning the blanket over and
+examining its texture and designs. It was indeed handsome and very
+valuable, resembling much the famous blankets made by the Apache
+Indians. It was fully a half-inch in thickness, so compactly knit
+together as to be water-proof. Its border and the design of the figures
+were a miracle of skill in color and combination. Every hue of the
+rainbow seemed reproduced in the most pleasing combinations. The
+center-piece was a figure of the sun which, with the rays radiating from
+it, was of a most intense yellow, while around the border were pictured
+all the fruits that any one has ever heard as being indigenous to
+California.</p>
+
+<p>"That must be very valuable," said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"It is so heavy it tires my arms to hold it."</p>
+
+<p>"That same thing would bring yez five hundred dollars, any day, in San
+Francisco," added Tim O'Rooney. "It'll pay yez to carry it there."</p>
+
+<p>"It is just the thing to wrap around us when we lie down to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Yis, if ye wraps up in that yez'll wake up and find yersilves roasted
+to dith. Yez might as well crawl into an oven and bake yersilves and be
+done with it."</p>
+
+<p>"We can then spread it on the ground, and protect ourselves from the
+moisture!" said Howard, who was beginning to appreciate the value of the
+article.</p>
+
+<p>"I've saan them things before," added Tim O'Rooney. "The Apaches and
+Mohaws in New Mexico make 'em. It has tuk a couple of squaws the bist
+part of a year to do the same."</p>
+
+<p>"But where is the owner? An Indian could not lose such a thing without
+knowing it. Why, it is a load to carry, and I should expect to lose my
+coat as soon as to part with this."</p>
+
+<p>Of course there could be no explanation of the cause of the blanket
+being found where it was. It was plain that no Indian could have parted
+with it unknowingly, and its high value made it still more puzzling that
+it should have been left in such a place. It might be that the
+owner&mdash;some fragile Indian girl&mdash;had wearied with carrying it, and had
+thrown it down for a warrior friend of hers to pick up and take to its
+destination for her.</p>
+
+<p>This conjecture, made by Tim O'Rooney himself, raised a serious question
+as to whether they had a right to carry the blanket away when there was
+good reason to doubt its being lost or abandoned.</p>
+
+<p>"If a year's work has been lavished upon it," said Elwood, "it cannot be
+possible that it has no owner."</p>
+
+<p>"I think Tim is right; he or she expects to return or send and get it."</p>
+
+<p>"But it is singular that if such is the case it should be left here,
+when it could have been easily hid in these bushes."</p>
+
+<p>"That only proves that there are no people about&mdash;no white ones at
+least. If the owner had any fear of this place being visited by
+<i>Christians</i>, he would have taken pains to hide his property; but as he
+was sure there were none but savages and heathen, he was certain his
+blanket was safe."</p>
+
+<p>Howard Lawrence, jesting though he was, spoke the truth, and deeply
+ashamed are we to confess it.</p>
+
+<p>The question received an unexpected and unmistakable solution. While
+they were still conversing, they descried a gaudily dressed, rather
+handsome-looking squaw tripping lightly behind them. Her head was bent,
+and she did not discover them until the growl of the dog caused her to
+raise her head. She was then within a dozen yards of Howard, he being in
+the rear and holding the blanket in his hand. She looked at them with an
+alarmed expression in her strange dark eyes, and seemed to be too much
+frightened to think of fleeing.</p>
+
+<p>Howard signified his friendship by walking quietly toward her and
+holding out the blanket as if inviting her to take it. She readily
+comprehended the meaning of his advance, and when the article was within
+reach she took it.</p>
+
+<p>"Now make a bargain if you can," called out Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>Howard produced the gold watch&mdash;a small hunting-case&mdash;and offered it to
+the young woman. She examined it with childish curiosity, but in a
+manner that showed that it was not the first time she had looked upon
+such an article. She held it a for moments, and then with a pleased
+smile passed the blanket to him, bowed gracefully, wheeled quickly, and
+slipped away charmingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Hurra!" fairly shouted Elwood, "you are as good as Tim at making a
+bargain."</p>
+
+<p>"She must live somewhere about here, and no doubt will tell how she got
+the watch, and that may set some of her friends on our track."</p>
+
+<p>"Let 'em come," said Tim. "I've a gun that I larned how to shoot, and
+that blanket we can wrap around us, and I don't believe you could shoot
+a bullet through it by raison of its thickness."</p>
+
+<p>The party resumed their journey, quite jubilant over the rifle and
+blanket. They still needed but one thing, or rather two things, guns for
+the boys. Terror was such a sharp and faithful sentinel they would have
+felt almost safe with these additional fire-arms. Howard and Elwood were
+quite confident that they could shoot with remarkable precision,
+although, neither had ever aimed or discharged a gun; but in this
+respect they were not so very different from other boys.</p>
+
+<p>At noon they made a hearty meal upon a portion of what still remained of
+the mountain sheep, and then stretched themselves out for an hour's
+rest. Tim O'Rooney was plentifully supplied with tobacco, and perhaps
+could not have felt more comfortable or satisfied with his situation. He
+lolled on the grass, and wondered whether Mr. Lawrence was anxious for
+him to get home or not, finally reaching the conclusion that he was
+rather indifferent upon the subject himself. The greatest distress of
+Howard and Elwood was the pain that their parents would feel regarding
+them; but they hoped to reach home without great delay, when they would
+quickly turn their weeping into joy.</p>
+
+<p>The two could not grow weary of admiring their beautiful blanket. It was
+a wonderful affair indeed, and doubtless contained within it enough
+material to supply a "shoddy" contractor with the basis for a thousand
+army blankets. The boys would have willingly given both their watches
+for it and considered themselves greatly the gainers. They looked upon
+it as their joint property.</p>
+
+<p>"I do believe it is rifle-proof," said Howard. "The fine threads of
+which it is composed are woven so compactly that you can hardly
+distinguish them."</p>
+
+<p>"I should be rather fearful of risking a rifle-shot from any one if that
+were all that protected me."</p>
+
+<p>"We can easily test it. Let's hung it up and shoot a bullet at it."</p>
+
+<p>"No, that would be too bad. The ball might go through, and then it would
+be spoiled in its looks. Now it seems really perfect&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I say, me boys&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Tim's utterance was checked by the discharge of a rifle and the near
+whistle of the bullet. He started up and glanced around him.</p>
+
+<p>"Injuns, or me name isn't Tim O'Rooney, from Tipperary, Ireland, the gem
+of the say!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>A STRANGE OCCURRENCE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>On a slight eminence, about an eighth of a mile south of them, stood the
+solitary Indian who had fired the alarming shot, he was in open view, as
+though he had no fears of the results of his challenge, and appeared to
+be surveying the white people with an air of curiosity that they should
+presume to encroach upon his hunting-grounds.</p>
+
+<p>"If yez manes that, there's two of us, as me brother Pat towld the judge
+when he called him a good-for-nothing dog."</p>
+
+<p>With which exclamation Tim O'Rooney sighted his rifle at the aborigine,
+and taking a tedious, uncomfortable aim, pulled the trigger, and then
+lowered his piece and stared at his target to watch the result. The
+Indian stood as motionless as a statue, and finally the Irishman drew a
+deep sigh.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder whether the bullet has reached him yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"Reached him!" laughed Howard. "I saw it clip off a piece of rock fully
+forty feet from him."</p>
+
+<p>"Worrah, worrah! but I've ate so much dinner I can't howld the gun
+stiddy."</p>
+
+<p>"I saw it vibrate&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Look out! he's going to shoot again!" called Elwood, as he and Howard
+dropped on their faces. "Get down, Tim, or he'll hit you. He's a better
+marksman than you are."</p>
+
+<p>"Who cares&mdash;&mdash;Heaven! save me!"</p>
+
+<p>The second discharge sent the bullet within a few inches of the
+Irishman's face, and somewhat alarmed him.</p>
+
+<p>"Load quick!" admonished Howard, "and shelter yourself, or you are a
+dead man."</p>
+
+<p>The Irishman obeyed this, and had his gun reloaded in a few moments.</p>
+
+<p>"Now let me try my hand," said Elwood; "you can never hit him."</p>
+
+<p>"Be all manes, if yez wish it."</p>
+
+<p>"The piece is too heavy for me to shoot off-hand and I'll rest it on my
+knee."</p>
+
+<p>The boy took the gun, and placing the barrel on his knee, drew back the
+hammer, when presto! the savage whisked out of sight like magic. The
+noble aborigine had come to the conclusion that discretion was the
+better part of valor.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he?" asked the bewildered boy, rising to his feet and looking
+around him.</p>
+
+<p>"He is gone," replied Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"I admire his sense; he doesn't care about being shot just yet."</p>
+
+<p>Howard laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"You have a good opinion of your marksmanship, Elwood, and he seems to
+fear you more than Tim."</p>
+
+<p>"But he didn't give me time to practice on 'im," said the latter. "If he
+had stood there an hour or two I'd hit him sure."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and he would have picked you off at the next fire. He's a good
+marksman at any rate."</p>
+
+<p>They kept their position for some time, but saw nothing more of the
+Indian.</p>
+
+<p>"He has left," said Elwood, "and will give us a wide berth after this."</p>
+
+<p>"It was rather curious that he should expose himself in that manner."</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly natural," replied Elwood. "He knew there was no danger until
+<i>I</i> took the gun; then he thought it best for him to clear out."</p>
+
+<p>"He may turn up again when we least expect it."</p>
+
+<p>"Do yees understand the maning of that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not precisely; do you?"</p>
+
+<p>"He's a lover of the fair female that ye gave the watch to for the
+blanket, and he had been watchin' us till he sane me, and then he got so
+jailous of me that he has tried to put me out of the way."</p>
+
+<p>The boys laughed at this explanation, which Tim gave with every
+appearance of earnestness, and were rather doubtful about believing it.</p>
+
+<p>There was some fear expressed that this Indian might send them a bullet
+from some covert, when he could make his aim sure and shelter himself
+from all danger of a return fire; although as regards that the specimen
+he had been given of the skill of the whites should have convinced him
+that there was no need of his being particularly alarmed on this point.</p>
+
+<p>Our friends were sufficiently rested, and the associations of the place
+were such that they resumed their journey at once toward the Salinas
+river. They had gone but a short distance when Howard exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Halloo! yonder goes that Indian!"</p>
+
+<p>He pointed in the direction of the river fully a mile away, and looking
+there they saw very near the center of the stream a small Indian canoe,
+propelled by a single occupant. The distance was so great that they
+could decide nothing regarding his dress and appearance, and for a time
+it was doubtful whether there were one or two in the boat. They were
+sure, however, that it was the same personage that had so startled them,
+and that he was returning to his home.</p>
+
+<p>"That looks as though he did not belong to these parts," said Elwood,
+"and seems to throw doubt on his being the young squaw's lover."</p>
+
+<p>"And it's a qua'r lover the same would be if he wouldn't go five hundred
+miles for the smile of his beloved. Begorrah! but it was meself that
+used to walk five miles and back agin ivery Sunday night in Tipperary to
+see Bridget Ann Mulloney, and then lost her after all when I'd spent
+almost half a pound on her."</p>
+
+<p>"There's another thing I'd like to buy, beside our rifles," said Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"A canoe. See how smoothly the savage floats down the river. The current
+is quite rapid, and it would take very little labor for us to make much
+better headway than we now do.'"</p>
+
+<p>"But we do not know how to paddle one of those frail concerns."</p>
+
+<p>"We could learn soon enough."</p>
+
+<p>"We may find one of them along the shore, as there seem to be plenty of
+Indians hereabouts, and I suppose every one of them is the proprietor of
+one of these establishments."</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't likely if yees finds one ye'll find the owner," said Tim, "and
+I s'pose your conscience wouldn't let you take it unless you made a fair
+bargain with the owner."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," laughed Howard, "but what under the circumstances we
+could persuade ourselves to take it."</p>
+
+<p>In the course of a few hours they found themselves in the vicinity of
+the Salinas River, and turned to the left so as to follow its windings
+as nearly as possible to the mouth, where they hoped to secure safer and
+speedier transportation to their homes.</p>
+
+<p>At night when they encamped the soft murmur of the river was in their
+ears, and the cool, dry wind fanned them quietly as they sat down near a
+cluster of thick cottonwood to smoke their pipe, chat and prepare for
+the night's rest. They made a good meal from their mountain sheep, and
+gorging Terror, threw the rest away as they deemed it hardly fit for
+further use.</p>
+
+<p>It was quite late when they camped. Tim would have nothing to do with
+the blanket, so the boys spread it upon the earth, lay down upon it, and
+then drew the borders over them.</p>
+
+<p>Wearied out they soon fell asleep, depending, under the kindness of
+heaven, upon the watchfulness of the faithful Newfoundland that had
+never yet proved unfaithful to his trust.</p>
+
+<p>In the middle of the night Elwood awoke from a feeling of uncomfortable
+warmth, and threw the blanket off and slept thus until morning. He was
+the first to awake, just as light was dawning, and was on the point of
+rising when he started and became suddenly transfixed with horror at a
+sight directly before his eyes!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CROTALUS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>There are several species of rattlesnakes found in California, among
+which are the black, spotted and striped. Some of them grow to an
+enormous size and are anything but pleasant strangers to encounter,
+especially when you come upon them suddenly and find them coiled. It is
+a peculiarity of these specimens of the <i>Crotalus</i> of America that they
+strike only from the coil, are easily killed, and generally, although
+<i>not always</i>, do they rattle before they dart forward their poisonous
+fangs.</p>
+
+<p>We can conceive of nothing upon the face of this beautiful earth more
+shudderingly repulsive than a rattlesnake. The arrowy head, and shiny,
+flabby body, with its glistening scales and variegated color, its
+tapering tail, with that dreadful arrangement by which it imitates so
+closely the <i>whirr</i> of the locust, the bead-like eyes, with no lids and
+a fleshy film dropping over them&mdash;all these make up the most terrible
+reptile found on the American continent.</p>
+
+<p>And then imagine one of these creatures <i>coiled</i>! The thick, heavy body
+with the tail projecting upward from the center, the head drawn back,
+and the red, cavernous mouth open, with the curved, hollow teeth and the
+sacs at their roots filled nigh to bursting with this concentrated
+essence of the vilest of all poison&mdash;imagine this, we say&mdash;but don't do
+it either! If you have never seen a rattlesnake, don't go near one,
+unless you have a chance to kill it, even if his fangs have been
+extracted. The heel shall bruise the serpent, and that is the best use
+to which they can be put.</p>
+
+<p>But as Howard Lawrence opened his eyes, in the dull light of this summer
+morning, he saw coiled within five feet of him a striped rattlesnake,
+its intensely black eyes fairly scintillating light, and its rattle
+gently waving but making no noise.</p>
+
+<p>In a single second his true peril flashed upon him. If he moved the
+reptile would strike. He might throw himself suddenly backward, but in
+that case if he escaped, the malignant fangs would be buried in the
+sleeping Elwood ere he could open his eyes and understand the danger
+that threatened him. And he was afraid, too, to speak to him and Tim in
+the hope of awaking them. There would be blundering upon their part, and
+blundering meant but one thing&mdash;death.</p>
+
+<p>Howard looked straight at the serpent's eyes and became conscious of a
+strange sensation passing through him. The small, black orbs seemed to
+advance, shrink and float away through the air, enchaining his own
+vision until the will, which had so vehemently repelled the danger grew
+indifferent, and the thought of peril merged into a vague, dreamy
+semi-consciousness, which, while it took knowledge of the terrible
+reptile, coiled and ready to strike, yet failed to impress the mind with
+the energy to withdraw from its terrible power. His blood slowly
+chilled, as if vein by vein it froze throughout his person, until from
+head to foot the vital current was congealed. At times he strove to
+move, or more properly sought, in the mysterious make-up of our
+composition, to rouse the will from its torpor, but with the same result
+as follows the effort of the sufferer to use his paralyzed limb. The
+will seemed to make a feeble twitch or two and then subside, unable to
+break the fatal spell spreading over his mind and faculties. The eyes of
+the reptile glared upon his own, their bead-like blackness taking the
+form of a point of fire waving, floating, gyrating and circling in the
+air, doubling in and out in rings of the rainbow's hues, melting away
+into the distance, then drifting forward until mingled with his own, up
+and down in the same bewildering maze of color and design that visits
+the patient when lost in the delirium of fever. And all the time it was
+as if the rattlesnake was conscious of the dreadful power he held over
+his victim. Its arrowy head and long neck were started silently toward
+him, as if threatening instant destruction; and then, like the cat
+toying with her victim, it was withdrawn again, and the spell deepened
+and increased. A strange whirl passed through the mind of the boy. By a
+violent attempt to call in his wandering thoughts he gathered an idea of
+the mortal danger impending over him, but he could not centralize his
+mental powers.</p>
+
+<p>The bewildering sensations were somewhat similar to that of a man whose
+brain has received a violent concussion&mdash;the mysterious chambers and
+channels through which thought forced its way were choked up and the
+subtle impetus recoiled, powerless to perform its function. He felt the
+necessity of clear, vigorous thought, but his dull brain would not
+work&mdash;the cold incubus upon it chilled it through and through; and all
+the time the malignantly beautiful reptile was partly coiling and
+uncoiling, the articulated ring giving a faint rattle, as if caused by
+the slight vibration of its body. After a while the serpent lay still,
+but never once was its eye removed from its victim. It was growing tired
+of dallying with its prey and was making ready to strike. The coil
+became close and compact, the rattle rising from the center, and the eye
+assumed a clear, metallic sharpness that appeared to throw forward its
+fateful rays into his own. He saw that the sport was done and the snake
+was ready to strike; he strove to move, but could not; he essayed to
+speak, but the words choked him unuttered. He saw the reptile calling in
+its strength and&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><i>"Quick, Howard, draw the blanket over you! He can't strike through
+that!"</i></p>
+
+<p>The practical, energetic words of Elwood Brandon, whom he had imagined
+asleep at his side, broke the dreadful spell that had enchained Howard.
+He felt the mist pass from his eyes, his mind threw off the incubus
+which had borne it down, and he was himself again, with clear mental
+powers.</p>
+
+<p>His right hand lay upon the thick blanket, and sensible of his extreme
+peril, he quickly closed it, grasping the edge firmly, and then threw
+himself over upon his face and against his cousin, but covering both
+their bodies at the same instant with the heavy, closely-knit cloth.</p>
+
+<p>At the very moment of doing so the angry locust-like ring of the reptile
+and a sharp thrust against the blanket as if struck by a small stick
+announced that it has given its blow.</p>
+
+<p>Howard and Elwood both shouted to Tim to come to their assistance; but
+ere he could respond a rush was heard, followed by a fierce growl, and
+they understood at once that Terror had appeared upon the scene.</p>
+
+<p>They let him rage for a few moments and then, Tim having informed them
+that the snake was "kilt entirely," they cautiously crept forth. As they
+looked furtively around they saw at once that the Newfoundland had done
+his work well. The reptile was torn into shreds and strewn over an area
+of several yards. Its fangs had entered the blanket where, while they
+did not pierce through they stuck irrevocably, holding the reptile a
+prisoner to the fury of the dog.</p>
+
+<p>Thankful indeed were the boys for their providential escape from this
+dreaded creature. Elwood had been awakened by its slight rattling, when,
+suspecting the danger that was closing around his cousin, he uttered the
+warning words which we have given and which proved the means of robbing
+the blow of the reptile of its danger.</p>
+
+<p>The fangs were carefully extracted from the blanket, and Howard declared
+his intention of preserving them as a curiosity; but within a half-hour
+after leaving the camp they were lost, and he did not judge it worth
+while to search for them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CAMP-FIRE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>As our three friends on that bright summer morning stood on the slope of
+the mountains and gazed down into the beautiful Salinas Valley before
+them, Elwood Brandon suddenly pointed a little to the north and said:</p>
+
+<p>"See! there are others beside us!"</p>
+
+<p>About a mile distant, and not far from the river, they saw a thin, black
+column of smoke rising among the trees, of so dark and palpable a
+character that it could be distinguished at once.</p>
+
+<p>"Another party of Indians," replied Howard. "We seem to be getting into
+their neighborhood."</p>
+
+<p>"I only wish they were a party of white hunters or miners, for I long to
+see a friendly face."</p>
+
+<p>"What good could it do us? They wouldn't accompany us home, or take any
+trouble to see that we were protected."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not, but I tell you, Howard, this begins to look dangerous when
+we see nothing but enemies. There are but three of us, and one gun only
+between us. I believe a single Indian could destroy us all if he chose
+to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Except in one contingency."</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"That you should aim the gun. He would then flee at once."</p>
+
+<p>Elwood laughed and added:</p>
+
+<p>"But we have no breakfast, and we may as well be moving."</p>
+
+<p>"You're a sensible boy," added Tim O'Rooney, "be the towken that when ye
+spakes ye quiverally anticipates me own thoughts."</p>
+
+<p>They soon reached the level of the valley, and then took a direction
+straight toward the spot where they had seen the camp-fire burning. The
+intervening space was quite thickly grown with trees and vegetation, so
+that they could obtain no sight of the fire itself until they were very
+close to it.</p>
+
+<p>"We must be careful," admonished Howard. "If it is a party of Indians
+they may discover us before we do them."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't suppose it will do for us all to walk straight up to them, for
+they'll be sure to see us then."</p>
+
+<p>"No, one must creep up and find whether the coast is clear. Tim has seen
+more of California than we have, and he can do that if he wishes."</p>
+
+<p>"Sinsible agin, for I was about to spake the same. Do yees tarry here
+while I takes a look around. Whist! now, and kaap so still that ye'll
+hear me brathe all the way there and back agin."</p>
+
+<p>The boys took their position each behind a large tree, and looking
+cautiously forth they awaited the return of their friend.</p>
+
+<p>When these precautions were taken they were not a hundred yards distant
+from the strangers. The Irishman stepped very carefully, moving on
+tiptoe, and not making any noise that was perceptible. This was no great
+attainment in woodcraft, as any person could have done the same with
+ordinary care, when the woods were of the character of this one. Had
+there been briers or brambles, or swampy ground, or that which was
+unusually dry, and covered with twigs, it would have been a feat far
+more difficult of attainment.</p>
+
+<p>Just before Tim disappeared from view they saw him sink down upon his
+hands and knees and creep forward; but the bushes soon shut him out from
+view and they could only wait with all the patience possible.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of about ten minutes the genial face of the Irishman
+appeared, and the expression upon it gave rise to pleasant
+anticipations.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are they?" asked the two boys together, as soon as they deemed it
+prudent.</p>
+
+<p>"Whist! now don't spake so loud. Ye'll wake 'em out."</p>
+
+<p>Tim looked behind, and became satisfied that there was no fear of
+discovery, when he arose to his feet, and took his careless, sauntering
+manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Tim!'" said Howard inquiringly.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it yez wishes?"</p>
+
+<p>"We wish to know whether these strangers are white men or Indians."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, ye saas, I had to crawl up to 'em mighty careful, for if you step
+upon a stick no bigger than a tooth-pick, yees are sortin to wake up a
+slaapin' copper-skin&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"So they were Indians, then," interrupted Elwood somewhat impatiently.</p>
+
+<p>"Do yes be aisy now, and not be interruptin' of me, and yer observations
+and questions which ain't naaded in this case. Me owld grandfather used
+to till a great many stories to us spalpaans about the part he took with
+young Emmett&mdash;when owld Ireland stood up against England. He used to
+tell us his stories&mdash;did the same&mdash;and just so sure as one of us axed
+him a question, he'd go back to the beginning and till the whole story
+over again. He'd begin airly in the evening, and kaap it going till tin
+or eleven o'clock. I belave the old gintleman rather liked to have us be
+interruptin' him, for he laid bates for us wee ones, and ye see by that
+manes one story sometimes kept him going for a waak. Heaven bliss the
+owld gintleman&mdash;he had a habit of stopping in the middle of an exciting
+part and lighting his dudheen, and then when he'd begin again, he'd skip
+over a part on purpose to make us ax him a question&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Tim, we will talk about your grandfather some other day," said
+Howard, who, as naturally may be supposed, was impatient for him to come
+to the point.</p>
+
+<p>"Yis, I was just through with him, but yees should never be overmuch in
+haste. Me blessed mother always told me that it was the same as being
+too slow, and if anybody could spake of the same, could me mother do it.
+I was about to obsarve when yees interrupted me, that a man must be
+mighty careful in going up to a camp-fire, for these Indians slaap so
+quietly that the overturning of a leaf is sure to wake 'em, and you saa
+by this, if we'd all three gone up, as we war thinkin' about, they'd
+heard us long before we could have got sight of 'em, and our tramping in
+Californy would be done with&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"So they were Indians were they?" asked Elwood again, partly amused and
+partly vexed at Tim's persistent dallying with their curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"Who said the same?"</p>
+
+<p>"You implied it. Were they red or white men? Answer us&mdash;yes or no!"</p>
+
+<p>"And that is just the pint I's raching for, as me frind, Michael
+O'Shanghangly, said when he took a half-quart of whisky. Yez understands
+that I wanted to make sure just who the same might be, and what was
+their number. 'Spose, now, I should have come back and said there war
+but three of the same, and there should be a half-dozen, or I should say
+they was white gintlemen like ourselves, and they should turn out to be
+of a darker hue. Ye saas that it wouldn't do."</p>
+
+<p>The boys had become so uneasy by this time that they were walking back
+and forth, and talking to each other in low tones.</p>
+
+<p>"I will go forward and see for myself," said Elwood. "I don't care about
+waiting an hour or two for him to answer my question."</p>
+
+<p>"He will soon answer us; he is only indulging in a little pleasantry."</p>
+
+<p>"Rather a bad time for jesting."</p>
+
+<p>"I think we can be sure of one thing," added Howard a moment later.</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"That we are not in much danger. If we were he wouldn't wait so long to
+tell us."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about that; it would be in keeping with his foolishness. I
+tell you, Howard, I will ask him once more, and if he doesn't answer me
+at once, I shall go forward and learn for myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Tim, are those Indians or white men?"</p>
+
+<p>"That's it, is it? Why didn't yez ax me before? They're a party of white
+men, be the same!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MINERS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"I wished to give yez a pleasant surprise, as the doctor said when he
+told the man that his wife was dead," remarked Tim, in explanation of
+his conduct. "Had there really been any of the red gintlemen around I'd
+have told you soon enough."</p>
+
+<p>Our young friends were too well pleased at the intelligence to feel
+other than good natured, and they gladly forgave Tim for his trespass
+upon their patience. Without waiting further they walked hastily
+forward, and a moment later stood by the camp-fire.</p>
+
+<p>Three men, apparently, had just aroused themselves from slumber, and
+were now stirring around making preparations for their breakfast. They
+were shaggy, unshorn, grimy-looking fellows, who had "run wild" for
+several years, but who had not necessarily lost their humanity, even
+though they had in a great degree lost its outward semblance. In the
+center, a large bundle of sticks were burning quite briskly, and one of
+the men was turning and watching some meat that was cooking over it. The
+others had evidently just returned from the river, for their red temples
+and foreheads still glistened with moisture which sparkled like dew on
+their patriarchal beards.</p>
+
+<p>They were rough, hardy-looking fellows, but Elwood felt little
+apprehension as he stepped forward and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Good morning, gentlemen!"</p>
+
+<p>He who was cook turned his head, but a hot drop of moisture from the
+steaming meat at that moment flew in his eye, and clapping his finger to
+it, he muttered something, and forthwith and instantly gave his
+exclusive attention to his culinary duties.</p>
+
+<p>The second man was rubbing his face with a piece of coarse cloth, and he
+suddenly paused with his black eyes glaring over the top, his face
+resembling the head of some huge animal clambering over the edge of a
+rock, and who, having just gained a foothold, is looking hurriedly
+around for his prey.</p>
+
+<p>The third was combing his hair, and just at this moment it was moistened
+and sticking straight over his forehead like the horn of an animal. He
+would run the comb through with his right hand and then smooth the hair
+with his left. He stopped with both arms crooked over his head, and
+wheeled around like an automaton, and stared at the boy a moment, and
+then said:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there! Why didn't you ring the door-bell? I say, youngster, come
+forward and give us a grip of your hand. Halloo! you've got your brother
+with you!"</p>
+
+<p>"Not my brother, but my cousin, Howard Lawrence."</p>
+
+<p>The two boys shook hands with the three, and the grip that they received
+from the horny palms made them wince with pain.</p>
+
+<p>"But where'd you come from? We don't see a couple of youngsters dressed
+up in your style promenading 'round in these parts every day. Where'd
+you come from?"</p>
+
+<p>"The steamer on which we took passage the other day from Panama, was
+burned off the coast, and we got ashore on a raft."</p>
+
+<p>"Be you the only ones?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; there were quite a number that escaped."</p>
+
+<p>"Where be they?"</p>
+
+<p>"They were carried away by a vessel while we had wandered inland."</p>
+
+<p>"And you two&mdash;halloo! here's your grandfather!"</p>
+
+<p>"No; that is Tim O'Rooney, a good friend of ours."</p>
+
+<p>"Your humble sarvint!" saluted the Irishman, removing his hat, making a
+profound bow and scraping a large foot upon the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, there! We're glad to see you. What's all your names?"</p>
+
+<p>They were given several times, and then carefully spelled at the request
+of the large-whiskered man, who desired that no mistake might be made.</p>
+
+<p>"You may call me Ned Trimble, and that ugly-looking fellow 'tending to
+the fire is George Wakeman, and that horrid-looking chap scrubbing off
+his dirty face, is Alfred Wilkins. Neither of them know much, and I
+brought them along to black my boots and dress my hair."</p>
+
+<p>It looked as though Ned was a sort of a wag, for his companions smiled
+as if they were used to that thing. He continued:</p>
+
+<p>"We're a party of hunters that have been in Californy for the last five
+years, and I rather guess I've prospected through every part of it."</p>
+
+<p>"You must be rich by this time."</p>
+
+<p>"Rich!" laughed Ned Trimble. "Well there, we're everything but rich.
+Somehow or other we hain't had the luck. We sold a claim up in the
+diggings for five hundred dollars, and the next week the party sold it
+for fifteen thousand. That's the way it has always gone with us; but we
+are going to be rich yet&mdash;ain't we, boys."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, if we only live long enough," replied Wakeman.</p>
+
+<p>"I told you that chap hadn't much sense," remarked Ned, addressing his
+three visitors. "He doesn't know enough to answer a question as he
+oughter. I've been trying to teach him something, but I shall have to
+give it up as a bad job. Been to breakfast?"</p>
+
+<p>"No&mdash;not yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Thought you hadn't. Cook, put up another slice, douse it in butter,
+salt and pepper, and serve it up as you used to do when I employed you
+at the Astor. Gentlemen, how do you like it, rare or well done?"</p>
+
+<p>All made answer that they were not particular, and Ned replied thereunto
+as follows:</p>
+
+<p>"Sensible fellows! If you don't care what you get, you won't have to
+care much for what you don't get. What will you select as a dessert?
+Plum, rice, bread, or cherry pudding? Apple, mince, cranberry, plum,
+peach, or lemon pie? Cup-custard, tapioca, watermelon, citron, or
+sherry, maderia, or port. Order which ever you choose, gentlemen, it
+don't make any difference to us. We can give you one just as well as the
+other."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you can," laughed Howard; "so we'll not take the trouble to
+order any."</p>
+
+<p>"All right; as you please, gentlemen. We haven't any turkey or oysters
+left so you will have to put up with a little antelope that we shot
+yesterday afternoon. Fine condition for this time of year, and the best
+kind of flesh to starve to death on."</p>
+
+<p>"We haven't had a taste of it yet; but we devoured a goodly piece of a
+mountain sheep."</p>
+
+<p>"Just so. I was going to speak of a mountain sheep, if my servants
+hadn't interrupted me so often with inquiries as to how they should make
+the wine sauce. Ah! I see our meal is ready; we will therefore repair to
+the banquet hall."</p>
+
+<p>The six took their seats upon the leaves, and ate the meal in the usual
+primitive manner, verifying the adage, "hunger is the best sauce."</p>
+
+<p>Ned Trimble enlivened the meal in his usual loquacious manner; and after
+a great many words and circumlocution, the fact was discovered that he
+and his friends had spent the last five years in California, not having
+visited a civilized post within two years.</p>
+
+<p>Disgusted with their ill success in the Sacramento Valley, they had
+pulled up stakes and started off to hunt new fields for themselves. They
+were very cheerful and hopeful, and according to their accounts had
+encountered every imaginable danger of the California wilds.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood inquired whether they had met any grizzly bears.</p>
+
+<p>"Grizzly bears!" repeated Ned, stopping just as he was about to insert a
+huge piece of meat in his mouth. "Grizzly bears? Well, there! <i>We've
+lived among 'em!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I tracked a big grizzly in the Sierra Nevada for two days and then
+I stopped."</p>
+
+<p>"What made you stop?"</p>
+
+<p><i>"I concluded the bear tracks were getting a little too fresh!"</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>A WANT SUPPLIED.</h3>
+
+
+<p>One thing attracted the notice and pleased our friends, and gave them a
+hope of being able to supply a want they had felt every moment since
+landing upon the California coast. Each of the miners had two rifles,
+and were abundantly supplied with ammunition and mining tools. The
+wonder was how they could carry so heavy a load for such a distance. It
+could not be understood until Ned Trimble stated that they had two good,
+tough mules pasturing in a secluded place about a half-mile distant.</p>
+
+<p>"That 'ere Injin blanket you're carryin' is rather pretty!" remarked Ned
+as he rubbed his greasy fingers through his hair.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we got it of an Indian girl, and take great pride in it."</p>
+
+<p>"You did, eh? What did you give her for it?"</p>
+
+<p>"A gold watch."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Well, if the watch was a first-rate one maybe she got her pay; but
+what did she want with a watch? That's just the way with all women.
+They'll give ten times the value for some little gewgaw to wear about
+'em. I was engaged to a fine-looking girl in North Carolina, but I seen
+she was getting so extravagant that I couldn't understand it, so I left
+before it was too late."</p>
+
+<p>"A very wise plan."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, she was very extravagant."</p>
+
+<p>"In what respect?" asked Elwood, who was quite amused at their
+newly-found friend.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, you see, she would persist in wearing shoes on Sunday instead of
+going barefoot like the rest of the young ladies. I warned her two or
+three times, but I catched her at church one day with them on, and so I
+went over to the house that night and told her I couldn't trust her any
+longer, and we exchanged presents and parted."</p>
+
+<p>"Exchanged presents?" laughed Wakeman. "What sort of presents were
+they?"</p>
+
+<p>"I wish no trifling insinuations, sir," replied Ned, with a
+grandiloquent air. "She returned to me a tooth brush that I had
+presented her some months before, and I gave back to her a tin button
+that she had bought of a traveling peddler, and that I had been wearing
+on Sundays for my breastpin. 'Tis not the intrinsic worth you know, but
+the associations connected with such things that makes 'em dear. But it
+is a painful subject, gentlemen, and let us, therefore, dismiss it."</p>
+
+<p>Howard and Lawrence thought it best to introduce the matter upon which
+they had been so long meditating.</p>
+
+<p>"I notice that each of you have two guns apiece. Did you leave San
+Francisco with that supply?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; we've got 'em of the redskins we've run agin on the way."</p>
+
+<p>"Would you be willing to sell us a couple? You observe we have but one
+between us, and it makes it rather dangerous, as none of us are very
+skillful in the use of the rifle."</p>
+
+<p>"You needn't take the trouble to tell us that," replied Ned, with a
+quizzical look. "I'd like to accommodate you, but we had begun to think
+that we needed three or four guns apiece; for, you see, we intend to
+stay in these parts some time, and we are sure to have trouble with the
+redskins."</p>
+
+<p>"If you really wish them," remarked Elwood, "of course we cannot ask you
+to part with them."</p>
+
+<p>"What'll you give?" abruptly asked Ned.</p>
+
+<p>"What will you take?"</p>
+
+<p>"I couldn't sell you both of mine, as I wouldn't have one; but, Wakeman,
+if I part with one of mine will you do the same?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; for I know they'll need the arms before they get back to San
+Francisco."</p>
+
+<p>"Then the question is, what will you ask us for the two guns?"</p>
+
+<p>"Can you give us a hundred dollars?"</p>
+
+<p>"Apiece?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, no; for both of 'em."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; we will gladly do that."</p>
+
+<p>Now came the crisis. The party had not a dozen dollars among them.
+Howard and Elwood had left their money in the berth of the steamer, and
+of course it was irrevocably gone. But Elwood's watch remained, and that
+at the least calculation was worth one hundred and fifty; but whether
+the miners would accept it at a fair valuation for their pieces, was in
+their minds very doubtful.</p>
+
+<p>"We have no money," said Howard, "but my cousin has a watch that is
+worth more than that sum, which he will give you for the two guns."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's see it."</p>
+
+<p>It was produced and passed around the company. Ned opened and shut it,
+and shook it and placed it to his ear.</p>
+
+<p>"It ain't running," he suddenly said.</p>
+
+<p>"No; the salt water has stopped it, but I do not think it is really
+injured. A little cleaning will speedily set it going."</p>
+
+<p>Ned passed the time-piece back again.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't want it; it won't do us no good."</p>
+
+<p>"But you are hunting for gold, and there is enough in it to make it
+worth your while to take it."</p>
+
+<p>"We expect to find all the gold we can carry back with us without
+loading our mules down with gold watches."</p>
+
+<p>Elwood replaced the watch in his pocket, disheartened at the failure of
+his offer.</p>
+
+<p>"We have no money; if you will call at my father's the next time you go
+to San Francisco, he will gladly give you your price."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't know as we shall go to San Francisco for the next five years;
+shan't go any way until we are loaded down with gold, and then we won't
+care about calling on your father&mdash;more likely he'll want to call on
+us."</p>
+
+<p>An idea struck Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"You are pleased with our blanket. Will you exchange your guns for
+that?"</p>
+
+<p>Ned shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"Got all the blankets we want; don't want it; keep it yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you not give us one gun for both the blanket and watch?"</p>
+
+<p>The miner now laughed, and shook his head again.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't want either; can't do it."</p>
+
+<p>The boys now despaired.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, we may as well give up. We can't get any guns of you."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the reason you can't?"</p>
+
+<p>"You seem unwilling to trade, and we can not buy them."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course you can't; but&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>And thereupon the miner rose to his feet and handed one gun to Elwood
+and the other to Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"What does this mean?" asked the latter, not comprehending him.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't suppose we would be <i>mean</i> enough to <i>sell</i> you anything you
+needed so bad, do you? No; take them both, and here's a lot of lead,
+gun-caps and ammunition."</p>
+
+<p>"But&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"No <i>buts</i> about it. Take 'em, you're welcome, for you need 'em. I was
+only joking with you."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CANOE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Ned Trimble would not hear the repeated thanks of our friends, but waved
+them an impressive and magnificent farewell as they took their
+departure. They were not yet beyond sight of each other when they heard
+him calling to them in excited tones, and the next moment he came
+running after them.</p>
+
+<p>"I think you said you was going to undertake to foller the river down
+the valley, didn't you?"</p>
+
+<p>They made answer that such was their intention, whereupon he hastened to
+add:</p>
+
+<p>"About a mile down, under some bushes that stick out by a big rock, on
+the same side that you're traveling, is a little Injin canoe that is
+just the thing you want. You're welcome to it."</p>
+
+<p>"But how shall we thank you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know; again, my noble friends, I bid thee farewell, and if
+forever, still forever, fare thee well."</p>
+
+<p>The eccentric miner lifted his hat, bowed very low, and sauntered back
+to his friends with the air of a monarch who had just indulged in some
+gracious act of condescension, while our friends, delighted beyond
+measure, hurried forward on their journey.</p>
+
+<p>They were now amply provided&mdash;each having a gun and plenty of
+ammunition, and their faithful dog. They began to look upon themselves
+as on a holiday excursion. The only thing was, that there was rather too
+strong a tinge of danger about it. If they were but a hundred or two
+miles nearer home, and their parents had no anxiety regarding them, it
+would be more pleasant. But then, they could easily understand how much
+worse it easily could be, and they were heartfelt at the good fortune
+which had followed them thus far on their strange entry into California.
+The most that they could ask was that it might continue.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood and Howard were anxious to test their marksmanship, but prudence
+forbade it, as the chances were that they would need all their
+ammunition, and the report of their guns might draw inconvenient
+attention to themselves.</p>
+
+<p>They were walking cheerily along when a singular object caught their
+eyes. At first sight it resembled an Indian hut; but it was much too
+small to be inhabited by a human being, and therefore must have been the
+handiwork of some animal.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we batter it down?" asked Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"No; we do not know what is in it, and there is no use of wantonly
+destroying the home of any dumb creature."</p>
+
+<p>"It reminds me of me birthplace in ould Ireland," said Tim, with a sigh.</p>
+
+<p>But Terror was not so considerate as his masters; for bursting forward
+he placed his snout at the lower orifice, snuffed furiously, and then
+clawed so savagely that the greater part of the singular fabric came
+tumbling to the ground. It was made of brush and twigs, and like
+everything constructed by instinct, was put together with great skill.
+Terror could not be restrained until he had inflicted great injury.</p>
+
+<p>"Look! what are they?" exclaimed Howard in astonishment. "What
+strange-looking creatures!"</p>
+
+<p>"Snapping tortles!" replied Tim, staring with an expression of the
+greatest astonishment at the objects.</p>
+
+<p>Three animals, about the size of a musk-rat, with webbed feet, and the
+color of mice, came scrambling forth and scampered away for the shelter
+of the rocks.</p>
+
+<p>Terror by this time had been brought under restraint, and was prevented
+from crushing them to death as they ran.</p>
+
+<p>Great speculation was caused by their appearance, as none of our friends
+had seen anything like them, nor had they ever heard or read of such.
+They were, in fact, a species of mountain rat living in the vicinity of
+mountains and constructing their singular-looking huts with remarkable
+skill, often building them to a height of six feet. Their fur is very
+fine, and the hunters and trappers frequently take the animals for their
+coats, although their diminutive size, when compared with the beaver,
+otter, and other fur-bearing animals, prevents their being much in
+demand.</p>
+
+<p>The hunters, as perhaps it is proper to term them, were too anxious to
+discover the canoe to pause long at any curiosity unless it was
+something extraordinary. They carefully noted the distance they
+journeyed, and when they judged they had gone about a mile, stepped into
+the edge of the river and looked about them. But they saw nothing
+answering to Ned Trimble's description of the hiding-place of the boat.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps he was jesting," remarked Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"No; I think he is too kind-hearted for that. He may have been mistaken
+as to whether it is precisely a mile or not."</p>
+
+<p>"Whist! but it strikes me that the bushes are rather thick just ayonst
+you."</p>
+
+<p>Tim pointed to a spot a hundred rods away which had failed to arrest
+their attention. There was nothing unusual, except mayhap that the
+overhanging shrubbery was rather denser than usual; but it held out
+hope, and the party hurried pell-mell to the spot.</p>
+
+<p>There, sure enough, they descried the rock, and lifting the bushes,
+caught sight of the small, delicate canoe concealed beneath. Elwood was
+in the advance, and quickly pulled it forth with the wildest expressions
+of delight.</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it splendid!" he fairly shouted. "And here is a long paddle. Our
+work is now done."</p>
+
+<p>"Do yees jist stand up in the same," said Tim, "and see what a beautiful
+rest it gives to the faat."</p>
+
+<p>The impulsive boy caught up the paddle, and rose to his feet; but it was
+like unto him who first puts on skates. It flashed from beneath him, and
+he was precipitated headlong into the water. The others, as a matter of
+course, laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"That was done on purpose," said Elwood as he clambered to his feet
+again.</p>
+
+<p>"I wished to give yees a little insthruction, and that was me first
+lesson."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I learned considerable at any rate."</p>
+
+<p>The canoe was caught, and the three carefully entered and seated
+themselves. It was made of bark, bound together with cord and gum, and
+would have held double their weight, being very light and buoyant.</p>
+
+<p>A vast amount of sport was afforded the party in learning to navigate
+the frail vessel. Tim had had some experience in the matter, and could
+propel it quite dexterously; but the boys were much at fault: they
+expended far more strength than there was any need for, and soon
+exhausted themselves so thoroughly that they were obliged to relinquish
+the sole management of the boat into the hands of Tim O'Rooney.</p>
+
+<p>"There's a bootiful current here," said he, "and we can have the
+illegant pleasure of moving along without working ourselves, as me
+frind, Michael McGubbens, said when they carried him off to Botany Bay."</p>
+
+<p>The Irishman first dipped his paddle upon the one side and then upon the
+other, and imparted quite a velocity to the canoe. The boys were so
+pleased with the easy, gliding motion that they failed to notice the
+shores they were passing between. When finally Tim lay down his paddle
+and rested they were charmed.</p>
+
+<p>All were tired enough to make them enjoy this relaxation and the
+sensation of floating so idly forward. The sky was clear and almost free
+of clouds, the dry air was not uncomfortably warm, and an occasional
+breeze that came floating apparently from the snowy peaks of the Coast
+Range imparted delicious coolness. On the left stretched the high hills
+intervening between them and the Pacific, and on the right rose the vast
+Coast Mountains, forming in its extensive line some of the finest
+scenery on the North American Continent.</p>
+
+<p>By-and-by, as they rounded a bend in the river, a small island appeared
+near the center of the channel.</p>
+
+<p>"There we will rest," said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>A half-hour later the canoe lightly touched the shore, and springing out
+they pulled it up on the land after them. They had scarcely done so when
+a groan very near them startled them all.</p>
+
+<p>"Whisht!" whispered Tim; "there's somebody else beside us on this
+island."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<h3>SHASTA, THE PAH UTAH.</h3>
+
+
+<p>All three paused and listened. For a moment all was still; and then the
+suppressed groan of distress was heard, as though the sufferer were
+seeking to keep back the outcry that was forced from him.</p>
+
+<p>"There it is!" whispered Howard, pointing to a clump of bushes near the
+edge of the river.</p>
+
+<p>"It strikes me we had better leave!" replied Elwood, looking forward to
+the canoe as if fearful that that would be taken from them and all
+escape be thus cut off.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you sind the dog forward and let him smell out the difficulty,"
+suggested Tim O'Rooney.</p>
+
+<p>Terror stood there between the boys, his head raised and his whole
+appearance indicating that he had scented something unusual, but was
+awaiting orders before advancing upon it. The Newfoundland looked up as
+if asking for directions. Elwood simply pointed toward the brush and the
+dog galloped to it. Instead of entering, he stopped by it and gave a low
+growl of discovery.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Terror?" asked Howard.</p>
+
+<p>The brute whined and ran to his masters and then back to the bushes.</p>
+
+<p>"It maybe a trap to catch us," said Elwood. "I prefer very much taking
+to the canoe and getting away from the island."</p>
+
+<p>"But it may be some one suffering and needing help. He may perish if we
+leave him here."</p>
+
+<p>"Yez spakes the truth," said Tim. "The blessed Father would never
+forgive us if we should desart one of his creatures when he needed
+hilp."</p>
+
+<p>Tim now advanced straight to the bushes, paused, and then parted them
+and looked in. He was heard to mutter something to himself; then he came
+back.</p>
+
+<p>"It's an Injin, a-layin' on the ground, a-groanin' and a-rollin' over. I
+guess the poor fellow has got his last sickness, and we can't help him
+any."</p>
+
+<p>All feelings were at once merged into that of pity. The three advanced
+and parted the bushes. There, sure enough, lay an Indian apparently nigh
+unto death. He turned his black eyes up to the white people in a manner
+that would have melted the heart of a Nero. He lay doubled up on his
+blanket, with his gun a short distance from him. He belonged to the Pah
+Utah tribe, although their hunting-grounds are further to the southwest.
+This fact, as a matter of course, was unknown to our friends.</p>
+
+<p>The first impression was that he had been badly wounded, but a second
+glance showed that he was deadly sick.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood Brandon had placed his hand upon the dusky forehead, and the heat
+and throbbing temples told him at once that he was possessed with a
+burning fever.</p>
+
+<p>The poor Indian muttered something unintelligible, but which bore some
+resemblance to the word "Shasta," and he made a motion toward his mouth
+and then threw his head back and imitated the act of drinking.</p>
+
+<p>"He must be suffering with thirst," said Howard. "How shall we manage to
+give him water?"</p>
+
+<p>"God save the poor fellow! I will soon fix that!" exclaimed the
+kind-hearted Tim, rising to his feet and hurrying to the river's edge.
+Here he speedily constructed quite a capacious cup of leaves, and
+carefully filling it with cool water he as carefully carried it back to
+where he lay.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, me good felly, just tip up his noddle and we'll make him faal
+aisy."</p>
+
+<p>Elwood carefully raised his head, and the trembling sufferer eagerly
+reached forward for the cooling fluid. It was placed to his parched lips
+and swallowed hastily, when he immediately motioned for more.</p>
+
+<p>"Will it do to give it?" asked Howard. "Will it not injure him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Niver a bit," replied Tim, hurrying away for another supply.</p>
+
+<p>In a moment it was brought and swallowed with the same avidity. He then
+lay his head back upon the blanket of the boys, which had been folded
+into a pillow by Howard. His great black eyes looked the thanks which
+his tongue was unable to express.</p>
+
+<p>"Now he will slaap," said Tim. "Lave him alone."</p>
+
+<p>He was relinquished to slumber while our friends retired a short
+distance to consult.</p>
+
+<p>"How providential that we landed here," said Howard. "He was too feeble
+to help himself, and might have died in great distress."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am glad that we found him, for if he does die we may be the
+means of robbing his last moments of great suffering."</p>
+
+<p>"Boys," said Tim, hitching up his pantaloons and scratching his head,
+"me mind is made up to one thing."</p>
+
+<p>The boys looked inquiringly at him.</p>
+
+<p>"I stays here till that poor copper-skin gets well or dies."</p>
+
+<p>This decision pleased his companions, who declared their resolve of
+doing all they could for the sufferer.</p>
+
+<p>"How much more pleasant than shooting at him," said Elwood. "I never
+felt better in my life than when I found I was able to do something for
+this Indian."</p>
+
+<p>What a happiness it is indeed to minister to the wants of the suffering
+and distressed! What purer joy than to wipe away the damp from the brow
+of the dying and to speak words of consolation in their ears? That last
+agony must come to us all sooner or later, and oh how deeply we shall
+then appreciate the kindness of the friend who stands beside us,
+ministering to our wants and doing all possible to cheer and soothe our
+suffering! True, we must go alone through the Dark Valley, but others
+may lead us down to the border, and their cheering words may yet linger
+with us as the day closes and we step into that awful gloom through
+which we must pass before we can enter into the eternal day beyond.
+Though we know that He stands waiting to take our hand in His and lead
+us through the solemn darkness, yet the soul, hovering in its flight,
+longs for the companionship of the dear ones, until the final adieu must
+come! Oh, loving Father, whose sympathizing arms reach out to enfold us
+all, grant that such may be mine and the lot of all my friends.</p>
+
+<p>Upon looking at the Indian an hour later, he was seen to be sleeping as
+calmly as an infant, while his face was covered with a mild, healthful
+moisture.</p>
+
+<p>"He will git well!" said Tim. "Did I not stand by the bedside of my poor
+mother and give her the cowld water that brought her back to life agin?"</p>
+
+<p>"The crisis of the fever has passed, or is passing," said Howard. "He
+must have an iron constitution, like all his people, and he will rally,
+I have no doubt."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," added Elwood, with much feeling, "there is one thing certain;
+<i>all</i> are not our enemies; we have made one friend at least."</p>
+
+<p>"True, an Indian never forgets an injury nor a kindness, and his
+friendship may be of benefit to us before we reach home."</p>
+
+<p>"I b'laves you, boys; that Injin will remember us as long as he lives,
+and will sarve us a good turn if the chances for the same be iver given
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"But see, he has awaked!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>A HUNT FOR FOOD.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Indian was awake and making signs to his friends. For some time they
+were at a loss to understand their meaning, but Howard noticed that he
+had a leaf in his hand which he offered to them. When the boy took it
+his face showed that he was pleased, but continued his signs as before.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Elwood's eyes sparkled.</p>
+
+<p>"He wants us to bring him some of those leaves. Let me have it; they
+must be on the island."</p>
+
+<p>He hastened away and was not long in finding a bush that bore precisely
+the same species, and gathering quite a lot he returned to the Indian
+and offered them to him. But he did not seem satisfied. He looked at the
+leaves, nodded his head, and then taking them by the slight twigs to
+which they were fastened, he made as if to pull them up again.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! I know what he means!" said Howard. "It is not the leaf but the
+root that he wishes."</p>
+
+<p>"I can soon get that."</p>
+
+<p>Elwood verified his words, and scarce ten minutes elapsed ere he
+returned with several goodly-sized roots, which were washed and cleaned.
+The look of the Indian showed that he had now got what he wanted, and he
+began gnawing the bark and chewing it.</p>
+
+<p>"He's a docthering himself now!" said Tim, "as the patient said when he
+gave the docther his own medicine and pisened him to death by raisin of
+the same. He will get along."</p>
+
+<p>They watched the sufferer for a few moments. Gathering his mouth nearly
+full of the bark, he continued chewing and swallowing for some time
+longer, when he finally shut his eyes and again slept.</p>
+
+<p>Picking up a piece of the root which he had gathered Elwood tasted of
+it. He found it so bitter that he instantly spat it out.</p>
+
+<p>"It must have some medicinal quality," remarked Howard, "or he would not
+use it. I believe the Indians doctor entirely with herbs, and I have no
+doubt that he will soon be well."</p>
+
+<p>"Do yez mind that if it isn't noon it is close to the same? And be the
+tame towken we are all slightly hungry."</p>
+
+<p>Now arose a query. The island was so small that it contained no game of
+any kind, and so was unavailable to supply their wants. The river
+abounded in fish, but there was no means of catching them; and finally,
+after some discussion, it was agreed that Tim should cross over to the
+mainland and shoot something.</p>
+
+<p>"Do yez kaap your eyes about yez till I'z back again, for some of the
+coppery gintlemen may take a notion to pay yez a visit."</p>
+
+<p>The boys felt a little uneasiness as they saw their companion enter the
+canoe and paddle toward the eastern shore&mdash;the shore which as yet had
+been unvisited by them. They watched until he landed, pulled the boat up
+behind him into shelter, and then disappeared in the wood.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall be in rather a bad situation if he never comes back," remarked
+Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about that; in what better occupation can we be found than
+in ministering to the wants of a suffering Indian? Would not that itself
+protect us from injury?"</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps it might; but what would become of us any way? They wouldn't be
+kind enough to guide us up to San Francisco."</p>
+
+<p>"They might take us so far that we could find our way."</p>
+
+<p>"Hardly; I don't like to see Tim go to that shore; it looks too
+dangerous. I wonder why he did it?"</p>
+
+<p>"He must have believed there is more game there."</p>
+
+<p>"But there is enough on the other side, and he would avoid this greater
+danger by going there."</p>
+
+<p>"I imagine that a river running through a hostile country is as
+dangerous upon one side as upon the other, and there is little choice,
+Howard, in the matter."</p>
+
+<p>"But I know <i>you</i> feel unpleasant in being thus left alone."</p>
+
+<p>"I know I shall be glad to see Tim come back again, for there is always
+great danger in such a small party separating."</p>
+
+<p>"Halloo! there goes his gun or somebody else's."</p>
+
+<p>The sharp crack of the rifle came from the shore, and Elwood was sure he
+saw the faint smoke of the discharge ascend from some thick bushes near
+the edge of the wood. But he was no doubt mistaken, for as they
+scrutinized the spot they detected nothing of him who had fired the gun.</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose it was Tim firing at some game. You know he is not a very
+good shot, and so he has badly wounded without killing it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we ought to hear his gun again."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall no doubt&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Hark!"</p>
+
+<p>Crack went a gun, almost instantly followed by three similar reports.
+The boys turned pale and looked at each other.</p>
+
+<p>"What does that mean?" whispered Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"That is bad; Tim is in trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"He ought to have had better sense than to paddle out there in open day,
+plunge right into the woods and go to shooting without stopping to see
+what the danger is. But what will become of him?"</p>
+
+<p>"And of us?"</p>
+
+<p>"This Indian here must have had some way of getting upon the island. I
+believe he has a canoe hid somewhere."</p>
+
+<p>"But what of it? We cannot think of leaving until we know something
+definite about Tim."</p>
+
+<p>"Unless some of the Indians start to come over to the island, and then
+we'll leave."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think that would be the wisest plan, Elwood? They can handle the
+paddle so much better than we that it would take but little time for
+them to overhaul us. Then, too, if they should find us by this suffering
+brother of theirs would it not make friends of them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose this Indian here is one of their enemies?"</p>
+
+<p>This was a supposition that had never occurred to Howard before, but
+which he saw was very reasonable. All Indians not belonging to the same
+tribe might be supposed to be enemies of each other, and thus the mercy
+and kindness of our young heroes might be made the means of their
+destruction.</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't think of that," said Howard, "it may be so. But let us hope
+for the best. Tim may soon return to us again."</p>
+
+<p>"Not if he has a grain of sense left."</p>
+
+<p>"And why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"He has been seen by Indians, and if they haven't got him now they will
+soon have him if he undertakes to paddle his canoe over to the island."</p>
+
+<p>"You are right, Elwood; he will no doubt wait until it is dark, and then
+come out to us as stealthily as he can."</p>
+
+<p>"That is if he gets the chance. I tell you, Howard," said his cousin,
+starting up, "this begins to look bad."</p>
+
+<p>"I know it does."</p>
+
+<p>"We know how those red men handle their guns, and it don't look likely
+to me that all those shots have missed Tim."</p>
+
+<p>"They may be quite a distance apart&mdash;far enough to make their aim
+uncertain."</p>
+
+<p>"But then they could cut off his return to the shore."</p>
+
+<p>Howard suddenly laid his hand upon the arm of his cousin and pointed to
+the other shore.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>DANGER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Three Indians walked leisurely down to the shore of the river, as though
+in quest of nothing particular, and stood gesticulating as they
+generally do with their whole arms. They were about two hundred yards
+above the point where Tim O'Rooney landed, but their position was such
+that the canoe might have rested on the surface of the water without
+being seen. Sensible of their danger, the boys at first sight of them
+withdrew into cover, from which they cautiously peered out and watched
+their movements.</p>
+
+<p>"Those must be the three who fired the guns," whispered Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"Very probably they are; that looks more encouraging, for I do not see
+Tim among them."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe they have slain him and are talking as to where he came from."</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven! I hope not."</p>
+
+<p>"So do I; but it looks reasonable that they have made away with him and
+are now looking for us."</p>
+
+<p>"How did they know he had any friends with him? Then, too, if they had
+slain him, would they not have followed his trail straight down to the
+water?"</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't think of that. <i>That</i> question makes me more hopeful than
+anything else. It does now look somewhat cheering. But what are they
+after?"</p>
+
+<p>The Indians were still talking in an excited manner, and more than once
+pointed across the river to the island as if there were something there
+which claimed their attention. It might be the boys themselves, or they
+may have known that one of their race lay there in dire extremity; but
+whatever the cause was it boded no good to the two boys, who were
+crouching in the bushes and grass and furtively watching their motions.</p>
+
+<p>The latter were still gazing at them when their hearts were thrilled by
+the sight of Tim O'Rooney. The eyes of Elwood chanced to be fixed upon a
+small open space, a rod or two from where the canoe lay, when he saw the
+Irishman come cautiously into view, and then pause and look around him.
+He had an animal slung over his shoulders, whose weight was sufficient
+to make him stop and travel with some difficulty. They saw him turn his
+head and carefully scrutinize every suspicious point that was visible,
+and then he walked slowly toward the spot where the canoe was concealed.
+Whether his low stoop was caused by the weight of his game, or whether
+it was a precautionary measure on his part, was difficult to decide. The
+boys at once became painfully excited and alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>"They will see him! they will see him!" said Elwood, "and it will be all
+over with us. What a pity! when he has got along so well!"</p>
+
+<p>"Can we not warn him in some manner? The Indians do not know how near he
+is, nor does he know how close they are."</p>
+
+<p>"How can we do it?" asked Elwood, who was anxious to give Tim some
+warning of his danger. "If we make any sign the Indians will see us."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not; for they are not looking in this direction all the time,
+while Tim knows that we are watching him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but he has his hands full to see that the savages do not find
+him."</p>
+
+<p>The case looked critical indeed. Tim was nearing the point where it
+seemed inevitable that a discovery should take place. He paused at
+nearly every step or two, looked behind him and up and down the river in
+a manner that showed plainly enough his fear of his enemies. Elwood
+Brandon in his eagerness had risen to his feet, and was looking intently
+at him, waiting until he should cast his eye toward the island that he
+might give him warning. But the Irishman was so occupied with his
+enemies that he appeared to forget the existence of his friends.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood did not remove his gaze, and all at once he saw him raise his
+head. Quick as a flash the boy sprung up a foot or two from the ground
+and waved his hat toward him.</p>
+
+<p>"Did he see me?" he asked, as he sunk down to the earth again.</p>
+
+<p>"He has paused and is looking toward us."</p>
+
+<p>Tim had caught sight of the signal of the boy, but was uncertain as to
+its meaning. The waving of the hat might be supposed as an act of
+encouragement than otherwise; but there was something in the silent,
+hurried manner of his young friend, united with the fact that he had
+been, and was still, in great personal peril, that arrested his
+attention and set him to thinking.</p>
+
+<p>"Did the Indians see me?" asked Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't say positively, as I was looking at Tim at the moment you made
+your signal, but they do not seem to act as if they had discovered us."</p>
+
+<p>"Tim saw me, didn't he? He doesn't know what to make of it."</p>
+
+<p>The Irishman had laid the animal he was carrying upon the ground, and
+stood looking toward the inland as if waiting for some further
+manifestation before advancing or retreating. Believing the safety of
+the entire party demanded it, Elwood begun cautiously rising to his feet
+to repeat his warning, when he was quickly caught by his cousin.</p>
+
+<p>"Down! those Indians are suspicious; they are looking right at us&mdash;don't
+stir."</p>
+
+<p>The admonition was not a moment too soon; but while it prevented
+discovery on the part of the boys, it rendered the signal already given
+the Irishman void and of no effect. Tim, seeing nothing more of his
+young friend, concluded that all was right, and lifting his game to his
+shoulder continued his descent until he reached his canoe. This was
+drawn from its hiding place and launched in the water, and the animal
+placed in the rear. Seating himself carefully in the front, Tim lifted
+his paddle and began making his way toward the inland.</p>
+
+<p>"Too bad! too bad!" muttered Elwood, unable to repress his feelings. "He
+is coming right out where they will have a fair chance with their
+rifles."</p>
+
+<p>"If he would only turn up stream, they would see nothing of him."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Can't</i> I warn him?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Elwood, it will make matters worse. Their eyes are fixed upon us."</p>
+
+<p>Grasping the long oar Tim headed his boat somewhat up stream, so as not
+to let it drift by the island, and commenced paddling across. He had
+gone twenty rods or thereabouts when he was discovered by the Indians,
+and one of them raised his rifle and took aim at him.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick, Tim, drop down, or you'll be shot!" called out Howard, forgetful
+of his own danger in the single hope of saving his friend from a violent
+death.</p>
+
+<p>At the same instant that this cry was uttered the terrified boy saw a
+puff of smoke issue from the Indian rifle, and simultaneous with the
+sharp crack Tim O'Rooney was seen to fall flat in the canoe.</p>
+
+<p>"He is shot!" called out Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"It is time then for us to do some of the same kind of business,"
+replied Howard, sighting his own gun at the savage upon the shore. The
+distance was too great and his skill too slight to guide the ball with
+anything like certainty, but it skipped over the water at their very
+feet, and so alarmed them that they immediately dodged back under the
+shelter of the rocks and trees.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the use?" asked Elwood gloomily. "Poor Tim is killed and there
+is no chance for us."</p>
+
+<p>"Look! he is not dead!" whispered Howard.</p>
+
+<p>The head of the Irishman was seen to rise stealthily from the bottom of
+the canoe, and to peer around, and then to dash down again as though
+fearful of another shot.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't believe he has been struck!" added Howard. "He dropped down so
+as to save himself."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! I hope so, for we need him bad enough. See! he is fixing the body
+of the animal so that it shall be between him and the Indians' guns."</p>
+
+<p>Such was the case. Tim was arranging and placing the carcass so that it
+might shield his own body while he managed the paddle. This completed he
+turned his face toward his young friends and called across the water:</p>
+
+<p>"Be aisy, me darlings! The owld bullet come close, but not a hair of Tim
+O'Rooney's head was touched, and thanks be to heaven for it!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>DRIFTING AWAY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The bullet of the treacherous Indian had indeed whizzed harmlessly by
+the head of Tim O'Rooney and when he fell to the bottom of the canoe it
+was for the purpose of preventing any more of their missiles passing too
+near him.</p>
+
+<p>The savages, hastily driven to shelter by the unexpected shot from the
+island, did not by any means relinquish their designs upon the
+unfortunate white man in the canoe. He who had taken the quick aim and
+fired saw that his bullet missed, but he understood the disadvantage of
+his enemy, and was confident that he would still fall into their hands.</p>
+
+<p>As we have shown, when the Irishman was thus suddenly interrupted, he
+was but a short distance from the shore. So abruptly compelled to
+relinquish his paddle and simply shelter his person, the current carried
+him quite rapidly down the stream.</p>
+
+<p>Tim did not become sensible of his disadvantage until he had drifted
+below the island, and then upon partly rising to use his paddle the
+crack of a gun from the shore told him that he was watched by vigilant
+eyes, and that <i>that</i> occupation was vetoed most unmistakably.</p>
+
+<p>Forced thus to act entirely on the defensive, he carefully drew out his
+rifle and resting it on the body of his game waited his chance to avenge
+himself upon the unrelenting savages. He could tell from the faint blue
+smoke that curled upward where they were concealed, but could not catch
+sight of them.</p>
+
+<p>Had they shown themselves, the Irishman knew it was about impossible for
+him to harm them at such a distance, while their dexterity in the use of
+the gun made it too dangerous for him to expose himself to their fire.
+He watched them until he had floated quite a way below, when he began to
+hope that they had given up their designs upon him, and he might make
+his way back to his friends upon the island in safety.</p>
+
+<p>But when on the point of rising to a sitting position he saw them whisk
+through the bushes he knew they were following him along the
+shore&mdash;following him, too, with that skill and stealth which prevented
+his getting a shot at them, and placing it totally out of his power to
+prevent himself from being "commanded by their fire."</p>
+
+<p>As may well be imagined, Howard and Elwood were deeply interested
+spectators of these events. Now that they had revealed their presence
+upon the island, and there was no further use in attempting to conceal
+the fact, they were eager to render their companion all the assistance
+possible.</p>
+
+<p>But the nature of the occurrences made them helpless. Tim had drifted
+such a distance down stream, and had consequently drawn his enemies so
+far after him, that they had not the slightest chance of reaching them
+with their rifles, if they chose to expose themselves. They could only
+watch, therefore, and pray for their safety.</p>
+
+<p>Floating slowly onward, onward, they observed that Tim's canoe gradually
+swerved to the left until it disappeared around a curve in the river. It
+crossed the center and was nearer the western than the eastern shore.
+This seemed to show that, despite his unfavorable situation, he was able
+to impart a motion to the boat, which, slight as it was, would
+eventually bring him to the opposite side of the stream.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing more was seen of the Indians, although the report of several
+guns, heard within a half-hour of the disappearance of the canoe,
+prevented their feeling too sanguine over the position of Tim O'Rooney.</p>
+
+<p>"We can now see the blunder he committed," said Howard. "He did wrong in
+going to the eastern bank when he could have secured his game as well
+upon the other side."</p>
+
+<p>"I think he will be able to get away, unless they have a canoe with
+which to follow him."</p>
+
+<p>"Even then he can take to the woods and hide himself until dark, and
+then make his way back to us."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope so, but fear he will be prevented or overtaken before he can
+reach shelter."</p>
+
+<p>"But think, Howard, he has a gun and plenty of ammunition, and there are
+but three of them. I should say they would hesitate some time before
+advancing upon him."</p>
+
+<p>"But he is a poor shot, like ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"He could not miss them if they came very close to him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; there seems to be a good chance, if they don't find more Indians
+to unite with them in the hunt."</p>
+
+<p>This was a contingency that had not occurred to Elwood, and he was
+almost overwhelmed at its import until he came to reason upon it, when
+the likelihood of such being the case dwindled away until it almost
+vanished.</p>
+
+<p>"We have seen no large bodies of savages, and I don't believe they care
+enough about catching or slaying a single man to go to all that
+trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"Not so much trouble, perhaps, as you are apt to think. War is the
+business of the American Indians, you know, as it is of all barbarous
+people."</p>
+
+<p>"But look at Ned Trimble and his friends. There are but three of them,
+and I have no doubt that their security is in their strength&mdash;otherwise
+they would not be so indifferent as to what is going on around them. You
+remember they did not see us until we first spoke to them."</p>
+
+<p>"So it appeared; but I have an idea that they knew of our presence
+before Tim discovered them."</p>
+
+<p>"They did not show it, at any rate."</p>
+
+<p>"They looked surprised when we came up, but if we had been enemies
+instead of friends I believe we would have been the surprised parties.
+They have lived too long in the wilds of California to permit a party of
+strangers to steal upon them unaware."</p>
+
+<p>"But what is to become of us if Tim doesn't come back?"</p>
+
+<p>"We shall have to put ourselves under the care of Shasta&mdash;that is, if he
+gets well."</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you call him <i>Shasta</i>? Where did you hear that name?"</p>
+
+<p>"The only word I have heard him speak sounded like that, and I do not
+know of any better name. Can you think of one?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; that is good enough; let him be called Shasta, then. There may be a
+greater Providence in our coming upon this island than we imagine."</p>
+
+<p>"There is a Providence in everything that occurs, though it may be that
+we are not always able to see it. Do you remember the copy we had so
+often at school, 'Misfortunes are often blessings in disguise?'"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but like the truths that were driven into our heads so often at
+school, we fail to appreciate them until some occasion like this
+impresses them upon our minds. But I declare, Howard, we are turning
+philosophers."</p>
+
+<p>"What better can we do, when there is nothing else to employ ourselves
+about? We need all our philosophy at such a time."</p>
+
+<p>"But we must not forget our patient, Shasta."</p>
+
+<p>"True. He had gone almost out of my mind until you referred to him a
+moment ago. Let us look at him."</p>
+
+<p>The two had been stationed near the lower end of the island, and they
+now walked back to where they had left the suffering stranger. What was
+their surprise to see him standing on his feet, his blanket wrapped
+around him, and his attitude and position such as to raise a strong
+suspicion that he understood all that had taken place within the last
+hour or two.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>A HUNT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Tim O'Rooney left the island and crossed to the eastern shore of
+the Salinas he had almost forgotten the existence of any such thing as
+hostile Indians. He was after something to eat, and some how or other it
+seemed to him that the climate of California had given him a most
+ravenous appetite, which demanded satisfaction regardless of
+consequences.</p>
+
+<p>Touching land, he pulled his canoe up the bank to prevent its being
+carried away by the current, and then plunged boldly into the forest.
+The land from the river rose quite rapidly until it reached an elevation
+of several hundred feet, when it was broken by gorges, ravines and
+chasms, which made it rattier difficult to travel, and gave it an
+extremely wild and picturesque appearance.</p>
+
+<p>Fairly among these broken hills, Tim began to look for his game, but for
+a time saw nothing to draw his fire. Finally he reached a wild-looking
+gorge which descended over a hundred feet below him, while upon the
+opposite side it rose to a greater height than the place upon which he
+stood.</p>
+
+<p>The Irishman was so struck with the wild scenery that he stood a few
+moments contemplating it in silent admiration, when all at once he
+became conscious that something else beside himself was engaged in
+looking. Directly across the gorge, so as to be almost opposite to him,
+he saw the head of an animal which he recognized at once as belonging to
+a black-tailed deer.</p>
+
+<p>"Be the powers! but you're jist the gintleman that I'd like to make an
+acquaintance with, as me mither said when me father axed her hand in
+marriage."</p>
+
+<p>Tim drew his rifle carefully and rested it upon a rock beside him. The
+deer gazed at him with that expression of stupid wonder which wild
+animals assume when confronted with something, and they seem to be
+debating with themselves whether to leap away at high speed or to stare
+a moment longer.</p>
+
+<p>The distance was so slight that Tim was sure of his aim. Nevertheless,
+he took great care in sighting his piece, and as his finger gently
+pressed the trigger, he held his breath. The bullet sped true, entering
+just below and between the eyes, and with such deadly effect that the
+mortally wounded deer sprung several feet in the air and fell dead
+within a rod of the spot where it had stood when struck.</p>
+
+<p>"That is plaisant," muttered the Irishman, as he saw the animal fall,
+"and yez hav the distinguished honor of baing the first deer that Tim
+O'Rooney brought down; but yez ain't the first he fired at&mdash;but whist,
+Tim, don't be telling your secrets, for somebody else might larn them."</p>
+
+<p>He now began making his way carefully down the gorge in order to ascend
+upon the opposite side and secure his prize. He had no thought that the
+report of his gun could reach the ears of hostile persons, and he did
+not heed anything except the place and manner in which he put his feet
+in going down and up the ravine.</p>
+
+<p>After no little toiling he reached the dead body, and found that he had
+shot a rather small black-tailed deer. It was in middling condition, and
+was the very prize he was anxious to secure for his hungry self and
+equally hungry friends.</p>
+
+<p>As he stood admiring it, for the first time the thought of personal
+danger crossed his mind, and he glanced hurriedly around him, but saw
+nothing to occasion alarm. Then he leaned forward and gazed down the
+gorge, and as he did so he descried three Indians looking up the side of
+the chasm. Slight as was the distance his head projected, it was seen by
+them, and he only drew it back to escape the effect of three discharges
+of their guns.</p>
+
+<p>"And that is your shtyle of saluting a gintleman is it?" said Tim in
+some trepidation. "But yez has a forcible way of saying 'how do yez do,'
+in this counthry, that a stranger would do well to imitate."</p>
+
+<p>The Irishman hastily debated with himself upon the best plan to pursue
+to escape the serious peril that threatened him, for he was sure the
+savages would follow up their shot.</p>
+
+<p>"The best thing I can do is to lave," he concluded. "There is strong
+raison for belaving that I've given some one slight offinse by walking
+into their house without ringing the bell."</p>
+
+<p>He stooped over and lifted his game. He found its weight somewhat less
+than he had suspected.</p>
+
+<p>"I have no objiction to your going wid me. If I has to have the same
+dispute about ivery deer I tips over, I may as well hang on to the fust
+one."</p>
+
+<p>Slinging it over his shoulder, he began his return with the carcass. It
+proved beneficial to him in a way that he had little suspected. Not
+wishing to go any further down the gorge, where there was reason to fear
+a collision with the savages, he clambered still higher, taking great
+care to shield himself from observation from below.</p>
+
+<p>This made his labor excessive, and he was often obliged to pause and
+rest himself. But at length he reached what might be termed the brow of
+the hill, and began making his way along the edge of a smaller ravine,
+that led toward the river. While thus engaged, the body of the deer
+struck a projecting rock, and before Tim could save himself he rolled
+over and over for a distance of twenty odd feet, coming down plump upon
+the deer without injuring himself in the least.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm obliged to yez," he said, as he rose and stared around with a
+bewildered air. "That was kind in yez, and I'll not forget the favor."</p>
+
+<p>Again raising his carcass to his shoulder, he resumed his journey toward
+the river. But as he progressed the weight upon his shoulder seemed to
+grow heavier, and he was obliged to pause and rest himself quite often.
+On these occasions he looked around him half-expecting to see the three
+savages spring out of the bushes.</p>
+
+<p>If such a thing should occur, Tim had already decided upon his mode of
+procedure. He intended to sink to the ground at once, with the body of
+the deer as a sheltering breastwork, and make as gallant fight as
+possible. His success in bringing down his game, when it was fully fifty
+yards distant, gave him quite a flattering estimate of his prowess.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians, as the Irishman had anticipated, hastened up the gorge to
+secure the daring hunter, who had so audaciously exposed himself to
+their anger. It required some time for them to find the exact spot where
+the deer had fallen, and when they did so, they followed him readily by
+the blood which had trickled from its drooping head, which as Tim bore
+his prize away he little dreamed would betray the course he took.</p>
+
+<p>When the point of Tim's fall was reached, all signs of his trail ceased,
+and they supposed he had checked the flow of blood, and thus concealed
+his tracks. The surface over which he traversed being rock and flinty
+ground, left no evidence of his passage; and resigning, therefore, the
+pursuit in this manner, they made their way leisurely down to the river
+and waited until the hunter appeared.</p>
+
+<p>Tim's heart beat high with hope when he found himself close by the
+stream and saw nothing of his pursuers. The hasty signal given by Elwood
+Brandon, as we have shown, caused him some uneasiness, but not being
+repeated, and being very anxious to get back to the island, he placed
+the deer in the canoe and paddled away.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>A SINGULAR ESCAPE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The shot from the treacherous Indian upon the shore was the first
+intelligent warning Tim had that he was discovered by them. The kind
+Providence who had so often turned aside the dangerous missile still
+protected him, and when he so suddenly dropped to the bottom of his
+canoe, it was with a bullet-hole through his coat but not through his
+body.</p>
+
+<p>"Another illigant compliment to mesilf that it would afford me great
+pleasure to return, and if you'll only be kind enough to wait a few
+moments, I'll do the same."</p>
+
+<p>But ere he could bring his gun to bear, the wild shot from the island
+drove the savages to cover, and raised the Irishman's finger that was
+pressing the trigger.</p>
+
+<p>We have already told how, when he undertook to use the paddle, he found
+it too dangerous, and coming again behind the deer, he floated down the
+current. This, after the severe labor he had undergone, was an agreeable
+change, but he was not long in discovering it was dangerous. He was
+drifting away from his friends, and the further he went the greater did
+the danger become to both parties. He speedily discovered that the
+Indians were following him, and the interposing body of the black-tailed
+deer was a most effectual protection. More than his own bullets were
+buried in it ere he had gone a half-mile down stream.</p>
+
+<p>"If I entertained a small doubt that yez was killed, I couldn't howld it
+with them bullets rattlin' in your hide, me owld friend."</p>
+
+<p>The efforts of a child, if steadily persevered in, would move the Great
+Eastern in calm water, and Tim was not long in making the discovery
+that, if he could not use the paddle, he still was able to exert a
+motive power upon the canoe by a very slight means.</p>
+
+<p>Reaching his hand over the side, he began paddling the water, and soon
+had the gratifying consciousness that he was moving across the river.
+True, it was slow, but it was nevertheless certain and positive, and was
+carrying him further away from his troublesome pursuers, and must
+eventually bring him against the western shore.</p>
+
+<p>But when the island disappeared from view, and he had barely crossed the
+center of the stream, he begun to think that this species of locomotion
+was rather tardy, and he partially came to the sitting position and
+ventured to take his paddle in hand. A discharge from the shore warned
+him of the danger he ran, and he was reluctantly forced to drop his head
+again and resort to his tedious method of moving.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the afternoon was well advanced, and it looked as though it
+would be fully dark before Tim could regain the ground he had lost. Now
+and then he peered over the top of the deer to see whether he could
+possibly catch sight of his acquaintances, but they whisked from cover
+to cover so dexterously that he had not the encouragement even to hope
+for success, and so he did not fire.</p>
+
+<p>But a new fear took possession of the fugitive. If they were Indians, it
+was to be expected that they had canoes somewhere, and if they were
+speedily found, he would as speedily be overhauled.</p>
+
+<p>"In which case Tim O'Rooney will lose his daar, and be the same towken
+lose himself, and the boys won't get their dinner."</p>
+
+<p>He squinted at the sun, now low in the sky, and quickly asked himself:</p>
+
+<p>"If a man doesn't git his dinner, and ates half-way atween noon and
+midnight, is it his dinner or supper? But that is a mighty question, is
+the same."</p>
+
+<p>He evidently concluded it was too vast for him to decide, for he
+speedily dismissed it and turned his attention to that which more nearly
+concerned him. Still toiling with his hand, much in the same manner that
+a child would dabble in the water, he kept up the tardy movement of the
+canoe until he began to grow fearless again, and he took his paddle once
+more.</p>
+
+<p>Now, when it was almost too late, he found that he could use it without
+danger to himself. By bending his body forward, the deer protected him
+and he could labor with impunity.</p>
+
+<p>"Tim O'Rooney, I fears yez are lacking in the iliments which go to make
+up a mon of sense. Why didn't yez think of this when it would have done
+yez more good?"</p>
+
+<p>When he was yet within a few yards of shore, he looked back and was not
+a little frightened to see that the savages had launched a canoe and
+were coming across the river with the speed of the swallow.</p>
+
+<p>"Whisht now! but that is onexpected," said he, as he redoubled his own
+exertions. Observing that his pursuers were rapidly gaining, he suddenly
+recalled an artifice that he had seen practiced during his experience in
+the mines years before. Catching up his rifle, he aimed it at the
+advancing Indians.</p>
+
+<p>Quick as a flash they ducked their heads and held up the two paddles
+they were using as a protection against the expected bullet. But it was
+not Tim's purpose to fire. He knew better than to do that, for ere he
+could have reloaded they would have been upon him.</p>
+
+<p>The minute they stooped he lowered his gun and caught up his paddle and
+used it furiously. In this he was imitated by the Indians, whose
+superior skill sent their frail vessel forward with such velocity that
+it looked as if they would reach the shore but a short distance behind
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Again he raised his gun, and as before they attempted to screen
+themselves from danger, while the next impulse of his paddle sent his
+canoe high up the bank, and he sprung out and plunged into the woods.</p>
+
+<p>Tim O'Rooney had no thought of the particular manner in which he was to
+effect his escape. His one desire was to get away from them. The
+probabilities are that, beyond all doubt, he would have been speedily
+overtaken and slain but for one of those singular occurrences which do
+not happen to a man more than once in a life-time, and which seem to
+show unmistakably that Providence often interferes directly in favor of
+the innocent and distressed.</p>
+
+<p>He had run perhaps a couple of hundred yards, or thereabouts, when a
+peculiar whoop from his pursuers announced that they had landed and were
+now coming speedily behind him. He knew that he had no chance in
+running, and was looking about him for some place in which to take
+shelter, when a furious growl startled him and he found himself within a
+dozen feet from enormous grizzly bear. This quadruped seemed anxious for
+a fight, for he came straight at the fugitive, who might certainly be
+excused for being dazed at the combination of dangers by which he was
+surrounded.</p>
+
+<p>That of the grizzly bear was the greatest; for with mouth open and his
+red tongue lolling out he came fiercely at him. His gait was awkward and
+shambling, but he managed to get over the ground very rapidly. Indeed,
+the danger was so imminent that Tim, seeing there was no choice, raised
+his gun and fired at the monster.</p>
+
+<p>The bullet struck him near the head, but it did not kill him, nor did it
+cause him to fall, but it bewildered him, and he rose on his hind feet
+and clawed the air as if the bullet was a splinter and he was seeking to
+pluck it from his flesh.</p>
+
+<p>This bewilderment was the means of Tim being saved. Before the animal
+had entirely recovered, he had darted out of sight, and when the Indians
+came up the bear was just in "fighting trim," and immediately made at
+them. Consequently they were compelled to give over all thoughts of the
+flying hunter and attend to their own personal safety. What the final
+result was Tim never learned, and we cannot speak with certainty.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>SHASTA'S HUNT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>If the Pah Utah in the extremity of his suffering had been betrayed into
+the extraordinary weakness of manifesting it, he now seemed anxious to
+make amends for the humiliating fact. It may have been that among his
+own people he would have restrained those utterances which declared his
+agony, and borne the utmost with the stoicism of his race; but knowing
+that civilization does not teach such outward indifference to pain, he
+had adopted the surest means to reach the sympathy of the white
+strangers; or, if we may conjecture still further, the consciousness of
+the instinctive feud between the American and Caucasian race told him
+that the plan he took was the only one that offered safety to himself.
+What reason had he to believe that the hunters were kind of heart? If he
+hid his distress, would he not be treated as a well Indian? And was
+there any but the one common ground upon which the two races met?</p>
+
+<p>But the fever had passed and he was himself again. True, he was still
+feeble, and his limbs trembled at times like those of an old man; but
+the disease had gone, and the stern, unbending will had resumed its
+sway. He was not a child, but he was Shasta, the Pah Utah Indian.</p>
+
+<p>The inexperience of Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence with these
+strange people made this savage an enigma to them. As he stood with his
+arms folded, his blanket wrapped around him, his long black hair
+streaming over his shoulders, and the mingling of the paint on his crown
+and over his face, and his midnight eyes fixed upon them, it was hard
+indeed to conjecture the thoughts filtrating through his brain.</p>
+
+<p>But there is a language in which the human heart can speak&mdash;that of
+emotion. The boys felt no fear&mdash;ingratitude is not an element of the
+savage character, though sad to say it is sometimes manifested among us
+of greater moral pretensions.</p>
+
+<p>He looked at them as they came up and paused a few feet from him.</p>
+
+<p>"You seem to be better?" asked Elwood, feeling it incumbent that he
+should make some remark, even though it was incomprehensible to their
+dusky friend. He muttered something and then stretched out his arms as
+if to show that he had recovered from his illness.</p>
+
+<p>At this point Terror went up to the savage and snuffed around him, as if
+to satisfy himself of his identity. The latter laid his hand upon his
+knife and watched the dog narrowly, but he appeared to judge the animal
+by the company, and quietly removed his hand and folded his arms again.</p>
+
+<p>He stood thus a moment, when he pointed to the eastern shore and then
+down the river, nodding his head and gesticulating somewhat excitedly.
+The boys in return nodded, which satisfied the aborigine. All at once he
+moved off and strode rapidly to the other side of the island, where he
+drew forth a tiny canoe and shoved it into the water.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<a name="illus2" id="illus2"></a>
+<img src="images/illus2.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<h3>"<span class="smcap">The Indian drew forth a tiny canoe and shoved it into
+the water</span>"</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+
+<p>When it was launched he turned again toward his friends, and looking
+steadily at them a moment, once more pointed down stream, sprang into
+the boat and dipped his paddle first upon one side and then upon the
+other.</p>
+
+<p>It was a sight to see him manage the canoe! It seemed made to contain a
+single person, and the way it skimmed over the water was a perfect
+marvel to the spectators. It appeared fairly to fly, scarcely touching
+the water, while human art could not have exceeded the skill with which
+he managed the paddle. He sat as motionless as a statue, like the
+artistic violinist. It could not be seen that he raised his arms above
+the elbow.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was just going over the western hills, and the reflection of the
+water as it flashed and rippled from his paddle gave a fairy-like
+appearance to the Indian as he sped down stream that was pleasing to the
+last degree.</p>
+
+<p>"What does that mean?" asked Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"It means that he is going to the rescue of Tim."</p>
+
+<p>"If he goes after him he will bring him back. Just see the way in which
+he manages that canoe! It is worth going a hundred miles to see!"</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt he has practiced it long enough."</p>
+
+<p>"But what of our remaining here?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see how it can be helped."</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose those Indians that have followed Tim take it into their heads
+to pay us a visit?"</p>
+
+<p>"He will take all their attention, if Shasta concludes to have a part in
+the matter, and they won't have time to think of us."</p>
+
+<p>"But suppose they <i>do</i> come back here?"</p>
+
+<p>"We must be prepared at any rate; but don't let the thought make us
+uneasy. We have two good guns, and Terror would be worth half a dozen
+men if we get into close quarters."</p>
+
+<p>"He may be all that; but a rifle-shot could quickly stretch him out
+lifeless. It won't do for us to go to sleep until Tim or Shasta come
+back."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not. I do not feel like it, even if we were satisfied that it
+was safe for us to do so."</p>
+
+<p>"Look at Shasta!"</p>
+
+<p>The Indian was far down the stream, still speeding with his
+extraordinary velocity, using his arms as though they would never tire.</p>
+
+<p>"So sick a few hours ago!"</p>
+
+<p>"Well enough now."</p>
+
+<p>"Didn't you notice how he trembled?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; he is still weak, but an Indian soon recovers himself."</p>
+
+<p>"All he needed was the root which he chewed and which cured him almost
+immediately. These savages are what you call Thomsonians I suppose."</p>
+
+<p>"They are the original ones no doubt. I have heard that some of their
+medicine men are the most skillful of physicians."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; we hear all kinds of things about them. What stories we have read,
+and yet they don't look and act as I imagined they would. I thought they
+would suffer and die without showing the least pain, and yet Shasta
+wasn't anyways backward about it."</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt the poor fellow felt bad enough, and he hasn't got over it
+yet. You can tell that from his appearance."</p>
+
+<p>"It will take all his skill to help Tim. Just as like as not he will
+take Shasta for an enemy and shoot him."</p>
+
+<p>"If they only see each other before dark, so that Tim can understand
+that he has a friend at work."</p>
+
+<p>"But you see it is nearly dark now, and it is likely he is in the woods
+by this time."</p>
+
+<p>"What danger can he be in then?"</p>
+
+<p>"The Indians may cross over to follow him."</p>
+
+<p>They were silent a while when Elwood suddenly exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose Shasta is an enemy and has gone to help his people?"</p>
+
+<p>Howard shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"No fear of that. That is the last thing that can occur."</p>
+
+<p>The night gradually deepened and proved to be quite dark, a faint moon
+shedding a luster that made the dim light more impressive. The boys
+walked back and forth, watching and listening for some evidence of the
+approach of their friends, and gradually becoming apprehensive despite
+the attempt each made to cheer the spirits of the other.</p>
+
+<p>It was not until quite late that Terror gave utterance to a low, warning
+growl, and as they looked across the river they descried a dark object
+cautiously approaching.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" whispered Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"It is too dark to tell; but it can't be Tim or Shasta for it's coming
+from the wrong direction."</p>
+
+<p>"Aisy now, Mr. Shasta, aisy I say, for the boys may be asleep and we
+won't come upon them too sudden't like, as me uncle said when he sat on
+a barrel of gun-powder and it blowed up with him. Aisy, Mr. Shasta,
+aisy!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE NIGHT VOYAGE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The indistinct object gradually took shape, and the boys then saw Shasta
+sitting in his small canoe, while directly behind him was Tim O'Rooney,
+his left hand extended backward and grasping the prow of his own boat,
+which was being towed by the Indian.</p>
+
+<p>The next moment the foremost lightly touched the shore and the savage
+sprung out, quickly followed by the Irishman.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg yez pardon, boys, for the time I tuk to git your dinner; but to
+shpake the thruth, I was unavoidably detained, as me brother writ me
+when he was locked up in Tipperary jail on his way to visit me."</p>
+
+<p>"We are glad enough to see you again, but where is your game?"</p>
+
+<p>"Worrah, worrah, but I had bad luck wid it. When I tuk it ashore, I sat
+it down for a minit, and I hadn't the time to pick it up again."</p>
+
+<p>"But tell us all about it."</p>
+
+<p>This was quickly done, up to the point where Tim was saved by the timely
+appearance of the grizzly bear, when, as may well be supposed, the
+expressions of wonder were loud and continued.</p>
+
+<p>"You saw nothing more of your pursuers?" asked Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"Not a bit&mdash;nor be the same towken do I think they saw me."</p>
+
+<p>"How did you and Shasta meet?"</p>
+
+<p>"That was shtrange, was the same. After I found I was cl'ar of the
+varmints, from the raisin that their exclusive attention was occupied by
+the b'ar, I stopped and went to thinking&mdash;did I. I could saa the great
+necessity of our having me own canoe and I went back to whom I left the
+same. It took me some time to find it, and when I did find it, it wasn't
+it, but the one that belonged to the red gintlemen.</p>
+
+<p>"There was little difference atwixt the two and I thought the best thing
+was to make a thrade, and just as I thought that I spied another canoe
+coming along the shore as though it was looking for something. I stepped
+back and raised the hammer of my gun, when I obsarved there was but one
+Injin in the same&mdash;was there. So, 'Tim,' says I, ''twould be a shame,'
+and I lowered me gun agin.</p>
+
+<p>"Just then, and fur the life of me I don't know what put it into me
+head, I thought it was Shasta, though I knowed I had lift him with a big
+pain all through him. So I give a low whistle like, and called out
+'Shasta,' and with one whip of his paddle he sent his canoe right at my
+faat, though I was sure he didn't saa me, and then waited fur me to step
+in.</p>
+
+<p>"But he's a quaar fellow, is Shasta," added Tim. "I rached out me hand
+to shake his own, but he never noticed it, but motioned fur me to stow
+mesilf into the bottom of the canoe; and thin, after some muttering and
+throwing of his arms, I could saa he wanted me to howld on to the other
+canoe."</p>
+
+<p>"And I did the same, and the way he towed us over the water would have
+frightened a steamboat."</p>
+
+<p>"He is a smart fellow, indeed."</p>
+
+<p>The Indian upon landing had just pulled his canoe slightly up the bank
+and then had gone at once to the opposite side of the island where he
+had lain when sick. They could see him walking slowly back and forth us
+if searching for something which he had some difficulty in finding.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, boys, I shpose you are hungry," said Tim, "If yez isn't I begins
+to howld a very strong suspicion that it's meself that is."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Elwood, "we are both very hungry, but we had little
+appetite so long as we knew you were in danger."</p>
+
+<p>"It was very kind of yez to restrain your appetite out of respict to me,
+and I'll not forgit to do the same when yez git into throuble."</p>
+
+<p>"We can afford to go supperless to-night," remarked Howard, "and feast
+on the contemplation of our good fortune. There was a time when our
+prospects looked pretty dark."</p>
+
+<p>"Yis, sir; you may well say that. When I had the big bear walking at me
+from one direction and the three red gintlemen from the other, I thought
+to mesilf what a shplendid opportunity there was for the illigant
+exercise of one's idaas. But it was all the doings of the good Lord
+above," added Tim very reverently.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; there can be no doubt of that," replied Howard. "He has cared for
+us all the time."</p>
+
+<p>Tim now gave an account of his adventures in his hunt after the deer,
+previous to when he was first seen from the island. When he had finished
+Elwood asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Are we to stay here over night?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think not, but I defers to the judgment of Mr. Shasta. It's just as
+he says about it."</p>
+
+<p>"He appears to be taken up with something over yonder."</p>
+
+<p>"He is searching for some object that he left when he made up his mind
+to get well," said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"He must know all that has occurred, for when we came back from watching
+you, there he stood with his arms folded, and a look in his eye that
+said he understood more about matters and things than we imagined he
+did."</p>
+
+<p>"He must know that we are in danger so long as we are upon this island,
+and I should think he would leave it while it is dark."'</p>
+
+<p>"Do yez rest on that pint?" said Tim. "The red gintlemen will attind to
+the same&mdash;will he."</p>
+
+<p>At this juncture the Pah Utah was observed walking slowly toward them,
+his long blanket grasped at the breast by his left hand, while his right
+was free. As soon as he came up he pointed at the canoes and muttered
+something.</p>
+
+<p>"What does he mean?" asked Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"Terror understands him better than we do," replied Howard, as the
+Newfoundland sprung into the larger boat and nestled down near the
+stern.</p>
+
+<p>Our friends were not long in imitating the action of the dog. Tim made
+as if to step into the Indian's boat, but he motioned him back, and took
+his seat in the front of the larger canoe. The savage now produced a
+cord, probably the tendon of some wild animal, with which he speedily
+fastened the prow of the larger canoe to the stem of his own.</p>
+
+<p>This done he turned the head down stream and began using his paddle with
+the same wonderful dexterity he had displayed during the afternoon. The
+boys watched and admired his skill for a long time. The faint moon
+barely revealed the shores on either hand, stretching away in misty
+gloom, while all before and behind them was darkness.</p>
+
+<p>The muscular arms of Shasta appeared to be as tireless as the
+piston-rods of an engine, and at last our friends grow weary of watching
+him. The boys became drowsy, and they finally lay down in the bottom of
+the boat, with their blanket over them, and went to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of an hour Tim did the same, and the Pah Utah was this
+left alone to ply the canoe, the Newfoundland now and then raising his
+head and looking over the edge as if to satisfy himself that all was
+right.</p>
+
+<p>Once near the middle of the night Elwood awoke, and pushing his blanket
+from his face, raised himself on his elbow and looked around. The same
+picture met his eye&mdash;the dark-hued Shasta, his long hair streaming over
+his shoulders, the blanket down to his waist, and his bronzed arms
+working with the silence, skill and regularity of a perfect machine.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>A PAH UTAH'S METHOD OF FISHING.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The gray light of dawn was spreading over the wood and river when Elwood
+Brandon again opened his eyes. He was somewhat startled to see nothing
+of the Pah Utah, although his canoe was still in the advance; but a
+second look showed that they were resting against the bank, and the
+Indian lay asleep in the front of his boat, his body and face covered
+entirely by his somber-hued blanket.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt he needs rest, and so I will not wake him!" was Elwood's
+thought, as he carefully raised himself to the sitting position. But he
+had scarcely moved when the end of Shasta's blanket was raised, and the
+boy saw his dark eyes fixed inquiringly upon him. Satisfied that there
+was nothing wrong the blanket dropped again and all was still.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood now looked around. Howard was sleeping soundly, his feet resting
+against the shaggy sides of Terror, who was equally oblivious to the
+external world. There could be no doubt of Tim's somnolence for he gave
+unmistakable evidence of it. The light was just sufficient to afford a
+distinct view of the other shore, and in the clear summer air of the
+morning it had a cool appearance, very pleasing and refreshing to the
+eye.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood, of course, had no knowledge of the distance they had come during
+the night; but he believed Shasta had not slept more than an hour or
+two, and that as a consequence they were many miles from their starting
+point&mdash;far enough at any rate to make them perfectly easy regarding the
+troublesome visitors of yesterday.</p>
+
+<p>He noticed the peculiar character of the place in which Shasta had run
+the canoe. It was a small indentation covered with overhanging limbs and
+shrubbery in such manner that while the whites could peer out upon the
+river there was no danger of their being seen by any passers-by, unless
+particular suspicion was directed toward the spot.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood's limbs were so cramped from the forced position in which he had
+lain during the night, that he concluded there could be no harm in
+stepping ashore to yawn and stretch himself. Of course he would take
+good care not to wander away from the boat, as he had seen the danger of
+secession in a small party like theirs. As he was stepping over the
+canoe he saw Shasta looking at him so intently that he paused. The Pah
+Utah nodded, but made a rather odd gesture, which Elwood took as a
+caution not to wander away. He nodded assent and stepped out upon the
+land. At this juncture Howard awoke and followed him.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we try and hunt something for breakfast?" asked Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"Tim's troubles have proved that it is hardly safe; I think we had
+better leave all such matters to Shasta."</p>
+
+<p>This was good advice certainly, and the boys acted upon it. They walked
+up and down the banks of the river admiring the beautiful scenery, but
+seeing nothing of wild animals. They heard the whirr of a flock of birds
+overhead, alarmed by the apparition of two human beings, but the
+luxuriant vegetation allowed but a glimpse of them as they shot away.</p>
+
+<p>While a few rods distant, they heard the discharge of a rifle, and in no
+little trepidation they hastened back to their friends. They were
+relieved by finding that it had been done by Tim O'Rooney for the
+purpose of affording a means of ignition to some sticks and leaves. He
+and the Pah Utah were on shore, making as much preparation for their
+breakfast as though they had a dozen men to provide for.</p>
+
+<p>"What does yez think of it?" asked Tim.</p>
+
+<p>"All very well, but where is your breakfast?"</p>
+
+<p>The Irishman jerked his thumb in a very significant manner toward
+Shasta.</p>
+
+<p>"You don't mean to eat him," laughed Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"Git out wid yer nonsense!" retorted Tim. "He and meself have been
+talking together, and we've fixed the whole thing."</p>
+
+<p>"What language did you use?"</p>
+
+<p>"This kind of talk."</p>
+
+<p>And the Irishman explained himself by several extravagant but
+meaningless gestures.</p>
+
+<p>The fire being nicely burning, Shasta took some white crumbs from a sort
+of receptacle in his hunting-shirt, stepped carefully into the canoe,
+and then gently dropped them upon the surface of the water. Our friend
+watched his movements with interest.</p>
+
+<p>Leaning carefully over the boat, he curved his arm and held his closed
+fingers so that they were just within the water, looking down into the
+stream all the time with the fixedness of gaze that characterizes the
+hawk when about to dart downward after his prey.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a flight ripple was heard, and before either of the three on
+shore comprehended what he was doing, something flashed before their
+gaze, and a plump, glistening fish, fully two pounds in weight, lay
+floundering at their feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Capital!" shouted Elwood in his excitement, and he was proceeding to
+pay the Pah Utah several highly flavored compliments, when he raised his
+hand as a warning for them to remain quiet. Bending still further over
+the canoe, he soon thrust his hand beneath, and with the same
+lightning-like quickness flung a still larger fish up the bank. This was
+continued for some time, until he had five fine plump-looking fellows
+all shining and fresh, waiting for the hungry stomachs.</p>
+
+<p>They had an abundance of food, and its preparation now only remained.
+Here Shasta displayed his remarkable culinary skill. With his keen-edged
+hunting-knife he slitted the fish, excepting Terror's portion, which of
+course was devoured raw, the entire length of the bodies, and throwing
+aside the superfluous portion, then skewered them upon some green prongs
+in such a manner that they were completely flat, and the entire internal
+and external surface exposed.</p>
+
+<p>The fire, which had been burning some time, was now raked down until
+several square feet of live red coals lay bare, when one of the fish was
+held down within a few inches. As soon as one side was thoroughly cooked
+the other was turned under, and after this same fashion the four were
+most speedily and thoroughly prepared for the palate.</p>
+
+<p>"Luxurious!" exclaimed Howard, as he took his prize and buried his teeth
+in its flesh. "It is cooked to perfection&mdash;a trifle of pepper and salt
+would make this the best dish I ever tasted."</p>
+
+<p>"I never enjoyed a meal more," replied Elwood. "But when I come to
+think, the first one I tasted in California was nearly as good as this."</p>
+
+<p>Tim was too much engaged to take time for conversation. He waited until
+he had filled himself to repletion, when he gave a great sigh of relief
+and remarked:</p>
+
+<p>"I ain't hungry&mdash;not a bit; I've lost me appetite very quickly. Mr.
+Shasta, you're an excellent cook&mdash;worthy of the honor of attending to
+the wants of Timothy O'Rooney, Esquire."</p>
+
+<p>The Pah Utah paid no heed to this praise, but contented himself with
+devouring his fish, which he did until he had all that he wished, when
+from some hidden recess he produced a beautifully carved Indian pipe.</p>
+
+<p>"There I'm wid yees agin," remarked Tim, as he replenished his own. "The
+pipe is very soothin' to one's faalings after sevare labor, as me
+brother's wife used to say after whacking a few hours wid her
+broomstick&mdash;what is your opinion upon the same, Mr. Shasta?"</p>
+
+<p>The Indian nodded his head and murmured some unintelligible reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Precisely," assented Tim, as he puffed forth a thick volume of smoke;
+"that's me own idaas exactly, and the boys here will bear me witness
+that I've always contended for the same."</p>
+
+<p>"What's that?" asked Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"Ax him," replied Tin, nodding his head toward his dusky friend. "He's
+able to explain better nor is meself."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>A NIGHT DISTURBANCE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Neither the Pah Utah nor the Irishman were disposed to make a move until
+they had finished their "smoke," and both of them whiffed as leisurely
+as though they had contracted to spend several hours thus. Howard and
+Elwood passed the time in walking around the woods and along the stream,
+taking particular care not to go beyond sight of Shasta, whose black
+orbs they could see attentively following their movements.</p>
+
+<p>"All aboord!" shouted Tim at the expiration of an hour or so, and the
+boys hurried down to the "wharf" with as much alacrity as if they had
+heard the last bell of the steamer.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian stood upon the shore with a look of inquiry. He pointed up
+stream and then down.</p>
+
+<p>"He is inquiring which way we wish to go," said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"That, is strange, after bringing us so many miles from the island."</p>
+
+<p>Elwood pointed down stream, but Shasta was not satisfied; he wished to
+know something more. He described several circles, terminating each time
+by pointing to the north. All three looked inquiringly at one other's
+faces. They could not comprehend his meaning.</p>
+
+<p>"What does he wish to say?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I cannot tell."</p>
+
+<p>"He wants us to travel the rest of the way by turning summersits."</p>
+
+<p>Seeing that he was not understood, the Pah Utah took the paddle from the
+canoe and made in the air as if he were impelling the boat, then
+pausing, he again pointed to the north, and took several long strides in
+that direction, as though he were going to walk a long distance.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood's eyes sparkled.</p>
+
+<p>"I know what, he means! I know what he means!"</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"He wishes to ask whether we want to <i>go a good ways</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>"You are right," replied Howard. "He doesn't know whether we are hunting
+in these parts, and wish to stay in the neighborhood, or whether we are
+hurrying home as fast as we can."</p>
+
+<p>Shasta's motions and signs were imitated as nearly as possible, and he
+nodded his head and muttered something doubtless to signify that he was
+satisfied. Terror whisked into the canoe and took his position in the
+prow, while his three masters, if a dog can own that many, arranged
+themselves behind him. The tendon still united the two boats, and one
+sweep of Pah Utah's paddle sent the two far out into the river, where he
+began his work.</p>
+
+<p>For a time our friends gave themselves up to the enjoyment of this
+pleasant motion. At each dip of the paddle, or contraction of the iron
+muscles of Shasta, they could feel the canoe jump forward as does a
+steamboat under the throbs of the mighty engine. At the same time the
+motion was light and airy, as if the boat were skimming over the very
+surface. Indeed, by shutting the eyes and feeling the light wind fanning
+the temples, it was easy to imagine that they were borne through the air
+by some great bird whose wings could be felt to pulsate beneath them.</p>
+
+<p>"Look at that machinery!" exclaimed Howard. "Did you ever see anything
+like it? Not an ounce of superfluous flesh upon him. See how the muscles
+swell and ridge, and yet he doesn't swerve his body a hair's breadth to
+the right or left."</p>
+
+<p>"He can 'paddle his own canoe,'" laughed Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"Look at those shoulders; they are perfect mountains of muscle, and
+those sinewy arm! His legs are fully as perfect, and I'll warrant he can
+run a dozen miles an hour for a whole day without getting tired. He
+would be a dangerous man to meet as an enemy."</p>
+
+<p>"And a good one as a friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I can hardly see what chances we would have had of reaching the
+mouth of the river without his help."</p>
+
+<p>"We had no chance unless we could join a party of hunters and induce
+them to go with us."</p>
+
+<p>"Boys," said Tim, looking hard at them, "it isn't right&mdash;isn't the
+same."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"That Mr. Shasta should tow us along in this shtyle, and we sit in the
+owld boat and permit him. No, it's wrong."</p>
+
+<p>The boys admitted that it looked hardly proper, whereupon Tim took the
+paddle and began plying it with all the skill of which he was master.
+The Pah Utah looked over his shoulder now and then with a strange
+expression, as if he were amused at the white man's furious efforts, but
+he did not abate his own labor in the least.</p>
+
+<p>Tim O'Rooney made a great deal of splashing, occasionally flirting a
+shower of spray over his friends as the paddle took an unexpected twist
+in his hand; but, as we have said before, he had had considerable
+experience in propelling a canoe, and he gave a little assistance to
+their dusky friend.</p>
+
+<p>When the sun was overhead, Shasta directed the prow of the boat toward
+the western bank, and they landed in a place somewhat resembling that of
+the morning. The boats were drawn upon land in the usual manner, by
+which they were concealed from the observation of any passing up or down
+stream.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian resorted to the same means by which he had caught the fish in
+the morning and with equal success. They were rather smaller, but none
+the less savory, either to man or brute. An hour sufficed to rest them
+all, and to give Shasta all the pleasure of his pipe that he wished,
+while Tim continued his after entering the canoe. Howard and Elwood made
+an essay with the paddle, but the result with the latter was that the
+instant he so cautiously thrust it beneath the surface, it was suddenly
+wrung from his hand, and in an instant left a rod or two astern. This
+necessitated a delay in order to pick it up, and the boys concluded to
+await another time to perfect themselves in the art of managing an
+Indian canoe.</p>
+
+<p>It was not until it was quite dark that they once more set foot upon
+land and kindled their fire. There was quite a strong wind blowing, and
+the chill of the air appeared to indicate that it came from the snowy
+peaks of the Coast Range. Fully an hour was taken in gathering wood,
+sticks, broken limbs and branches, for they had concluded to keep it
+burning until morning.</p>
+
+<p>The fire was kindled against the trunk of a giant sycamore, and as the
+flames waved up the shaggy bark the reflection upon the outstretched
+limbs and neighboring trees gave them a weird appearance that made the
+boys gather close to the somber-hued Pah Utah as though conscious of his
+ability to stand between them and evil.</p>
+
+<p>Tim and Shasta were leisurely smoking their pipes, and Howard and Elwood
+were conversing together in low tones of their homes and friends, when a
+quick bark from Terror, as he rose to his feet and looked in the
+darkness, drew all eyes in one direction. A score of flashing eyes,
+gleaming teeth, lank, restless bodies and greedy jaws announced, that a
+new danger threatened them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WOLVERINES.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Pah Utah was the only member of the party that did not manifest any
+alarm or excitement. Carelessly removing his pipe from his mouth, he
+turned his head, looked at the animals a moment, and then resumed
+smoking, without giving utterance to a single sound or changing his
+posture in the least.</p>
+
+<p>Tim O'Rooney, with an ejaculated prayer, caught up his rifle, and
+turning his back toward the fire, stood like a person driven at bay and
+waiting to decide in his mind the best way to strike his last blow. In
+his haste and alarm his pipe fell from his mouth and lay unheeded at his
+feet. Shasta quietly picked it up, handed it to him, and motioned for
+him to seat himself upon the ground again. Tim stared alternately at the
+animals, the Indian and his pipe, and finally gathered the idea that no
+imminent danger threatened them.</p>
+
+<p>Howard and Elwood also held their rifles ready for it charge from the
+growling wolverines, for such they were, while the Newfoundland growled
+in turn, and glared defiantly at them. The intelligent brute appeared to
+comprehend that it would not do for him to sally out and charge upon the
+enemy's works, but he stood ready to fight and die in the defense of his
+friends.</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't they attack us?" asked Elwood, seeing that they didn't
+advance nearer than a dozen feet.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you know that wild animals are afraid of fire? That is what
+restrains them."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course! I didn't think of that. How fortunate that we gathered
+enough wood to last!"</p>
+
+<p>"Just look at Shasta! He doesn't even stop smoking!"</p>
+
+<p>"He must know there is no danger."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us try our guns upon them!"</p>
+
+<p>The proposal pleased both, especially as there was no fear but what they
+could make every discharge tell. Each of them singled out two of the
+largest wolverines, and fired their guns at the same instant. An
+ear-splitting clamor succeeded, and as the brutes scampered away in the
+darkness two of their number were seen stretched out, quivering and
+dying.</p>
+
+<p>The wolverine is an animal found in California which unites the
+characteristics of the bear, weasel, fox and wolf. It is sullen and
+ferocious, and one of the most troublesome of the wood-denizens. When
+first seen it is apt to be mistaken for a small bear, or rather
+heavy-looking wolf. The sensuous neck and head bespeak the wolf and
+weasel nature, the sly persistency the fox, and the savage stubbornness
+that of the bear; while a resemblance to all four can be seen in the
+general contour, appearance and habits of the animal.</p>
+
+<p>Attracted, no doubt, by the smell of the cooking fish, a number of these
+brutes had slyly gathered and crept to the camp, where, finding their
+prey protected by the fire, they proclaimed their furious disappointment
+by loud howls&mdash;half bark and half yell&mdash;springing hither and thither
+among each other, sometimes vaulting over each other's backs, and
+darting as close to the bristling dog as their mortal dread of the fire
+would permit.</p>
+
+<p>Terror stood on the outskirts of the camp, occasionally moving forward
+toward the animals, as if to match his long white teeth and massive
+strength against their glittering fangs and treacherous ferocity.</p>
+
+<p>When the two guns were discharged the rest disappeared as if a bombshell
+had exploded in their midst; but scarcely a dozed seconds elapsed ere
+they closed together again, fiercer and more clamorous, if possible,
+than before.</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments the boys had their guns reloaded, and they immediately
+repeated their former proceeding with precisely the same result. At this
+point a surprising occurrence came to pass. The dead wolverines were
+pounced upon by their survivors and torn instantly to shreds, and even
+devoured with as much avidity as if they were Terror and his human
+companions.</p>
+
+<p>"Did you ever hear of such a thing?" asked Elwood, watching them in
+great amazement.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I have read of wolves doing the same, even when one of their
+number was not killed but only wounded slightly."</p>
+
+<p>"Any animals that act in that manner deserve death; so let's send a few
+more rifle-balls among them."</p>
+
+<p>"If we keep this up for a few hours I don't see that there will be any
+left, and we may rest in peace."</p>
+
+<p>"They will keep on gathering until there are twice that number. If it
+wasn't for our fire we should have to take to the trees; and what, then,
+would become of poor Terror?"</p>
+
+<p>"He will get into trouble as it is," said Howard, "if we don't keep an
+eye on him."</p>
+
+<p>The dog had continued advancing closer to the wolverines, until there
+was an imminent probability of a collision occurring between him and two
+of the largest, that sprung forward until they were within a few inches
+of him, when they darted back again to repeat the feint, seemingly with
+the purpose of drawing the Newfoundland further toward their clutches.</p>
+
+<p>Howard spoke sharply to Terror, but he paid no heed to the call. The boy
+repeated it with the same uselessness, and he was beginning to become
+seriously alarmed for his fate when Shasta laid down his pipe and rose
+to his feet. The eyes of the three were now centered upon him.</p>
+
+<p>The Pah Utah left his gun and blanket upon the ground, so that his arms
+and breast, excepting a few ornaments, were bare. He then drew his keen
+hunting-knife and held it rigidly grasped in his right hand. Stooping
+down, he caught a blazing brand with his left, swung it rapidly over his
+head a few times to give it additional blaze, and then darted away like
+a meteor directly among the wolverines. The latter scattered in greater
+terror than ever, but the Indian, instead of returning, actually
+followed them.</p>
+
+<p>The brand could only be seen flitting among the trees, its flaming glare
+giving a wild, unearthly appearance to the face and breast of the Savage
+as he sped swiftly in and out among the trunks and vegetation, like an
+avenger bent on destroying the entire band.</p>
+
+<p>One of the largest wolverines, in his wild fear, sprung so close to
+Elwood that his tail whisked against him. Ere he could clear himself the
+Indian burst upon him, his iron arm flashed out with lightning-like
+swiftness, the wire-like fingers caught the brute by the neck, and the
+knife was buried so deep in his throat that when he was thrown back he
+fell limp and dead to the ground. After which Shasta sat down upon the
+ground again, folded his blanket over his shoulders and appeared much
+occupied in contemplating the burning sticks before him.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Shasta, that was well done!" exclaimed Tim in admiration. "I very
+much doubt whether it could be excelled by your humble servant, the
+undersigned."</p>
+
+<p>"I very much doubt it also," said Elwood. "I shouldn't fancy chasing
+those animals with a firebrand."</p>
+
+<p>"No; if you should drop it or fall down unpleasant consequences might
+follow."</p>
+
+<p>The boys kept up their loading and firing among the wolverines until
+they had slain over a dozen. But instead of diminishing, the number
+continued to increase till there must have been nearly two-score
+growling, snapping and snarling around the camp-fire.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>SHASTA'S HUMOR.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The camp-fire was kept burning unremittingly until morning, and the
+wolverines as unceasingly continued their clamor, so that none of the
+parties secured a moment's sleep. The boys were signaled several times
+by Shasta to lie down, but they were too unaccustomed to such sights and
+sounds to permit them to do so with anything like peace; so they used
+their rifles upon the savage animals until prudence advised them to
+husband their ammunition until they had better use for it.</p>
+
+<p>Tim O'Rooney was fully as restless as they. He was in continual dread
+that some of the treacherous animals would steal up behind him and
+fasten their teeth so securely in him that they could not be shaken off.
+This uneasiness caused him ever to be shifting his position, now on one
+side the fire, now on the other&mdash;springing suddenly upward as though he
+already felt the nip of their fangs.</p>
+
+<p>The Pah Utah, at this time, displayed a grim humor, so exceptional with
+his people, as to be almost incredible, except to the boys who were
+witnesses to it. Believing such traits should be encouraged among all
+aborigines as an antidote for their melancholy dispositions, it gives us
+great pleasure to record it, and it will afford us far greater enjoyment
+to testify regarding any other such performances that may come under our
+notice.</p>
+
+<p>Tim was standing with his back toward the fire, and his hands,
+carelessly crossed behind him. He was intently watching the quarrelsome
+animals, and all thoughts of attack in the rear had for the time
+departed. Shasta leaned silently forward and lifted a small brand to
+relight his pipe, which had gone out some time before. As he was passing
+it back to the embers the red coal just grazed one of Tim's fingers,
+while at the same instant the Indian imitated the snarl of the wolverine
+so exactly that the follow was sure he was seized, and he made the most
+agile leap of his life.</p>
+
+<p>"Murther! murther! pull him off, Mr. Shasta, catch hold of him!"
+exclaimed the affrighted Irishman, springing wildly on every side of the
+fire, and striking with blind fierceness at the imaginary brute in his
+rear.</p>
+
+<p>Howard and Elwood laughed till the tears rolled down their cheeks. They
+had seen Shasta's trick and they could therefore appreciate it. Never a
+smile lit up the grim face of the Pah Utah. He continued leisurely
+smoking, his keen black eyes looking dreamily into the fire, as if lost
+in some pleasant reverie.</p>
+
+<p>But what of that? Who can doubt, that he laughed internally full as
+heartily as the youngsters? Who can tell what surges, and waves, and
+ripples of laughter went through and through him, until his whole being
+was absorbed in merriment?</p>
+
+<p>Finally Tim's terror passed away and he became comparatively quiet.</p>
+
+<p>"Worrah! worrah!" he exclaimed, panting from his severe exertions. "What
+a narra 'scape I had."</p>
+
+<p>"Did he really bite you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Bite me! Didn't ye see him fasten his teeth in me and hang on till I
+shuk him off?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; I didn't observe him."</p>
+
+<p>"Git out wid ye nonsense. But I felt him sure and it was meself that
+thought once he'd pull me off into the darkness and make me a prey to
+the beasts there&mdash;that I did think, did I."</p>
+
+<p>"No danger," remarked Howard, as he and his cousin were unable to
+restrain their laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"What be ye spalpeens laughing at?" indignantly demanded the Irishman.</p>
+
+<p>"But, Tim, are you sure you were not mistaken? We saw nothing of the
+kind," pursued Howard.</p>
+
+<p>The fellow looked too full of indignation to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"What is getting into your heads? Ye saam to be losing your sinses
+intirely."</p>
+
+<p>"And I can say I saw none of them touch you."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you was blind," was the indignant retort. "Ye harrd him sing out
+at me heels, didn't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, we heard them all the time, as we do now; but the one you
+imagined so close may have been a dozen feet distant."</p>
+
+<p>"<i>But he bit me!</i>" was the triumphant reply to this.</p>
+
+<p>"Where?"</p>
+
+<p>"On the hand."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us see the mark!"</p>
+
+<p>The boys arose and walked up to their friend, who bent over the fire,
+held his hand close to his face, turning it over and over and
+scrutinizing it with the closest attention. Concluding he was mistaken,
+he exchanged it for its fellow, which was subjected to an equally severe
+cross-examination. Still nothing confirmatory of his words could be
+found.</p>
+
+<p>The amazed Irishman now held up both his hands, turning them over and
+over and pressing them close to his face.</p>
+
+<p>"Do yees saa anything?" he abruptly asked, thrusting them toward the
+boys.</p>
+
+<p>They went through the form of a search for a scratch or a bite, but
+declared themselves unable to discover any.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you feel any pain?" asked Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I did," replied Tim, with a serious, puzzled look upon his
+countenance.</p>
+
+<p>"In what part of your body?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whisht!"</p>
+
+<p>He motioned to them to maintain silence, while he closed his eyes and
+waited for some evidence of the pain he had so sharply felt a few
+minutes before. As he stood thus, he stealthily brought each hand around
+in front of his face and subjected them to the same examination.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly his eye sparkled, and he held out his left:</p>
+
+<p>"That's the hand!" he exclaimed exultingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's see?" asked the boys, stepping up to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Yees'll find it somewhere there, if yees'll take the throuble to
+examine it closely."</p>
+
+<p>They did so, but declared themselves unable to find the wound.</p>
+
+<p>Tim finally showed a small red spot upon one of the fingers, which he
+affirmed was where the cruel tooth did bite him.</p>
+
+<p>"That cannot be, for the skin is not broken."</p>
+
+<p>"But it faals as if the same had been bit off."</p>
+
+<p>"It looks more like a burn," added Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>Tim now turned around and looked at the Pah Utah. The latter was smoking
+his pipe, as if unconscious of the presence of any being or animal near
+him. Perhaps they were mistaken, but Howard and Elwood always affirmed
+that they detected a twitching at the corners of his mouth, as if he
+were ready to explode with laughter.</p>
+
+<p>But if it was that, it was nothing more, and it manifested itself in no
+other manner. Tim gazed fixedly at him a moment, and then turning to the
+boys, asked in a whisper:</p>
+
+<p><i>"But didn't ye hear it snarrl at meself?"</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>AGAIN ON THE RIVER.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The Newfoundland, Terror, occasioned more apprehension to his friends
+than did anything else. They came to see that no personal danger
+threatened so long as the fire kept burning, and as there was an
+abundance of fuel, this settled that point; but the dog grew enraged at
+the furious uproar, which drove away all sleep, and appeared to give him
+fear that the entire party were in danger.</p>
+
+<p>Several times, when some of the wolverines came too close, he made a
+spring at them, and they snapped back. But the good sense of the dog
+kept him from venturing among the ravenous brutes, and they in turn were
+in too much dread of the fire to do more than spring at him and then as
+quickly dart back again.</p>
+
+<p>It was an impressive sight and one which could never be forgotten. The
+large, noble Newfoundland, standing out in relief against the glare of
+the camp-fire, his eyes aflame with anger, every muscle braced, the jaws
+parted and his eyes fixed upon the dark bodies plunging over each other,
+darting forward and back again, snapping, snarling and furious; the Pah
+Utah stretched upon the ground, deliberately smoking, all unheedful of
+the deafening clangor and the savage brutes that sometimes approached
+almost within striking distance; the two boys, so close to the fire that
+they were often scorched by it, gazing at the animals with an expression
+of half fear and half wonder, starting when one of them came unusually
+near, and now and then sending the fatal bullet among them; the nervous
+Irishman, darting hither and thither, taking great care that the fire
+was kept fully burning; all these, we say, made a scene impressive in
+the highest degree.</p>
+
+<p>Terror, when sharply spoken to, would withdraw from his dangerous
+proximity to the wolverines, but almost immediately he stepped forward
+to the same spot he first occupied, and his obedience to the commands of
+the boys was so sullen and ill-natured that they forebore speaking to
+him except when his safety seemed absolutely to demand it.</p>
+
+<p>At times there was an interruption in the clamor, but the wolverines did
+not appear to relax their vigilance in the least. It was as if they had
+determined to make their evening meal upon the party though they were
+forced to wait until morning for it. During these intervals of
+comparative silence our friends gained opportunity for the exchange of a
+few words, but they were often compelled to shout at the top of their
+voices to make themselves heard.</p>
+
+<p>During one of these lulls Elwood spoke to Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"What will take place in the morning, when these creatures are not
+afraid of our fire?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think they will go away."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps so: but we are not so sure of that."</p>
+
+<p>"Shasta will no doubt turn the whole thing over in his mind, and be
+prompt enough to act when the danger comes. I suppose we can take to our
+canoes and give them the slip in that manner."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; the Indian appears to have rather a contemptible opinion of them.
+He scarcely heeds their wrangling."</p>
+
+<p>"He is not so timid as we and Tim are; but he doesn't forget to look at
+them once in a while, so as not to forget what they are doing."</p>
+
+<p>"They are a savage set of animals. How angry Terror is! Don't you notice
+that they are trying to entice him to venture out a little nearer them?
+They hate him more than all of us."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you think so?"</p>
+
+<p>"You can see it in their manner. If they can once get hold of him they
+will tear him to shreds."</p>
+
+<p>"And they will catch him, too, if he isn't careful. He is so surly and
+cross himself that it is dangerous to touch or speak to him."</p>
+
+<p>"We can't afford to lose him. We must watch, and if he gets too close to
+any of them, why, all we shall have to do is to crack them over, and
+give the others warning to keep their distance."</p>
+
+<p>While they were speaking a huge wolverine darted close enough to strike
+Terror. Instantly the two closed and rolled upon the ground in the
+fierce death struggle. Over and over, snapping, snarling, growling,
+biting, scratching with lightning-like fierceness, now one below and
+then the other, and finally the dog on top.</p>
+
+<p>The conflict was as short as it was furious. The massive jaws of the
+Newfoundland closed on the throat of his antagonist and his teeth met
+through his windpipe. There they stuck for a minute, and when he relaxed
+his hold it was all over with the reckless animal.</p>
+
+<p>Still it would have fared ill with the dog but for Shasta, for the other
+wolverines would have sprung upon him and destroyed him before he could
+have escaped. At the moment the two closed the Indian darted forward,
+seized a brand and flourished it over the combatants. This so terrified
+the others that they kept their distance until the conqueror resumed his
+place in triumph by the fire.</p>
+
+<p>This encounter proved it lesson to both the dog and the wolverines. The
+latter appeared to comprehend the disadvantage under which they were
+placed, while Terror, having had a taste of their mettle, was satisfied
+for the time, and kept a safe position further away from the brutes that
+were so eager to fasten their teeth in him.</p>
+
+<p>It was now verging toward morning, and the Pah Utah looked about him as
+if he were going to make his preparations for moving. He looked toward
+the raging creatures, still fierce and furious, and then glanced at the
+canoes drawn up within a few feet of the camp-fire, and pointed toward
+them and the river.</p>
+
+<p>Fortunately but a few feet intervened between their present position and
+the stream, so that the latter was easy of access in case it should
+become necessary to retreat before the wolverines. Still the fire did
+not protect this enough to make it a safe undertaking in their present
+situation.</p>
+
+<p>Shasta picked up several blazing sticks, and carrying them to the
+water's edge, placed them together and covered them with some dry
+brush-wood. They speedily fanned themselves into a flame, and the
+gathering brutes withdrew and offered a fine approach to the river.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian's next proceeding was to launch the two boats. This was done
+easily and without difficulty. The blankets and guns were placed within,
+and then motioned for the dog to follow; but Terror did not seem
+disposed to leave his present quarters. Perhaps the idea worked its way
+into his shaggy head that it savored too much of deserting his friends,
+or it may be that he still coveted a taste for another collision with
+the audacious animals that had pressed him so sorely.</p>
+
+<p>Our brave soldier boys, who abhor bloodshed from a principle, still have
+a love for the wild abandon of camp life, and many a one looks back with
+a sigh to the rough experiences which we all pray may never come again.
+So it may be the Newfoundland, naturally peaceful, having had his blood
+fairly roused by his tussle and triumph, yet longed for more of victory.</p>
+
+<p>Finally Howard and Elwood took their seats, and Tim O'Rooney followed;
+then Terror, casting one reluctant look behind him, jumped into the boat
+and lay down in his usual position; and so, at length, they all were
+embarked in safety.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>A HALT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>It was just growing light as the two canoes shoved out in the river and
+resumed their journey. The rapacious wolverines, enraged at the loss of
+their expected prey, followed them to the very edge of the stream, where
+their ear-splitting clamor grew more furious than ever. At one time,
+indeed, it looked us though they were about to jump into the water and
+swim out to them; and both the boys looked inquiringly at the face of
+the Pah Utah. The stolid, indifferent expression that they there saw
+relieved them, and they withdrew all further thought regarding the
+troublesome animals.</p>
+
+<p>Shasta had loosened the connection between the two boats&mdash;not, perhaps,
+that he was unwilling to carry them also along, but because he judged it
+was time that the party learned to navigate for themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Tim O'Rooney grasped the paddle, and his handling of it showed no
+ordinary skill. He had greatly improved upon his performance of
+yesterday, and kept his position slightly in the rear of the other
+canoe, whose owner, as a matter of course, timed his speed to that of
+his pupil.</p>
+
+<p>When the Irishman was tired he passed the paddle to Howard, who had been
+carefully studying the "style" of Shasta, and whose efforts were modeled
+after his. Practice alone can make perfect, no matter if the theory in
+absolutely so. The mind may hold the exact idea, and may send the
+precise message through the nerves to the muscles, but the latter must
+make a good many trials before they can carry out orders with exactness.</p>
+
+<p>And so the boy, although, as he believed, he imitated exactly the manner
+of their dusky friend, was not long in finding that the paddle was by no
+means as obedient. The reason was that the delicate play of the iron
+muscles of the Pah Utah could not be seen. They had done this thing so
+often that it became a matter of course with them.</p>
+
+<p>But having started upon right principles, by the time the boy was so
+exhausted that he could not move his arms, he could see that he had
+improved, or as the sovereign people say, "he was getting the knack of
+it." It was now Elwood's turn, and he caught the paddle with all the
+enthusiasm which might be expected in a youngster who had been
+impatiently waiting to take part in some game.</p>
+
+<p>By the time Elwood needed rest, Tim O'Rooney was ready, and so the
+paddle did unceasing work, each member having all the time necessary for
+rest, until after they had been to work some hours, the boys found their
+arms remained tired, and a longer cessation needed.</p>
+
+<p>Shasta seemed to look upon these essays of his friends with no little
+pleasure. He watched their movements all the time, and a horrible
+suspicion once entered the head of Tim O'Rooney that he saw him come
+very near smiling. Whether there were any grounds for this suspicion
+probably will never be known, unless the Pah Utah takes it into his head
+to write and tell us.</p>
+
+<p>Shasta remained a few feet in advance, his back being placed toward the
+prow of his own boat. This relative position&mdash;and our "pale faced"
+friends, it may be said, labored savagely&mdash;was kept by him without any
+effort. Now and then he touched the point of his paddle, but there was
+scarcely a ripple. It was as a fish is sometimes seen to move through
+the water with the slightest quiver of its fins.</p>
+
+<p>When all three of our friends were used up, red in the face, panting and
+sighing for a chance to take a good long rest, a tiny island came in
+view round a bend in the river, and to their joy they saw Shasta fix his
+eye upon it and then head his canoe toward the point. Cheered by the
+prospect, they renewed their work with greater ardor, and in a few
+moments the boats buried their points in the luxuriant undergrowth along
+the shore.</p>
+
+<p>The island was quite small, and offered no inducements in the way of
+game, unless some animal in crossing the river had paused to rest itself
+and make an exploration of the place. This was scarcely to be expected,
+and none of the party based any hopes upon it.</p>
+
+<p>After the inmates of the large canoe had stepped upon shore, Shasta sent
+his backward into the river again by a sweep of his paddle, and headed
+for the eastern bank, shooting over the surface with amazing speed. His
+movements were watched with interest and some surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"What can it mean?" asked Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps he is going to leave us."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think he would do it in that manner. He will make an elaborate
+good-by for us, for we are getting to understand each other quite well
+by means of signs."</p>
+
+<p>"Arrah now!" exclaimed Tim O'Rooney, "didn't ye saa that he was
+disgusted wid our paddling and kaaping him back, and has gone out jist
+that he may enj'y the pleasure of shtretching his arms in the
+owld-fashioned manner, as Father O'Shaughnessy said when he tipped over
+his brother?"</p>
+
+<p>This may have satisfied the Irishman, but hardly the boys. It did not
+look reasonable to them that the Indian, having just finished three
+times the amount of work performed by each, was in so great need of
+additional exercise that he must abandon his friends and paddle off over
+the river.</p>
+
+<p>"I think he is going to hunt for fish," said Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"But he could have caught them without going to land."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps not. I noticed yesterday that he went where there was a sort of
+eddy, and you see he can't find that very well unless it is close by
+land."</p>
+
+<p>Howard pointed to the lower end of the island:</p>
+
+<p>"What better place could he find than that? It is just the spot to catch
+fish."</p>
+
+<p>By this time Shasta's canoe had reached the bank, but instead of landing
+he turned the prow down stream, and slowly glided along as if in quest
+of something. This to Tim O'Rooney was proof of the truth of his
+declaration.</p>
+
+<p>"What did I tell yees? The thrip to shore was not enough, and he's
+taking a wee turn further."</p>
+
+<p>"He is looking for a good fishing ground," affirmed Howard. "If it were
+anything else he would not go so slowly."</p>
+
+<p>"But, see! he has stopped?"</p>
+
+<p>As Elwood spoke the Pah Utah rose in his canoe and stepped ashore. He
+stooped and employed himself a moment with the canoe and then
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>"It cannot be that he has left us," said Elwood, in considerable alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"No; I think he is hunting for game."</p>
+
+<p>This seemed very reasonable, and the party waited patiently for his
+return. No personal danger to himself could be expected, as he could not
+be approached undiscovered by any hostile white man, and being an Indian
+he could have no cause to fear anything from his own race.</p>
+
+<p>Still there was a vague misgiving that everything was not right&mdash;that
+something unusual would be the result of this separation&mdash;and each
+member of the little party awaited, with more anxiety than he would have
+confessed, some evidence of the intention of the Pah Utah.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>EXIT SHASTA.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The three whites were still gazing toward the eastern shore, intently
+looking for some sign, or listening to some sound which might tell
+something regarding Shasta, when they were startled by a loud whirring
+or buzzing overhead, and looking up saw a large bird passing within a
+few feet of them&mdash;so close that its claws could be seen curled up
+against its body, as it made a sudden sweep to the right, frightened at
+its near approach to its human enemies.</p>
+
+<p>"Shoot it!" called out Elwood to Howard. "My gun isn't loaded, and it
+will make us a good breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>But the bird, whatever it was, did not choose to wait until the heavy
+rifle could be brought to bear upon it; and by the time Howard had
+fairly got the idea through his head, it was skimming away over the
+country toward the Coast Range.</p>
+
+<p>But a sharper eye and an unerring aim was leveled against it, and as
+they were watching its flight it suddenly turned over and over, its
+great wings going like the arms of a windmill as it dropped swiftly to
+the earth; and, as it disappeared in the trees and undergrowth, the
+crack of a rifle came across the intervening space.</p>
+
+<p>"That was Shasta!" exclaimed Elwood in delight.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly, we might have known what he was after. He thinks we do not
+admire fish as a steady diet and has gone after fowl for us."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know about that," said Elwood, who sometimes seemed to
+alternate with Howard in his knowledge of the ways of the wood. "I can't
+see that there was any more chance of seeing birds there than upon the
+island. That same fowl passed closer to us than it did to him."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose," laughed Howard, "that he was hunting after game of some
+kind, and had no idea of shooting the bird until it passed so near him
+that he saw it was quite the thing we needed, and so he toppled it
+over."</p>
+
+<p>"Me views intirely," assented Tim. "I agraas wid both of yees."</p>
+
+<p>A few moments later the Pah Utah appeared with the bird in his hand, and
+flinging it into the canoe quickly paddled back to the island. His bird
+proved to be a species of wild goose, that seemed to have strayed from
+its flock and gone wandering through the Salinas Valley at this season
+of the year ultimately to fall before the rifle of Shasta.</p>
+
+<p>Our friends were in ecstasies over their prospective meal. The Indian
+displayed the same skill in dressing the bird that he did in preparing
+the fish. The feathers were quickly twitched off, and the dry driftwood
+piled upon the upper end of the island was the best fuel they could have
+had for the purpose. When done, it was "done brown," and to a turn; and
+to the famishing travelers nothing could have been more savory and
+luscious.</p>
+
+<p>The truth of it was, the boys found that this kind of life was agreeing
+with them amazingly. Their appetites were fierce, their sleep sound, and
+a feeling of perfect health diffused itself through their glowing
+frames, such as they had never known before. Their exposure to the night
+air troubled them at first, but they soon recovered from it and enjoyed
+"camping out" as thoroughly as did old campaigners.</p>
+
+<p>It was a very good thing, it is true, for a while; but don't let any
+boys get the idea of following their example, unless they are compelled
+in precisely the same manner to do so. If any youngster imagines he has
+formed true ideas of distant countries from the narratives of adventures
+which he may have read, he will find himself most woefully mistaken.
+Never think of traveling until you are a married man, and by that time
+you will have made up your mind to be sensible and stay at home.</p>
+
+<p>When the meal was finished, and their appetites satisfied, the Pah Utah,
+instead of immediately embarking, walked to the lower end of the island,
+and stood for some time apparently examining some sign further down the
+river. Following the direction of his eyes, our friends could see
+nothing unusual until Elwood detected something in the air on the
+western bank which at first resembled a light cloud, but which they
+imagined might be caused by a camp-fire.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever it was that attracted the attention of Shasta he took but a few
+moments to decide regarding it. Going again to his canoe, he entered it
+without a word or sign, and paddled away at his swiftest rate straight
+toward it, while his companions watched the proceeding with as much
+interest as in the preceding case.</p>
+
+<p>The camp appeared fully a half-mile distant, and it took but a short
+time for the Indian to reach a point opposite, when he sprung lightly
+ashore and disappeared with his usual celerity.</p>
+
+<p>"He is cautious," remarked Elwood. "He doesn't wish us to undertake to
+pass it unless he is sure there will be no trouble."</p>
+
+<p>"A sinsible young man!" asserted Tim. "His parents have the best raison
+for faaling proud of so promising a young gintleman."</p>
+
+<p>"And so have we."</p>
+
+<p>A few moments elapsed, when the Pah Utah reappeared and came back as
+rapidly as he went.</p>
+
+<p>The first thing he did upon reaching the island was again to fasten the
+boats together, and then motion to the three to enter. This, of course,
+they did without delay, and took their usual positions.</p>
+
+<p>But Shasta was not satisfied. He told them, in his manner, to lie down;
+and not until the three had so arranged themselves as to be invisible
+from both shores, did he dip his paddle and resume his journey.</p>
+
+<p>"This means danger," said Elwood. "He doesn't wish any one to know we
+are in the boats."</p>
+
+<p>"And we must be sure and obey him."</p>
+
+<p>"It's aisy doing, as my brother used to say whin his wife tould him, in
+her gintle manner, by the help of her broomstick, to go to bed."</p>
+
+<p>"And, Elwood, you are close to Terror, see that he doesn't let his
+curiosity got the better of his judgment."</p>
+
+<p>The Pah Utah was satisfied, and now began plying his paddle. It was
+difficult for the three so to govern their curiosity as not to peep over
+the side of the canoe; but there were good reasons for their not doing
+so, and they scarcely moved a limb for the next hour.</p>
+
+<p>They had gone but a little way when Terror raised his head and uttered a
+slight bark; but a word from Elwood quieted him. Finally, Shasta paused
+and uttered a guttural sound in his own tongue, which was taken as
+permission for them to rise.</p>
+
+<p>As they did so, they looked behind. The dim smoke ascending in the
+summer sky was seen far behind, and between it and them the Salinas made
+another bend, so that they had no cause to fear observation from that
+party at least.</p>
+
+<p>Shasta again disconnected the two canoes&mdash;an act which did not surprise
+them; but his next proceeding astonished them a good deal.</p>
+
+<p>Reaching across the boats, he shook hands with them all, at the same
+time muttering a word or two to each.</p>
+
+<p>"He is going to leave us," said Elwood, with an air of disappointment.</p>
+
+<p>"He has good reason for doing so, but I am afraid it will be bad for
+us."</p>
+
+<p>"Adieu, Mr. Shasta, adieu!" said Tim O'Rooney, with considerable
+feeling. "You've done us a good turn and we'll not forget you. If yez
+ever drifts into San Francisco, give us a call."</p>
+
+<p>The Indian motioned to them to proceed, and using his paddle with his
+extraordinary skill, he sped up the river toward the camp-fire, and in a
+very short time vanished.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXV" id="CHAPTER_XXXV"></a>CHAPTER XXXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE WESTERN SHORE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The departure of Shasta gave rise to all manner of doubt and
+speculation. None of them believed he meditated bidding the party
+good-by until he went through the ceremony of shaking hands. This
+settled the matter, and they could have no cause for hope of seeing him
+again.</p>
+
+<p>"That must have been a party of his people," said Howard, "or he would
+not have taken the pains to help us out of sight."</p>
+
+<p>"At any rate, he has done us good service," replied Elwood. "I don't
+know what would have become of us but for him."</p>
+
+<p>They had not yet begun using their paddle, but were drifting with the
+current, debating upon their course of action.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I understand why he left us," added Howard, after a moment's
+pause.</p>
+
+<p>Tim and Elwood looked up in his face.</p>
+
+<p>"I think we have passed through most of the danger, and he thought we
+were just as safe without him as with him. Don't you see, Elwood, that
+we have come a good ways down the river, and we must be near some
+settlement. I think there is a place called Soledad somewhere along this
+river, but whether on the eastern or western bank I cannot tell."</p>
+
+<p>"It is a good ways off, I should say fifty miles, and is on the western
+bank."</p>
+
+<p>"How comes it that <i>you</i> are so well informed?" asked Howard, repeating
+the question that had been asked him by his cousin when on the steamer.</p>
+
+<p>"It is only accidentally that I know that. A few weeks ago I was
+comparing an old and new geography and noticed what different views they
+gave of the western part of our country. The old maps had the
+Buenaventura so wrong in every particular that I learned considerable
+about the true one, which you know is called Salinas by most people."</p>
+
+<p>"If we are very careful, I think we can get home without trouble; but
+although there must be white people&mdash;settlers and miners&mdash;in these
+parts, still they are so scattered that we are less likely to see them
+than we are the Indians."</p>
+
+<p>"Boys," said Tim O'Rooney, who had not let his pipe go out since
+morning. "Shall I give yez some good advice?"</p>
+
+<p>Both expressed their eagerness to receive it.</p>
+
+<p>"There bees plenty of the rid gintlemen yet in this counthry, and we
+haven't got beyant them. If we goes paddling in this canoe when the sun
+is shining overhead, some of 'em will see us, and if we don't put into
+shore they'll put out after us&mdash;that they will."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it that you propose, then?"</p>
+
+<p>"That we turns the night into day, and slaaps and smokes and meditates
+by sunlight, and does our traveling by moonlight, or what is bether,
+without any light at all."</p>
+
+<p>This proposal suited the boys exactly. It was so plainly dictated by
+common sense that the wonder was they had not thought of it long before.
+Elwood took the paddle in his hand and held it poised.</p>
+
+<p>"Which way&mdash;east or west?"</p>
+
+<p>Howard pointed to the left bank.</p>
+
+<p>"That is the side where <i>they</i> are," replied Elwood, referring to the
+Indian party they had passed.</p>
+
+<p>"And where <i>he</i> is," meaning their good friend, the Pah Utah.</p>
+
+<p>"To the left&mdash;to the left," said Tim. "Didn't I git into the worst
+throuble of me life&mdash;always barring the repulse me Bridget give me&mdash;by
+hunting in them parts?"</p>
+
+<p>Elwood delayed no longer, but plied the oars with a dexterity that
+showed his experience had not been lost upon him.</p>
+
+<p>"You understand it quite well," said Howard approvingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; but my arms ache terribly."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! here we are."</p>
+
+<p>The prow of the canoe moved as silently and easily into the undergrowth
+as if it were water, and our friends at a step passed from every portion
+of it to dry land.</p>
+
+<p>As they intended remaining in their present quarters until darkness,
+they took some pains to select a suitable place. They finally hit upon a
+spot, on an incline of the river bank, and about a dozen yards distant.
+Here the grass was green and velvety, and the wood so thick that they
+had little fear of discovery, unless by some who had seen them land and
+took the trouble to hunt them out.</p>
+
+<p>It was about noon when they landed, and as they had all spent a wakeful
+night, their first proceeding was so to arrange themselves as to enjoy a
+quiet sleep. Terror was placed on duty as sentinel, and all lay down
+with a sense of security to which they had been strangers in a long
+time.</p>
+
+<p>As usual, the boys were the first to awake, doing so almost at the same
+moment. They saw by the sun that the afternoon was about half gone, but
+they were not troubled from hunger, as their morning meal may be said to
+have been their midday one, and had been one of those royal ones whose
+memory is apt to linger a long time with us, especially if we are boys.</p>
+
+<p>"This is tiresome," said Elwood, yawning and stretching his limbs, "let
+us take a tramp of discovery."</p>
+
+<p>The proposal suited Howard, although prudence told him to remain where
+he was and keep his friend with him. But the restraint was so irksome
+that he was all too willing a listener to the persuasions of his
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>"I noticed there was quite a high range of hills just back of us," added
+Elwood. "Let's take a look at them."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it prudent?" and Howard only repeated audibly the question that his
+conscience had just asked him.</p>
+
+<p>"Prudent? Of course it is, if we only take good care of ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we awake Tim before we go?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; he will sleep until to-morrow morning."</p>
+
+<p>"We must leave Terror to watch him then, for it wouldn't do for him to
+lie alone and asleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not."</p>
+
+<p>The Newfoundland, which had risen to his feet, was told to remain on
+guard, and the boys started off on a ramble that was to be a most
+eventful one to them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE RAMBLE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>After the restraint the boys had undergone, cramped in the canoe, and
+not daring to wander out of sight of their camp-fire when upon shore,
+there was a delicious relief in rambling through the woods. The clear,
+pure air that was dry and cool in the shadow of the forest, the
+undulating, charming scenery, the novel look that rested upon all they
+saw&mdash;these possessed a charm to our young friends which they hardly
+could have resisted, even if they had the will to do so; but when we say
+that after starting forth scarcely a thought of their imprudence entered
+their heads, it was but natural that they should find themselves led
+much further away than was either wise or consistent with the resolves
+with which they left their friends, Tim and Terror.</p>
+
+<p>They took no notice of the direction they were following, nor of the
+distance they had gone, until near the middle of the afternoon Howard
+abruptly paused and asked, with a look of alarm:</p>
+
+<p>"Elwood, what have we done?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why? What is the matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"We must be a mile off from Tim, and it will be dark before we can get
+back."</p>
+
+<p>"O! I think not. You know we have walked very slowly, and we can hurry
+when we take it into our heads to return."</p>
+
+<p>"But do you know the way?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. Don't you?"</p>
+
+<p>"What course must we follow?"</p>
+
+<p>Elwood pointed to the northwest, which, while it was not far from their
+general course, was by no means the proper one by which to rejoin their
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>"How strange!" said Howard. "It seems to me that yonder is the point
+from which we started."</p>
+
+<p>And <i>he</i> pointed nearly due west, just as wrong as he could possibly be.</p>
+
+<p>"You are wrong," said Elwood positively. "I am sure of the right way."</p>
+
+<p>"We won't dispute over it," replied his companion, with some sadness,
+"for it is very doubtful if either of us is right."</p>
+
+<p>"All we have to do then, is to hunt for the river and follow that up
+until we find Tim sound asleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Yea; but how is the river to be found? To you it lies in one place, and
+to me in another."</p>
+
+<p>"But I can prove that you are wrong, and," laughed Elwood, "that I am,
+too, although I was never right."</p>
+
+<p>"How so?"</p>
+
+<p>"The sun sets in the west, and notice where it is."</p>
+
+<p>Howard now opened his eyes in amazement. He would have been sure that it
+was going down in the other part of the sky; but the proof before his
+eyes was irrefragable.</p>
+
+<p>"It must be," he replied. "We have been 'turned round.' Just as when we
+left the wharf at New York. I was below when the steamer came out, and
+so long as New York was in sight I was sure it lay in the wrong place."</p>
+
+<p>"But, how bad even that makes it! We cannot reach the river before dark,
+and we shall not know whether we am a mile above or below where Tim is
+sleeping."</p>
+
+<p>"If we go straight for the river, I think it likely that we shall come
+much nearer him than that."</p>
+
+<p>"It may be, but how are we to tell?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, if we don't find him by night, we can fire oft our guns and call
+to him."</p>
+
+<p>"And bring a party of the savages down upon us."</p>
+
+<p>"That may be if there are any in the neighborhood, but we shall have to
+run the risk."</p>
+
+<p>By this time the boys were fully impressed with their want of discretion
+and with the urgent necessity of making all haste back to the river.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us keep our thoughts about us," said Howard, "for we have been
+without them long enough. Now, the Salinas River runs very nearly north
+and south, doesn't it?"</p>
+
+<p>"This portion of it does."</p>
+
+<p>"Then we must go as nearly east as we can, and let's be off."</p>
+
+<p>Turning their backs upon the sun, they began retracing their steps; but
+they had journeyed scarce half an hour when they found themselves near a
+range of hills, which they were sure they had not passed through, and
+did not remember to have seen.</p>
+
+<p>"What does this mean?" asked Howard, still more alarmed. "We never have
+been near these."</p>
+
+<p>"Are they not the hills we noticed just us we were about starting?"</p>
+
+<p>"They cannot be;&mdash;these are larger, have not half as much wood upon
+them. I tell you, Elwood, there is one thing sure."</p>
+
+<p>"I know what you mean."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?"</p>
+
+<p><i>"We are lost!"</i></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter">
+<a name="illus3" id="illus3"></a>
+<img src="images/illus3.jpg" alt=""/>
+</div>
+
+<h3>"<span class="smcap">We are lost.</span>"</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"You are right. We may find Tim again, but we are going to have trouble
+to do it."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen! He may call to us."</p>
+
+<p>They stopped walking find held their breath, but not a sound broke the
+solemn stillness, save a faint, hollow roar&mdash;whether the deep murmur
+that is always heard in a great forest, or the sound of the distant
+Pacific Ocean they could not tell.</p>
+
+<p>"No; he is asleep yet," said Elwood. "If he would only wake up he would
+shout to us."</p>
+
+<p>"Thus you see, if we shoot our guns, the chances are that <i>he</i> will not
+hear it, while it may be the means of bringing to us the very ones we
+are so anxious to keep away."</p>
+
+<p>So they concluded not to fire their rifles for the present.</p>
+
+<p>"But these hills," continued Howard, "they don't extend in any great
+direction either north or south. The question now is, shall we pass
+around the northern or southern end?"</p>
+
+<p>"What difference will it make?"</p>
+
+<p>"All the difference in the world. If Tim is to the south of us, and we
+pass around that way, I think we shall find him without much hunting,
+while if we take the wrong course it will be night before we can get
+anywhere near him."</p>
+
+<p>"I see," replied Elwood. "We shall have to guess at it. But, hold!" he
+exclaimed, with sparkling eyes. "You go one way and I will another!"</p>
+
+<p>Howard shook his head.</p>
+
+<p>"There is too much risk."</p>
+
+<p>"Not at all. The distance is short, and we can whistle to each other
+every few minutes. Then, you know, as we shall be looking for each
+other, we cannot lose ourselves in these still woods. The minute I get
+sight of the river I can tell whether we are above or below Tim."</p>
+
+<p>Howard would not consent at first, but his cousin set forth the
+advantages of the plan so eloquently that he finally agreed. Arranging
+their signals and manner of proceeding, the boys, therefore, separated.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>BACK TO CAMP.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The hill which the boys proposed to pass around was about a quarter of a
+mile in length and but slightly less in breadth&mdash;much greater than
+either of them suspected when they set out. It rose like a peak to the
+height of several hundred feet, as if it were an offshoot from the main
+ridge of hills, left to flourish by itself.</p>
+
+<p>Howard walked slowly along, after glancing back at his cousin until the
+intervening wood concealed him from view, when he gave a short, sharp
+whistle, which was immediately answered. Then, appreciating the
+necessity of haste, he quickened his footsteps.</p>
+
+<p>As he advanced the hills assumed proportions of which he had not
+dreamed, and that raised in his mind strong doubts as to the wisdom of
+separating from his companion. He would not have done it had not the
+latter urged him so. Misgivings now arose in the mind of the boy. He
+looked upon his duty as that of restraining and tempering Elwood's
+impulsiveness. He had done so several times to his manifest advantage;
+but on this day, as Howard looked back, it really appeared as if he had
+bidden good-by to his senses. Their separation from Tim was almost
+criminal in its foolishness, and yet he had scarcely raised an
+objection; and now, was not the last proceeding still more imprudent? As
+it stood, the three members of the little party who should never have
+been out of each other's sight, were now a good distance from each
+other, and that, too, when in a hostile country.</p>
+
+<p>From these rather sad reflections Howard was roused by the faint,
+echoing whistle of Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"He is all right," thought he, feeling much relieved, as he placed his
+fingers to his mouth and returned the whistle. "We are both now passing
+around the hill, so that we cannot get further apart, and can keep
+within call all the time."</p>
+
+<p>Admonished by the lateness of the hour, Howard almost ran. He grew
+somewhat impatient at the unexpected extent of the hill; but finally he
+passed beyond the southern point, and as he stood and listened, he heard
+the murmur of the river&mdash;proof that it was close at hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," thought he, "if Elwood will only hurry, we have a good chance of
+finding Tim before he gives us up for lost."</p>
+
+<p>The boy could not see that anything at all was gained by their course in
+passing around the ridge. Neither of them, were in sight of the river,
+and would have to advance still further before they could form any idea
+of their whereabouts. He was resolved to do this in company with his
+cousin, so that precisely the same thing would have been accomplished
+had they remained together.</p>
+
+<p>Howard having hurried a great deal, thought it likely that he was some
+distance in advance of his cousin. He stood some minutes listening for
+his signals, and then began walking toward the northern end of the hill
+that he might meet him as he came around. He observed as he advanced
+that they increased in rocky ruggedness, and could see that it was quite
+a feat to pass through them.</p>
+
+<p>Going some distance he paused again, and listened intently, but nothing
+beside the deep murmur of the woods reached his ear.</p>
+
+<p>"What can it mean?" he finally asked himself, as a vague alarm crept
+over him. "We must be much closer together than we were before, and I
+haven't heard him whistle for the last half-hour."</p>
+
+<p>He began to doubt whether it was best to proceed further or not. It
+might serve only to mislead in case Elwood was searching for him. Still
+hearing nothing to indicate the location of his friend, he made the
+signal himself&mdash;a long, screeching whistle, that rang out in the solemn
+stillness with a penetrating clearness that sent the chills over him
+from head to foot.</p>
+
+<p>"He must hear that if he is within a mile," was his reflection, as he
+leaned his head forward and listened for the first approach of the
+answering sound.</p>
+
+<p>Ten, fifteen, twenty minutes passed away, but nothing was heard, and the
+poor boy looked around in sore alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Can it be that Elwood is jesting?" he asked himself. "He would not do
+so if he knew what I am suffering."</p>
+
+<p>Howard was now in great distress. He could not decide what to do. If he
+advanced he could feel no assurance of meeting his friend, while a
+retreat was equally hopeless.</p>
+
+<p>Where was Elwood? Had he wandered off among the hills, tempted by the
+wild scenery, and had he lost his way? Was he searching for his cousin?
+Or had he been found by Indians?</p>
+
+<p>The last inquiry had been rising in Howard's mind for a half-hour, but
+he had resolutely forced it down again, until he could keep it away no
+longer. He could find no other reason to account for the silence, and
+failure to answer his call. The whistle which he had given must have
+spread miles in every direction&mdash;so far that Elwood could not have got
+beyond its range had the course of both been precisely opposite. No; it
+must&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>But, hark! A faint, tremulous whistle comes to his ear. It is far away
+and sounds among the hills behind, as though it had labored up from some
+cave or chasm miles distant. Howard held his breath, and as he
+anticipated, it came again so faintly and distantly that had he been
+walking he could not have heard it.</p>
+
+<p>On both occasions it sounded behind him among the hills, though its
+tremulous faintness made it appear as though it came from far up in the
+air, or down deep in some of the gorges of the hills&mdash;so uncertain was
+the exact point of its starting.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Howard was now in a dilemma. Whether to attempt to follow up the
+signal or to go on to the river and search out Tim O'Rooney and the
+Newfoundland was a question which was difficult to decide. But his
+eagerness to find his cousin led him on into the hills, until he had
+penetrated quite a distance. He then paused and listened for the signal,
+but none was ever to come to his ears again.</p>
+
+<p>Howard repeated the whistle over and over, and finally fired his gun;
+but both were equally fruitless. He waited where he was until dark, when
+with a sad heart he withdrew and resumed his tramp toward the river.
+Gloomy indeed were his meditations, as he reflected on the occurrences
+of the day, and there was scarcely anything he would not do, if by any
+means he could recall <i>his</i> part since he landed upon the main shore.</p>
+
+<p>In the course of half an hour he reached the river, and looked intently
+out into the semi-darkness to see whether he could recognize anything
+familiar; but so far as he was able to see, all was strange, from which
+he concluded that he had struck at a point lower down than where Tim had
+been left.</p>
+
+<p>He therefore began making his way south, that is, toward the source of
+the river, after halting and listening for some sound that might tell
+something either of Tim or Elwood. Suddenly a threatening growl startled
+him, and then came the welcome bark of Terror, and the next moment the
+dog was frolicking around him and showing his delight in the most
+extravagant manner.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>WAITING AND WATCHING.</h3>
+
+
+<p>"Worrah! worrah! but this is a fine scare you've been givin' Tim
+O'Rooney, so me uncle said whin they towld him his wife was coming over
+to Ameriky to see him. Here I've been awake fur the last two hours,
+jist, looking and expacting you to come back, and thinking the red
+colored gintleman had carried you away entirely&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Howard impatiently interrupted him.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you seen or heard anything of Elwood?"</p>
+
+<p>"No-o-o!" replied Tim, his answer rising and falling in a circumflex
+through a half-dozen notes of the scale.</p>
+
+<p><i>"Then he is lost!"</i></p>
+
+<p>"What?" fairly shrieked the Irishman.</p>
+
+<p>"He is lost in the woods."</p>
+
+<p>Howard had little heart to go over the experiences of the afternoon. He
+simply told his friend that he and Elwood had separated on their return,
+and he had been unable to find him again.</p>
+
+<p>"What did you separate for?" asked the listener.</p>
+
+<p>"Because I was a fool; but O, Tim, there is no use of regretting what
+has been done. If Elwood is lost, I shall never leave this place."</p>
+
+<p>After a while Howard became more composed, and they conversed rationally
+upon the best plan for them to follow. Tim O'Rooney was strenuous in his
+belief that Elwood had wandered off among the hills, and finding it
+growing dark, had sought some secure shelter for the night. He was sure
+that he would give vigorous signs of his whereabouts as soon as day
+dawned.</p>
+
+<p>There was something in the daring nature of the boy that made it
+probable that Tim was right. Tempted out of his path by some singular or
+unexpected sight, he had wandered away until he found it too dark to
+return, and so had made the best of the matter and camped in some tree,
+or beneath the ledge of some projecting rock.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the theory of Tim O'Rooney, and so ingeniously did he enforce
+it that Howard could not avoid its plausibility. None knew better than
+he the impulsive nature of the boy, and such an act upon his part would
+be in perfect keeping with similar exploits.</p>
+
+<p>There was but one thing that raised a doubt in the mind of Howard&mdash;and
+slight as was this, it was enough to give him sore uneasiness, and at
+times almost to destroy hope. At the time the boys separated, Elwood had
+shown a great anxiety to reach Tim, and proposed his plan in the belief
+that it would bring them together the more quickly.</p>
+
+<p>This made it seem improbable to Howard that he would have allowed
+anything to divert him from his course unless his personal safety caused
+him to do so; but Tim said that if such were the case they would have
+heard his gun.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you s'pose he's the boy to lit a wild animal or any of them red
+gintlemen step up to him without his tachin' thim manners? But he's the
+youngster that wouldn't do the same. You'd hear that gun of his cracking
+away as long as there was any lift for him to crack."</p>
+
+<p>"It may be as you think, Tim, but I believe it is worse. Suppose he is
+in the hands of some of these wandering bands of Indians."</p>
+
+<p>"S'pose he isn't."</p>
+
+<p>"We have done that; but let us face the worst. If he has been taken away
+by them, what shall we do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hunt him up."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true, but how that is to be done is the difficulty. If we only
+had Shasta with us."</p>
+
+<p>"Arrah, now, if ye'd had him ye'd've niver gone thramping off in the
+woods and having me alone here with the dog. The red gintleman knowed
+what was best for us, and do ye mind, he kept his eye upon yez all the
+time."</p>
+
+<p>Howard had thought the same thing a score of times since noon, and there
+was no need of his being told how the Pah Utah would have acted had he
+remained with them.</p>
+
+<p>"I thinks Mr. Shasta isn't a great many miles off. P'rhaps," added Tim,
+significantly, "he's kapin' watch upon us and will come to our help in
+our throuble."</p>
+
+<p>But the contingency, to Howard at least, was too remote for him to build
+any hopes upon it. It seemed more probable that the Indian's friendship
+had led him much further out of the way than they had suspected, and
+that he was now many a long mile off, speeding toward home.</p>
+
+<p>"He may find out that the youngster is wid 'em," added Tim, "whin he
+will hasten to his relaaf."</p>
+
+<p>"That seems the most likely."</p>
+
+<p>"There's but one thing agin it."</p>
+
+<p>"And what is that?"</p>
+
+<p>But the Irishman was silent. The boy repeated his question.</p>
+
+<p>"It's bad&mdash;let it be."</p>
+
+<p>But Howard insisted.</p>
+
+<p>"Wal, you know, they may&mdash;wal&mdash;<i>put him out the way</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"O Tim!" groaned Howard, "that cannot be, that cannot be!"</p>
+
+<p>"I hopes not, but there's no telling what these sarpints may take into
+their heads to do. They're a bad set of craytures, always barring Mr.
+Shasta, and I'd've thought a good daal more of the same if he'd only
+staid a few days longer wid us."</p>
+
+<p>"He thought we had enough sense to take care of ourselves, after he had
+seen us through the most dangerous part of our journey, otherwise he
+would have remained with us to the end. But, as I said a minute ago, it
+does no good for us to lament what cannot be helped. As soon as it is
+light we must go up among the hills with Terror and make a hunt for
+Elwood."</p>
+
+<p>"Yees spake the truth. The dog may be smarter than we is, and I'm
+thinkin' it wouldn't have to be very smart to be in that same fix, and
+we'll sarch till we finds out something about him."</p>
+
+<p>"It is fortunate for poor Elwood that the night is so mild and
+pleasant."</p>
+
+<p>"Fort'nit for ourselves, be the same towken; for without our fire we'd
+be rather cool when we slept, and the cold would keep us awake all
+night."</p>
+
+<p>"But we have the blanket with us, and that would protect us at any time,
+no matter how cold it might be."</p>
+
+<p>"Yis," assented Tim, with a great sigh. "If I only had me pipe under way
+I'd faal somewhat more comfortable, barring the worriment I faals at the
+absence of the youngster. May God watch over him through the darkniss!"</p>
+
+<p>"Amen!" was this reverent response of Howard.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE SEARCH.</h3>
+
+
+<p>All through the night Tim O'Rooney and Howard Lawrence sat in close
+consultation. Hunger and sleep were alike unthought of. Elwood Brandon
+was lost, and that was all of which they could think or speak. How they
+longed for the morning, and how impatient they were to be on the hunt!
+It seemed to Howard as if he could go leaping and flying down the chasms
+and gorges among the hills, and never tire until he had hunted out and
+brought back his cousin. Where could he be? If nestling in the branches
+of a tree, or hid away among the rocks, was he asleep? Or if awake, of
+what was he thinking? Did he believe that Howard was searching for him?
+Or did he imagine him also lost? It would not be reasonable to suppose
+that he had any suspicion of his finding Tim O'Rooney.</p>
+
+<p>If in the hands of California Indians&mdash;&mdash;But it would be vain to trace
+out all the thoughts and speculations that ran through the head of the
+boy. Some of them were of the wildest and most grotesque character, and
+would assume a ludicrous phase to one whose mind was not in such a whirl
+of excitement and distress.</p>
+
+<p>In the gloom of the wood the darkness was so intense that neither Tim
+nor Howard could distinguish each other, though only a few feet apart.
+The Newfoundland lay close to his master, seemingly sound asleep, but
+more heedful than the two of the approach of danger.</p>
+
+<p>Occasionally through the night the call of some wild animal was
+heard&mdash;sometimes distant and sometimes so near that they started to
+their feet and were about to enter their canoe and shove out into the
+stream; but when it came no more they were reassured. Then something
+like the report of a gun came faintly up the river to their ears.</p>
+
+<p>These sounds only served to render the night more gloomy and lonely, and
+to make the daylight the more welcome.</p>
+
+<p>"Now let's be off," said Howard, as soon as it was light enough to
+distinguish each other's faces.</p>
+
+<p>"We must find some means of remembering this place, or we'll never see
+the canoe agin, and will be obliged to sail into San Francisco on fut."</p>
+
+<p>The boat was drawn entirely out of the water and covered as much as
+possible with leaves and undergrowth; for it was a loss that under any
+circumstances they could not sustain. The feat of marking the place so
+that they could readily return to it from any direction was more
+difficult; but Howard finally hit upon quite an ingenious scheme. They
+waited until the sun had approached near enough to the horizon that they
+could tell precisely the point where it would appear, and then turning
+their backs against it they walked forward until they reached the hills
+where Elwood had disappeared. Here they noticed the character and
+formation of the rocks so particularly that they could recognize them
+the moment they saw them. Thus the hills were such a conspicuous
+landmark as to be seen from a great distance; and, as they did not
+intend to go out of their sight, all they had to do was to hunt till
+they found this spot, and then walk due east.</p>
+
+<p>All this was agreed upon, and they were among the hills just as the sun
+was coming up the horizon. Here, after whistling and shouting for
+sometime without receiving any response, they concluded to search for
+the point where the boys separated. This was quite distant, and over an
+hour was required to find the place, and when it was discovered Howard
+could not be positive that he was right.</p>
+
+<p>But as time was of the greatest importance, they pressed on, the dog
+snuffing the ground as though he had scented the footprints, but he
+failed to follow them with certainty. Several hundred yards brought them
+to an opening in the hills just broad enough to admit the body of a man.
+It was not a tunnel-like opening, but a rent, as if the hills had been
+pulled a few feet asunder by the power of an earthquake.</p>
+
+<p>The two paused in doubt before this.</p>
+
+<p>"He went in there," said Tim. "He couldn't help it, no matter how great
+his hurry."</p>
+
+<p>"I am half disposed to believe you; at any rate let us follow it some
+ways."</p>
+
+<p>Terror was running over the ground, as though he had made a discovery,
+and he finally whisked forward out of sight.</p>
+
+<p>"That looks as if he were upon his trail."</p>
+
+<p>"Yis, or somebody ilse's; maybe some of the rid gintlemen has took his
+marnin' walk in this direction."</p>
+
+<p>They followed the path with caution, and were surprised the further they
+advanced. It wound around and among the rocks, which came so close
+together as to forbid the passage of a man, and the sides never
+withdrawing more than a dozen feet.</p>
+
+<p>"It looks as though it had been made on purpose," said Tim, gazing
+around him in admiration.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, it was broken up among the hills, after winding through every
+point of the compass for fully an eighth of a mile. It gradually rose
+from its commencement&mdash;occasionally interrupted by sharp ascents&mdash;until
+its termination, when they found they had reached no mean elevation.</p>
+
+<p>Still the rocks rose on every hand, and shut out their view of the
+surrounding country, but showed them a specimen of the wild scenery
+produced in California. The interior of the hills was cut up by chasms,
+gorges and ravines, and they heard, but did not see, the rush of a small
+stream of water.</p>
+
+<p>They stood in silence a few moments and then Howard said:</p>
+
+<p>"If he is lost in here there is no need of us looking for him."</p>
+
+<p>"And why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"We might search till we died of old age, and never find the least trace
+of him."</p>
+
+<p>"And might discover the poor youngster's body the first half-hour we
+spint in looking."</p>
+
+<p>This last remark caused Howard to start off at once, fully resolved not
+to pause again in the search until compelled to do so.</p>
+
+<p>Terror was constantly commanded to hunt for the trail of the boy, and
+the dog appeared to understand what was expected of him, for he was
+running constantly hither and thither, but never gave sign that he had
+found anything positive.</p>
+
+<p>This fact led Howard to doubt whether Elwood had preceded them in this
+place. If he had really been here, he must have passed directly over the
+spot upon which they were standing, and it seemed hardly possible that
+the dog could miss the scent. So strong was he impressed with this that
+he proposed to Tim O'Rooney to turn back and resume their search outside
+the hills; but he was so sure that Elwood Brandon could never have
+passed unentered such an inviting opening that he would not consent to
+withdraw until they examined further.</p>
+
+<p>Looking around they saw several paths by which they could enter the
+wild, desolate-looking scene before them. Of course, it was all a matter
+of chance whether they took the one which had been followed by their
+lost friend. Tim affirmed that the one that looked the most dangerous
+and uninviting was surely the right one; but Howard was hardly prepared
+to admit this. Selecting the most accessible, they carefully followed it
+for over an hour. In and out among the rocks, sometimes over their tops,
+then between or around them, down through ravines, and then along their
+edges, up the stony, earthy sides of the gorges, until at length they
+halted as they believed in the very heart of this wild looking place.</p>
+
+<p>"Here we are!" said Howard. "I don't see how we can advance much further
+without going out to the other side."</p>
+
+<p>"It's the qua'rest sight I iver looked upon," said Tim, turning round
+and round, meaning the wild scenery.</p>
+
+<p>"But there is nothing learned of Elwood."</p>
+
+<p>"Niver a sign do I saa of the youngster," rejoined Tim. "I graive to
+think we cannot be near him."</p>
+
+<p>"We have gone on the wrong track."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm a feared so."</p>
+
+<p>"Too bad, too bad," wailed Howard, "what is to come of the poor fellow?"</p>
+
+<p>"But we can't till," hastily added Tim, "do yees put your fingers in
+your mouth and give that jolly little whistle."</p>
+
+<p>Howard Lawrence was in the very act of doing so when his arm was
+suddenly arrested by his companion, who, with an exclamation of surprise
+pointed to a ledge of rocks above them.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XL" id="CHAPTER_XL"></a>CHAPTER XL.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE END OF THE SEARCH.</h3>
+
+
+<p>About a hundred and fifty feet above them, almost perpendicularly
+upward, stood an antelope, its small neck outstretched, and its dark,
+beautiful eyes fixed upon them with a wondering expression. It was on
+the very edge of a projecting rock where one step more would bring it
+over.</p>
+
+<p>"It is jist the jintleman we wants," whispered Tim, fearful that he
+would alarm the timid animal. "We've ate but once in twenty-four hours,
+and I've jist learned from me stomach that it would have no objection to
+breaking the same fast; so do yez jist kape still till I pops him over."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you hit him?" asked Howard, scarcely less excited than his
+companion.</p>
+
+<p>"Be aisy now till ye see the scientific manner I takes to doot."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, be quick, for he is likely to vanish any moment."</p>
+
+<p>Tim O'Rooney carefully sighted his rifle, took a quick, steady aim, and
+pulled the trigger. Howard, who was keenly watching the antelope, saw it
+spring up, and as it came down it missed the cliff and fell almost at
+their very feet with a violence and crash which must have broken half
+the bones in its body.</p>
+
+<p>"Arrah now, an' wasn't that done nicely?" exclaimed Tim, in great
+exultation, as he ran up to the animal with his knife.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you going to dress it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yis; an' do yez gather what sticks an' stuff ye can, an' we'll have him
+cooked in a jiffy."</p>
+
+<p>Howard set about it, for he understood the wisdom of providing
+themselves with food in the prosecution of this hunt, which in all
+probability would employ them for some time to come.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, I will give the signal," said he, when his work was completed. "If
+he is within hearing he will answer it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yis; do your bist, while I pays my respects to this gintleman, an' do
+ye do the listenin' while ye are about it, for I'm so taken up with this
+job that I haven't the time to attend to that aither."</p>
+
+<p>Howard strained his cheeks nearly to bursting, and completely exhausted
+himself in giving forth those ringing screeches which seem to come
+natural to all school-boys, and are made by uniting the ends of two
+fingers, inserting them between the lips, and blowing with all the
+might.</p>
+
+<p>He listened&mdash;listened&mdash;listened&mdash;and then repeated the signal with a
+desperate fierceness that left him no strength at all; but all in
+vain&mdash;the echoes died away among the rocks and hills, but no answer came
+back.</p>
+
+<p>"It's no use," remarked Tim O'Rooney, who despite what he had said was
+listening as earnestly as his young friend.</p>
+
+<p>"The youngster don't hear us. We've got to make a hunt through this old
+place, and afore we begins it we'll take something for the stomach's
+sake."</p>
+
+<p>The fire was kindled in the usual manner, and the dinner was not
+unskillfully prepared by the Irishman. They ate all they could hold. The
+dog did the same. Tim lit his pipe, and then declared that he was ready
+for any duty that might be required of him.</p>
+
+<p>As they rose to their feet they were somewhat alarmed at the appearance
+of the sky. It was overspread with dark, threatening clouds, from which
+issued rumbling peals of thunder and arrowy lines of lightning. They
+became darker and more tumultuous each moment, until semi-darkness
+shrouded them.</p>
+
+<p>"We are going to have a storm," remarked Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"Yis; and a good-sized one, too."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall have to find shelter for ourselves. If much rain falls, this
+gorge looks to me as if it will be filled with water."</p>
+
+<p>"Worrah, now, but yez are a smart child!" exclaimed Tim O'Rooney,
+looking admiringly at the boy. "Scarcely mesilf would have thought of
+the same, and what a credit, therefore, that it should have come into
+your own."</p>
+
+<p>"I see nothing so wonderful about that. Almost any one would see the
+danger we are in if we remain here when there is much rain falling. It
+is just the place for a stream of water."</p>
+
+<p>"So it is&mdash;so it is; and yez can saa that there has wather been running
+over the stones upon which we are standing."</p>
+
+<p>The storm which was so near at hand admonished them to lose no time in
+seeking shelter. This was a matter of small difficulty, as in such a
+wild, rugged place there were any number of retreats. They clambered up
+the path and over the rocks until they reached a point higher yet than
+where the antelope had stood when pierced by the bullet that had tumbled
+him over the cliff. They had brought a goodly portion of his meat with
+them, for there was no telling when they would dare fire a gun again.</p>
+
+<p>A gaping, overhanging ledge, which fortunately was turned from the
+direction of the storm, was selected as their house, and here they and
+the dog nestled and waited for the storm to burst. A few large drops
+that cracked smartly upon the rocks and stones, was the herald of the
+coming deluge; and then, at the same moment, with a terrific flash and
+report, came the rain in torrents.</p>
+
+<p>They stood and watched the storm as it raged, and when there was a
+momentary cessation Howard threw his blanket over his head and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I will run out to the edge of that rock and see whether there is any
+water in the place where we took our dinner."</p>
+
+<p>"Be careful yez don't tumble over," admonished Tim, feeling it his duty
+to say something.</p>
+
+<p>"Never fear."</p>
+
+<p>Howard stepped hastily to the spot and looked carefully over. A tiny
+stream was just beginning to run through the path they had occupied,
+which was increasing each moment, and would speedily reach the
+proportions of a torrent. But, although he saw this, there was something
+which interested him still more, and that was a party of five Indians
+attentively examining the remains of the antelope, and the signs around
+it, as if they were seeking their explanation. They looked down to the
+ground, and two of them pointed precisely in the direction which Tim and
+Howard had taken in leaving the place.</p>
+
+<p>The rain began falling again more copiously than ever, but Howard would
+not have heeded it had he not been shrouded in the water-proof blanket.
+Those Indians had found their camp-fire and were at that moment
+discussing the best method of capturing him and Tim; but the rain came
+down so furiously that they finally darted away to seek shelter, and
+Howard thereupon hurried back to his friend and told him all that he had
+seen.</p>
+
+<p>"That settles the matter," he added. "Elwood is in their hands, and if
+we aint careful we shall be with him, for they are searching for us."</p>
+
+<p>"But they can't find us&mdash;that they can't."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"This rain will wipe out our tracks as aisy as if yees had taken a cloth
+and done it yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true."</p>
+
+<p>Howard was greatly relieved when he reflected that this was true, and
+that he and Tim were in no danger of capture from being pursued.</p>
+
+<p>The storm lasted several hours, and when it was finished they came
+cautiously forth and made their way stealthily back to where they had
+left the canoe. They had deliberated long and earnestly regarding Elwood
+Brandon, and neither of them had any doubt but what he was in the hands
+of Indians. They had little fear of his being put to death, but believed
+he would be held a prisoner until either rescued by Shasta, or a party
+could be sent from the nearest post to ransom him. They had concluded to
+make all haste homeward and adopt this method of rescue.</p>
+
+<p>And now, as they had given him up for a while, it is high time we took
+him in hand.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLI" id="CHAPTER_XLI"></a>CHAPTER XLI.</h2>
+
+<h3>A BOY LOST.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When Elwood Brandon separated from Howard Lawrence on the afternoon of
+their ramble in the woods, it was with the firm intention of making all
+haste around the range of hills, and there to unite with him in their
+hunt for Tim.</p>
+
+<p>But, like too many boys, he suffered himself to be led from the sure
+path by the allurements of the false one. His example furnished a
+striking moral lesson, which he will doubtless remember to the day of
+his death.</p>
+
+<p>When we are following the course which conscience tells us is the true
+one, although it may be rough and stony, and at times most difficult to
+keep, yet the knowledge of what awaits us at the end should be proof
+against temptations to turn aside. Woe to him who chides the voice of
+conscience and listens to that of the charmer!</p>
+
+<p>Elwood had gone some distance, and was walking very rapidly, when he
+came abruptly upon the opening in the rocks which has been mentioned in
+another place.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! here is a shorter cut across," was his reflection as he saw it, and
+not stopping to think further, he turned and walked rapidly through it.
+"I will beat Howard," and he smiled at the thought. "What will he think
+when he gets around to see me waiting for him? I know he will run so as
+to be there first."</p>
+
+<p>Thus hopeful, Elwood hurried forward, thinking only of the surprise he
+would give his cousin when they met again. As he found the path taking a
+most sinuous course, a dim idea came through his head that perhaps after
+all he had not gained so much by "cutting across." He would have turned
+back as it was but for the rapidly increasing darkness and the belief
+that he must speedily emerge from the eastern side of the hills.</p>
+
+<p>While walking through a narrow part of the path, he was alarmed by the
+rattling of some dirt, stones and debris over his head, and before he
+could retreat or advance he was stricken on the head by several pieces
+with such violence that he staggered and fell to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>He was not senseless, but somewhat stunned, and placed his hand on his
+head to see whether it was cut. Finding no blood, he arose to his feet
+and replied to the whistle of Howard, which had been ringing in his ears
+for the last ten minutes.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately after, he was taken with a sickness at the stomach, the
+result, doubtless, of the mental shock received. Such was his faintness
+and nausea that he lay down upon the ground for relief. When a boy feels
+so sick&mdash;as shown also by older persons in seasickness&mdash;he generally
+becomes perfectly indifferent to everything else in the world. Elwood
+concluded that Howard might whistle as long as he chose, and he would
+reply when he felt able. As for the gathering darkness, wild animals and
+savages, what did he care for them? They could exist and get along
+without his taking any trouble to think about them.</p>
+
+<p>And so he lay still until his sickness diminished and was gradually
+succeeded by drowsiness, which was not long in merging into slumber.</p>
+
+<p>Whoever yet remembered the moment he went to sleep? Whoever lay still to
+gain a few moments of slumber without obtaining far more than he
+expected, and regretting it when his intellect became sharp and clear?</p>
+
+<p>It was near midnight when Elwood awoke, and all was blank darkness. He
+called to Howard and Tim, and not until he had felt around with his
+hands, did he remember his situation. Then it all came to him.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a pretty piece of business," he thought, as he arose to his
+feet. "Poor Howard is half-frightened to death, and I suppose is still
+hunting for me. But I don't hear him."</p>
+
+<p>He listened, but all was still.</p>
+
+<p>"It may be that he has grown tired, but will hear me if I call to him."</p>
+
+<p>Whereupon he whistled again and again, and shouted and listened and then
+repeated his signals, but there was no response. But for the intervening
+hills his cry would have reached the two watchers by the river shore,
+but with twice the penetrating power he still would have failed to reach
+them.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the best thing I can do is to wait here until morning, and then I
+can make my way back again."</p>
+
+<p>His sickness was gone, but he felt somewhat chilled from lying upon the
+ground with no extra covering, although the night was quite moderate, if
+not really warm. The contact with the ground had made a portion of his
+body cold, and the sluggish circulation prompted him to exercise.</p>
+
+<p>"I hardly know whether to stay here or to go back to the woods and take
+refuge in a tree. Some animals may find me here, while I shall be safe
+if I am only twenty feet above ground."</p>
+
+<p>The vivid recollection of the wolverines gave him this fear and finally
+induced him to leave the place and seek shelter.</p>
+
+<p>But at the moment of starting he was confronted by an alarming
+difficulty. He found it impossible to decide upon the proper course to
+follow, and could not tell with certainty which way led in or out. This
+resulted from his having turned around several times in his effort to
+restore warmth and circulation on awaking from his sleep. Had he not
+done this the position in which he lay during slumber would have told
+him the truth.</p>
+
+<p>"How strange!" he reflected, vainly seeking to recover from his
+bewilderment. "If I only had a little light I think I could tell, but
+this is rather delicate business when I don't know whether I may go over
+the rocks or not."</p>
+
+<p>He leaned against the wall of the path and thought. At last he believed
+he knew which way to turn, and facing backward he began to pick his way
+out. This, we may say, was the right course, and had he only persevered
+in it would have brought him out of the hills into the woods, restored
+him to Tim and Howard a few hours later and saved him one of the most
+momentous experiences of his life.</p>
+
+<p>He had retreated but a few rods when he became sure he had made a
+mistake and was going wrong. It seemed from his contact with the rocks
+and the curious windings it made, that he had never passed over the
+ground, but was advancing further into the hills.</p>
+
+<p>"This will not do," he said aloud, as he paused. "I am astray and must
+change about."</p>
+
+<p>He did so at once, and believing, of a surety, that he was now upon the
+right path he walked much faster than was prudent. The truth was, the
+associations of the plate were such as to make him in a hurry to get
+away from it. He knew he would feel relieved when he could get once more
+into the open air of the woods. A strange fear that the overhanging rock
+would fall or imprison him caused him to hasten still more. After
+walking some time further he slackened his steps.</p>
+
+<p>"I must be pretty near the opening, judging by the distance I have come;
+and if such be the case&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Further words were checked, for at that instant Elwood stepped off the
+path and went down&mdash;down!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLII" id="CHAPTER_XLII"></a>CHAPTER XLII.</h2>
+
+<h3>A DREARY NIGHT.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Elwood fell about twenty feet, striking the solid earth, without losing
+his own perpendicular position. He was considerably pained, but not
+seriously hurt. His rifle had fallen from his hand, and was not found
+again until daybreak, as not knowing where he stood, whether upon the
+edge of some precipice or ravine, he scarcely dared move a limb.</p>
+
+<p>Ah! if the night was so weary to the watchers by the river shore, it was
+much more so to him for whom they thus lay awake. Utter midnight
+blackness all around, the profound and impressive stillness made more
+profound and impressive by the trickling of some current near, the
+occasional glimpse of some tiny star twinkling among the dark,
+straggling clouds overhead; such was Elwood Brandon's situation and
+surroundings.</p>
+
+<p>His only resource was thought, and the direction which this took for a
+time was anything but a relief. He saw that he himself was to blame for
+the disaster of the day. It was he who proposed this ramble, and he who
+insisted so strenuously upon separating from Howard in the journey
+around the hills. And then his present situation resulted wholly from
+his own foolishness&mdash;to call it no milder term&mdash;in entering an unknown
+path with the simple hope of reaching a designated point a few minutes
+in advance of his friend, whom he knew well enough had carried out to
+the letter their agreement, and was waiting his coming.</p>
+
+<p>Had Howard found Tim O'Rooney? That was the next question. Or was he
+still lingering on the other side of the hills, waiting for the morning
+to renew his hunt for himself before he sought out his companion? The
+latter seemed the most probable supposition to Elwood, and the odd whim
+took him that his cousin was close at hand and listening for the
+familiar signal. So he placed his fingers to his mouth and repeated the
+whistle which they had used so many times between them.</p>
+
+<p>He did this again and again, but there was no response, and he finally
+concluded that it was rather a monotonous manner of passing the time and
+ceased, and again gave himself up to thought.</p>
+
+<p>If he ever lived to see his friends at home what an experience would be
+his to tell! The burning steamer, the hours spent in drifting ashore,
+the wanderings through the wilds of California, this adventure among the
+hills&mdash;surely they were enough to last a life-time.</p>
+
+<p>Now and then a cold draft of wind swept by him, as though the
+temperature of the air was changing. It was in fact the premonition of
+the gathering storm to which we have referred in another place.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood had been in his constrained position a couple of hours when he
+was subjected to a terrible fright. Suddenly some dirt and stones
+commenced moving near him and he felt it strike his feet. He was fearful
+that a landslide was about to take place, but did not dare attempt to
+get out of the way. He could only shrink closer against the rocks, pray
+to Heaven for protection, and await the issue.</p>
+
+<p>The pebbles rattled around him for a long time, and when they had nearly
+ceased he learned that the whole tumult was caused by some wild animal.
+This dissipated all fear of being engulfed by a landslide, but scarcely
+relieved him. It was simply a change of species in the danger.</p>
+
+<p>He could hear the footsteps of the animal as it walked back and forth.
+They sounded above his head, but he could not judge with certainty.
+Several times it gave a low growl, from which he was sure that it was
+dangerous, and if it knew of his presence and could reach him would
+speedily end his reckless conduct forever.</p>
+
+<p>The animal was still for a while and the boy was indulging in the belief
+that it had gone, when he heard its footsteps so near that his hair
+fairly rose with terror. He stooped down and felt around in the darkness
+for his gun, but it was not within reach. He caught a huge stone and
+held it in reserve for defense.</p>
+
+<p>Straining his eyes through the darkness, he fancied he could see a dark
+object above him; but it was only fancy, for to his excited imagination
+the most extraordinary phantoms were flitting before him&mdash;floating in
+the air, around and above him, like the wonderful visions that visit us
+in delirium&mdash;until he closed his eyes to shut out the tormenting
+figures.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps, after all, the presence of the wild animal was the means of
+saving him, for it kept his mind down to the hard, practical fact that
+imminent danger was close at hand, and all his thoughts were needed to
+meet it. He stood a long time grasping the stone and expecting the
+assault; but the tumult finally ceased and all became still.</p>
+
+<p>When Elwood looked up again he saw that it was growing light, and day
+was indeed breaking.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLIII" id="CHAPTER_XLIII"></a>CHAPTER XLIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>WANDERINGS.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The light increased each moment, and Elwood Brandon soon saw the
+position in which he was placed. He had walked along the path and fallen
+abruptly off, alighting on a projection that ran along the edge of the
+ravine, and was of sufficient width to only comfortably hold him. Had he
+gone a yard forward he would have fallen over to another ledge, although
+this was not more than a dozen feet below. Indeed, his rifle had done
+this, and now lay on this broad band of earth and gravel, which here
+sloped so gradually down to the bottom of the ravine that it could be
+descended without difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>His first proceeding, after thanking Heaven for the protection of the
+night, was to let himself down to where his rifle lay. An examination
+proved it uninjured, and with its possession came a feeling of
+confidence and safety such as he had not felt for a moment during the
+hours of darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, if that wild creature, whatever it was, would like to introduce
+itself, I am prepared."</p>
+
+<p>And he looked around as if he expected its appearance; but it had left
+some time before. At first he was at a loss to understand what it had
+chosen as its parade ground, but, concluded it must have been the very
+path from which he had fallen, and where, had he remained, he could not
+have avoided falling into its power.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood could not see the possibility of extricating himself by the same
+way in which he had entered. In some places it was necessary to climb a
+score or two feet up the perpendicular side of the ravine; and as there
+was no means at hand for doing this, he thought it best to press on down
+among the hills in the hope of discovering a new way of egress, or an
+easier access to the paths behind him.</p>
+
+<p>He wandered rather aimlessly forward, his path being over loose,
+rattling stones, constantly descending, until he reached the hard-packed
+earth, and judged himself to be in about the lowermost part of the
+valley. On every hand rose the ridges, rocks and peaks of the hills,
+until, as he looked up at the cloudy sky so far above him, he seemed but
+the merest pigmy.</p>
+
+<p>As he turned his head he caught sight of something a few rods ahead that
+puzzled him. For some time he could not make out its meaning, but
+finally he saw that it was a smouldering camp-fire, while around it were
+stretched five Indians&mdash;although at the moment he could not be positive
+as to their number&mdash;their blankets over them and they seemingly sound
+asleep.</p>
+
+<p>He concluded that the best thing he could do was to leave that immediate
+neighborhood as speedily as possible. He looked hurriedly around for the
+best line of retreat. It was difficult to decide, and he was still
+debating with himself when, as he glanced at the terrifying forms, he
+fancied, or really saw, one of them move. Without further reflection he
+darted a rod or two backward and shrunk in behind a breach in the rocks.</p>
+
+<p>This was no hiding-place in case the Indians came along this path. He
+could not conceal his body, as it was merely a niche such as would have
+been made had this portion of the rocky wall been set back about a foot
+from the rest. If the savages left the ravine by another direction there
+was no cause for fear, but if they came this way he had good reason to
+tremble.</p>
+
+<p>He had scarcely ensconced himself in this place of refuge when from the
+woods and rocks above him came the clear, echoing whistle of Howard
+Lawrence. It startled him as if it were the whoop of this Indians so
+close at hand. Of course he dare not reply to it, for it could only
+precipitate his capture.</p>
+
+<p>But he trembled more for the safety of his friends than himself. They
+were advancing hurriedly in their search, without one suspicion of the
+enemies so near them. Had he dared, to make a noise it would have have
+been one of warning for Tim and Howard to hasten away ere it was too
+late; but even that small comfort was denied him.</p>
+
+<p>He peered cautiously out and saw that the Indians were awake, but
+curiously enough appeared to pay no heed to the whistling, which to the
+boy were uttered twenty times as often and as loud as there was any
+need. One of the savages was stirring the fire with a stick, while the
+others were looking stupidly on.</p>
+
+<p>Drawing back his head, Elwood looked up among the rocks in the direction
+of the signals for some sign of his friends. He was startled into a
+suppressed exclamation by the sight of Tim O'Rooney's hat and face
+passing along the path above him; but before he could catch his eye it
+was gone and he saw it no more.</p>
+
+<p>The whistling sound now gradually retreated until it sounded quite far
+away, and Elwood began to feel more at ease, although not entirely so.
+He wondered greatly that the suspicions of the Indians were not excited,
+and that they did not hasten away at once to destroy his friends.</p>
+
+<p>The report of Tim O'Rooney's gun that slew the antelope sounded
+fearfully near, and sent a shiver of terror through the youngster
+crouching in his hiding-place. At the same time, as he looked stealthily
+out, he saw that it had attracted the attention of the Indians. All five
+were standing on their feet, with their loose blankets hung over their
+shoulders, and gesticulating with their arms. The sound of their voices
+was plainly heard where he stood, and a thrill of hope ran through him
+as he imagined that he recognised in one of them a resemblance to that
+of Shasta, the Pah Utah.</p>
+
+<p>At this point the boy observed the storm gathering overhead&mdash;the sullen
+booming of thunder, the black clouds sweeping tumultuously across the
+sky, the vivid spears of lightning darting in and out among them. A cool
+wind whistled through the gorge overhead, and dust and leaves came
+whirling in the air and settled all around him.</p>
+
+<p>The boy looked above, and saw that when the storm did burst it was sure
+to spend its full fury upon his head. Not the least particle of shelter
+covered him, and he had to expect a full drenching; but this he was
+willing to bear, if it would only tend to keep the attention of the
+Indians diverted. It seemed to him very probable, as he stood between
+them and his own friends, that in following up the suspicious report of
+the rifle they would pass directly by him, in which case he had about
+one chance out of a thousand of remaining unseen by them.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood did not dare to look out, so fearful was he of being seen. He
+believed that the heads of the savages were turned toward him, in which
+case the risk was too great. He therefore, unheedful of the large drops
+that were beginning to patter around him, stood and listened.</p>
+
+<p>Hark! He hears their tread! His heart throbs faster than ever, as he
+knows they are coming toward him! Closer and closer he shrinks to the
+rock, as if to bury himself in its flinty surface.</p>
+
+<p>All at once, an Indian, too tall and muscular to be Shasta, steps to
+view and passes beyond him without turning his head; the second is about
+the right height, but the one furtive glance stole at him shows that he
+is a stranger; so as regards the third; the fourth is too short, he
+passes on in the procession. The fifth and last Elwood at first believed
+to be Shasta, but a second look showed him his mistake. Had he held any
+doubts they were removed by the Indian abruptly pausing, turning his
+face full toward him, and uttering the <i>"hoogh!"</i> of surprise, as he saw
+the boy cowering against the rocks.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLIV" id="CHAPTER_XLIV"></a>CHAPTER XLIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>A OLD ACQUAINTANCE.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The instant the hindmost Indian uttered his exclamation of surprise, the
+others paused, and thus, before Elwood Brandon fully realized his
+danger, he found himself confronted by the whole force. Resistance or
+flight was not to be thought of, so he merely stood still and
+tremblingly awaited their will regarding him.</p>
+
+<p>They were plainly surprised at finding a boy pressing against the rooks
+with an appearance of the greatest terror, and they gazed at him a
+moment as if uncertain what to do about it. However, they didn't seem to
+be particularly savage or blood-thirsty, nor frightened, as they kept
+their guns in their hands and their knives in their belts.</p>
+
+<p>He who stood nearest to Elwood reached out his brawny arm, grasped him
+firmly and drew him out from his hiding-place. All then scrutinized him
+as if to make sure whether he was some wild animal or human being.
+Satisfied on this point, the boy was then shoved forward so as to be
+between the savages, and as they stepped off he was motioned to do the
+same. Elwood understood that he was a prisoner, and he philosophically
+submitted to his fate.</p>
+
+<p>As yet they had not disturbed his weapons; but he had gone a short
+distance only when the Indian directly behind him placed his hand upon
+the muzzle of the gun which was protruding over the youngster's shoulder
+and began drawing it. The latter disliked very much to part with the
+rifle, and held it as tightly as possible; but as the savage only drew
+it the more powerfully, he finally let go and it instantly went from his
+possession.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood could not forbear looking around at the one who had thus deprived
+him of his property. As he gazed into his face he was at a loss to
+understand the expression. The Indian fixed his black eyes upon him, but
+his lips were closed and not a feature moved or twitched. The boy could
+not withstand the fierceness of those orbs and was glad to turn his head
+again.</p>
+
+<p>They walked quite rapidly up the path, making a turn that gave them a
+very steep ascent. The thunder was booming louder than ever, and the
+rain by this time was falling furiously. The party hurried forward until
+they reached the camp which Tim O'Rooney and Howard had so recently
+deserted. Here Elwood took the liberty of protecting himself by backing
+against the overhanging rock. This was precisely the position which he
+occupied when Howard Lawrence gazed over and missed seeing him by such a
+narrow chance.</p>
+
+<p>When the descent of the rain became so copious as to scatter the
+savages, two of them ran up beside Elwood and imitated his action in
+protecting himself from the descending deluge. This was only a partial
+success, yet much preferable to standing in the open air and receiving
+the full pelting of the storm.</p>
+
+<p>It will be remembered that Howard Lawrence waited until he saw the
+Indians hurry away for shelter, when he returned to Tim O'Rooney and the
+two effected a safe retreat from the dangerous locality. They saw
+nothing more of the savages, and their conjecture that Elwood was a
+prisoner among them was merely a conjecture, although absolutely
+correct.</p>
+
+<p>The tiny stream running so quietly at the feet of the two aboriginal
+Americans and Elwood Brandon increased so rapidly that it was evident it
+would speedily become a torrent that would sweep them off their feet,
+and that the only safety was to effect as speedy an escape as possible.
+Taking him between them, they started directly up the path in the
+direction of their companions. The falling rain and splashing water
+almost blinded Elwood, but he pressed bravely forward until conscious
+that they were beneath some kind of covering, and looking around, saw
+that they stood in a sort of cave, and where they had rejoined the three
+Indians who had fled some time before.</p>
+
+<p>The shelter proved a secure one, although it was reached rather late to
+be of much benefit to Elwood, who was thoroughly wetted to the skin. He
+was, however, rather pleased at the lenient disposition shown by his
+captors. They had not offered him the least violence, rudeness or
+insult, and appeared to maintain a very indifferent watch over him. He
+did not believe they intended him any bodily harm, although he trembled
+at the consequences when they joined another party or should reach their
+own homes. They probably intended to hold him a prisoner so long as he
+was no particular trouble to them; but their leniency was more the
+result of indifference than of genuine kindness&mdash;and indifference that
+would as soon witness death as life, and that would not stretch out the
+hand to avert the impending doom.</p>
+
+<p>The storm raged with unabated fury for several hours, and the tiny
+stream, whose murmur could scarcely be heard as it coursed its way
+through the hills, was now swelled to the dimensions of a torrent, and
+roared through its course with a clamor almost deafening. A vast amount
+of water had fallen within the few hours, and it would have been very
+perilous had any of the party remained where the fire that cooked the
+antelope was kindled. A yellow stream some six feet in depth rushed
+furiously through the narrow passage, like some river when compressed
+into its narrow canyon.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians stood as motionless as the rocks themselves until the storm
+was over. Each had his blanket slung over his shoulder, extending down
+to his knees, and effectually protecting their bodies from the rain
+which had so thoroughly soaked poor Elwood. None of them sported the
+defiant scalp-locks so common among the more northern Indians; but their
+long, black, stiff hair, resembling precisely that of a horse's mane,
+dangled around their shoulders, neck and ears and over their breasts.
+Mixed in among the hair on the crown were a number of painted feathers,
+which, having had a touch of rain, drooped down like those of an humbled
+chanticleer that has been rescued from the river by some kind hand.
+Their faces being daubed over with green, yellow and red, mixed and
+mingled with a sublime disregard of proportion, gave their features a
+peculiarly unnatural appearance, such as we see when we survey our
+particular friends through differently and highly colored pieces of
+glass. They were fine specimens of the "noble red man" that are
+occasionally met with now-a-days; but they are of that species of sights
+of which it may be said "distance lends enchantment to the view."
+However, they were happy, for as yet they had not come in contact with
+civilization, and had had no taste for the white man's "fire-water,"
+that scourge of the aboriginal race, and which seems destined finally to
+sweep them from the continent.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood occupied himself in looking from one of these Indians to the
+other, and speculating regarding their thoughts and opinions about
+himself, of whose presence they seemed so unconscious. Indeed, they
+scarcely looked at him except when he sneezed, and then their heads shot
+round as suddenly as if they were moved by machinery and the spasm had
+let on the steam.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, when the falling of the rain ceased, two of the Indians went
+out to look for the remainder of their prisoner's party, which they
+knew, if not already there, had been so recently among the hills. The
+vast rush of water, of course, had obliterated all signs where they had
+made any, and they could only hope to find them by discovering the trail
+made since the storm, or by the sight of themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Not a word did the savages exchange with each other. They appeared to
+understand what each thought, and what duty was required of them, which
+duty for the present resembled that of watching and waiting.</p>
+
+<p>As the day wore away the boy began to feel chilly and hungry. His wet
+clothes were anything but comfortable, and his hollow stomach was a poor
+protection against the sinking feeling. As his captors showed no
+disposition to leave the place, or even to change their statue-like
+positions, he began to grow anxious. He feared an attack of sickness if
+his wants were not supplied; and after debating with himself a few
+moments, he walked up to the tallest Indian and motioned that he needed
+something to eat.</p>
+
+<p>The reply was startling and decisive. The dusky rascal surveyed him
+sharply a moment, and then drew his knife and raised it in a menacing
+manner over his head. And thereupon Elwood retreated to his position,
+and concluded he wasn't quite as hungry as he first imagined.</p>
+
+<p>It is hard to tell what this singular captivity of Elwood Brandon's
+would have eventuated in had not an unexpected diversion occurred in his
+favor. Just as it was getting dark, the two Indiana who had gone out at
+the close of the storm returned. They had a companion with them, and we
+leave our readers to imagine what the boy's feelings were when he
+recognized in the third his old friend Shasta, the Pah Utah.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLV" id="CHAPTER_XLV"></a>CHAPTER XLV.</h2>
+
+<h3>A FRIEND IN NEED.</h3>
+
+
+<p>When the Pah Utah entered the cave he did not appear to notice Elwood
+Brandon. The latter attributed this to the semi-darkness in which he
+stood, and was about to go forward and claim his friendship when
+something restrained him, and he concluded to wait until the Indian
+first recognized him.</p>
+
+<p>Shasta exchanged a few words with his friends, and immediately several
+of them went out in the darkness. When they returned, which was very
+speedily, they each bore a goodly bundle of sticks and kindlings. In
+what part of the wide creation they obtained them, directly after such a
+deluge of rain, it is impossible to tell, but American Indians have a
+peculiar faculty of doing such odd things.</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes later a blaze sprung out from the center of the bundle
+placed in the middle of the cave, and when Elwood looked downward toward
+it, he saw that Shasta was kneeling before the pile engaged in igniting
+it. As the flame flared out and illuminated the cave, the Pah Utah
+looked up and met the eyes of Elwood. For an instant, his black eyes
+were fixed upon him, and then he placed his finger to his lips and
+looked down again. The boy understood it all. <i>He didn't know anything
+of the Pah Utah.</i></p>
+
+<p>The fire burned vigorously and soon diffused a genial warmth throughout
+the cave. It was most grateful indeed to Elwood, who approached and
+subjected himself to a toasting process. The savages offered no
+objection, and he soon managed to secure a pleasant warmth, and
+partially to dry his damp clothes.</p>
+
+<p>He could not prevent himself from continually glancing at Shasta, but he
+never once caught his eye, and understanding the Indian's wishes, he
+compensated for this impertinence by staring twice as long at the other
+hideous visages.</p>
+
+<p>After all the great want of Elwood was food. He had fasted for thirty
+hours, and was faint and feeble. A month before such severe abstinence
+would have left him unable to stand; but the severe deprivation and
+hardship of the last week, united with its firm, buoyant constitution,
+and his freedom from the degrading use of tobacco, had developed a
+strength and endurance remarkable in one so young. He felt that he could
+wait until the next day without a mouthful, and still be able to travel;
+but the fainting, craving, hollow feeling rendered him uncomfortable and
+caused more than one longing look around the cavern and in the faces of
+his dusky-hued friends; but if the Indians understood his suffering they
+certainly did not care enough about them to give them heed.</p>
+
+<p>His hope was in the Pah Utah, but his situation was such as to deprive
+him of the expression of this hope. Shasta had given him to understand
+in an unmistakable manner that for the present they were to remain
+strangers; and no matter what his distress might be, he dare not
+disregard this command.</p>
+
+<p>Yet Elwood Brandon believed, if the Indian understood his case, he would
+find some means to relieve him, slight though it was. Finally he decided
+upon his course of action.</p>
+
+<p>Walking up to the tall Indian, who had received his previous request in
+such a threatening manner, and halting when at a safe distance, he
+motioned to him for something to place in his mouth. The unfeeling
+fellow scrutinized the boy a moment, and then coolly turned his back
+upon him, and acted as though the supplication had not been made.</p>
+
+<p>He was equally unsuccessful with the others, and the refusal of Shasta
+was made in a most emphatic manner. Glaring at the boy like an enraged
+tiger, he brandished his knife and sprung toward him with such a
+curdling yell that the youngster sprung trembling back to the furtherest
+verge of the cavern, and the eyes of the other Indians were all turned
+toward the expected tragedy. But Elwood wasn't frightened&mdash;not a bit; he
+understood what it all meant.</p>
+
+<p>The performance was followed by a conversation between Shasta and the
+tall Indian, who doubtless belonged to the Pah Utah nation or some tribe
+friendly with them. It's precise import Elwood found impossible to
+determine, but he could not avoid a feeling of uneasiness when he saw by
+unmistakable signs that it referred to himself.</p>
+
+<p>It looked very much as though Shasta was urging immediate disposal of
+the prisoner, and his friend was strenuously maintaining a different
+action. The Pah Utah showed great excitement, very often turning and
+gesticulating toward Elwood, and once or twice he look a step or two in
+that direction, as if he had resolved on a certain and speedy death for
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, he appeared to yield the point, and turned his back upon his
+disputant and walked to the fire. As he did so his face was revealed
+alone to Elwood Brandon, and looking toward him, the boy again saw him
+place his finger to his lips and give that warning expression, which
+said as plainly as words, "Don't be frightened; all things are working
+right!"</p>
+
+<p>This was certainly gratifying, but our young friend was already
+satisfied upon this point, and would have much preferred a more
+substantial mark of friendship in the shape of something to supply the
+craving within. But on the very eve of despair he was delighted to see a
+couple of Indians&mdash;whose absence he had noted for the last
+half-hour&mdash;return heavily laden with fish. These were immediately taken
+in charge, by Shasta, and the savor of them as they were cooking drove
+the famishing boy almost frantic.</p>
+
+<p>While he sat with longing eyes, watching the motions of the cook, one of
+the fat roasted fellows suddenly shot from his hand and fell into the
+lap of the boy. The Pah Utah did not raise his head, and the act looked
+as if it were a voluntary one upon the part of the fish to escape the
+hands of its tormentors&mdash;so dexterously was the whole thing done.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood did not stop to thank his considerate friend, but devoured the
+food precisely in the fashion that a boy attacks a pile of gingerbread
+which he has been expecting and longing for during a half-day. When he
+had finished the fish, another in just as prime condition dropped into
+his lap, apparently from the top of the cave above.</p>
+
+<p>This satisfied his hunger, and he arose to his feet, casting his eyes
+toward Shasta, and testifying by his looks the gratitude which he dare
+not express audibly. He remained in the rear of the cavern, patiently
+waiting the pleasure of the Pah Utah regarding himself.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians completed their meal, and then exchanged a few words, when
+they prepared to leave. Elwood watched them with interest, and when the
+tall fellow motioned for him to come forward, he did so with alacrity,
+and took him place in the rear of the line which was formed. Glancing
+back as they were about to start, he saw by the light of the fire that
+the one immediately behind him was Shasta.</p>
+
+<p>The night was utterly dark&mdash;above, below and all around. The hand of the
+Pah Utah was placed upon his shoulder, as if to guide him aright, and
+the march began.</p>
+
+<p>Of course it was impossible for Elwood to tell where he was going, but
+he followed blindly the direction of him behind for a hundred yards,
+when he knew by the brushing of his hands against the sides that they
+were passing through a narrow passage. All at once he felt himself
+seized by an iron grip from behind, lifted from his feet and tossed into
+the air. He did not fall back in the path they were traversing, but lit
+lightly upon a ledge, where he concluded to remain until he heard
+further from the gentleman who had elevated him to that position.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLVI" id="CHAPTER_XLVI"></a>CHAPTER XLVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>WHAT SHASTA DID.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The night was still, and the regular tramp of the Indians sounded like
+the march of a file of soldiers, as they passed over the grass-covered
+earth. Elwood listened, hardly daring to breathe, as the tread grew
+fainter, fainter, fainter still, then died out; then was revived by a
+sigh of the night air, and all was still.</p>
+
+<p>The boy raised his eyes and looked upward. Through the dark clouds
+drifting tumultuously across the sky he detected the glimmer of a star
+or two, and in that moment of deep solemnity a passage of the Holy Bible
+came to him.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no
+city to dwell in."</p>
+
+<p>"Hungry and thirsty, their souls fainted in them."</p>
+
+<p>"When they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered
+them out of their distress."</p></div>
+
+<p>It came from his heart, and he repeated it over again.</p>
+
+<p>How beautiful! How appropriate to the situation! The tears welled to his
+eyes, and his heart overflowed at the repeated remembrance of the
+all-merciful Father, whose eye alone saw him and whose ear alone heard
+the thankfulness that would find expression.</p>
+
+<p>He fell into a sweet reverie, from which he was awakened by a slight
+noise below. He leaned his head over the ledge and listened. All at once
+he heard a soft rush, and the next moment an Indian was holding on to
+the edge of the tabular-like projection with one hand, while his other
+was outstretched and placed upon his body.</p>
+
+<p>"Is that you, Shasta?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oogh! Sh-e-asta!"</p>
+
+<p>"All right! I am waiting for you."</p>
+
+<p>The hand closed upon his right arm; he was lifted bodily as if he were
+an infant, and held in mid-air; and the next instant the Pah Utah
+dropped lightly to the earth, and the two stood upon their feet. The
+Indian uttered an exclamation which seemed to be one of inquiry, and the
+boy made answer in this manner:</p>
+
+<p>"I am ready for anything, Shasta; lead the way."</p>
+
+<p>Instead of allowing him to walk, as Elwood confidently expected, the Pah
+Utah flung him over his shoulder and then started on a long, loping trot
+up the path. His extraordinary agility and muscular power made the
+weight he carried of the same effect as if it were his rifle he was thus
+transporting.</p>
+
+<p>This rapid progress continued but a few minutes, when he sunk into a
+walk&mdash;one of long strides, such as would have compelled the boy to a
+moderate run to equal. He could tell that he was going up quite an
+ascent, but toward what point it was impossible to tell. Occasionally
+his hand or his foot struck the projecting rocks, and the rush of the
+wind now and then against his face told when they were passing through
+the more open space.</p>
+
+<p>Wonderful indeed was the skill of the Pah Utah, that in the dense
+darkness showed him, just where and just the outlay of strength that
+would land his young white friend upon the shelf of safety. Equally
+extraordinary was the woodcraft that brought him back to the precise
+spot, and enabled him to thread his way through the impenetrable gloom
+with the surety of the mountain chamois, which bounds over the
+fastnesses of the Alps at midday.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood was quiescent, for he know whose hand held him upon those brawny
+shoulders, and he felt that the moccasined foot which touched the earth
+so lightly was too sure to miss its hold, and the heart throbbing within
+that dusky bosom pulsated too powerfully with the common humanity of our
+nature ever to falter or hesitate in its work of love.</p>
+
+<p>This singular means of progress was continued for the better part of an
+hour, when the Indian paused and placed him gently on his feet. The sky,
+which had partially cleared, enabled him to see that they had emerged
+from the ridge of hills whose entrance had been so eventful to him, and
+they now stood in the open woods.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood Brandon admitted to himself that the work of Shasta was now
+finished, and he fully expected to be left alone in the forest to seek
+his way back to his friends; but if <i>he</i> thought so the Pah Utah
+certainly did not.</p>
+
+<p>Even in that moment the boy could not fail to notice that the Indian's
+breathing could not be heard. Not the slightest panting nor exhaustion
+from the tremendous exertion undergone!</p>
+
+<p>Shasta waited but a moment, and then gripping Elwood by the wrist he
+began threading his way through the forest. As he did so, instead of
+allowing the youngster to walk by his side, he held his arm backward, so
+that to all intents and purposes the boy was following behind him, and
+yet at such an angle that their feet did not interfere with each other.</p>
+
+<p>Not once did either the Pah Utah or his dependent strike a tree. Often
+did they graze the back, and brush through the limbs and undergrowth,
+but the uplifted arm of the Indian parted asunder the obstructions, and
+opened the way, as does the snow plow of the locomotive to the engine
+that drives it forward and the train coming behind.</p>
+
+<p>Whether the marvelous vision of the Pah Utah penetrated the Egyptian
+darkness or not, cannot be said. The veteran backwoodsman, as he strides
+through the midnight forest, seems to <i>feel</i> the presence of each
+tree-trunk as he approaches it, just as the fingers of pianists strike
+the piano keys with such bewildering certainty, without their once
+looking at them.</p>
+
+<p>Onward they pressed, Elwood only now and then able to catch a glimpse of
+his faithful guide, who never vouchsafed a word or exclamation for his
+benefit. There was no need of it. Both fully understood each other, and
+the boy did not attempt to divert the attention which was so needed, at
+the present time, for the work before him.</p>
+
+<p>Finally Shasta seemed to hesitate&mdash;not the hesitation of doubt and
+uncertainty, but as if he had neared if not reached his destination, and
+had slackened his pace that he might not pass the exact point.</p>
+
+<p>He was not long in finding the proper spot, and Elwood could see that he
+was stooping down and busy at something. While he was closely
+scrutinizing him, he suddenly became aware that they stood beside the
+river, and the Pah Utah was engaged with his canoe. It occupied him but
+a moment, when he turned around, lifted the boy over and laid him down
+upon the blanket which was spread over the bottom of the boat, the
+remainder was folded carefully around his body, and then the Indian
+stood back, as if to command his young friend to go to sleep without any
+delay or questioning.</p>
+
+<p>The boy had lain but a short time when he found the blanket so
+intolerably warm that he threw a portion from him. It was instantly and
+rather roughly replaced&mdash;evidence that Shasta meant that his wishes
+should be obeyed. At any rate the boy thought so, and dared not repeat
+the act.</p>
+
+<p>The great warmth of the blanket caused Elwood to break out into a
+copious perspiration from head to foot, and caused him almost to gasp
+for breath; but when he seemed only to meditate on relieving himself of
+the superabundant clothing, the dusky watcher leaned forward to see
+whether he dared violate his implied commands. It looked very much as
+though the Pah Utah was acting as a physician to his youthful friend.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLVII" id="CHAPTER_XLVII"></a>CHAPTER XLVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>STILL WAITING.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Tim O'Rooney and Howard Lawrence, after making their way out of the
+range of hills to the river-side, where their canoe lay, waited until
+dark, in accordance with their agreement, before venturing out upon the
+river. They were quite uneasy, and to prevent their trail revealing them
+they dropped a few hundred yards down the shore, where they awaited the
+coming of darkness.</p>
+
+<p>"Worrah! worrah!" said Tim with an immense sigh, "this is a bad day when
+we came to leave the youngster with the rid gintleman. A fine youngster
+was the same&mdash;bowld and presumin'. It's a qua'ar failin', Masther
+Howard, that comes to me."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I am sad enough, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! but it is not exactly that be the towken of another faaling
+intirely."</p>
+
+<p>"What is it then?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whin it's yourself that is lost and awandtherin' off by yourself all
+alone, and nobody with yees, then I thinks it's yees that I loves more
+nor him that stays with me. But now, whin it's Elwood&mdash;God bless
+him!&mdash;that's gone, he's dearer to me than all the rest of the world, not
+exceptin' yourself. But," and Tim scratched his head in great
+perplexity, "it's the same that puzzles me sorely. Could yees be afther
+accounting for it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Elwood and I both know that you think a great deal of us, and no doubt
+it is because your affection is so equally divided."</p>
+
+<p>"That's it. Yees have made it all plain. I likes each of yees more than
+the other, and both of yees a great deal the most, whither be the towken
+of takin' yees apart or together, or takin' both of yees separate, and
+also wid each other."</p>
+
+<p>Tim nodded his head again and again, as if to signify that it was clear
+to his mind. Perhaps it was; but if so, one may doubt whether it was as
+clearly expressed.</p>
+
+<p>"There's another thing that troubles me," added the Irishman, with one
+of those great inhalations of breath which seem to fill the entire
+being.</p>
+
+<p>"What is that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Me pipe has gone out, and I hasn't the maans convanient to relight it."</p>
+
+<p>"That is a small infliction which you can well afford to bear. I am only
+anxious for the night, that we may speed on our way home to get
+assistance for poor Elwood."</p>
+
+<p>"Yis, if it's bist."</p>
+
+<p>And just in that exclamation Tim O'Rooney echoed the sentiments of his
+companion. Ever since leaving the range of hills, with the resolve to
+hurry away in search of help, the question had been constantly rising in
+his mind: "Is it best to do so?"</p>
+
+<p>He tried to put it out of hearing, with the determination that he had
+already decided; but, as if it were the pleadings of conscience, it
+would not be stifled, and it came again and again, until when Tim spoke
+it seemed almost as loud as his.</p>
+
+<p>"I can't make up my mind about that," said he. "When we left the hills I
+had not a moment's doubt but that he was in the hands of the Indians,
+where there was great danger of our getting ourselves; but then we are
+not sure of it, and suppose we go away and leave him wandering through
+the woods until he is captured or is obliged to give himself up to keep
+from starving. I imagine him following along the shore of the river
+looking for us&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"There! there! do yez shtop! No more for me; I've plenty," and the
+Irishman drew his sleeve across his eyes, as if he were wiping an undue
+accumulation of moisture, while Howard Brandon was scarcely less
+affected at the touching picture which he had drawn, and which he felt
+might be realized from his own remissness.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure I cannot tell which is for the best," he added in great
+perplexity. "If a prisoner, he may be able to get away."</p>
+
+<p>"Yis, yees are right; some dark night he can give the owld haythen the
+slip, and make thracks for the river."</p>
+
+<p>"And who knows but he has been able to elude them, and is only waiting
+until dark to hunt us up?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yez are right agin; I was about to obsarve the same myself."</p>
+
+<p>There was one view of the case, which if it did occasionally force
+itself upon the attention of Howard, he resolutely refused to utter a
+reference to it. It was that Elwood had been killed accidentally, or by
+the savages. That was too terrible a contingency to take definite shape
+until there was no escaping it, and as all of us know better we won't
+refer to it again.</p>
+
+<p>"Then he may be in the power of these wandering Indians that took such
+an interest in the antelope we left lying down among the rocks."</p>
+
+<p>"Yis; yez are correct sure."</p>
+
+<p>"How is it, Tim, that you agree with every supposition I make, no matter
+bow different they are from each other?"</p>
+
+<p>"Wal, you saas me mind is a little foggy, be the towken that I hasn't
+had the pipe atween me lips since yesterday. When I'm deprived of that
+pleasure I finds meself unable to reason clearly."</p>
+
+<p>"That is the first time I have heard that smoke makes a thing clearer."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! that's the trouble," added Tim, with a desponding shake of his
+head. "If this bad state of things continyees fur a few days longer,
+yees'll have to laad me around wid a string, or else taach Terror to do
+the same, as yez have saan a poor blind man and his dog do."</p>
+
+<p>"You draw rather a woeful picture of yourself. But I suppose you can
+hold out for a few hours longer, and when it becomes dark, we can make a
+fire, light your pipe and get far away from it before any of the Indians
+could reach the spot."</p>
+
+<p>"I think yez are right, but me intellect is working so faably this
+afternoon, that I faars to tax it too hard lest it topples over and gits
+upsit intirely. Yis, yez are right."</p>
+
+<p>"Somehow or other I think Shasta is in this neighborhood&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"So does meself," interrupted Tim, in his anxiety to give assent.</p>
+
+<p>"If he is, he will not forget the kindness of Elwood."</p>
+
+<p>"Never!"</p>
+
+<p>"And whether we wait here or not he will attend to his safety all the
+same."</p>
+
+<p>"That he will&mdash;you may depend on it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then shall we wait here or hurry down the river for help?"</p>
+
+<p>"Both, or aither as yez plaise."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Tim, we must do one or the other."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us slaap and draam over it."</p>
+
+<p>This struck Howard as a good suggestion, as they both needed slumber
+sorely, and adjusting themselves in the canoe, with the Newfoundland as
+ever maintaining guard, they were quickly wrapped in deep slumber.</p>
+
+<p>When they awoke it was broad day, and the whining of the dog told them
+at once that he had detected something suspicious.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLVIII" id="CHAPTER_XLVIII"></a>CHAPTER XLVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE MEETING.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Tim O'Rooney and Howard Lawrence, awaking at the same moment, observed
+the alarming action of the dog. Raising their heads they looked
+carefully around but could detect nothing unusual. They were so securely
+drawn under the overhanging shrubbery and undergrowth that they were
+pretty certain no one else was aware of their presence; but the gaze of
+the dog being turned toward the river they judged that something must be
+nearing them from that direction.</p>
+
+<p>Nor were they mistaken. A slight ripple was heard, and the next moment a
+canoe glided to view. In the center, controlling its movements, sat
+Shasta, the Pah Utah, and directly behind was Elwood Brandon.</p>
+
+<p>Howard could scarcely believe his eyes. He stared again and again, while
+Tim rubbed his organs of vision, winked and blinked, as though vainly
+seeking to recover from the bewilderment of a sudden awaking from sleep.
+Finally he muttered to himself:</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven save me! me intellect has toppled over intirely by raison of the
+want of me pipe."</p>
+
+<p>"Elwood! Elwood!" called Howard, leaning forward and pulling the bushes
+apart.</p>
+
+<p>But secure as they deemed their concealment, the eagle eyes of the Pah
+Utah had penetrated it, while they were yet several rods apart, and
+abruptly turning the prow of his canoe to one side, he brought it to
+rest directly opposite and within two feet of the other boat.</p>
+
+<p>Elwood heard his name and saw his friends the next instant. Reaching
+forward, he grasped the hands of his cousin and the tears trickled down
+their smiling faces, while Tim continued rubbing his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Am I draaming? as me uncle said when they towld him his grandfather had
+died and willed him two pounds and a half, or does I raaly see before me
+the youngster that the rid gintlemin had burned up? Let me faal the baal
+of yer hand."</p>
+
+<p>The two closed hands, and the joy of both was unbounded. Shasta, at this
+point, showed a delicacy of feeling that did his heart credit. Joining
+the canoes together in the old-fashioned manner, he motioned Elwood to
+enter that of his friends, while he gave his exclusive attention to that
+of propelling the two.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, now that the three were reunited, they overran each other
+with questions, exclamations and the interchange of experiences since
+they had separated. It did not require much time for the voluble tongue
+of Elwood to rattle on his brief stay with the Indians and the
+remarkable manner in which Shasta had secured his escape. Howard had but
+little to tell, and that was soon given, and they were left to speculate
+and conjecture on the future.</p>
+
+<p>Tim's joy drowned his craving for his tobacco, and as he joined in the
+glowing conversation of the boys he made no reference to it.</p>
+
+<p>"I think for the prisent," he remarked, "we won't take any hunts upon
+shore, especially if aich of us has to go alone. The red gintlemen, for
+some raisin at all, or more likely without any raisin, have taken a
+great anxiety to make our acquaintance. As fur meself, I prefers to live
+upon fish to having these same fellows faading upon me."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," replied Elwood, "I have learned something during the last few
+days. It is all well enough to be reckless and careless about danger
+when we are at home and there is no danger, but it is another thing when
+we are in these parts."</p>
+
+<p>"As the Frenchman remarked, 'tiger hunting is very fine so long as we
+hunt the tiger, but when he takes it into his head to hunt us the
+mischief is to pay."</p>
+
+<p>"If Shasta will have the onspakable kindness to tow us along in this
+shtyle for a few waaks, I think we will cast anchor at the wharf in San
+Francisco without any loss to passingers and freight."</p>
+
+<p>"He has seen what ninnies we were," said Elwood, "and no doubt will
+accompany us some distance further when he certainly ought to let us try
+it alone again."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! but he's a smart young gintleman, as the acquaintances of Tim
+O'Rooney used to say when they made the slightest reference to him.
+Couldn't we persuade him to go on to San Francisco wid us? I think your
+father would be plaised to take him in as a partner in their business
+wid them."</p>
+
+<p>"But <i>he</i> would hardly fancy the change," laughed Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"He might now. When we should state the sarvices he has rindered to us,
+it's meself that doesn't think they'd require him to put in a very large
+pile of capital."</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure if he should prove as keen and sharp in business matters as
+he does in the way of the woods, he would make one of the most
+successful merchants in the country."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a pity that he doesn't understand the illegant use of the tongue,
+that we might confaar wid him. We could lay the proposition forninst
+him, and he could gives us the tarms to carry wid us."</p>
+
+<p>However philanthropic this might be as regarded the Pah Utah, our
+friends deemed it hardly feasible to make the attempt to reach his views
+through the medium of signs.</p>
+
+<p>As for Shasta, he did not once look backward to observe what his
+passengers were doing. He was propelling his boat through the water with
+his usual celerity, his head occasionally turning slightly as he glanced
+first at one shore and then the other, as though looking for some sign
+or landmark.</p>
+
+<p>The day that succeeded the storm was beautiful and clear, everything in
+nature wearing a fresh and rosy look, as if refreshed by the needed
+shower. The current of the Salinas was as clear and crystal-like as
+though it had not received the muddy contents of a thousand brooks,
+rivulets and torrents gorged with the debris and leaves of its own
+valley.</p>
+
+<p>"I am troubled by one sore anxiety."</p>
+
+<p>"What can that be?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is for Mr. Shasta. He seems quite forgetful this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"In what respect?" asked Elwood, who did not see the drift of the
+Irishman's remarks.</p>
+
+<p>"He hasn't had his breakfast, and he must be faaling a wee bit hungry,
+and be the same token, he must be the victim of great distress, that he
+hasn't indulged in the use of his pipe."</p>
+
+<p>As Tim O'Rooney had made similar remarks on more than one previous
+occasion, it may be that the Pah Utah gathered an inkling of his
+meaning, for the words were scarce uttered when the canoes were headed
+toward shore, and a landing speedily made.</p>
+
+<p>A piscatorial meal was provided after the manner already fully given,
+and when finished the soothing pipe of Tim O'Rooney was produced and
+enjoyed to its full extent.</p>
+
+<p>But Shasta showed no disposition to wait, or to indulge in the solace of
+the weed. Motioning to his friends to enter the boat, he towed them to
+the center of the river, where he loosed the fastenings, and without a
+word or sign he headed his canoe up stream and sped away.</p>
+
+<p>"He is going home," said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"He must imagine that we are owld enough to walk alone," remarked Tim as
+he took the paddle.</p>
+
+<p>"But why not bid us good-by?" asked Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"As he has already done so," replied Howard, "he doubtless does not
+believe in adding a postscript."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XLIX" id="CHAPTER_XLIX"></a>CHAPTER XLIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>HOMEWARD BOUND.</h3>
+
+
+<p>Now that our friends were left entirely alone, it became a question
+whether they should continue journeying by day or night.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems to me that we are approaching a more civilized part of the
+country," said Howard. "I think there will be little risk in continuing
+our journey."</p>
+
+<p>Tim industriously used his paddle, and shortly afterward, Elwood pointed
+to an open space some distance inland.</p>
+
+<p>"Yonder are people, and they look as if they were gathered around a
+camp-fire at their dinner."</p>
+
+<p>Tim jerked his head around, gave a puff of his pipe and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Rid gintlemen ag'in, and I'll shy the canoe under the bank, and craap
+along till we gets beyonst thim."</p>
+
+<p>"No, they are not Indians&mdash;they are white men," quickly added Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>A careful scrutiny by all ended in a confirmation of Elwood's suspicion.</p>
+
+<p>"That is good," said Howard, with a pleased expression, "it shows that
+we are getting beyond the wild country into a neighborhood where white
+men abound, and where we can feel some degree of safety."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose they are miners or hunters who are taking their midday meal
+in the open air," added Elwood, who was still gazing at them.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall we heave too, pitch over the anchor, and s'lute them?" asked Tim.</p>
+
+<p>"No; go ahead, we have no time to spare."</p>
+
+<p>The cheering signs continued. An hour later they descried several white
+men seated in canoes and fishing near shore. They exchanged the
+courtesies of the day with them and passed on, growing more eager as
+they neared the goal.</p>
+
+<p>It would have been no difficult feat of the imagination for one standing
+on shore to fancy that the cause was a pocket edition of a Hudson River
+steamboat, so powerfully did Tim O'Rooney puff at his pipe, the whiffs
+speeding away over his shoulder in exact time with the dipping of the
+paddle, as though the two united cause and effect. The fellow was in the
+best of spirits. Suddenly he paused and commenced sucking desperately at
+his pipe-stem, but all in vain; no smoke was emitted.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" asked Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"Steam is out, and the paddle won't go."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me relieve you."</p>
+
+<p>The boy used it with good effect, while Tim shoved his blunt finger into
+the pipe-bowl, shut one eye and squinted into it, rattled it on his
+hand, puffed at it again, turned his pockets wrong side out, then put
+them to rights, and repeated the operation, just as we open the door a
+half-dozen times to make sure our friend isn't behind it, then gave one
+of his great sighs and looked toward Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"I put the last switch of tobaccy I had in the world into that pipe,
+just arter throwing myself outside of that quince of fish."</p>
+
+<p>"Quience?" laughed the boy, "you mean <i>quintal</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Yis, and what's to come of Tim O'Rooney, if he doesn't git some more
+right spaddily. His intellect toppled all the mornin', and can't stand
+another such strain, or it'll be nipped in the bud afore it has reached
+the topmost round at the bar of fame."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Tim, you are growing poetical," called Elwood over his shoulder,
+not a little amused at his bewildering metaphors.</p>
+
+<p>"We shall doubtless come across some friends before long who will be
+glad to supply you."</p>
+
+<p>"Elwood!" called Tim.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it!" he asked, pausing in his paddling.</p>
+
+<p>"If you saas a rid gintleman do yez jist rist till I takes aim and
+shoots him."</p>
+
+<p>"Why so blood-thirsty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not blood-thirsty, but tobaccy thirsty. The haythen deal in the
+article, and if we saas one he must yield."</p>
+
+<p>Elwood promised obedience, but they saw nothing of the coveted people
+whom they had been so anxious to avoid hitherto, but a half-hour later
+Howard said:</p>
+
+<p>"Heigh-ho! Yonder is just the man you want to see!"</p>
+
+<p>A single person dressed in the garb of a miner was standing on the shore
+leisurely surveying them as they came along. There could be no doubt
+that he was supplied with the noxious weed, for he was smoking a pipe
+with all the cool, deliberate enjoyment of a veteran at the business.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I head toward shore!" asked Elwood.</p>
+
+<p>"Sartin, sartin. Oh that we had Mr. Shasta here that he might hurry to
+land wid the ould canoe!"</p>
+
+<p>A few minutes sufficed to place the prow of the boat against the shore,
+and Tim O'Rooney sprung out. The miner, if such he was, stood with his
+hands in his pockets, looking sleepily at the stranger.</p>
+
+<p>"How do yez do, William?" reaching out and shaking the hand which was
+rather reluctantly given him.</p>
+
+<p>"Who you calling William?" demanded the miner gruffly.</p>
+
+<p>"I beg yez pardon, but it was a slip of the tongue, Thomas."</p>
+
+<p>"Who you calling Thomas?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is your family well, my dear sir?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whose family you talking about?"</p>
+
+<p>"Did yez lave the wife and childer well?"</p>
+
+<p>"Whose wife and childer you talking about?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yez got over the cowld yez had the other day?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Pears to me you know a blamed sight more about me than I do,
+stranger."</p>
+
+<p>"My dear sir, I have the greatest affection for yez. The moment I seen
+yez a qua'ar faaling come over me, and I filt I must come ashore and
+shake you by the hand. I faals much better."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't say?"</p>
+
+<p>"That I does. Would yez have the kindness to give me a wee bit of
+tobaccy?"</p>
+
+<p>The sleepy-looking stranger gazed drowsily at him a moment and then made
+answer:</p>
+
+<p>"I'm just smoking the last bit I've got. I was going to ax you for some,
+being you had such a great affection for me."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_L" id="CHAPTER_L"></a>CHAPTER L.</h2>
+
+<h3>RESCUED.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The miner having made his reply, turned on his heel, still smoking his
+pipe, and coolly walked away, while Tim O'Rooney gazed after him in
+amazement. The boys were amused spectators of the scene, and Elwood now
+called out.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Tim, don't wait! We shall meet somebody else before long; and as
+you have just had a good smoking spell, you can certainly wait a while."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," added Howard, "no good can come of waiting; so jump in and let's
+be off."</p>
+
+<p>The Irishman obeyed like a child which hardly understood what was
+required of it, and taking his seat said never a word.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me alternate with you for a while," said Howard to his cousin, "you
+have worked quite a while with the paddle."</p>
+
+<p>"I am not tired, but if you are eager to try your skill I won't object."</p>
+
+<p>The boys changed places, and while Howard gave his exclusive attention
+to the management of the canoe, Elwood devoid himself to consoling Tim
+O'Rooney in the most serio-comic manner.</p>
+
+<p>"Bear up a little longer, my good fellow. There's plenty of tobacco in
+the country, and there must be some that is waiting expressly for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Where bees the same?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course we are to find that out; and I haven't the least doubt but
+the way will appear."</p>
+
+<p>"Elwood," sighed Tim, "'spose by towken of the severe suffering that
+meself is undergoing I should lose me intellect&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think there's any danger."</p>
+
+<p>"And why not?" demanded the Irishman, in assumed fierceness.</p>
+
+<p>"For the good reason that you haven't any to lose."</p>
+
+<p>Tim bowed his head in graceful acknowledgment.</p>
+
+<p>"But suppose I does run mad for all that?"</p>
+
+<p>"I can easily dispose of you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Afther what shtyle?"</p>
+
+<p>"A madman is always a dangerous person in the community, and the moment
+I see any signs of your malady all I have to do is to shoot you through
+the head."</p>
+
+<p>"Do yez obsarve any signs at presint?"</p>
+
+<p>"You needn't ask the question, for the moment it breaks out the report
+of the gun and the crash of the bullet will give you a hint of the
+trouble."</p>
+
+<p>Tim laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Yez are a bright child, as me mother used to obsarve whin I'd wash me
+face in her buttermilk and smiled through the windy at her. If ye
+continues to grow in your intellect yez may come to be a man that I
+won't be ashamed to addriss and take by the hand when I maats yez in the
+straats."</p>
+
+<p>"I hope I shall," laughed Elwood, "the prize that you hold out is enough
+to make any boy work as he never did before. I hope you will not wish to
+withdraw your offer."</p>
+
+<p>"Niver a faar&mdash;niver a faar, as Bridget Mughalligan said, when I asked
+her if she'd be kind enough to remimber me for a few days."</p>
+
+<p>"Tim," added Elwood, after a moment's silence, "we are out of the
+woods."</p>
+
+<p>"What do yez maan by that?"</p>
+
+<p>"We can see signs of the presence of white men all around us, and we
+have nothing further to fear from Indians."</p>
+
+<p>At this point Howard called the attention of his companion to a large
+canoe which was coming around a curve in the river. It contained nearly
+a dozen men, and was the largest boat of the kind which they had ever
+seen, and savored also of a civilized rather than a savage architect.</p>
+
+<p>"They are white men," said Howard.</p>
+
+<p>"Do yez obsarve any pipes sticking out of their mouths?"</p>
+
+<p>"One or two are smoking."</p>
+
+<p>"Then boord them if they won't surrender."</p>
+
+<p>"They have headed toward us," remarked Elwood, "and must wish to say
+something."</p>
+
+<p>A few moments later the two boats came side by side, and before any one
+else could speak Tim made his request known for tobacco. This was
+furnished him, and as he relit his pipe he announced that he had no
+objection to their proceeding with their business.</p>
+
+<p>There were nine men in the larger boat, and all were armed with pistols,
+rifles and knives. In truth they resembled a war party more than
+anything else bound upon some desperate expedition.</p>
+
+<p>The boys noticed as they came along, and while Tim O'Rooney was
+speaking, that several of the men looked very keenly at them, as though
+they entertained some strong suspicion. Finally one of the men asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Are you youngsters named Lawrence and Brandon?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Here the questioner produced a paper from his pocket, and seemed to read
+his questions from that.</p>
+
+<p>"And is that man Timothy O'Rooney?"</p>
+
+<p>"Timothy O'Rooney, Esquire, from Tipperary, at your sarvice," called out
+the Irishman from the stern of the canoe, where he was elegantly
+reclining, and without removing the pipe from his mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"Were you on the steamer &mdash;&mdash; &mdash;&mdash; that was burned off the coast of
+California?" pursued the interlocutor.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Then you are just the party we are looking for."</p>
+
+<p>"Where do you come from?"</p>
+
+<p>"We are from San Francisco, sent out by Messrs. Lawrence and Brandon in
+search of their children, whom they learned a few days ago from Mr.
+Yard, one of the survivors, were left on the coast, having wandered
+inland at the time the others were taken off by the Relief."</p>
+
+<p>This was to the point.</p>
+
+<p>"It is fortunate for all parties that we met you," added the man with a
+smile, "for we receive a very liberal reward to bring you back, no
+matter whether we met you within a dozen miles of San Francisco, or were
+obliged to spend the summer hunting for you among the mountains, only to
+succeed after giving the largest kind of a ransom."</p>
+
+<p>"Prosaad," said Tim O'Rooney, with a magnificent wave of his hand,
+without rising from his reclining position. "We're glad to maat yez, as
+me uncle obsarved, whin Micky O'Shaunhanaley's pig walked into his
+shanty and stood still till he was salted down and stowed away in the
+barrel, by raisin of which Micky niver found his pig agin."</p>
+
+<p>The next day the party reached the outlet of the Salinas River, Monterey
+Bay, where they succeeded in securing transit to San Francisco, and the
+two boys were once more clasped in the loving arms of their anxious
+parents.</p>
+
+<p>Howard and Elwood remained in San Francisco until autumn, when they came
+East again and entered college, and having passed through with honor
+they returned to the Golden City, and are now partners in a flourishing
+business. Tim O'Rooney is in their service, and they both hold him in
+great regard. He is as good-natured as when "Adrift in the Wilds" with
+the boys, and his greatest grief is that he has never been able to meet
+Mr. Shasta, the most "illigent savage gintleman that iver paddled his
+own canoe."</p>
+
+<p>THE END.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="THE_BOYS_HOME_SERIES" id="THE_BOYS_HOME_SERIES"></a>THE BOYS' HOME SERIES.</h2>
+
+<p>Uniform with this Volume.</p>
+
+<p>This series affords wholesome reading for boys and girls, and all the
+volumes are extremely interesting.&mdash;<i>Cincinnati Commercial Gazette.</i></p>
+
+<p>Joe's Luck; or, A Boy's Adventures in California. <span class="smcap">By Horatio
+Alger, Jr.</span></p>
+
+<p>Julian Mortimer or, A Brave Boy's Struggles for Home and Fortune. By
+<span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Adrift In The Wilds; or, The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys. By
+<span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Frank Fowler, The Cash Boy. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></p>
+
+<p>Guy Harris, The Runaway. By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Ben Burton, The Slate-Picker. By <span class="smcap">Harry Prentice</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Temple's Career. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></p>
+
+<p>Tom, The Ready; or, Up from the Lowest. By <span class="smcap">Randolph Hill</span>.</p>
+
+<p>The Castaways; Or, On The Florida Reefs. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Kidd's Gold, The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy. By
+<span class="smcap">James Franklin Fitts</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Tom Thatcher's Fortune. By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></p>
+
+<p>Lost In The Ca&ntilde;on. The Story of Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great
+Colorado of the West. By <span class="smcap">Alfred R. Calhoun</span>.</p>
+
+<p>A Young Hero; or, Fighting to Win. By <span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis</span>.</p>
+
+<p>The Errand Boy; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By <span class="smcap">Horatio
+Alger, Jr.</span></p>
+
+<p>The Island Treasure; or, Harry Darrel's Fortunes. By <span class="smcap">Frank H.
+Converse</span>.</p>
+
+<p>A Runaway Brig; or, An Accidental Cruise. By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>.</p>
+
+<p>A Jaunt Through Java. The Story of a Journey to the Sacred Mountain by
+Two American Boys. By <span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis</span>.</p>
+
+<p>The King of Apeland. The Wonderful Adventures of a Young Animal-Trainer.
+By <span class="smcap">Harry Prentice</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Tom, The Boot-Black; or, The Road to Success. By <span class="smcap">Horatio
+Alger, Jr.</span></p>
+
+<p>Roy Gilbert's Search. A Tale of the Great Lakes. By <span class="smcap">William Pendleton
+Chipman</span>.</p>
+
+
+<p><i>The above stories are printed on extra paper, and bound in Handsome
+Cloth Binding, in all respects uniform with this volume, at $1.00 per
+copy.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>For sale by all Booksellers, or will be sent post-paid on receipt of
+the price by the publisher.</i></p>
+
+<p>A. L. BURT, 56 Beekman St., New York.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Adrift in the Wilds, by Edward S. Ellis
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+</pre>
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+</body>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Adrift in the Wilds, by Edward S. Ellis
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Adrift in the Wilds
+       or, The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys
+
+Author: Edward S. Ellis
+
+Release Date: May 27, 2007 [EBook #21626]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADRIFT IN THE WILDS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Garcia, Mary Meehan and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Kentuckiana Digital Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                           Adrift in the Wilds;
+
+                                   OR,
+
+                  The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys.
+
+                            By EDWARD S. ELLIS
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATED.
+
+NEW YORK:
+A. L. BURT, PUBLISHER.
+
+Copyrighted 1887, by A. L. Burt.
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+'May the good Lord preserve us! them are Injuns,' said
+Tim.
+
+"The Indian drew forth a tiny canoe and shoved it into
+the water"
+
+"We are lost."
+
+
+
+
+ADRIFT IN THE WILDS;
+
+OR,
+
+The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+HO, FOR CALIFORNIA.
+
+
+One beautiful misummer night in 18-- a large, heavily laden steamer was
+making her way swiftly up the Pacific coast, in the direction of San
+Francisco. She was opposite the California shore, only a day's sail
+distant from the City of the Golden Gate, and many of the passengers had
+already begun making preparations for landing, even though a whole night
+and the better part of a day was to intervene ere they could expect to
+set their feet upon solid land.
+
+She was one of those magnificent steamers that ply regularly between
+Panama and California. She had rather more than her full cargo of
+freight and passengers; but, among the hundreds of the latter, we have
+to do with but three.
+
+On this moonlight night, there were gathered by themselves these three
+personages, consisting of Tim O'Rooney, Elwood Brandon and Howard
+Lawrence. The first was a burly, good-natured Irishman, and the two
+latter were cousins, their ages differing by less than a month, and both
+being in their sixteenth year.
+
+The financial storm that swept over the country in 18--, toppling down
+merchants and banking-houses like so many ten-pins, carried with it in
+the general wreck and ruin, that of Brandon, Herman & Co., and the
+senior partner, Sylvanus Brandon, returned to his home in Brooklyn, New
+York, one evening worse than penniless. While he was meditating,
+dejected and gloomy, as to the means by which he was to keep the wolf
+from the door, his clerk brought him a letter which had been overlooked
+in the afternoon's mail, postmarked, "San Francisco, Cal." At once he
+recognized the bold, handsome superscription as that of his kind-hearted
+brother-in-law, Thomas Lawrence. His heart beat with a strong hope as he
+broke the envelope, and his eyes glistened ere he had read one-half.
+
+In short, it stated that Mr. Lawrence had established himself
+successfully in business, and was doing so well that he felt the
+imperative need of a partner, and ended by urging Mr. Brandon to accept
+the position. The bankrupt merchant laid the epistle in his lap, removed
+his spectacles and looked smilingly toward his wife. They held a long
+discussion, and both decided to accept the offer at once, as there was
+no other recourse left to them.
+
+It was evident from the letter that Mr. Lawrence had some apprehensions
+regarding Mr. Brandon's ability to weather the storm, but he could not
+be aware of his financial crash, as it had only become known on the
+street within the last twenty-four hours. Mr. Brandon deemed it proper,
+therefore, before closing with the offer, to acquaint his brother-in-law
+with his circumstances, that he might fully understand the disadvantage
+under which he would be placed by the new partnership.
+
+The letter was written and duly posted, and our friends rather anxiously
+awaited the answer. It came in the gratifying form of a draft for $1,000
+to defray "his necessary expenses," and an urgent entreaty to start
+without delay.
+
+The advice was acted upon, and within two weeks of the reception of the
+second letter, Mr. Brandon and his wife were on board the steamer at New
+York, with their state-rooms engaged for California. They had but one
+child, Elwood, whom they had placed at a private school where he was to
+prepare himself for college, in company with his cousin, Howard
+Lawrence, who had been sent from California by his father and had
+entered the school at the same time.
+
+Mr. Brandon learned that Mr. Lawrence was a brother indeed. The position
+in which the two men were placed proved so favorable to the former that
+in a few years he found himself almost as wealthy as in his palmiest
+days, when his name was such a power in Wall Street. He had come to like
+the young and growing State of California, and ere he had been there two
+years both himself and wife had lost all longings for the metropolis of
+the New World.
+
+In the meanwhile, Elwood and Howard were doing well at their studies in
+Brooklyn. They had been inseparable friends from infancy, and as their
+years increased the bonds of affection seemed to strengthen between
+them. They were the only children of twin sisters, and bore a remarkable
+resemblance in person, character and disposition. Both had dark,
+curling, chestnut hair, hazel eyes, and an active muscular organization
+that made them leaders in boyish pastimes and sports. If there was any
+perceptible difference between the two, it was that Elwood Brandon was a
+little more daring and impetuous than his companion; he was apt to
+follow out his first impulses and venture upon schemes without
+deliberating fully enough. Both were generous, unselfish, and either
+would have willingly risked his life for the other.
+
+Thus matters stood until the summer when our young heroes had completed
+their preparatory course, and were ready to enter college. It was
+decided by their parents that this should be done in the autumn, and
+that the summer of this year should be spent by the boys with their
+parents in California. They had been separated from them for five years,
+during which they had met but once, when the parents made a journey to
+New York for that purpose, spending several months with them. That
+visit, it may be said, was now to be returned, and the boys meant that
+it should be returned with interest.
+
+And so Tim O'Rooney, a good-natured, trustworthy Irishman, who had been
+in the employ of Mr. Lawrence for eight years, almost ever since his
+arrival in America, was sent to New York to accompany the boys on their
+visit home.
+
+Howard and Elwood were standing one afternoon on the corner of Montague
+Street, in Brooklyn, chatting with each other about their expected trip
+to California. They had closed their school studies a week before, and
+boy-like were now anxious to be off upon their journey. Suddenly an
+Irishman came in sight, smoking furiously at a short black pipe. The
+first glance showed them that it was no other than Tim O'Rooney, the
+expected messenger.
+
+"Isn't that good?" exclaimed Elwood, "the steamer sails on Saturday, and
+we'll go in it. Here he comes, as though he was in a great hurry!"
+
+"Don't say anything, and see whether he will know us!"
+
+"Why shouldn't he?"
+
+"You know we've grown a good deal since he was here, and the beard is
+getting so stiff on my chin that it scratches my hand every time I touch
+it."
+
+"Yes; that mustache, too, is making you look as fierce as a Bluebeard;
+but here he is!"
+
+At this instant Tim O'Rooney came opposite them. He merely glanced up,
+puffed harder than ever and was passing on, when both burst out in a
+loud laugh.
+
+"Be the powers! what's the mather with ye spalpeens?" he angrily
+demanded. "Can't a dacent man be passing the sthrats widout being
+insulted----Howly mother! is it yerselves or is it your grandfathers?"
+
+He had recognized them, and a hearty hand-shaking followed. Tim grinned
+a great deal over his mistake, and answered their questions in his dry,
+witty way, and assured them that his instructions were to bring them
+home as soon as possible. Accordingly, they embarked on the steamer on
+the following Saturday; and, passing over the unimportant incidents of
+their voyage, we come back to our starting point, where all three were
+within a day's journey of their destination.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+FIRE.
+
+
+"To-morrow we shall be home," said Elwood Brandon, addressing his
+companion, although at the time he was looking out on the moon-lit sea,
+in the direction of California.
+
+"Yes; if nothing unexpected happens," replied his cousin, who was
+pushing and drawing a large Newfoundland dog that lay at his feet.
+
+"And what can happen?" asked his cousin, turning abruptly toward him.
+
+"A hundred things. Suppose the boiler should blow up, we run on a rock,
+take fire, or get struck by a squall----"
+
+"Or be carried away in a balloon," was the impatient exclamation. "One
+is just as likely to happen as the other."
+
+"Hardly--heigh-ho!"
+
+Howard at that moment had twined his feet around the neck of Terror, the
+Newfoundland, and the mischievous dog, springing suddenly to his feet,
+brought his master from his seat to the deck, which, as a matter of
+course, made both of the cousins laugh.
+
+"He did that on purpose," said Howard, recovering his position.
+
+"Of course he did. You have been pestering him for the last half-hour,
+and he is getting tired of it; but I may say, Howard, I shall hardly be
+able to sleep to-night, I am so anxious to see father and mother."
+
+"So am I; a few years makes such a difference in us, while I can't
+detect the least change in them."
+
+"Except a few more gray hairs, or perhaps an additional wrinkle or two.
+What's the matter with Tim?"
+
+"Tim! O nothing, he seems to be meditating and smoking. Fact is that is
+about all he has done since he has been with us."
+
+"It's been a grand time for Tim, and I have no doubt he has enjoyed the
+trip to and from California as much as either of us."
+
+The subject of these remarks was seated a few feet away, his arms
+folded, while he was looking with a vague, dreamy expression out upon
+the great Pacific, stretching so many thousand miles beyond them,
+rolling far off in each direction, until sky and ocean blended in great
+gloom.
+
+"Maybe he is looking for Asia," laughed Elwood in an undertone.
+
+"More likely he is hoping to get a glimpse of Ireland, for he would be
+as likely to look in that direction as any other. I say, Tim!"
+
+The Irishman did not heed the call until he was addressed the second
+time in a louder tone than before, when he suddenly raised his head.
+
+"Whisht! what is it?"
+
+"What are you thinking about?"
+
+"Nothin', I was dreaming."
+
+"Dreaming! what about?"
+
+"Begorrah but that was a qua'r dream, was that same one."
+
+"Let's hear it."
+
+"But it's onplaiasnt."
+
+"Never mind, out with it."
+
+"Well, thin, if I must tell yees, I was thinking that this owld staamer
+was all on fire, and all of us passengers was jumping around in the
+wather, pulling each other down, away miles into the sea, till we was
+gone so long there wasn't a chance iver to git up agin."
+
+A strange fear thrilled both of the boys at the mention of this, and
+they looked at each other a moment in silence.
+
+"What put that into your head, Tim?"
+
+"And it's just the question I was axing meself, for I never draamed of
+such a thing in my life before, and it's mighty qua'r that I should take
+a notion to do it now."
+
+"It ain't worth talking about," said Elwood, showing an anxiety to
+change the subject.
+
+"Be yees going to bed to-night?"
+
+"I don't feel a bit sleepy," replied Elwood. "I'd just as soon sit up
+half the night as not."
+
+"And so would I; it must be after eleven o'clock, isn't it?"
+
+"It's near 'levin," replied Tim. "I'm not able to examine me watch; and
+if I was, I couldn't tell very well, as it hasn't run for a few months."
+
+Howard took out his watch, but the moonlight was too faint for him to
+distinguish the hands, and the three were content to let the precise
+time remain a matter of conjecture.
+
+"Tim, how close are we to land?" asked Elwood.
+
+"I should say about the same distance that the land is from us, and
+begorrah that's the best information I can give yees."
+
+"I could see the mountains very plainly when the sun was setting," said
+Howard, "and it cannot be many miles away."
+
+"What sort of a country is it off here?" pursued Elwood, pointing in the
+direction of the land.
+
+"It is wild and rocky, and there are plenty of Indians and wild animals
+there."
+
+"How do you know?" asked Elwood, in some amazement.
+
+"I have taken the trouble to learn all about California that I could
+before coming."
+
+"I believe they have _gold_ there?" said Elwood, in rather a bantering
+vein.
+
+"Tim can tell you more about that than I can, as he came to California
+to hunt gold."
+
+"How is that, Tim?"
+
+"Begorrah, but he shpakes the truth. I wint up among the mountains to
+hunt gowld."
+
+"And what luck had you?"
+
+"Luck, is it?" repeated the Irishman, with an expression of ludicrous
+disgust. "Luck, does ye call it, to have your head cracked and your
+shins smashed by the copper-skins, chawed up by the b'ars, froze to
+death in the mountains, drowned in the rivers--that run into the top of
+yer shanty when yer sound asleep--your feet gnawed off by wolverines, as
+they call--and--but whisht! don't talk to me of luck, and all the time
+ye never gets a sight of a particle of gowld."
+
+The boys laughed, Howard said:
+
+"But your luck is not every one's, Tim; there have been plenty who have
+made fortunes at the business."
+
+"Yis, but they wasn't Tim O'Rooneys. He's not the man that was born to
+be rich!"
+
+"You're better satisfied where you are."
+
+"Yis, thank God, that I've such a good home, and an ongrateful dog would
+I baa if I should ask more."
+
+"But, Elwood, it's getting late, and this night air begins to feel
+chilly. It can't be far from midnight."
+
+"I am willing; where's Terror? Ah! here he is; old fellow, come along
+and keep faithful watch over your friends."
+
+"Boys," said Tim O'Rooney, with a strange, husky intonation, "you
+remember my dream about this steamer burning?"
+
+"Yes; what of it?"
+
+"It is coming thrue!"
+
+_He spoke the truth!_
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+AFLOAT.
+
+
+As Tim O'Rooney spoke, he pointed to the bow of the steamer, where, in
+the bright moonlight, some smoke could be seen rising--where, too, the
+next instant, they caught sight of a gleam of fire.
+
+"Oh, heaven! what shall we do?" exclaimed Elwood, struck with a panic.
+
+"Wait and trust to Providence."
+
+"Let us jump overboard; I'd rather be drowned than burned to death.
+Come, Howard, let's jump over this minute!"
+
+He made a move toward the stern of the steamer, near which they had been
+seated, as if he intended to spring overboard, when his arm was sternly
+caught by the Irishman, who said in an indignant tone:
+
+"Kaap cool! kaap cool! don't make a fool of yoursilf. Can ye swim?"
+
+"Yes," answered Howard, "we can both swim very well. Can you?"
+
+"Indaad, I can--swim like a stone."
+
+"But good heavens!" exclaimed Elwood, who had not entirely recovered
+from his excitement, "the land is miles off, and we can't swim there,
+not taking into account the heavy sea."
+
+"What does that mean?"
+
+As Howard spoke, the bow of the steamer made a sweeping bend to the
+right.
+
+"They've headed toward shore," said Elwood.
+
+This snatch of conversation had occupied the shortest possible space of
+time. The fire had been discovered by the officials on board fully as
+soon as by our friends, and the men could be seen running hurriedly to
+and fro, all quiet and still, for they knew too well what the result
+would be if the alarm was communicated to the sleeping passengers. The
+pilot had headed the vast craft toward land, and by the furious
+throbbing of the engines it could be seen that the doomed vessel was
+straining to the utmost, like some affrighted, faithful horse striving
+to carry his master as nearly as possible to the port of safely ere he
+dropped down and died.
+
+It was fully midnight, and, as a matter of course, very nearly all the
+passengers were in their berths. There were a few, however, who were
+lingering on the promenade deck, some smoking--here and there a couple
+of lovers all unconscious of everything else--one or two avaricious
+speculators; and but a few minutes could elapse before the startling
+danger should become known.
+
+The last words, which we have given as spoken by our friends, had
+scarcely been said, when a man, who apparently had been stretched out
+sound asleep, suddenly sprung up, wild with terror. "The boat is on
+fire! _fire! fire_!"
+
+He darted hither and thither like some wild animal compassed on every
+hand by death, and then suddenly made a leap overboard, and was
+swallowed up in the sea.
+
+The alarm spread with fearful rapidity, and was soon ringing through
+every part of the steamer, and now began that fearful confusion and
+panic which no pen can clearly picture, and which, once seen, can never
+be forgotten to the dying day.
+
+Our three friends were gathered at the stern of the steamer, earnestly
+and anxiously discussing the best course to pursue.
+
+"Let's stay here," said Howard, "for every second is taking us nearer
+land."
+
+"That is what nearly all will do," said Elwood, "but we can never reach
+the shore, and when the time comes we shall all be in the sea together,
+struggling and sinking, and we shall then be sure to go down."
+
+"Yez are right," said Tim, addressing the last speaker. "Our only chance
+is to jump overboard this very minute, before the sea is full of the
+poor fellows. They'll begin to go over the ship's side and will kaap it
+up until the thing is burned up."
+
+"It's time then that we hunted our life-preservers," said Howard.
+
+"Git out wid yer life-presarvers!" impatiently exclaimed Tim. "Didn't me
+uncle wear one of 'em for six months, and then die with the faver! I'll
+heave over one of these settaas, and that'll kaap up afloat."
+
+"Be quick about it, Tim," urged Elwood, who was beginning to get
+nervous. "See, the fire is spreading, and everybody seems to have found
+out what the matter is."
+
+There was indeed no time to be lost. The steamer was doomed beyond all
+possibility of salvation, and must soon become unmanageable, when
+everything would be turned into a pandemonium. One of the large settees
+was wrenched loose and lifted over the stern of the steamer.
+
+"Now," said Tim, "the minute it goes over yez must follow. The owld
+staamer is going like a straak of lightning, and if aither of yez wait,
+he'll be lift behind."
+
+"All right, no danger, go ahead!"
+
+They now clambered up, and sat poised on the stern. In this fearful
+position Tim O'Rooney held the settee balanced for a few minutes.
+
+"Be yez riddy?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Do yez jump a little to the right, Elwood, and yez a little to the
+left, Howard, so as not to hit the owld thing. All riddy; here we go!"
+
+The next moment the three were spinning down through the air, and struck
+the water. They went below the surface, the boys sinking quite a
+distance; but almost instantly they arose and struck bravely out.
+
+"Tim, where are you?" called out Elwood, not seeing his friend.
+
+"Here, to the left," responded the Irishman, as he rose on a huge swell.
+"Can ye swim to me?"
+
+"I hope so, but my clothes bother me like creation."
+
+Strange! that not one of the three had once thought of removing their
+superfluous clothing before jumping into the ocean. But Elwood was a
+fine swimmer, and he struggled bravely, although at a great
+disadvantage, until his outstretched hand was seized by the Irishman,
+and he then caught hold of the settee and rested himself.
+
+"Where is Howard?" he asked, panting from his exertions.
+
+"Here he is," responded Howard himself. "I struck the water so close
+that when I came up my hand hit the settee."
+
+"I tell you what it is," said Elwood. "We ought to have brought
+something else with us beside this. We have got to keep all of our
+bodies underwater for this to bear us."
+
+"And what of it?"
+
+"Suppose some poor fellow claims a part. Gracious! here comes a man this
+minute!"
+
+"We can't turn him off," said Tim, "but this owld horse has all the
+grist he can carry."
+
+A dark body could be seen struggling and rapidly approaching them.
+
+"Whoever he is, he is a good swimmer," remarked Howard, watching the
+stranger.
+
+"Of course he is, for it comes natural; don't you see it isn't a man,
+but old Terror."
+
+"Thank heaven for that! we never thought about him. I am glad he is with
+us."
+
+The next moment the Newfoundland placed his paw on the settee and gave a
+low bark to announce his joy at being among his friends. The sagacious
+brute seemed to understand how frail the tenure was that held them all
+suspended over eternity; for he did nothing more than rest the top of
+his paw on the precious raft.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A PASSENGER.
+
+
+By this time our friends were a quarter of a mile in the rear of the
+burning steamer. The furious pulsations of the engines had stopped, and
+from stern to stern the great ship was one mass of soothing flame. The
+light threw a glare upon the clouds above, and made it so bright where
+our friends were floating in the water that they could have read the
+pages of a printed book. The illumination must have been seen for many
+and many a mile in every direction upon the Pacific.
+
+"Yes, the steamer has stopped," said Howard; "the fire has reached the
+engines, and now they must do as we have done."
+
+"But they have boats and may escape."
+
+"Not half enough of them; and then what they have got will be seized by
+the crew, as they always do at such times."
+
+"Look! you can see them jumping over. The poor wretches hang fast till
+they are so scorched that they have to let go."
+
+"It's mighty lucky yees are here," said Tim, "for every mother's son
+that can swim will be hugged by a half-dozen that can't, which would be
+bad for me."
+
+"Why so; can't you swim?"
+
+"Not a bit of it."
+
+"And nothing but this bench to keep us from sinking."
+
+"And be the same towken isn't that good enough, if it only kaaps us
+afloat? Can't ye be satisfied?"
+
+"Look! how grand!"
+
+It was indeed a fearful sight, the steamer being one pyramid of roaring,
+blazing fire, sweeping upward in great fan-like rifts, then blowing
+outward, horizontally across the deep, as if greedy for the poor beings
+who had sprung in agony from its embrace. Millions of sparks were
+floating and drifting overhead and falling all around. The shrieks of
+the despairing passengers, as with their clothes all aflame they sprung
+blindly into the ocean, could be heard by our friends, and must indeed
+have extended a far greater distance.
+
+For an hour the conflagration raged with apparently unabated violence,
+the wreck drifting quite rapidly; but the fire soon tired of its work,
+large pieces of burning timber could be seen floating in the water, and
+finally the charred hull made a plunge downward into the sea, and our
+friends were left alone upon their frail support.
+
+"Now, it's time to decide what we are going to do," said Howard.
+
+"You are right, and what shall it be? Shall we drift about here until
+morning, when some vessel will pick us up? I have no doubt this fire has
+drawn a half-dozen toward it."
+
+"No; let's make for shore."
+
+"That is the best plan," said Tim.
+
+"But it is a good way off," remarked Howard; "and I have little hope of
+reaching it."
+
+"Never mind; it, will keep us busy, and that will make the time pass
+faster than if we do nothing but float."
+
+"We may need our strength; but it is the best plan."
+
+"But do we know the direction?"
+
+"I can tell you that," said Elwood; "for the moon was directly over the
+shore; so all we've got to do is to aim for the moon."
+
+"Begorrah! we can walk and talk, as the owld lady said when her husband
+stopped on the way to the gallows to bid her good-by. So paddle away!"
+
+It being a warm summer night, the water was quite pleasant, although our
+friends were sure to get enough of it long before they could hope to
+place their feet upon the earth. Having now an object, they began
+working with a will, the boys swimming as lustily as possible straight
+for the shore, while Tim assisted materially in pushing forward the
+craft.
+
+The intelligent Newfoundland appeared to comprehend what was wanted, and
+contributed not a little to the momentum.
+
+"Do you think we are making any progress----"
+
+"O, save me! save me! I'm drowning!"
+
+The voice sounded close by them, and caused an involuntary start from
+all three.
+
+"Where is he?" asked Howard, in a terrified whisper.
+
+"There!"
+
+At that moment they caught sight of a man fiercely buffeting the waves,
+as he rose on an immense swell, and then sunk down again in the trough
+of the sea.
+
+"Can we do anything for him?" asked Elwood. "It's too bad to see the
+poor fellow sink when we may save him."
+
+"I'm afeared the owld bench won't bear another hand on it."
+
+But Terror had heard that cry and anticipated the wishes of his friends.
+Leaving them with their raft, he struck powerfully out toward the
+drowning man, and they both went down in the vast sea chasm together.
+When they came in view again upon the crest of the swell, the
+Newfoundland had the hair of the man's head in his teeth and had begun
+his return. A moment later the gasping man threw out his hands and
+caught the settee with such eagerness that it instantly sunk.
+
+"Be careful!" admonished Howard, "or you'll drown us all. One of us
+can't swim!"
+
+"Won't your raft bear us?"
+
+"Yes, if you keep only your head above water and bear very lightly upon
+it. Don't attempt to rise up."
+
+"All right!"
+
+The buoyant raft came to the surface, and was instantly grasped firmly
+but carefully by all. Poor Tim O'Rooney had come very near drowning. A
+man when suddenly cast into the water for the first time has been known
+to swim long and well; and the Irishman, by the most furious effort, had
+saved himself from strangling and sinking, although he had swallowed a
+good deal of the nauseating sea-water, and was now ejecting it.
+
+"Worrah! I took an overdose that time, and it wouldn't sthay on my
+stomach!" he said. "I'm thinking there'll be no necessity of me
+swallowing any salts for some time to coom, be the towken that I've
+enough to last me me life-time."
+
+"We are all right now!" said the stranger. "I can swim, but I was just
+about used up when your dog took me in tow. May I inquire who my friends
+are?"
+
+Howard gave their names and destination, and he instantly said:
+
+"My name is Manuel Yard, and my place of business is next door to that
+of your fathers."
+
+"You know them then."
+
+"I have known them both very well for years, and now that you have given
+me your names I remember you both."
+
+After a few more words, our friends recognized him as a tall,
+pale-looking man, with whom they had exchanged greetings more than once
+on their passage from Panama.
+
+"I've been down to the Isthmus," he added, "and was on my way home when
+the steamer took fire."
+
+"Where were you when you heard the alarm?"
+
+"Sound asleep in my berth; I had no time even to put on my clothes; but,
+thank God, if I can escape in any way."
+
+"Stick to us, and help shove this craft, and I'm in hopes we'll fetch up
+somewhere by morning."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+LAND.
+
+
+Under the united propulsion of three men and a large Newfoundland dog,
+the small raft moved shoreward with no insignificant speed. It was found
+amply sufficient to preserve them all from drowning had none known how
+to swim, provided they managed the matter prudently. There is so little
+difference in the quantity of water and the human body, that a slight
+effort, if properly made, will keep it afloat. The trouble with new
+beginners is that when they first go beyond their depth their blind
+struggles tend to carry them downward more than upward.
+
+"This is rather pleasant," remarked Mr. Yard. "There is little doubt, I
+think, of reaching land. There is only one thing that makes the shivers
+run over me."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"The thought of _sharks_!"
+
+"Ugh! Why did you spake of them?" asked Tim, with a strong expression of
+disgust. "I've been thinking of 'em ever since I've been in the water,
+but I didn't want to skeer the boys."
+
+"They never once entered my head," said Howard.
+
+"Nor mine either," added Elwood. "Are they in this part of the ocean?"
+
+"You will find them in almost every part of the sea, I was going to say.
+They abound off the coast of California."
+
+"But it is night, and they will not be apt to see!"
+
+"This fire and the numbers of drowning people will draw hundreds of the
+finny inhabitants toward us. You know a fire at night is sure to attract
+fish."
+
+"You seem determined to frighten us," said Howard, "but I shall continue
+to think that God who has so mercifully saved us intends to save us to
+the end."
+
+"Perhaps so, too, but it does no harm to understand all the dangers to
+which we are subject."
+
+"I believe with Howard," said Elwood. "I ain't afraid of sharks, but for
+all that, they are ugly creatures. They swim under you and the first
+thing you know clip goes one of your legs off, just the same as a pair
+of snuffers would clip off a piece of wick."
+
+"They are the hyenas of the sea," said Howard, "although I believe some
+kinds are stupid and harmless. I think I have heard them called that by
+somebody, I don't remember who. They will snap up anything that is
+thrown to them."
+
+"Wouldn't it make their eyes water to come this way then? Jis' to think
+of their saaing four pair of legs dancing over their hids, not to spake
+of the dog that could come in by way of dessart."
+
+"O Tim! keep still, it is too dreadful!"
+
+"Worrah! it wasn't meself that introduced the subject, but as yez have
+got started, I've no objection to continue the same."
+
+"Let us try and talk about something more pleasant----"
+
+"A shark! a shark!" suddenly screamed Elwood, springing half his length
+out of the water in his excitement.
+
+"Where?" demanded Mr. Yard, while the others were speechless with
+terror.
+
+"He has hold of my leg! O, save me, for he is pulling me under!"
+
+There was danger for a moment that all would go to the bottom, but Mr.
+Yard displayed a remarkable coolness that saved them all.
+
+"It is not a shark," said he, "or he would have had your leg off before
+this."
+
+"What is it then? What can it be?"
+
+"It is a drowning man that has caught your foot as he was going down.
+You must kick him off or he will drown you. Has he one foot or both?"
+
+"My left ankle is grasped by something."
+
+"That is good; if he had hold of both feet it would be bad for you. Use
+your free foot and force his grasp loose."
+
+Elwood did so with such vigor that he soon had the inexpressible relief
+of announcing that the drag weight was loosed and his limbs were free
+again.
+
+"That is terrible," said he, as they resumed their progress. "Just to
+think of being seized in that way by some poor fellow who, I don't
+suppose, really knew what he was doing."
+
+"How came he there?" asked Howard.
+
+"You see, we ain't far from where the steamer sunk, and there may be
+more near us. This man has gone down just as we were passing by him, and
+in his blind struggles has caught your ankle."
+
+"If a drowning man will catch at a straw, wouldn't he be after catching
+at a leg?" inquired Tim.
+
+"It seems natural that he should do so; but we are in the most dangerous
+place we could be. Let's keep a sharp lookout."
+
+Our friends peered in every direction, as they rose and sunk on the
+long, heaving swell of the sea. They saw pieces of charred wood and
+fragments of the wreck, but caught sight of no human being until Mr.
+Yard pointed, to a dark mass some distance away.
+
+"That is a raft covered with people," said he.
+
+"They seem to be standing still."
+
+"Yes, they merely want to keep afloat until morning, when no doubt they
+will be picked up and cared for. Keep quiet, for if we talk too loud
+some one may start for us."
+
+"And work hard," whispered Tim, struggling harder than ever. "Aich of
+yees shove like a locomotive."
+
+"Good advice," added Mr. Yard, in the same cautions undertone. "Let's
+get away as fast as possible."
+
+Hour after hour the men toiled, following the moon, that appeared to
+recede from them as they advanced. They had passed safely the debris of
+the wrecked steamer, and were again talking loudly and rather
+cheerfully, when Tim O'Rooney interrupted them:
+
+"Yonder is something flowting in the darkness."
+
+"It is a boat full of people," said Mr. Yard. "I have noticed it for the
+last few minutes."
+
+All turned their eyes toward the spot indicated, and agreed that Mr.
+Yard was correct in his supposition.
+
+"I will hail it," he quietly added, and then called out: "Boat ahoy!"
+
+"What do you want?" came back in a gruff voice.
+
+"Can you take four drowning passengers on board?"
+
+"Not much," was the unfeeling answer, "Paddle away and you'll reach
+California one of these days."
+
+"How far are we from it?"
+
+"Double the distance, divide by two, and you'll have it."
+
+Nothing further was extracted from the men, but they could be heard
+laughing and talking boisterously with each other, and the odor of their
+pipes was plainly detected, so close were the parties.
+
+"Thank heaven, we are not dependent upon them!" said Mr. Yard. "If we
+were, we should fare cruelly indeed."
+
+"Who are they?"
+
+"A part of the crew of the steamer, who seized the boat at the first
+appearance of danger, and left the helpless to perish."
+
+An hour later, long after the boat had disappeared, and when our friends
+were toiling bravely forward, a low, dark object directly in front
+attracted their notice.
+
+"What is it?" whispered Elwood.
+
+"_It is land!_" was the joyful reply. "I am walking upon the sand this
+minute, and you can do the same!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE CALIFORNIA COAST.
+
+
+They were safe at last! The four dropped their feet and found them
+resting upon smooth packed sand, and wading a few rods they all stood
+upon dry earth. Terror, as he shook his shaggy coat and rubbed his nose
+against his young masters seemed not the least joyful of the party.
+
+"Isn't this grand!" exclaimed Elwood. "When did the ground feel better
+to your feet? Saved from fire and water!"
+
+"Our first duty is to thank God!" said Mr. Yard reverently. "He has
+chosen us out of the hundreds that have perished as special objects of
+his mercy. Let us kneel upon the shore and testify our gratitude to
+Him."
+
+All sunk devoutly upon their knees and joined the merchant, as in a low,
+impressive tone he returned thanks to his Creator for the signal mercy
+he had displayed in bringing them safely through such imminent perils.
+
+"Now, what is to be done next?" inquired Mr. Yard, as they arose to
+their feet and looked around them. "The first thing I should like to do
+is to procure a suit of clothes, and I hope I shall be able to do it
+without stripping any of the dead bodies that will soon wash ashore."
+
+"What is the naad?" asked Tim O'Rooney. "Baing that it's a warrum summer
+night, and there saams to be few in the neighborhood that is likely to
+take exsaptions to your costume."
+
+"But day is breaking!" replied the merchant, pointing across the low,
+rocky country to a range of mountains in the distance, whose high,
+jagged tops were blackly defined against the sky that was growing light
+and rosy behind them.
+
+"Yes, it will soon be light," said Howard. "See! there are persons along
+the shore that have come down to the wreck?"
+
+"They are some of the passengers that have managed to reach land. I will
+go among them and see whether any of them have any clothing to sell,"
+laughed Mr. Yard as he moved away.
+
+As the sun came up over the mountains it lit up a dreary and desolate
+scene. Away in the distance, until sky and earth mingled into one,
+stretched the blue Pacific, not ridged into foam and spray like the
+boisterous Atlantic, but swelling and heaving as if the great deep was a
+breathing monster. A few fragments of blackened splinters floating here
+and there were all that remained to show where a few hours before the
+magnificent steamer, surcharged with its living freight, so proudly cut
+the waters on her swift course toward the Golden Gate.
+
+Several ghastly, blue-lipped survivors in their clinging garments were
+wandering aimlessly along the shore, the veriest pictures of utter
+misery, as they mumbled a few words to each other, or stared absently
+around. They seemed to be partially bereft of their senses, and were
+probably somewhat dazed from the fearful scenes through which they had
+so recently passed.
+
+Several sails were visible, but they were so far away that it was vain
+to hope to attract their attention. Three large boats could be seen away
+to the northwest, skirting along shore and making their way toward San
+Francisco as rapidly as muscle and oars could carry them. What recked
+they whether the passengers were buried with the steamer, sunk in the
+ocean, or left to perish on the desolate coast?
+
+The Coast Range, which descends into California from Oregon, in some
+places comes within twenty-five or thirty miles of the sea, while at
+other times it recedes to over a hundred. The particular point where our
+friends were suffered to land was rough, barren and rocky, and behind
+them, with many peaks reaching the line of perpetual snow, rose the
+noble Coast Range, between which and them stretched a smaller range of
+mountains.
+
+Around them the country appeared desolate and uninhabited. Howard and
+Elwood were well acquainted with geography, and had a general idea of
+California, although they could not be expected to know much of the
+minor facts of the State. They were aware that at no great distance--but
+whether north or south it was impossible to say--lay the missionary town
+of San Luis Obispo, and between them and the Coast Range ran the Salinas
+River, formerly known as the San Buenaventura, and a smaller chain of
+mountains or highlands.
+
+They knew, too, that after crossing the Coast Range, you descended into
+the broad and beautiful Sacramento Valley, where abounded wild animals,
+Indians, gold, silver, and the most exuberant vegetation. This was about
+all they knew; and this, after all, was considerable. When persons
+expect to make a journey to some distant country they are very apt to
+learn all that they possibly can about it; and this was the way they
+came to understand so much regarding the young State of California.
+
+They had stood some little time conversing together when they saw Mr.
+Yard approaching, clad in quite a respectable suit of black, albeit, as
+a matter of course, it was thoroughly soaked with salt water.
+
+"You are fortunate," remarked Howard.
+
+"Yes," he laughed; "what strange beings we are! Do you see that elderly
+gentleman yonder, with his hands in his pockets walking back and forth
+as though he expected some arrival from the sea?"
+
+The personage alluded to could be easily distinguished from the others.
+
+"Well, his berth was next to mine. When the alarm of fire was first
+heard he sprung from his bed, dressed himself and caught up his valise,
+which contained an extra suit of clothing, and rushed on deck with the
+other passengers."
+
+"How was he saved?"
+
+"It is hard to tell. He and several others hung fast to some such sort
+of a raft as we had, and managed to get ashore. And all the time he
+grasped that valise, even when besought by his companions to let it go,
+find when it endangered his chances of life fully ten-fold."
+
+"He must be very poor."
+
+"Poor! He is worth half a million in gold this minute. That valise
+contained all his property that he had entrusted to the steamer, and it
+was his fear that he might lose the few dollars that it is worth that
+made him cling so tenaciously to it."
+
+"How was it that he gave them to you?"
+
+"No fear that he gave them. I stated in the presence of two witnesses
+that, I would give him a hundred dollars for the suit as soon as we
+reached San Francisco. He racked his brains to see whether there was not
+some means of my giving him my note for the amount; but as that couldn't
+be done under the circumstances, he did the next best thing and
+established my obligation in the mouth of several witnesses."
+
+"Strange man! But, Mr. Yard, what is to be done?"
+
+"I intend to wait here during the day, as I know of nothing better that
+we can do. I think some friends will find us before nightfall."
+
+"We have decided to go inland a short distance, dry our clothes and give
+our bodies a good rubbing, to prevent our taking cold."
+
+"A wise precaution, but useless in my case as I have already caught a
+very severe one."
+
+"Should we become separated, you will tell our parents that we reached
+the land in safety and are in good spirits."
+
+"Of course; but don't wander too far away, as you may lose your chance
+of being taken off. You know this isn't the most hospitable country in
+the world. There are treacherous and thieving Indians in these parts,
+and they would have swooped down on us long ago if they had only known
+we were here. As it is, I fear their approach before a friendly sail
+comes to us."
+
+"Never fear; we will take good care not to wander too far away."
+
+And the parties separated for a much longer time than any of them
+imagined.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE RESCUE.
+
+
+Our three friends--although it seems equally proper to speak of four, as
+Terror was a most important member of the party--walked away from the
+sea-shore and began making their way back into the country. As we have
+hinted in another place, they found this section wild and desolate.
+Little else than huge rocks, bowlders and stunted trees met the eye,
+while there was no appearance of vegetation, nor was the slightest
+vestige of a human habitation visible, let them look in whatever
+direction they chose.
+
+The air was clear, the sky decked by a few fleecy clouds over the
+Pacific, and there was little doubt that the day would be a fine, warm
+one. The climate of California is mild, except when the winds from the
+Pacific bring chilling fogs along the coast. The view in the east was
+particularly grand, the peaks of the gigantic Coast mountains and of the
+smaller range rising and swelling in vast peaks, appearing as if the
+Pacific when tossed and driven by some hurricane had suddenly congealed
+with the foam upon the tops of its mountainous billows. Looking
+northward, the last object that met the eye was these mountains
+gradually blending with the brilliant sky, while to the southward the
+prospect was repeated.
+
+They wandered along, springing up the sides of rocks, jumping quite a
+distance to the ground, again passing around those that were too high to
+climb, Terror all the time frolicking at their sides, certainly as happy
+as any of them, while they chatted and laughed, their hearts buoyant in
+the beautiful summer and the pleasing retrospect of a thrilling
+adventure already safely passed through and the prospect of a few others
+close at hand.
+
+In this wandering manner they at last found themselves fully a mile from
+shore, and in a wild, rocky place where they felt secure from
+observation. Here all removed their clothes, subjected their bodies to a
+vigorous rubbing that made the surface glow with warmth and reaction,
+and then spread their garments out to dry. Their extended walk before
+reaching this place had partially done the latter for them, so that in
+the course of an hour or so they found them free from all moisture, and
+as they donned them they once more felt like themselves.
+
+"Now," said Elwood, "I am very tired and sleepy; is not this a good
+place to lie down and rest?"
+
+"I was going to suggest the same thing," added Howard. "I do not see in
+what better manner we can spend a few hours."
+
+"And it's the same idaa that has been strhiking me ever since we sot
+foot in this qua'r looking place. It's meself that is so sleapy that at
+ivery wink I makes I has to lift the eyelids up with my fingers, and me
+eyes feels as though the wind has been blowing sand in 'em all day."
+
+The proposal thus being satisfactory to all, they proceeded to carry it
+out at once. The day was so mild that the only precaution necessary was
+to secure themselves against the rays of the sun. This was easily done,
+and stretching out beneath the shelter of a projecting ledge of rocks
+they had scarcely laid down when all were sound asleep.
+
+And leaving them here for the time being, we give our attention for a
+few moments to the survivors of the steamer.
+
+Some thirty odd of the passengers succeeded in reaching the shore, while
+about a dozen were saved with the crew, who, as is generally the case at
+such times, acted upon the idea that it was their duty to take charge of
+the boats and prevent the passengers from risking themselves in such
+frail structures. After all, no doubt their lives were as valuable as
+were those of the hundreds they carried, and their conduct, when viewed
+in an unprejudiced manner, perhaps was not so criminal.
+
+The destruction of so large a steamer along the California coast, in the
+regular track of the vessels going to and coming from Panama, could not
+occur without the knowledge of many upon the ocean. Indeed, the glare
+upon the heavens was seen far up the coast, and in San Luis Obispo, to
+the south, was pronounced by all to be caused by the burning of some
+large vessel at sea.
+
+It so came about that there were but two vessels near enough to go to
+the relief of the unfortunate steamer; but these were controlled by
+rival captains, each of whom hoped to enter the Golden Gate an hour or
+so in advance of the other; and therefore they had not time to slacken
+sail and lay to, but pressed forward with an expression of regret that
+the necessities of the case compelled them thus to refuse all succor to
+the needy ones.
+
+But there were others at a greater distance who bore down upon the fiery
+scene at once; but they were miles away when the last vestige of the
+steamer disappeared, and it was only a matter of conjecture as to where
+a few of the survivors might be struggling with the waves. Not until the
+sun had been up over an hour did the man at the mast-head of the nearest
+vessel call out that he saw several boats pulling up the coast, while a
+few persons could be seen on the shore making signals to attract their
+attention.
+
+Some time after, the Relief--happily named--cast anchor a half-mile from
+land and two boats put off from her side. The survivors were quickly
+within them, and they were about putting off again when the mate of the
+Relief said:
+
+"Are you all here?"
+
+"Yes, yes," was the impatient reply of Mr. Tiflings, the man who had
+sold the suit of clothes to Mr. Yard, "don't wait any longer. I shall
+lose $500 by not being in San Francisco to-day."
+
+"But they are not all here," interrupted Mr. Yard, in some excitement.
+"There are two boys in charge of an Irishman that are missing."
+
+"Where are they?" asked the mate.
+
+"They went back from the shore some time ago. I do not think they can be
+at any great distance."
+
+"Perhaps if you called to them they might hear you."
+
+Mr. Yard sprung out upon the beach, ran to and mounted a goodly-sized
+rock, and shouted at the top of his voice. He called again and again,
+and listened intently, but there was no response.
+
+All this time Mr. Tiflings sat leaning his head forward and nervously
+beating a tattoo upon the side of the boat with his long, thin fingers.
+Occasionally he glanced at the "foolish" Mr. Yard, and muttered:
+
+"What nonsense! What valuable time we are losing by his childishness!
+Time is too precious to fritter away in this manner!"
+
+While the kind-hearted merchant was shouting himself hoarse, our friends
+were heavily and sweetly slumbering, totally oblivious to external
+things, as indeed they would have been were he within a few rods of
+them, instead of over a mile away. Finally he was compelled to give up
+the task and reluctantly return to the boat.
+
+"This is too bad," said he, "to leave them in this manner. What will
+become of them?"
+
+"They will be picked up by some of the passing vessels."
+
+"Certainly, certainly," assented Mr. Tiflings, "don't wait any longer;
+it will be a week before we get into San Francisco."
+
+"We will row away," said the mate, "and if we see anything of them
+before we reach the vessel we will put back and take them aboard."
+
+This was reasonable, and Mr. Yard could not object to it. The sailors
+plied their oars, and the passengers were borne swiftly toward the
+friendly Relief. Mr. Yard kept his eyes fixed upon the bleak coast which
+they were so rapidly leaving behind them. He saw nothing of his friends;
+but, after reaching the ship's deck, he took the spy-glass from the
+captain and discovered a party of a dozen Indians wandering up and down
+the beach as if in quest of plunder. Finally, sail was hoisted, the
+Relief bore away to the northward, and the scene of the rescue dwindled
+away and vanished in the distance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+INDIANS.
+
+
+The sleep of perfect health is dreamless, and is not easily aroused by
+external disturbance. Tim O'Rooney, Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence,
+sweetly forgetful of the need of their being within sight and hearing of
+the shore, slept through the entire day without once awaking. The sun
+was just dipping beneath the Pacific when Howard opened his eyes with
+that confused, indistinct recollection which often takes possession of
+our faculties when first aroused from a deep slumber. He stared around
+and the sight of the unconscious forms of his two companions, and the
+mute Newfoundland dog with his nose between his paws, but blinking as if
+to show he "slept with one eye open," quickly recalled his situation. In
+considerable alarm, he sprung up, and began rousing the others. As they
+rubbed their eyes and rose to the sitting position, he said in
+excitement:
+
+"Do you know we have slept ever since morning?"
+
+"It can't be possible!" exclaimed Elwood.
+
+"I should say we had slept a waak be the token of the hunger I feels,"
+said Tim, with a most woeful countenance.
+
+"I don't see any likelihood of our getting anything to digest in these
+parts," replied Howard.
+
+"And where else shall we look for the same?"
+
+"Nowhere that I know of."
+
+"Suppose some ship has stopped here while we have been asleep!" suddenly
+interrupted Elwood.
+
+"Wouldn't they have looked for us? But then they couldn't have known
+where we were," said Howard, asking and answering his own question in
+the same breath.
+
+"We are in a pretty fix then," was the comment of Elwood, laughing at
+the doleful countenances he saw.
+
+"Boys," said Tim, hitching up his pantaloons and scratching his head,
+"shall I tell yees something to your advantage, as the papers say?"
+
+"Of course," answered Howard, "nothing could suit us better."
+
+"Well, then, while we've been slaaping, our friends along shore have
+been carried away, and we're lift to make ourselves comfortable, as the
+peddler said when he hung himself up by his foot."
+
+"Let us see!" exclaimed Elwood, "perhaps we are not too late yet."
+
+The three rushed ever the rocks pell-mell, the dog being at their side,
+and giving vent now and then to short, sharp barks, as if he enjoyed the
+ramble.
+
+Elwood was at the head, and had run but a short distance when he sprung
+upon a bowlder higher than the others, and shading his eyes for a moment
+as he looked off toward the sea, he called back:
+
+"Yes, yonder they are! We are not left alone."
+
+"But it's good to have company!" laughed Tim, "it won't be long before
+some vessel will step in and lift us aboard."
+
+"How odd they look!" remarked Elwood, as his friends clambered up beside
+him. "They don't seem dressed in their usual fashion."
+
+The Irishman, upon rising to his feet on top of the rock, uttered an
+expression of surprise, looked intently toward the sea, and then quickly
+sprung back again.
+
+"Off of there quick!" he commanded in a hoarse whisper, at the same time
+catching the shoulder of the up-climbing Howard and forcing him back
+again.
+
+"Why, what's the matter?" asked Elwood, a vague alarm taking possession
+of him, as he rather hurriedly obeyed him.
+
+"May the good Lord presarve us! _them are Injuns!_"
+
+[Illustration: "'May the good Lord preserve us! them are Injuns,' said
+Tim."]
+
+"I thought they looked odd," said Elwood, "but I did not think of that.
+Are they friendly?"
+
+"Friendly!" repeated Tim, with an expression of intense disgust. "Do you
+know what they are walking up and down the sand fur in that sassy
+shtyle?"
+
+"Plunder, I suppose."
+
+"Yis; they are in hopes the saa may wash up some poor fellow that they
+may have the pleasure of hacking him to pieces."
+
+"Are they such terrible creatures. Perhaps they have slain those who
+escaped from the steamer."
+
+"Niver a fear; there was too many of 'em, as me brother used to say when
+his wife tuk her broomstick at him."
+
+"But they had no weapons to use."
+
+Tim shook his head. He evidently had a small opinion of the courage of
+the California aborigines.
+
+"Had they massacred the survivors, we could see their bodies along
+shore," remarked Howard. "The sun throws such a glare upon the sand that
+we can detect a very small object."
+
+This settled the matter in the mind of Elwood, who had been heartsick at
+the great fear of such a fate having befallen his friends.
+
+"Then the burning of the steamer has attracted the notice of a great
+many vessels, and I think Mr. Yard was right when he was sure of being
+taken off by some one."
+
+"What a mistake we made in wandering away and going to sleep where no
+one could find us!"
+
+"We did, indeed, Elwood; we voluntarily banished ourselves."
+
+"But Mr. Yard certainly knows we are here, and will he not get a company
+of men to come after us?"
+
+"Perhaps so; but, if he doesn't, your father and mine will certainly do
+so, so soon as they find where we are."
+
+"Yes, but what is to become of us between to-night and that time? I am
+half-starved to death, and must get something to eat pretty soon."
+
+"Providence, that has preserved us so kindly thus far, will still watch
+over us."
+
+"There's one bad thing," remarked Tim, "them Injins will hang around the
+shore, and it won't do for us to show ourselves niver a bit."
+
+The faces of the two boys now blanched with fear, for they understood
+the danger that threatened them. It was truly a fear-inspiring sight, as
+they gazed out from their hiding-place in the direction of the sea. The
+sun was partially down the horizon, and appeared unnaturally large,
+while the gaunt Indians, in their fantastic costume, assumed the form of
+giants striding along apparently on the gleaming surface of the ocean
+itself. They were outlined with that sharp, black distinctness which is
+seen when at night a fireman runs along the outer walls of a burning
+building.
+
+"Just to think!" said Elwood "we haven't a gun or a pistol with us."
+
+"And I'm a little hungry, as the man said after fasting three waaks."
+
+"Suppose they saw you?" said Howard.
+
+"I ain't sure but what they did. They are looking in this direction, and
+appear to be disputing about some matter."
+
+There were grounds for this alarming view of the case. The Indians
+numbered about a dozen, and half of these could be seen in a knot,
+gesticulating in their extravagant manner, while the others were running
+up and down the shore as if they had detected something interesting in
+the surf.
+
+"Are they looking at us?"
+
+"There is such a glare, from the sun that I cannot tell whether their
+faces or backs are toward us. Tim, what do you say?"
+
+The Irishman gazed long and carefully over the face of the rock, and
+finally said:
+
+"They've seen something this way that has tuk their eye."
+
+"They are moving, too."
+
+"Maybe they've seen the dog, and are coming to look for us."
+
+"Heaven save us!" exclaimed Tim, in some excitement, "there's no maybe
+about it; they're coming, sure!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE PURSUIT.
+
+
+It was not the first time that Tim O'Rooney made a mistake. The Indians
+were excited over something, but as yet they held no suspicion that
+three white persons stood behind them and could be so easily reached.
+They were talking in a wild manner, and ran several rods from the beach,
+when they suddenly paused and picked up an object over which they
+quarreled and were almost ready to proceed to violence. From where our
+friends stood it looked as if it were nothing more than a coat or some
+cast-off garment that had been thrown aside by so me of the survivors
+when they were taken away by the Relief.
+
+"No, they have not seen us yet," said Howard, who was watching them
+intently, while his two companions where looking upon the readiest means
+of escape.
+
+"Then why did they start after us, be the same token?" demanded Tim,
+with a great sigh of relief.
+
+"They are quarreling over something that lies upon the beach."
+
+"If they'd only have the onspakable kindness to go to fighting each
+other like a lot of Kilkenny cats, and not sthop till there's not one of
+'em left--I say if they'd have the kindness to do that, it would be
+fortinit for us."
+
+"Hardly probable, Tim; the fact, is they appear to have settled the
+matter already, and have gone down to the edge of the sea again."
+
+"I don't see the use of our remaining here," said Howard. "We daren't go
+any nearer them than we now are, while if we put back into the country
+we stand a chance of getting something to eat. As near as I can
+calculate, the Salinas River isn't very far away, and California is said
+to be very fertile along its streams, if it is barren in such places as
+this."
+
+"And we may come upon a party of miners further inland."
+
+"I don't know about that," rejoined Howard. "The diggings are on the
+other side of the Coast Range, between that and the Sierra Nevada, in
+the Sacramento Valley, and I think they are further north, too."
+
+"Let's lave," said Tim; "if we only start tramping perhaps I may git my
+mind off the subjact and forgit that I'm hungry enough to eat a toad,
+which I'd starve to death afore I'd do the same."
+
+While they were thus debating with themselves, Terror, unobserved by any
+of them, whisked to the top of a high rock and announced his discovery
+of the Indians by several loud, gruff barks. At so great a distance it
+was impossible that the dog should be heard, but the danger was that the
+lynx-eyed savages would see him, and thus discover the presence of his
+friends. The peril was imminent, and a hasty word from Howard brought
+the Newfoundland to their feet.
+
+But it was too late. He had scarcely ascended his perch when an Indian
+caught sight of him, and giving out a strange half-whoop and stream, he
+started on a full run toward him, closely followed by half of the entire
+party.
+
+"There's no mistake this time!" exclaimed Howard, wheeling round and
+springing away. "Don't wait."
+
+There was no waiting by either Tim or Elwood. The two boys were slim and
+fleet-footed, and could easily distance their more awkward companion;
+but they could not leave him alone, although he besought them to secure
+their own safety, while he would attend to his.
+
+There were several things in favor of the fugitives and several against
+them. It was growing dark quite rapidly, and they had a good start; but
+the pursuers ran over the rocks and bowlders with the facility of
+mountain goats and gained very rapidly; they were also familiar with the
+face of the country, while our friends were literally "going blind."
+
+"But don't we make 'em run!" called out Tim, glancing over his shoulder.
+"Them fellers was made to travel, and if they'd only throw down their
+guns and take up a sprig of the shillaleh, like an ilegant gintleman
+should do, I wouldn't ax better fun than to jine in wid 'em and tach 'em
+a few scientific tricks, such as can be got in Tipperary and nowhere
+ilse--Worrah!----"
+
+Tim's exclamation was caused by catching his foot against a large stone
+and falling flat upon his face with considerable violence. He quickly
+scrambled up again, while Elwood anxiously inquired whether he was hurt
+by the fall.
+
+"Not by the fall, plase your honor, but by the stone that whacked me
+betwaan the eyes."
+
+"They are gaining!" whispered Howard, pausing a moment for his
+companions to come up.
+
+"Yes, but it will be so dark in a few minutes that they can't see us,
+and then we will hide ourselves until the danger is past. Let us get
+along an fast as possible while the danger lasts."
+
+They did strain themselves to the utmost, and speedily reached a more
+open country, where they could travel with greater safety. This, which
+at first appeared sadly against their prospects, was really the means of
+securing their escape. The moment they reached it they darted away at
+almost double their rate of speed, and shortly reached another hilly
+portion, into which they plunged, and running a short distance, at a
+signal from Howard, they dropped flat upon their faces, and crawled
+beneath thy sheltering projections of the rocks, Terror at the same time
+nestling down by the prostrate form of Elwood.
+
+In a few minutes they heard the tramp of their swift-footed pursuers,
+who were running without exchanging words with each other, or uttering
+those exultant whoops which the Indian of other portions of our country
+are so accustomed to give when exulting in the certainty of capturing
+their enemies.
+
+Our friends did not venture to exchange a word with each other until a
+long time after the Indians had passed, and nothing could be heard to
+indicate that they were anywhere in the neighborhood. Then they crawled
+near together and spoke in low whispers.
+
+"They are gone!" said Elwood.
+
+"I think so," replied Howard, "but they may be watching somewhere. We
+must be very careful. How is it, Terror, are there any strangers near
+us?"
+
+The dog snuffed the air, but made no sound, which was a negative reply.
+
+"I guess he is right," added Howard. "We will get as far away from here
+as we can, for I am sure those Indians will look around here until
+morning in the hope of getting us then."
+
+All three crawled a considerable ways on their hands and knees, when
+they stealthily arose to their feet, and seeing nothing suspicious,
+followed a northeasterly direction--one that would both lead them away
+from their pursuers and at the same time take them toward the Salinas or
+San Buenaventura River, which point they hoped to reach some time the
+next day.
+
+After going some distance they walked more rapidly, and ventured to
+exchange words with each other. Terror kept the advance, fully aware of
+the responsibility that rested upon him. There was little fear but that
+he would give timely notice of the approach of danger, and a sense of
+comparative security took possession of our friends as they proceeded.
+
+To their great surprise, after journeying a half-mile or so, the
+character of the country underwent a great change. The ground became
+more level, and they found themselves traveling among stunted trees and
+sparse vegetation. The moon did not rise until quite late, so that until
+then they could barely see each other's bodies as they moved along. This
+made them uncertain as to whether they were following the right course;
+but they were greatly pleased to find that they had deviated but
+slightly from the line they intended to pursue.
+
+All at once a low whine from Terror arrested them. At the same instant
+all three detected the glimmer of a light among the trees. Cautiously
+approaching, Tim O'Rooney in the advance, he said in his husky whisper:
+
+"There's an owld Injin noddin' by the fire, and if he has a gun, or
+anything to eat, we'll try and get him to lend 'em to us!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A GOOD SAMARITAN.
+
+
+The three carefully approached the camp-fire, and soon assured themselves
+that there was but a single person near it, an old Indian who sat with
+closed eyes and nodding head, totally unmindful of their presence.
+
+"Yes, he is all alone," remarked Howard, in response to the statement
+that Tim had made on first seeing the fire. "But he has no gun, so far
+as I can see."
+
+"Has he anything to eat?" inquired Elwood. "For that is getting to be
+the most important matter."
+
+"There doesn't appear to be any."
+
+"Jist howld still where you baas, till I takes a look around," said Tim,
+with an admonitory wave of the hand.
+
+They obeyed while he went still nearer on tiptoe. When he was scarcely
+twenty feet away he paused, and stooping down and bending his head first
+to one side and then to the other, and raising and arching his neck
+until his longitudinal dimensions became fearful, he at last satisfied
+himself that the Indian was alone.
+
+Without moving his feet, Tim now turned his head and motioned for his
+companions to join him. They did so very carefully and silently, and the
+three men then stood where the light of the fire shone full in their
+faces, and where they could not help being the first objects the Indian
+would see when he was pleased to look up.
+
+"We'll have to wake him," whispered Tim, "and shall I yill, or hit him
+with a stone on top of the head?"
+
+"Neither; I have heard that the slumber of Indians is very light, and if
+you just speak or make a slight noise I have no doubt it will rouse
+him."
+
+The fire, which had at its first kindling been large, was now
+smouldering as though it had not been touched for several hours. The
+Indian was seated on a large stone, his arms hanging listlessly over his
+knees, and his head sunk so low that his features could not be seen.
+Instead of the defiant scalp-lock drooping from his crown, his hair was
+long and luxuriant, and plentifully mixed with gray. It hung loosely
+over his shoulders, and in front of his face, and helped to give him a
+strange, repulsive appearance.
+
+"I say, owld gintleman, are you draaming, or--"
+
+As quick as lightning the head of the Indian flashed up, and his black
+eyes were centered with a look of alarm upon the individuals before him.
+Tim had had some experience with these people when a miner, and he now
+began making signs to the savage, who seemed on the point of springing
+up and darting away. Naturally enough the Irishman continued talking,
+although it was certain that the one could not understand a word the
+other uttered.
+
+"We maan no harrum," said the Irishman, raising his hands and letting
+them fall at his side, to show that he carried no weapons, and held good
+will toward the stranger. The boys judged it best to imitate their
+comrade; and after standing a few moments, the three walked quietly up
+to the fire. The startled Indian instantly rose to his feet and placed
+his hand upon the haft of a large knife at his waist.
+
+"None of that, ye spalpeen, or I'll smash you to smithereens!" said Tim,
+who, although his words were of such dire portent, spoke as gently as if
+he were seeking to quiet an infant.
+
+They now noticed that the Indian was very old. His face was scarred and
+wrinkled, his body bent, and his limbs tottered as if scarcely able to
+bear his weight; but his eye was as keen and defiant as the eagle's, and
+he stood ready to defend himself if harm were offered him.
+
+Tim did the most prudent thing possible. He advanced straight to the
+savage and offered his hand. This means of salutation was understood by
+the latter, who, after some tottering hesitation, raised his right hand
+from the knife and returned the pressure. Dropping it, he looked toward
+Elwood and Howard, who saluted him in the same manner, and the parties
+were now satisfied regarding the feelings of each other.
+
+"Ask him for something to eat!" said Elwood; "I am beginning to feel
+faint for the want of food."
+
+"What good will the same do? He hasn't anything to give."
+
+"He must live some way himself, and what will support such an old man as
+he is, is surely good for us."
+
+The signs that Tim now made were unmistakable in their import. He opened
+his huge mouth until the cavern was fearful to contemplate; then he
+snapped his teeth together like a dog that has failed to catch a piece
+of meat thrown to him; after which he carried his hand back and forth to
+his mouth, and opened and shut it again.
+
+The Indian watched these manuevers a moment, and then gave an
+exclamation intended solely for his own benefit--and which, therefore,
+it is not necessary to give, if we could, and we can't--and turning his
+back, commenced moving away with the feeble, uncertain gait of old age.
+
+"What does that mean?" inquired Howard.
+
+The savage, seeing they did not follow, paused and looked back.
+
+"That is an invitation," said Tim; "do yees foller."
+
+"But where will he lead us?"
+
+"How can I tell?"
+
+"But it may be into danger," admonished the most cautious Howard.
+
+"It's the only chance we've got to save ourselves from starving, and for
+me getting a shmoke out of a pipe, which I am as hungry for as I am for
+a few pounds of mate."
+
+The three, the Irishman taking the lead, did not hesitate longer, but
+stepped forward, and the Indian immediately resumed his guidance. The
+boys could not avoid some alarm and misgiving in thus following blindly
+an Indian whom they had not seen until a few minutes before, and who,
+they had every reason to believe, was hostile; but there seemed no other
+course, and they obeyed the suggestion of Tim O'Rooney.
+
+The Indian led the way for several hundred yards, when he halted before
+one of the rudest and oddest habitations imaginable. It was made of
+stones, stumps, limbs, dirt and skins, its dimensions being about twenty
+feet in every direction. The savage paused but a moment when he shoved a
+large skin aside, entered and held it open for his friends to do the
+same. Tim O'Rooney peered cautiously into the lodge before trusting
+himself within it, but seeing nothing alarming, he stepped briskly
+forward, and was followed by the two boys and Terror.
+
+A dim fire was burning in one corner, against the face of a rock, and
+opposite it lay a bundle of clothes, which, upon being rather roughly
+touched by the foot of the Indian, resolved itself into a being of the
+feminine gender, unquestionably the partner of the master of the lodge.
+A few words were exchanged between the two, when the squaw busied
+herself in preparing a meal, while her husband stirred the fire into a
+cheerful blaze that brightly illuminated every portion of the singular
+dwelling. He seemed entirely forgetful of the presence of the strangers,
+who seated themselves upon a broad flat stone and calmly awaited the
+result of his doings.
+
+The old lady speedily appeared with a huge piece of meat, which was soon
+roasting on the fire, its savory odor filling the apartment, and
+rendering our friends half frantic in their starving condition. It was
+quickly cooked; the Indian severed it into four equal portions with his
+hunting-knife, and tossed one to each of his visitors, including the
+dog, which was really suffering for the want of nourishment.
+
+As Elwood and Howard ravenously ate the well-cooked, juicy meat, free
+from pepper and salt, they were sure they had never tasted such a
+delicious morsel in all their life. The pieces were of a generous size,
+and after all three had gormandized themselves until, absolutely, they
+could contain no more, each had some left. This, as a matter of course,
+was thrown to Terror, and by the time he had swallowed them all, he
+licked his jaws to show that his pangs of hunger were also fully
+satisfied.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+FURTHER EAST.
+
+
+"With your lave?" said Tim O'Rooney, stepping forward and drawing the
+pipe of their Indian host from his mouth. The latter gazed at him in
+amazement but said nothing, and offered no objection to the impudent
+proceeding.
+
+"I fales better," complacently added the Irishman as he emitted volume
+after volume of tobacco smoke. "We've had a good schlape, a good male,
+and I'm quieting my narves with the ould gintleman's pipe."
+
+"It strikes me, Tim, you were rather discourteous," said Elwood. "Be
+careful that we do not trespass too much on his good nature."
+
+"This is the calomel o' pace, as they calls it, and when you shmoke it
+it manes there's no enmity atween us. You see, the ould gintleman and
+meself have shmoked it together, and that makes us frinds. That is a
+wise shtroke of policy on the part of Tim O'Rooney, beside the comfort
+it gives him. Will aither of yez indulge in a few whiffs?"
+
+Both replied that they did not use the weed in any form.
+
+"That's right. It makes me indignant when I sees a youngster puffing
+away at a pipe or a segar; but never mind that, boys; do yez jist look
+over the top of our ould frind's head and tell me whether yez sees
+anything."
+
+"I have noticed that fine-looking rifle before," replied Howard; "I only
+wish each of us had such a one."
+
+"We will have that before we lave this mansion. Do ye mind that, boys?"
+
+"I will starve to death before I will consent to take it away from the
+old Indian after the kind treatment he has given us," said Howard.
+
+"So would I," promptly added Elwood. "No matter how badly we may want it
+I shall never consent to steal it."
+
+"Shtale it! Who talks of shtaling it!" indignantly demanded Tim. "You're
+a couple of fine spalpeens, ain't you, to think that of me. I mane to
+buy it, and give the ould man his own price."
+
+"What have you to buy it with?" asked Elwood in surprise. "I have a
+little money, but I don't believe it is enough to buy such a
+good-looking gun as that."
+
+"No; if your pockets were lined with gold pieces he would care nothing
+for them," said Howard; "but what will you offer him, Tim?"
+
+"Each of you has a knife, and likewise have I; you carry two pretty fine
+gold watches, while I've a bull's-eye as big as a half-dozen like them.
+An Injun will sell his squaw and lodge for such trifles."
+
+"Well, try it, then."
+
+The Irishman arose to his feet when, as a matter of course, the black
+eye of the old man was fixed upon him. He pointed to the gun overhead,
+whereupon the Indian, with surprising quickness, caught it down and held
+it with a nervous grasp, his squaw taking his seat beside him. Tim
+offered the three knives which the party owned for it, opening and
+flicking them to excite his cupidity. The eager look that came into his
+face showed that he understood what was meant; but he only hugged his
+property more tightly and shook his head from side to side.
+
+"I knew he wouldn't part with it," said Elwood.
+
+"Howld on a minute," replied Tim; "I'm only throwing out me skirmishers;
+I'll fetch him yet. He's larned how to make a bargain."
+
+The Irishman now produced his watch--an immense affair that would have
+made a load for a small child. He pried open its gigantic case and
+showed the dazzling array of brass wheels and the glittering coil of
+steel. It could not but be attractive to a savage mind, and the Indian's
+eyes sparkled as he looked upon it.
+
+"Keep yours and let me offer mine," said Howard.
+
+"Howld on, I tell yees, howld on; maybe you'll both have to offer 'em
+afore he'll bite. My repater is like myself--it took too much salt water
+for its good and hasn't been well for a few months. If the ould thing
+would only tick a little he couldn't resist it; it has a beautiful voice
+when it starts--like a thrashing machine."
+
+Equally to the surprise of Tim and the boys, the savage arose and handed
+the gun to the Irishman, who was only too glad to put his watch and
+three knives into his possession.
+
+"I only wish he had a couple more," said Howard, "so that we could each
+get one. We ought to be able to take care of ourselves then."
+
+Tim in the meantime was turning the rifle over in his hand and examining
+it with an appearance of great pleasure.
+
+"That come from San Francisco," said he.
+
+"How did it reach these parts?"
+
+"Aisy enough, as me uncle said when he fell off the house. Some trader
+has let him have it for about five hundred dollars' worth of furs and
+peltries."
+
+"Don't forget the ammunition," admonished Elwood, "or the gun will do us
+little good."
+
+"Worrah! it's meself that came nigh doin' the same. That's a fine
+powdther-horn that he has. I say, Misther----"
+
+Tim now began motioning very earnestly for this article, bullet-pouch
+and box of percussion caps that the savage had at his side; but the
+shrewd old fellow was sharper than they expected. He indulged in a
+peculiar grin, and held them very rigidly.
+
+Howard laughed.
+
+"You don't get anything more without paying for it?"
+
+"What shall I pay? I've alriddy overdrawn me bank account, as they say."
+
+"Let him take my watch," said Elwood. "Fact is, I think it has been
+ruined by the salt water."
+
+"No, that's too much; haven't ye got some trinket about yees that isn't
+good for nothing and that you doesn't want?"
+
+The boys searched themselves. Elwood finally produced a small silver
+pencil.
+
+"Just the thing," said Tim.
+
+But the old Indian, evidently failed to consider it just the thing, for
+he continued obdurate and shook his head.
+
+A new idea struck Howard. He wrenched off several brass buttons from his
+coat, and handed them to Tim. The eyes of their host fairly sparkled, as
+does a child's at sight of a coveted toy, and rising to his feet he
+tottered hastily toward them, and tossed the coveted articles into the
+Irishman's lap.
+
+"Now, if the owld gentleman would only dispose of his pipe and a ton or
+two of tobaccy to me, or make me a prisent of 'em, I'd lave and feel
+aisy."
+
+A few more brass buttons procured this also, and our friends had good
+cause to feel delighted over the result of the bargain.
+
+"There doesn't seem to be anything more that we can do, and it strikes
+me that it would be prudent for us to leave," said Howard.
+
+"I think so," added Elwood. "I believe there are other Indians at hand,
+or within call, else he wouldn't be so willing to part with his gun."
+
+The savage now rose and acted in rather a singular manner. Walking to
+the opening which answered for a door, he passed out and motioned for
+his visitors to follow. They did so, and when upon the outside he
+pointed off to the east, nodded his head, and swept his left arm.
+
+"What does he mean?" asked Howard, totally at a loss to understand him.
+
+"He means that this is the direction for us to follow."
+
+"He maans, too, that there's danger in waiting here, and that we'd
+better be thramping."
+
+Elwood took a step or two in the direction indicated to test the meaning
+of their friend. He nodded very earnestly, and satisfied them all that
+the safest plan was for them to leave as soon as possible, and take the
+course pointed out by him.
+
+Accordingly, thanking him as well as they could by signs, the three
+moved away toward the east.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE SALINAS VALLEY.
+
+
+Our friends journeyed forward until broad daylight, when they found
+themselves fairly among the high range of hills which in this portion of
+California comes down almost to the edge of the sea. The scenery was
+bleak and rugged, and the country was barren and showed very few signs
+of vegetation, so that for all practical purposes they were little
+better than if in the sandy desert of the south-eastern portion of the
+State.
+
+They observed, too, a disagreeable change in the climate. The moist
+winds of the Pacific being cooled by these mountains caused the air to
+become chilly and foggy and all felt the need of additional clothing.
+
+They had now concluded to pass through these hills to the Salinas Valley
+and then follow this northward until they reached the more settled
+portion of California, or come upon a party of miners or hunters, in
+whose company they could feel safe against the treacherous Indians, and
+who might perhaps afford them their much-needed weapons and more
+abundant food.
+
+The latter question assumed the first importance with them. They saw no
+fruits, and very few animals. The discharge of their rifle was
+dangerous, as it could be heard at a great distance, and if there is any
+creature that is extraordinarily inquisitive it is the American
+aborigine.
+
+Several times they heard the faint report of guns in the distance, but
+for some days saw no human beings except themselves. At night, when they
+lay down to rest, Terror kept a more faithful watch over them than
+either of their number could do. They generally found some secure place
+among the rocks where they could slumber in safety.
+
+On the third day after the shipwreck they crossed the dividing ridge and
+had a view of Salinas or San Buenaventura Valley. It was comparatively
+narrow, looking straighter than it really was, from the towering Coast
+Range that rose in vast massive ridges, several of the peaks piercing
+the clouds and reaching far up into the snow line. This was indeed an
+impassable barrier to their further progress beyond the valley, had they
+wished to make the attempt; for among those wild regions, where at
+midsummer the snow is whirled in blinding eddies, and the storm howls
+through gorges and canyons, and the lost traveler gropes blindly for a
+secure foothold along the mountain paths--it would have been fatal for
+them to venture without a sure guide.
+
+The Salinas Valley looked like a garden to them, and was indeed a
+promised land. There was fruit in abundance, and every prospect of
+meeting some of their own people. The Buenaventura, years ago, was a
+fabled river, and the geographies made it a huge stream, taking every
+course except the true one. They found it a river inferior in breadth
+and length to the Hudson, but vastly more interesting from its primeval
+character and the wild scenery along its banks.
+
+On the eastern slope of the mountains they discerned a great variety of
+trees, among them the _Palo Colorado_ or Lambertine fir, some of them a
+dozen feet in diameter, although they did not attain any remarkable
+height. These were not the colossal pines so famous the world over.
+There were quite a number of beech, sycamore, oak, spruce, and maple,
+and other trees whose particular names they were unable to tell.
+
+There was a noticeable change in the climate also. The air had parted
+with a great deal of its moisture, and although very warm, it had a
+dryness about it that made it more grateful and pleasant than the
+coolness along the coast.
+
+When fairly in the Salinas Valley, and along the river, they found the
+vegetation remarkably luxuriant. Oats grew wild in many places, and the
+plants partook greatly of a tropical character. Grapes were very
+abundant, although it was too early in the season to find them ripe; yet
+they gathered a few berries that were very pleasant to the taste.
+
+The first day among the hills was spent like the first one on
+shore--without food, although they had so gormandized themselves on the
+preceding evening that they were able to stand this privation much
+better.
+
+On the second morning among the hills, just as they had risen and
+resumed their journey, Terror gave notice of something unusual in his
+characteristic manner--by halting and uttering a low whine. At that
+moment they were making their way around a huge mass of rocks, in a path
+that seemed to have been worn by the feet of wild animals. Tim paused,
+cocked his rifle and held it ready for instant use, while the boys
+looked around for some covert into which to retreat, if danger
+threatened.
+
+While they stood in anxious suspense, an animal about the size of Terror
+walked leisurely into view, and catching sight of the strangers raised
+its head with a look of alarm, then uttered a shrill _baa-aa_ after the
+manner of affrighted sheep, and turned to flee. But he was too valuable
+a prize to be let run away in this manner, and ere he could turn round,
+or the Newfoundland could reach him, Tim had sent a bullet through his
+head that tumbled him over and over as if he had been hit by a
+cannon-ball.
+
+Hurrying up to him, they found they had been fortunate enough to secure
+a good large mountain sheep, a species of animal that run wild in
+California, and at certain seasons of the year are in prime condition.
+This was found only tolerable, but he was fully appreciated by our
+friends. Tim O'Rooney had managed to conceal a second knife about his
+person when bargaining with the Indian--one made on the liberal ideas
+that was displayed in the construction of his watch, and far more useful
+than the ornamental trifles that the boys carried.
+
+With the help of this and the anatomical knowledge he possessed, he was
+not long in dressing the sheep, and everything was made ready for
+cooking him. The sticks were placed together, the choice steaks were
+suspended on cross pieces, and the leaves heaped up, only awaiting
+ignition.
+
+"I declare!" exclaimed Howard, "how are we going to kindle it?"
+
+Every face looked blank, for the thought had never entered their minds
+until that moment.
+
+"Haven't yees a match about you?" he asked, turning to the boys.
+
+Naturally enough the two searched every pocket, and having finished
+searched them over again, even turning them wrong side out, and then
+turning them in and turning them wrong side out again; but all in vain,
+there was not a lucifer in the party.
+
+"Too bad!" exclaimed Elwood, "we are all as hungry as we can be, and we
+shall have to remain so for the want of fire."
+
+"If we wait a while we'll not need the match."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"It isn't very hard to git hungry enough to ate the same without waiting
+for the benefit of cooking."
+
+"I can't do that," added Elwood, with an expression of disgust.
+
+"Nor can I," added Howard.
+
+"I've done it, and found it tasted good," said Tim, "and so would
+yez--but howld on! One of yez whack me over the head!"
+
+"For what?" they demanded in amazement.
+
+"For being an owld fool, and be the same towken it's yourselves that is
+the same."
+
+"We do not understand you," they said, in some perplexity.
+
+"Yez are talking about fire when we has it here at hand."
+
+They looked inquiringly around, but did not understand the allusion
+until he began loading the gun, when a new light broke upon them, and
+they smiled knowingly at each other.
+
+Tim put in a good wadding composed of dry leaves, and placing the muzzle
+of his gun among the leaves that they had gathered for ignition, he
+discharged it. The intense flame of fire that streamed forth for an
+instant communicated itself to the kindlings, and this being quickly and
+vigorously blown by all three, almost immediately spread into a blaze,
+the wood gathered heat speedily, and in a few minutes the juicy steaks
+of the mountain sheep were steaming and ready for the voracious mouths
+of the four gathered around.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+ANOTHER BARGAIN.
+
+
+Our friends were prudent enough to cook every available portion of the
+mountain sheep, and to preserve what remained for future contingencies.
+The climate was so warm that they could not hope to keep it more than a
+day or two; and, as it was, they took the wise course of placing as much
+of it within their stomachs as they could conveniently carry. The
+good-tempered red Newfoundland seemed to be growing corpulent on this
+species of living, protracted hunger alternating with an over supply of
+food.
+
+They saw no more wild animals during the day, but just as they were
+entering the Salinas Valley Elwood discovered something lying in the
+path before them which at first he believed to be an Indian, either
+asleep or dead; but Terror instantly ran up, and seizing it in his teeth
+laid it at his feet, and discovered a beautiful Indian blanket.
+
+"Strange!" exclaimed the boy, holding it up before him. "This shows that
+we are not the first persons who have traversed this section."
+
+"I wonder that we do not see more savages."
+
+"Isn't it beautiful?" said Elwood, turning the blanket over and
+examining its texture and designs. It was indeed handsome and very
+valuable, resembling much the famous blankets made by the Apache
+Indians. It was fully a half-inch in thickness, so compactly knit
+together as to be water-proof. Its border and the design of the figures
+were a miracle of skill in color and combination. Every hue of the
+rainbow seemed reproduced in the most pleasing combinations. The
+center-piece was a figure of the sun which, with the rays radiating from
+it, was of a most intense yellow, while around the border were pictured
+all the fruits that any one has ever heard as being indigenous to
+California.
+
+"That must be very valuable," said Howard.
+
+"It is so heavy it tires my arms to hold it."
+
+"That same thing would bring yez five hundred dollars, any day, in San
+Francisco," added Tim O'Rooney. "It'll pay yez to carry it there."
+
+"It is just the thing to wrap around us when we lie down to sleep."
+
+"Yis, if ye wraps up in that yez'll wake up and find yersilves roasted
+to dith. Yez might as well crawl into an oven and bake yersilves and be
+done with it."
+
+"We can then spread it on the ground, and protect ourselves from the
+moisture!" said Howard, who was beginning to appreciate the value of the
+article.
+
+"I've saan them things before," added Tim O'Rooney. "The Apaches and
+Mohaws in New Mexico make 'em. It has tuk a couple of squaws the bist
+part of a year to do the same."
+
+"But where is the owner? An Indian could not lose such a thing without
+knowing it. Why, it is a load to carry, and I should expect to lose my
+coat as soon as to part with this."
+
+Of course there could be no explanation of the cause of the blanket
+being found where it was. It was plain that no Indian could have parted
+with it unknowingly, and its high value made it still more puzzling that
+it should have been left in such a place. It might be that the
+owner--some fragile Indian girl--had wearied with carrying it, and had
+thrown it down for a warrior friend of hers to pick up and take to its
+destination for her.
+
+This conjecture, made by Tim O'Rooney himself, raised a serious question
+as to whether they had a right to carry the blanket away when there was
+good reason to doubt its being lost or abandoned.
+
+"If a year's work has been lavished upon it," said Elwood, "it cannot be
+possible that it has no owner."
+
+"I think Tim is right; he or she expects to return or send and get it."
+
+"But it is singular that if such is the case it should be left here,
+when it could have been easily hid in these bushes."
+
+"That only proves that there are no people about--no white ones at
+least. If the owner had any fear of this place being visited by
+_Christians_, he would have taken pains to hide his property; but as he
+was sure there were none but savages and heathen, he was certain his
+blanket was safe."
+
+Howard Lawrence, jesting though he was, spoke the truth, and deeply
+ashamed are we to confess it.
+
+The question received an unexpected and unmistakable solution. While
+they were still conversing, they descried a gaudily dressed, rather
+handsome-looking squaw tripping lightly behind them. Her head was bent,
+and she did not discover them until the growl of the dog caused her to
+raise her head. She was then within a dozen yards of Howard, he being in
+the rear and holding the blanket in his hand. She looked at them with an
+alarmed expression in her strange dark eyes, and seemed to be too much
+frightened to think of fleeing.
+
+Howard signified his friendship by walking quietly toward her and
+holding out the blanket as if inviting her to take it. She readily
+comprehended the meaning of his advance, and when the article was within
+reach she took it.
+
+"Now make a bargain if you can," called out Elwood.
+
+Howard produced the gold watch--a small hunting-case--and offered it to
+the young woman. She examined it with childish curiosity, but in a
+manner that showed that it was not the first time she had looked upon
+such an article. She held it a for moments, and then with a pleased
+smile passed the blanket to him, bowed gracefully, wheeled quickly, and
+slipped away charmingly.
+
+"Hurra!" fairly shouted Elwood, "you are as good as Tim at making a
+bargain."
+
+"She must live somewhere about here, and no doubt will tell how she got
+the watch, and that may set some of her friends on our track."
+
+"Let 'em come," said Tim. "I've a gun that I larned how to shoot, and
+that blanket we can wrap around us, and I don't believe you could shoot
+a bullet through it by raison of its thickness."
+
+The party resumed their journey, quite jubilant over the rifle and
+blanket. They still needed but one thing, or rather two things, guns for
+the boys. Terror was such a sharp and faithful sentinel they would have
+felt almost safe with these additional fire-arms. Howard and Elwood were
+quite confident that they could shoot with remarkable precision,
+although, neither had ever aimed or discharged a gun; but in this
+respect they were not so very different from other boys.
+
+At noon they made a hearty meal upon a portion of what still remained of
+the mountain sheep, and then stretched themselves out for an hour's
+rest. Tim O'Rooney was plentifully supplied with tobacco, and perhaps
+could not have felt more comfortable or satisfied with his situation. He
+lolled on the grass, and wondered whether Mr. Lawrence was anxious for
+him to get home or not, finally reaching the conclusion that he was
+rather indifferent upon the subject himself. The greatest distress of
+Howard and Elwood was the pain that their parents would feel regarding
+them; but they hoped to reach home without great delay, when they would
+quickly turn their weeping into joy.
+
+The two could not grow weary of admiring their beautiful blanket. It was
+a wonderful affair indeed, and doubtless contained within it enough
+material to supply a "shoddy" contractor with the basis for a thousand
+army blankets. The boys would have willingly given both their watches
+for it and considered themselves greatly the gainers. They looked upon
+it as their joint property.
+
+"I do believe it is rifle-proof," said Howard. "The fine threads of
+which it is composed are woven so compactly that you can hardly
+distinguish them."
+
+"I should be rather fearful of risking a rifle-shot from any one if that
+were all that protected me."
+
+"We can easily test it. Let's hung it up and shoot a bullet at it."
+
+"No, that would be too bad. The ball might go through, and then it would
+be spoiled in its looks. Now it seems really perfect----"
+
+"I say, me boys----"
+
+Tim's utterance was checked by the discharge of a rifle and the near
+whistle of the bullet. He started up and glanced around him.
+
+"Injuns, or me name isn't Tim O'Rooney, from Tipperary, Ireland, the gem
+of the say!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+A STRANGE OCCURRENCE.
+
+
+On a slight eminence, about an eighth of a mile south of them, stood the
+solitary Indian who had fired the alarming shot, he was in open view, as
+though he had no fears of the results of his challenge, and appeared to
+be surveying the white people with an air of curiosity that they should
+presume to encroach upon his hunting-grounds.
+
+"If yez manes that, there's two of us, as me brother Pat towld the judge
+when he called him a good-for-nothing dog."
+
+With which exclamation Tim O'Rooney sighted his rifle at the aborigine,
+and taking a tedious, uncomfortable aim, pulled the trigger, and then
+lowered his piece and stared at his target to watch the result. The
+Indian stood as motionless as a statue, and finally the Irishman drew a
+deep sigh.
+
+"I wonder whether the bullet has reached him yet?"
+
+"Reached him!" laughed Howard. "I saw it clip off a piece of rock fully
+forty feet from him."
+
+"Worrah, worrah! but I've ate so much dinner I can't howld the gun
+stiddy."
+
+"I saw it vibrate----"
+
+"Look out! he's going to shoot again!" called Elwood, as he and Howard
+dropped on their faces. "Get down, Tim, or he'll hit you. He's a better
+marksman than you are."
+
+"Who cares----Heaven! save me!"
+
+The second discharge sent the bullet within a few inches of the
+Irishman's face, and somewhat alarmed him.
+
+"Load quick!" admonished Howard, "and shelter yourself, or you are a
+dead man."
+
+The Irishman obeyed this, and had his gun reloaded in a few moments.
+
+"Now let me try my hand," said Elwood; "you can never hit him."
+
+"Be all manes, if yez wish it."
+
+"The piece is too heavy for me to shoot off-hand and I'll rest it on my
+knee."
+
+The boy took the gun, and placing the barrel on his knee, drew back the
+hammer, when presto! the savage whisked out of sight like magic. The
+noble aborigine had come to the conclusion that discretion was the
+better part of valor.
+
+"Where is he?" asked the bewildered boy, rising to his feet and looking
+around him.
+
+"He is gone," replied Howard.
+
+"I admire his sense; he doesn't care about being shot just yet."
+
+Howard laughed.
+
+"You have a good opinion of your marksmanship, Elwood, and he seems to
+fear you more than Tim."
+
+"But he didn't give me time to practice on 'im," said the latter. "If he
+had stood there an hour or two I'd hit him sure."
+
+"Yes, and he would have picked you off at the next fire. He's a good
+marksman at any rate."
+
+They kept their position for some time, but saw nothing more of the
+Indian.
+
+"He has left," said Elwood, "and will give us a wide berth after this."
+
+"It was rather curious that he should expose himself in that manner."
+
+"Perfectly natural," replied Elwood. "He knew there was no danger until
+_I_ took the gun; then he thought it best for him to clear out."
+
+"He may turn up again when we least expect it."
+
+"Do yees understand the maning of that?"
+
+"Not precisely; do you?"
+
+"He's a lover of the fair female that ye gave the watch to for the
+blanket, and he had been watchin' us till he sane me, and then he got so
+jailous of me that he has tried to put me out of the way."
+
+The boys laughed at this explanation, which Tim gave with every
+appearance of earnestness, and were rather doubtful about believing it.
+
+There was some fear expressed that this Indian might send them a bullet
+from some covert, when he could make his aim sure and shelter himself
+from all danger of a return fire; although as regards that the specimen
+he had been given of the skill of the whites should have convinced him
+that there was no need of his being particularly alarmed on this point.
+
+Our friends were sufficiently rested, and the associations of the place
+were such that they resumed their journey at once toward the Salinas
+river. They had gone but a short distance when Howard exclaimed:
+
+"Halloo! yonder goes that Indian!"
+
+He pointed in the direction of the river fully a mile away, and looking
+there they saw very near the center of the stream a small Indian canoe,
+propelled by a single occupant. The distance was so great that they
+could decide nothing regarding his dress and appearance, and for a time
+it was doubtful whether there were one or two in the boat. They were
+sure, however, that it was the same personage that had so startled them,
+and that he was returning to his home.
+
+"That looks as though he did not belong to these parts," said Elwood,
+"and seems to throw doubt on his being the young squaw's lover."
+
+"And it's a qua'r lover the same would be if he wouldn't go five hundred
+miles for the smile of his beloved. Begorrah! but it was meself that
+used to walk five miles and back agin ivery Sunday night in Tipperary to
+see Bridget Ann Mulloney, and then lost her after all when I'd spent
+almost half a pound on her."
+
+"There's another thing I'd like to buy, beside our rifles," said Elwood.
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"A canoe. See how smoothly the savage floats down the river. The current
+is quite rapid, and it would take very little labor for us to make much
+better headway than we now do.'"
+
+"But we do not know how to paddle one of those frail concerns."
+
+"We could learn soon enough."
+
+"We may find one of them along the shore, as there seem to be plenty of
+Indians hereabouts, and I suppose every one of them is the proprietor of
+one of these establishments."
+
+"It isn't likely if yees finds one ye'll find the owner," said Tim, "and
+I s'pose your conscience wouldn't let you take it unless you made a fair
+bargain with the owner."
+
+"I don't know," laughed Howard, "but what under the circumstances we
+could persuade ourselves to take it."
+
+In the course of a few hours they found themselves in the vicinity of
+the Salinas River, and turned to the left so as to follow its windings
+as nearly as possible to the mouth, where they hoped to secure safer and
+speedier transportation to their homes.
+
+At night when they encamped the soft murmur of the river was in their
+ears, and the cool, dry wind fanned them quietly as they sat down near a
+cluster of thick cottonwood to smoke their pipe, chat and prepare for
+the night's rest. They made a good meal from their mountain sheep, and
+gorging Terror, threw the rest away as they deemed it hardly fit for
+further use.
+
+It was quite late when they camped. Tim would have nothing to do with
+the blanket, so the boys spread it upon the earth, lay down upon it, and
+then drew the borders over them.
+
+Wearied out they soon fell asleep, depending, under the kindness of
+heaven, upon the watchfulness of the faithful Newfoundland that had
+never yet proved unfaithful to his trust.
+
+In the middle of the night Elwood awoke from a feeling of uncomfortable
+warmth, and threw the blanket off and slept thus until morning. He was
+the first to awake, just as light was dawning, and was on the point of
+rising when he started and became suddenly transfixed with horror at a
+sight directly before his eyes!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE CROTALUS.
+
+
+There are several species of rattlesnakes found in California, among
+which are the black, spotted and striped. Some of them grow to an
+enormous size and are anything but pleasant strangers to encounter,
+especially when you come upon them suddenly and find them coiled. It is
+a peculiarity of these specimens of the _Crotalus_ of America that they
+strike only from the coil, are easily killed, and generally, although
+_not always_, do they rattle before they dart forward their poisonous
+fangs.
+
+We can conceive of nothing upon the face of this beautiful earth more
+shudderingly repulsive than a rattlesnake. The arrowy head, and shiny,
+flabby body, with its glistening scales and variegated color, its
+tapering tail, with that dreadful arrangement by which it imitates so
+closely the _whirr_ of the locust, the bead-like eyes, with no lids and
+a fleshy film dropping over them--all these make up the most terrible
+reptile found on the American continent.
+
+And then imagine one of these creatures _coiled_! The thick, heavy body
+with the tail projecting upward from the center, the head drawn back,
+and the red, cavernous mouth open, with the curved, hollow teeth and the
+sacs at their roots filled nigh to bursting with this concentrated
+essence of the vilest of all poison--imagine this, we say--but don't do
+it either! If you have never seen a rattlesnake, don't go near one,
+unless you have a chance to kill it, even if his fangs have been
+extracted. The heel shall bruise the serpent, and that is the best use
+to which they can be put.
+
+But as Howard Lawrence opened his eyes, in the dull light of this summer
+morning, he saw coiled within five feet of him a striped rattlesnake,
+its intensely black eyes fairly scintillating light, and its rattle
+gently waving but making no noise.
+
+In a single second his true peril flashed upon him. If he moved the
+reptile would strike. He might throw himself suddenly backward, but in
+that case if he escaped, the malignant fangs would be buried in the
+sleeping Elwood ere he could open his eyes and understand the danger
+that threatened him. And he was afraid, too, to speak to him and Tim in
+the hope of awaking them. There would be blundering upon their part, and
+blundering meant but one thing--death.
+
+Howard looked straight at the serpent's eyes and became conscious of a
+strange sensation passing through him. The small, black orbs seemed to
+advance, shrink and float away through the air, enchaining his own
+vision until the will, which had so vehemently repelled the danger grew
+indifferent, and the thought of peril merged into a vague, dreamy
+semi-consciousness, which, while it took knowledge of the terrible
+reptile, coiled and ready to strike, yet failed to impress the mind with
+the energy to withdraw from its terrible power. His blood slowly
+chilled, as if vein by vein it froze throughout his person, until from
+head to foot the vital current was congealed. At times he strove to
+move, or more properly sought, in the mysterious make-up of our
+composition, to rouse the will from its torpor, but with the same result
+as follows the effort of the sufferer to use his paralyzed limb. The
+will seemed to make a feeble twitch or two and then subside, unable to
+break the fatal spell spreading over his mind and faculties. The eyes of
+the reptile glared upon his own, their bead-like blackness taking the
+form of a point of fire waving, floating, gyrating and circling in the
+air, doubling in and out in rings of the rainbow's hues, melting away
+into the distance, then drifting forward until mingled with his own, up
+and down in the same bewildering maze of color and design that visits
+the patient when lost in the delirium of fever. And all the time it was
+as if the rattlesnake was conscious of the dreadful power he held over
+his victim. Its arrowy head and long neck were started silently toward
+him, as if threatening instant destruction; and then, like the cat
+toying with her victim, it was withdrawn again, and the spell deepened
+and increased. A strange whirl passed through the mind of the boy. By a
+violent attempt to call in his wandering thoughts he gathered an idea of
+the mortal danger impending over him, but he could not centralize his
+mental powers.
+
+The bewildering sensations were somewhat similar to that of a man whose
+brain has received a violent concussion--the mysterious chambers and
+channels through which thought forced its way were choked up and the
+subtle impetus recoiled, powerless to perform its function. He felt the
+necessity of clear, vigorous thought, but his dull brain would not
+work--the cold incubus upon it chilled it through and through; and all
+the time the malignantly beautiful reptile was partly coiling and
+uncoiling, the articulated ring giving a faint rattle, as if caused by
+the slight vibration of its body. After a while the serpent lay still,
+but never once was its eye removed from its victim. It was growing tired
+of dallying with its prey and was making ready to strike. The coil
+became close and compact, the rattle rising from the center, and the eye
+assumed a clear, metallic sharpness that appeared to throw forward its
+fateful rays into his own. He saw that the sport was done and the snake
+was ready to strike; he strove to move, but could not; he essayed to
+speak, but the words choked him unuttered. He saw the reptile calling in
+its strength and----
+
+_"Quick, Howard, draw the blanket over you! He can't strike through
+that!"_
+
+The practical, energetic words of Elwood Brandon, whom he had imagined
+asleep at his side, broke the dreadful spell that had enchained Howard.
+He felt the mist pass from his eyes, his mind threw off the incubus
+which had borne it down, and he was himself again, with clear mental
+powers.
+
+His right hand lay upon the thick blanket, and sensible of his extreme
+peril, he quickly closed it, grasping the edge firmly, and then threw
+himself over upon his face and against his cousin, but covering both
+their bodies at the same instant with the heavy, closely-knit cloth.
+
+At the very moment of doing so the angry locust-like ring of the reptile
+and a sharp thrust against the blanket as if struck by a small stick
+announced that it has given its blow.
+
+Howard and Elwood both shouted to Tim to come to their assistance; but
+ere he could respond a rush was heard, followed by a fierce growl, and
+they understood at once that Terror had appeared upon the scene.
+
+They let him rage for a few moments and then, Tim having informed them
+that the snake was "kilt entirely," they cautiously crept forth. As they
+looked furtively around they saw at once that the Newfoundland had done
+his work well. The reptile was torn into shreds and strewn over an area
+of several yards. Its fangs had entered the blanket where, while they
+did not pierce through they stuck irrevocably, holding the reptile a
+prisoner to the fury of the dog.
+
+Thankful indeed were the boys for their providential escape from this
+dreaded creature. Elwood had been awakened by its slight rattling, when,
+suspecting the danger that was closing around his cousin, he uttered the
+warning words which we have given and which proved the means of robbing
+the blow of the reptile of its danger.
+
+The fangs were carefully extracted from the blanket, and Howard declared
+his intention of preserving them as a curiosity; but within a half-hour
+after leaving the camp they were lost, and he did not judge it worth
+while to search for them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE CAMP-FIRE.
+
+
+As our three friends on that bright summer morning stood on the slope of
+the mountains and gazed down into the beautiful Salinas Valley before
+them, Elwood Brandon suddenly pointed a little to the north and said:
+
+"See! there are others beside us!"
+
+About a mile distant, and not far from the river, they saw a thin, black
+column of smoke rising among the trees, of so dark and palpable a
+character that it could be distinguished at once.
+
+"Another party of Indians," replied Howard. "We seem to be getting into
+their neighborhood."
+
+"I only wish they were a party of white hunters or miners, for I long to
+see a friendly face."
+
+"What good could it do us? They wouldn't accompany us home, or take any
+trouble to see that we were protected."
+
+"Perhaps not, but I tell you, Howard, this begins to look dangerous when
+we see nothing but enemies. There are but three of us, and one gun only
+between us. I believe a single Indian could destroy us all if he chose
+to do so."
+
+"Except in one contingency."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"That you should aim the gun. He would then flee at once."
+
+Elwood laughed and added:
+
+"But we have no breakfast, and we may as well be moving."
+
+"You're a sensible boy," added Tim O'Rooney, "be the towken that when ye
+spakes ye quiverally anticipates me own thoughts."
+
+They soon reached the level of the valley, and then took a direction
+straight toward the spot where they had seen the camp-fire burning. The
+intervening space was quite thickly grown with trees and vegetation, so
+that they could obtain no sight of the fire itself until they were very
+close to it.
+
+"We must be careful," admonished Howard. "If it is a party of Indians
+they may discover us before we do them."
+
+"I don't suppose it will do for us all to walk straight up to them, for
+they'll be sure to see us then."
+
+"No, one must creep up and find whether the coast is clear. Tim has seen
+more of California than we have, and he can do that if he wishes."
+
+"Sinsible agin, for I was about to spake the same. Do yees tarry here
+while I takes a look around. Whist! now, and kaap so still that ye'll
+hear me brathe all the way there and back agin."
+
+The boys took their position each behind a large tree, and looking
+cautiously forth they awaited the return of their friend.
+
+When these precautions were taken they were not a hundred yards distant
+from the strangers. The Irishman stepped very carefully, moving on
+tiptoe, and not making any noise that was perceptible. This was no great
+attainment in woodcraft, as any person could have done the same with
+ordinary care, when the woods were of the character of this one. Had
+there been briers or brambles, or swampy ground, or that which was
+unusually dry, and covered with twigs, it would have been a feat far
+more difficult of attainment.
+
+Just before Tim disappeared from view they saw him sink down upon his
+hands and knees and creep forward; but the bushes soon shut him out from
+view and they could only wait with all the patience possible.
+
+At the end of about ten minutes the genial face of the Irishman
+appeared, and the expression upon it gave rise to pleasant
+anticipations.
+
+"Who are they?" asked the two boys together, as soon as they deemed it
+prudent.
+
+"Whist! now don't spake so loud. Ye'll wake 'em out."
+
+Tim looked behind, and became satisfied that there was no fear of
+discovery, when he arose to his feet, and took his careless, sauntering
+manner.
+
+"Well, Tim!'" said Howard inquiringly.
+
+"What is it yez wishes?"
+
+"We wish to know whether these strangers are white men or Indians."
+
+"Well, ye saas, I had to crawl up to 'em mighty careful, for if you step
+upon a stick no bigger than a tooth-pick, yees are sortin to wake up a
+slaapin' copper-skin----"
+
+"So they were Indians, then," interrupted Elwood somewhat impatiently.
+
+"Do yes be aisy now, and not be interruptin' of me, and yer observations
+and questions which ain't naaded in this case. Me owld grandfather used
+to till a great many stories to us spalpaans about the part he took with
+young Emmett--when owld Ireland stood up against England. He used to
+tell us his stories--did the same--and just so sure as one of us axed
+him a question, he'd go back to the beginning and till the whole story
+over again. He'd begin airly in the evening, and kaap it going till tin
+or eleven o'clock. I belave the old gintleman rather liked to have us be
+interruptin' him, for he laid bates for us wee ones, and ye see by that
+manes one story sometimes kept him going for a waak. Heaven bliss the
+owld gintleman--he had a habit of stopping in the middle of an exciting
+part and lighting his dudheen, and then when he'd begin again, he'd skip
+over a part on purpose to make us ax him a question----"
+
+"Well, Tim, we will talk about your grandfather some other day," said
+Howard, who, as naturally may be supposed, was impatient for him to come
+to the point.
+
+"Yis, I was just through with him, but yees should never be overmuch in
+haste. Me blessed mother always told me that it was the same as being
+too slow, and if anybody could spake of the same, could me mother do it.
+I was about to obsarve when yees interrupted me, that a man must be
+mighty careful in going up to a camp-fire, for these Indians slaap so
+quietly that the overturning of a leaf is sure to wake 'em, and you saa
+by this, if we'd all three gone up, as we war thinkin' about, they'd
+heard us long before we could have got sight of 'em, and our tramping in
+Californy would be done with----"
+
+"So they were Indians were they?" asked Elwood again, partly amused and
+partly vexed at Tim's persistent dallying with their curiosity.
+
+"Who said the same?"
+
+"You implied it. Were they red or white men? Answer us--yes or no!"
+
+"And that is just the pint I's raching for, as me frind, Michael
+O'Shanghangly, said when he took a half-quart of whisky. Yez understands
+that I wanted to make sure just who the same might be, and what was
+their number. 'Spose, now, I should have come back and said there war
+but three of the same, and there should be a half-dozen, or I should say
+they was white gintlemen like ourselves, and they should turn out to be
+of a darker hue. Ye saas that it wouldn't do."
+
+The boys had become so uneasy by this time that they were walking back
+and forth, and talking to each other in low tones.
+
+"I will go forward and see for myself," said Elwood. "I don't care about
+waiting an hour or two for him to answer my question."
+
+"He will soon answer us; he is only indulging in a little pleasantry."
+
+"Rather a bad time for jesting."
+
+"I think we can be sure of one thing," added Howard a moment later.
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"That we are not in much danger. If we were he wouldn't wait so long to
+tell us."
+
+"I don't know about that; it would be in keeping with his foolishness. I
+tell you, Howard, I will ask him once more, and if he doesn't answer me
+at once, I shall go forward and learn for myself."
+
+"Well, do so."
+
+"Tim, are those Indians or white men?"
+
+"That's it, is it? Why didn't yez ax me before? They're a party of white
+men, be the same!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+THE MINERS.
+
+
+"I wished to give yez a pleasant surprise, as the doctor said when he
+told the man that his wife was dead," remarked Tim, in explanation of
+his conduct. "Had there really been any of the red gintlemen around I'd
+have told you soon enough."
+
+Our young friends were too well pleased at the intelligence to feel
+other than good natured, and they gladly forgave Tim for his trespass
+upon their patience. Without waiting further they walked hastily
+forward, and a moment later stood by the camp-fire.
+
+Three men, apparently, had just aroused themselves from slumber, and
+were now stirring around making preparations for their breakfast. They
+were shaggy, unshorn, grimy-looking fellows, who had "run wild" for
+several years, but who had not necessarily lost their humanity, even
+though they had in a great degree lost its outward semblance. In the
+center, a large bundle of sticks were burning quite briskly, and one of
+the men was turning and watching some meat that was cooking over it. The
+others had evidently just returned from the river, for their red temples
+and foreheads still glistened with moisture which sparkled like dew on
+their patriarchal beards.
+
+They were rough, hardy-looking fellows, but Elwood felt little
+apprehension as he stepped forward and said:
+
+"Good morning, gentlemen!"
+
+He who was cook turned his head, but a hot drop of moisture from the
+steaming meat at that moment flew in his eye, and clapping his finger to
+it, he muttered something, and forthwith and instantly gave his
+exclusive attention to his culinary duties.
+
+The second man was rubbing his face with a piece of coarse cloth, and he
+suddenly paused with his black eyes glaring over the top, his face
+resembling the head of some huge animal clambering over the edge of a
+rock, and who, having just gained a foothold, is looking hurriedly
+around for his prey.
+
+The third was combing his hair, and just at this moment it was moistened
+and sticking straight over his forehead like the horn of an animal. He
+would run the comb through with his right hand and then smooth the hair
+with his left. He stopped with both arms crooked over his head, and
+wheeled around like an automaton, and stared at the boy a moment, and
+then said:
+
+"Well, there! Why didn't you ring the door-bell? I say, youngster, come
+forward and give us a grip of your hand. Halloo! you've got your brother
+with you!"
+
+"Not my brother, but my cousin, Howard Lawrence."
+
+The two boys shook hands with the three, and the grip that they received
+from the horny palms made them wince with pain.
+
+"But where'd you come from? We don't see a couple of youngsters dressed
+up in your style promenading 'round in these parts every day. Where'd
+you come from?"
+
+"The steamer on which we took passage the other day from Panama, was
+burned off the coast, and we got ashore on a raft."
+
+"Be you the only ones?"
+
+"No; there were quite a number that escaped."
+
+"Where be they?"
+
+"They were carried away by a vessel while we had wandered inland."
+
+"And you two--halloo! here's your grandfather!"
+
+"No; that is Tim O'Rooney, a good friend of ours."
+
+"Your humble sarvint!" saluted the Irishman, removing his hat, making a
+profound bow and scraping a large foot upon the ground.
+
+"Well, there! We're glad to see you. What's all your names?"
+
+They were given several times, and then carefully spelled at the request
+of the large-whiskered man, who desired that no mistake might be made.
+
+"You may call me Ned Trimble, and that ugly-looking fellow 'tending to
+the fire is George Wakeman, and that horrid-looking chap scrubbing off
+his dirty face, is Alfred Wilkins. Neither of them know much, and I
+brought them along to black my boots and dress my hair."
+
+It looked as though Ned was a sort of a wag, for his companions smiled
+as if they were used to that thing. He continued:
+
+"We're a party of hunters that have been in Californy for the last five
+years, and I rather guess I've prospected through every part of it."
+
+"You must be rich by this time."
+
+"Rich!" laughed Ned Trimble. "Well there, we're everything but rich.
+Somehow or other we hain't had the luck. We sold a claim up in the
+diggings for five hundred dollars, and the next week the party sold it
+for fifteen thousand. That's the way it has always gone with us; but we
+are going to be rich yet--ain't we, boys."
+
+"Yes, if we only live long enough," replied Wakeman.
+
+"I told you that chap hadn't much sense," remarked Ned, addressing his
+three visitors. "He doesn't know enough to answer a question as he
+oughter. I've been trying to teach him something, but I shall have to
+give it up as a bad job. Been to breakfast?"
+
+"No--not yet."
+
+"Thought you hadn't. Cook, put up another slice, douse it in butter,
+salt and pepper, and serve it up as you used to do when I employed you
+at the Astor. Gentlemen, how do you like it, rare or well done?"
+
+All made answer that they were not particular, and Ned replied thereunto
+as follows:
+
+"Sensible fellows! If you don't care what you get, you won't have to
+care much for what you don't get. What will you select as a dessert?
+Plum, rice, bread, or cherry pudding? Apple, mince, cranberry, plum,
+peach, or lemon pie? Cup-custard, tapioca, watermelon, citron, or
+sherry, maderia, or port. Order which ever you choose, gentlemen, it
+don't make any difference to us. We can give you one just as well as the
+other."
+
+"I suppose you can," laughed Howard; "so we'll not take the trouble to
+order any."
+
+"All right; as you please, gentlemen. We haven't any turkey or oysters
+left so you will have to put up with a little antelope that we shot
+yesterday afternoon. Fine condition for this time of year, and the best
+kind of flesh to starve to death on."
+
+"We haven't had a taste of it yet; but we devoured a goodly piece of a
+mountain sheep."
+
+"Just so. I was going to speak of a mountain sheep, if my servants
+hadn't interrupted me so often with inquiries as to how they should make
+the wine sauce. Ah! I see our meal is ready; we will therefore repair to
+the banquet hall."
+
+The six took their seats upon the leaves, and ate the meal in the usual
+primitive manner, verifying the adage, "hunger is the best sauce."
+
+Ned Trimble enlivened the meal in his usual loquacious manner; and after
+a great many words and circumlocution, the fact was discovered that he
+and his friends had spent the last five years in California, not having
+visited a civilized post within two years.
+
+Disgusted with their ill success in the Sacramento Valley, they had
+pulled up stakes and started off to hunt new fields for themselves. They
+were very cheerful and hopeful, and according to their accounts had
+encountered every imaginable danger of the California wilds.
+
+Elwood inquired whether they had met any grizzly bears.
+
+"Grizzly bears!" repeated Ned, stopping just as he was about to insert a
+huge piece of meat in his mouth. "Grizzly bears? Well, there! _We've
+lived among 'em!_"
+
+"Is it possible?"
+
+"Yes; I tracked a big grizzly in the Sierra Nevada for two days and then
+I stopped."
+
+"What made you stop?"
+
+_"I concluded the bear tracks were getting a little too fresh!"_
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+A WANT SUPPLIED.
+
+
+One thing attracted the notice and pleased our friends, and gave them a
+hope of being able to supply a want they had felt every moment since
+landing upon the California coast. Each of the miners had two rifles,
+and were abundantly supplied with ammunition and mining tools. The
+wonder was how they could carry so heavy a load for such a distance. It
+could not be understood until Ned Trimble stated that they had two good,
+tough mules pasturing in a secluded place about a half-mile distant.
+
+"That 'ere Injin blanket you're carryin' is rather pretty!" remarked Ned
+as he rubbed his greasy fingers through his hair.
+
+"Yes, we got it of an Indian girl, and take great pride in it."
+
+"You did, eh? What did you give her for it?"
+
+"A gold watch."
+
+"Ah! Well, if the watch was a first-rate one maybe she got her pay; but
+what did she want with a watch? That's just the way with all women.
+They'll give ten times the value for some little gewgaw to wear about
+'em. I was engaged to a fine-looking girl in North Carolina, but I seen
+she was getting so extravagant that I couldn't understand it, so I left
+before it was too late."
+
+"A very wise plan."
+
+"Yes, she was very extravagant."
+
+"In what respect?" asked Elwood, who was quite amused at their
+newly-found friend.
+
+"Well, you see, she would persist in wearing shoes on Sunday instead of
+going barefoot like the rest of the young ladies. I warned her two or
+three times, but I catched her at church one day with them on, and so I
+went over to the house that night and told her I couldn't trust her any
+longer, and we exchanged presents and parted."
+
+"Exchanged presents?" laughed Wakeman. "What sort of presents were
+they?"
+
+"I wish no trifling insinuations, sir," replied Ned, with a
+grandiloquent air. "She returned to me a tooth brush that I had
+presented her some months before, and I gave back to her a tin button
+that she had bought of a traveling peddler, and that I had been wearing
+on Sundays for my breastpin. 'Tis not the intrinsic worth you know, but
+the associations connected with such things that makes 'em dear. But it
+is a painful subject, gentlemen, and let us, therefore, dismiss it."
+
+Howard and Lawrence thought it best to introduce the matter upon which
+they had been so long meditating.
+
+"I notice that each of you have two guns apiece. Did you leave San
+Francisco with that supply?"
+
+"No; we've got 'em of the redskins we've run agin on the way."
+
+"Would you be willing to sell us a couple? You observe we have but one
+between us, and it makes it rather dangerous, as none of us are very
+skillful in the use of the rifle."
+
+"You needn't take the trouble to tell us that," replied Ned, with a
+quizzical look. "I'd like to accommodate you, but we had begun to think
+that we needed three or four guns apiece; for, you see, we intend to
+stay in these parts some time, and we are sure to have trouble with the
+redskins."
+
+"If you really wish them," remarked Elwood, "of course we cannot ask you
+to part with them."
+
+"What'll you give?" abruptly asked Ned.
+
+"What will you take?"
+
+"I couldn't sell you both of mine, as I wouldn't have one; but, Wakeman,
+if I part with one of mine will you do the same?"
+
+"Yes; for I know they'll need the arms before they get back to San
+Francisco."
+
+"Then the question is, what will you ask us for the two guns?"
+
+"Can you give us a hundred dollars?"
+
+"Apiece?"
+
+"No, no, no; for both of 'em."
+
+"Yes; we will gladly do that."
+
+Now came the crisis. The party had not a dozen dollars among them.
+Howard and Elwood had left their money in the berth of the steamer, and
+of course it was irrevocably gone. But Elwood's watch remained, and that
+at the least calculation was worth one hundred and fifty; but whether
+the miners would accept it at a fair valuation for their pieces, was in
+their minds very doubtful.
+
+"We have no money," said Howard, "but my cousin has a watch that is
+worth more than that sum, which he will give you for the two guns."
+
+"Let's see it."
+
+It was produced and passed around the company. Ned opened and shut it,
+and shook it and placed it to his ear.
+
+"It ain't running," he suddenly said.
+
+"No; the salt water has stopped it, but I do not think it is really
+injured. A little cleaning will speedily set it going."
+
+Ned passed the time-piece back again.
+
+"Don't want it; it won't do us no good."
+
+"But you are hunting for gold, and there is enough in it to make it
+worth your while to take it."
+
+"We expect to find all the gold we can carry back with us without
+loading our mules down with gold watches."
+
+Elwood replaced the watch in his pocket, disheartened at the failure of
+his offer.
+
+"We have no money; if you will call at my father's the next time you go
+to San Francisco, he will gladly give you your price."
+
+"Don't know as we shall go to San Francisco for the next five years;
+shan't go any way until we are loaded down with gold, and then we won't
+care about calling on your father--more likely he'll want to call on
+us."
+
+An idea struck Howard.
+
+"You are pleased with our blanket. Will you exchange your guns for
+that?"
+
+Ned shook his head.
+
+"Got all the blankets we want; don't want it; keep it yourself."
+
+"Will you not give us one gun for both the blanket and watch?"
+
+The miner now laughed, and shook his head again.
+
+"Don't want either; can't do it."
+
+The boys now despaired.
+
+"Well, we may as well give up. We can't get any guns of you."
+
+"What is the reason you can't?"
+
+"You seem unwilling to trade, and we can not buy them."
+
+"Of course you can't; but----"
+
+And thereupon the miner rose to his feet and handed one gun to Elwood
+and the other to Howard.
+
+"What does this mean?" asked the latter, not comprehending him.
+
+"You don't suppose we would be _mean_ enough to _sell_ you anything you
+needed so bad, do you? No; take them both, and here's a lot of lead,
+gun-caps and ammunition."
+
+"But----"
+
+"No _buts_ about it. Take 'em, you're welcome, for you need 'em. I was
+only joking with you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+THE CANOE.
+
+
+Ned Trimble would not hear the repeated thanks of our friends, but waved
+them an impressive and magnificent farewell as they took their
+departure. They were not yet beyond sight of each other when they heard
+him calling to them in excited tones, and the next moment he came
+running after them.
+
+"I think you said you was going to undertake to foller the river down
+the valley, didn't you?"
+
+They made answer that such was their intention, whereupon he hastened to
+add:
+
+"About a mile down, under some bushes that stick out by a big rock, on
+the same side that you're traveling, is a little Injin canoe that is
+just the thing you want. You're welcome to it."
+
+"But how shall we thank you?"
+
+"I don't know; again, my noble friends, I bid thee farewell, and if
+forever, still forever, fare thee well."
+
+The eccentric miner lifted his hat, bowed very low, and sauntered back
+to his friends with the air of a monarch who had just indulged in some
+gracious act of condescension, while our friends, delighted beyond
+measure, hurried forward on their journey.
+
+They were now amply provided--each having a gun and plenty of
+ammunition, and their faithful dog. They began to look upon themselves
+as on a holiday excursion. The only thing was, that there was rather too
+strong a tinge of danger about it. If they were but a hundred or two
+miles nearer home, and their parents had no anxiety regarding them, it
+would be more pleasant. But then, they could easily understand how much
+worse it easily could be, and they were heartfelt at the good fortune
+which had followed them thus far on their strange entry into California.
+The most that they could ask was that it might continue.
+
+Elwood and Howard were anxious to test their marksmanship, but prudence
+forbade it, as the chances were that they would need all their
+ammunition, and the report of their guns might draw inconvenient
+attention to themselves.
+
+They were walking cheerily along when a singular object caught their
+eyes. At first sight it resembled an Indian hut; but it was much too
+small to be inhabited by a human being, and therefore must have been the
+handiwork of some animal.
+
+"Shall we batter it down?" asked Elwood.
+
+"No; we do not know what is in it, and there is no use of wantonly
+destroying the home of any dumb creature."
+
+"It reminds me of me birthplace in ould Ireland," said Tim, with a sigh.
+
+But Terror was not so considerate as his masters; for bursting forward
+he placed his snout at the lower orifice, snuffed furiously, and then
+clawed so savagely that the greater part of the singular fabric came
+tumbling to the ground. It was made of brush and twigs, and like
+everything constructed by instinct, was put together with great skill.
+Terror could not be restrained until he had inflicted great injury.
+
+"Look! what are they?" exclaimed Howard in astonishment. "What
+strange-looking creatures!"
+
+"Snapping tortles!" replied Tim, staring with an expression of the
+greatest astonishment at the objects.
+
+Three animals, about the size of a musk-rat, with webbed feet, and the
+color of mice, came scrambling forth and scampered away for the shelter
+of the rocks.
+
+Terror by this time had been brought under restraint, and was prevented
+from crushing them to death as they ran.
+
+Great speculation was caused by their appearance, as none of our friends
+had seen anything like them, nor had they ever heard or read of such.
+They were, in fact, a species of mountain rat living in the vicinity of
+mountains and constructing their singular-looking huts with remarkable
+skill, often building them to a height of six feet. Their fur is very
+fine, and the hunters and trappers frequently take the animals for their
+coats, although their diminutive size, when compared with the beaver,
+otter, and other fur-bearing animals, prevents their being much in
+demand.
+
+The hunters, as perhaps it is proper to term them, were too anxious to
+discover the canoe to pause long at any curiosity unless it was
+something extraordinary. They carefully noted the distance they
+journeyed, and when they judged they had gone about a mile, stepped into
+the edge of the river and looked about them. But they saw nothing
+answering to Ned Trimble's description of the hiding-place of the boat.
+
+"Perhaps he was jesting," remarked Elwood.
+
+"No; I think he is too kind-hearted for that. He may have been mistaken
+as to whether it is precisely a mile or not."
+
+"Whist! but it strikes me that the bushes are rather thick just ayonst
+you."
+
+Tim pointed to a spot a hundred rods away which had failed to arrest
+their attention. There was nothing unusual, except mayhap that the
+overhanging shrubbery was rather denser than usual; but it held out
+hope, and the party hurried pell-mell to the spot.
+
+There, sure enough, they descried the rock, and lifting the bushes,
+caught sight of the small, delicate canoe concealed beneath. Elwood was
+in the advance, and quickly pulled it forth with the wildest expressions
+of delight.
+
+"Isn't it splendid!" he fairly shouted. "And here is a long paddle. Our
+work is now done."
+
+"Do yees jist stand up in the same," said Tim, "and see what a beautiful
+rest it gives to the faat."
+
+The impulsive boy caught up the paddle, and rose to his feet; but it was
+like unto him who first puts on skates. It flashed from beneath him, and
+he was precipitated headlong into the water. The others, as a matter of
+course, laughed.
+
+"That was done on purpose," said Elwood as he clambered to his feet
+again.
+
+"I wished to give yees a little insthruction, and that was me first
+lesson."
+
+"Well, I learned considerable at any rate."
+
+The canoe was caught, and the three carefully entered and seated
+themselves. It was made of bark, bound together with cord and gum, and
+would have held double their weight, being very light and buoyant.
+
+A vast amount of sport was afforded the party in learning to navigate
+the frail vessel. Tim had had some experience in the matter, and could
+propel it quite dexterously; but the boys were much at fault: they
+expended far more strength than there was any need for, and soon
+exhausted themselves so thoroughly that they were obliged to relinquish
+the sole management of the boat into the hands of Tim O'Rooney.
+
+"There's a bootiful current here," said he, "and we can have the
+illegant pleasure of moving along without working ourselves, as me
+frind, Michael McGubbens, said when they carried him off to Botany Bay."
+
+The Irishman first dipped his paddle upon the one side and then upon the
+other, and imparted quite a velocity to the canoe. The boys were so
+pleased with the easy, gliding motion that they failed to notice the
+shores they were passing between. When finally Tim lay down his paddle
+and rested they were charmed.
+
+All were tired enough to make them enjoy this relaxation and the
+sensation of floating so idly forward. The sky was clear and almost free
+of clouds, the dry air was not uncomfortably warm, and an occasional
+breeze that came floating apparently from the snowy peaks of the Coast
+Range imparted delicious coolness. On the left stretched the high hills
+intervening between them and the Pacific, and on the right rose the vast
+Coast Mountains, forming in its extensive line some of the finest
+scenery on the North American Continent.
+
+By-and-by, as they rounded a bend in the river, a small island appeared
+near the center of the channel.
+
+"There we will rest," said Howard.
+
+A half-hour later the canoe lightly touched the shore, and springing out
+they pulled it up on the land after them. They had scarcely done so when
+a groan very near them startled them all.
+
+"Whisht!" whispered Tim; "there's somebody else beside us on this
+island."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+SHASTA, THE PAH UTAH.
+
+
+All three paused and listened. For a moment all was still; and then the
+suppressed groan of distress was heard, as though the sufferer were
+seeking to keep back the outcry that was forced from him.
+
+"There it is!" whispered Howard, pointing to a clump of bushes near the
+edge of the river.
+
+"It strikes me we had better leave!" replied Elwood, looking forward to
+the canoe as if fearful that that would be taken from them and all
+escape be thus cut off.
+
+"Do you sind the dog forward and let him smell out the difficulty,"
+suggested Tim O'Rooney.
+
+Terror stood there between the boys, his head raised and his whole
+appearance indicating that he had scented something unusual, but was
+awaiting orders before advancing upon it. The Newfoundland looked up as
+if asking for directions. Elwood simply pointed toward the brush and the
+dog galloped to it. Instead of entering, he stopped by it and gave a low
+growl of discovery.
+
+"What is it, Terror?" asked Howard.
+
+The brute whined and ran to his masters and then back to the bushes.
+
+"It maybe a trap to catch us," said Elwood. "I prefer very much taking
+to the canoe and getting away from the island."
+
+"But it may be some one suffering and needing help. He may perish if we
+leave him here."
+
+"Yez spakes the truth," said Tim. "The blessed Father would never
+forgive us if we should desart one of his creatures when he needed
+hilp."
+
+Tim now advanced straight to the bushes, paused, and then parted them
+and looked in. He was heard to mutter something to himself; then he came
+back.
+
+"It's an Injin, a-layin' on the ground, a-groanin' and a-rollin' over. I
+guess the poor fellow has got his last sickness, and we can't help him
+any."
+
+All feelings were at once merged into that of pity. The three advanced
+and parted the bushes. There, sure enough, lay an Indian apparently nigh
+unto death. He turned his black eyes up to the white people in a manner
+that would have melted the heart of a Nero. He lay doubled up on his
+blanket, with his gun a short distance from him. He belonged to the Pah
+Utah tribe, although their hunting-grounds are further to the southwest.
+This fact, as a matter of course, was unknown to our friends.
+
+The first impression was that he had been badly wounded, but a second
+glance showed that he was deadly sick.
+
+Elwood Brandon had placed his hand upon the dusky forehead, and the heat
+and throbbing temples told him at once that he was possessed with a
+burning fever.
+
+The poor Indian muttered something unintelligible, but which bore some
+resemblance to the word "Shasta," and he made a motion toward his mouth
+and then threw his head back and imitated the act of drinking.
+
+"He must be suffering with thirst," said Howard. "How shall we manage to
+give him water?"
+
+"God save the poor fellow! I will soon fix that!" exclaimed the
+kind-hearted Tim, rising to his feet and hurrying to the river's edge.
+Here he speedily constructed quite a capacious cup of leaves, and
+carefully filling it with cool water he as carefully carried it back to
+where he lay.
+
+"Now, me good felly, just tip up his noddle and we'll make him faal
+aisy."
+
+Elwood carefully raised his head, and the trembling sufferer eagerly
+reached forward for the cooling fluid. It was placed to his parched lips
+and swallowed hastily, when he immediately motioned for more.
+
+"Will it do to give it?" asked Howard. "Will it not injure him?"
+
+"Niver a bit," replied Tim, hurrying away for another supply.
+
+In a moment it was brought and swallowed with the same avidity. He then
+lay his head back upon the blanket of the boys, which had been folded
+into a pillow by Howard. His great black eyes looked the thanks which
+his tongue was unable to express.
+
+"Now he will slaap," said Tim. "Lave him alone."
+
+He was relinquished to slumber while our friends retired a short
+distance to consult.
+
+"How providential that we landed here," said Howard. "He was too feeble
+to help himself, and might have died in great distress."
+
+"Yes, I am glad that we found him, for if he does die we may be the
+means of robbing his last moments of great suffering."
+
+"Boys," said Tim, hitching up his pantaloons and scratching his head,
+"me mind is made up to one thing."
+
+The boys looked inquiringly at him.
+
+"I stays here till that poor copper-skin gets well or dies."
+
+This decision pleased his companions, who declared their resolve of
+doing all they could for the sufferer.
+
+"How much more pleasant than shooting at him," said Elwood. "I never
+felt better in my life than when I found I was able to do something for
+this Indian."
+
+What a happiness it is indeed to minister to the wants of the suffering
+and distressed! What purer joy than to wipe away the damp from the brow
+of the dying and to speak words of consolation in their ears? That last
+agony must come to us all sooner or later, and oh how deeply we shall
+then appreciate the kindness of the friend who stands beside us,
+ministering to our wants and doing all possible to cheer and soothe our
+suffering! True, we must go alone through the Dark Valley, but others
+may lead us down to the border, and their cheering words may yet linger
+with us as the day closes and we step into that awful gloom through
+which we must pass before we can enter into the eternal day beyond.
+Though we know that He stands waiting to take our hand in His and lead
+us through the solemn darkness, yet the soul, hovering in its flight,
+longs for the companionship of the dear ones, until the final adieu must
+come! Oh, loving Father, whose sympathizing arms reach out to enfold us
+all, grant that such may be mine and the lot of all my friends.
+
+Upon looking at the Indian an hour later, he was seen to be sleeping as
+calmly as an infant, while his face was covered with a mild, healthful
+moisture.
+
+"He will git well!" said Tim. "Did I not stand by the bedside of my poor
+mother and give her the cowld water that brought her back to life agin?"
+
+"The crisis of the fever has passed, or is passing," said Howard. "He
+must have an iron constitution, like all his people, and he will rally,
+I have no doubt."
+
+"Yes," added Elwood, with much feeling, "there is one thing certain;
+_all_ are not our enemies; we have made one friend at least."
+
+"True, an Indian never forgets an injury nor a kindness, and his
+friendship may be of benefit to us before we reach home."
+
+"I b'laves you, boys; that Injin will remember us as long as he lives,
+and will sarve us a good turn if the chances for the same be iver given
+him."
+
+"But see, he has awaked!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+A HUNT FOR FOOD.
+
+
+The Indian was awake and making signs to his friends. For some time they
+were at a loss to understand their meaning, but Howard noticed that he
+had a leaf in his hand which he offered to them. When the boy took it
+his face showed that he was pleased, but continued his signs as before.
+
+Suddenly Elwood's eyes sparkled.
+
+"He wants us to bring him some of those leaves. Let me have it; they
+must be on the island."
+
+He hastened away and was not long in finding a bush that bore precisely
+the same species, and gathering quite a lot he returned to the Indian
+and offered them to him. But he did not seem satisfied. He looked at the
+leaves, nodded his head, and then taking them by the slight twigs to
+which they were fastened, he made as if to pull them up again.
+
+"Ah! I know what he means!" said Howard. "It is not the leaf but the
+root that he wishes."
+
+"I can soon get that."
+
+Elwood verified his words, and scarce ten minutes elapsed ere he
+returned with several goodly-sized roots, which were washed and cleaned.
+The look of the Indian showed that he had now got what he wanted, and he
+began gnawing the bark and chewing it.
+
+"He's a docthering himself now!" said Tim, "as the patient said when he
+gave the docther his own medicine and pisened him to death by raisin of
+the same. He will get along."
+
+They watched the sufferer for a few moments. Gathering his mouth nearly
+full of the bark, he continued chewing and swallowing for some time
+longer, when he finally shut his eyes and again slept.
+
+Picking up a piece of the root which he had gathered Elwood tasted of
+it. He found it so bitter that he instantly spat it out.
+
+"It must have some medicinal quality," remarked Howard, "or he would not
+use it. I believe the Indians doctor entirely with herbs, and I have no
+doubt that he will soon be well."
+
+"Do yez mind that if it isn't noon it is close to the same? And be the
+tame towken we are all slightly hungry."
+
+Now arose a query. The island was so small that it contained no game of
+any kind, and so was unavailable to supply their wants. The river
+abounded in fish, but there was no means of catching them; and finally,
+after some discussion, it was agreed that Tim should cross over to the
+mainland and shoot something.
+
+"Do yez kaap your eyes about yez till I'z back again, for some of the
+coppery gintlemen may take a notion to pay yez a visit."
+
+The boys felt a little uneasiness as they saw their companion enter the
+canoe and paddle toward the eastern shore--the shore which as yet had
+been unvisited by them. They watched until he landed, pulled the boat up
+behind him into shelter, and then disappeared in the wood.
+
+"We shall be in rather a bad situation if he never comes back," remarked
+Elwood.
+
+"I don't know about that; in what better occupation can we be found than
+in ministering to the wants of a suffering Indian? Would not that itself
+protect us from injury?"
+
+"Perhaps it might; but what would become of us any way? They wouldn't be
+kind enough to guide us up to San Francisco."
+
+"They might take us so far that we could find our way."
+
+"Hardly; I don't like to see Tim go to that shore; it looks too
+dangerous. I wonder why he did it?"
+
+"He must have believed there is more game there."
+
+"But there is enough on the other side, and he would avoid this greater
+danger by going there."
+
+"I imagine that a river running through a hostile country is as
+dangerous upon one side as upon the other, and there is little choice,
+Howard, in the matter."
+
+"But I know _you_ feel unpleasant in being thus left alone."
+
+"I know I shall be glad to see Tim come back again, for there is always
+great danger in such a small party separating."
+
+"Halloo! there goes his gun or somebody else's."
+
+The sharp crack of the rifle came from the shore, and Elwood was sure he
+saw the faint smoke of the discharge ascend from some thick bushes near
+the edge of the wood. But he was no doubt mistaken, for as they
+scrutinized the spot they detected nothing of him who had fired the gun.
+
+"I suppose it was Tim firing at some game. You know he is not a very
+good shot, and so he has badly wounded without killing it."
+
+"Then we ought to hear his gun again."
+
+"We shall no doubt----"
+
+"Hark!"
+
+Crack went a gun, almost instantly followed by three similar reports.
+The boys turned pale and looked at each other.
+
+"What does that mean?" whispered Elwood.
+
+"That is bad; Tim is in trouble."
+
+"He ought to have had better sense than to paddle out there in open day,
+plunge right into the woods and go to shooting without stopping to see
+what the danger is. But what will become of him?"
+
+"And of us?"
+
+"This Indian here must have had some way of getting upon the island. I
+believe he has a canoe hid somewhere."
+
+"But what of it? We cannot think of leaving until we know something
+definite about Tim."
+
+"Unless some of the Indians start to come over to the island, and then
+we'll leave."
+
+"Do you think that would be the wisest plan, Elwood? They can handle the
+paddle so much better than we that it would take but little time for
+them to overhaul us. Then, too, if they should find us by this suffering
+brother of theirs would it not make friends of them?"
+
+"Suppose this Indian here is one of their enemies?"
+
+This was a supposition that had never occurred to Howard before, but
+which he saw was very reasonable. All Indians not belonging to the same
+tribe might be supposed to be enemies of each other, and thus the mercy
+and kindness of our young heroes might be made the means of their
+destruction.
+
+"I didn't think of that," said Howard, "it may be so. But let us hope
+for the best. Tim may soon return to us again."
+
+"Not if he has a grain of sense left."
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"He has been seen by Indians, and if they haven't got him now they will
+soon have him if he undertakes to paddle his canoe over to the island."
+
+"You are right, Elwood; he will no doubt wait until it is dark, and then
+come out to us as stealthily as he can."
+
+"That is if he gets the chance. I tell you, Howard," said his cousin,
+starting up, "this begins to look bad."
+
+"I know it does."
+
+"We know how those red men handle their guns, and it don't look likely
+to me that all those shots have missed Tim."
+
+"They may be quite a distance apart--far enough to make their aim
+uncertain."
+
+"But then they could cut off his return to the shore."
+
+Howard suddenly laid his hand upon the arm of his cousin and pointed to
+the other shore.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+DANGER.
+
+
+Three Indians walked leisurely down to the shore of the river, as though
+in quest of nothing particular, and stood gesticulating as they
+generally do with their whole arms. They were about two hundred yards
+above the point where Tim O'Rooney landed, but their position was such
+that the canoe might have rested on the surface of the water without
+being seen. Sensible of their danger, the boys at first sight of them
+withdrew into cover, from which they cautiously peered out and watched
+their movements.
+
+"Those must be the three who fired the guns," whispered Elwood.
+
+"Very probably they are; that looks more encouraging, for I do not see
+Tim among them."
+
+"Maybe they have slain him and are talking as to where he came from."
+
+"Heaven! I hope not."
+
+"So do I; but it looks reasonable that they have made away with him and
+are now looking for us."
+
+"How did they know he had any friends with him? Then, too, if they had
+slain him, would they not have followed his trail straight down to the
+water?"
+
+"I didn't think of that. _That_ question makes me more hopeful than
+anything else. It does now look somewhat cheering. But what are they
+after?"
+
+The Indians were still talking in an excited manner, and more than once
+pointed across the river to the island as if there were something there
+which claimed their attention. It might be the boys themselves, or they
+may have known that one of their race lay there in dire extremity; but
+whatever the cause was it boded no good to the two boys, who were
+crouching in the bushes and grass and furtively watching their motions.
+
+The latter were still gazing at them when their hearts were thrilled by
+the sight of Tim O'Rooney. The eyes of Elwood chanced to be fixed upon a
+small open space, a rod or two from where the canoe lay, when he saw the
+Irishman come cautiously into view, and then pause and look around him.
+He had an animal slung over his shoulders, whose weight was sufficient
+to make him stop and travel with some difficulty. They saw him turn his
+head and carefully scrutinize every suspicious point that was visible,
+and then he walked slowly toward the spot where the canoe was concealed.
+Whether his low stoop was caused by the weight of his game, or whether
+it was a precautionary measure on his part, was difficult to decide. The
+boys at once became painfully excited and alarmed.
+
+"They will see him! they will see him!" said Elwood, "and it will be all
+over with us. What a pity! when he has got along so well!"
+
+"Can we not warn him in some manner? The Indians do not know how near he
+is, nor does he know how close they are."
+
+"How can we do it?" asked Elwood, who was anxious to give Tim some
+warning of his danger. "If we make any sign the Indians will see us."
+
+"Perhaps not; for they are not looking in this direction all the time,
+while Tim knows that we are watching him."
+
+"Yes; but he has his hands full to see that the savages do not find
+him."
+
+The case looked critical indeed. Tim was nearing the point where it
+seemed inevitable that a discovery should take place. He paused at
+nearly every step or two, looked behind him and up and down the river in
+a manner that showed plainly enough his fear of his enemies. Elwood
+Brandon in his eagerness had risen to his feet, and was looking intently
+at him, waiting until he should cast his eye toward the island that he
+might give him warning. But the Irishman was so occupied with his
+enemies that he appeared to forget the existence of his friends.
+
+Elwood did not remove his gaze, and all at once he saw him raise his
+head. Quick as a flash the boy sprung up a foot or two from the ground
+and waved his hat toward him.
+
+"Did he see me?" he asked, as he sunk down to the earth again.
+
+"He has paused and is looking toward us."
+
+Tim had caught sight of the signal of the boy, but was uncertain as to
+its meaning. The waving of the hat might be supposed as an act of
+encouragement than otherwise; but there was something in the silent,
+hurried manner of his young friend, united with the fact that he had
+been, and was still, in great personal peril, that arrested his
+attention and set him to thinking.
+
+"Did the Indians see me?" asked Elwood.
+
+"I can't say positively, as I was looking at Tim at the moment you made
+your signal, but they do not seem to act as if they had discovered us."
+
+"Tim saw me, didn't he? He doesn't know what to make of it."
+
+The Irishman had laid the animal he was carrying upon the ground, and
+stood looking toward the inland as if waiting for some further
+manifestation before advancing or retreating. Believing the safety of
+the entire party demanded it, Elwood begun cautiously rising to his feet
+to repeat his warning, when he was quickly caught by his cousin.
+
+"Down! those Indians are suspicious; they are looking right at us--don't
+stir."
+
+The admonition was not a moment too soon; but while it prevented
+discovery on the part of the boys, it rendered the signal already given
+the Irishman void and of no effect. Tim, seeing nothing more of his
+young friend, concluded that all was right, and lifting his game to his
+shoulder continued his descent until he reached his canoe. This was
+drawn from its hiding place and launched in the water, and the animal
+placed in the rear. Seating himself carefully in the front, Tim lifted
+his paddle and began making his way toward the inland.
+
+"Too bad! too bad!" muttered Elwood, unable to repress his feelings. "He
+is coming right out where they will have a fair chance with their
+rifles."
+
+"If he would only turn up stream, they would see nothing of him."
+
+"_Can't_ I warn him?"
+
+"No, Elwood, it will make matters worse. Their eyes are fixed upon us."
+
+Grasping the long oar Tim headed his boat somewhat up stream, so as not
+to let it drift by the island, and commenced paddling across. He had
+gone twenty rods or thereabouts when he was discovered by the Indians,
+and one of them raised his rifle and took aim at him.
+
+"Quick, Tim, drop down, or you'll be shot!" called out Howard, forgetful
+of his own danger in the single hope of saving his friend from a violent
+death.
+
+At the same instant that this cry was uttered the terrified boy saw a
+puff of smoke issue from the Indian rifle, and simultaneous with the
+sharp crack Tim O'Rooney was seen to fall flat in the canoe.
+
+"He is shot!" called out Elwood.
+
+"It is time then for us to do some of the same kind of business,"
+replied Howard, sighting his own gun at the savage upon the shore. The
+distance was too great and his skill too slight to guide the ball with
+anything like certainty, but it skipped over the water at their very
+feet, and so alarmed them that they immediately dodged back under the
+shelter of the rocks and trees.
+
+"What is the use?" asked Elwood gloomily. "Poor Tim is killed and there
+is no chance for us."
+
+"Look! he is not dead!" whispered Howard.
+
+The head of the Irishman was seen to rise stealthily from the bottom of
+the canoe, and to peer around, and then to dash down again as though
+fearful of another shot.
+
+"I don't believe he has been struck!" added Howard. "He dropped down so
+as to save himself."
+
+"Oh! I hope so, for we need him bad enough. See! he is fixing the body
+of the animal so that it shall be between him and the Indians' guns."
+
+Such was the case. Tim was arranging and placing the carcass so that it
+might shield his own body while he managed the paddle. This completed he
+turned his face toward his young friends and called across the water:
+
+"Be aisy, me darlings! The owld bullet come close, but not a hair of Tim
+O'Rooney's head was touched, and thanks be to heaven for it!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+DRIFTING AWAY.
+
+
+The bullet of the treacherous Indian had indeed whizzed harmlessly by
+the head of Tim O'Rooney and when he fell to the bottom of the canoe it
+was for the purpose of preventing any more of their missiles passing too
+near him.
+
+The savages, hastily driven to shelter by the unexpected shot from the
+island, did not by any means relinquish their designs upon the
+unfortunate white man in the canoe. He who had taken the quick aim and
+fired saw that his bullet missed, but he understood the disadvantage of
+his enemy, and was confident that he would still fall into their hands.
+
+As we have shown, when the Irishman was thus suddenly interrupted, he
+was but a short distance from the shore. So abruptly compelled to
+relinquish his paddle and simply shelter his person, the current carried
+him quite rapidly down the stream.
+
+Tim did not become sensible of his disadvantage until he had drifted
+below the island, and then upon partly rising to use his paddle the
+crack of a gun from the shore told him that he was watched by vigilant
+eyes, and that _that_ occupation was vetoed most unmistakably.
+
+Forced thus to act entirely on the defensive, he carefully drew out his
+rifle and resting it on the body of his game waited his chance to avenge
+himself upon the unrelenting savages. He could tell from the faint blue
+smoke that curled upward where they were concealed, but could not catch
+sight of them.
+
+Had they shown themselves, the Irishman knew it was about impossible for
+him to harm them at such a distance, while their dexterity in the use of
+the gun made it too dangerous for him to expose himself to their fire.
+He watched them until he had floated quite a way below, when he began to
+hope that they had given up their designs upon him, and he might make
+his way back to his friends upon the island in safety.
+
+But when on the point of rising to a sitting position he saw them whisk
+through the bushes he knew they were following him along the
+shore--following him, too, with that skill and stealth which prevented
+his getting a shot at them, and placing it totally out of his power to
+prevent himself from being "commanded by their fire."
+
+As may well be imagined, Howard and Elwood were deeply interested
+spectators of these events. Now that they had revealed their presence
+upon the island, and there was no further use in attempting to conceal
+the fact, they were eager to render their companion all the assistance
+possible.
+
+But the nature of the occurrences made them helpless. Tim had drifted
+such a distance down stream, and had consequently drawn his enemies so
+far after him, that they had not the slightest chance of reaching them
+with their rifles, if they chose to expose themselves. They could only
+watch, therefore, and pray for their safety.
+
+Floating slowly onward, onward, they observed that Tim's canoe gradually
+swerved to the left until it disappeared around a curve in the river. It
+crossed the center and was nearer the western than the eastern shore.
+This seemed to show that, despite his unfavorable situation, he was able
+to impart a motion to the boat, which, slight as it was, would
+eventually bring him to the opposite side of the stream.
+
+Nothing more was seen of the Indians, although the report of several
+guns, heard within a half-hour of the disappearance of the canoe,
+prevented their feeling too sanguine over the position of Tim O'Rooney.
+
+"We can now see the blunder he committed," said Howard. "He did wrong in
+going to the eastern bank when he could have secured his game as well
+upon the other side."
+
+"I think he will be able to get away, unless they have a canoe with
+which to follow him."
+
+"Even then he can take to the woods and hide himself until dark, and
+then make his way back to us."
+
+"I hope so, but fear he will be prevented or overtaken before he can
+reach shelter."
+
+"But think, Howard, he has a gun and plenty of ammunition, and there are
+but three of them. I should say they would hesitate some time before
+advancing upon him."
+
+"But he is a poor shot, like ourselves."
+
+"He could not miss them if they came very close to him."
+
+"Yes; there seems to be a good chance, if they don't find more Indians
+to unite with them in the hunt."
+
+This was a contingency that had not occurred to Elwood, and he was
+almost overwhelmed at its import until he came to reason upon it, when
+the likelihood of such being the case dwindled away until it almost
+vanished.
+
+"We have seen no large bodies of savages, and I don't believe they care
+enough about catching or slaying a single man to go to all that
+trouble."
+
+"Not so much trouble, perhaps, as you are apt to think. War is the
+business of the American Indians, you know, as it is of all barbarous
+people."
+
+"But look at Ned Trimble and his friends. There are but three of them,
+and I have no doubt that their security is in their strength--otherwise
+they would not be so indifferent as to what is going on around them. You
+remember they did not see us until we first spoke to them."
+
+"So it appeared; but I have an idea that they knew of our presence
+before Tim discovered them."
+
+"They did not show it, at any rate."
+
+"They looked surprised when we came up, but if we had been enemies
+instead of friends I believe we would have been the surprised parties.
+They have lived too long in the wilds of California to permit a party of
+strangers to steal upon them unaware."
+
+"But what is to become of us if Tim doesn't come back?"
+
+"We shall have to put ourselves under the care of Shasta--that is, if he
+gets well."
+
+"Why do you call him _Shasta_? Where did you hear that name?"
+
+"The only word I have heard him speak sounded like that, and I do not
+know of any better name. Can you think of one?"
+
+"No; that is good enough; let him be called Shasta, then. There may be a
+greater Providence in our coming upon this island than we imagine."
+
+"There is a Providence in everything that occurs, though it may be that
+we are not always able to see it. Do you remember the copy we had so
+often at school, 'Misfortunes are often blessings in disguise?'"
+
+"Yes; but like the truths that were driven into our heads so often at
+school, we fail to appreciate them until some occasion like this
+impresses them upon our minds. But I declare, Howard, we are turning
+philosophers."
+
+"What better can we do, when there is nothing else to employ ourselves
+about? We need all our philosophy at such a time."
+
+"But we must not forget our patient, Shasta."
+
+"True. He had gone almost out of my mind until you referred to him a
+moment ago. Let us look at him."
+
+The two had been stationed near the lower end of the island, and they
+now walked back to where they had left the suffering stranger. What was
+their surprise to see him standing on his feet, his blanket wrapped
+around him, and his attitude and position such as to raise a strong
+suspicion that he understood all that had taken place within the last
+hour or two.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+A HUNT.
+
+
+When Tim O'Rooney left the island and crossed to the eastern shore of
+the Salinas he had almost forgotten the existence of any such thing as
+hostile Indians. He was after something to eat, and some how or other it
+seemed to him that the climate of California had given him a most
+ravenous appetite, which demanded satisfaction regardless of
+consequences.
+
+Touching land, he pulled his canoe up the bank to prevent its being
+carried away by the current, and then plunged boldly into the forest.
+The land from the river rose quite rapidly until it reached an elevation
+of several hundred feet, when it was broken by gorges, ravines and
+chasms, which made it rattier difficult to travel, and gave it an
+extremely wild and picturesque appearance.
+
+Fairly among these broken hills, Tim began to look for his game, but for
+a time saw nothing to draw his fire. Finally he reached a wild-looking
+gorge which descended over a hundred feet below him, while upon the
+opposite side it rose to a greater height than the place upon which he
+stood.
+
+The Irishman was so struck with the wild scenery that he stood a few
+moments contemplating it in silent admiration, when all at once he
+became conscious that something else beside himself was engaged in
+looking. Directly across the gorge, so as to be almost opposite to him,
+he saw the head of an animal which he recognized at once as belonging to
+a black-tailed deer.
+
+"Be the powers! but you're jist the gintleman that I'd like to make an
+acquaintance with, as me mither said when me father axed her hand in
+marriage."
+
+Tim drew his rifle carefully and rested it upon a rock beside him. The
+deer gazed at him with that expression of stupid wonder which wild
+animals assume when confronted with something, and they seem to be
+debating with themselves whether to leap away at high speed or to stare
+a moment longer.
+
+The distance was so slight that Tim was sure of his aim. Nevertheless,
+he took great care in sighting his piece, and as his finger gently
+pressed the trigger, he held his breath. The bullet sped true, entering
+just below and between the eyes, and with such deadly effect that the
+mortally wounded deer sprung several feet in the air and fell dead
+within a rod of the spot where it had stood when struck.
+
+"That is plaisant," muttered the Irishman, as he saw the animal fall,
+"and yez hav the distinguished honor of baing the first deer that Tim
+O'Rooney brought down; but yez ain't the first he fired at--but whist,
+Tim, don't be telling your secrets, for somebody else might larn them."
+
+He now began making his way carefully down the gorge in order to ascend
+upon the opposite side and secure his prize. He had no thought that the
+report of his gun could reach the ears of hostile persons, and he did
+not heed anything except the place and manner in which he put his feet
+in going down and up the ravine.
+
+After no little toiling he reached the dead body, and found that he had
+shot a rather small black-tailed deer. It was in middling condition, and
+was the very prize he was anxious to secure for his hungry self and
+equally hungry friends.
+
+As he stood admiring it, for the first time the thought of personal
+danger crossed his mind, and he glanced hurriedly around him, but saw
+nothing to occasion alarm. Then he leaned forward and gazed down the
+gorge, and as he did so he descried three Indians looking up the side of
+the chasm. Slight as was the distance his head projected, it was seen by
+them, and he only drew it back to escape the effect of three discharges
+of their guns.
+
+"And that is your shtyle of saluting a gintleman is it?" said Tim in
+some trepidation. "But yez has a forcible way of saying 'how do yez do,'
+in this counthry, that a stranger would do well to imitate."
+
+The Irishman hastily debated with himself upon the best plan to pursue
+to escape the serious peril that threatened him, for he was sure the
+savages would follow up their shot.
+
+"The best thing I can do is to lave," he concluded. "There is strong
+raison for belaving that I've given some one slight offinse by walking
+into their house without ringing the bell."
+
+He stooped over and lifted his game. He found its weight somewhat less
+than he had suspected.
+
+"I have no objiction to your going wid me. If I has to have the same
+dispute about ivery deer I tips over, I may as well hang on to the fust
+one."
+
+Slinging it over his shoulder, he began his return with the carcass. It
+proved beneficial to him in a way that he had little suspected. Not
+wishing to go any further down the gorge, where there was reason to fear
+a collision with the savages, he clambered still higher, taking great
+care to shield himself from observation from below.
+
+This made his labor excessive, and he was often obliged to pause and
+rest himself. But at length he reached what might be termed the brow of
+the hill, and began making his way along the edge of a smaller ravine,
+that led toward the river. While thus engaged, the body of the deer
+struck a projecting rock, and before Tim could save himself he rolled
+over and over for a distance of twenty odd feet, coming down plump upon
+the deer without injuring himself in the least.
+
+"I'm obliged to yez," he said, as he rose and stared around with a
+bewildered air. "That was kind in yez, and I'll not forget the favor."
+
+Again raising his carcass to his shoulder, he resumed his journey toward
+the river. But as he progressed the weight upon his shoulder seemed to
+grow heavier, and he was obliged to pause and rest himself quite often.
+On these occasions he looked around him half-expecting to see the three
+savages spring out of the bushes.
+
+If such a thing should occur, Tim had already decided upon his mode of
+procedure. He intended to sink to the ground at once, with the body of
+the deer as a sheltering breastwork, and make as gallant fight as
+possible. His success in bringing down his game, when it was fully fifty
+yards distant, gave him quite a flattering estimate of his prowess.
+
+The Indians, as the Irishman had anticipated, hastened up the gorge to
+secure the daring hunter, who had so audaciously exposed himself to
+their anger. It required some time for them to find the exact spot where
+the deer had fallen, and when they did so, they followed him readily by
+the blood which had trickled from its drooping head, which as Tim bore
+his prize away he little dreamed would betray the course he took.
+
+When the point of Tim's fall was reached, all signs of his trail ceased,
+and they supposed he had checked the flow of blood, and thus concealed
+his tracks. The surface over which he traversed being rock and flinty
+ground, left no evidence of his passage; and resigning, therefore, the
+pursuit in this manner, they made their way leisurely down to the river
+and waited until the hunter appeared.
+
+Tim's heart beat high with hope when he found himself close by the
+stream and saw nothing of his pursuers. The hasty signal given by Elwood
+Brandon, as we have shown, caused him some uneasiness, but not being
+repeated, and being very anxious to get back to the island, he placed
+the deer in the canoe and paddled away.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+A SINGULAR ESCAPE.
+
+
+The shot from the treacherous Indian upon the shore was the first
+intelligent warning Tim had that he was discovered by them. The kind
+Providence who had so often turned aside the dangerous missile still
+protected him, and when he so suddenly dropped to the bottom of his
+canoe, it was with a bullet-hole through his coat but not through his
+body.
+
+"Another illigant compliment to mesilf that it would afford me great
+pleasure to return, and if you'll only be kind enough to wait a few
+moments, I'll do the same."
+
+But ere he could bring his gun to bear, the wild shot from the island
+drove the savages to cover, and raised the Irishman's finger that was
+pressing the trigger.
+
+We have already told how, when he undertook to use the paddle, he found
+it too dangerous, and coming again behind the deer, he floated down the
+current. This, after the severe labor he had undergone, was an agreeable
+change, but he was not long in discovering it was dangerous. He was
+drifting away from his friends, and the further he went the greater did
+the danger become to both parties. He speedily discovered that the
+Indians were following him, and the interposing body of the black-tailed
+deer was a most effectual protection. More than his own bullets were
+buried in it ere he had gone a half-mile down stream.
+
+"If I entertained a small doubt that yez was killed, I couldn't howld it
+with them bullets rattlin' in your hide, me owld friend."
+
+The efforts of a child, if steadily persevered in, would move the Great
+Eastern in calm water, and Tim was not long in making the discovery
+that, if he could not use the paddle, he still was able to exert a
+motive power upon the canoe by a very slight means.
+
+Reaching his hand over the side, he began paddling the water, and soon
+had the gratifying consciousness that he was moving across the river.
+True, it was slow, but it was nevertheless certain and positive, and was
+carrying him further away from his troublesome pursuers, and must
+eventually bring him against the western shore.
+
+But when the island disappeared from view, and he had barely crossed the
+center of the stream, he begun to think that this species of locomotion
+was rather tardy, and he partially came to the sitting position and
+ventured to take his paddle in hand. A discharge from the shore warned
+him of the danger he ran, and he was reluctantly forced to drop his head
+again and resort to his tedious method of moving.
+
+By this time the afternoon was well advanced, and it looked as though it
+would be fully dark before Tim could regain the ground he had lost. Now
+and then he peered over the top of the deer to see whether he could
+possibly catch sight of his acquaintances, but they whisked from cover
+to cover so dexterously that he had not the encouragement even to hope
+for success, and so he did not fire.
+
+But a new fear took possession of the fugitive. If they were Indians, it
+was to be expected that they had canoes somewhere, and if they were
+speedily found, he would as speedily be overhauled.
+
+"In which case Tim O'Rooney will lose his daar, and be the same towken
+lose himself, and the boys won't get their dinner."
+
+He squinted at the sun, now low in the sky, and quickly asked himself:
+
+"If a man doesn't git his dinner, and ates half-way atween noon and
+midnight, is it his dinner or supper? But that is a mighty question, is
+the same."
+
+He evidently concluded it was too vast for him to decide, for he
+speedily dismissed it and turned his attention to that which more nearly
+concerned him. Still toiling with his hand, much in the same manner that
+a child would dabble in the water, he kept up the tardy movement of the
+canoe until he began to grow fearless again, and he took his paddle once
+more.
+
+Now, when it was almost too late, he found that he could use it without
+danger to himself. By bending his body forward, the deer protected him
+and he could labor with impunity.
+
+"Tim O'Rooney, I fears yez are lacking in the iliments which go to make
+up a mon of sense. Why didn't yez think of this when it would have done
+yez more good?"
+
+When he was yet within a few yards of shore, he looked back and was not
+a little frightened to see that the savages had launched a canoe and
+were coming across the river with the speed of the swallow.
+
+"Whisht now! but that is onexpected," said he, as he redoubled his own
+exertions. Observing that his pursuers were rapidly gaining, he suddenly
+recalled an artifice that he had seen practiced during his experience in
+the mines years before. Catching up his rifle, he aimed it at the
+advancing Indians.
+
+Quick as a flash they ducked their heads and held up the two paddles
+they were using as a protection against the expected bullet. But it was
+not Tim's purpose to fire. He knew better than to do that, for ere he
+could have reloaded they would have been upon him.
+
+The minute they stooped he lowered his gun and caught up his paddle and
+used it furiously. In this he was imitated by the Indians, whose
+superior skill sent their frail vessel forward with such velocity that
+it looked as if they would reach the shore but a short distance behind
+him.
+
+Again he raised his gun, and as before they attempted to screen
+themselves from danger, while the next impulse of his paddle sent his
+canoe high up the bank, and he sprung out and plunged into the woods.
+
+Tim O'Rooney had no thought of the particular manner in which he was to
+effect his escape. His one desire was to get away from them. The
+probabilities are that, beyond all doubt, he would have been speedily
+overtaken and slain but for one of those singular occurrences which do
+not happen to a man more than once in a life-time, and which seem to
+show unmistakably that Providence often interferes directly in favor of
+the innocent and distressed.
+
+He had run perhaps a couple of hundred yards, or thereabouts, when a
+peculiar whoop from his pursuers announced that they had landed and were
+now coming speedily behind him. He knew that he had no chance in
+running, and was looking about him for some place in which to take
+shelter, when a furious growl startled him and he found himself within a
+dozen feet from enormous grizzly bear. This quadruped seemed anxious for
+a fight, for he came straight at the fugitive, who might certainly be
+excused for being dazed at the combination of dangers by which he was
+surrounded.
+
+That of the grizzly bear was the greatest; for with mouth open and his
+red tongue lolling out he came fiercely at him. His gait was awkward and
+shambling, but he managed to get over the ground very rapidly. Indeed,
+the danger was so imminent that Tim, seeing there was no choice, raised
+his gun and fired at the monster.
+
+The bullet struck him near the head, but it did not kill him, nor did it
+cause him to fall, but it bewildered him, and he rose on his hind feet
+and clawed the air as if the bullet was a splinter and he was seeking to
+pluck it from his flesh.
+
+This bewilderment was the means of Tim being saved. Before the animal
+had entirely recovered, he had darted out of sight, and when the Indians
+came up the bear was just in "fighting trim," and immediately made at
+them. Consequently they were compelled to give over all thoughts of the
+flying hunter and attend to their own personal safety. What the final
+result was Tim never learned, and we cannot speak with certainty.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+SHASTA'S HUNT.
+
+
+If the Pah Utah in the extremity of his suffering had been betrayed into
+the extraordinary weakness of manifesting it, he now seemed anxious to
+make amends for the humiliating fact. It may have been that among his
+own people he would have restrained those utterances which declared his
+agony, and borne the utmost with the stoicism of his race; but knowing
+that civilization does not teach such outward indifference to pain, he
+had adopted the surest means to reach the sympathy of the white
+strangers; or, if we may conjecture still further, the consciousness of
+the instinctive feud between the American and Caucasian race told him
+that the plan he took was the only one that offered safety to himself.
+What reason had he to believe that the hunters were kind of heart? If he
+hid his distress, would he not be treated as a well Indian? And was
+there any but the one common ground upon which the two races met?
+
+But the fever had passed and he was himself again. True, he was still
+feeble, and his limbs trembled at times like those of an old man; but
+the disease had gone, and the stern, unbending will had resumed its
+sway. He was not a child, but he was Shasta, the Pah Utah Indian.
+
+The inexperience of Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence with these
+strange people made this savage an enigma to them. As he stood with his
+arms folded, his blanket wrapped around him, his long black hair
+streaming over his shoulders, and the mingling of the paint on his crown
+and over his face, and his midnight eyes fixed upon them, it was hard
+indeed to conjecture the thoughts filtrating through his brain.
+
+But there is a language in which the human heart can speak--that of
+emotion. The boys felt no fear--ingratitude is not an element of the
+savage character, though sad to say it is sometimes manifested among us
+of greater moral pretensions.
+
+He looked at them as they came up and paused a few feet from him.
+
+"You seem to be better?" asked Elwood, feeling it incumbent that he
+should make some remark, even though it was incomprehensible to their
+dusky friend. He muttered something and then stretched out his arms as
+if to show that he had recovered from his illness.
+
+At this point Terror went up to the savage and snuffed around him, as if
+to satisfy himself of his identity. The latter laid his hand upon his
+knife and watched the dog narrowly, but he appeared to judge the animal
+by the company, and quietly removed his hand and folded his arms again.
+
+He stood thus a moment, when he pointed to the eastern shore and then
+down the river, nodding his head and gesticulating somewhat excitedly.
+The boys in return nodded, which satisfied the aborigine. All at once he
+moved off and strode rapidly to the other side of the island, where he
+drew forth a tiny canoe and shoved it into the water.
+
+[Illustration: "The Indian drew forth a tiny canoe and shoved it into
+the water"]
+
+When it was launched he turned again toward his friends, and looking
+steadily at them a moment, once more pointed down stream, sprang into
+the boat and dipped his paddle first upon one side and then upon the
+other.
+
+It was a sight to see him manage the canoe! It seemed made to contain a
+single person, and the way it skimmed over the water was a perfect
+marvel to the spectators. It appeared fairly to fly, scarcely touching
+the water, while human art could not have exceeded the skill with which
+he managed the paddle. He sat as motionless as a statue, like the
+artistic violinist. It could not be seen that he raised his arms above
+the elbow.
+
+The sun was just going over the western hills, and the reflection of the
+water as it flashed and rippled from his paddle gave a fairy-like
+appearance to the Indian as he sped down stream that was pleasing to the
+last degree.
+
+"What does that mean?" asked Elwood.
+
+"It means that he is going to the rescue of Tim."
+
+"If he goes after him he will bring him back. Just see the way in which
+he manages that canoe! It is worth going a hundred miles to see!"
+
+"No doubt he has practiced it long enough."
+
+"But what of our remaining here?"
+
+"I don't see how it can be helped."
+
+"Suppose those Indians that have followed Tim take it into their heads
+to pay us a visit?"
+
+"He will take all their attention, if Shasta concludes to have a part in
+the matter, and they won't have time to think of us."
+
+"But suppose they _do_ come back here?"
+
+"We must be prepared at any rate; but don't let the thought make us
+uneasy. We have two good guns, and Terror would be worth half a dozen
+men if we get into close quarters."
+
+"He may be all that; but a rifle-shot could quickly stretch him out
+lifeless. It won't do for us to go to sleep until Tim or Shasta come
+back."
+
+"Of course not. I do not feel like it, even if we were satisfied that it
+was safe for us to do so."
+
+"Look at Shasta!"
+
+The Indian was far down the stream, still speeding with his
+extraordinary velocity, using his arms as though they would never tire.
+
+"So sick a few hours ago!"
+
+"Well enough now."
+
+"Didn't you notice how he trembled?"
+
+"Yes; he is still weak, but an Indian soon recovers himself."
+
+"All he needed was the root which he chewed and which cured him almost
+immediately. These savages are what you call Thomsonians I suppose."
+
+"They are the original ones no doubt. I have heard that some of their
+medicine men are the most skillful of physicians."
+
+"Yes; we hear all kinds of things about them. What stories we have read,
+and yet they don't look and act as I imagined they would. I thought they
+would suffer and die without showing the least pain, and yet Shasta
+wasn't anyways backward about it."
+
+"No doubt the poor fellow felt bad enough, and he hasn't got over it
+yet. You can tell that from his appearance."
+
+"It will take all his skill to help Tim. Just as like as not he will
+take Shasta for an enemy and shoot him."
+
+"If they only see each other before dark, so that Tim can understand
+that he has a friend at work."
+
+"But you see it is nearly dark now, and it is likely he is in the woods
+by this time."
+
+"What danger can he be in then?"
+
+"The Indians may cross over to follow him."
+
+They were silent a while when Elwood suddenly exclaimed.
+
+"Suppose Shasta is an enemy and has gone to help his people?"
+
+Howard shook his head.
+
+"No fear of that. That is the last thing that can occur."
+
+The night gradually deepened and proved to be quite dark, a faint moon
+shedding a luster that made the dim light more impressive. The boys
+walked back and forth, watching and listening for some evidence of the
+approach of their friends, and gradually becoming apprehensive despite
+the attempt each made to cheer the spirits of the other.
+
+It was not until quite late that Terror gave utterance to a low, warning
+growl, and as they looked across the river they descried a dark object
+cautiously approaching.
+
+"What is it?" whispered Elwood.
+
+"It is too dark to tell; but it can't be Tim or Shasta for it's coming
+from the wrong direction."
+
+"Aisy now, Mr. Shasta, aisy I say, for the boys may be asleep and we
+won't come upon them too sudden't like, as me uncle said when he sat on
+a barrel of gun-powder and it blowed up with him. Aisy, Mr. Shasta,
+aisy!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+THE NIGHT VOYAGE.
+
+
+The indistinct object gradually took shape, and the boys then saw Shasta
+sitting in his small canoe, while directly behind him was Tim O'Rooney,
+his left hand extended backward and grasping the prow of his own boat,
+which was being towed by the Indian.
+
+The next moment the foremost lightly touched the shore and the savage
+sprung out, quickly followed by the Irishman.
+
+"I beg yez pardon, boys, for the time I tuk to git your dinner; but to
+shpake the thruth, I was unavoidably detained, as me brother writ me
+when he was locked up in Tipperary jail on his way to visit me."
+
+"We are glad enough to see you again, but where is your game?"
+
+"Worrah, worrah, but I had bad luck wid it. When I tuk it ashore, I sat
+it down for a minit, and I hadn't the time to pick it up again."
+
+"But tell us all about it."
+
+This was quickly done, up to the point where Tim was saved by the timely
+appearance of the grizzly bear, when, as may well be supposed, the
+expressions of wonder were loud and continued.
+
+"You saw nothing more of your pursuers?" asked Howard.
+
+"Not a bit--nor be the same towken do I think they saw me."
+
+"How did you and Shasta meet?"
+
+"That was shtrange, was the same. After I found I was cl'ar of the
+varmints, from the raisin that their exclusive attention was occupied by
+the b'ar, I stopped and went to thinking--did I. I could saa the great
+necessity of our having me own canoe and I went back to whom I left the
+same. It took me some time to find it, and when I did find it, it wasn't
+it, but the one that belonged to the red gintlemen.
+
+"There was little difference atwixt the two and I thought the best thing
+was to make a thrade, and just as I thought that I spied another canoe
+coming along the shore as though it was looking for something. I stepped
+back and raised the hammer of my gun, when I obsarved there was but one
+Injin in the same--was there. So, 'Tim,' says I, ''twould be a shame,'
+and I lowered me gun agin.
+
+"Just then, and fur the life of me I don't know what put it into me
+head, I thought it was Shasta, though I knowed I had lift him with a big
+pain all through him. So I give a low whistle like, and called out
+'Shasta,' and with one whip of his paddle he sent his canoe right at my
+faat, though I was sure he didn't saa me, and then waited fur me to step
+in.
+
+"But he's a quaar fellow, is Shasta," added Tim. "I rached out me hand
+to shake his own, but he never noticed it, but motioned fur me to stow
+mesilf into the bottom of the canoe; and thin, after some muttering and
+throwing of his arms, I could saa he wanted me to howld on to the other
+canoe."
+
+"And I did the same, and the way he towed us over the water would have
+frightened a steamboat."
+
+"He is a smart fellow, indeed."
+
+The Indian upon landing had just pulled his canoe slightly up the bank
+and then had gone at once to the opposite side of the island where he
+had lain when sick. They could see him walking slowly back and forth us
+if searching for something which he had some difficulty in finding.
+
+"Well, boys, I shpose you are hungry," said Tim, "If yez isn't I begins
+to howld a very strong suspicion that it's meself that is."
+
+"Yes," replied Elwood, "we are both very hungry, but we had little
+appetite so long as we knew you were in danger."
+
+"It was very kind of yez to restrain your appetite out of respict to me,
+and I'll not forgit to do the same when yez git into throuble."
+
+"We can afford to go supperless to-night," remarked Howard, "and feast
+on the contemplation of our good fortune. There was a time when our
+prospects looked pretty dark."
+
+"Yis, sir; you may well say that. When I had the big bear walking at me
+from one direction and the three red gintlemen from the other, I thought
+to mesilf what a shplendid opportunity there was for the illigant
+exercise of one's idaas. But it was all the doings of the good Lord
+above," added Tim very reverently.
+
+"Yes; there can be no doubt of that," replied Howard. "He has cared for
+us all the time."
+
+Tim now gave an account of his adventures in his hunt after the deer,
+previous to when he was first seen from the island. When he had finished
+Elwood asked:
+
+"Are we to stay here over night?"
+
+"I think not, but I defers to the judgment of Mr. Shasta. It's just as
+he says about it."
+
+"He appears to be taken up with something over yonder."
+
+"He is searching for some object that he left when he made up his mind
+to get well," said Howard.
+
+"He must know all that has occurred, for when we came back from watching
+you, there he stood with his arms folded, and a look in his eye that
+said he understood more about matters and things than we imagined he
+did."
+
+"He must know that we are in danger so long as we are upon this island,
+and I should think he would leave it while it is dark."'
+
+"Do yez rest on that pint?" said Tim. "The red gintlemen will attind to
+the same--will he."
+
+At this juncture the Pah Utah was observed walking slowly toward them,
+his long blanket grasped at the breast by his left hand, while his right
+was free. As soon as he came up he pointed at the canoes and muttered
+something.
+
+"What does he mean?" asked Elwood.
+
+"Terror understands him better than we do," replied Howard, as the
+Newfoundland sprung into the larger boat and nestled down near the
+stern.
+
+Our friends were not long in imitating the action of the dog. Tim made
+as if to step into the Indian's boat, but he motioned him back, and took
+his seat in the front of the larger canoe. The savage now produced a
+cord, probably the tendon of some wild animal, with which he speedily
+fastened the prow of the larger canoe to the stem of his own.
+
+This done he turned the head down stream and began using his paddle with
+the same wonderful dexterity he had displayed during the afternoon. The
+boys watched and admired his skill for a long time. The faint moon
+barely revealed the shores on either hand, stretching away in misty
+gloom, while all before and behind them was darkness.
+
+The muscular arms of Shasta appeared to be as tireless as the
+piston-rods of an engine, and at last our friends grow weary of watching
+him. The boys became drowsy, and they finally lay down in the bottom of
+the boat, with their blanket over them, and went to sleep.
+
+In the course of an hour Tim did the same, and the Pah Utah was this
+left alone to ply the canoe, the Newfoundland now and then raising his
+head and looking over the edge as if to satisfy himself that all was
+right.
+
+Once near the middle of the night Elwood awoke, and pushing his blanket
+from his face, raised himself on his elbow and looked around. The same
+picture met his eye--the dark-hued Shasta, his long hair streaming over
+his shoulders, the blanket down to his waist, and his bronzed arms
+working with the silence, skill and regularity of a perfect machine.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A PAH UTAH'S METHOD OF FISHING.
+
+
+The gray light of dawn was spreading over the wood and river when Elwood
+Brandon again opened his eyes. He was somewhat startled to see nothing
+of the Pah Utah, although his canoe was still in the advance; but a
+second look showed that they were resting against the bank, and the
+Indian lay asleep in the front of his boat, his body and face covered
+entirely by his somber-hued blanket.
+
+"No doubt he needs rest, and so I will not wake him!" was Elwood's
+thought, as he carefully raised himself to the sitting position. But he
+had scarcely moved when the end of Shasta's blanket was raised, and the
+boy saw his dark eyes fixed inquiringly upon him. Satisfied that there
+was nothing wrong the blanket dropped again and all was still.
+
+Elwood now looked around. Howard was sleeping soundly, his feet resting
+against the shaggy sides of Terror, who was equally oblivious to the
+external world. There could be no doubt of Tim's somnolence for he gave
+unmistakable evidence of it. The light was just sufficient to afford a
+distinct view of the other shore, and in the clear summer air of the
+morning it had a cool appearance, very pleasing and refreshing to the
+eye.
+
+Elwood, of course, had no knowledge of the distance they had come during
+the night; but he believed Shasta had not slept more than an hour or
+two, and that as a consequence they were many miles from their starting
+point--far enough at any rate to make them perfectly easy regarding the
+troublesome visitors of yesterday.
+
+He noticed the peculiar character of the place in which Shasta had run
+the canoe. It was a small indentation covered with overhanging limbs and
+shrubbery in such manner that while the whites could peer out upon the
+river there was no danger of their being seen by any passers-by, unless
+particular suspicion was directed toward the spot.
+
+Elwood's limbs were so cramped from the forced position in which he had
+lain during the night, that he concluded there could be no harm in
+stepping ashore to yawn and stretch himself. Of course he would take
+good care not to wander away from the boat, as he had seen the danger of
+secession in a small party like theirs. As he was stepping over the
+canoe he saw Shasta looking at him so intently that he paused. The Pah
+Utah nodded, but made a rather odd gesture, which Elwood took as a
+caution not to wander away. He nodded assent and stepped out upon the
+land. At this juncture Howard awoke and followed him.
+
+"Shall we try and hunt something for breakfast?" asked Elwood.
+
+"Tim's troubles have proved that it is hardly safe; I think we had
+better leave all such matters to Shasta."
+
+This was good advice certainly, and the boys acted upon it. They walked
+up and down the banks of the river admiring the beautiful scenery, but
+seeing nothing of wild animals. They heard the whirr of a flock of birds
+overhead, alarmed by the apparition of two human beings, but the
+luxuriant vegetation allowed but a glimpse of them as they shot away.
+
+While a few rods distant, they heard the discharge of a rifle, and in no
+little trepidation they hastened back to their friends. They were
+relieved by finding that it had been done by Tim O'Rooney for the
+purpose of affording a means of ignition to some sticks and leaves. He
+and the Pah Utah were on shore, making as much preparation for their
+breakfast as though they had a dozen men to provide for.
+
+"What does yez think of it?" asked Tim.
+
+"All very well, but where is your breakfast?"
+
+The Irishman jerked his thumb in a very significant manner toward
+Shasta.
+
+"You don't mean to eat him," laughed Elwood.
+
+"Git out wid yer nonsense!" retorted Tim. "He and meself have been
+talking together, and we've fixed the whole thing."
+
+"What language did you use?"
+
+"This kind of talk."
+
+And the Irishman explained himself by several extravagant but
+meaningless gestures.
+
+The fire being nicely burning, Shasta took some white crumbs from a sort
+of receptacle in his hunting-shirt, stepped carefully into the canoe,
+and then gently dropped them upon the surface of the water. Our friend
+watched his movements with interest.
+
+Leaning carefully over the boat, he curved his arm and held his closed
+fingers so that they were just within the water, looking down into the
+stream all the time with the fixedness of gaze that characterizes the
+hawk when about to dart downward after his prey.
+
+Suddenly a flight ripple was heard, and before either of the three on
+shore comprehended what he was doing, something flashed before their
+gaze, and a plump, glistening fish, fully two pounds in weight, lay
+floundering at their feet.
+
+"Capital!" shouted Elwood in his excitement, and he was proceeding to
+pay the Pah Utah several highly flavored compliments, when he raised his
+hand as a warning for them to remain quiet. Bending still further over
+the canoe, he soon thrust his hand beneath, and with the same
+lightning-like quickness flung a still larger fish up the bank. This was
+continued for some time, until he had five fine plump-looking fellows
+all shining and fresh, waiting for the hungry stomachs.
+
+They had an abundance of food, and its preparation now only remained.
+Here Shasta displayed his remarkable culinary skill. With his keen-edged
+hunting-knife he slitted the fish, excepting Terror's portion, which of
+course was devoured raw, the entire length of the bodies, and throwing
+aside the superfluous portion, then skewered them upon some green prongs
+in such a manner that they were completely flat, and the entire internal
+and external surface exposed.
+
+The fire, which had been burning some time, was now raked down until
+several square feet of live red coals lay bare, when one of the fish was
+held down within a few inches. As soon as one side was thoroughly cooked
+the other was turned under, and after this same fashion the four were
+most speedily and thoroughly prepared for the palate.
+
+"Luxurious!" exclaimed Howard, as he took his prize and buried his teeth
+in its flesh. "It is cooked to perfection--a trifle of pepper and salt
+would make this the best dish I ever tasted."
+
+"I never enjoyed a meal more," replied Elwood. "But when I come to
+think, the first one I tasted in California was nearly as good as this."
+
+Tim was too much engaged to take time for conversation. He waited until
+he had filled himself to repletion, when he gave a great sigh of relief
+and remarked:
+
+"I ain't hungry--not a bit; I've lost me appetite very quickly. Mr.
+Shasta, you're an excellent cook--worthy of the honor of attending to
+the wants of Timothy O'Rooney, Esquire."
+
+The Pah Utah paid no heed to this praise, but contented himself with
+devouring his fish, which he did until he had all that he wished, when
+from some hidden recess he produced a beautifully carved Indian pipe.
+
+"There I'm wid yees agin," remarked Tim, as he replenished his own. "The
+pipe is very soothin' to one's faalings after sevare labor, as me
+brother's wife used to say after whacking a few hours wid her
+broomstick--what is your opinion upon the same, Mr. Shasta?"
+
+The Indian nodded his head and murmured some unintelligible reply.
+
+"Precisely," assented Tim, as he puffed forth a thick volume of smoke;
+"that's me own idaas exactly, and the boys here will bear me witness
+that I've always contended for the same."
+
+"What's that?" asked Elwood.
+
+"Ax him," replied Tin, nodding his head toward his dusky friend. "He's
+able to explain better nor is meself."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+A NIGHT DISTURBANCE.
+
+
+Neither the Pah Utah nor the Irishman were disposed to make a move until
+they had finished their "smoke," and both of them whiffed as leisurely
+as though they had contracted to spend several hours thus. Howard and
+Elwood passed the time in walking around the woods and along the stream,
+taking particular care not to go beyond sight of Shasta, whose black
+orbs they could see attentively following their movements.
+
+"All aboord!" shouted Tim at the expiration of an hour or so, and the
+boys hurried down to the "wharf" with as much alacrity as if they had
+heard the last bell of the steamer.
+
+The Indian stood upon the shore with a look of inquiry. He pointed up
+stream and then down.
+
+"He is inquiring which way we wish to go," said Howard.
+
+"That, is strange, after bringing us so many miles from the island."
+
+Elwood pointed down stream, but Shasta was not satisfied; he wished to
+know something more. He described several circles, terminating each time
+by pointing to the north. All three looked inquiringly at one other's
+faces. They could not comprehend his meaning.
+
+"What does he wish to say?"
+
+"I am sure I cannot tell."
+
+"He wants us to travel the rest of the way by turning summersits."
+
+Seeing that he was not understood, the Pah Utah took the paddle from the
+canoe and made in the air as if he were impelling the boat, then
+pausing, he again pointed to the north, and took several long strides in
+that direction, as though he were going to walk a long distance.
+
+Elwood's eyes sparkled.
+
+"I know what, he means! I know what he means!"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"He wishes to ask whether we want to _go a good ways_!"
+
+"You are right," replied Howard. "He doesn't know whether we are hunting
+in these parts, and wish to stay in the neighborhood, or whether we are
+hurrying home as fast as we can."
+
+Shasta's motions and signs were imitated as nearly as possible, and he
+nodded his head and muttered something doubtless to signify that he was
+satisfied. Terror whisked into the canoe and took his position in the
+prow, while his three masters, if a dog can own that many, arranged
+themselves behind him. The tendon still united the two boats, and one
+sweep of Pah Utah's paddle sent the two far out into the river, where he
+began his work.
+
+For a time our friends gave themselves up to the enjoyment of this
+pleasant motion. At each dip of the paddle, or contraction of the iron
+muscles of Shasta, they could feel the canoe jump forward as does a
+steamboat under the throbs of the mighty engine. At the same time the
+motion was light and airy, as if the boat were skimming over the very
+surface. Indeed, by shutting the eyes and feeling the light wind fanning
+the temples, it was easy to imagine that they were borne through the air
+by some great bird whose wings could be felt to pulsate beneath them.
+
+"Look at that machinery!" exclaimed Howard. "Did you ever see anything
+like it? Not an ounce of superfluous flesh upon him. See how the muscles
+swell and ridge, and yet he doesn't swerve his body a hair's breadth to
+the right or left."
+
+"He can 'paddle his own canoe,'" laughed Elwood.
+
+"Look at those shoulders; they are perfect mountains of muscle, and
+those sinewy arm! His legs are fully as perfect, and I'll warrant he can
+run a dozen miles an hour for a whole day without getting tired. He
+would be a dangerous man to meet as an enemy."
+
+"And a good one as a friend."
+
+"Yes; I can hardly see what chances we would have had of reaching the
+mouth of the river without his help."
+
+"We had no chance unless we could join a party of hunters and induce
+them to go with us."
+
+"Boys," said Tim, looking hard at them, "it isn't right--isn't the
+same."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"That Mr. Shasta should tow us along in this shtyle, and we sit in the
+owld boat and permit him. No, it's wrong."
+
+The boys admitted that it looked hardly proper, whereupon Tim took the
+paddle and began plying it with all the skill of which he was master.
+The Pah Utah looked over his shoulder now and then with a strange
+expression, as if he were amused at the white man's furious efforts, but
+he did not abate his own labor in the least.
+
+Tim O'Rooney made a great deal of splashing, occasionally flirting a
+shower of spray over his friends as the paddle took an unexpected twist
+in his hand; but, as we have said before, he had had considerable
+experience in propelling a canoe, and he gave a little assistance to
+their dusky friend.
+
+When the sun was overhead, Shasta directed the prow of the boat toward
+the western bank, and they landed in a place somewhat resembling that of
+the morning. The boats were drawn upon land in the usual manner, by
+which they were concealed from the observation of any passing up or down
+stream.
+
+The Indian resorted to the same means by which he had caught the fish in
+the morning and with equal success. They were rather smaller, but none
+the less savory, either to man or brute. An hour sufficed to rest them
+all, and to give Shasta all the pleasure of his pipe that he wished,
+while Tim continued his after entering the canoe. Howard and Elwood made
+an essay with the paddle, but the result with the latter was that the
+instant he so cautiously thrust it beneath the surface, it was suddenly
+wrung from his hand, and in an instant left a rod or two astern. This
+necessitated a delay in order to pick it up, and the boys concluded to
+await another time to perfect themselves in the art of managing an
+Indian canoe.
+
+It was not until it was quite dark that they once more set foot upon
+land and kindled their fire. There was quite a strong wind blowing, and
+the chill of the air appeared to indicate that it came from the snowy
+peaks of the Coast Range. Fully an hour was taken in gathering wood,
+sticks, broken limbs and branches, for they had concluded to keep it
+burning until morning.
+
+The fire was kindled against the trunk of a giant sycamore, and as the
+flames waved up the shaggy bark the reflection upon the outstretched
+limbs and neighboring trees gave them a weird appearance that made the
+boys gather close to the somber-hued Pah Utah as though conscious of his
+ability to stand between them and evil.
+
+Tim and Shasta were leisurely smoking their pipes, and Howard and Elwood
+were conversing together in low tones of their homes and friends, when a
+quick bark from Terror, as he rose to his feet and looked in the
+darkness, drew all eyes in one direction. A score of flashing eyes,
+gleaming teeth, lank, restless bodies and greedy jaws announced, that a
+new danger threatened them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+THE WOLVERINES.
+
+
+The Pah Utah was the only member of the party that did not manifest any
+alarm or excitement. Carelessly removing his pipe from his mouth, he
+turned his head, looked at the animals a moment, and then resumed
+smoking, without giving utterance to a single sound or changing his
+posture in the least.
+
+Tim O'Rooney, with an ejaculated prayer, caught up his rifle, and
+turning his back toward the fire, stood like a person driven at bay and
+waiting to decide in his mind the best way to strike his last blow. In
+his haste and alarm his pipe fell from his mouth and lay unheeded at his
+feet. Shasta quietly picked it up, handed it to him, and motioned for
+him to seat himself upon the ground again. Tim stared alternately at the
+animals, the Indian and his pipe, and finally gathered the idea that no
+imminent danger threatened them.
+
+Howard and Elwood also held their rifles ready for it charge from the
+growling wolverines, for such they were, while the Newfoundland growled
+in turn, and glared defiantly at them. The intelligent brute appeared to
+comprehend that it would not do for him to sally out and charge upon the
+enemy's works, but he stood ready to fight and die in the defense of his
+friends.
+
+"Why don't they attack us?" asked Elwood, seeing that they didn't
+advance nearer than a dozen feet.
+
+"Don't you know that wild animals are afraid of fire? That is what
+restrains them."
+
+"Of course! I didn't think of that. How fortunate that we gathered
+enough wood to last!"
+
+"Just look at Shasta! He doesn't even stop smoking!"
+
+"He must know there is no danger."
+
+"Let us try our guns upon them!"
+
+The proposal pleased both, especially as there was no fear but what they
+could make every discharge tell. Each of them singled out two of the
+largest wolverines, and fired their guns at the same instant. An
+ear-splitting clamor succeeded, and as the brutes scampered away in the
+darkness two of their number were seen stretched out, quivering and
+dying.
+
+The wolverine is an animal found in California which unites the
+characteristics of the bear, weasel, fox and wolf. It is sullen and
+ferocious, and one of the most troublesome of the wood-denizens. When
+first seen it is apt to be mistaken for a small bear, or rather
+heavy-looking wolf. The sensuous neck and head bespeak the wolf and
+weasel nature, the sly persistency the fox, and the savage stubbornness
+that of the bear; while a resemblance to all four can be seen in the
+general contour, appearance and habits of the animal.
+
+Attracted, no doubt, by the smell of the cooking fish, a number of these
+brutes had slyly gathered and crept to the camp, where, finding their
+prey protected by the fire, they proclaimed their furious disappointment
+by loud howls--half bark and half yell--springing hither and thither
+among each other, sometimes vaulting over each other's backs, and
+darting as close to the bristling dog as their mortal dread of the fire
+would permit.
+
+Terror stood on the outskirts of the camp, occasionally moving forward
+toward the animals, as if to match his long white teeth and massive
+strength against their glittering fangs and treacherous ferocity.
+
+When the two guns were discharged the rest disappeared as if a bombshell
+had exploded in their midst; but scarcely a dozed seconds elapsed ere
+they closed together again, fiercer and more clamorous, if possible,
+than before.
+
+In a few moments the boys had their guns reloaded, and they immediately
+repeated their former proceeding with precisely the same result. At this
+point a surprising occurrence came to pass. The dead wolverines were
+pounced upon by their survivors and torn instantly to shreds, and even
+devoured with as much avidity as if they were Terror and his human
+companions.
+
+"Did you ever hear of such a thing?" asked Elwood, watching them in
+great amazement.
+
+"Yes; I have read of wolves doing the same, even when one of their
+number was not killed but only wounded slightly."
+
+"Any animals that act in that manner deserve death; so let's send a few
+more rifle-balls among them."
+
+"If we keep this up for a few hours I don't see that there will be any
+left, and we may rest in peace."
+
+"They will keep on gathering until there are twice that number. If it
+wasn't for our fire we should have to take to the trees; and what, then,
+would become of poor Terror?"
+
+"He will get into trouble as it is," said Howard, "if we don't keep an
+eye on him."
+
+The dog had continued advancing closer to the wolverines, until there
+was an imminent probability of a collision occurring between him and two
+of the largest, that sprung forward until they were within a few inches
+of him, when they darted back again to repeat the feint, seemingly with
+the purpose of drawing the Newfoundland further toward their clutches.
+
+Howard spoke sharply to Terror, but he paid no heed to the call. The boy
+repeated it with the same uselessness, and he was beginning to become
+seriously alarmed for his fate when Shasta laid down his pipe and rose
+to his feet. The eyes of the three were now centered upon him.
+
+The Pah Utah left his gun and blanket upon the ground, so that his arms
+and breast, excepting a few ornaments, were bare. He then drew his keen
+hunting-knife and held it rigidly grasped in his right hand. Stooping
+down, he caught a blazing brand with his left, swung it rapidly over his
+head a few times to give it additional blaze, and then darted away like
+a meteor directly among the wolverines. The latter scattered in greater
+terror than ever, but the Indian, instead of returning, actually
+followed them.
+
+The brand could only be seen flitting among the trees, its flaming glare
+giving a wild, unearthly appearance to the face and breast of the Savage
+as he sped swiftly in and out among the trunks and vegetation, like an
+avenger bent on destroying the entire band.
+
+One of the largest wolverines, in his wild fear, sprung so close to
+Elwood that his tail whisked against him. Ere he could clear himself the
+Indian burst upon him, his iron arm flashed out with lightning-like
+swiftness, the wire-like fingers caught the brute by the neck, and the
+knife was buried so deep in his throat that when he was thrown back he
+fell limp and dead to the ground. After which Shasta sat down upon the
+ground again, folded his blanket over his shoulders and appeared much
+occupied in contemplating the burning sticks before him.
+
+"Mr. Shasta, that was well done!" exclaimed Tim in admiration. "I very
+much doubt whether it could be excelled by your humble servant, the
+undersigned."
+
+"I very much doubt it also," said Elwood. "I shouldn't fancy chasing
+those animals with a firebrand."
+
+"No; if you should drop it or fall down unpleasant consequences might
+follow."
+
+The boys kept up their loading and firing among the wolverines until
+they had slain over a dozen. But instead of diminishing, the number
+continued to increase till there must have been nearly two-score
+growling, snapping and snarling around the camp-fire.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+SHASTA'S HUMOR.
+
+
+The camp-fire was kept burning unremittingly until morning, and the
+wolverines as unceasingly continued their clamor, so that none of the
+parties secured a moment's sleep. The boys were signaled several times
+by Shasta to lie down, but they were too unaccustomed to such sights and
+sounds to permit them to do so with anything like peace; so they used
+their rifles upon the savage animals until prudence advised them to
+husband their ammunition until they had better use for it.
+
+Tim O'Rooney was fully as restless as they. He was in continual dread
+that some of the treacherous animals would steal up behind him and
+fasten their teeth so securely in him that they could not be shaken off.
+This uneasiness caused him ever to be shifting his position, now on one
+side the fire, now on the other--springing suddenly upward as though he
+already felt the nip of their fangs.
+
+The Pah Utah, at this time, displayed a grim humor, so exceptional with
+his people, as to be almost incredible, except to the boys who were
+witnesses to it. Believing such traits should be encouraged among all
+aborigines as an antidote for their melancholy dispositions, it gives us
+great pleasure to record it, and it will afford us far greater enjoyment
+to testify regarding any other such performances that may come under our
+notice.
+
+Tim was standing with his back toward the fire, and his hands,
+carelessly crossed behind him. He was intently watching the quarrelsome
+animals, and all thoughts of attack in the rear had for the time
+departed. Shasta leaned silently forward and lifted a small brand to
+relight his pipe, which had gone out some time before. As he was passing
+it back to the embers the red coal just grazed one of Tim's fingers,
+while at the same instant the Indian imitated the snarl of the wolverine
+so exactly that the follow was sure he was seized, and he made the most
+agile leap of his life.
+
+"Murther! murther! pull him off, Mr. Shasta, catch hold of him!"
+exclaimed the affrighted Irishman, springing wildly on every side of the
+fire, and striking with blind fierceness at the imaginary brute in his
+rear.
+
+Howard and Elwood laughed till the tears rolled down their cheeks. They
+had seen Shasta's trick and they could therefore appreciate it. Never a
+smile lit up the grim face of the Pah Utah. He continued leisurely
+smoking, his keen black eyes looking dreamily into the fire, as if lost
+in some pleasant reverie.
+
+But what of that? Who can doubt, that he laughed internally full as
+heartily as the youngsters? Who can tell what surges, and waves, and
+ripples of laughter went through and through him, until his whole being
+was absorbed in merriment?
+
+Finally Tim's terror passed away and he became comparatively quiet.
+
+"Worrah! worrah!" he exclaimed, panting from his severe exertions. "What
+a narra 'scape I had."
+
+"Did he really bite you?"
+
+"Bite me! Didn't ye see him fasten his teeth in me and hang on till I
+shuk him off?"
+
+"No; I didn't observe him."
+
+"Git out wid ye nonsense. But I felt him sure and it was meself that
+thought once he'd pull me off into the darkness and make me a prey to
+the beasts there--that I did think, did I."
+
+"No danger," remarked Howard, as he and his cousin were unable to
+restrain their laughter.
+
+"What be ye spalpeens laughing at?" indignantly demanded the Irishman.
+
+"But, Tim, are you sure you were not mistaken? We saw nothing of the
+kind," pursued Howard.
+
+The fellow looked too full of indignation to speak.
+
+"What is getting into your heads? Ye saam to be losing your sinses
+intirely."
+
+"And I can say I saw none of them touch you."
+
+"Then you was blind," was the indignant retort. "Ye harrd him sing out
+at me heels, didn't you?"
+
+"Of course, we heard them all the time, as we do now; but the one you
+imagined so close may have been a dozen feet distant."
+
+"_But he bit me!_" was the triumphant reply to this.
+
+"Where?"
+
+"On the hand."
+
+"Let us see the mark!"
+
+The boys arose and walked up to their friend, who bent over the fire,
+held his hand close to his face, turning it over and over and
+scrutinizing it with the closest attention. Concluding he was mistaken,
+he exchanged it for its fellow, which was subjected to an equally severe
+cross-examination. Still nothing confirmatory of his words could be
+found.
+
+The amazed Irishman now held up both his hands, turning them over and
+over and pressing them close to his face.
+
+"Do yees saa anything?" he abruptly asked, thrusting them toward the
+boys.
+
+They went through the form of a search for a scratch or a bite, but
+declared themselves unable to discover any.
+
+"Don't you feel any pain?" asked Howard.
+
+"I thought I did," replied Tim, with a serious, puzzled look upon his
+countenance.
+
+"In what part of your body?"
+
+"Whisht!"
+
+He motioned to them to maintain silence, while he closed his eyes and
+waited for some evidence of the pain he had so sharply felt a few
+minutes before. As he stood thus, he stealthily brought each hand around
+in front of his face and subjected them to the same examination.
+
+Suddenly his eye sparkled, and he held out his left:
+
+"That's the hand!" he exclaimed exultingly.
+
+"Let's see?" asked the boys, stepping up to him.
+
+"Yees'll find it somewhere there, if yees'll take the throuble to
+examine it closely."
+
+They did so, but declared themselves unable to find the wound.
+
+Tim finally showed a small red spot upon one of the fingers, which he
+affirmed was where the cruel tooth did bite him.
+
+"That cannot be, for the skin is not broken."
+
+"But it faals as if the same had been bit off."
+
+"It looks more like a burn," added Elwood.
+
+Tim now turned around and looked at the Pah Utah. The latter was smoking
+his pipe, as if unconscious of the presence of any being or animal near
+him. Perhaps they were mistaken, but Howard and Elwood always affirmed
+that they detected a twitching at the corners of his mouth, as if he
+were ready to explode with laughter.
+
+But if it was that, it was nothing more, and it manifested itself in no
+other manner. Tim gazed fixedly at him a moment, and then turning to the
+boys, asked in a whisper:
+
+_"But didn't ye hear it snarrl at meself?"_
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+AGAIN ON THE RIVER.
+
+
+The Newfoundland, Terror, occasioned more apprehension to his friends
+than did anything else. They came to see that no personal danger
+threatened so long as the fire kept burning, and as there was an
+abundance of fuel, this settled that point; but the dog grew enraged at
+the furious uproar, which drove away all sleep, and appeared to give him
+fear that the entire party were in danger.
+
+Several times, when some of the wolverines came too close, he made a
+spring at them, and they snapped back. But the good sense of the dog
+kept him from venturing among the ravenous brutes, and they in turn were
+in too much dread of the fire to do more than spring at him and then as
+quickly dart back again.
+
+It was an impressive sight and one which could never be forgotten. The
+large, noble Newfoundland, standing out in relief against the glare of
+the camp-fire, his eyes aflame with anger, every muscle braced, the jaws
+parted and his eyes fixed upon the dark bodies plunging over each other,
+darting forward and back again, snapping, snarling and furious; the Pah
+Utah stretched upon the ground, deliberately smoking, all unheedful of
+the deafening clangor and the savage brutes that sometimes approached
+almost within striking distance; the two boys, so close to the fire that
+they were often scorched by it, gazing at the animals with an expression
+of half fear and half wonder, starting when one of them came unusually
+near, and now and then sending the fatal bullet among them; the nervous
+Irishman, darting hither and thither, taking great care that the fire
+was kept fully burning; all these, we say, made a scene impressive in
+the highest degree.
+
+Terror, when sharply spoken to, would withdraw from his dangerous
+proximity to the wolverines, but almost immediately he stepped forward
+to the same spot he first occupied, and his obedience to the commands of
+the boys was so sullen and ill-natured that they forebore speaking to
+him except when his safety seemed absolutely to demand it.
+
+At times there was an interruption in the clamor, but the wolverines did
+not appear to relax their vigilance in the least. It was as if they had
+determined to make their evening meal upon the party though they were
+forced to wait until morning for it. During these intervals of
+comparative silence our friends gained opportunity for the exchange of a
+few words, but they were often compelled to shout at the top of their
+voices to make themselves heard.
+
+During one of these lulls Elwood spoke to Howard.
+
+"What will take place in the morning, when these creatures are not
+afraid of our fire?"
+
+"I think they will go away."
+
+"Perhaps so: but we are not so sure of that."
+
+"Shasta will no doubt turn the whole thing over in his mind, and be
+prompt enough to act when the danger comes. I suppose we can take to our
+canoes and give them the slip in that manner."
+
+"Yes; the Indian appears to have rather a contemptible opinion of them.
+He scarcely heeds their wrangling."
+
+"He is not so timid as we and Tim are; but he doesn't forget to look at
+them once in a while, so as not to forget what they are doing."
+
+"They are a savage set of animals. How angry Terror is! Don't you notice
+that they are trying to entice him to venture out a little nearer them?
+They hate him more than all of us."
+
+"Do you think so?"
+
+"You can see it in their manner. If they can once get hold of him they
+will tear him to shreds."
+
+"And they will catch him, too, if he isn't careful. He is so surly and
+cross himself that it is dangerous to touch or speak to him."
+
+"We can't afford to lose him. We must watch, and if he gets too close to
+any of them, why, all we shall have to do is to crack them over, and
+give the others warning to keep their distance."
+
+While they were speaking a huge wolverine darted close enough to strike
+Terror. Instantly the two closed and rolled upon the ground in the
+fierce death struggle. Over and over, snapping, snarling, growling,
+biting, scratching with lightning-like fierceness, now one below and
+then the other, and finally the dog on top.
+
+The conflict was as short as it was furious. The massive jaws of the
+Newfoundland closed on the throat of his antagonist and his teeth met
+through his windpipe. There they stuck for a minute, and when he relaxed
+his hold it was all over with the reckless animal.
+
+Still it would have fared ill with the dog but for Shasta, for the other
+wolverines would have sprung upon him and destroyed him before he could
+have escaped. At the moment the two closed the Indian darted forward,
+seized a brand and flourished it over the combatants. This so terrified
+the others that they kept their distance until the conqueror resumed his
+place in triumph by the fire.
+
+This encounter proved it lesson to both the dog and the wolverines. The
+latter appeared to comprehend the disadvantage under which they were
+placed, while Terror, having had a taste of their mettle, was satisfied
+for the time, and kept a safe position further away from the brutes that
+were so eager to fasten their teeth in him.
+
+It was now verging toward morning, and the Pah Utah looked about him as
+if he were going to make his preparations for moving. He looked toward
+the raging creatures, still fierce and furious, and then glanced at the
+canoes drawn up within a few feet of the camp-fire, and pointed toward
+them and the river.
+
+Fortunately but a few feet intervened between their present position and
+the stream, so that the latter was easy of access in case it should
+become necessary to retreat before the wolverines. Still the fire did
+not protect this enough to make it a safe undertaking in their present
+situation.
+
+Shasta picked up several blazing sticks, and carrying them to the
+water's edge, placed them together and covered them with some dry
+brush-wood. They speedily fanned themselves into a flame, and the
+gathering brutes withdrew and offered a fine approach to the river.
+
+The Indian's next proceeding was to launch the two boats. This was done
+easily and without difficulty. The blankets and guns were placed within,
+and then motioned for the dog to follow; but Terror did not seem
+disposed to leave his present quarters. Perhaps the idea worked its way
+into his shaggy head that it savored too much of deserting his friends,
+or it may be that he still coveted a taste for another collision with
+the audacious animals that had pressed him so sorely.
+
+Our brave soldier boys, who abhor bloodshed from a principle, still have
+a love for the wild abandon of camp life, and many a one looks back with
+a sigh to the rough experiences which we all pray may never come again.
+So it may be the Newfoundland, naturally peaceful, having had his blood
+fairly roused by his tussle and triumph, yet longed for more of victory.
+
+Finally Howard and Elwood took their seats, and Tim O'Rooney followed;
+then Terror, casting one reluctant look behind him, jumped into the boat
+and lay down in his usual position; and so, at length, they all were
+embarked in safety.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+A HALT.
+
+
+It was just growing light as the two canoes shoved out in the river and
+resumed their journey. The rapacious wolverines, enraged at the loss of
+their expected prey, followed them to the very edge of the stream, where
+their ear-splitting clamor grew more furious than ever. At one time,
+indeed, it looked us though they were about to jump into the water and
+swim out to them; and both the boys looked inquiringly at the face of
+the Pah Utah. The stolid, indifferent expression that they there saw
+relieved them, and they withdrew all further thought regarding the
+troublesome animals.
+
+Shasta had loosened the connection between the two boats--not, perhaps,
+that he was unwilling to carry them also along, but because he judged it
+was time that the party learned to navigate for themselves.
+
+Tim O'Rooney grasped the paddle, and his handling of it showed no
+ordinary skill. He had greatly improved upon his performance of
+yesterday, and kept his position slightly in the rear of the other
+canoe, whose owner, as a matter of course, timed his speed to that of
+his pupil.
+
+When the Irishman was tired he passed the paddle to Howard, who had been
+carefully studying the "style" of Shasta, and whose efforts were modeled
+after his. Practice alone can make perfect, no matter if the theory in
+absolutely so. The mind may hold the exact idea, and may send the
+precise message through the nerves to the muscles, but the latter must
+make a good many trials before they can carry out orders with exactness.
+
+And so the boy, although, as he believed, he imitated exactly the manner
+of their dusky friend, was not long in finding that the paddle was by no
+means as obedient. The reason was that the delicate play of the iron
+muscles of the Pah Utah could not be seen. They had done this thing so
+often that it became a matter of course with them.
+
+But having started upon right principles, by the time the boy was so
+exhausted that he could not move his arms, he could see that he had
+improved, or as the sovereign people say, "he was getting the knack of
+it." It was now Elwood's turn, and he caught the paddle with all the
+enthusiasm which might be expected in a youngster who had been
+impatiently waiting to take part in some game.
+
+By the time Elwood needed rest, Tim O'Rooney was ready, and so the
+paddle did unceasing work, each member having all the time necessary for
+rest, until after they had been to work some hours, the boys found their
+arms remained tired, and a longer cessation needed.
+
+Shasta seemed to look upon these essays of his friends with no little
+pleasure. He watched their movements all the time, and a horrible
+suspicion once entered the head of Tim O'Rooney that he saw him come
+very near smiling. Whether there were any grounds for this suspicion
+probably will never be known, unless the Pah Utah takes it into his head
+to write and tell us.
+
+Shasta remained a few feet in advance, his back being placed toward the
+prow of his own boat. This relative position--and our "pale faced"
+friends, it may be said, labored savagely--was kept by him without any
+effort. Now and then he touched the point of his paddle, but there was
+scarcely a ripple. It was as a fish is sometimes seen to move through
+the water with the slightest quiver of its fins.
+
+When all three of our friends were used up, red in the face, panting and
+sighing for a chance to take a good long rest, a tiny island came in
+view round a bend in the river, and to their joy they saw Shasta fix his
+eye upon it and then head his canoe toward the point. Cheered by the
+prospect, they renewed their work with greater ardor, and in a few
+moments the boats buried their points in the luxuriant undergrowth along
+the shore.
+
+The island was quite small, and offered no inducements in the way of
+game, unless some animal in crossing the river had paused to rest itself
+and make an exploration of the place. This was scarcely to be expected,
+and none of the party based any hopes upon it.
+
+After the inmates of the large canoe had stepped upon shore, Shasta sent
+his backward into the river again by a sweep of his paddle, and headed
+for the eastern bank, shooting over the surface with amazing speed. His
+movements were watched with interest and some surprise.
+
+"What can it mean?" asked Elwood.
+
+"Perhaps he is going to leave us."
+
+"I don't think he would do it in that manner. He will make an elaborate
+good-by for us, for we are getting to understand each other quite well
+by means of signs."
+
+"Arrah now!" exclaimed Tim O'Rooney, "didn't ye saa that he was
+disgusted wid our paddling and kaaping him back, and has gone out jist
+that he may enj'y the pleasure of shtretching his arms in the
+owld-fashioned manner, as Father O'Shaughnessy said when he tipped over
+his brother?"
+
+This may have satisfied the Irishman, but hardly the boys. It did not
+look reasonable to them that the Indian, having just finished three
+times the amount of work performed by each, was in so great need of
+additional exercise that he must abandon his friends and paddle off over
+the river.
+
+"I think he is going to hunt for fish," said Elwood.
+
+"But he could have caught them without going to land."
+
+"Perhaps not. I noticed yesterday that he went where there was a sort of
+eddy, and you see he can't find that very well unless it is close by
+land."
+
+Howard pointed to the lower end of the island:
+
+"What better place could he find than that? It is just the spot to catch
+fish."
+
+By this time Shasta's canoe had reached the bank, but instead of landing
+he turned the prow down stream, and slowly glided along as if in quest
+of something. This to Tim O'Rooney was proof of the truth of his
+declaration.
+
+"What did I tell yees? The thrip to shore was not enough, and he's
+taking a wee turn further."
+
+"He is looking for a good fishing ground," affirmed Howard. "If it were
+anything else he would not go so slowly."
+
+"But, see! he has stopped?"
+
+As Elwood spoke the Pah Utah rose in his canoe and stepped ashore. He
+stooped and employed himself a moment with the canoe and then
+disappeared.
+
+"It cannot be that he has left us," said Elwood, in considerable alarm.
+
+"No; I think he is hunting for game."
+
+This seemed very reasonable, and the party waited patiently for his
+return. No personal danger to himself could be expected, as he could not
+be approached undiscovered by any hostile white man, and being an Indian
+he could have no cause to fear anything from his own race.
+
+Still there was a vague misgiving that everything was not right--that
+something unusual would be the result of this separation--and each
+member of the little party awaited, with more anxiety than he would have
+confessed, some evidence of the intention of the Pah Utah.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+EXIT SHASTA.
+
+
+The three whites were still gazing toward the eastern shore, intently
+looking for some sign, or listening to some sound which might tell
+something regarding Shasta, when they were startled by a loud whirring
+or buzzing overhead, and looking up saw a large bird passing within a
+few feet of them--so close that its claws could be seen curled up
+against its body, as it made a sudden sweep to the right, frightened at
+its near approach to its human enemies.
+
+"Shoot it!" called out Elwood to Howard. "My gun isn't loaded, and it
+will make us a good breakfast."
+
+But the bird, whatever it was, did not choose to wait until the heavy
+rifle could be brought to bear upon it; and by the time Howard had
+fairly got the idea through his head, it was skimming away over the
+country toward the Coast Range.
+
+But a sharper eye and an unerring aim was leveled against it, and as
+they were watching its flight it suddenly turned over and over, its
+great wings going like the arms of a windmill as it dropped swiftly to
+the earth; and, as it disappeared in the trees and undergrowth, the
+crack of a rifle came across the intervening space.
+
+"That was Shasta!" exclaimed Elwood in delight.
+
+"Certainly, we might have known what he was after. He thinks we do not
+admire fish as a steady diet and has gone after fowl for us."
+
+"I don't know about that," said Elwood, who sometimes seemed to
+alternate with Howard in his knowledge of the ways of the wood. "I can't
+see that there was any more chance of seeing birds there than upon the
+island. That same fowl passed closer to us than it did to him."
+
+"I suppose," laughed Howard, "that he was hunting after game of some
+kind, and had no idea of shooting the bird until it passed so near him
+that he saw it was quite the thing we needed, and so he toppled it
+over."
+
+"Me views intirely," assented Tim. "I agraas wid both of yees."
+
+A few moments later the Pah Utah appeared with the bird in his hand, and
+flinging it into the canoe quickly paddled back to the island. His bird
+proved to be a species of wild goose, that seemed to have strayed from
+its flock and gone wandering through the Salinas Valley at this season
+of the year ultimately to fall before the rifle of Shasta.
+
+Our friends were in ecstasies over their prospective meal. The Indian
+displayed the same skill in dressing the bird that he did in preparing
+the fish. The feathers were quickly twitched off, and the dry driftwood
+piled upon the upper end of the island was the best fuel they could have
+had for the purpose. When done, it was "done brown," and to a turn; and
+to the famishing travelers nothing could have been more savory and
+luscious.
+
+The truth of it was, the boys found that this kind of life was agreeing
+with them amazingly. Their appetites were fierce, their sleep sound, and
+a feeling of perfect health diffused itself through their glowing
+frames, such as they had never known before. Their exposure to the night
+air troubled them at first, but they soon recovered from it and enjoyed
+"camping out" as thoroughly as did old campaigners.
+
+It was a very good thing, it is true, for a while; but don't let any
+boys get the idea of following their example, unless they are compelled
+in precisely the same manner to do so. If any youngster imagines he has
+formed true ideas of distant countries from the narratives of adventures
+which he may have read, he will find himself most woefully mistaken.
+Never think of traveling until you are a married man, and by that time
+you will have made up your mind to be sensible and stay at home.
+
+When the meal was finished, and their appetites satisfied, the Pah Utah,
+instead of immediately embarking, walked to the lower end of the island,
+and stood for some time apparently examining some sign further down the
+river. Following the direction of his eyes, our friends could see
+nothing unusual until Elwood detected something in the air on the
+western bank which at first resembled a light cloud, but which they
+imagined might be caused by a camp-fire.
+
+Whatever it was that attracted the attention of Shasta he took but a few
+moments to decide regarding it. Going again to his canoe, he entered it
+without a word or sign, and paddled away at his swiftest rate straight
+toward it, while his companions watched the proceeding with as much
+interest as in the preceding case.
+
+The camp appeared fully a half-mile distant, and it took but a short
+time for the Indian to reach a point opposite, when he sprung lightly
+ashore and disappeared with his usual celerity.
+
+"He is cautious," remarked Elwood. "He doesn't wish us to undertake to
+pass it unless he is sure there will be no trouble."
+
+"A sinsible young man!" asserted Tim. "His parents have the best raison
+for faaling proud of so promising a young gintleman."
+
+"And so have we."
+
+A few moments elapsed, when the Pah Utah reappeared and came back as
+rapidly as he went.
+
+The first thing he did upon reaching the island was again to fasten the
+boats together, and then motion to the three to enter. This, of course,
+they did without delay, and took their usual positions.
+
+But Shasta was not satisfied. He told them, in his manner, to lie down;
+and not until the three had so arranged themselves as to be invisible
+from both shores, did he dip his paddle and resume his journey.
+
+"This means danger," said Elwood. "He doesn't wish any one to know we
+are in the boats."
+
+"And we must be sure and obey him."
+
+"It's aisy doing, as my brother used to say whin his wife tould him, in
+her gintle manner, by the help of her broomstick, to go to bed."
+
+"And, Elwood, you are close to Terror, see that he doesn't let his
+curiosity got the better of his judgment."
+
+The Pah Utah was satisfied, and now began plying his paddle. It was
+difficult for the three so to govern their curiosity as not to peep over
+the side of the canoe; but there were good reasons for their not doing
+so, and they scarcely moved a limb for the next hour.
+
+They had gone but a little way when Terror raised his head and uttered a
+slight bark; but a word from Elwood quieted him. Finally, Shasta paused
+and uttered a guttural sound in his own tongue, which was taken as
+permission for them to rise.
+
+As they did so, they looked behind. The dim smoke ascending in the
+summer sky was seen far behind, and between it and them the Salinas made
+another bend, so that they had no cause to fear observation from that
+party at least.
+
+Shasta again disconnected the two canoes--an act which did not surprise
+them; but his next proceeding astonished them a good deal.
+
+Reaching across the boats, he shook hands with them all, at the same
+time muttering a word or two to each.
+
+"He is going to leave us," said Elwood, with an air of disappointment.
+
+"He has good reason for doing so, but I am afraid it will be bad for
+us."
+
+"Adieu, Mr. Shasta, adieu!" said Tim O'Rooney, with considerable
+feeling. "You've done us a good turn and we'll not forget you. If yez
+ever drifts into San Francisco, give us a call."
+
+The Indian motioned to them to proceed, and using his paddle with his
+extraordinary skill, he sped up the river toward the camp-fire, and in a
+very short time vanished.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+THE WESTERN SHORE.
+
+
+The departure of Shasta gave rise to all manner of doubt and
+speculation. None of them believed he meditated bidding the party
+good-by until he went through the ceremony of shaking hands. This
+settled the matter, and they could have no cause for hope of seeing him
+again.
+
+"That must have been a party of his people," said Howard, "or he would
+not have taken the pains to help us out of sight."
+
+"At any rate, he has done us good service," replied Elwood. "I don't
+know what would have become of us but for him."
+
+They had not yet begun using their paddle, but were drifting with the
+current, debating upon their course of action.
+
+"I think I understand why he left us," added Howard, after a moment's
+pause.
+
+Tim and Elwood looked up in his face.
+
+"I think we have passed through most of the danger, and he thought we
+were just as safe without him as with him. Don't you see, Elwood, that
+we have come a good ways down the river, and we must be near some
+settlement. I think there is a place called Soledad somewhere along this
+river, but whether on the eastern or western bank I cannot tell."
+
+"It is a good ways off, I should say fifty miles, and is on the western
+bank."
+
+"How comes it that _you_ are so well informed?" asked Howard, repeating
+the question that had been asked him by his cousin when on the steamer.
+
+"It is only accidentally that I know that. A few weeks ago I was
+comparing an old and new geography and noticed what different views they
+gave of the western part of our country. The old maps had the
+Buenaventura so wrong in every particular that I learned considerable
+about the true one, which you know is called Salinas by most people."
+
+"If we are very careful, I think we can get home without trouble; but
+although there must be white people--settlers and miners--in these
+parts, still they are so scattered that we are less likely to see them
+than we are the Indians."
+
+"Boys," said Tim O'Rooney, who had not let his pipe go out since
+morning. "Shall I give yez some good advice?"
+
+Both expressed their eagerness to receive it.
+
+"There bees plenty of the rid gintlemen yet in this counthry, and we
+haven't got beyant them. If we goes paddling in this canoe when the sun
+is shining overhead, some of 'em will see us, and if we don't put into
+shore they'll put out after us--that they will."
+
+"What is it that you propose, then?"
+
+"That we turns the night into day, and slaaps and smokes and meditates
+by sunlight, and does our traveling by moonlight, or what is bether,
+without any light at all."
+
+This proposal suited the boys exactly. It was so plainly dictated by
+common sense that the wonder was they had not thought of it long before.
+Elwood took the paddle in his hand and held it poised.
+
+"Which way--east or west?"
+
+Howard pointed to the left bank.
+
+"That is the side where _they_ are," replied Elwood, referring to the
+Indian party they had passed.
+
+"And where _he_ is," meaning their good friend, the Pah Utah.
+
+"To the left--to the left," said Tim. "Didn't I git into the worst
+throuble of me life--always barring the repulse me Bridget give me--by
+hunting in them parts?"
+
+Elwood delayed no longer, but plied the oars with a dexterity that
+showed his experience had not been lost upon him.
+
+"You understand it quite well," said Howard approvingly.
+
+"Yes; but my arms ache terribly."
+
+"Ah! here we are."
+
+The prow of the canoe moved as silently and easily into the undergrowth
+as if it were water, and our friends at a step passed from every portion
+of it to dry land.
+
+As they intended remaining in their present quarters until darkness,
+they took some pains to select a suitable place. They finally hit upon a
+spot, on an incline of the river bank, and about a dozen yards distant.
+Here the grass was green and velvety, and the wood so thick that they
+had little fear of discovery, unless by some who had seen them land and
+took the trouble to hunt them out.
+
+It was about noon when they landed, and as they had all spent a wakeful
+night, their first proceeding was so to arrange themselves as to enjoy a
+quiet sleep. Terror was placed on duty as sentinel, and all lay down
+with a sense of security to which they had been strangers in a long
+time.
+
+As usual, the boys were the first to awake, doing so almost at the same
+moment. They saw by the sun that the afternoon was about half gone, but
+they were not troubled from hunger, as their morning meal may be said to
+have been their midday one, and had been one of those royal ones whose
+memory is apt to linger a long time with us, especially if we are boys.
+
+"This is tiresome," said Elwood, yawning and stretching his limbs, "let
+us take a tramp of discovery."
+
+The proposal suited Howard, although prudence told him to remain where
+he was and keep his friend with him. But the restraint was so irksome
+that he was all too willing a listener to the persuasions of his
+companion.
+
+"I noticed there was quite a high range of hills just back of us," added
+Elwood. "Let's take a look at them."
+
+"Is it prudent?" and Howard only repeated audibly the question that his
+conscience had just asked him.
+
+"Prudent? Of course it is, if we only take good care of ourselves."
+
+"Shall we awake Tim before we go?"
+
+"No; he will sleep until to-morrow morning."
+
+"We must leave Terror to watch him then, for it wouldn't do for him to
+lie alone and asleep."
+
+"Of course not."
+
+The Newfoundland, which had risen to his feet, was told to remain on
+guard, and the boys started off on a ramble that was to be a most
+eventful one to them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+THE RAMBLE.
+
+
+After the restraint the boys had undergone, cramped in the canoe, and
+not daring to wander out of sight of their camp-fire when upon shore,
+there was a delicious relief in rambling through the woods. The clear,
+pure air that was dry and cool in the shadow of the forest, the
+undulating, charming scenery, the novel look that rested upon all they
+saw--these possessed a charm to our young friends which they hardly
+could have resisted, even if they had the will to do so; but when we say
+that after starting forth scarcely a thought of their imprudence entered
+their heads, it was but natural that they should find themselves led
+much further away than was either wise or consistent with the resolves
+with which they left their friends, Tim and Terror.
+
+They took no notice of the direction they were following, nor of the
+distance they had gone, until near the middle of the afternoon Howard
+abruptly paused and asked, with a look of alarm:
+
+"Elwood, what have we done?"
+
+"Why? What is the matter?"
+
+"We must be a mile off from Tim, and it will be dark before we can get
+back."
+
+"O! I think not. You know we have walked very slowly, and we can hurry
+when we take it into our heads to return."
+
+"But do you know the way?"
+
+"Certainly. Don't you?"
+
+"What course must we follow?"
+
+Elwood pointed to the northwest, which, while it was not far from their
+general course, was by no means the proper one by which to rejoin their
+companion.
+
+"How strange!" said Howard. "It seems to me that yonder is the point
+from which we started."
+
+And _he_ pointed nearly due west, just as wrong as he could possibly be.
+
+"You are wrong," said Elwood positively. "I am sure of the right way."
+
+"We won't dispute over it," replied his companion, with some sadness,
+"for it is very doubtful if either of us is right."
+
+"All we have to do then, is to hunt for the river and follow that up
+until we find Tim sound asleep."
+
+"Yea; but how is the river to be found? To you it lies in one place, and
+to me in another."
+
+"But I can prove that you are wrong, and," laughed Elwood, "that I am,
+too, although I was never right."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"The sun sets in the west, and notice where it is."
+
+Howard now opened his eyes in amazement. He would have been sure that it
+was going down in the other part of the sky; but the proof before his
+eyes was irrefragable.
+
+"It must be," he replied. "We have been 'turned round.' Just as when we
+left the wharf at New York. I was below when the steamer came out, and
+so long as New York was in sight I was sure it lay in the wrong place."
+
+"But, how bad even that makes it! We cannot reach the river before dark,
+and we shall not know whether we am a mile above or below where Tim is
+sleeping."
+
+"If we go straight for the river, I think it likely that we shall come
+much nearer him than that."
+
+"It may be, but how are we to tell?"
+
+"Why, if we don't find him by night, we can fire oft our guns and call
+to him."
+
+"And bring a party of the savages down upon us."
+
+"That may be if there are any in the neighborhood, but we shall have to
+run the risk."
+
+By this time the boys were fully impressed with their want of discretion
+and with the urgent necessity of making all haste back to the river.
+
+"Let us keep our thoughts about us," said Howard, "for we have been
+without them long enough. Now, the Salinas River runs very nearly north
+and south, doesn't it?"
+
+"This portion of it does."
+
+"Then we must go as nearly east as we can, and let's be off."
+
+Turning their backs upon the sun, they began retracing their steps; but
+they had journeyed scarce half an hour when they found themselves near a
+range of hills, which they were sure they had not passed through, and
+did not remember to have seen.
+
+"What does this mean?" asked Howard, still more alarmed. "We never have
+been near these."
+
+"Are they not the hills we noticed just us we were about starting?"
+
+"They cannot be;--these are larger, have not half as much wood upon
+them. I tell you, Elwood, there is one thing sure."
+
+"I know what you mean."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+_"We are lost!"_
+
+[Illustration: "We are lost."]
+
+"You are right. We may find Tim again, but we are going to have trouble
+to do it."
+
+"Listen! He may call to us."
+
+They stopped walking find held their breath, but not a sound broke the
+solemn stillness, save a faint, hollow roar--whether the deep murmur
+that is always heard in a great forest, or the sound of the distant
+Pacific Ocean they could not tell.
+
+"No; he is asleep yet," said Elwood. "If he would only wake up he would
+shout to us."
+
+"Thus you see, if we shoot our guns, the chances are that _he_ will not
+hear it, while it may be the means of bringing to us the very ones we
+are so anxious to keep away."
+
+So they concluded not to fire their rifles for the present.
+
+"But these hills," continued Howard, "they don't extend in any great
+direction either north or south. The question now is, shall we pass
+around the northern or southern end?"
+
+"What difference will it make?"
+
+"All the difference in the world. If Tim is to the south of us, and we
+pass around that way, I think we shall find him without much hunting,
+while if we take the wrong course it will be night before we can get
+anywhere near him."
+
+"I see," replied Elwood. "We shall have to guess at it. But, hold!" he
+exclaimed, with sparkling eyes. "You go one way and I will another!"
+
+Howard shook his head.
+
+"There is too much risk."
+
+"Not at all. The distance is short, and we can whistle to each other
+every few minutes. Then, you know, as we shall be looking for each
+other, we cannot lose ourselves in these still woods. The minute I get
+sight of the river I can tell whether we are above or below Tim."
+
+Howard would not consent at first, but his cousin set forth the
+advantages of the plan so eloquently that he finally agreed. Arranging
+their signals and manner of proceeding, the boys, therefore, separated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+BACK TO CAMP.
+
+
+The hill which the boys proposed to pass around was about a quarter of a
+mile in length and but slightly less in breadth--much greater than
+either of them suspected when they set out. It rose like a peak to the
+height of several hundred feet, as if it were an offshoot from the main
+ridge of hills, left to flourish by itself.
+
+Howard walked slowly along, after glancing back at his cousin until the
+intervening wood concealed him from view, when he gave a short, sharp
+whistle, which was immediately answered. Then, appreciating the
+necessity of haste, he quickened his footsteps.
+
+As he advanced the hills assumed proportions of which he had not
+dreamed, and that raised in his mind strong doubts as to the wisdom of
+separating from his companion. He would not have done it had not the
+latter urged him so. Misgivings now arose in the mind of the boy. He
+looked upon his duty as that of restraining and tempering Elwood's
+impulsiveness. He had done so several times to his manifest advantage;
+but on this day, as Howard looked back, it really appeared as if he had
+bidden good-by to his senses. Their separation from Tim was almost
+criminal in its foolishness, and yet he had scarcely raised an
+objection; and now, was not the last proceeding still more imprudent? As
+it stood, the three members of the little party who should never have
+been out of each other's sight, were now a good distance from each
+other, and that, too, when in a hostile country.
+
+From these rather sad reflections Howard was roused by the faint,
+echoing whistle of Elwood.
+
+"He is all right," thought he, feeling much relieved, as he placed his
+fingers to his mouth and returned the whistle. "We are both now passing
+around the hill, so that we cannot get further apart, and can keep
+within call all the time."
+
+Admonished by the lateness of the hour, Howard almost ran. He grew
+somewhat impatient at the unexpected extent of the hill; but finally he
+passed beyond the southern point, and as he stood and listened, he heard
+the murmur of the river--proof that it was close at hand.
+
+"Now," thought he, "if Elwood will only hurry, we have a good chance of
+finding Tim before he gives us up for lost."
+
+The boy could not see that anything at all was gained by their course in
+passing around the ridge. Neither of them, were in sight of the river,
+and would have to advance still further before they could form any idea
+of their whereabouts. He was resolved to do this in company with his
+cousin, so that precisely the same thing would have been accomplished
+had they remained together.
+
+Howard having hurried a great deal, thought it likely that he was some
+distance in advance of his cousin. He stood some minutes listening for
+his signals, and then began walking toward the northern end of the hill
+that he might meet him as he came around. He observed as he advanced
+that they increased in rocky ruggedness, and could see that it was quite
+a feat to pass through them.
+
+Going some distance he paused again, and listened intently, but nothing
+beside the deep murmur of the woods reached his ear.
+
+"What can it mean?" he finally asked himself, as a vague alarm crept
+over him. "We must be much closer together than we were before, and I
+haven't heard him whistle for the last half-hour."
+
+He began to doubt whether it was best to proceed further or not. It
+might serve only to mislead in case Elwood was searching for him. Still
+hearing nothing to indicate the location of his friend, he made the
+signal himself--a long, screeching whistle, that rang out in the solemn
+stillness with a penetrating clearness that sent the chills over him
+from head to foot.
+
+"He must hear that if he is within a mile," was his reflection, as he
+leaned his head forward and listened for the first approach of the
+answering sound.
+
+Ten, fifteen, twenty minutes passed away, but nothing was heard, and the
+poor boy looked around in sore alarm.
+
+"Can it be that Elwood is jesting?" he asked himself. "He would not do
+so if he knew what I am suffering."
+
+Howard was now in great distress. He could not decide what to do. If he
+advanced he could feel no assurance of meeting his friend, while a
+retreat was equally hopeless.
+
+Where was Elwood? Had he wandered off among the hills, tempted by the
+wild scenery, and had he lost his way? Was he searching for his cousin?
+Or had he been found by Indians?
+
+The last inquiry had been rising in Howard's mind for a half-hour, but
+he had resolutely forced it down again, until he could keep it away no
+longer. He could find no other reason to account for the silence, and
+failure to answer his call. The whistle which he had given must have
+spread miles in every direction--so far that Elwood could not have got
+beyond its range had the course of both been precisely opposite. No; it
+must----
+
+But, hark! A faint, tremulous whistle comes to his ear. It is far away
+and sounds among the hills behind, as though it had labored up from some
+cave or chasm miles distant. Howard held his breath, and as he
+anticipated, it came again so faintly and distantly that had he been
+walking he could not have heard it.
+
+On both occasions it sounded behind him among the hills, though its
+tremulous faintness made it appear as though it came from far up in the
+air, or down deep in some of the gorges of the hills--so uncertain was
+the exact point of its starting.
+
+Poor Howard was now in a dilemma. Whether to attempt to follow up the
+signal or to go on to the river and search out Tim O'Rooney and the
+Newfoundland was a question which was difficult to decide. But his
+eagerness to find his cousin led him on into the hills, until he had
+penetrated quite a distance. He then paused and listened for the signal,
+but none was ever to come to his ears again.
+
+Howard repeated the whistle over and over, and finally fired his gun;
+but both were equally fruitless. He waited where he was until dark, when
+with a sad heart he withdrew and resumed his tramp toward the river.
+Gloomy indeed were his meditations, as he reflected on the occurrences
+of the day, and there was scarcely anything he would not do, if by any
+means he could recall _his_ part since he landed upon the main shore.
+
+In the course of half an hour he reached the river, and looked intently
+out into the semi-darkness to see whether he could recognize anything
+familiar; but so far as he was able to see, all was strange, from which
+he concluded that he had struck at a point lower down than where Tim had
+been left.
+
+He therefore began making his way south, that is, toward the source of
+the river, after halting and listening for some sound that might tell
+something either of Tim or Elwood. Suddenly a threatening growl startled
+him, and then came the welcome bark of Terror, and the next moment the
+dog was frolicking around him and showing his delight in the most
+extravagant manner.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+WAITING AND WATCHING.
+
+
+"Worrah! worrah! but this is a fine scare you've been givin' Tim
+O'Rooney, so me uncle said whin they towld him his wife was coming over
+to Ameriky to see him. Here I've been awake fur the last two hours,
+jist, looking and expacting you to come back, and thinking the red
+colored gintleman had carried you away entirely----"
+
+Howard impatiently interrupted him.
+
+"Have you seen or heard anything of Elwood?"
+
+"No-o-o!" replied Tim, his answer rising and falling in a circumflex
+through a half-dozen notes of the scale.
+
+_"Then he is lost!"_
+
+"What?" fairly shrieked the Irishman.
+
+"He is lost in the woods."
+
+Howard had little heart to go over the experiences of the afternoon. He
+simply told his friend that he and Elwood had separated on their return,
+and he had been unable to find him again.
+
+"What did you separate for?" asked the listener.
+
+"Because I was a fool; but O, Tim, there is no use of regretting what
+has been done. If Elwood is lost, I shall never leave this place."
+
+After a while Howard became more composed, and they conversed rationally
+upon the best plan for them to follow. Tim O'Rooney was strenuous in his
+belief that Elwood had wandered off among the hills, and finding it
+growing dark, had sought some secure shelter for the night. He was sure
+that he would give vigorous signs of his whereabouts as soon as day
+dawned.
+
+There was something in the daring nature of the boy that made it
+probable that Tim was right. Tempted out of his path by some singular or
+unexpected sight, he had wandered away until he found it too dark to
+return, and so had made the best of the matter and camped in some tree,
+or beneath the ledge of some projecting rock.
+
+Such was the theory of Tim O'Rooney, and so ingeniously did he enforce
+it that Howard could not avoid its plausibility. None knew better than
+he the impulsive nature of the boy, and such an act upon his part would
+be in perfect keeping with similar exploits.
+
+There was but one thing that raised a doubt in the mind of Howard--and
+slight as was this, it was enough to give him sore uneasiness, and at
+times almost to destroy hope. At the time the boys separated, Elwood had
+shown a great anxiety to reach Tim, and proposed his plan in the belief
+that it would bring them together the more quickly.
+
+This made it seem improbable to Howard that he would have allowed
+anything to divert him from his course unless his personal safety caused
+him to do so; but Tim said that if such were the case they would have
+heard his gun.
+
+"Do you s'pose he's the boy to lit a wild animal or any of them red
+gintlemen step up to him without his tachin' thim manners? But he's the
+youngster that wouldn't do the same. You'd hear that gun of his cracking
+away as long as there was any lift for him to crack."
+
+"It may be as you think, Tim, but I believe it is worse. Suppose he is
+in the hands of some of these wandering bands of Indians."
+
+"S'pose he isn't."
+
+"We have done that; but let us face the worst. If he has been taken away
+by them, what shall we do?"
+
+"Hunt him up."
+
+"That is true, but how that is to be done is the difficulty. If we only
+had Shasta with us."
+
+"Arrah, now, if ye'd had him ye'd've niver gone thramping off in the
+woods and having me alone here with the dog. The red gintleman knowed
+what was best for us, and do ye mind, he kept his eye upon yez all the
+time."
+
+Howard had thought the same thing a score of times since noon, and there
+was no need of his being told how the Pah Utah would have acted had he
+remained with them.
+
+"I thinks Mr. Shasta isn't a great many miles off. P'rhaps," added Tim,
+significantly, "he's kapin' watch upon us and will come to our help in
+our throuble."
+
+But the contingency, to Howard at least, was too remote for him to build
+any hopes upon it. It seemed more probable that the Indian's friendship
+had led him much further out of the way than they had suspected, and
+that he was now many a long mile off, speeding toward home.
+
+"He may find out that the youngster is wid 'em," added Tim, "whin he
+will hasten to his relaaf."
+
+"That seems the most likely."
+
+"There's but one thing agin it."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+But the Irishman was silent. The boy repeated his question.
+
+"It's bad--let it be."
+
+But Howard insisted.
+
+"Wal, you know, they may--wal--_put him out the way_."
+
+"O Tim!" groaned Howard, "that cannot be, that cannot be!"
+
+"I hopes not, but there's no telling what these sarpints may take into
+their heads to do. They're a bad set of craytures, always barring Mr.
+Shasta, and I'd've thought a good daal more of the same if he'd only
+staid a few days longer wid us."
+
+"He thought we had enough sense to take care of ourselves, after he had
+seen us through the most dangerous part of our journey, otherwise he
+would have remained with us to the end. But, as I said a minute ago, it
+does no good for us to lament what cannot be helped. As soon as it is
+light we must go up among the hills with Terror and make a hunt for
+Elwood."
+
+"Yees spake the truth. The dog may be smarter than we is, and I'm
+thinkin' it wouldn't have to be very smart to be in that same fix, and
+we'll sarch till we finds out something about him."
+
+"It is fortunate for poor Elwood that the night is so mild and
+pleasant."
+
+"Fort'nit for ourselves, be the same towken; for without our fire we'd
+be rather cool when we slept, and the cold would keep us awake all
+night."
+
+"But we have the blanket with us, and that would protect us at any time,
+no matter how cold it might be."
+
+"Yis," assented Tim, with a great sigh. "If I only had me pipe under way
+I'd faal somewhat more comfortable, barring the worriment I faals at the
+absence of the youngster. May God watch over him through the darkniss!"
+
+"Amen!" was this reverent response of Howard.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+THE SEARCH.
+
+
+All through the night Tim O'Rooney and Howard Lawrence sat in close
+consultation. Hunger and sleep were alike unthought of. Elwood Brandon
+was lost, and that was all of which they could think or speak. How they
+longed for the morning, and how impatient they were to be on the hunt!
+It seemed to Howard as if he could go leaping and flying down the chasms
+and gorges among the hills, and never tire until he had hunted out and
+brought back his cousin. Where could he be? If nestling in the branches
+of a tree, or hid away among the rocks, was he asleep? Or if awake, of
+what was he thinking? Did he believe that Howard was searching for him?
+Or did he imagine him also lost? It would not be reasonable to suppose
+that he had any suspicion of his finding Tim O'Rooney.
+
+If in the hands of California Indians----But it would be vain to trace
+out all the thoughts and speculations that ran through the head of the
+boy. Some of them were of the wildest and most grotesque character, and
+would assume a ludicrous phase to one whose mind was not in such a whirl
+of excitement and distress.
+
+In the gloom of the wood the darkness was so intense that neither Tim
+nor Howard could distinguish each other, though only a few feet apart.
+The Newfoundland lay close to his master, seemingly sound asleep, but
+more heedful than the two of the approach of danger.
+
+Occasionally through the night the call of some wild animal was
+heard--sometimes distant and sometimes so near that they started to
+their feet and were about to enter their canoe and shove out into the
+stream; but when it came no more they were reassured. Then something
+like the report of a gun came faintly up the river to their ears.
+
+These sounds only served to render the night more gloomy and lonely, and
+to make the daylight the more welcome.
+
+"Now let's be off," said Howard, as soon as it was light enough to
+distinguish each other's faces.
+
+"We must find some means of remembering this place, or we'll never see
+the canoe agin, and will be obliged to sail into San Francisco on fut."
+
+The boat was drawn entirely out of the water and covered as much as
+possible with leaves and undergrowth; for it was a loss that under any
+circumstances they could not sustain. The feat of marking the place so
+that they could readily return to it from any direction was more
+difficult; but Howard finally hit upon quite an ingenious scheme. They
+waited until the sun had approached near enough to the horizon that they
+could tell precisely the point where it would appear, and then turning
+their backs against it they walked forward until they reached the hills
+where Elwood had disappeared. Here they noticed the character and
+formation of the rocks so particularly that they could recognize them
+the moment they saw them. Thus the hills were such a conspicuous
+landmark as to be seen from a great distance; and, as they did not
+intend to go out of their sight, all they had to do was to hunt till
+they found this spot, and then walk due east.
+
+All this was agreed upon, and they were among the hills just as the sun
+was coming up the horizon. Here, after whistling and shouting for
+sometime without receiving any response, they concluded to search for
+the point where the boys separated. This was quite distant, and over an
+hour was required to find the place, and when it was discovered Howard
+could not be positive that he was right.
+
+But as time was of the greatest importance, they pressed on, the dog
+snuffing the ground as though he had scented the footprints, but he
+failed to follow them with certainty. Several hundred yards brought them
+to an opening in the hills just broad enough to admit the body of a man.
+It was not a tunnel-like opening, but a rent, as if the hills had been
+pulled a few feet asunder by the power of an earthquake.
+
+The two paused in doubt before this.
+
+"He went in there," said Tim. "He couldn't help it, no matter how great
+his hurry."
+
+"I am half disposed to believe you; at any rate let us follow it some
+ways."
+
+Terror was running over the ground, as though he had made a discovery,
+and he finally whisked forward out of sight.
+
+"That looks as if he were upon his trail."
+
+"Yis, or somebody ilse's; maybe some of the rid gintlemen has took his
+marnin' walk in this direction."
+
+They followed the path with caution, and were surprised the further they
+advanced. It wound around and among the rocks, which came so close
+together as to forbid the passage of a man, and the sides never
+withdrawing more than a dozen feet.
+
+"It looks as though it had been made on purpose," said Tim, gazing
+around him in admiration.
+
+Finally, it was broken up among the hills, after winding through every
+point of the compass for fully an eighth of a mile. It gradually rose
+from its commencement--occasionally interrupted by sharp ascents--until
+its termination, when they found they had reached no mean elevation.
+
+Still the rocks rose on every hand, and shut out their view of the
+surrounding country, but showed them a specimen of the wild scenery
+produced in California. The interior of the hills was cut up by chasms,
+gorges and ravines, and they heard, but did not see, the rush of a small
+stream of water.
+
+They stood in silence a few moments and then Howard said:
+
+"If he is lost in here there is no need of us looking for him."
+
+"And why not?"
+
+"We might search till we died of old age, and never find the least trace
+of him."
+
+"And might discover the poor youngster's body the first half-hour we
+spint in looking."
+
+This last remark caused Howard to start off at once, fully resolved not
+to pause again in the search until compelled to do so.
+
+Terror was constantly commanded to hunt for the trail of the boy, and
+the dog appeared to understand what was expected of him, for he was
+running constantly hither and thither, but never gave sign that he had
+found anything positive.
+
+This fact led Howard to doubt whether Elwood had preceded them in this
+place. If he had really been here, he must have passed directly over the
+spot upon which they were standing, and it seemed hardly possible that
+the dog could miss the scent. So strong was he impressed with this that
+he proposed to Tim O'Rooney to turn back and resume their search outside
+the hills; but he was so sure that Elwood Brandon could never have
+passed unentered such an inviting opening that he would not consent to
+withdraw until they examined further.
+
+Looking around they saw several paths by which they could enter the
+wild, desolate-looking scene before them. Of course, it was all a matter
+of chance whether they took the one which had been followed by their
+lost friend. Tim affirmed that the one that looked the most dangerous
+and uninviting was surely the right one; but Howard was hardly prepared
+to admit this. Selecting the most accessible, they carefully followed it
+for over an hour. In and out among the rocks, sometimes over their tops,
+then between or around them, down through ravines, and then along their
+edges, up the stony, earthy sides of the gorges, until at length they
+halted as they believed in the very heart of this wild looking place.
+
+"Here we are!" said Howard. "I don't see how we can advance much further
+without going out to the other side."
+
+"It's the qua'rest sight I iver looked upon," said Tim, turning round
+and round, meaning the wild scenery.
+
+"But there is nothing learned of Elwood."
+
+"Niver a sign do I saa of the youngster," rejoined Tim. "I graive to
+think we cannot be near him."
+
+"We have gone on the wrong track."
+
+"I'm a feared so."
+
+"Too bad, too bad," wailed Howard, "what is to come of the poor fellow?"
+
+"But we can't till," hastily added Tim, "do yees put your fingers in
+your mouth and give that jolly little whistle."
+
+Howard Lawrence was in the very act of doing so when his arm was
+suddenly arrested by his companion, who, with an exclamation of surprise
+pointed to a ledge of rocks above them.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+THE END OF THE SEARCH.
+
+
+About a hundred and fifty feet above them, almost perpendicularly
+upward, stood an antelope, its small neck outstretched, and its dark,
+beautiful eyes fixed upon them with a wondering expression. It was on
+the very edge of a projecting rock where one step more would bring it
+over.
+
+"It is jist the jintleman we wants," whispered Tim, fearful that he
+would alarm the timid animal. "We've ate but once in twenty-four hours,
+and I've jist learned from me stomach that it would have no objection to
+breaking the same fast; so do yez jist kape still till I pops him over."
+
+"Can you hit him?" asked Howard, scarcely less excited than his
+companion.
+
+"Be aisy now till ye see the scientific manner I takes to doot."
+
+"Well, be quick, for he is likely to vanish any moment."
+
+Tim O'Rooney carefully sighted his rifle, took a quick, steady aim, and
+pulled the trigger. Howard, who was keenly watching the antelope, saw it
+spring up, and as it came down it missed the cliff and fell almost at
+their very feet with a violence and crash which must have broken half
+the bones in its body.
+
+"Arrah now, an' wasn't that done nicely?" exclaimed Tim, in great
+exultation, as he ran up to the animal with his knife.
+
+"Are you going to dress it?"
+
+"Yis; an' do yez gather what sticks an' stuff ye can, an' we'll have him
+cooked in a jiffy."
+
+Howard set about it, for he understood the wisdom of providing
+themselves with food in the prosecution of this hunt, which in all
+probability would employ them for some time to come.
+
+"Now, I will give the signal," said he, when his work was completed. "If
+he is within hearing he will answer it."
+
+"Yis; do your bist, while I pays my respects to this gintleman, an' do
+ye do the listenin' while ye are about it, for I'm so taken up with this
+job that I haven't the time to attend to that aither."
+
+Howard strained his cheeks nearly to bursting, and completely exhausted
+himself in giving forth those ringing screeches which seem to come
+natural to all school-boys, and are made by uniting the ends of two
+fingers, inserting them between the lips, and blowing with all the
+might.
+
+He listened--listened--listened--and then repeated the signal with a
+desperate fierceness that left him no strength at all; but all in
+vain--the echoes died away among the rocks and hills, but no answer came
+back.
+
+"It's no use," remarked Tim O'Rooney, who despite what he had said was
+listening as earnestly as his young friend.
+
+"The youngster don't hear us. We've got to make a hunt through this old
+place, and afore we begins it we'll take something for the stomach's
+sake."
+
+The fire was kindled in the usual manner, and the dinner was not
+unskillfully prepared by the Irishman. They ate all they could hold. The
+dog did the same. Tim lit his pipe, and then declared that he was ready
+for any duty that might be required of him.
+
+As they rose to their feet they were somewhat alarmed at the appearance
+of the sky. It was overspread with dark, threatening clouds, from which
+issued rumbling peals of thunder and arrowy lines of lightning. They
+became darker and more tumultuous each moment, until semi-darkness
+shrouded them.
+
+"We are going to have a storm," remarked Howard.
+
+"Yis; and a good-sized one, too."
+
+"We shall have to find shelter for ourselves. If much rain falls, this
+gorge looks to me as if it will be filled with water."
+
+"Worrah, now, but yez are a smart child!" exclaimed Tim O'Rooney,
+looking admiringly at the boy. "Scarcely mesilf would have thought of
+the same, and what a credit, therefore, that it should have come into
+your own."
+
+"I see nothing so wonderful about that. Almost any one would see the
+danger we are in if we remain here when there is much rain falling. It
+is just the place for a stream of water."
+
+"So it is--so it is; and yez can saa that there has wather been running
+over the stones upon which we are standing."
+
+The storm which was so near at hand admonished them to lose no time in
+seeking shelter. This was a matter of small difficulty, as in such a
+wild, rugged place there were any number of retreats. They clambered up
+the path and over the rocks until they reached a point higher yet than
+where the antelope had stood when pierced by the bullet that had tumbled
+him over the cliff. They had brought a goodly portion of his meat with
+them, for there was no telling when they would dare fire a gun again.
+
+A gaping, overhanging ledge, which fortunately was turned from the
+direction of the storm, was selected as their house, and here they and
+the dog nestled and waited for the storm to burst. A few large drops
+that cracked smartly upon the rocks and stones, was the herald of the
+coming deluge; and then, at the same moment, with a terrific flash and
+report, came the rain in torrents.
+
+They stood and watched the storm as it raged, and when there was a
+momentary cessation Howard threw his blanket over his head and said:
+
+"I will run out to the edge of that rock and see whether there is any
+water in the place where we took our dinner."
+
+"Be careful yez don't tumble over," admonished Tim, feeling it his duty
+to say something.
+
+"Never fear."
+
+Howard stepped hastily to the spot and looked carefully over. A tiny
+stream was just beginning to run through the path they had occupied,
+which was increasing each moment, and would speedily reach the
+proportions of a torrent. But, although he saw this, there was something
+which interested him still more, and that was a party of five Indians
+attentively examining the remains of the antelope, and the signs around
+it, as if they were seeking their explanation. They looked down to the
+ground, and two of them pointed precisely in the direction which Tim and
+Howard had taken in leaving the place.
+
+The rain began falling again more copiously than ever, but Howard would
+not have heeded it had he not been shrouded in the water-proof blanket.
+Those Indians had found their camp-fire and were at that moment
+discussing the best method of capturing him and Tim; but the rain came
+down so furiously that they finally darted away to seek shelter, and
+Howard thereupon hurried back to his friend and told him all that he had
+seen.
+
+"That settles the matter," he added. "Elwood is in their hands, and if
+we aint careful we shall be with him, for they are searching for us."
+
+"But they can't find us--that they can't."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"This rain will wipe out our tracks as aisy as if yees had taken a cloth
+and done it yourself."
+
+"That is true."
+
+Howard was greatly relieved when he reflected that this was true, and
+that he and Tim were in no danger of capture from being pursued.
+
+The storm lasted several hours, and when it was finished they came
+cautiously forth and made their way stealthily back to where they had
+left the canoe. They had deliberated long and earnestly regarding Elwood
+Brandon, and neither of them had any doubt but what he was in the hands
+of Indians. They had little fear of his being put to death, but believed
+he would be held a prisoner until either rescued by Shasta, or a party
+could be sent from the nearest post to ransom him. They had concluded to
+make all haste homeward and adopt this method of rescue.
+
+And now, as they had given him up for a while, it is high time we took
+him in hand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLI.
+
+A BOY LOST.
+
+
+When Elwood Brandon separated from Howard Lawrence on the afternoon of
+their ramble in the woods, it was with the firm intention of making all
+haste around the range of hills, and there to unite with him in their
+hunt for Tim.
+
+But, like too many boys, he suffered himself to be led from the sure
+path by the allurements of the false one. His example furnished a
+striking moral lesson, which he will doubtless remember to the day of
+his death.
+
+When we are following the course which conscience tells us is the true
+one, although it may be rough and stony, and at times most difficult to
+keep, yet the knowledge of what awaits us at the end should be proof
+against temptations to turn aside. Woe to him who chides the voice of
+conscience and listens to that of the charmer!
+
+Elwood had gone some distance, and was walking very rapidly, when he
+came abruptly upon the opening in the rocks which has been mentioned in
+another place.
+
+"Ah! here is a shorter cut across," was his reflection as he saw it, and
+not stopping to think further, he turned and walked rapidly through it.
+"I will beat Howard," and he smiled at the thought. "What will he think
+when he gets around to see me waiting for him? I know he will run so as
+to be there first."
+
+Thus hopeful, Elwood hurried forward, thinking only of the surprise he
+would give his cousin when they met again. As he found the path taking a
+most sinuous course, a dim idea came through his head that perhaps after
+all he had not gained so much by "cutting across." He would have turned
+back as it was but for the rapidly increasing darkness and the belief
+that he must speedily emerge from the eastern side of the hills.
+
+While walking through a narrow part of the path, he was alarmed by the
+rattling of some dirt, stones and debris over his head, and before he
+could retreat or advance he was stricken on the head by several pieces
+with such violence that he staggered and fell to the ground.
+
+He was not senseless, but somewhat stunned, and placed his hand on his
+head to see whether it was cut. Finding no blood, he arose to his feet
+and replied to the whistle of Howard, which had been ringing in his ears
+for the last ten minutes.
+
+Immediately after, he was taken with a sickness at the stomach, the
+result, doubtless, of the mental shock received. Such was his faintness
+and nausea that he lay down upon the ground for relief. When a boy feels
+so sick--as shown also by older persons in seasickness--he generally
+becomes perfectly indifferent to everything else in the world. Elwood
+concluded that Howard might whistle as long as he chose, and he would
+reply when he felt able. As for the gathering darkness, wild animals and
+savages, what did he care for them? They could exist and get along
+without his taking any trouble to think about them.
+
+And so he lay still until his sickness diminished and was gradually
+succeeded by drowsiness, which was not long in merging into slumber.
+
+Whoever yet remembered the moment he went to sleep? Whoever lay still to
+gain a few moments of slumber without obtaining far more than he
+expected, and regretting it when his intellect became sharp and clear?
+
+It was near midnight when Elwood awoke, and all was blank darkness. He
+called to Howard and Tim, and not until he had felt around with his
+hands, did he remember his situation. Then it all came to him.
+
+"This is a pretty piece of business," he thought, as he arose to his
+feet. "Poor Howard is half-frightened to death, and I suppose is still
+hunting for me. But I don't hear him."
+
+He listened, but all was still.
+
+"It may be that he has grown tired, but will hear me if I call to him."
+
+Whereupon he whistled again and again, and shouted and listened and then
+repeated his signals, but there was no response. But for the intervening
+hills his cry would have reached the two watchers by the river shore,
+but with twice the penetrating power he still would have failed to reach
+them.
+
+"Well, the best thing I can do is to wait here until morning, and then I
+can make my way back again."
+
+His sickness was gone, but he felt somewhat chilled from lying upon the
+ground with no extra covering, although the night was quite moderate, if
+not really warm. The contact with the ground had made a portion of his
+body cold, and the sluggish circulation prompted him to exercise.
+
+"I hardly know whether to stay here or to go back to the woods and take
+refuge in a tree. Some animals may find me here, while I shall be safe
+if I am only twenty feet above ground."
+
+The vivid recollection of the wolverines gave him this fear and finally
+induced him to leave the place and seek shelter.
+
+But at the moment of starting he was confronted by an alarming
+difficulty. He found it impossible to decide upon the proper course to
+follow, and could not tell with certainty which way led in or out. This
+resulted from his having turned around several times in his effort to
+restore warmth and circulation on awaking from his sleep. Had he not
+done this the position in which he lay during slumber would have told
+him the truth.
+
+"How strange!" he reflected, vainly seeking to recover from his
+bewilderment. "If I only had a little light I think I could tell, but
+this is rather delicate business when I don't know whether I may go over
+the rocks or not."
+
+He leaned against the wall of the path and thought. At last he believed
+he knew which way to turn, and facing backward he began to pick his way
+out. This, we may say, was the right course, and had he only persevered
+in it would have brought him out of the hills into the woods, restored
+him to Tim and Howard a few hours later and saved him one of the most
+momentous experiences of his life.
+
+He had retreated but a few rods when he became sure he had made a
+mistake and was going wrong. It seemed from his contact with the rocks
+and the curious windings it made, that he had never passed over the
+ground, but was advancing further into the hills.
+
+"This will not do," he said aloud, as he paused. "I am astray and must
+change about."
+
+He did so at once, and believing, of a surety, that he was now upon the
+right path he walked much faster than was prudent. The truth was, the
+associations of the plate were such as to make him in a hurry to get
+away from it. He knew he would feel relieved when he could get once more
+into the open air of the woods. A strange fear that the overhanging rock
+would fall or imprison him caused him to hasten still more. After
+walking some time further he slackened his steps.
+
+"I must be pretty near the opening, judging by the distance I have come;
+and if such be the case--"
+
+Further words were checked, for at that instant Elwood stepped off the
+path and went down--down!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLII.
+
+A DREARY NIGHT.
+
+
+Elwood fell about twenty feet, striking the solid earth, without losing
+his own perpendicular position. He was considerably pained, but not
+seriously hurt. His rifle had fallen from his hand, and was not found
+again until daybreak, as not knowing where he stood, whether upon the
+edge of some precipice or ravine, he scarcely dared move a limb.
+
+Ah! if the night was so weary to the watchers by the river shore, it was
+much more so to him for whom they thus lay awake. Utter midnight
+blackness all around, the profound and impressive stillness made more
+profound and impressive by the trickling of some current near, the
+occasional glimpse of some tiny star twinkling among the dark,
+straggling clouds overhead; such was Elwood Brandon's situation and
+surroundings.
+
+His only resource was thought, and the direction which this took for a
+time was anything but a relief. He saw that he himself was to blame for
+the disaster of the day. It was he who proposed this ramble, and he who
+insisted so strenuously upon separating from Howard in the journey
+around the hills. And then his present situation resulted wholly from
+his own foolishness--to call it no milder term--in entering an unknown
+path with the simple hope of reaching a designated point a few minutes
+in advance of his friend, whom he knew well enough had carried out to
+the letter their agreement, and was waiting his coming.
+
+Had Howard found Tim O'Rooney? That was the next question. Or was he
+still lingering on the other side of the hills, waiting for the morning
+to renew his hunt for himself before he sought out his companion? The
+latter seemed the most probable supposition to Elwood, and the odd whim
+took him that his cousin was close at hand and listening for the
+familiar signal. So he placed his fingers to his mouth and repeated the
+whistle which they had used so many times between them.
+
+He did this again and again, but there was no response, and he finally
+concluded that it was rather a monotonous manner of passing the time and
+ceased, and again gave himself up to thought.
+
+If he ever lived to see his friends at home what an experience would be
+his to tell! The burning steamer, the hours spent in drifting ashore,
+the wanderings through the wilds of California, this adventure among the
+hills--surely they were enough to last a life-time.
+
+Now and then a cold draft of wind swept by him, as though the
+temperature of the air was changing. It was in fact the premonition of
+the gathering storm to which we have referred in another place.
+
+Elwood had been in his constrained position a couple of hours when he
+was subjected to a terrible fright. Suddenly some dirt and stones
+commenced moving near him and he felt it strike his feet. He was fearful
+that a landslide was about to take place, but did not dare attempt to
+get out of the way. He could only shrink closer against the rocks, pray
+to Heaven for protection, and await the issue.
+
+The pebbles rattled around him for a long time, and when they had nearly
+ceased he learned that the whole tumult was caused by some wild animal.
+This dissipated all fear of being engulfed by a landslide, but scarcely
+relieved him. It was simply a change of species in the danger.
+
+He could hear the footsteps of the animal as it walked back and forth.
+They sounded above his head, but he could not judge with certainty.
+Several times it gave a low growl, from which he was sure that it was
+dangerous, and if it knew of his presence and could reach him would
+speedily end his reckless conduct forever.
+
+The animal was still for a while and the boy was indulging in the belief
+that it had gone, when he heard its footsteps so near that his hair
+fairly rose with terror. He stooped down and felt around in the darkness
+for his gun, but it was not within reach. He caught a huge stone and
+held it in reserve for defense.
+
+Straining his eyes through the darkness, he fancied he could see a dark
+object above him; but it was only fancy, for to his excited imagination
+the most extraordinary phantoms were flitting before him--floating in
+the air, around and above him, like the wonderful visions that visit us
+in delirium--until he closed his eyes to shut out the tormenting
+figures.
+
+Perhaps, after all, the presence of the wild animal was the means of
+saving him, for it kept his mind down to the hard, practical fact that
+imminent danger was close at hand, and all his thoughts were needed to
+meet it. He stood a long time grasping the stone and expecting the
+assault; but the tumult finally ceased and all became still.
+
+When Elwood looked up again he saw that it was growing light, and day
+was indeed breaking.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIII.
+
+WANDERINGS.
+
+
+The light increased each moment, and Elwood Brandon soon saw the
+position in which he was placed. He had walked along the path and fallen
+abruptly off, alighting on a projection that ran along the edge of the
+ravine, and was of sufficient width to only comfortably hold him. Had he
+gone a yard forward he would have fallen over to another ledge, although
+this was not more than a dozen feet below. Indeed, his rifle had done
+this, and now lay on this broad band of earth and gravel, which here
+sloped so gradually down to the bottom of the ravine that it could be
+descended without difficulty.
+
+His first proceeding, after thanking Heaven for the protection of the
+night, was to let himself down to where his rifle lay. An examination
+proved it uninjured, and with its possession came a feeling of
+confidence and safety such as he had not felt for a moment during the
+hours of darkness.
+
+"Now, if that wild creature, whatever it was, would like to introduce
+itself, I am prepared."
+
+And he looked around as if he expected its appearance; but it had left
+some time before. At first he was at a loss to understand what it had
+chosen as its parade ground, but, concluded it must have been the very
+path from which he had fallen, and where, had he remained, he could not
+have avoided falling into its power.
+
+Elwood could not see the possibility of extricating himself by the same
+way in which he had entered. In some places it was necessary to climb a
+score or two feet up the perpendicular side of the ravine; and as there
+was no means at hand for doing this, he thought it best to press on down
+among the hills in the hope of discovering a new way of egress, or an
+easier access to the paths behind him.
+
+He wandered rather aimlessly forward, his path being over loose,
+rattling stones, constantly descending, until he reached the hard-packed
+earth, and judged himself to be in about the lowermost part of the
+valley. On every hand rose the ridges, rocks and peaks of the hills,
+until, as he looked up at the cloudy sky so far above him, he seemed but
+the merest pigmy.
+
+As he turned his head he caught sight of something a few rods ahead that
+puzzled him. For some time he could not make out its meaning, but
+finally he saw that it was a smouldering camp-fire, while around it were
+stretched five Indians--although at the moment he could not be positive
+as to their number--their blankets over them and they seemingly sound
+asleep.
+
+He concluded that the best thing he could do was to leave that immediate
+neighborhood as speedily as possible. He looked hurriedly around for the
+best line of retreat. It was difficult to decide, and he was still
+debating with himself when, as he glanced at the terrifying forms, he
+fancied, or really saw, one of them move. Without further reflection he
+darted a rod or two backward and shrunk in behind a breach in the rocks.
+
+This was no hiding-place in case the Indians came along this path. He
+could not conceal his body, as it was merely a niche such as would have
+been made had this portion of the rocky wall been set back about a foot
+from the rest. If the savages left the ravine by another direction there
+was no cause for fear, but if they came this way he had good reason to
+tremble.
+
+He had scarcely ensconced himself in this place of refuge when from the
+woods and rocks above him came the clear, echoing whistle of Howard
+Lawrence. It startled him as if it were the whoop of this Indians so
+close at hand. Of course he dare not reply to it, for it could only
+precipitate his capture.
+
+But he trembled more for the safety of his friends than himself. They
+were advancing hurriedly in their search, without one suspicion of the
+enemies so near them. Had he dared, to make a noise it would have have
+been one of warning for Tim and Howard to hasten away ere it was too
+late; but even that small comfort was denied him.
+
+He peered cautiously out and saw that the Indians were awake, but
+curiously enough appeared to pay no heed to the whistling, which to the
+boy were uttered twenty times as often and as loud as there was any
+need. One of the savages was stirring the fire with a stick, while the
+others were looking stupidly on.
+
+Drawing back his head, Elwood looked up among the rocks in the direction
+of the signals for some sign of his friends. He was startled into a
+suppressed exclamation by the sight of Tim O'Rooney's hat and face
+passing along the path above him; but before he could catch his eye it
+was gone and he saw it no more.
+
+The whistling sound now gradually retreated until it sounded quite far
+away, and Elwood began to feel more at ease, although not entirely so.
+He wondered greatly that the suspicions of the Indians were not excited,
+and that they did not hasten away at once to destroy his friends.
+
+The report of Tim O'Rooney's gun that slew the antelope sounded
+fearfully near, and sent a shiver of terror through the youngster
+crouching in his hiding-place. At the same time, as he looked stealthily
+out, he saw that it had attracted the attention of the Indians. All five
+were standing on their feet, with their loose blankets hung over their
+shoulders, and gesticulating with their arms. The sound of their voices
+was plainly heard where he stood, and a thrill of hope ran through him
+as he imagined that he recognised in one of them a resemblance to that
+of Shasta, the Pah Utah.
+
+At this point the boy observed the storm gathering overhead--the sullen
+booming of thunder, the black clouds sweeping tumultuously across the
+sky, the vivid spears of lightning darting in and out among them. A cool
+wind whistled through the gorge overhead, and dust and leaves came
+whirling in the air and settled all around him.
+
+The boy looked above, and saw that when the storm did burst it was sure
+to spend its full fury upon his head. Not the least particle of shelter
+covered him, and he had to expect a full drenching; but this he was
+willing to bear, if it would only tend to keep the attention of the
+Indians diverted. It seemed to him very probable, as he stood between
+them and his own friends, that in following up the suspicious report of
+the rifle they would pass directly by him, in which case he had about
+one chance out of a thousand of remaining unseen by them.
+
+Elwood did not dare to look out, so fearful was he of being seen. He
+believed that the heads of the savages were turned toward him, in which
+case the risk was too great. He therefore, unheedful of the large drops
+that were beginning to patter around him, stood and listened.
+
+Hark! He hears their tread! His heart throbs faster than ever, as he
+knows they are coming toward him! Closer and closer he shrinks to the
+rock, as if to bury himself in its flinty surface.
+
+All at once, an Indian, too tall and muscular to be Shasta, steps to
+view and passes beyond him without turning his head; the second is about
+the right height, but the one furtive glance stole at him shows that he
+is a stranger; so as regards the third; the fourth is too short, he
+passes on in the procession. The fifth and last Elwood at first believed
+to be Shasta, but a second look showed him his mistake. Had he held any
+doubts they were removed by the Indian abruptly pausing, turning his
+face full toward him, and uttering the _"hoogh!"_ of surprise, as he saw
+the boy cowering against the rocks.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIV.
+
+A OLD ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+The instant the hindmost Indian uttered his exclamation of surprise, the
+others paused, and thus, before Elwood Brandon fully realized his
+danger, he found himself confronted by the whole force. Resistance or
+flight was not to be thought of, so he merely stood still and
+tremblingly awaited their will regarding him.
+
+They were plainly surprised at finding a boy pressing against the rooks
+with an appearance of the greatest terror, and they gazed at him a
+moment as if uncertain what to do about it. However, they didn't seem to
+be particularly savage or blood-thirsty, nor frightened, as they kept
+their guns in their hands and their knives in their belts.
+
+He who stood nearest to Elwood reached out his brawny arm, grasped him
+firmly and drew him out from his hiding-place. All then scrutinized him
+as if to make sure whether he was some wild animal or human being.
+Satisfied on this point, the boy was then shoved forward so as to be
+between the savages, and as they stepped off he was motioned to do the
+same. Elwood understood that he was a prisoner, and he philosophically
+submitted to his fate.
+
+As yet they had not disturbed his weapons; but he had gone a short
+distance only when the Indian directly behind him placed his hand upon
+the muzzle of the gun which was protruding over the youngster's shoulder
+and began drawing it. The latter disliked very much to part with the
+rifle, and held it as tightly as possible; but as the savage only drew
+it the more powerfully, he finally let go and it instantly went from his
+possession.
+
+Elwood could not forbear looking around at the one who had thus deprived
+him of his property. As he gazed into his face he was at a loss to
+understand the expression. The Indian fixed his black eyes upon him, but
+his lips were closed and not a feature moved or twitched. The boy could
+not withstand the fierceness of those orbs and was glad to turn his head
+again.
+
+They walked quite rapidly up the path, making a turn that gave them a
+very steep ascent. The thunder was booming louder than ever, and the
+rain by this time was falling furiously. The party hurried forward until
+they reached the camp which Tim O'Rooney and Howard had so recently
+deserted. Here Elwood took the liberty of protecting himself by backing
+against the overhanging rock. This was precisely the position which he
+occupied when Howard Lawrence gazed over and missed seeing him by such a
+narrow chance.
+
+When the descent of the rain became so copious as to scatter the
+savages, two of them ran up beside Elwood and imitated his action in
+protecting himself from the descending deluge. This was only a partial
+success, yet much preferable to standing in the open air and receiving
+the full pelting of the storm.
+
+It will be remembered that Howard Lawrence waited until he saw the
+Indians hurry away for shelter, when he returned to Tim O'Rooney and the
+two effected a safe retreat from the dangerous locality. They saw
+nothing more of the savages, and their conjecture that Elwood was a
+prisoner among them was merely a conjecture, although absolutely
+correct.
+
+The tiny stream running so quietly at the feet of the two aboriginal
+Americans and Elwood Brandon increased so rapidly that it was evident it
+would speedily become a torrent that would sweep them off their feet,
+and that the only safety was to effect as speedy an escape as possible.
+Taking him between them, they started directly up the path in the
+direction of their companions. The falling rain and splashing water
+almost blinded Elwood, but he pressed bravely forward until conscious
+that they were beneath some kind of covering, and looking around, saw
+that they stood in a sort of cave, and where they had rejoined the three
+Indians who had fled some time before.
+
+The shelter proved a secure one, although it was reached rather late to
+be of much benefit to Elwood, who was thoroughly wetted to the skin. He
+was, however, rather pleased at the lenient disposition shown by his
+captors. They had not offered him the least violence, rudeness or
+insult, and appeared to maintain a very indifferent watch over him. He
+did not believe they intended him any bodily harm, although he trembled
+at the consequences when they joined another party or should reach their
+own homes. They probably intended to hold him a prisoner so long as he
+was no particular trouble to them; but their leniency was more the
+result of indifference than of genuine kindness--and indifference that
+would as soon witness death as life, and that would not stretch out the
+hand to avert the impending doom.
+
+The storm raged with unabated fury for several hours, and the tiny
+stream, whose murmur could scarcely be heard as it coursed its way
+through the hills, was now swelled to the dimensions of a torrent, and
+roared through its course with a clamor almost deafening. A vast amount
+of water had fallen within the few hours, and it would have been very
+perilous had any of the party remained where the fire that cooked the
+antelope was kindled. A yellow stream some six feet in depth rushed
+furiously through the narrow passage, like some river when compressed
+into its narrow canyon.
+
+The Indians stood as motionless as the rocks themselves until the storm
+was over. Each had his blanket slung over his shoulder, extending down
+to his knees, and effectually protecting their bodies from the rain
+which had so thoroughly soaked poor Elwood. None of them sported the
+defiant scalp-locks so common among the more northern Indians; but their
+long, black, stiff hair, resembling precisely that of a horse's mane,
+dangled around their shoulders, neck and ears and over their breasts.
+Mixed in among the hair on the crown were a number of painted feathers,
+which, having had a touch of rain, drooped down like those of an humbled
+chanticleer that has been rescued from the river by some kind hand.
+Their faces being daubed over with green, yellow and red, mixed and
+mingled with a sublime disregard of proportion, gave their features a
+peculiarly unnatural appearance, such as we see when we survey our
+particular friends through differently and highly colored pieces of
+glass. They were fine specimens of the "noble red man" that are
+occasionally met with now-a-days; but they are of that species of sights
+of which it may be said "distance lends enchantment to the view."
+However, they were happy, for as yet they had not come in contact with
+civilization, and had had no taste for the white man's "fire-water,"
+that scourge of the aboriginal race, and which seems destined finally to
+sweep them from the continent.
+
+Elwood occupied himself in looking from one of these Indians to the
+other, and speculating regarding their thoughts and opinions about
+himself, of whose presence they seemed so unconscious. Indeed, they
+scarcely looked at him except when he sneezed, and then their heads shot
+round as suddenly as if they were moved by machinery and the spasm had
+let on the steam.
+
+Finally, when the falling of the rain ceased, two of the Indians went
+out to look for the remainder of their prisoner's party, which they
+knew, if not already there, had been so recently among the hills. The
+vast rush of water, of course, had obliterated all signs where they had
+made any, and they could only hope to find them by discovering the trail
+made since the storm, or by the sight of themselves.
+
+Not a word did the savages exchange with each other. They appeared to
+understand what each thought, and what duty was required of them, which
+duty for the present resembled that of watching and waiting.
+
+As the day wore away the boy began to feel chilly and hungry. His wet
+clothes were anything but comfortable, and his hollow stomach was a poor
+protection against the sinking feeling. As his captors showed no
+disposition to leave the place, or even to change their statue-like
+positions, he began to grow anxious. He feared an attack of sickness if
+his wants were not supplied; and after debating with himself a few
+moments, he walked up to the tallest Indian and motioned that he needed
+something to eat.
+
+The reply was startling and decisive. The dusky rascal surveyed him
+sharply a moment, and then drew his knife and raised it in a menacing
+manner over his head. And thereupon Elwood retreated to his position,
+and concluded he wasn't quite as hungry as he first imagined.
+
+It is hard to tell what this singular captivity of Elwood Brandon's
+would have eventuated in had not an unexpected diversion occurred in his
+favor. Just as it was getting dark, the two Indiana who had gone out at
+the close of the storm returned. They had a companion with them, and we
+leave our readers to imagine what the boy's feelings were when he
+recognized in the third his old friend Shasta, the Pah Utah.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLV.
+
+A FRIEND IN NEED.
+
+
+When the Pah Utah entered the cave he did not appear to notice Elwood
+Brandon. The latter attributed this to the semi-darkness in which he
+stood, and was about to go forward and claim his friendship when
+something restrained him, and he concluded to wait until the Indian
+first recognized him.
+
+Shasta exchanged a few words with his friends, and immediately several
+of them went out in the darkness. When they returned, which was very
+speedily, they each bore a goodly bundle of sticks and kindlings. In
+what part of the wide creation they obtained them, directly after such a
+deluge of rain, it is impossible to tell, but American Indians have a
+peculiar faculty of doing such odd things.
+
+A few minutes later a blaze sprung out from the center of the bundle
+placed in the middle of the cave, and when Elwood looked downward toward
+it, he saw that Shasta was kneeling before the pile engaged in igniting
+it. As the flame flared out and illuminated the cave, the Pah Utah
+looked up and met the eyes of Elwood. For an instant, his black eyes
+were fixed upon him, and then he placed his finger to his lips and
+looked down again. The boy understood it all. _He didn't know anything
+of the Pah Utah._
+
+The fire burned vigorously and soon diffused a genial warmth throughout
+the cave. It was most grateful indeed to Elwood, who approached and
+subjected himself to a toasting process. The savages offered no
+objection, and he soon managed to secure a pleasant warmth, and
+partially to dry his damp clothes.
+
+He could not prevent himself from continually glancing at Shasta, but he
+never once caught his eye, and understanding the Indian's wishes, he
+compensated for this impertinence by staring twice as long at the other
+hideous visages.
+
+After all the great want of Elwood was food. He had fasted for thirty
+hours, and was faint and feeble. A month before such severe abstinence
+would have left him unable to stand; but the severe deprivation and
+hardship of the last week, united with its firm, buoyant constitution,
+and his freedom from the degrading use of tobacco, had developed a
+strength and endurance remarkable in one so young. He felt that he could
+wait until the next day without a mouthful, and still be able to travel;
+but the fainting, craving, hollow feeling rendered him uncomfortable and
+caused more than one longing look around the cavern and in the faces of
+his dusky-hued friends; but if the Indians understood his suffering they
+certainly did not care enough about them to give them heed.
+
+His hope was in the Pah Utah, but his situation was such as to deprive
+him of the expression of this hope. Shasta had given him to understand
+in an unmistakable manner that for the present they were to remain
+strangers; and no matter what his distress might be, he dare not
+disregard this command.
+
+Yet Elwood Brandon believed, if the Indian understood his case, he would
+find some means to relieve him, slight though it was. Finally he decided
+upon his course of action.
+
+Walking up to the tall Indian, who had received his previous request in
+such a threatening manner, and halting when at a safe distance, he
+motioned to him for something to place in his mouth. The unfeeling
+fellow scrutinized the boy a moment, and then coolly turned his back
+upon him, and acted as though the supplication had not been made.
+
+He was equally unsuccessful with the others, and the refusal of Shasta
+was made in a most emphatic manner. Glaring at the boy like an enraged
+tiger, he brandished his knife and sprung toward him with such a
+curdling yell that the youngster sprung trembling back to the furtherest
+verge of the cavern, and the eyes of the other Indians were all turned
+toward the expected tragedy. But Elwood wasn't frightened--not a bit; he
+understood what it all meant.
+
+The performance was followed by a conversation between Shasta and the
+tall Indian, who doubtless belonged to the Pah Utah nation or some tribe
+friendly with them. It's precise import Elwood found impossible to
+determine, but he could not avoid a feeling of uneasiness when he saw by
+unmistakable signs that it referred to himself.
+
+It looked very much as though Shasta was urging immediate disposal of
+the prisoner, and his friend was strenuously maintaining a different
+action. The Pah Utah showed great excitement, very often turning and
+gesticulating toward Elwood, and once or twice he look a step or two in
+that direction, as if he had resolved on a certain and speedy death for
+him.
+
+Finally, he appeared to yield the point, and turned his back upon his
+disputant and walked to the fire. As he did so his face was revealed
+alone to Elwood Brandon, and looking toward him, the boy again saw him
+place his finger to his lips and give that warning expression, which
+said as plainly as words, "Don't be frightened; all things are working
+right!"
+
+This was certainly gratifying, but our young friend was already
+satisfied upon this point, and would have much preferred a more
+substantial mark of friendship in the shape of something to supply the
+craving within. But on the very eve of despair he was delighted to see a
+couple of Indians--whose absence he had noted for the last
+half-hour--return heavily laden with fish. These were immediately taken
+in charge, by Shasta, and the savor of them as they were cooking drove
+the famishing boy almost frantic.
+
+While he sat with longing eyes, watching the motions of the cook, one of
+the fat roasted fellows suddenly shot from his hand and fell into the
+lap of the boy. The Pah Utah did not raise his head, and the act looked
+as if it were a voluntary one upon the part of the fish to escape the
+hands of its tormentors--so dexterously was the whole thing done.
+
+Elwood did not stop to thank his considerate friend, but devoured the
+food precisely in the fashion that a boy attacks a pile of gingerbread
+which he has been expecting and longing for during a half-day. When he
+had finished the fish, another in just as prime condition dropped into
+his lap, apparently from the top of the cave above.
+
+This satisfied his hunger, and he arose to his feet, casting his eyes
+toward Shasta, and testifying by his looks the gratitude which he dare
+not express audibly. He remained in the rear of the cavern, patiently
+waiting the pleasure of the Pah Utah regarding himself.
+
+The Indians completed their meal, and then exchanged a few words, when
+they prepared to leave. Elwood watched them with interest, and when the
+tall fellow motioned for him to come forward, he did so with alacrity,
+and took him place in the rear of the line which was formed. Glancing
+back as they were about to start, he saw by the light of the fire that
+the one immediately behind him was Shasta.
+
+The night was utterly dark--above, below and all around. The hand of the
+Pah Utah was placed upon his shoulder, as if to guide him aright, and
+the march began.
+
+Of course it was impossible for Elwood to tell where he was going, but
+he followed blindly the direction of him behind for a hundred yards,
+when he knew by the brushing of his hands against the sides that they
+were passing through a narrow passage. All at once he felt himself
+seized by an iron grip from behind, lifted from his feet and tossed into
+the air. He did not fall back in the path they were traversing, but lit
+lightly upon a ledge, where he concluded to remain until he heard
+further from the gentleman who had elevated him to that position.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVI.
+
+WHAT SHASTA DID.
+
+
+The night was still, and the regular tramp of the Indians sounded like
+the march of a file of soldiers, as they passed over the grass-covered
+earth. Elwood listened, hardly daring to breathe, as the tread grew
+fainter, fainter, fainter still, then died out; then was revived by a
+sigh of the night air, and all was still.
+
+The boy raised his eyes and looked upward. Through the dark clouds
+drifting tumultuously across the sky he detected the glimmer of a star
+or two, and in that moment of deep solemnity a passage of the Holy Bible
+came to him.
+
+     "They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no
+     city to dwell in."
+
+     "Hungry and thirsty, their souls fainted in them."
+
+     "When they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered
+     them out of their distress."
+
+It came from his heart, and he repeated it over again.
+
+How beautiful! How appropriate to the situation! The tears welled to his
+eyes, and his heart overflowed at the repeated remembrance of the
+all-merciful Father, whose eye alone saw him and whose ear alone heard
+the thankfulness that would find expression.
+
+He fell into a sweet reverie, from which he was awakened by a slight
+noise below. He leaned his head over the ledge and listened. All at once
+he heard a soft rush, and the next moment an Indian was holding on to
+the edge of the tabular-like projection with one hand, while his other
+was outstretched and placed upon his body.
+
+"Is that you, Shasta?"
+
+"Oogh! Sh-e-asta!"
+
+"All right! I am waiting for you."
+
+The hand closed upon his right arm; he was lifted bodily as if he were
+an infant, and held in mid-air; and the next instant the Pah Utah
+dropped lightly to the earth, and the two stood upon their feet. The
+Indian uttered an exclamation which seemed to be one of inquiry, and the
+boy made answer in this manner:
+
+"I am ready for anything, Shasta; lead the way."
+
+Instead of allowing him to walk, as Elwood confidently expected, the Pah
+Utah flung him over his shoulder and then started on a long, loping trot
+up the path. His extraordinary agility and muscular power made the
+weight he carried of the same effect as if it were his rifle he was thus
+transporting.
+
+This rapid progress continued but a few minutes, when he sunk into a
+walk--one of long strides, such as would have compelled the boy to a
+moderate run to equal. He could tell that he was going up quite an
+ascent, but toward what point it was impossible to tell. Occasionally
+his hand or his foot struck the projecting rocks, and the rush of the
+wind now and then against his face told when they were passing through
+the more open space.
+
+Wonderful indeed was the skill of the Pah Utah, that in the dense
+darkness showed him, just where and just the outlay of strength that
+would land his young white friend upon the shelf of safety. Equally
+extraordinary was the woodcraft that brought him back to the precise
+spot, and enabled him to thread his way through the impenetrable gloom
+with the surety of the mountain chamois, which bounds over the
+fastnesses of the Alps at midday.
+
+Elwood was quiescent, for he know whose hand held him upon those brawny
+shoulders, and he felt that the moccasined foot which touched the earth
+so lightly was too sure to miss its hold, and the heart throbbing within
+that dusky bosom pulsated too powerfully with the common humanity of our
+nature ever to falter or hesitate in its work of love.
+
+This singular means of progress was continued for the better part of an
+hour, when the Indian paused and placed him gently on his feet. The sky,
+which had partially cleared, enabled him to see that they had emerged
+from the ridge of hills whose entrance had been so eventful to him, and
+they now stood in the open woods.
+
+Elwood Brandon admitted to himself that the work of Shasta was now
+finished, and he fully expected to be left alone in the forest to seek
+his way back to his friends; but if _he_ thought so the Pah Utah
+certainly did not.
+
+Even in that moment the boy could not fail to notice that the Indian's
+breathing could not be heard. Not the slightest panting nor exhaustion
+from the tremendous exertion undergone!
+
+Shasta waited but a moment, and then gripping Elwood by the wrist he
+began threading his way through the forest. As he did so, instead of
+allowing the youngster to walk by his side, he held his arm backward, so
+that to all intents and purposes the boy was following behind him, and
+yet at such an angle that their feet did not interfere with each other.
+
+Not once did either the Pah Utah or his dependent strike a tree. Often
+did they graze the back, and brush through the limbs and undergrowth,
+but the uplifted arm of the Indian parted asunder the obstructions, and
+opened the way, as does the snow plow of the locomotive to the engine
+that drives it forward and the train coming behind.
+
+Whether the marvelous vision of the Pah Utah penetrated the Egyptian
+darkness or not, cannot be said. The veteran backwoodsman, as he strides
+through the midnight forest, seems to _feel_ the presence of each
+tree-trunk as he approaches it, just as the fingers of pianists strike
+the piano keys with such bewildering certainty, without their once
+looking at them.
+
+Onward they pressed, Elwood only now and then able to catch a glimpse of
+his faithful guide, who never vouchsafed a word or exclamation for his
+benefit. There was no need of it. Both fully understood each other, and
+the boy did not attempt to divert the attention which was so needed, at
+the present time, for the work before him.
+
+Finally Shasta seemed to hesitate--not the hesitation of doubt and
+uncertainty, but as if he had neared if not reached his destination, and
+had slackened his pace that he might not pass the exact point.
+
+He was not long in finding the proper spot, and Elwood could see that he
+was stooping down and busy at something. While he was closely
+scrutinizing him, he suddenly became aware that they stood beside the
+river, and the Pah Utah was engaged with his canoe. It occupied him but
+a moment, when he turned around, lifted the boy over and laid him down
+upon the blanket which was spread over the bottom of the boat, the
+remainder was folded carefully around his body, and then the Indian
+stood back, as if to command his young friend to go to sleep without any
+delay or questioning.
+
+The boy had lain but a short time when he found the blanket so
+intolerably warm that he threw a portion from him. It was instantly and
+rather roughly replaced--evidence that Shasta meant that his wishes
+should be obeyed. At any rate the boy thought so, and dared not repeat
+the act.
+
+The great warmth of the blanket caused Elwood to break out into a
+copious perspiration from head to foot, and caused him almost to gasp
+for breath; but when he seemed only to meditate on relieving himself of
+the superabundant clothing, the dusky watcher leaned forward to see
+whether he dared violate his implied commands. It looked very much as
+though the Pah Utah was acting as a physician to his youthful friend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVII.
+
+STILL WAITING.
+
+
+Tim O'Rooney and Howard Lawrence, after making their way out of the
+range of hills to the river-side, where their canoe lay, waited until
+dark, in accordance with their agreement, before venturing out upon the
+river. They were quite uneasy, and to prevent their trail revealing them
+they dropped a few hundred yards down the shore, where they awaited the
+coming of darkness.
+
+"Worrah! worrah!" said Tim with an immense sigh, "this is a bad day when
+we came to leave the youngster with the rid gintleman. A fine youngster
+was the same--bowld and presumin'. It's a qua'ar failin', Masther
+Howard, that comes to me."
+
+"Yes, I am sad enough, too."
+
+"Ah! but it is not exactly that be the towken of another faaling
+intirely."
+
+"What is it then?"
+
+"Whin it's yourself that is lost and awandtherin' off by yourself all
+alone, and nobody with yees, then I thinks it's yees that I loves more
+nor him that stays with me. But now, whin it's Elwood--God bless
+him!--that's gone, he's dearer to me than all the rest of the world, not
+exceptin' yourself. But," and Tim scratched his head in great
+perplexity, "it's the same that puzzles me sorely. Could yees be afther
+accounting for it?"
+
+"Elwood and I both know that you think a great deal of us, and no doubt
+it is because your affection is so equally divided."
+
+"That's it. Yees have made it all plain. I likes each of yees more than
+the other, and both of yees a great deal the most, whither be the towken
+of takin' yees apart or together, or takin' both of yees separate, and
+also wid each other."
+
+Tim nodded his head again and again, as if to signify that it was clear
+to his mind. Perhaps it was; but if so, one may doubt whether it was as
+clearly expressed.
+
+"There's another thing that troubles me," added the Irishman, with one
+of those great inhalations of breath which seem to fill the entire
+being.
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"Me pipe has gone out, and I hasn't the maans convanient to relight it."
+
+"That is a small infliction which you can well afford to bear. I am only
+anxious for the night, that we may speed on our way home to get
+assistance for poor Elwood."
+
+"Yis, if it's bist."
+
+And just in that exclamation Tim O'Rooney echoed the sentiments of his
+companion. Ever since leaving the range of hills, with the resolve to
+hurry away in search of help, the question had been constantly rising in
+his mind: "Is it best to do so?"
+
+He tried to put it out of hearing, with the determination that he had
+already decided; but, as if it were the pleadings of conscience, it
+would not be stifled, and it came again and again, until when Tim spoke
+it seemed almost as loud as his.
+
+"I can't make up my mind about that," said he. "When we left the hills I
+had not a moment's doubt but that he was in the hands of the Indians,
+where there was great danger of our getting ourselves; but then we are
+not sure of it, and suppose we go away and leave him wandering through
+the woods until he is captured or is obliged to give himself up to keep
+from starving. I imagine him following along the shore of the river
+looking for us----"
+
+"There! there! do yez shtop! No more for me; I've plenty," and the
+Irishman drew his sleeve across his eyes, as if he were wiping an undue
+accumulation of moisture, while Howard Brandon was scarcely less
+affected at the touching picture which he had drawn, and which he felt
+might be realized from his own remissness.
+
+"I am sure I cannot tell which is for the best," he added in great
+perplexity. "If a prisoner, he may be able to get away."
+
+"Yis, yees are right; some dark night he can give the owld haythen the
+slip, and make thracks for the river."
+
+"And who knows but he has been able to elude them, and is only waiting
+until dark to hunt us up?"
+
+"Yez are right agin; I was about to obsarve the same myself."
+
+There was one view of the case, which if it did occasionally force
+itself upon the attention of Howard, he resolutely refused to utter a
+reference to it. It was that Elwood had been killed accidentally, or by
+the savages. That was too terrible a contingency to take definite shape
+until there was no escaping it, and as all of us know better we won't
+refer to it again.
+
+"Then he may be in the power of these wandering Indians that took such
+an interest in the antelope we left lying down among the rocks."
+
+"Yis; yez are correct sure."
+
+"How is it, Tim, that you agree with every supposition I make, no matter
+bow different they are from each other?"
+
+"Wal, you saas me mind is a little foggy, be the towken that I hasn't
+had the pipe atween me lips since yesterday. When I'm deprived of that
+pleasure I finds meself unable to reason clearly."
+
+"That is the first time I have heard that smoke makes a thing clearer."
+
+"Ah! that's the trouble," added Tim, with a desponding shake of his
+head. "If this bad state of things continyees fur a few days longer,
+yees'll have to laad me around wid a string, or else taach Terror to do
+the same, as yez have saan a poor blind man and his dog do."
+
+"You draw rather a woeful picture of yourself. But I suppose you can
+hold out for a few hours longer, and when it becomes dark, we can make a
+fire, light your pipe and get far away from it before any of the Indians
+could reach the spot."
+
+"I think yez are right, but me intellect is working so faably this
+afternoon, that I faars to tax it too hard lest it topples over and gits
+upsit intirely. Yis, yez are right."
+
+"Somehow or other I think Shasta is in this neighborhood----"
+
+"So does meself," interrupted Tim, in his anxiety to give assent.
+
+"If he is, he will not forget the kindness of Elwood."
+
+"Never!"
+
+"And whether we wait here or not he will attend to his safety all the
+same."
+
+"That he will--you may depend on it."
+
+"Then shall we wait here or hurry down the river for help?"
+
+"Both, or aither as yez plaise."
+
+"But, Tim, we must do one or the other."
+
+"Let us slaap and draam over it."
+
+This struck Howard as a good suggestion, as they both needed slumber
+sorely, and adjusting themselves in the canoe, with the Newfoundland as
+ever maintaining guard, they were quickly wrapped in deep slumber.
+
+When they awoke it was broad day, and the whining of the dog told them
+at once that he had detected something suspicious.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLVIII.
+
+THE MEETING.
+
+
+Tim O'Rooney and Howard Lawrence, awaking at the same moment, observed
+the alarming action of the dog. Raising their heads they looked
+carefully around but could detect nothing unusual. They were so securely
+drawn under the overhanging shrubbery and undergrowth that they were
+pretty certain no one else was aware of their presence; but the gaze of
+the dog being turned toward the river they judged that something must be
+nearing them from that direction.
+
+Nor were they mistaken. A slight ripple was heard, and the next moment a
+canoe glided to view. In the center, controlling its movements, sat
+Shasta, the Pah Utah, and directly behind was Elwood Brandon.
+
+Howard could scarcely believe his eyes. He stared again and again, while
+Tim rubbed his organs of vision, winked and blinked, as though vainly
+seeking to recover from the bewilderment of a sudden awaking from sleep.
+Finally he muttered to himself:
+
+"Heaven save me! me intellect has toppled over intirely by raison of the
+want of me pipe."
+
+"Elwood! Elwood!" called Howard, leaning forward and pulling the bushes
+apart.
+
+But secure as they deemed their concealment, the eagle eyes of the Pah
+Utah had penetrated it, while they were yet several rods apart, and
+abruptly turning the prow of his canoe to one side, he brought it to
+rest directly opposite and within two feet of the other boat.
+
+Elwood heard his name and saw his friends the next instant. Reaching
+forward, he grasped the hands of his cousin and the tears trickled down
+their smiling faces, while Tim continued rubbing his eyes.
+
+"Am I draaming? as me uncle said when they towld him his grandfather had
+died and willed him two pounds and a half, or does I raaly see before me
+the youngster that the rid gintlemin had burned up? Let me faal the baal
+of yer hand."
+
+The two closed hands, and the joy of both was unbounded. Shasta, at this
+point, showed a delicacy of feeling that did his heart credit. Joining
+the canoes together in the old-fashioned manner, he motioned Elwood to
+enter that of his friends, while he gave his exclusive attention to that
+of propelling the two.
+
+Of course, now that the three were reunited, they overran each other
+with questions, exclamations and the interchange of experiences since
+they had separated. It did not require much time for the voluble tongue
+of Elwood to rattle on his brief stay with the Indians and the
+remarkable manner in which Shasta had secured his escape. Howard had but
+little to tell, and that was soon given, and they were left to speculate
+and conjecture on the future.
+
+Tim's joy drowned his craving for his tobacco, and as he joined in the
+glowing conversation of the boys he made no reference to it.
+
+"I think for the prisent," he remarked, "we won't take any hunts upon
+shore, especially if aich of us has to go alone. The red gintlemen, for
+some raisin at all, or more likely without any raisin, have taken a
+great anxiety to make our acquaintance. As fur meself, I prefers to live
+upon fish to having these same fellows faading upon me."
+
+"Yes," replied Elwood, "I have learned something during the last few
+days. It is all well enough to be reckless and careless about danger
+when we are at home and there is no danger, but it is another thing when
+we are in these parts."
+
+"As the Frenchman remarked, 'tiger hunting is very fine so long as we
+hunt the tiger, but when he takes it into his head to hunt us the
+mischief is to pay."
+
+"If Shasta will have the onspakable kindness to tow us along in this
+shtyle for a few waaks, I think we will cast anchor at the wharf in San
+Francisco without any loss to passingers and freight."
+
+"He has seen what ninnies we were," said Elwood, "and no doubt will
+accompany us some distance further when he certainly ought to let us try
+it alone again."
+
+"Ah! but he's a smart young gintleman, as the acquaintances of Tim
+O'Rooney used to say when they made the slightest reference to him.
+Couldn't we persuade him to go on to San Francisco wid us? I think your
+father would be plaised to take him in as a partner in their business
+wid them."
+
+"But _he_ would hardly fancy the change," laughed Howard.
+
+"He might now. When we should state the sarvices he has rindered to us,
+it's meself that doesn't think they'd require him to put in a very large
+pile of capital."
+
+"I am sure if he should prove as keen and sharp in business matters as
+he does in the way of the woods, he would make one of the most
+successful merchants in the country."
+
+"It's a pity that he doesn't understand the illegant use of the tongue,
+that we might confaar wid him. We could lay the proposition forninst
+him, and he could gives us the tarms to carry wid us."
+
+However philanthropic this might be as regarded the Pah Utah, our
+friends deemed it hardly feasible to make the attempt to reach his views
+through the medium of signs.
+
+As for Shasta, he did not once look backward to observe what his
+passengers were doing. He was propelling his boat through the water with
+his usual celerity, his head occasionally turning slightly as he glanced
+first at one shore and then the other, as though looking for some sign
+or landmark.
+
+The day that succeeded the storm was beautiful and clear, everything in
+nature wearing a fresh and rosy look, as if refreshed by the needed
+shower. The current of the Salinas was as clear and crystal-like as
+though it had not received the muddy contents of a thousand brooks,
+rivulets and torrents gorged with the debris and leaves of its own
+valley.
+
+"I am troubled by one sore anxiety."
+
+"What can that be?"
+
+"It is for Mr. Shasta. He seems quite forgetful this morning."
+
+"In what respect?" asked Elwood, who did not see the drift of the
+Irishman's remarks.
+
+"He hasn't had his breakfast, and he must be faaling a wee bit hungry,
+and be the same token, he must be the victim of great distress, that he
+hasn't indulged in the use of his pipe."
+
+As Tim O'Rooney had made similar remarks on more than one previous
+occasion, it may be that the Pah Utah gathered an inkling of his
+meaning, for the words were scarce uttered when the canoes were headed
+toward shore, and a landing speedily made.
+
+A piscatorial meal was provided after the manner already fully given,
+and when finished the soothing pipe of Tim O'Rooney was produced and
+enjoyed to its full extent.
+
+But Shasta showed no disposition to wait, or to indulge in the solace of
+the weed. Motioning to his friends to enter the boat, he towed them to
+the center of the river, where he loosed the fastenings, and without a
+word or sign he headed his canoe up stream and sped away.
+
+"He is going home," said Howard.
+
+"He must imagine that we are owld enough to walk alone," remarked Tim as
+he took the paddle.
+
+"But why not bid us good-by?" asked Elwood.
+
+"As he has already done so," replied Howard, "he doubtless does not
+believe in adding a postscript."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XLIX.
+
+HOMEWARD BOUND.
+
+
+Now that our friends were left entirely alone, it became a question
+whether they should continue journeying by day or night.
+
+"It seems to me that we are approaching a more civilized part of the
+country," said Howard. "I think there will be little risk in continuing
+our journey."
+
+Tim industriously used his paddle, and shortly afterward, Elwood pointed
+to an open space some distance inland.
+
+"Yonder are people, and they look as if they were gathered around a
+camp-fire at their dinner."
+
+Tim jerked his head around, gave a puff of his pipe and said:
+
+"Rid gintlemen ag'in, and I'll shy the canoe under the bank, and craap
+along till we gets beyonst thim."
+
+"No, they are not Indians--they are white men," quickly added Elwood.
+
+A careful scrutiny by all ended in a confirmation of Elwood's suspicion.
+
+"That is good," said Howard, with a pleased expression, "it shows that
+we are getting beyond the wild country into a neighborhood where white
+men abound, and where we can feel some degree of safety."
+
+"I suppose they are miners or hunters who are taking their midday meal
+in the open air," added Elwood, who was still gazing at them.
+
+"Shall we heave too, pitch over the anchor, and s'lute them?" asked Tim.
+
+"No; go ahead, we have no time to spare."
+
+The cheering signs continued. An hour later they descried several white
+men seated in canoes and fishing near shore. They exchanged the
+courtesies of the day with them and passed on, growing more eager as
+they neared the goal.
+
+It would have been no difficult feat of the imagination for one standing
+on shore to fancy that the cause was a pocket edition of a Hudson River
+steamboat, so powerfully did Tim O'Rooney puff at his pipe, the whiffs
+speeding away over his shoulder in exact time with the dipping of the
+paddle, as though the two united cause and effect. The fellow was in the
+best of spirits. Suddenly he paused and commenced sucking desperately at
+his pipe-stem, but all in vain; no smoke was emitted.
+
+"What is the matter?" asked Elwood.
+
+"Steam is out, and the paddle won't go."
+
+"Let me relieve you."
+
+The boy used it with good effect, while Tim shoved his blunt finger into
+the pipe-bowl, shut one eye and squinted into it, rattled it on his
+hand, puffed at it again, turned his pockets wrong side out, then put
+them to rights, and repeated the operation, just as we open the door a
+half-dozen times to make sure our friend isn't behind it, then gave one
+of his great sighs and looked toward Howard.
+
+"I put the last switch of tobaccy I had in the world into that pipe,
+just arter throwing myself outside of that quince of fish."
+
+"Quience?" laughed the boy, "you mean _quintal_."
+
+"Yis, and what's to come of Tim O'Rooney, if he doesn't git some more
+right spaddily. His intellect toppled all the mornin', and can't stand
+another such strain, or it'll be nipped in the bud afore it has reached
+the topmost round at the bar of fame."
+
+"Why, Tim, you are growing poetical," called Elwood over his shoulder,
+not a little amused at his bewildering metaphors.
+
+"We shall doubtless come across some friends before long who will be
+glad to supply you."
+
+"Elwood!" called Tim.
+
+"What is it!" he asked, pausing in his paddling.
+
+"If you saas a rid gintleman do yez jist rist till I takes aim and
+shoots him."
+
+"Why so blood-thirsty?"
+
+"Not blood-thirsty, but tobaccy thirsty. The haythen deal in the
+article, and if we saas one he must yield."
+
+Elwood promised obedience, but they saw nothing of the coveted people
+whom they had been so anxious to avoid hitherto, but a half-hour later
+Howard said:
+
+"Heigh-ho! Yonder is just the man you want to see!"
+
+A single person dressed in the garb of a miner was standing on the shore
+leisurely surveying them as they came along. There could be no doubt
+that he was supplied with the noxious weed, for he was smoking a pipe
+with all the cool, deliberate enjoyment of a veteran at the business.
+
+"Shall I head toward shore!" asked Elwood.
+
+"Sartin, sartin. Oh that we had Mr. Shasta here that he might hurry to
+land wid the ould canoe!"
+
+A few minutes sufficed to place the prow of the boat against the shore,
+and Tim O'Rooney sprung out. The miner, if such he was, stood with his
+hands in his pockets, looking sleepily at the stranger.
+
+"How do yez do, William?" reaching out and shaking the hand which was
+rather reluctantly given him.
+
+"Who you calling William?" demanded the miner gruffly.
+
+"I beg yez pardon, but it was a slip of the tongue, Thomas."
+
+"Who you calling Thomas?"
+
+"Is your family well, my dear sir?"
+
+"Whose family you talking about?"
+
+"Did yez lave the wife and childer well?"
+
+"Whose wife and childer you talking about?"
+
+"Yez got over the cowld yez had the other day?"
+
+"'Pears to me you know a blamed sight more about me than I do,
+stranger."
+
+"My dear sir, I have the greatest affection for yez. The moment I seen
+yez a qua'ar faaling come over me, and I filt I must come ashore and
+shake you by the hand. I faals much better."
+
+"You don't say?"
+
+"That I does. Would yez have the kindness to give me a wee bit of
+tobaccy?"
+
+The sleepy-looking stranger gazed drowsily at him a moment and then made
+answer:
+
+"I'm just smoking the last bit I've got. I was going to ax you for some,
+being you had such a great affection for me."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER L.
+
+RESCUED.
+
+
+The miner having made his reply, turned on his heel, still smoking his
+pipe, and coolly walked away, while Tim O'Rooney gazed after him in
+amazement. The boys were amused spectators of the scene, and Elwood now
+called out.
+
+"Come, Tim, don't wait! We shall meet somebody else before long; and as
+you have just had a good smoking spell, you can certainly wait a while."
+
+"Yes," added Howard, "no good can come of waiting; so jump in and let's
+be off."
+
+The Irishman obeyed like a child which hardly understood what was
+required of it, and taking his seat said never a word.
+
+"Let me alternate with you for a while," said Howard to his cousin, "you
+have worked quite a while with the paddle."
+
+"I am not tired, but if you are eager to try your skill I won't object."
+
+The boys changed places, and while Howard gave his exclusive attention
+to the management of the canoe, Elwood devoid himself to consoling Tim
+O'Rooney in the most serio-comic manner.
+
+"Bear up a little longer, my good fellow. There's plenty of tobacco in
+the country, and there must be some that is waiting expressly for you."
+
+"Where bees the same?"
+
+"Of course we are to find that out; and I haven't the least doubt but
+the way will appear."
+
+"Elwood," sighed Tim, "'spose by towken of the severe suffering that
+meself is undergoing I should lose me intellect----"
+
+"I don't think there's any danger."
+
+"And why not?" demanded the Irishman, in assumed fierceness.
+
+"For the good reason that you haven't any to lose."
+
+Tim bowed his head in graceful acknowledgment.
+
+"But suppose I does run mad for all that?"
+
+"I can easily dispose of you?"
+
+"Afther what shtyle?"
+
+"A madman is always a dangerous person in the community, and the moment
+I see any signs of your malady all I have to do is to shoot you through
+the head."
+
+"Do yez obsarve any signs at presint?"
+
+"You needn't ask the question, for the moment it breaks out the report
+of the gun and the crash of the bullet will give you a hint of the
+trouble."
+
+Tim laughed.
+
+"Yez are a bright child, as me mother used to obsarve whin I'd wash me
+face in her buttermilk and smiled through the windy at her. If ye
+continues to grow in your intellect yez may come to be a man that I
+won't be ashamed to addriss and take by the hand when I maats yez in the
+straats."
+
+"I hope I shall," laughed Elwood, "the prize that you hold out is enough
+to make any boy work as he never did before. I hope you will not wish to
+withdraw your offer."
+
+"Niver a faar--niver a faar, as Bridget Mughalligan said, when I asked
+her if she'd be kind enough to remimber me for a few days."
+
+"Tim," added Elwood, after a moment's silence, "we are out of the
+woods."
+
+"What do yez maan by that?"
+
+"We can see signs of the presence of white men all around us, and we
+have nothing further to fear from Indians."
+
+At this point Howard called the attention of his companion to a large
+canoe which was coming around a curve in the river. It contained nearly
+a dozen men, and was the largest boat of the kind which they had ever
+seen, and savored also of a civilized rather than a savage architect.
+
+"They are white men," said Howard.
+
+"Do yez obsarve any pipes sticking out of their mouths?"
+
+"One or two are smoking."
+
+"Then boord them if they won't surrender."
+
+"They have headed toward us," remarked Elwood, "and must wish to say
+something."
+
+A few moments later the two boats came side by side, and before any one
+else could speak Tim made his request known for tobacco. This was
+furnished him, and as he relit his pipe he announced that he had no
+objection to their proceeding with their business.
+
+There were nine men in the larger boat, and all were armed with pistols,
+rifles and knives. In truth they resembled a war party more than
+anything else bound upon some desperate expedition.
+
+The boys noticed as they came along, and while Tim O'Rooney was
+speaking, that several of the men looked very keenly at them, as though
+they entertained some strong suspicion. Finally one of the men asked:
+
+"Are you youngsters named Lawrence and Brandon?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+Here the questioner produced a paper from his pocket, and seemed to read
+his questions from that.
+
+"And is that man Timothy O'Rooney?"
+
+"Timothy O'Rooney, Esquire, from Tipperary, at your sarvice," called out
+the Irishman from the stern of the canoe, where he was elegantly
+reclining, and without removing the pipe from his mouth.
+
+"Were you on the steamer ---- ---- that was burned off the coast of
+California?" pursued the interlocutor.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then you are just the party we are looking for."
+
+"Where do you come from?"
+
+"We are from San Francisco, sent out by Messrs. Lawrence and Brandon in
+search of their children, whom they learned a few days ago from Mr.
+Yard, one of the survivors, were left on the coast, having wandered
+inland at the time the others were taken off by the Relief."
+
+This was to the point.
+
+"It is fortunate for all parties that we met you," added the man with a
+smile, "for we receive a very liberal reward to bring you back, no
+matter whether we met you within a dozen miles of San Francisco, or were
+obliged to spend the summer hunting for you among the mountains, only to
+succeed after giving the largest kind of a ransom."
+
+"Prosaad," said Tim O'Rooney, with a magnificent wave of his hand,
+without rising from his reclining position. "We're glad to maat yez, as
+me uncle obsarved, whin Micky O'Shaunhanaley's pig walked into his
+shanty and stood still till he was salted down and stowed away in the
+barrel, by raisin of which Micky niver found his pig agin."
+
+The next day the party reached the outlet of the Salinas River, Monterey
+Bay, where they succeeded in securing transit to San Francisco, and the
+two boys were once more clasped in the loving arms of their anxious
+parents.
+
+Howard and Elwood remained in San Francisco until autumn, when they came
+East again and entered college, and having passed through with honor
+they returned to the Golden City, and are now partners in a flourishing
+business. Tim O'Rooney is in their service, and they both hold him in
+great regard. He is as good-natured as when "Adrift in the Wilds" with
+the boys, and his greatest grief is that he has never been able to meet
+Mr. Shasta, the most "illigent savage gintleman that iver paddled his
+own canoe."
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *      *
+
+
+
+
+THE BOYS' HOME SERIES.
+
+Uniform with this Volume.
+
+This series affords wholesome reading for boys and girls, and all the
+volumes are extremely interesting.--_Cincinnati Commercial Gazette._
+
+Joe's Luck; or, A Boy's Adventures in California. By Horatio
+Alger, Jr.
+
+Julian Mortimer or, A Brave Boy's Struggles for Home and Fortune. By
+Harry Castlemon.
+
+Adrift In The Wilds; or, The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys. By
+Edward S. Ellis.
+
+Frank Fowler, The Cash Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+Guy Harris, The Runaway. By Harry Castlemon.
+
+Ben Burton, The Slate-Picker. By Harry Prentice.
+
+Tom Temple's Career. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+Tom, The Ready; or, Up from the Lowest. By Randolph Hill.
+
+The Castaways; Or, On The Florida Reefs. By James Otis.
+
+Captain Kidd's Gold, The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy. By
+James Franklin Fitts.
+
+Tom Thatcher's Fortune. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+Lost In The Canon. The Story of Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great
+Colorado of the West. By Alfred R. Calhoun.
+
+A Young Hero; or, Fighting to Win. By Edward S. Ellis.
+
+The Errand Boy; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By Horatio
+Alger, Jr.
+
+The Island Treasure; or, Harry Darrel's Fortunes. By Frank H.
+Converse.
+
+A Runaway Brig; or, An Accidental Cruise. By James Otis.
+
+A Jaunt Through Java. The Story of a Journey to the Sacred Mountain by
+Two American Boys. By Edward S. Ellis.
+
+The King of Apeland. The Wonderful Adventures of a Young Animal-Trainer.
+By Harry Prentice.
+
+Tom, The Boot-Black; or, The Road to Success. By Horatio
+Alger, Jr.
+
+Roy Gilbert's Search. A Tale of the Great Lakes. By William Pendleton
+Chipman.
+
+
+_The above stories are printed on extra paper, and bound in Handsome
+Cloth Binding, in all respects uniform with this volume, at $1.00 per
+copy._
+
+_For sale by all Booksellers, or will be sent post-paid on receipt of
+the price by the publisher._
+
+A. L. BURT, 56 Beekman St., New York.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Adrift in the Wilds, by Edward S. Ellis
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